Christianity the Religion?

I have had a conversation over the past few years with different folks on the topic of Christianity. The exchange usually starts off with me asking the question; "Did Jesus really found the Christian religion?" I do not believe Jesus started any religion, in fact, looks to me like he practiced Judaism, which in case you did not know is not Christianity.

There is a point where Jesus is discussing the Law with some folks and makes the comment; "I did not come to destroy the Law or the Prophets but instead I came to fulfill them." I like to think of the Law as religion which it was, a religious code. Jesus came to fulfill religion and so after his mission, there is no longer a need for religion. I do not know about you, but that frees me to be who God created me to be.

Religion tells you what you cannot do. It has rules and obligations that we must adhere to or else we will displease the god we are serving. Jesus did not come with doctrinal statements that we had to agree with. He did not write any books that we had to memorize and try to live by. He instead gave himself.

I am not saying it is impossible to know Jesus and still practice a religion. What I am saying is that it really does not make any sense to live in bondage when freedom is walking and breathing amongst us.

By the way, these thoughts were inspired by the folks at www.familyroommedia.com. They produced a podcast related to this topic this past week.

Tags: Kenya, Christianity