Is Christianity only about Money, Power, and Power-Politics?

Recently I heard a critique made about Christianity that did not surprise me, though it did sadden me.  Many people view institutionalized Christianity (including the Christian leaders who are at the head of the institutionalized Church in North America) as being interested only in Money, Power, and Politics.

People, especially the younger generation, are turning away from formalized ‘religion’ and are happily embracing their own personalized spiritual journeys.  They feel no need for institutionalized religion.  They have little respect for religious clergy.  They have no interest in religious formalities.  And they reject outright many traditional religious teachings, perceived to be as nothing more than outdated, irrelevant rules and regulations.

First I must note: There is nothing new under the sun.  Every generation seems to be one step away from total disbelief and rejection of all traditional values and practices.  The Elders of any given generation are always fearful that the up-and-coming next generation is about to throw away everything that their Elders dearly hold as sacred and holy.  This was as true in 4th century BC Athens Greece, as in 4th century AD Rome, as it is today in 21st century America.

Nevertheless, the point is well taken.  It certainly does look as if the only thing that today’s Christian leaders are worried about is whether they have sufficient money coming in to fill their coffers, and whether they have sufficient personal prestige and influence to sway the outcome in a political campaign to get what they want and to maintain political clout.  This is not good.

This is why it is always good to go back to the root source of a religious movement and practice.  For Christians that means going back to the person of Jesus.

I am a pastor.  That means that I am a part of today’s institutionalized Christianity.  I have a title, a position, an office, a salary, and all the quirks and benefits that go with said office and title.  But that doesn’t mean that I have a corner on the market of spirituality or even godliness.  Nor does it mean that people actually take me seriously.  (Poor me—do I hear anyone playing a violin in my behalf?)  But that’s the point.  I am not the subject or object of concern.  Jesus is?  Is anyone listening to Jesus?

It’s about Jesus!  It’s not about religious teachers, priests, pastors, preachers, prophets, patriarchs or popes.  Pretty much everyone will agree that Jesus stands out in history.  Jesus is special, uniquely different, a man above everyone in all generations.  So, if you want to be mentored, taught, and guided by someone that knows, I mean really knows God—go to Jesus, directly!

Yes, institutionalized religion can be god-awful.  But, the sad fact is, whenever two or more people get together out of a common belief, faith, or shared set of rituals and practices—you have institutionalized religion.  We can’t help but to formalize and institutionalize what we believe and practice as our faith.  The challenge is to keep it fresh and new.  But that challenge does not only rest with us.  God and God’s Spirit must have a role in our spiritual awakening, which brings me back to Jesus.

I dare you to call on Jesus and give Him a challenge.  Seriously and sincerely challenge Jesus to come to you or to address you or to do whatever it may take, to get your attention—internally, spiritually, where your heart and soul are most open and vulnerable.  If Jesus is what the Biblical Testaments claim Him to be, Jesus will answer.