Love Jesus-Hate Yourself
Read Time:3 Minute, 36 Second
While humanists promote being strong, resilient, autonomous, and assertive, people in churches are told they must be subordinate to God, and that personal identity and self-esteem reside only in the relationship with Jesus. This was a recurrent theme in Paul’s writings:
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Gal. 6:3, KJV,) and more:
“Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?” (Rom. 9:20–21, KJV) and more:
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3, KJV.)
In my opinion Paul tried to make people feel small to make himself, their connection with God, look big. He was desperate to control others, and many of today’s preachers are little different.
A commonly quoted part of scripture is:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18, KJV.)
People mustn’t be proud or God will put them back in their place!
As a direct consequence of biblical nonsense, many believers have a heartfelt, perhaps subconscious conviction that their innermost self is at fault and inferior. This is particularly true for some women, who can have their self-esteem squashed by studying the bible. This contrasts starkly with Aristotle’s humanist ethos that a healthy self-esteem, being the mean between undue humility and empty vanity, is necessary for a meaningful life.
Preachers claim people get “grace” from God. The family dog might wag his tail if patted, but pretend praise from an imaginary man in the sky can’t create real self-esteem, particularly in someone who’s been repeatedly told they were born a sinner and are nothing without god.
I’ve been generalizing. Some progressive Christians stress the importance of self-esteem, and many preachers claim people are worthy and lovable. Yet they can’t deny that an integral part of the dogma is that Jesus died for people because they’re so sinful.
I encourage all Christians to recognize your own power and worth. You are unique, valuable and precious, particularly if you decide to believe it. Your own intellect and ideals are real and valuable, and you don’t need God’s grace. Patronizing preachers put you down, and usually disguise it with a veneer of benevolence. Don’t let them:
Biblical authors tried to suppress individualism, and freethinking.
“Casting down imaginations,” wrote Paul,“and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5, KJV.)
All thoughts not focused on obeying Christ were evil. How convenient for him, as Christ was his creation! How appropriate for today’s preachers, who claim they speak for Christ.
Jesus claimed emotions such as anger or lust were sinful:
“Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matt. 5:21–22, KJV) and more:
“But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matt. 5:28, KJV.)
God knows what you’re thinking. Whoever wrote this wasn’t content with laying down rules for behavior, he wanted to control people’s emotions too, so he had the celestial dictator threaten punishment for thought crime.
Emotions are natural; they help us make decisions and understand others. They are what they are, not bad or wrong. Christian preachers have no right to control them.
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Well I’ll be damdne!
This was a very interesting read, and it’s well worthy of sharing, which I’ve done. Thanks Mark.
People that are disparaging of themselves are much easier to control.
You have no sense of our lord jesus. You ar all damdne
That’s a typical christian threat. “You’re going to hell!”
If you had any facts or rational reasoning to offer, you would not need to make empty threats of hell or false promises of heaven. In the end, no matter what you religious reich people say, it comes down to this:
“Do as I say without questions and you’ll go to heaven. Ignore me and you’ll be punished for all eternity.”
No proof is ever offered, just threats and lies.
BTW, it’s “damned”. Why are you babble bashers always so poorly educated? Oops, awkward moment for you. Education and rational thinking are always fatal to any religion.
‘damned !’
er…sorry….could you say that last bit again?
No.
I’ve been studying Jesus’ history for seven years. I know more about him than you.
Don’t feel threatened by the truth. The truth will set you free.
I really wish you would go away.
It’s called “Freedom of Speech”. Besides, it’s so much fun making her look absurd. Or rather, allowing her to demonstrate her absurdity. No one can make you look stupid. You do that to yourself. Others can only point it out to you.
I have to admit, there are some that seem to enjoy demonstrating dumbness in public.