INSTITUTE FOR MERE CHRISTIANITY
Christianity has stood the test of time. The power behind the message and the essential guidance from the principles of SIMPLE Christianity are just as relevant today as ever in the past. Our website has a two-fold mission. First to BUILD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ESSENTIALS of SIMPLE, PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY and what makes this avenue to Spirituality so powerful. Second we hope to encourage others to use the living principles in their own lives but also to use these principles to MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS. This is a non-denominational site.
Our thesis is that we need Christianity more than ever in our times. All humans need a guide for living that is clear, simple and doesn’t change based on what is in fashion as determined by the media or the latest “scientific” research (that seems to change periodically). We believe PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY provides everyone with a reason and basis to start over again in his or her life with a clean slate (and start over again several times if necessary) to attain the answers, direction, love and forgiveness. PURE, SIMPLE Christianity must also present a powerful force for reconciliation rather than division among peoples. It is relevant to all cultures and in all circumstances.
Unfortunately, the multiplicity of opposing doctrines in the various denominations within Christian groups have been a source of division rather than rapport in the past. This is in spite of the fact that the Bible is very clear on the basic tenets of the Way. It’s true some doctrines are very unclear in scripture. The fact they are unclear and open to a myriad of interpretations should move us to realize they are not the essentials we are required to highlight and stress. The special message and the special direction for ever day living are the ideas, we feel, must be revered, not the divisive and esoteric speculations from scripture.
What are these essential doctrines? Christianity avers there is an all-powerful, loving and caring God that desires all, everyone, to have the blessings of a wonderful, meaningful life. Jesus came as the Son of God and Savior of the world and was willing to die for all people and, while here, directed us all to the clear and simple principles for living regardless of our present station in life or our current circumstances whether successful or not. If one verse of scripture tells the essence of Christianity, see John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” You really needn’t know much else as an entry point to know Christianity. The Bible stresses God is a friend to all those who wish to commune with him. He says of himself in scripture “God is Love”. He displays and promotes the virtues that make for a happy, meaningful. successful life, a life of civility.
Very quickly let’s mention a few of the other essentials of SIMPLE Christianity. This is an optimistic belief system that teaches Good will prevail in the end. To be sure, there are consequences for our actions and there will be a final accounting, but everyone regardless of past action, no matter their gravity, can be forgiven. We are encouraged to have hope and believe that Fairness and Equity will prevail in the end. The age old battle between Good and Evil will be resolved and there are the prospects of a life-after where amends will be made for all suffering endured. Those are a brief summary of Christian beliefs.
Many other teachings one hears about Christianity are speculative. A believer needn’t base is existence on whether the world was created by God in 24 hours, 1000 years, or countless eons. No reason to debate whether the saints (believers) will meet Jesus in the air during the “Rapture.” If one asks, “what is this Soul’ spoken of in scripture or is a Hellfire an actual place or state of existence,” you won’t find a definitive answer in the Bible. These are topics for debate and speculation. They are fun to conjecture over but not topics to get carried away over.
Our mission here is to highlight the promises of SIMPLE Christianity. Jesus promised “Rest for your Soul” and purpose and meaning in life if you would follow him. He promised, “Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) He also promised, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things [all the things you need for happiness] will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33). We are also here to share the beautiful and startling ideas found in Christianity and the Bible. You will find articles and pieces that will hopefully stir you to mediate and make more real The Christian Way. People say all the time, “I wish I had chosen a different career, or I which done this or that after High School, on and on. But you will never (we mean “never” in the sense that there are always exceptions to the rule) find among the millions in the world accepting Christianity as their Way of Life, any who claim, “I wish I had not become a Christian.” PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY delivers on its promises. And it is in that spirit that we extend a welcome to The Institute for Mere Christianity. You will find articles of encouragement, articles to motivate you to ponder your life course and how it might better conform to The Way. Feel free to pass on your comments, questions and concerns.