MUMMIFIED JESUS

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I admit to being a little conflicted about liberal religious leaders because I believe they inadvertently provide cover for the notion that harmful fundamentalist religious beliefs must also be respected. Even so, this Presbyterian pastor in Austin, Texas often has some good things to say. Here's one:

Because Jesus isn’t here to defend himself, it is easy for some churches to use him as a mascot for causes of their own. The Jesus of cruel and superstitious religion is an idol, a mummified version of of the original

When churches use Christ to seek power over others, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to take the lowest place.

When churches use Christ to preach culture wars against liberals and non-Christians, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to love their enemies.

When churches use Christ to attack the LGBTQ community, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them not to judge.

When churches use Christ to defend ancient theological understandings over modern discoveries they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to “put new wine in new wineskins.”

When churches use Christ to to seek wealth and to ignore economic inequality, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them not to gather up treasures on earth.

When churches use Christ to impose their version of Christianity into the public square, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them not to make a show of religion.

When churches use Christ to bind people's minds to ancient superstitions, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to seek those truths that set people free.

https://www.facebook.com/jim.rigby.12/posts/5194810003927098