Theological College.

                            

Jesus said that the world did not know God.

How could this be?

How could God's representatives on Earth not know the nature and the will of God?

The answer is that they have all been trained to adhere to a strict orthodoxy.

Theological colleges past and present enforce an image of God which has been handed down from generation to generation.

God is seen as harsh and judgemental.
A dispenser of rewards and punishments.

Spirituality is seen as retribution.

Jesus said: "'Woe to you lawyers!  For you have taken away the key of knowledge, you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.'"  Luke 11:52 (NRSV)

Jesus was talking about Legalism - i.e. the rigid application of rules and regulations.

He contrasted this with his image of God as a loving Father.

"'And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father - the one in heaven.'"  Matthew 23:9 (NRSV)

Was Jesus suggesting that we cut out the middle man and contact God directly?

Many people in our modern world would agree.

Could it be that the men in authority in Jesus' Churches are the descendants of the Pharisees?

It would seem so.

The blind lead the blind.

And they insult God.

So find a progressive Church.

Or go into your room and close the door.

Pray to God with all your heart.

He will answer you.

And deliver you from evil.


[Scripture quotations (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.]

Photo Credit: dk1975 Flickr via Compfight cc