1. Because of its need to be factual history
The Taoists don't need Lao Tzu to have existed for their sacred writings to mean something to them. I think that is the major flaw of Christianity… their sacred texts need the existence of their characters to matter. That's too bad. Maybe there is something worth reading in those texts and stories that can help humanity grow as a species, but the war waged to prove the characters were real or imaginary has taken away from the effectiveness of the story.
2. Because of its need to be embraced by the whole planet
It seems that for Christianity to be valid as a belief system, that the whole planet needs to believe it. It seems ludicrous that any belief system requires a unanimous vote on it's authenticity. If that is the case, then how can it be called belief or faith. It is why I have so much respect for the Hindu religion. They have embraced it because it works for them, but they don't need the whole planet on board for them to feel that their religious expressions are validated. They hold other expressions with honour as well. They understand how culture has impacted religious expression around the world. There is no "one way", there is only one life we each have and we need to find a way to find meaning and love in that one life.
3. Because it lacks the ability to embrace the present as much as the past.
I need the fifty some years of my life on this planet to be the major expression of my world view. My experiences and my perceptions need to be out in front when it comes to trying to navigate the world and what it all means. Christianity's "hope" lies in a two thousand year old narrative. Without it, there is no "hope" for humanity. I would like a dance between the past stories and present experiences to be the formation of a healthy world view. There is value in the past stories, but they must dance along with the lives we have experienced in the here and now.
(written August 22, 2023)
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