Fear.

The mistake that the Traditional Churches and Modern Fundamentalist and Evangelical Churches make is to use fear to control people.

This is not new of course.

It goes back to the beginning of civilization in ancient Egypt.

Punishment, Judgement, and Hell have always been used to control people's behavior.

And those who use fear are the powers of this world - Pharaohs, Political Leaders, and their allies in positions of Religious Authority.

The purpose is to make people obey.

Ostensibly to make people obey Moral Laws.

But it has always been used to maintain power and authority over the masses.

And the modern right-wing technique of carrot and stick is also a manifestation of Machiavellian control.

But God does not judge us.

Judgement is a projection of our human concept of Natural Justice.

God is merciful, forgiving, and gracious.....

But this is not to say that God condones bad behavior.

God can see, however, that most of this is caused by fear.

And the Church is responsible for much of our fear.

But the scripture says:

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love."  1 John 4:18 (NRSV)

So do not fear God's wrath or the Day of Judgement.

That day will never come.

But let go of your fears and open your heart.

Then you will be on your way Home.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: habushikihakushi.com

The Answer.

So what is the answer?

You will be pleased to know that there is an answer.

And that is love.

Most of our lives we are looking for love.

And some of us are fortunate enough to find it.

But the problems don't end there.

We are still subject to temptations and misunderstandings.

We are still in the grip of fears learned from our experience of the world.

We must unlearn what we have learned.

And learn the way of the heart.

For our real self, our soul, which is a spark of the Divine, resides in our heart.

It is the source of love.

And the goal of our journey.

Because to be loved is good but to love is even better.

Love God and love your neighbor.

Give your love to those around you.

And always follow your heart.

For God is Love.

And love is our salvation.

Photo Credit: soh.church

The World.

When we are young we live in the protection of our parents' love.

But when we encounter the world we are confronted by fear and evil.

Fear in the playground.

And evil in the popular culture.

I do not believe that the devil is real.

But I do believe that devil-worshippers are real and that they are hidden in our popular culture.

And they do evil in our world.

Most people are unaware of this because most of it is unconscious.

Rock musicians, sports men and women, commentators, actors, directors, and novelists have turned to evil in the belief that the devil can grant them fame and fortune.

And so we are tempted and poisoned by evil disguised as good.

Sex and drugs and rock and roll leads to addiction and decadence.

 

And sexual license leads to divorce.

These alone have led to untold suffering in our world.

But hedonism and hate make us miserable and nasty.

There is no satisfaction in them.

So be aware there is evil hidden in our culture.

And pray to God to deliver us from evil.

Photo Credit: seaart.ai

The Church.

How can it be that the descendants of those who killed Jesus are in control in his Churches?

Jesus said: "'Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.'"  Matthew 24:28 (NRSV)

And so those who lust after power and authority gather around the body of Jesus.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: pexels.com

The Need.

Modern society is in need.

Young people have no religious beliefs or ideals by which to live their lives.

The messages they get are materialistic and selfish.

"Buy this product", "get rich", "get famous", "win at all costs".....

They are encouraged to be ruthless, tough, and hard.

And to seek material gain.

But these things are empty boxes.

They may be wrapped in golden paper.

Or adorned with diamantes.

But in the end they are empty.

This is the way of the world.

It does not lead to happiness or fulfillment.

God's way is the way of the heart.

The heart leads to love and compassion.

And the goodness of God:

Honesty, moderation, truthfulness, generosity, humility, gratitude, and courage.

These things flow from God like rain.

But at the heart of it all is Love.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love."  1 John 4:18 (NRSV)

For it is fear that corrupts us and makes us compromise what we know is right.

So love God and love your neighbor.

And live!

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: bible.art

AFL.

Commentators on the AFL are in the habit of calling good players "beasts".

In the Bible a Beast refers to someone who uses violence, brutality, and force to dominate others.

And the followers of the Beast receive his mark in their right hands or their foreheads.

The right hand refers to actions taken in righteousness.

And the forehead refers to your mentality.

So the aggressive, brutal, ruthless mentality of the AFL is the mentality of the Beast.

And that's not to mention the 666 Rule.

Photo Credit: facebook.com

Fear or Love.

Hate is fear.

Fear of sin and evil.

Fanatical Christians hate sinners.

But Jesus said: "'You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."  But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer.  But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also.'"  Matthew 5:38,39 (NRSV)

And: "'You have heard that it was said. "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"  Matthew 5:43,44 (NRSV)   

So when a question arises in regard to our response to others' actions we should ask ourselves: "Is it fear or is it love that motivates me?'

For there is no fear in God.

Only Love.

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: imdb.com