Last Fall I read The End of Religion by Bruxy Cavey. It has impacted me in ways I would not have expected and a book I would highly recommend, whether you’ve been brought up in the church or not. As for me, it has done two things for me. In some ways I’ve been challenged, and in other ways I think I have become more settled in my faith.The challenge is to let go of our dependency on works or good deeds and rest in the knowledge that God has done the work. It is a call to relationship, rather than religion. The theme centers around the fact that religion is man trying to get to God and relationship is God coming to man. So, in a relationship with God, I will love Him because He first loved me. If I’m trying to get God’s approval and thinking that it’s through my works that he will love me . . . that's religion. In relationship, I obey because I love Him, not to get approval.
Jesus was always stretching the religious leaders' concepts of what it means to love God. When you love God, you will love your neighbor and the laws that you try to follow will not get in the way of loving your neighbor. (the Good Samaritan is an example of that.) Bruxy states that “ He (Jesus) portrays their religious affiliation as a barrier rather than a motivator to becoming involved in the life of a hurting person.”
When I think of religion I think of laws being the glue. If I follow the laws, I will be okay, if I don’t I’m out. Bruxy Cavey says that “Law tends to cultivate a "what –can –I get away-with" mentality.”
When I think of relationship, I think of love being the glue. Love motivates obedience. In relationship there is no fear, because perfect love casts out fear. In a relationship that is based on love, there is no fine print that defines the borders because love is not self seeking.
“For God so loved the World that He gave his only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
8 comments:
I like that. I think I may have to read that book.
Anneliese, thank you for the book review. So often I look at all the books and have no clue what is worth reading. .this one sounds so good.
Anneliese too bad you live so far away from me, I would borrow this book from you tomorrow. I guess I will just have to buy one. Thanks for share this book review with us.
Like Lovella says it is hard to know what is inside the hard covers of a book.
alvina
Hmmm....I can relate although I have not read the book. Since I stepped 'out of religion and church' I was 'forced' to form a dependancy on relationship rather than church family and church 'form'. Although both have their place...what is the essence of faith? Personal committment and daily walk with Him. It is a huge difference if priorty begins with a personal relationship. Oh what a friend we have in Jesus....many cannot define that 'friendship' as they have not lived it.
It is so true! Our relationship with Christ could never be based on what we could do for Him but what He has already done for us! If we ever had the concept that religion or exercising a "form" of godliness is what God required of us, we were so sadly deceived. It's all about Him! And what peace in simply being "accepted in the Beloved" and resting there! Praise Him! Thanks for the book review Anneliese!
That's great... thanks for the review. Andrew is reading Mere Christianity by CS Lewis at the moment. Do you think this would be a good follow-up book for him to read??
Hi Anneliese,
I have read the book as well and I have to agree wiht you. It is an amazing book that challenges you to focus on your relationship with God instead of works and deeds.
Thanks for sharing
Sounds like a terrific book which I will endeavour to get my hands on and read. I'm sure I can learn a lot. By the way, Anneliese, I'm loving reading through your reflections - books section.
Sonya
Post a Comment