I am a member of a Christian Church.
But my theology is Progressive.
Unfortunately the majority of people even in my own Church, which is relatively Liberal, still cling to the Traditional Theology of Original Sin and Redemption through Jesus' death on the Cross.
That is to say they are still ruled by fear.
Their Christianity is based on what they have been told to do in order to avoid punishment and hell.
It is not based on Love.
Love is always the bridesmaid.
So when you deal with them you encounter fear not love.
But the Bible says:
"whoever fears has not reached perfection in love." 1 John 4:18 (NRSV)
For God is love.
"and perfect love casts out fear." 1 John 4:18 (NRSV)
So the problem is that those in authority in the Churches are not sufficiently enlightened to teach what is true.
"'You hypocrites, first take the log out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye.'" Matthew 7:5 (NRSV)
Jesus called them "blind guides" Matthew 15:14 (NRSV)
Because they cannot see God.
"Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:8 (NRSV)
So do not listen to those who preach fear.
Listen to your heart.
And follow that.
[Scripture quotation (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.]
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