Re: The Living Word Fellowship, The Walk, John Robert Stevens
Date: April 14, 2020 11:05PM
B L O W
Your assessment addresses the street-cred of religion in general, which has been pointed out by some as the opiate of the people. For those who subscribe to Christianity specifically (fill in the appropriate schism), one must accept from the start the authority of the Bible (fill in the appropriate version/translation).
Once one travels down this road, unquestioning obedience is inferred. JRS preached from the pulpit warning NOT to attend seminary, as one would come out an unbeliever. This is because one would discover the origins of both the religion and it's text; 'canonization' by a Roman emperor (Constantine), who wished to consolidate his power three centuries after stories regarding certain events were told, retold, and heavily embellished in order to gain converts. This continues to this day.
Just to be fair, the same applies to Judaism and Islam, relatives of Christianity. It is important to point out that Jesus did not endorse Judaism, and did not teach anything that resembles the monstrosity Christianity is today. Just because a religion has been 'normalized' does not make it normal. It is simply a narrative, vigorously promoted by accolades, who believe their way must be the only way, or why else would they be adherents.
None of this takes away anything from actual SPIRITUAL experiences, which many times fall outside the limited parameters defined by any religion. These oftentimes are experiences framed in LOVE, JOY & PEACE, and are not subject to 'public opinion'. In the end, these are the only ones that matter, and come with the realization that each must walk their own path wherever that may lead.
Jesus' take on our experience was best described in the Prodigal Parable, where our desire for experiences apart from HEAVEN landed us in a world of our own making (aptly described as a 'misadventure'). Once one finally realizes this is no longer desirable, a change of course is the only option.
The only way out of our own version of hell is back to HEAVEN.