tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11627808.post-1116877059996446082005-05-23T12:16:00.000-07:002005-05-23T19:06:28.176-07:00I recently read about the LCG and their doctrinal code which is kept out of public circulation. Did Jesus have his own canon? A secret set of rules? <br /><br />I read a "little book" called The Essential Jesus. Can't seem to locate it in my library at the moment, perhaps it was taken to Petra. Could be a sign folks. The authors scoured the New Testament in search for the authentic sayings of Jesus. It condensed these sayings and teachings into a few short pages. It was a refreshing read even if you are not in the literal Jesus camp.<br /><br />When I hear of Rod Meredith's scrolls of the secret society archived away never to see daylight again, I am not moved. I am not moved by those who claim to be this, that or the other Prophet, bashing and disfellowshipping all opponents including entire nations, nor am I moved by self-aggrandizing Apostles.<br /><br />Consider the straightforward and simple message contained in the basic statements of Jesus. Love for enemies, caring for the poor and needy, treating others with fairness and equality. It truly was a message of service and basic kindness.<br /><br />Contrast that message with rules and regulations, hierarchies of "enlightened" enforcers, doctrines kept in secret (LCG), lavish personal lifestyles built on the tithes of others while refusing to help the poor and needy. <br /><br />These belief systems are almost the opposite when it comes to real action. The doing part of life. One message says over and over again, "Do for Others". Let's call it DO. The second message says, "Do Unto HQ". Let's call that one DUH. Apologies to Homer Simpson. I hope you can see a difference. <br /><br />Sitting in a local congregation listening to secret codes of religion and then returning home to stay locked away from the world only leads to misery. It doesn't help anyone and it doesn't build character and skills for the World Tomorrow. If you believe that is coming sometime soon--always in the next 5-15 years. If you want to learn to serve <em>everyone</em>, then you have to practice serving <em>everyone</em>. Cutting your pastor's lawn or laying out chairs in a hall is a nice gesture, but how about a stint at the local food bank. <br /><br />I think Jesus would have dropped in there once in a while.<br /><br />KTHO<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/11627808-111687705999644608?l=coglakeoffire.blogspot.com'/></div>Fredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06040644631958294043noreply@blogger.com8