Prisoners to Good Intentions
“Religion” can become the most insidious of idols. Â Religion, of course, can mean many things – and while we could certainly describe it a more positive light, today I’m considering it the utmost offense to your relationship with God. Let’s capitalize the R in Religion (negative) to distinguish it from the more positive meanings of ‘religion.’
The Latin word in “religion” means “binding together,” and “to tie or fasten” – meaning both “people to people” and “people to rules.” Â It is these rules that I take issue. Â At their core – learning to follow rules is the drug of choice for many addicted to Religion – and the high is a false sense of self-righteousness and self-made holiness.
Most world Religions propose that it is all about which rules you follow that will bring you the ends in Religion you seek – (salvation, end of suffering, etc). Â But I would say that it is in the following of these rules that get you into trouble in the first place. Â Rules and Religion are what “bind you” up from truly experiencing communion with your Creator.
13 And so the Lord says,
“These people say they are mine.
They honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
And their worship of me
is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.
Isaiah saw the bait and switch of Religion – he saw people absentmindedly offering the sign of the cross as they pass a church building on their way to their mistress’ house. Â He saw mobsters tithing exactly 10% of their dirty money to the local church. Â He witnessed preachers vehemently denouncing hate from the pulpit, then afterward spreading xenophobic rebuff at the church potluck.
Religion offers the “out” so many of us are looking for on our way to true divine communion.  We happily take the exit – choosing to keep up with the dance of insanity, running and hiding from our Father, rather than be known by him and find  him rescuing us from the prison of man-made rules…
Running and hiding...that reminds me of Adam and Eve after they chose rebellion – to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Â They ran and hid and they “bound up” (there’s that word again) some fig leaves for clothes. Â Could it be that this is coincidence? Â That being bound up in anything except union with God is exactly the same as Adam and Eve hiding their nakedness from their Creator? Is Religion that dangerous to the human spirit?
And do we really think we can keep up with the ever-rising tide of Religion? Â The funny thing is we begin down the treacherous road with simple sayings like, “fake it till you make it,” and “be happy every week when you show up to worship, even when you’re not.” Â It is a hard trap to stay out of – because it baits you with the best of intentions.
I was introduced to some new friends and hope to get to know them better as the network develops.
Sean and 3 others are discussing. 
Daniel 4:02 pm on April 8, 2009 Permalink
Cool stuff Mark! May God continue to richly bless those following him in Chicago.