07/08/2024
Due to significant levels of misrepresentation and unsavory comments in Creative Writing Group, I have decided to post the introduction of UNDERSTANDING CHRISTIANITY: Christianity and Other Religions by Victor Ehighaleh.
This decision will enable more group members grasp the essence of the book instead of being guided by personal bias against religion.
INTRODUCTION
The truth is, religion has always been the easiest tool used by religious bigots and some secular leaders to control the mind-set of their subjects. Of course, adherents of different religions are not free from using religion to harass, intimidate, victimise and sometimes, forcefully impose their beliefs on non-members. Undoubtedly, every religion is guided by laws. However, oftentimes, these laws breeds a great sense of communion and brotherhood to the extent that the bond between members becomes strong and sometimes stronger than the bond between siblings. Sadly, this fact is responsible for generating the spirit of oneness at every time adherents believe their interest and growth is being threatened. Oftentimes, the urge to boost their interest and stamp their authority on whoever threatens their interest leads to the abandonment of true justice and the deployment of emotion often oiled by the need to preserve their interest regardless of the rightness or wrongness of their action. Sadly, this behaviour often leads to the denigration of opposing religious beliefs and the propagation of religious intolerance and outright falsehood aimed at the preservation of their self-interest and the eradication of opposing religious beliefs.
Unfortunately, this “cat and mouse game” has made Christianity a most misunderstood and mocked religion. The truth is, Christianity is a religion of brotherhood and peace. In fact, its central theme is love and sacrifice tailored towards fulfilling God’s purpose and aiming to spend eternity with God.
Surely, an ideal Christian is Bible believing and Holy Spirit filled. In fact, if you are not Christ-like, you are not a True Christian. You are either His or not – there is no middle position or dwelling on the fence in Christianity.
Of course, there is a very significant difference between a “Christian” and a True Christian. The truth is, Christianity is not just a religion but a way of life whose author is Jesus Christ. In essence, a Christian must be Christ-like to qualify as one. No wonder Christ said He knows His sheep and His sheep knows Him (John 10:27, Matthew 10:32).
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”
“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
Another very significant fact about Christianity is the carrying of one’s cross. No wonder Christ admonished His followers to carry their cross and follow Him (Matthew 10:38).
“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
Therefore, anyone who is not ready to carry his/her cross is not a True Christian. In fact, this injunction initiated by Christ is supposed to separate a True Christian from other “Christians.” However, in many societies, nations and cultures, a Christian is simply someone who profess to be a Christian or whose parents are Christians. In fact, this definition is absolutely erroneous. Christianity as it were, requires a personal decision. The truth is, it is not a religion based on association or imposition. You must be intentional about your decision to follow Christ and stick to His teachings, obey God’s commandments and be ready to make needful sacrifices associated with love.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, religion has become a major line of division in many societies and nations alike. As a result, some people believe they have a right to ensure their religion dominates the population and every other religion. Somehow, they seem not to consider the fact that no one chose a parent or religion before birth. The truth is, you are either born into a religion or you consciously decide to align with a religion of your choice. In fact, you can even decide to be Irreligious.
As fate would have it, sometimes, people rebel against their family religion and embrace another religion. Sadly, oftentimes, their decision is often met with deadly opposition from family members. Invariably, this leads to disownment, rejection and outright threat to life. Fortunately, this scenario does not happen in a family of True Christians. The truth is, every True Christian family when faced with dissenting voice or opposition by a family member – use tact, persuasion and prayer to address the situation. Surely, Christianity does not support the use of needless threats to force rebellious members back to the fold. Somehow, Christ-likeness encourages the show of love to whoever rebels against the religion. Here, peace is paramount!
Sadly, in today’s world, Christianity has become a most mocked, adulterated, misunderstood and controversial religion. Unfortunately, the untoward behaviour of some so-called Christians has become the yardstick or standard for measuring Christ-likeness. In fact, for them, a Christian is someone who was born by Christian parents or attends Church services whether occasionally or regularly. Undoubtedly, this flawed definition is contrary to the tenets and ideals of Christianity. The truth is, you cannot become a True Christian by association but by a personal decision devoid of coercion and you must be ready to wilfully abide by the teachings of the Bible and the commandments of God as professed by Christ.
Fortunately, this book seeks to define who a True Christian is, and also help to showcase Christianity as a religion of peace, love and tolerance.
Ideally, the cardinal aim of most religions is to foster unity at least among its members. However, this brotherly bond is often abused and used to promote violence in certain climes. Undoubtedly, a True Christian will certainly not join such evil train but will rather embrace peace, tolerance and love.
Apparently, the concept of a “Christian” and a True Christian presupposes that a “Christian” is simply a Church goer or whose parents are Christians whereas a True Christian is intentional about being Christ-like and also has a personal relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. This difference needs to be highlighted in order to rightly understand Christianity. In other words, the fact that your parents are Christians or you attend Church services regularly or occasionally does not make you a Christian. Yes, you can only be rightly referred to as a Christian if you have a personal relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. Surely, you must be intentional about abiding with the teachings of Christ. Therefore, a Christian is simply a follower of Christ! Here, a follower is one who wholeheartedly believes in Christ and ready to obey and abide by His teachings and also practically live a life prescribed by Christ – This is a True Christian!
The book is available on Amazon in three formats!
www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBJPX33N (ebook)
www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBLG74QR (paperback)
www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBPHD2D4 (hardcover)
- Author Victor Ehighaleh.
