From the beginning of time the normal built-in human need for a relationship with God has been exploited by power-hungry, greedy people. If you can convince someone you have more access to God than they, you can control their behavior and better yet their pocketbook. Charismatic people, able to captivate the attention and loyalty of those less socially apt, establish themselves as a priesthood, a channel to God. We see this in all cultures. We see this in large organizations and small groups following one man and sacrificing themselves for his or her personal gain, whether it be financial or physical. Surely there is a special place in hell for these pretenders. Jesus certainly took them on. See Matthew 22 and 23 to see how Jesus felt about them and the names he called them.
Jesus was hated by the religious establishment because He told people to go into their closets and talk to God. They did not need some ordained, vested individual with some fancy title. God hears the prayers of the quiet and the meek and the needy. God is anxious to quietly walk with those who see Him in the face of a child or in the depths of Orion. The priests realized if people did what Jesus advised they would no longer be needed and they would actually have to get a real job. Jesus had to go. When Jesus cleansed the temple He hit them in their wallets, a most unforgiveable sin.
When I read anti-religious polemics my heart aches. For most of what is said is true. Men and churches have abused the masses. It must make God very sad to know He is used to benefit greed. Oh that we should so live that those about us can learn that a walk with God is a personal walk of freedom. Please see Galatians 5 and 6.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 25, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org