It’s a bummer that Christianity has become equated with ‘religious moralism.’ It has largely become a system that is based on behavior management and puritanical self-rightness. But when I read the gospels, one thing is abundantly clear… Religious moralism is not what Jesus came to give us. It’s what we turned it into.
Jun 30, 2023·edited Jun 30, 2023Liked by Jonas Ellison
Jonas, This is as clear as it gets.
"Even though we don’t go to church in these parts much anymore, religious moralism has followed us into our secular religions of politics, parenting, work life, health, relationships, etc." " ... religion cannot be confined to the walls of a church. Religious thinking is in all of us, even (especially?) the most passionate atheist and enlightened secularist."
I have casually read you in the past. Today, you got my full attention!
"Religious moralism is what Jesus came to abolish, not perpetuate. Christianity is the religion that is intended to end religious thinking and moralism. It is based on the lie that the serpent gives, not the good news that Jesus gives." I have never felt more seen. I have close family members that are steeped in "this is how you be, to be close to God", who think I'm the sinner - always with the best intentions, of course. ;) I have missed your writings.
My friend, now I know exactly where you stand, and I approve heartily! You spelled it out better than I have seen in a lot of social media posts. I keep bumping into and battling folks who wants to bury good, faithful, joy-filled believers in laws and moralizing. I'm glad to meet another sane believer. God bless you!
Jonas, This is as clear as it gets.
"Even though we don’t go to church in these parts much anymore, religious moralism has followed us into our secular religions of politics, parenting, work life, health, relationships, etc." " ... religion cannot be confined to the walls of a church. Religious thinking is in all of us, even (especially?) the most passionate atheist and enlightened secularist."
I have casually read you in the past. Today, you got my full attention!
"Religious moralism is what Jesus came to abolish, not perpetuate. Christianity is the religion that is intended to end religious thinking and moralism. It is based on the lie that the serpent gives, not the good news that Jesus gives." I have never felt more seen. I have close family members that are steeped in "this is how you be, to be close to God", who think I'm the sinner - always with the best intentions, of course. ;) I have missed your writings.
AMEN!
My friend, now I know exactly where you stand, and I approve heartily! You spelled it out better than I have seen in a lot of social media posts. I keep bumping into and battling folks who wants to bury good, faithful, joy-filled believers in laws and moralizing. I'm glad to meet another sane believer. God bless you!