November 22, 2017

Truth is truth, no matter who says it

To the editor:

I loved Miguel De La Torre’s “The Death of Christianity in the U.S.” I am trying to express similar thoughts  in a book on the  subject of what religion in general (not  just Christianity) should and could be, but is not.

I believe strongly that a major on obstacle to Christian growth and “buy in” relates to Christian doctrine that does not relate directly to the Jesus teachings. Examples of such doctrines that take the Jesus message off track include:

• Jesus as divine;
• Jesus as son of God;
• Mary as a virgin;
• The only passage to heaven is through belief in Jesus as son of God.

These beliefs seemingly have nothing to do with Jesus under any circumstances. But even if one reads the Bible as authority for such beliefs, it is nonsensical. What difference does it make if truth is set forth by a son of God, or by a regular well intended sinner like me. Jesus’ message is a good one no matter what his essence as a  son of God. Truth is not determined by who said it, or by the godliness of who said it. It is either true or not based on what is said, nor by who said it.

Jesus is son of  God only if we all are. He is godlike no matter what, but so are we all, perhaps him just more so.

I enjoyed and appreciate your message. Keep it up and tell me where to get more

Phillip Brown, Macon, Ga.