The accepted insanity?

In the shadows, I always felt a pulling away from all things religion. Not a typo here, I did mean to say, ’all things religion.’ And now, in the wisdom of my many years, I know why.

I can relate to the zealotry of new knowledge. I’ve been inside the excitement and wonder of new found wisdom, and have tried to convince others of it to the point of pushing them away. But religion is a beast of a different color. Religion messes with our psyche. With our salvation. Most religious organizations attempt to pummel their beliefs into our heads with a fire and brimstone pounding-a-fist-on-the-table mentality, and guilt us in. Others do it more subtly, so we don’t know we’ve been duped until it’s too late (there is no reasoning with religious people). But the fact of the matter is we just can’t force someone into God’s church.

Eventually, people start to back away.

So, how does one study the Word and become closer to God the Almighty without the influence of religious doctrine? How does one know the true Gospel?

Because I am Christian and believe in the deity of Jesus Christ my Savior, I rely on the Word of Scripture. And that Word tells me that it takes the calling of the Father to understand what God has revealed. 'No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw  him....’ John 6:44. And, it takes a person who sets a personal example in their conduct. '....If any man will come after me let him deny himself....and follow me.'  Matthew 16:24. A person who not only talks the talk but walks the walk.

I lost my religion and found unexpected peace in the former, but I am still looking for the latter.