Christianity for Dummies?
How many of you have a “For Dummies” book in your home? Most people do … or they have at least seen them. The first “For Dummies” book was actually published 22 years ago in an effort to offer a “non-intimidating and easy-to-understand” guide for readers on various aspects of computer use!
Since that time, there have been almost 2,000 “For Dummies” books that have been published on varied subjects—from Organic Gardening for Dummies and Codependency for Dummies to Atheism for Dummies!—claiming over 250 million books around the world.
The reason most people get “For Dummies” books is they want an easy way to understand a subject that can otherwise be confusing!
Not a bad reason really!
However, in doing a bit of research, I found out that a Christianity for Dummies book was published as well! When you think about it—that shouldn’t be a surprise.
Since there are, as of last count, over 10,000 different versions and forms of Christian denominations, sects and teachings, what Christians believe—and why—can be one of the most confusing topics there is!
So, having a book that clarifies what Christianity really is—would be wonderful!
However, when you pick up the Christianity for Dummies book, you quickly realize that rather than clarifying what true Christianity is, the subtitle reads, “Your plain-English guide to the essentials of faith and the differences between denominations!”
And, of course, the book covers only the tip of the iceberg of the countless other teachings that these thousands of “Christian” denominations disagree upon!
While it is not my purpose to call anyone a “dummy,” it is clear that, for most people, understanding true Christianity—its teachings, its message to the world and its part in the great plan of God—is a topic in great need of clarification!
Interestingly enough, the Bible itself shows that, while there is simplicity and logic in God’s plan, there would be great confusion on what true Christianity really is! Notice what Paul wrote to the Corinthians almost 2,000 years ago:
“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!”
Paul knew that from the very beginning, there were those men who crept into the true Church and spoke of “another Jesus”—another VERSION of what we call CHRISTIANITY today!
And even Christ Himself stated in His prophetic words about the time of the end, that through 2,000 years of Christian history—many would come in His name … and would deceive many! The operative word being “many.”
So, based on what Jesus foretold, we now see thousands of different Christian denominations around the world!
How confusing is that?!
However—if a person really wants to understand all about true Christianity—all one has to do is go to one book.
And it is NOT Christianity for Dummies … but the Bible, the Word of God. Because God’s Word makes it very clear in, yes, an understandable and “non-intimidating way” what Christianity really is, what its true mission is, and what Christianity’s true message is really about!
It is our purpose on this website—through the plain teaching of the Word of God—to make clear and understandable God’s purpose and mission for the Church He began almost 2,000 years ago. So clear that even a dummy like me can understand.
For Life, Hope & Truth, I’m Doug Horchak.
