Religion – Jesus’ viewpoint (2)

How strong is religion in Jersey? Is religion stronger here than in the UK? Is religion really the cause of suffering and war? Does religion cause suffering and “war” in Jersey?

It was in the last few days immediately before his crucifixion in Jerusalem that Jesus plainly spoke “to the crowds and to his disciples” (see bold above) about religion and religious people.

Religious? Yes, indeed. But can you work out what was wrong with that religion? As taught by Jesus? Maybe, if you can, you’ll be able to decide whether or not present-day conclusions against religion are valid. Jesus drew attention to these religious attributes.

First, he sees that when the religious are convinced that they are right they then allow themselves to avoid actually doing those right things. “Do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” In particular, when they know and teach what they know is right, they then burden others – not themselves - to do those right deeds. “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.”

Second, he sees that the religious are in it for show and not for real. “They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.” Yes, the religious are play-actors. But – much worse – their focus is not really on religion but on being above others.

Third, Jesus asks his followers – all of them – not to do something which the religious do. “You are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ.” Amongst the followers of Jesus, none are to be called “teacher” or “father” or “instructor”. The original Greek word translated “instructor” is kat-hegetes; kat means “under”; hegetes is the base of the English word “hegemony”. Religion has authoritative leaders.