Christianity and Me
Written on Mar 24, 2026
Although I've infrequently attended Christian services my entire life, I didn't consider myself a true Christian until I was baptized. I don't remember the date (or even the year), but it was more than 20 years ago.
I was baptized as a non-denominational Protestant. My wife, Josie, was baptized as a non-denominational Protestant as well in 2021, along with my younger son and his wife.
Organized Religion
I dislike organized religion. Unfortunately, most people won't participate in fellowship without it. I dislike how people use the word "church". We don't go to church; we are the church.
Many people refer to the place of worship as a church, including the organization itself, but it isn't anything more than a building. It's fine to call it a temple because a temple actually defines a place of worship.
Perhaps I dislike modern church services more than organized religion itself. I enjoy the sermons and the prayers, but I can do without all the singing, especially Christian rock music. When I'm not familiar with the melody or the lyrics, I won't sing along.
Christian Organizations
To be a true Christian organization, whether it's a specific denomination or sect, it must follow biblical principles. Any organization that condones or promotes behavior considered sinful isn't a true Christian organization, regardless of what else it preaches.
The definition of sin is a transgression of divine law. While all of us have sinful desires, we haven't transgressed until we act on those desires. When Christ talked about our desires being equal with actions, it was a warning.
We need to turn away from those desires by filling our minds with better things. There is an old non-biblical proverb that says, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop". If we stay busy and productive, we don't have to worry about it.
Place of Worship
Many people think Christ started a religion. He started a church, which means an organized body of believers. Christianity, as a new religion, began after Jesus died. During his lifetime, he never designated a place of worship. After his death, believers would gather in each other's homes for fellowship and prayer.
In Matthew 18:20 (NASB), Christ stated, "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." This literally means that a place of worship can be almost anywhere. A fancy building isn't necessary, and a large congregation isn't required.
I only go to a place of worship when Josie wants me to go with her. It's more likely that the two of us will engage in prayer at home or at one of our children's homes.
Writing About Politics and Religion
There are people who specialize in writing about politics or religion, or both. I'm not one of them. Back in the 1990s, when I ran a bulletin board service, I learned the easiest way to start an argument was by allowing politics and religion on the message boards.
Since then, I've refrained from writing about either one for a long time.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay