Conversation (1)

I am in email conversations with a friend about the faith. Here's a sample of our recent dialogue.

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Hi Rick,

I was thinking of Christianity last evening and I believe it would be hard to debate it in the negative. It has always been religious leaders’ misinterpretation or blatantly abusing the bible by that has caused problems.

The problem with Christianity is not the bible, it is preachers who misinterpret the bible or abuse their position. It’s not the herd, but the herders that are most responsible for the wrong done in the name of Christianity.

Now we're back to [pastors and preachers]. I don’t hate them. I don’t like who they are. They are not my enemies, but the enemies of Christianity.

***

Good morning,

What matters most to me is not that you like me – I hope you do – or that you like [pastors] or any preacher.

What I want most is that you passionately, fervently, truly love Jesus. He’s all that matters. Love Christ. So, maybe you could reread the gospels and just ask yourself, “Is He worth loving?”

Whether you love Christianity or not is not most important.

If you love Jesus, though, He changes you and puts love (not necessarily like) in your heart for others - even pastors and preachers. You become like Him – the One who came to save the very ones who would reject Him.

“For God so loved that He gave…” “As the Father has sent Me, so send I you.”

Keep thinking. Praying now and then wouldn’t hurt either. Let's keep the dialogue going.