This is the first point some thought was necessary in order to call one a Christian. To believe this is to completely deny the very fabric of history. People have always loved a good story. They have also loved to explain how they understand things, how events have transpired, and how their ancestors lived, loved, fought and overcame their many challenges.

Ancient writings exist because people have put forward their ideas and understandings about life. The collection of writings in our Bible were written by many different people, collected and edited by many others, and before having been written down they had been part of an oral tradition that may have existed for centuries.

The central story within the Bible for Christian’s is the stories about Jesus. Yet if these stories are so crucial why are they so different? Could they really be in contradiction with one another? For example the birth of Jesus was it in a stable (Luke) or in a town (Matthew)? Who was present the shepherds (Luke) or the magi (Matthew)? On the first Easter morning, who went to the tomb to find it empty? Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, as reported in Matthew; or did Salome accompany them as reported by Mark; or was it just ‘women’ as reported by Luke; or was it only Mary Magdalene as reported by John? If Jesus is such a central figure shouldn’t the followers of Jesus at least have gotten their facts correct?

What about the two different creation stories in Genesis 1 and Genesis 2? Would the sun standing still be a reality (Joshua 10:12-13), when in fact it would have to be the earth which would have to stop its orbit? What would be the result of something like that happening?

Scripture is essentially a human document outlining the experiences certain people have had in regards to that which they have called Holy. People’s writings can be most inspired but they are certainly not without human error, hence the Biblical account is a collection of inspired writings, but not without error.

It has been shown that religion has been one of the biggest culprits when it comes to the causes of war. Yet even more insidious is the inherent divisiveness within the religious realm. Being Christian I will look first at aspects of Christianity that appears to malign others of different persuasions.

Within the Christian community we hear the following pairings: church vs. un-churched, saved vs. unsaved, believer vs. non-believer, and Christian vs. the name of some other religion. We also hear words, which supposedly convey a sense of superiority such as spirit-filled, evangelical, or true-believer.

Stepping out of the Christian model for a moment we see that other religions also make divisions such as: Hindu vs. Muslim, Jew vs. gentile, catholic vs. protestant, and Muslim vs. infidel.

Following the model of Jesus we should never fall into these traps of divisiveness. Jesus brought healing and wholeness to many different people. He treated all people with love and kindness. This should be the measuring stick used in our relationships with one another. It should never be about ones beliefs but rather about how we extend love and understanding to others.

Religion should always be a tool that enhances our ability to love others. If our religious practices cause us to feel smug, complacent, holier-than-thou, aloof, proud and certain, they should be scrapped. If our religion causes us to be involved in the lives of others, extending care and love to others, working in order that others may also live, it is a most holy enterprise.

May our ability to love others always be the norm by which our success is measured.