I am sure that you have heard of them. They went by the names of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, and Appollo to name a few. The Greek mythology is rich in amazing gods. Greek mythology is the body of stories belonging to the Ancient Greeks concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices.So, we shouldn't be surprised that much of what we see and interpret in the historical Jesus has taken on the same characteristics as the Greek Gods.
Unknowingly, Jesus has been formed and fashioned into the leader of a religion in Greek fashion.
Where does anything in the New testament say that Jesus came to establish a religion? Where does Jesus talk about a heirarchy liken unto that which Catholicism is built on with priests, cardinals, and such? You can find it in Paul and other apostles and disciples of Jesus, but you won't find it from what Jesus is attributed as having said or espoused.
Church leaders tell stories every Sunday that have Jesus (like the son of Zeus) descending from heaven (via a virgin birth) to save the world entirely on His own.
Jesus simply taught us to unite our spirits to God, the Father.
There was no need for an interim mediator, elaborate ceremonies, massive cathedrals, mega churches, or thousands of formulas that we might learn the doctrines of whatever group (can you say denomination?) announces that "they have the truth"! We simply need to let the Spirit of God flow through us, and allow the energy of that Spirit to transform us, washing away the dross (fears, doubt, and physical wounds).
If we'll follow the Spirit, and not the doctrines of man, we can more quickly bring about the NEW EARTH that is desperately needed before we destroy this OLD EARTH.
ernie@lrchouston.com
