The Christ Test

Should the new Christ begin a new religion?

    
    It is not until nearly a century after the death of Jesus, and through the efforts of Paul and other apostles that Christianity begins to be unified as a formal religion -- eventually becoming greatly homogenized as the state religion of the Roman Empire. At this time in world history the only way for a religion to perpetuate with any security is to be a state sponsored or approved religion, and Christianity does not thrive with vast membership, becoming one of the great religions of the world, until this happens.
    
    With democratic ideals the protection of religion does not require state sponsorship. In the age of the Internet the structure of a unified political religious organization may also be unnecessary to propagate and maintain a particular belief. The Truth of faith, love and grace may transcend secular dogma. Yet, the integration of community as a function of faith is something that requires some formalization. Nevertheless, there is no need for a new religion -- only for people to be faithful and true to the religions that already exist.
    
    Each of the great religions of the world came about to offer new insight and inspiration to followers. They create new understanding about humankind’s relationship to the universe and to God. There may be no need for a new religion, but there is need to bring together that which is most vital and holy in all faiths. The Love and Grace of God must return to the central focus and function of religion at the expense of all else. Only if this cannot be done should there be any new religion -- not one that is better, but a reorientation to the Truth that is lost.

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