What happened to Christianity?

[Jeremiah Ames]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Hi Gerry!

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All the best!

 

[Nakosis]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

I suspect a lot of folks felt the same when they decided to start their own church/following.

I think that's what happens though. People have their own idea about what christianity is, start their own version and we end up with thousands of churches. Whatever you feel is right for you, someone else is going to see something wrong with.

 

[PureX]

There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

Why do you assume that Christians should understand and embody the revelation and promise of "Christ" in the same way?

 

[Twilight Hue]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

It's why I put it all down.

I discovered there is nothing really special or unique that Christianity has to offer that sets it apart from any other religion out there. I had it pegged if it was truly a special religion imbued with the power of its creator and the transformation of hearts and minds in line with the scriptural message, you wouldn't ever see what you're seeing in reality.

In my case, it was a very natural coming of age with the realization of some pertinent truths over belief and reality.

Nothing really happened to Christianity. I just came to realization it was the same then that is it is now. It's just that some people wake up and start noticing some things.

 

[MJFlores]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

Follow the Bible
Look for what Jesus Christ said

Luke 13:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

Matthew 7:13-14 New International Version (NIV)
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Those are the things you gotta do.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

I had a similar experience and became a Baha'i nearly 30 years ago. I still consider myself just as much a follower of Christ as any other Christian but many Christians wouldn't see it that way. Perhaps if I had found Christians that were more affirming of other faiths I wouldn't have been so repelled.

Its really helpful to be part of a faith community in your neighbourhood rather than just online. Do you have any friends or acquaintances who feel or think a similar way to you? How do they have their spiritual needs met?

 

[sun rise]

To me, some follow "Churchianity" and some "Christianity".

 

[Sand Dancer]

I think most church leaders know that people are not very interested, so they change the name, add rock music, cool and hip pastors in tee shirts, but do nothing to update with new knowledge. It ultimately will fail when people realize that it's the same divisive, homophobic, first century bull it always has been.

 

[Deeje]

Christianity has been hijacked.

It was foretold long ago by Jesus and his apostles. Its no surprise. Human traditions replaced the word of God in Judaism too.....Christianity went off the rails for the very same reason. Humans wanted to worship God their way.

It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.

Congratulations!

You've seen the light! Once the penny drops, you see that what masquerades as Christianity today is no such thing! (Matthew 7:21-23)

Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.

They have sold out to satan's fake church...the "weeds" that Jesus warned about.

How do you hide a large tree out in a cleared field? If you have time up your sleeve, you plant a forest of similar looking trees all around it....eventually you will have trouble finding the original tree. Satan had the time.

I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.

You are indeed one of the fortunate ones....but please do not throw the baby out with the filthy bathwater.
The wheat are in existence and if you ask God he will guide you to his truth.....you are half way there. (John 6:44)

There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

The truth exists.....but the devil is a mimic....."you will know the truth" when you hear it and "it will set you free".....Jesus promised this. But the deceiver is very active in these last days. Stick to the scriptures and you can't go wrong. The churches failed to do this and now the forest is vast. Look for those who practice what they preach.

Ask questions and don't rest till you get answers that sit well in your heart. The treasure is buried, but not because God did that.....the devil has created such confusion that he wants to make people give up and put it all in the "too hard" basket. Get a bigger shovel.

 

[Milton Platt]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

near as can be determined, all doctrines are manmade.

 

[shmogie]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

Wow, you are able to judge all the millions upon millions of Christians and the hundreds of thousand, churches.

What man made doctrines are you talking about ?

The Bible makes it clear that at the end there will be a falling away as in the Laodecian Church.

Don´t fret, all is unfolding as it should.

The true Church, all who have truly accepted the call, will persevere.

 

[shmogie]

It's why I put it all down.

I discovered there is nothing really special or unique that Christianity has to offer that sets it apart from any other religion out there. I had it pegged if it was truly a special religion imbued with the power of its creator and the transformation of hearts and minds in line with the scriptural message, you wouldn't ever see what you're seeing in reality.

In my case, it was a very natural coming of age with the realization of some pertinent truths over belief and reality.

Nothing really happened to Christianity. I just came to realization it was the same then that is it is now. It's just that some people wake up and start noticing some things.

Too bad.

I was as you are for many years. Ah, but God didn´t give up on me, and he hasn ´t given up on you, no matter how much you wish He would.

 

[We Never Know]

Christianity has been hijacked.


It’s a religion completely dominated by man made doctrines, even though the God they claim to follow said “and in vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of man”. Matthew 15:9.

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.


Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.


I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.


There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

Churches have become a business and are ran as a business. That's one of the problems.

 

[Windwalker]

Christianity has been hijacked.

Yes. It has been hijacked by religion. It's like the saying, "Those that can't do, teach".

A religion whose doctrines have some truth (“I am the way and the truth and the life” John 14:6), yet just off enough to lead so many people astray. “They are blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into the ditch”. Matthew 15:14.

I've discovered an interesting phenomenon. The exact same words being spoken will be heard in radically different ways, depending on the degree of spiritual awareness or lack thereof in the hearer. A person with no inner awareness of the divine, simply cannot understand the subtleties and nuances, or depth of meaning of spiritual teachings. Rather than understanding them as metaphors for a higher state of being, they get translated down into rules and laws external to one's own self. And in doing that, they become projections of their own egos driven by ego needs of self-justification and power over others. They become in other words, a religion.

Visit many Christian churches today and you may think you’re in a Las Vegas show. Dim lighting, smoke and mirrors, ear damagingly loud music. Then come the sermons. Bible verses: yes. Spiritual knowledge: no. And then they constantly speak of a loving god that they are to follow, yet so many of their actions are so far from loving.

Modern religion like this is a business that sells its products to a consumer-driven market. While you may have some souls seeking God in the midst of all of that dog and pony show stuff, "We have the right translation of the Bible, unlike those other guys! See, our Bible is blue!," can be a frustrating, confusion, and impossible task.

I call myself a Christian but as I learn more (in respect to Bible knowledge), I realize I have so little in common with the regular church attending Christian.

This is a good recognition for you. Hang on to that. Don't let some other fringe Christian group try to hoodwink you into joining them because they see themselves as the only saved ones, unlike those false Christian churches they correct with their claims of being the "restored church", or some such marketing ploy.

There are plenty of like minded people online, but finding the same in real life has been a challenge. What am I to do? Should I adopt a new label? And what would that be? And would it help?

Labels get in the way. Just be sincere. Spirituality is a condition of being, not a belief system.

 

[slackercruster]

OP, religion is all man made. Even so, I don't think Islam and the Jews watered down their religions much. But Christianity is more of a cafeteria approach to things.

The bible says to kill homosexuals. The Episcopal's make homosexuals their bishop. Anything goes with Christianity.

 

[Jeremiah Ames]

Wow, you are able to judge all the millions upon millions of Christians and the hundreds of thousand, churches.

What man made doctrines are you talking about ?

The Bible makes it clear that at the end there will be a falling away as in the Laodecian Church.

Don´t fret, all is unfolding as it should.

The true Church, all who have truly accepted the call, will persevere.

All doctrines that cannot be found in the ENTIRE bible are the ones I am talking about. And that is almost all you find in churches. I have been to a lot of churches. So very many. Yet none that I have visited have THE truth. They all have their truth.
Which is usually close to THE truth. I constantly test my thoughts against the Word, which I consider to be THE truth. I don’t want to be guided by my truths. But only THE truth. I started going to church believing that is where I would find THE truth. I always came away condemned, feeling like I was doing and thinking wrong, and of course, never doing enough. For years I thought I was the problem. Now I know better. The response from Deeje above spells it out quite clearly.

The Laodecians are very pertinent to this thread. I am glad you brought that up here. However, I don’t understand what you mean by ”at the end there will be a falling away” and also “all is unfolding as it should”. Just wondering.

 

[Woberts]

What happened? Nothing. It's been like this from the start.

 

[shmogie]

What happened? Nothing. It's been like this from the start.

No, not at all.

Christianity has always been dynamic in revival from periods of persecution, internal strife, and stagnant and corrupt conditions.

It has happened numerous times in the Faiths 2,000 year history, it will happen again.

 

[shmogie]

All doctrines that cannot be found in the ENTIRE bible are the ones I am talking about. And that is almost all you find in churches. I have been to a lot of churches. So very many. Yet none that I have visited have THE truth. They all have their truth.
Which is usually close to THE truth. I constantly test my thoughts against the Word, which I consider to be THE truth. I don’t want to be guided by my truths. But only THE truth. I started going to church believing that is where I would find THE truth. I always came away condemned, feeling like I was doing and thinking wrong, and of course, never doing enough. For years I thought I was the problem. Now I know better. The response from Deeje above spells it out quite clearly.

The Laodecians are very pertinent to this thread. I am glad you brought that up here. However, I don’t understand what you mean by ”at the end there will be a falling away” and also “all is unfolding as it should”. Just wondering.

Well, there is only one truth, ¨ I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father but by Me¨

Denominations major in minors, most differences are unimportant, though there are critical differences in some that must be considered.

I strongly believe in primitive Christianity, the study of the Apostolic Church and following itś examples and doctrines.

I find that the Apostolic Church was grounded in faith, and the guidance of The Spirit.

Faith in the atonement for sin by Christ, and the guiding of the Spirit in obedience to the Word.

The Churches mentioned in Revelation represent the history of Christianity, as well as being real churches. From the beginning to the end the short list and attributes and failings of each church represent a historical period for the entire church.

We are in the age of the last church, Laodecia. Look at itś condition, and compare it to the overall church of today.

Thank God that we aren´t saved as churches, but as individuals.

The falling away has begun as people succumb to the world, the immorality, materialism, and greed.

We are told that it will be just like in the days of Noah, when only a handful were saved, but they were pure in faith.

So, those who remain in the end will be the true faithful Christians.

Churches are not museums for saints, they are hospitals for sinners. As such, you will see those who need the cure for what ails them, and all of us, sin.

One cannot judge principles and doctrines by those who say they keep them, you will always be disappointed.

Focus on the Christ, and the Word solely for your salvation, take from whatever church you attend those things that exalt Christ, and be patient regarding those things that do not.

Peace