t who is currently attending an Episcopal church, btw...)
The Bible says repeatedly that God is always with us or will always be with us. Jesus says in the last chapter of Matthew (first chapter of Acts, perhaps? I don't recall exactly) that He was going to return to Heaven to prepare a place for us, but that He would send a helper (the Holy Spirit) to continue leading us. The Trinity being what it is, the Holy Spirit *is* Jesus; just another aspect of Him. Same as Jesus is another aspect of God.
The "job" given to the original disciples was to teach the Gospel and heal the $PROBLEMS of the people. There was never once anything said about "Go ye therefore into all the world, teaching everyone that they can only come to the Father through Me, by way of you." No, the disciples were told, "Go ye therefore into all the world to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." John 3:16-19 (paraphrased) says "God loves everyone in the world so much that He gave His only Son. Whoever believes in His Son will have eternal life. God didn't send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to give life to the world."
Nowhere does the Bible say that we require human intermediaries. I've discussed with Catholic clergy (and never gotten a good answer) about their daily/weekly/monthly confessional requirements, when the Bible only declares the need for one confession, and that only to God. I would be curious to see if any Catholics can give me biblical proof of the need to confess to a priest...? I'm not disparaging the religion or trying to start a fight; I've just never gotten a good answer from anyone as to why it's required.
And forcing someone to tithe to be allowed into heaven.... The Bible calls for tithes in the book of Leviticus and again in Acts. Tithes are to be given back to God for His use. I put money into the offering plate when I can afford to, but I don't feel obligated to put 10% of my income into the plate every time it comes around. God knows that I love Him, and God also knows that I give back some of my time every week in guitar practice and singing for Him, and even in responses to questions on messageboards like this one, where I am teaching others about Him (even if those others have no desire to convert).
Did that answer your question, Illiad? |
