Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs

Isn't Christianity just another religion used to keep the masses in check?

Q: After visiting your site I would like to give you my input on religion as a whole. I believe that religion is used as a way to keep peoples lives in check and to give people purpose in their lives. As far back as we have records, civilizations and empires have believed in some greater being (or beings) that require human submission. Wars have been fought on account of these beliefs and nations and religions have been destroyed only to be replaced by new religions and nations.

I'm just wondering why you think your religion is so special, it's not the oldest religion in the world (I mean it's not the first religion). It's not even the largest religion in the world or the one converting the most people to itself. So what makes Christianity so special? Why should people turn to another empty religion? Does it make people feel secure? Does it give a point to life? Just curious, why in a world were Christianity is making such a small impact in the lives of nonbelievers why you all just sit around and watch the world go by; and yet continue worshipping this god who commands that you go and make a difference. I'm simply amazed that Christianity has lasted this long.

A: Thank you for your input regarding Christianity.

Yes, I think you are correct that Christianity has been used by rulers to keep peoples lives in check - hence the phrase: "Religion...is the opium of the people" (Karl Marx). That is not necessarily all bad, since every civilization needs a code of ethics in order to survive. And its not bad at all, if the code of ethics actually comes from the Creator of mankind (as Christianity claims).

Yes, I think you are also correct that Christianity gives people purpose in their lives. I don't understand how people can live without purpose. This is one of the things that drew me to Jesus Christ. I had pretty much figured out that if there was no God then there was no meaning to life. If there was no intelligence or meaning behind my existence, then I was just an accident - a random collision of molecules - that would soon cease to exist. I prayed and said "If there is a God, then show yourself to me and I will give my life to you." He did. I did.

I would take exception to what you said about Christianity not being the oldest religion. Christians see themselves as an extension of the faith that goes back to our first parents. We are a completion of the Jewish faith - after all, Jesus was Jewish.

I also would disagree about numbers. Christianity in its various forms is the largest religion in the world (about 30% of the world population). There are more Christians than Muslims, Hindus or atheists. Christians fill every corner of the globe and every part of society. The Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book in the world. I only say that to keep the facts straight - not to make a case for Christianity. Being the largest doesn't make it the best. Jesus himself said that the road that leads to life is narrow and only few find it (Matthew 7:13-14). That would seem to indicate that true Christian believers (as opposed to nominal Christians) are a minority in the world.

The most important thing about Christianity isn't rules, but relationship. Its power is in a life-giving and life-transforming relationship with Jesus the Messiah (John 1:10-13) who makes a way for us to know the Father (John 14:6-7). We get to know God, be forgiven by Him, be changed by Him, and be with Him forever. That is what has made my life worth living and sacrificing for.

By-the-way I'm also amazed that "Christianity has lasted this long." Look what He has to work with. Must be a God thing!