The fourth chapter of Tim Keller's book The Reason for God discusses what people in general are supposed to do with the seeming contradiction that the church both loves Jesus and killing people, keeping slaves and being judgmental towards anyone less religious than themselves.
Ultimately, the main three points are that
1) The Church IS in fact responsible for a lot of evil
2) There are fanatics that are so judgmental that deters anyone from following whatever they are a fan of
3) Religion has been made ultimate
So, we need to deal with labels and definitions, the possibilities in the world and what it really means to follow Jesus.
Religion is not a term used much in the Bible itself (say up to 10 times, depending on the translation) and we should start here. The connotation, in general, is a consistent devotion to an idea, in the most basic sense. Many times to something spiritual, and many times ritualistic in nature. Another important distinction is what the church is. A building? ANY gathering of religious people? A particular sect?
It becomes easy to criticize those whom have declared their aim, as all people make mistakes. So they will inevitebly fail for having goals and purpose. In this case, atheism becomes difficult to criticize with its stated purpose of not having one, and arms it well with stones of critique. But, the faults, as Keller points out, are not fabricated by any other than the church, however you define it.
Two alternatives remain: one being the shear pursuit of physical and natural pleasure: survival and enjoyment. This could be through job, money, sex, influence, fame, acceptance, food, fun, entertainment, family, art, or culture. It could be anything really. And innocent on the surface, but really selfish and empty. This is only acceptable if there is nothing more, if no higher being exists and the naturalistic fatalist is correct.
So if the world is designed by God, as the Bible says (critical premise) then there is the possibility that religion and worldliness are both emptiness in the grand scheme of things. As Peter has just had his feet washed by Jesus in John 13, he says to Jesus that he will follow him to death. Jesus then points out Peter's motivation:
'Peter, you are not ready to die for me, because you haven't understood my purpose yet. You think I need you Peter, your sacrifice and all your little good deeds. Surprise! I don't!! I love you Peter, even though you are going to meet three different people tonight that you will deny any connection with me whatsoever. I love you and do not need you. At all. Be free from religion. Just be awed at my love for you and tell other people out of your joy Peter.' (interpretation of John 13:36-38)
Jesus followers get things all messed up all the time. And people think they can become loved by God for doing things. And then their identity is so caught up in their own success and failure that they will uncontrollably lash out at someone that crosses them, and join with other people that think the same, jockey for power and control, and become greedy for contol of power and money and influence.
And people who are loved by Jesus will fail. Over and over again. People, friends, enemies, duties, jobs and everything else. Christians will always disappoint in some regard. And Jesus still loves them. Because of who he is, not because of what they have done. And he will redeem the crusades and religion and false motivations.
God save me from reputation and religion and just behold the love of Jesus. And love people around me, even when its quite broken. Let it show a glimmer of hope.
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