Uncle Noah Straight Talk

Religion: “The search for a value system that leads to an ideal life!”
    The contemporary definition of religion is based on values that come from personal experience. With this definition Materialism, Atheism, Hinduism, Islam, Animism, Satanism, Buddhism, Hedonism, Tree Hugging, etc. can all be good…depending on one’s background and perception of what is an ideal life. 
    Some use the generic term spiritual to get around the idea of being involved in this life-style. The concept is the same…a licence to do and be anything. This is not good!
   You have undoubtedly noticed we did not include Christianity in the our list of religions. Christianity does not fit in the modern definition of religion. Christianity is based on having a personal relationship with a loving God. It is not a matter of choosing which values I like…it is accepting the value system God prescribes.
    This is crucial…because the concept of religion is now a part of Christendom. There are thousands of different churches in Christendom…based on the concept of doing what feels good or a particular bias. This is what some call pot-luck Christianity. I can pick and choose what I want!
    The truth is God has provided a pattern of sound doctrine. (II Timothy 1:13) In the original language this pattern is a mold that hot lead was poured into. When the lead cooled, the image produced was the same every time. Those who follow Christ do not have the right to change the pattern by picking and choosing. And, this pattern of sound doctrine can be understood by anyone who studies it. It does not necessarily require the help of a priest or pastor. (Ephesians 3:4)
    The conclusion is not popular and will cause severe angst, but Christianity is radical. Denominationalism is not a good thing. It is division, and the clear message of the New Testament, including the pattern of sound doctrine, is that there should be no division in the body (church). (I Cor. 1:10)
    Christendom is religion…not Christianity!

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