Religions came about as a means of sustaining ones interaction with a God. The rituals, the words, the belief systems were all supposed to support that person in his/her journey. That lasted about 20 minutes — geological time.

And then there were those who saw opportunities in religions. A benevolent God, who supported man and beast alike— became a vengeful God who demanded obedience and blind faith.

So, control became a ritual. Do as we say or God will …

Thus man had control over man. Heaven and Hell were created. Suffering and pleasure for those who obeyed and those who did not. Why? Why would God create Man and then place him on a chessboard to test him every day of his life?

Christianity has the potential to be everything Christ would have imaged it could be. You just need to remove the people from the equation and their own goals and aspirations.

Yes, I can see Jesus exhorting the disciples onward by calling them Maggots and Pansies and throwing goblets of wine at them when they give the wrong answer.

Then of course, there’s the ages old reason for most of this. Long exasperated sigh! ……Money…..