Christianity article, has Christianity failed?, are Jesus Christ's teachings adhered to by the majority professing to be Christian?

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Jesus Christ 'has not been a failure yet; for nobody has ever been sane enough to try his way.'

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
(1856-1950)

...BUT IS IT CHRISTIANITY

A quarter of the earth's population say they are Christians. Would Jesus Christ agree?

JESUS CHRIST was born nearly 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. He worked until he was 30 as a carpenter in Nazareth. Then for a further three and a half years, he travelled throughout the country, preaching and teaching in synagogues and public meetings, healing the sick and performing miracles. He did this at a time when his people - the Jews - were expecting a leader (the Messiah) to spearhead a revolution against the Roman Empire.

Jesus Christ's teaching was revolutionary, but it was not what people expected from the Messiah. He told his countrymen to be tolerant, patient and to avoid violence. He explained that their sins could be forgiven, but that they in turn must be willing to forgive others. He told them to hold other people in equal esteem and to show love even to their enemies.

It was a new approach, but hardly the manifesto for a popular liberation movement.

Nevertheless, this gentle, yet resolute man, with his message of peace, soon incurred the wrath of the religious authorities. They arrested him, tried him in court and demanded his execution. He was crucified by Roman soldiers.

Then, as almost every Christian believes, he was resurrected and ascended to heaven. Before the left, he instructed his handful of followers, who had remained loyal, to continue the work he had begun. 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations' he told them, 'teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you' (Matthew 28:19-20, New King James throughout, except where noted).

This they did, and today over a quarter of mankind claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. Christianity is the largest and most geographically diverse of all religions. Christians can be found in every country. The humble carpenter from Galilee has become undoubtedly the most influential teacher in history. Yet some people think mankind would have been better off without him.

Mixed Blessings?
Certainly much good has been done in the name of Jesus Christ, but also much harm. Christ taught against violence, yet the armies of so-called Christian nations have slaughtered, raped and pillaged their way across the pages of history.

Jesus Christ told his disciples to expect persecution, and to 'bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you' (Matthew 5:44).

When persecuted, Christians are often seen at their best - unselfish and courageous. Hostile regimes, from Imperial Rome to modern times, in their efforts to stamp out Christianity seem only to strengthen it. It survives against seemingly impossible odds' to emerge stronger and more determined than ever.

However, once in power, so called Christians have often become persecutors. 'You are the light of the world,' said Christ to his disciples (Matthew 5:14). Yet nominally Christian nations and empires have, like other peoples, a grim record of suppressing, persecuting, torturing and martyring those who get in their way in the name of religion. The history of Europe and of the colonies of a number of European powers witness to this tragedy.

Jesus Christ preached unselfishness and generosity, yet sincere missionary efforts have often become the thin end of the wedge of greed and exploitation. 'Christian' colonisers have ruthlessly enslaved, decimated and even exterminated native populations.

Today, half of mankind in influenced by Christianity, through its culture if not actual belief. Much of Western culture endorses assertive, confident behaviour, and as such it has been the mainspring of Western civilisation. It is no coincidence that many industrial societies have been sustained by what has been called the 'Protestant work ethic.'

Many great advances in medicine, engineering and technology, which have transformed life on this planet, are also primarily a product of Western civilisation. However, these have been a mixed blessing too.

Living by the Sword

Christ prayed that his followers would remain united in peace and harmony. But today Christianity is fragmented. For example, in Northern Ireland, rival Christians plot against each other and in Lebanon, Christian militias stalk both Christian and non-Christian political enemies. Nations with an underlying Christian culture feature prominently in crime statistics; in divorce, in the abuse of children, wives and the elderly and in drug and alcohol addiction.

Christianity does not promote or endorse such things, of course, but mainstream Christianity has in some respects spawned a way of life in which these abuses flourish. As the Archbishop William Temple (1881 - 1944) once observed: 'Christianity is the most materialistic of all great religions.'

This, however, does not refer to all Christianity or the ideals of Christ. It has produced many great unselfish, compassionate men and women, whose examples show what Christianity could, and should be like. Also, of course, there is the simple sincerity of ordinary people around the world, whose commitment to Christ motivates them to service and prayer.

However, when viewed across the spectrum of history as well as geograpically, this religion that claims the name of Jesus Christ as its authority must be given mixed reviews. Certainly it is no worse than some, but has mainstream Christianity behaved better than those it has challenged, confronted and at times ruthlessly suppressed?

And unbiased outsider looking at the fruits of Christendom might be tempted to agree with the English poet, Richard Le Gallienne (1866 - 1947): 'Organised Christianity has probably done more to retard the ideals that were its founder's than any other agency in the world.'

What Went Wrong?
Surely this is not what Jesus Christ intended. Have his followers misunderstood their Master's intentions? Or is there something about the concept of Christianity that, like communism, just does not work? Is it merely another idea that sounds good in theory, but fails in practice? The answer to this question is important.

Christianity continues to grow. Many Christians are now launching 'a decade of evangelism.' In addition, as communism collapses (article was written in 1991) in Eastern Europe, religion has an unprecedented window of opportunity to fill a spiritual vacuum.

Will Christianity be a force for peace and stability? Will it soothe the long-suppressed passions and ancient quarrels that recent events have exposed? Will it help bring education, health and genuine spiritual enlightenment to the dark corners of the earth? Or will it provide as excuse for the cruel, the ruthless and the fanatical in politics and religion to oppress and persecute those who oppose them? That may seem farfetched and improbable now, but Christianity and politics is a well known potentially lethal mix. The record of history forces ut to pose these questions.

Unless Christianity is willing to learn the lessons from its own past, the future may yet prove to be another dark age.

So what did Jesus Christ expect his followers to do? What did he think would be the result of his commission to preach the gospel to all the world? Have his plans whatever they were, gone wrong? We need to compare what has happened with the things he said.

byJohn Halford

Preach the gospel to every creature
MARK 16:15

'Gospel' is the modern form of an old English word godspel, meaning 'God's news' or 'good news.' It is used to translate a Greek word which the writers of the New Testament chose to describe Christ's message.

This good news has several facets, but it is summed up in what is sometimes called the Bible's 'golden verse': 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life' (John 3:16). Jesus Christ gave the world a new view of God as Father.

Today the words 'our Father ...' have become a cliche. It is difficult to appreciate just how revolutionary this concept was in the ritual-bound religion of Christ's day.

The Pharisees' theology had made religious life an obstacle course. Jesus Christ cut through it. He said that God was unimpressed with false piety. However, even the worst sinner, if repentant, was accepted and forgiven of all sins.

Jesus Christ brought the world the good news that God is compassionate, tolerant, forgiving and understanding - to both Jew and Gentile. All - from the humble slave to the noble centurion - could be saved from sin and receive the gift of eternal life.

Christ would himself accept the penalty for their sins. His cruel death would be a sacrifice for all mankind. Therefore, he could let a woman taken in adultery go free to live a new life telling her to sin no more. He could forgive the repentant thief who was crucified alongside him. This is good news for everyone - except the stubborn and self-righteous.

Eventually, God said he would establish his kingdom here on earth and then all the world would learn how to live in peace. The agonies and despair of the past would be forgiven and the future would be filled with hope. This also was good news, even if the details were frustatingly vague to the people of the time, who were impatient for action.

This then was the gospel that Christ's small band of followers was to announce to the world.

Make disciples of all the nations
MATTHEW 28:19

The disciples began enthusiastically and unselfishly. As their numbers grew, Christianity spread beyond the Jewish community. However, almost from the beginning, the gospel began to be corrupted - sometimes as a result of sincere misunderstanding, but often deliberately.

The gospel is powerful and across the centuries many have used it to gain a following, twisted it to lend credence to their own philosophies, or simply marketed it to make money.

Christ did not tell his disciples to build a following at all costs. During his ministry not everyone attracted to him was accepted. Sometimes Christ seemed to deliberately put obstacles in the way. 'Whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple,' he cautioned the multitude who followed him. 'For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit first and count the cost?' (Luke 14:27-28).

A rich and influential young man asked Christ what was expected of him. Christ, recognising that the man's materialism was an obstacle to total commitment, told him to sell all his possessions. It was asking too much and the young man went away.

The disciples were puzzled. 'Who then can be saved?' they asked. 'With men this impossible, but with God all things are possible' was the answer (Matthew 19:25-26).

Jesus Christ knew many would be attracted to him. But he did not want disciples at any cost - only those willing to count the cost.

Keep my commandments
JOHN 14:15

The requirements of discipleship are not negotiable. Forgiveness and spiritual salvation are freely offered to those who show themselves repentant. However, repentance means more that just saying or feeling sorry. It involves a willingness to change. You must stop doing the wrong and start doing the right.

You set your goal to live up to the high standards Jesus Christ set, for 'Why do you call me "Lord, Lord," and do not do the things which I say?' (Luke 6:46).

Nevertheless, across the centuries there has been much lowering of the bar, as Christ's commandments were adjusted to more 'reasonable' human standards. Some supposedly Christian ministers have played on the emotion and fears of the gullible, oversimplifying Christ's preconditions. Others have become latter day Pharisees, concocting their own prescriptions for discipleship. Consequently, millions who claim to have accepted Christ have no real idea of what is expected.

To accept Christ as Saviour is a serious matter. Certainly deep emotions are involved, but it must be accompanied by a thorough spiritual understanding. Christ did not give his followers the right to tamper with the basic terms of discipleship. But he knew it would happen. 'In vain they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' he said (Mark 7:7).

False conversion has been, and will yet be, the cause of much heartache and disillusionment.

I will build my church
MATTHEW 16:18

'Is Christ divided?' asked the apostle Paul. Some say he is, although 'shattered' might be a better word to describe the current state of Christianity.

Before he was crucified, Jesus Christ gathered his little band of disciples around him. He prayed for them, but not just them. 'I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word; that they all may be one...' (John 17:20-21, emphasis ours).

Today, Christianity is fragmented more than any other major religion. 25,000 different churches, denominations, sects and cults divide Christianity, and the World Christian Encyclopaedia suggests that number is growing by five every week!

Some regional (cultural and linguistic) variation within the world fellowship of the church is inevitable and acceptable. It happened in the New Testament as the Church spread beyond Judea and immediate surrounding areas. However, the apostles knew the importance of unity and struggles to preserve it.

If this is the case, how can more than 25,000 different churches around the world, often contentious and sometimes coming to blows, represent what Jesus Christ said he would build?

If Christ were to return to earth today, where would he go to worship? Which church faithfully teaches his doctrines? This current fragmentation is the exact opposite of what he prayed for. It is precisely what should not happen were his teachings applied. How can this tangle of ideas represent him? He warned that 'every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation' (Luke 11:17).

My kingdom is not of this world
JOHN 18:36

How will Christ's kingdom be established? A common view is that Christianity will eventually prevail and when all mankind is gathered under the banner of Christ, the kingdom of God will be here. Until then, they claim, Christ's followers must wage war against the devil and his works.

If this is true, it could be argued that the devil is winning. Millions live and die without ever hearing the gospel or even the name of Jesus Christ. Even Christ himself acknowledged that Satan was the 'Prince of this world,' (John 12:31) King James Version).

If the goal is to establish the kingdom in this world, there is a long way to go. But is this the goal of the gospel? What did Christ mean when he told Pontius Pilate, 'My kingdom is not if this world[age]'? (John 18:36). Jesus Christ knew his way would be incompatible with the ways the majority of mankind had chosen to live. To try to graft the kingdom of God on to this civilization would be an exercise in futility.

The new wine needed a new wineskin (Matthew 9:17). Likewise, the kingdom of God on earth will require a complete change in the structure of society. Christ told his disciples to announce the gospel to all nations, but to expect only limited success in this world.

I will come again
JOHN 14:3

Christ's mission was not to complete the work of the Messiah in his short physical lifetime. He said he would come again and finish what he had begun. But to the end of his ministry, even his closest disciples looked to him to liberate the Jewish nation from the Romans.

Even in the last few moments before he ascended to heaven they asked again 'Lord will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' (Acts 1:6). But it was not to be the case. As he left, an angel explained: 'This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw him go into heaven' (Acts 1:11).

The people of his time did not know what to make of a Messiah who would 'not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets' (Matthew 12:19). This is part of a quotation from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that described a worldwide programme to bring all mankind under God's rule.

Isaiah confidently predicted that the Messiah 'will not fail nor be discouraged, till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for his law' (Isaiah 42:4). Much that seems enigmatic about Christ's teachings is brought into sharp focus once we understand what will be accomplished at his second coming. That is when the kingdom of God is established on the earth. That is when the salvation of mankind really begins.

Christ, then, told his disciples he would be coming back to continue his work of salvation, and he warned them to be ready. A great deal of time has been wasted trying to calculate exactly when Christ will return. He himself said that even he (at that time) did not know the day or hour (see Matthew 24:36).

However, if we put all the information together, we must reach the unavoidable conclusion that it may take longer than we thought, but when it comes, it will happen sooner than we expected.

Bible prophecy can give us an indication, but even then, it is subjected to misinterpretation and false alarms because of human zealousness or carelessness. Jesus Christ emphasised the importance of being ready at all times.

You did it to me
MATTHEW 25:40

Jesus Christ is not embarked on a frantic effort to save all the world now, but neither is he hardened to its sufferings. While on earth, Christ was often moved with compassion by the plight of the poor and the afflicted.

Christ still strongly identifies with those who are in need. Thus, even though only the kingdom of God can solve the major problems of mankind, Christians should do what they can to alleviate the suffering around them. 'Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me,' Jesus assures us (Matthew 25:40).

True religion is as Jesus Christ stated, when the hungry are fed and the poor and homeless have their needs taken care of. Tragically, much of 'Christianity' has drifted far from the principles of its founder. Millions have called him 'Lord' but have not followed his teachings.

Properly understood, Jesus Christ's words would never have produced the quarrelling factions, muddled theology, watered-down doctrines, exploitation and downright brutality, characterising so much of what has been done in the last 19^1/2 centuries in Christ's name.

However, Jesus Christ has not changed. His agenda is unaltered, his plans for the salvation of mankind are on schedule. He is now in heaven anticipating that decisive moment when he must return to his ready and waiting followers.

Those who claim to be Christians today must, therefore, be careful. Jesus Christ is not impressed simply by the size of a congregation, the splendor of its buildings, or the quality of its choirs and oratory of its pastors. Nor is he swayed by emotional protestations of love and loyalty alone.

Great works and even mighty miracles may possibly fall short of his approval, for 'Many will say to me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?" And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you who practise lawlessness" ' (Matthew 7:22-23).

In the final analysis, a commitment to Christ is a very personal matter. It is demonstrated not so much by outward expressions of devotion, as private decisions of the heart followed by action. A Christian should never forget Jesus Christ's words: 'Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven' (Matthew 7:21).

When he returns, Jesus Christ will accept and reward those who showed by the way they lived their lives that they understood what was required to follow him.