Are All "Christian" Religions Pleasing to God?

Christianity, by definition, is a religion whose nucleus centers on the teachings of Christ Jesus as presented in the Greek scriptures of the bible.

Followers of Jesus and his teachings are known as Christians, and they pattern their life course after the Apostles and other first century disciples of Christ, who were first referred to as Christians in the eleventh chapter of the book of Acts.

These true Christians avow the bible as the inspired word of God, and wholeheartedly embrace the need to exercise faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. Abiding by the oft-quoted principle found at John 17:3, true Christians recognize their need to continually take in knowledge about God, and the one through whom a hope for the future has been made realizable, Jesus Christ.

But why is there such an abundance of mainstream "Christian" religions? They all claim to be of true origin. Yet do all religions please God? What of the Jehovah's Witnesses? Are they true Christians? This article will address these weighty topics.

The definition of a Christian, as mentioned above, shows that in no way are Jehovah's Witnesses anti-Christian, and their teachings do not dissent or contradict what a true Christian should be. However, Christianity as a whole, with its innumerable variance in teachings, opposing denominations and a history moored in bloody conflicts and political ambitions, has progressively lost its grip on the masses.

In that sense, Jehovah's Witnesses reveal that many of the world's mainstream "Christian" religions fail miserably to measure up to the benchmark exemplar and founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ.

The identity of a true Christian, when measured against both the morality of those who profess to carry such a title, and the exploits of individuals who have committed hateful atrocities in the name of Christ, has become misplaced and regrettably ambiguous. Many claim to be a Christian, but does an appraisal of their lives show that they truthfully are? How can so many religions assert a Christian nucleus, and yet be so different both in doctrine and deed?

As a window into one example, consider the teachings of Catholicism. The narration of the Roman Catholic Church is pocked with periods of trial where huge fissures in teachings splintered the Church. Even in modern day, the churches approval or tolerance of such God-displeasing actions as homosexuality and the like have caused many to abandon the Church.

Indeed, Catholicism has been long divided over issues such as birth control, abortion, divorce, celibacy for priests, women clergy, gay clergy, Papal infallibility, purgatory, confession and even the meaning of the Mass. The Church has even boasted of the many changes that it has instituted to meet the revolving needs of their parishioners. To say nothing of the world wars that the Church has buttressed, with its military Chaplains blessing troops on either side of the battlefield. Soldiers of the same "Christian" religions bowed their heads in reverence, as they hypocritically prayed to the same God for victory and protection, then shouldered their arms and slaughtered one another.

Many individuals simply do not feel spiritually enlightened or enriched after years of attending church services. After a self-analysis, one may ask, 'What have I really learned about God and the bible? Do I feel close to my Creator and can I say that I have a clear understanding of ALL of the bible's teachings? Does my church even use the bible regularly?'

In the United States and many other western lands, many feel that they are Christians because they attend a "Christian" church. But does being a Christian austerely mean that one simply attends a church service once a week or the occasional holiday, following certain social customs and traditions?

It cannot be argued that Christ Jesus laid the foundation for Christianity. His invigorating, illuminating and inspiring way of teaching astounded people, both in the First Century and today as well. Being a true disciple of Christ and wanting to please Jehovah God is thus a way of life. Christian meetings are to reinforce and encourage that requisite, not for bingo and beer tents.

These modern trends stand in stark contrast with the Christianity that Christ and his followers taught and practiced. When Jesus preached here on earth, he did not offer cafeteria or a buffet style of religion, where one can pick and choose what is liked and reject what is not. He stated at Luke 9:23, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake day after day and follow me continually." Jesus taught people that the Christian way of life was one of personal sacrifice, consistent effort and rich rewards.

Logically then, should not the word "Christian" refer to a way of life that reflects the attitudes, values and conduct that Christ tirelessly preached and exemplified? In light of the serious disunity among professed Christians today, we do well to examine what Jesus himself taught.

The Mark of a True Christian

Jesus told his followers, at John 15:14, "You are my friends if you do what I am commanding you." His commands were forthright and unpretentious, vastly different from what the Jewish Scribes and Pharisees burdened the people with. Since Jesus' teachings affected all aspects of their lives, Christ's disciples initially referred to their religion as "The Way." (Acts 9:2) Soon thereafter, these supporters of Christ "were by divine providence called Christians." (Acts 11:26)

Christ's teachings moved individuals to follow a life course that was founded on the laws and principles as set out in the bible. Those who profess to be Christians are weighed and filtered against that same standard today. Among other things, a true Christian shuns such wrongdoings as "fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, . . . drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these." (Galatians 5:19-21)

Ernest W. Barnes, an English scientist and theologian, discussed the lifestyle of the first century Christians in his book "The Rise of Christianity." He notes, "In its early authoritative documents the Christian movement is represented as essentially moral and law-abiding. Its members desired to be good citizens and loyal subjects. They shunned the failings and vices of paganism. In private life they sought to be peaceful neighbours and trustworthy friends. They were taught to be sober, industrious and clean-living. Amid prevailing corruption and licentiousness they were, if loyal to their principles, honest and truthful. Their sexual standards were high: the marriage tie was respected and family life was pure." Does this not sound like a true follower of Christ?

Another distinctive sign of early Christians was their zealous evangelizing work. Christ commanded his followers: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations." (Matthew 28:19,20) Make no mistake, this critical and imperative command laid a charge on any who profess to be true Christians. They must engage in a campaign of preaching and teaching others about the instrument that lays the bible based hope for the future, God's Kingdom. The very same Kingdom that Christ underscored and the same one that many utter in the Lord's Prayer "to come."

This responsibility would remain as an integral part of one's worship to God. It would not be simply an armchair effort, lazily done in the friendly confines of a local church to those who might happen to wander in. It would not be a brief window where young people are mandated to do it for a year or so. It would be consistent, worldwide and organized.

There is only one religious group known for their enthusiastic "door to door" preaching work. Jehovah's Witnesses take to heart their responsibility to be fervent evangelizers. Even the New Catholic Encyclopedia recognizes and comments on the Witnesses passionate activity. It says, "The fundamental obligation of each member...is to give witness to Jehovah by announcing His approaching Kingdom...To be a true Witness one must preach effectively in one way or another."

When is the last time a Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Baptist, etc. came to your door?

A true Christian also must adhere to Christ's teachings to "love one another just as I have loved you." (John 14:34). Christ goes on to say, in verse 35, that the love shown among the members of true Christians would be so robust, that it would serve as an identifying mark to those seeking the truth. "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."

One way this unselfish love would manifest itself is by a true Christian's refusal to participate in wars. History is benchmarked by bloody wars fought in the name of God and Christ. With the cross blazoned on the crests of swords and shields, "Christians" slaughtered one another and others in the Crusades, the French War, and the Thirty Year War, just to name a few. In modern days, how many times, on a major world scale, have Catholic, Protestant and the like gone to war against fellow believers, killing them in the name of some "greater good"? Clergy and leaders of these same religions blessing their troops on opposing sides, praying to and asking that they be granted victory from the same God! A duplicity and religious hypocrisy that Christ and his Father will not stand for.

True Christians today should stand out for their distinctive way of life, just as they did in the first century. Accordingly, Jehovah's Witnesses strive to adhere strictly to the precepts established by the first Christians. Anyone who is familiar with Jehovah's Witnesses is well aware of this fact. The Witnesses efforts to pattern their lives after the teachings of the Bible are noticed by others. Again, the New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that Jehovah's Witnesses are known as "one of the best-behaved groups in the world." A revealing complement from one of the world's major "Christian" religions.

The claims of Christianity have rung hollow on too many occasions. The many wars of plunder and conquest justified in terms of winning converts to Christ are but one example of a blight that has soured long-time parishioners. Commercialism has overtaken doctrine, and the comfort that so many need in these difficult times has been sadly nominal and negligibly forged. Too many times have loved ones sought consolation and biblical explanation as to why terrible things have happened to those closest to them. The justification? "God needed another angel." "It's a mystery." "The Lord works in mysterious ways."

Such cowardly rationalizations paint God as cruel and heartless, and leave individuals spiritually bankrupt. The ideals of faith, hope and love may be the paramount Christian virtues, but those who are said to aspire to those virtues often are misinformed, deluded, or practice a desultory form of devotion that God and Christ do not recognize.

Why so Many "Christian" Religions?

The reason for this adulterated form of Christianity? In the parable of the wheat and the weeds at the thirteenth chapter of Matthew, Jesus foretold that after he had planted the seeds of true Christianity, an enemy would interfere. Verse 39 of that same chapter identifies the enemy as none other than Satan the Devil. Apostasy set in, as spearheaded by God's adversary, and the churches of Christendom have fallen prey, perpetuating the same doctrinal and moral mistakes and reaping the effects.

Is it appalling or outrageous to link churches of Christendom with the chief enemy of Jehovah? Perhaps you may think so. But consider, the Devil was once an emissary of God. He no doubt knows the writings of the Bible better than you or I. On many occasions, he quoted these writings, twisting them to his advantage as he tried to sway Jesus. Indeed, if he were to present himself as he is, a horrible, egocentric fiend, few would voluntarily turn to him.

The solution? The Bible tells us that Satan "keeps transforming himself into an angel of light." (1 Corinthians 11:14) Thus by extension, verse 15 tells us that it is "nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness," whether they know it or not.

Jesus' parable at Matthew 13 continues: "The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man that sowed fine seed in his field. While men were sleeping, his enemy came and oversowed weeds in among the wheat, and left." Surprisingly, when servants brought this evil deed to the man's attention and asked for permission to collect the weeds, the man said: "No; that by no chance, while collecting the weeds, you uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest season I will tell the reapers, first collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up, then go to gathering the wheat into my storehouse." (Verses 24-30)

As Jesus himself explained in his illustration, the man who sowed wheat in the field represents himself, and the seeds he planted represent true Christians. The enemy, as previously mentioned, who sowed the weeds among the wheat represents the Devil. And the weeds represent lawless, apostate individuals who falsely claim to be servants of God. The Apostle Paul further confirmed this traitorous form of worship. At Acts 20:29,30 he said, "I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves."

Did what Jesus illustrated and what Paul foretold come true? It certainly did. Disregarding the mandate at John 15:19 to be "no part of the world," the power-hungry formed their alliances with rulers and formed State churches that amassed immense authority and wealth. These churches taught "twisted things." Through countless wars they evidenced that they had no interest in practicing Christian neutrality and love of neighbor, both teachings of Christ that demonstrate the identity of a true Christian.

It becomes clear that churches, who for centuries have called themselves Christian, represent merely a facade of Christianity. This explains the continuing trend of churches fragmenting into sects, churches meddling in politics and churches disregarding God's laws. Such bad fruitage is the product, not of true Christianity, but of counterfeit Christianity, which the Devil planted. As Jesus showed in his illustration, they will not simply die out for lack of support. They will be judged and destroyed.

Before the "weeds" of false Christianity are collected and destroyed, however, Jesus' illustration indicates something else that must happen. For centuries, the growth of false Christian "weeds" was so extensive that the "wheat" of true Christianity was practically obscured. But Jesus told the reapers to allow the two to grow together, until a time when they can be clearly distinguished.

We are living in that time now. Christ described the wheat being separated from the weeds during the "harvest," which he said represents "a conclusion of a system of things." (Matthew 13:39-43)

True Christians are now separating themselves out from the "weeds" of Christendom. Jehovah's Witnesses, as a worldwide organization of over seven million members, spearhead the preaching work that Christ started and commanded his true disciples to do, namely, helping others to know the true God, Jehovah.

As Witnesses of the true God, they do not debase his standards. Jehovah's Witnesses do not offer entertainment at their meetings. They do not pass a collection plate. You will not find hundreds of candles burning in darkened corners, or colossal images set up for the worshippers to immorally direct their prayers to. There are no priests adorned in outlandish garb, chanting daunting prayers in eccentric song-like form as they swing around chalices filled with holy water. No one will tell you to say a certain number of "Our Father" or "Hail Mary" prayers depending on the gravity of your "sin," as if God simply grants penitence via the continual, meaningless insincere repetition of a certain number of prayers.

You will not find anyone who is a true Witness of Jehovah God who also took up arms and engaged in war. Can the same be said of your religion? How many Catholics, Protestants and the like have killed one another in major wars? You will not find a Jehovah's Witness who also votes in elections, for they are completely politically neutral, and while they are known worldwide as peaceful, law-abiding honest citizens, they care not for which ruler is elected, for they put their full hope in God's Kingdom alone as the only real solution to the problems facing humankind.

What you will find is warm love and friendship, qualities that they learn from their study of the Scriptures. In no other religion can one travel to the opposite end of the world, and based on the sole fact that they too worship the true God Jehovah, be taken in and treated as a dear brother. Can you say that about your religion?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the restoration of God's original purpose for mankind; the earth is to be transformed into a paradise and inhabited by the meek of the earth, as he originally wanted. (Psalms 37) The scriptures make this hope clear, but this destiny has been polluted by nebulous teachings on heaven, hell, immortality of the soul, and the trinity, among others.

Yet first, as the parable explained, the world must be plucked clean of the negative weed-like influence of false religion, known in the Bible as Babylon the Great. According to Bible prophecy, Jehovah will soon bring about that radical change. Once obedient mankind has been relieved of the deceptive practices of false religion, true Christian worship will unite all of those living on earth. Will you be there to see this?

Clearly, true Christianity is much more than having one's name in the membership rolls of one of the many religions of Christendom. As we have seen, Jesus himself foretold the rise of counterfeit Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses invite you to learn what Jesus taught and put it into practice. That is what it means to be a true Christian. Jesus himself told us at John 13:17: "If you know these things, happy you are if you do them."

And so you shall be.