Do you think Jesus WANTED to be turned into a religion?

by humbled 44 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  humbled

  Stuff that has happened to me and people of other religions that I've met and read about--it makes me wonder if the caretakers of "holy writings" haven't bent us with their theology and pedantry.

  I don't think Jesus wanted us to make a religion.

  He offered an experience of faith that was first and foremost an invitation. The gospels--even if half diluted with error can't dispel the experiences we feel if we accept these words at face value: John 7:17-18.

  I can't stay on- Going to Doctors today.

  Thanks. Maeve
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  punkofnice

  I personally don't believe the Jesus of the Bible actually existed outside of the gospels. I've found no evidence outside of the Bible for his existance.

  Having said that, if he did exist, he should have taken some action by now and even if not he'd be doing a lot of face palms.

  To the question 'What would Jesus do?' My answer would be 'Nothing like religion is doing.'

  I hope your trip to the Doctor is productive.

  Get well soon (if you're not well)
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  Heaven

  I don't think Jesus wanted us to make a religion.

  I agree, Humbled.

  I think if he did want religion, he would have done his own writing and he would have set up an infrastructure/organization. In analyzing what is purported to be what he said, it appears he was an apocolyptic preacher that expected God to fix everything in his lifetime. If everything is fixed, religion isn't needed.

  There are many people on Earth that have never even heard of this guy. If this is THE faith to be followed, if God really exists, then everyone would have it and be following it.
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  Phizzy

  I would dearly love to know what the real "Jesus" actually taught, and believed, and encouraged his followers to do and to think.

  The problem is we have nothing we can rely on 100%, or anything close to that in fact, as being his words. Some even posit that there was not a single "Jesus" but that the figure presented to us in the Gospels is a composite of several itinerant preachers of the early years of the 1st Century.

  It is my gut feeling that there was a charismatic young man who taught a revolutionary theology when compared with the Judaism of the day, and it is my gut feeling that some of his words and teaching have survived within the Gospels and elsewhere, even in non-canonical works.

  What we do know for sure is that the Gospels are mainly written with the agenda of furthering the cult of Christ (Jesus), and therefore are embellished and fictionalised to a great degree.

  I agree with you that what still comed across firmly, despite the above, is the love he had, and his wish that all should be as gentle and compassionate as he.
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  moshe

  Jesus became a BRAND- he makes everything better, chases the gloomy days away and makes the boo boos get better.

  
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  Comatose

  Bart Erhman wrote a great and convincing book on the proofs of a historical real Jesus living. Not maybe as a son of god who did miracles but as a real person. It is a great read. Really helps you to see the evidence not based on faith or Christianity that he existed as a historical mortal person. Erhman does not believe Jesus was who Christianity says he is... Erhman is also an agnostic or atheist. So it makes for an interesting read. But he does rather nicely prove his existence. Anyways... Back to your question.

  No, I do not believe he was trying to start a religion. Paul did that among others. Jesus in my opinion was actually anti-religion in the sense that he stood against the structure of his time in some ways. He was a practicing Jew but he taught love and worshipping god in your heart as I see it. He never mentioned a structured system or organized meetings. What we have today in my opinion is nothing like what the bible shows Jesus preached. Just believe.

  Which is why I'll never be a part of a religion again. I don't even know about God... Just be a good a person, that's what we can do.
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  mP

  Jesus never existed, he couldnt write, and his own followers supposedly waited 40-50 years to get round to writing his story. Why they couldnt or didnt do it earlier we will never know. Perhaps they were busy with all those virgins.
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  designs

  The problem with the gospels is you are never certain what Jesus actually said vs what others wanted him to say. Paul wanted to start a religion. When you have words ascribed to Jesus such as - 'I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me' you have to assume he wanted to start a religion.
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  *lost*

  Agreed.

  He was against ORGANIZED. Stucture, uneccessary burdens, RESTRICTING the people (sheep) bogging them down with things, when they should be enjoying the faith.

  If babylon the great is the World empire of false/organised religion, then this also means the WTBTS could be included as part of the thing they are judging and preaching agaisnt.

  looking deeper now into the meanings of things, the deeper things, i think we are starting to realsise exactly what it is about. Not the physical/literal. But the things unseen. Spiritual/emotional. and not to be getting 'anxious' ? in everyday life ?

  Being a good person, following the law and showing the qualities of a 'true' Christian. Not what man labels as christian.

  lost
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  Fernando

  I too agree, humbled.

  From Matt 23:15 I conclude Jesus was against religion, religionists and teaching religion (proselytising).

  Legalism (self-righteous rule-making and rule-keeping) is a key pillar of religion.

  As written most likely by Ray Franz: "legalism... constitutes a denial of Christian faith" (g79 6/8 p. 28).

  ---

  (Why does the "true religion" secretly blind its followers to the "Good News" according to Paul, Moses, Isaiah and Psalms?)