Apostasy

Dear Brother Ron

What do you think of apostasy? As an ex-Catholic, I am curioua.

Brassy

Dear Brassy

Apostasy is a rejection of the teachings of one's religion. The difference between apostasy and heresy is that heretics claim to be still following their religion or to be the true followers of that religion. Apostates reject a certain religion and no longer claim to be followers.

It is important to distinguish between religion and spirituality. Spirituality is the inner communication between the individual and the Living Spirit of God within. Religion is the outward expression of that spirituality. Just because a person rejects the teachings and rituals of a certain religion, that does not mean the person has rejected God. It merely means the person no longer recognizes the teachings and perspectives of a certain religious organization.

Such people usually go in search of other organizations whose teachings and rituals they find more attuned to their personal relationship with God. Naturally, most religious organizations consider such rejections of official doctrine as blasphemy. Personally, I consider it spiritual growth. God is much too big to be codified into one doctrine.

What if we passed a law that people visiting an art museum could only view a statue from the front? You could not view it from the side or any other angle. This would limit your understanding and appreciation for the work. The same is true of God. If you only limit yourself to a certain perspective, you miss out on a full understanding of His power and majesty.

We are God's children. Our Father wants what every father wants for his children. He wants us to grow up. I seriously doubt that our Father approves of any human restrictions which hamper that growth.

Best always
Brother Ron