Religion Gone Bad

Whenit’s good, it brings out the very best in people. But when religion goes amok, whether by bad leadership, doctrine or practice, its capacity to do harm is infinite.

Jesus Christ knew this. He chose to model servant leadership, something in stark contrast to the pious behavior of pharisees and other religious leaders of his day. He taught his disciples to lift people up rather than oppress them; to esteem others more highly than themselves and to exemplify right behavior without hypocrisy.

Pharisees are referenced 86 times in the gospels, and are nearly always in conflict with Jesus. He not only rebuked them for having wrong priorities and being hard-hearted, but sometimes accused them of doing Satan’s work.

In Matthew 23:23-25, Jesus said: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

Sadly, many people use bad religious leaders as an excuse to avoid God altogether, even though God is in no way responsible for the abuses made in His name. To do so is to focus on the weakness of man, rather than the perfection of God, and to miss out on the joy of His presence.

During his ministry, Jesus invited us into a way of life governed by love and grace, not burdensome oppression.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) he said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ❚

–Janine Pumilia