by J.D.Curtsinger

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 07, 2008

Sadly, it seems to me religion in the modern era is more about making money than actually serving a deity. It's all around us. From the television "slicksters" who "sell" the Lord each day, to the local pastor who cares only about the bottom line of the daycare program.
Religion has gone commercial. I sat watching one of these broadcasts not long ago. I was channel surfing as I always do and happened upon it.

I noticed the polished and shined to perfection way the gospel was presented and it struck me as a sort of "infomercial for Christ." I'm not saying anything against Christ, or religion for that matter, but I do have a problem with a lot of the religious "people."
I agree a person should look their best during a church service, but too often we try to make a show of our earthly possessions, even in the church pew! If you ask me that's already getting off to a bad start. Aren't we supposed to be humble and thankful during these proceedings? I know people who won't even go without their best suit and expensive cologne. I think we have lost our way.
Have you ever stopped to count all the different denominations represented out there? It's enought to confuse even the strongest of minds. What happened to simply believing in God and trying to be the best human being you can possibly be? Isn't that really what it's all about?
It seems to me religion has gone the way of so many other things in our lives. It has been mass produced for the consumer, and whoever has the prettiest package sells the most.
How many churches boast of their membership totals, their undying efforts to save the world? It seems the one is always trying to out do the other. In the meantime the lost and dying souls they profess to be reaching out to are struggling alone in the darkness, yearning for someone to take their hand and guide them to safety.
Religion is a lot of things to a lot of people I suppose, but I feel it should first and foremost be about God, plain and simple. It cannot be about the new house, the shiny car, the designer clothes, the affiliations with the upper crust. Isn't that sort of thing for the shallow minded pampered types? Shouldn't religion be about strength, character, and the undying will to constantly improve not only your own life, but the lives of those around you? Your family, your friends, even the neighbor next door all benefit from a desire and willingness to do good.
What is religion and what is it all about? That question may not find a suitable answer until the Almighty lands in our midst to straighten it out once and for all.

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