BY R.D

Metaphysical Reality:

Prior to Richard Neave’s reconstruction, Jesus’ ethnicity and relationship to John the Baptist were always unclear.

I am not a scholar of theological advice or history, nor am I a particularly devoted Christian, but this should make no difference when considering conversion as a result of discovery or possibly arguing for the signing of a new song in the future.

There are still some who ask why Jesus was the only Caucasian male in a place where everyone is thought to have tan skin and wool hair, and why he was not adopted or flown in from the West. Despite today’s postcard of Christ’s image,. 

Religion, with or without DNA, has always been complicated, particularly when it comes to conflicts over this mystical being who spreads peace and calm like an eagle gliding through the air, but since he left, there have been ongoing wars.

Furthermore, many archaeologists and theological scholars have interpreted or concluded where the holy sites surrounding the Christian experience began, but the Holy Scriptures remain complicated for many readers.

I had no choice but to get up every Sunday and accompany my parents to church until I could say, “Not this Sunday.” There has always been a profound spiritual struggle and questions about how the world should look, live, and accept itself under this tent.

Even in the neighborhood where I grew up, I observed numerous incidents that made me think about the depths of our humanity. I often contemplate the influence of early archeologists on our perception of beauty and intelligence, and how the media has further perpetuated this portrayal.

As a result, many people have developed a hatred for themselves; could this be an extension of that? In fact, the objective of religion is to delve further into these concepts.

The complexities of this history also appeared to have widened into a debate that has lasted since Muhammad, who outlived his sons and died without an apparent heir, has remained a source of contention between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Perhaps they are trying to figure out which culture, or “faith,” is the true heir and representative of true Islam. Again, I am not an expert on these topics.

From the Pulpit

For over 2,000 years, Christianity was the most popular religion in the twentieth century, according to history. It has encountered difficulties, as have many geopolitical issues, in the pursuit of tolerance, freedom, acceptance, and the role it can play in doing more for the poor.

Today’s sermon is not an attack on Christianity, religious doctrine, or promoting racial divisions; nor is it an attempt to install a new piece of artwork in the pulpit or halls depicting a bronze-skinned male holding a sword in wool clothing looking over a flock of sheep.

This is only an outside evaluation, without the scriptures that focus on the ongoing questions. It doesn’t matter what your skin tone or eye color is; each person has their own canvas. Even those who are not sure where he came from or what he should look like struggle with their own divisions within themselves.

One positive is that this establishment’s efforts to unite communities under the faith of peace, reconciliation, tranquility, and tolerance will determine the future of Christianity, not one’s skin color, church size, political connections, or what many families instilled in them.

According to the scriptures, he breathed life into non-believers, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Christians, and everyone else. Scholars also contended that he was the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, manifested in Jesus, who came to save the world.

Although there are many powerful religious leaders today, preachers of tolerance appear to have taken a back seat or only appear when the camera is on.

The ongoing social and geopolitical turmoil has also raised questions about whether Jesus has done enough for humanity, especially since Christianity has spread across many continents and into the Western world.

What grade would I assign to some of his disciples today? If you believe that John the Baptist had an assistant or an advisor, it appears that many disciples today could benefit from another John the Baptist.

t is not as simple as the number of new baptisms performed, and to sum it up, if my interpretation of Luke 14 is correct, “how willing are we to give up?”

II don’t want to compare followers’ undivided love to being in a toxic relationship, in which love can cloud one’s vision.

This silent affirmation, special reverence, and usual respect for calm even high tides is a powerful tool that many of us could use today.

The Altar Call

Even many non-believers have viewed the church for thousands of years as a community force that fosters tolerance, towns, sustainability, and guidance for future generations.

Religion became the foundation of the family, as well as a place for mutual support that represents good health and cohesion.

Many scholars have documented that during slavery, it served as a place of rest, hope, and liberation, where the planning and implementation of freedom took place.

Now, despite less religious persecution and greater freedom of worship in many places, social and economic strife is displacing inspiration, peace, and prosperity from a number of pulpits.

The financial burden that churches face today due to overall poor economic conditions has created a battleground for psychological, social, and spiritual development.

There is the other side, as some of us now look through the church window like it is a piece of broken glass, trying to figure out why there are so many empty seats, or who are those leaving before the sermon. 

Did they hear the cry of the poor? Or was the window shattered by some of those who were outside? 

The drive for probability is a fine line that can be seen between a pimp and a pastor with a significant influence on these communities, which are now facing more empty benches and souls as polls show an increase in non-believers.

A brief spiritual pilgrimage

As I visited some of Europe’s, Africa’s, and the Caribbean region’s historic churches, it became clear that some had lost their stride, power, and influence.

Many of the traditional spiritual followers and teachers who once spread his philosophy now have one foot in the political polls and the other in the offering basket.

Others who once stood up for the principles have died or stopped attending.

Many pulpits appear to have abandoned history, and social issues such as marriage equality, abortion, and political philosophy have now become an extension of cable news. While the destitute search for a meal a few feet away, these ministries are rated for profitability in the same way that cable networks, news, or hotels are.

The church does not have to unravel its core beliefs and interpretations of historic doctrines passed on to each generation. However, take a step back and look at the empty chairs through the stained windows, figuring out which light shines better from within.

Confession:

The fear of God will not be blasting through an amplifier for many houses, especially along the small shore’s lines, up the hill, or down the road; the church is more powerful than the rule of law or local elected officials who occasionally gather after a popular event to make them relatable for the subsequent election.

Some people who hang out on street corners aren’t there because of who’s making the altar calls. They, too, struggle to distinguish between these moral compass-bearers and their messages.

Because of inconceivable economic conditions, deviation from one’s parents’ upbringing is not a struggle. It is simply taking a step back and understanding who benefits now when there are wars, divisions, and yes, we are all equal, but some are more.

I used to believe that taking a trip to the fifth row would make my mother proud, but all I remember today are the few checks I mailed to a man who, in return, sent her a postcard, some holy water, and an image of what he thought this guy looked like.

That again, we can’t even agree on, and much less, those who should set an example of what he believed and stood for would sell it all for a set in their exclusive, financial, or political club.

I kept seeing them today on cable television, telling people what they couldn’t and shouldn’t do with their bodies, but to buy more weapons out of fear.

How can young people get to the altar when preachers have more bodyguards than heads of state? It appears that some churches now require appointments even for confession or to discuss their struggles, as well as what color should be in focus if one decides to pray.

Benediction:

What will it take to rediscover their church roots?

Following these resurrection ceremonies, the church must cease to be just another structure. Only a few individuals today possess the courage to confront their fears and anxieties, and their elderly personal history has kept them going. However, what will happen if the next generation fails to recognize their contribution to the community?

Although some have migrated for economic reasons and to avoid social taboos covering spirituality, many young men and women have given up lucrative opportunities and are now serving their community despite not being recognized.

They have gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender friends, as well as others who could facilitate reconciliation between gangs that have taken over communities, and yes, even an ex-offender who could benefit from a job connection.

Today, a new altar call may be able to resurrect this new generation. Regardless of a man’s skin color, poverty, corruption, and other social issues exist; however, access to good and affordable health care remains a problem, particularly in many impoverished and developing countries.