Mars Base 21

Christianity today often resembles an egg into which someone has poked a hole and sucked out all its contents and then taken the shell, encrusted it with gold and jewels, and set it up as an object of veneration. In many ways, it remains a beautiful shell, but more and more people are finding that it no longer offers any nourishment. Indeed, there is a growing sense that somewhere between the time that Christ walked the earth and the church of the present day, a vital part of Christianity has been lost. In its place is a brand of "religion" that bears little resemblance to the teachings of Jesus Christ whose entire focus was on repentance from sin, self-denial and helping the poor. Modern Christianity, having lost sight of Christs teachings, has been co-opted by legalism, materialism and politics. Simply put, it has lost its spirituality. Whereas Christianity was once synonymous with charity, compassion and love for ones neighbor, today it is more often equated with partisan politics, anti-homosexual rhetoric and affluent mega-churches. But unlike many Christians today, Christ did not engage in politics, identify with the government or attempt to push an agenda through governmental channels. Indeed, Christ spoke truth to power and made it abundantly clear that his kingdom was not of this world. People today are starved for spirituality. Failing to find any true "nourishment" in the brand of Christianity offered today, they are seeking spiritual fulfillment in the most unexpected places. Finally, those who call themselves Christians must be mindful of the proper use of power. Its legitimate use does not include imposing ones will upon others through the government, or otherwise. From the standpoint of Christ, the proper use of power is to rely wholey upon Christ, speak truth and seek justice, regardless of the consequences...

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