In Search of a Simpler Message

In the four Gospels, there are a total of 89 chapters. Each one of these chapters are filled with rich content, but often with an unclear message. Over the years many theologians have attempted to interpret this content and to craft a message based on their own interpretation. The result has been a series of complicated and dogmatic messages, which occasionally contradicted each other. 

Christianity today in the West is in decline, with many individuals expressing no religious preference. These individuals, often called the “Nones”, seem not to be able to connect with the multiple messages which the western churches are presenting. When we look at the explosive bottom-up growth of Christianity in the other parts of the world, we have to ask ourselves what the difference could be. The obvious answer is that it is the message. 

What we really need to reach these Nones is a simple, low-dogma message that they can connect with. This is not to supplant any other faith tradition, but to find a relatable message that they can anchor a belief to. The question is, where can we find such a message? 

My study of the New Testament led me to rediscover a section of the Gospel of Matthew known as “The Sermon on the Mount”. I was previously aware of this sermon, but I did not grasp the significance. A deep reading caused me to recognize that this Sermon was a step-by-step plan for leading what I call a God-Pleasing Life. I wrote my book, “The Way” to explore the Sermon on the Mount: its background, the components of the Sermon, and how we can implement these teachings of Jesus. 

Start your own search for a simpler message by carefully reading the Sermon on the Mount, found in Chapters 5 thru 7 in the Gospel of Matthew. See if the message resonates with you like it did for me. If you want to do a deeper dive into the meaning of Jesus’ teachings in this Sermon, check out my book, “The Way”.