For too long we have treated Christianity (or maybe any religion for that matter) as an end in itself. In other words, the primary focus of Christianity has been to make sure everyone was Christian. Much of the time that has meant focusing on correct or orthodox doctrine and dogma and practice. In order to achieve that end we have marshaled a majority of our resources – time, money, leadership, and emphasis – in that direction.
But I wonder if we have missed the boat.
With the number of people who are fleeing organized Christianity (and maybe organized religion in general), we are certainly missing something.
What if Christianity is not and was never meant to be an end in itself, but a means.
A way towards something more and something deeper?
Compassion?
Justice?
Community?
An awareness of the Holy not just above us or judging us, but mixed up in our very real, very human, very ordinary lives?
In our religious communities/traditions, maybe what we need to do is articulate our understanding of what it means to be human in the very best sense and what it means to be a part of the one human family in the very best sense and how our faith helps us move in that direction. Makes sense to me. What about you?
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