Discussion to challenge the difference between religion/tradition and true Christian life

2. WHY RELIGION ??
Many people in the “modern world”
would say, there is NO NEED for
RELIGION !
“We can explain all aspects of life
by SCIENCE”

3. CAN SCIENCE EXPLAIN IT ALL ?
… origin of life ?
… origin of nature ?
… lightening ?
… origin of religions ?
… near-death experiences ?
… human behavior ?
… “soul” ?

4. WHY DO MANY NEED A RELIGION ?
NOT because man could not explain
natural phenomena -> science can do it
mostly
BUT because of:
• FEAR from uncertainty and death
• NEED for supernatural helpers
• TRADITION from society

5. WHAT IS THE AIM OF RELIGION ?
… to become a “better person”
… to get benefit from supernatural powers
… to improve life quality
… to get happy
…

6. CONFUSION ABOUT
CHRISTIANITY
SURPRISINGLY - Christian life is NOT
about
• to become “better” or “happy”
• to get benefits / blessings
• to improve life
• to have fewer problems

7. CHRISTIAN LIFE IS DIFFERENT !
―Do not love the world or the things in the
world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the
world — the desires of the flesh and the
desires of the eyes and pride of life — is not
from the Father but is from the world.
And the world is passing away along with its
desires, but whoever does the will of God
abides forever.‖
The Bible, 1.John 2,15-17

8. “THE WORLD” AND GOD
Human goals in life are directed by nature
and society – and are ALL IN CONTRAST
to the intentions of God.
There must be a CHOICE between values
of the “world” and values of God.

9. THE VALUES
In the World
• Happiness
• Health
• Comfort
• Wealth
• Power
• Success
With God
• Love
• Endurance
• Persecution
• Humility
• Trust
• Weakness

10. The God of the Bible does not serve
me,
BUT I am supposed to SERVE HIM.
The Bible does not promise a happy
life,
BUT a life that has meaning.
The Bible does not improve my life,
BUT wants me to give it up for
God.

11. WHY WOULD ANYBODY DO THAT ?
NOBODY would do that, right ?
We love our religion = our ego !
Most people – me included in the past –
are “good Christians” as a kind of life-
insurance, because somehow we fear hell.
The Bible, John 6,44

12. BUT:
one can NOT just “become a
Christian” – only those who are
willing
to give up all for Christ.

13. THE START
―For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the LORD, plans for welfare and not for
evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon me and come and
pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek
me and find me, when you seek me with all
your heart.‖
The Bible, Jeremiah 29,11-12

14. … SO WHAT ?
Religion is for people who like to see themselves in the center of
the universe
Everybody has a god – him- or herself and money
Jesus was and is most hated because He is against any religion
Without help from God, nobody can become a true Christian
The alternative to religion –> life with God
Thank you for your attention