The Sanctimonious Saint

As a child, I was brought up in a religious culture that placed great emphasis on performance and strict adherence to religious laws. As a Catholic, the primary belief was that one could attain salvation by living a holy life and practicing penance. However, I experienced this as a form of bondage, rather than true spiritual liberation. I realized that religion has been a stumbling block for many people, causing them to reject the faith. The main hindrance for people from coming to Christ is often not their sin or the devil, but rather the behavior of some believers who prioritize adherence to religious dogma over the practice of Christ's teachings.

When individuals prioritize their own cultural or traditional practices over the teachings of Christ, they risk asserting these practices and traditions as the model for Christianity. In my experience as a young individual observing such traditions, it became evident that such religious practices were far removed from the teachings of Christ.

Christ did not come to establish another religion, but rather to offer a personal relationship with Himself and with God the Father. It is important to note that God is not in favor of religion and the false sense of security it can provide. Rather, God offers a new life through His Son Jesus Christ, which is not based solely on morality, but on the grace and forgiveness available through the relationship with Him.

Since our heredity is corrupted by sin and the fall of man, a new life is promised through Jesus Christ. While it is true that Christians should strive to set an example of morality, Christianity is not solely about morality. The purpose of Christianity is to offer new life to those who are reborn and regenerated through the Spirit of God. Thus, Christians are no morally superior to individuals of other religious beliefs; rather, they are sinful people who have been given a new life through their faith.