The Failure of Organized Religion

Today's blog has me thinking. What a way to start this out, right? I hope that it causes you to think as well. Someone posted on my facebook this statement: I am a fan of prayer,,,however i am not a fan of organized religion,,,

I totally can understand where this person is coming from. I see where organized religion has failed us. So many rules and regulations, legalistic, non-relational. Kind of reminds me of Jesus' day.

"I have no problem with Jesus - it is His followers that perplex me." Ghandi

Let's bring this on home....how have I failed people in my organized religion? Have been offish, cruel, mean, hurtful, unrevealing of the true nature of Christ?

Have I tried so hard to make a point that I've made myself out a fool?

Have I tried so hard to debate the theology of the church that I've forgot that the church is about people rather than dogmas?

Have I tried so hard to have all the answers when talking to a friend rather than just sit there, shut up and listen for a change and allow them to spill their hearts out with their tears?

I know these are sobering thoughts but I think we need to take a look at our lives and realize that religion isn't relationship. We base our life on relationship with God and others. We have to understand that you can't separate the two. I can't have a relationship with God without having a relationship with others. And if I have a relationship with God I will want to have a relationship with others.

I don't want to be a hypocrite. I don't want to be a Pharisee. I don't want to be one that spouts off trite little Christianise wordings. I want to be one who is listening.

Like in one of the earlier blogs a few weeks ago: I want to be real.