Just a pondering in my ponderous journey of faith...
A fictional example of man-made doctrine:
Church of the Vine** is the exclusive representation of the Kingdom of God on Earth...No one comes to the Father except through it...Here's how that works:
1. 32.3% of your earnings must be given to the Church of the Vine. Anything less is mortal sin, for God needs your money.
2. Homage must be paid to Papal Majesty Tim**...For he is the exclusive representation of Christ on earth...
3. To request forgiveness of sin, we must make restitution first to Tim...Tim then mediates for us to Mary who mediates to Joseph (a woman could never of course have free access to the Lord. She must speak through her husband) who mediates to Jesus who mediates to God.
4. If we have paid our 32.3% faithfully and have given at least a tenth of our time to serving the church of the vine, then we will be restored to right standing.
5. If we follow this process all the days of our lives we will earn eternal salvation.
Alternately, Scripture teaches:
1. Here's a dude named Jesus. He loves you. He took care of everything. Hang out with him. He says you are Royalty because He is and He wants to share that with you. No strings attached.
Hmmmm....
Why do we make it so hard??
** - NOTE: The similarity to the name of my own church and leadership therein is meant in jest and in no way indicates that we believe any of the sort of man-made doctrine that is cheekily represented here! And you must admit: Papal Majesty Tim has a nice ring to it...
A fictional example of man-made doctrine:
Church of the Vine** is the exclusive representation of the Kingdom of God on Earth...No one comes to the Father except through it...Here's how that works:
1. 32.3% of your earnings must be given to the Church of the Vine. Anything less is mortal sin, for God needs your money.
2. Homage must be paid to Papal Majesty Tim**...For he is the exclusive representation of Christ on earth...
3. To request forgiveness of sin, we must make restitution first to Tim...Tim then mediates for us to Mary who mediates to Joseph (a woman could never of course have free access to the Lord. She must speak through her husband) who mediates to Jesus who mediates to God.
4. If we have paid our 32.3% faithfully and have given at least a tenth of our time to serving the church of the vine, then we will be restored to right standing.
5. If we follow this process all the days of our lives we will earn eternal salvation.
Alternately, Scripture teaches:
1. Here's a dude named Jesus. He loves you. He took care of everything. Hang out with him. He says you are Royalty because He is and He wants to share that with you. No strings attached.
Hmmmm....
Why do we make it so hard??
** - NOTE: The similarity to the name of my own church and leadership therein is meant in jest and in no way indicates that we believe any of the sort of man-made doctrine that is cheekily represented here! And you must admit: Papal Majesty Tim has a nice ring to it...
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