Mankind is a curious mixture. On one hand, man is social, operating in group ... and yet, at the same moment, each person is a self-contained unit. While group activity is important and normal, some actions must be undertaken solo. Christianity provides a great example of this dynamic. Christians, as the body of Christ (a group), never cease from being individuals. God says, "you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." And He grants spiritual gifts "to each one individually just as He wills" placing "the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desire(s)" (1Cor 12:11,18 and 27). This is the ultimate in group - but individuality is never lost or even slightly compromised. But, ... the necessity of individual action goes even deeper.

The most important, the most crucial, indeed the most non-negotiable of all solo actions, centers on the salvation issue. This is a transaction fully between an individual and his/her Creator. It is the most solo of all activities. And it puts us in the weakest of positions because "all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Heb 4:13). No wonder we would rather place ourselves behind something - and push that in front of us. It is ironic that the shield of choice is often ... religion.

The only religion I am interested in discussing here is the Christian religion.

The Christian Religion

In my mind, the Christian religion and the Christian faith are two different things. It is not imperative that you adopt my demarcation between the two, but if you think (for this moment) in the framework I am presenting, the following discussion will make more sense. When I think of religion, I think; "ceremony, ritual, dogma - and formulas for these things." When I think of faith, I think; "inquiry, study, knowledge - and persuasion of what is true."

Using this definition, the Christian religion ... is easy. There is a "formula" for salvation - followed by clear directives for "the good Christian life". Altar calls, confirmations, or baptisms are soon followed by church membership, tithing, and the church calendar.

It is a natural weakness for man to fall into religion. The reason is really quite simple. Religion tells the follower everything he/she must do. The directives are not to be questioned - just obeyed - and everything will be fine. Unfortunately, those who obey the prescribed actions often feel like they have actually done something. This has great appeal for the participant - and often provides great comfort. But, this comfort does not end in life.

The Christian religion rests on two primary pillars. First, those in the pew are sheep who must be led. Second, and quite predictably, there is another group - the leaders. They are to be obeyed. These two concepts create two huge blunders. For starters, Christians - as sheep - is a "figure of speech" (Jn 10:6). Sheep are depicted as naive, defenseless and quite dumb (However, they only answer to the trustworthy voice of their master ... and pay no heed to a stranger's voice [Jn 10: 1-5,16,27]. People would do well to imitate this. They often follow "strange voices" ... who lead them into death). But, why isn't this verse referenced when discussing the sheep analogy? "'As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,' declares the Lord" (Ezek 34:31). This is consistent with Paul's admonition to the wayward Corinthians: "in your thinking be mature ... Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1Cor 14:20 and 16:13). Where is it that God calls His children - to be stupid sheep?

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