Dangerous Religion

These thoughts were stimulated by reading the book titled Postville [Iowa] by
Bloom.

When a religion, whatever its name, neglects justice and the love of God, it becomes a dangerous deceit.

From The Message Bible paraphrased by Eugene Peterson: Introduction to the Book of Amos:

"More people are exploited and abused in the name of religion than in any other way.  Sex, money, and power all take a back seat to religion as a source of evil."

An example:  Jesus severely criticized the highly religious Pharisees for being "full of greed. . . . and neglecting justice and the love of God." Luke 11:39 and 42.  If you and I are not doing justice and  love that releases the oppressed, then we, like the Pharisees, are evil-doers.

The Message:  "Prophets sniff out injustice, especially injustice that is dressed up in religious garb.  Amos towers as the defender of the downtrodden poor and accuser of the powerful rich who use God's name to legitimate their sin."

As I read this description about the dedication of St. James Lutheran in Postville, it raised some red flags:

"The erection of this church, more than any other cause, has tended to raise the price of land around Postville.  It has brought large numbers of wealthy Germans here, and they all want a house within reach of this elegant house of worship."

There was never any mention that this church has specialized in reaching out to the poor, that it is a beacon of justice and love.  In fact, when Rev. Miller gently began to raise justice and love issues, he was not well received and soon left the church.

And the Hasidic Jews were also neglecting love and justice as they were making money hand over fist; instead of paying higher wages, they were remodeling their houses.

I am reminded of James two where James severely criticized the church for honoring the rich and dishonoring the poor.  Chapter two condemns the for oppressing the poor.