Christianity needs to return to Jesus

 I think Christianity needs to discard its Himalayan layers of beliefs accumulated over centuries, and return to the simple truth of life taught by Jesus

 Let me expand on this statement with more details:  

  Himalayan layers of beliefs

Over the centuries, Christianity has accumulated vast theological, doctrinal, and institutional complexities—much like how the Himalayas grew layer by layer over millennia. These layers include:  

- Creedal Formulations (Nicene Creed, Chalcedonian definitions)  

- Sacramental Systems (elaborate rituals, priestly hierarchies)  

- Political Entanglements (Constantinian Christendom, state churches)  

- Philosophical Overlays (Aristotelian metaphysics in Scholasticism)  

- Cultural Adaptations (syncretism with pagan festivals, medieval feudalism)  

Many of these layers, while historically significant, have obscured the radical simplicity of Jesus' teachings.  

 The "Simple Truth" of Jesus' Message 

Jesus’ core teachings—often conveyed in parables and direct ethical instructions—emphasized:  

- Love of God and neighbor (Mark 12:30-31)  

- Radical forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22)  

- Rejection of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28)  

- Preferential care for the poor and marginalized (Luke 4:18)  

- A call to humility and service (John 13:14-15)  

- The Kingdom of God as a present reality (Luke 17:21)  

This message was subversively simple, focused on lived ethics rather than complex theology.  

 The Need for Discernment: What to Keep, What to Discard?

Not all tradition is bad—some layers have preserved wisdom. But many have distorted Jesus’ message by:  

- Institutionalizing faith (turning a movement into a bureaucracy)  

- Weaponizing doctrine (using theology to exclude rather than liberate)  

- Commodifying grace (indulgences, prosperity gospel)  

- Legitimizing power (crusades, colonialism, clerical abuse cover-ups)  

A return to the "simple truth" would mean:  

- Focusing on Jesus’ ethics over dogma

- Emphasizing practice over belief 

- Rejecting religious elitism

- Reclaiming spirituality from political and economic exploitation

Historical Precedents for This Return

Many movements have sought to strip away excess tradition:  

- The Protestant Reformation (though it created new layers)  

- The Anabaptists & Quakers (rejecting hierarchy for simplicity)  

- Liberal Christianity (emphasizing ethics over supernaturalism)  

- Liberation Theology (returning to Jesus’ concern for the oppressed)  

Yet even these movements often calcified into new institutions.  

 A Christianity Reborn in Simplicity

What would a "stripped-down" Christianity look like?  

- A faith centered on Jesus’ teachings, not later theology

- A community-based, egalitarian practice (Acts 2:44-45)  

- A focus on compassion rather than doctrinal conformity

- A rejection of religious power structures

- An embrace of mystery without rigid dogmatism  

Conclusion: Back to the Roots

Christianity, at its best, is not a system of beliefs but a way of life—the way of love, justice, and humility that Jesus embodied. Shedding the "Himalayan layers" of tradition could allow it to breathe again, free from the weight of institutional baggage.  

John Kunnathu 

All Christian churches need to repent

Jesus told His people, who were waiting for God's rule to come someday in their land: God Himself governs our world. But we have not yet accepted Him as our King.  

God does not force His rule upon anyone. It is when we willingly and joyfully accept Him as our King that we enter His reign.  

Jesus taught very clearly how to make God's rule a reality in our lives. This writer understood this through two parables Jesus shared.  

The first is the story of the prodigal son. Acknowledging his own mistakes and justifying his father, the younger son surrenders himself to his father's rule with a repentant heart. Meanwhile, the elder brother stands outside, justifying himself. While the elder one remains outside, self-justified, the younger one enters the house by condemning himself and justifying the father.  

The door to God's kingdom stands wide open. God has given humanity the freedom to enter or refuse.  

Another story that illustrates this is the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee justifies himself while condemning everyone else. But the tax collector condemns himself and justifies God. The tax collector, who acknowledges his sin, has the humility to grow and change. But the self-justifying Pharisee closes the door to transformation—just like the elder brother of the prodigal son, he expects God to accept him on his own terms. Yet the truth is, God never rejects anyone. It is not God who must accept us—we must accept Him. The tax collector accepted God and invited Him to rule his life. The Pharisee, however, does not accept God; instead, he expects God to accept him.  

This is the foundation of Jesus’ teaching. But today, the thousands of churches worldwide that exist in Jesus’ name must examine themselves: Are they like the Pharisee or the tax collector? Every church justifies itself while condemning others. Each claims, "We are the true church; all others have gone astray."  

The Pharisee was a good man. Everything he did was good. But his self-righteousness rendered his good deeds worthless.  

Today, all Christian churches in the world are in the same way. They do good things, but their self-justification strips their good works of any value.  

O Lord God, You alone are holy. We are all sinners, knowingly or unknowingly. If all Christian churches, like the prodigal son, come before God with repentant hearts and openly confess this, a fundamental change will happen in Christianity. As a result, our world will also experience joy and peace.