Bad Religion

“Religion” is a word with which I have a rather uneasy relationship. I get that it’s a commonly used term to label a belief system that’s become … well, organised if I can put it that way. But I still don’t like it. How about you?

Why don’t I like it? Because so many bad things have been done in the name of “religion”. And I’m not pointing the finger here at any other religions –  let’s get right to the heart of it. So many bad things have been done in the name of Christianity and its religious traditions.

But let’s not for one moment imagine that any of this is new.

Luke 13:10-15 Jesus taught in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. A woman was there who had an evil spirit inside her. It had made the woman crippled for 18 years. Her back was always bent; she could not stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called to her, “Woman, you have been made free from your sickness!” He laid his hands on her, and immediately she was able to stand up straight. She began praising God. The synagogue leader was angry because Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. He said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come to be healed on one of those days. Don’t come for healing on the Sabbath day.” The Lord answered, “You people are hypocrites! All of you untie your work animals and lead them to drink water every day—even on the Sabbath day.”

Religious people will destroy a person to keep a tradition. Jesus will break a religious tradition to save a person. That’s the difference.

And that’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.