I have been attending the Monday night meetings of a Christian group for about six weeks. I agree with much of what is said. Last Monday, the leader of the group looked at me and asked for input.
I started by saying that I have less faith in the Bible now than when we started. I have a problem with the idea that Jesus died for our sins. I do not believe that at all. Was Jesus a Christian? He told multiple people that their sins were forgiven, before his death. Christians who believe that Jesus died for their sins must go through a number of mental contortions to justify that Jesus could forgive sins. One such contortion is that Jesus knew he was going to die and based on that he could forgive sins. What if God, in his infinite love, could forgive sins without sacrifice?
The cross is a symbol of Christianity. Paul certainly goes through a lot of writing about Jesus’ suffering on the cross for our sins. Is it true? Or were Paul’s letters chosen to fit a narrative that people are poor, miserable sinners in God’s eyes and God needed a sacrifice to pay for those sins.
I agree with much of what Paul had to say. I disagree with the primary point – that our sin separates us from God. It is not our sin. It is our judgement.
I find that many Christians are not happy. They live in fear. They live with feelings of inadequacy. They are afraid that they are never doing what they should be doing. They are constantly sinning.
What would happen if we changed the narrative? What if Jesus is looked at as the example? Jesus said that God is father to us all. If you want to believe in sin, believe that God loves you and forgives you without a sacrifice.
So, if he did not die for our sins, why did Jesus die? The entire life of Jesus was a demonstration of the power of God the father in a human being. Jesus took a few loaves of bread and a few fish and fed thousands. He walked on water. He healed the sick. His death was the final demonstration. He overcame death. He proved that we are more than a physical body.
If you find happiness and peace in believing that Jesus was a sacrifice for you, then wonderful. If I am right and God does not care about sin, you are no worse off. You are better off because of the happiness and peace you have found.
If I am right, then by knowing that God forgives you without sacrifice, you might find peace and happiness. God loves you for being you. God is having an experience through you. Your judgement that you are not worthy, separates you from God. Forgive yourself and open your heart to God’s love.
And how did the leader of the Christian group respond to your comments? Personally, I think you've missed the mark by many miles.