The Lies They Tell

Within the walls of Christendom, most would tell you that truth holds the greatest currency... if you listen to how much they like to market the word truth and claim to be the bearers of truth (as if it was an object).  The funny thing is that if you look across headlines and dip your pinky toe into the shallow end of church history, you'll know that Christians - especially Christian leaders - have a big problem with telling the truth.  Sometimes there are outright lies and scandals where truth was obscured until someone found out in the light of day. Other times, lies are trafficked as truth hidden under the layers of Christianeze and hollow, yet holy-sounding, sentiments. Then, there are the instances where the pious claim to know something emphatically, yet require us to trust their word that it's true. More lies.  The sad thing is that it almost seems like a game to the pastors and power brokers of the faith. Manipulate people to get what you want. Play with people's fear of the unknown to profit. Stoke the fires of tribalism to make sure there's always an 'us and them' narrative in play. Its winner takes all in their own game of spiritual Monopoly where the name of Jesus is more a marketing tool than the mission.  It seems that Christianity has a truth problem, which stems from the fact that It ultimately has a Jesus problem.  When love and sacrifice isn't the core driving force and being an ally to others is seen a sinful, we've taken a wrong turn. The words and call of Christ were grounded in reality. The Kingdom of God was declared "here and now." It was present and should be seen as active and present now.  The simple ways of Jesus have been forgotten and replaced by the Christian Industrial Complex. It's a machine that chews up and spits out people. There is no love or grace there, only facade and pomp. Jesus has left the building and no one noticed.  I did.  Maybe you did too.  As for me, I choose to live outside of it, with people that aren't always like me. I'd rather get my hands dirty with good trouble and get busy being someone's ally, rather than be seen as holy or respectable. It's in these places where I find Jesus the most.  Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com