Fog Machines and False Fire: The Hollow Worship of Modern Christianity

Imagine Jesus, sandals dusty from His journey, stepping into a mega-church. The lights are blinding, the fog machines are rolling, the worship leader—oops, performer—is hitting that perfect high note. The congregation sways, hands raised, tears flowing. It all looks so spiritual. But Jesus isn’t easily sold by this vibe culture. He’s scanning the room. He sees the VIP seating for "honored guests." He sees the pastor preaching a prosperity gospel while wearing sneakers worth a poor man’s monthly rent. He sees people feeling moved but not changed. And then He sees the bookstore selling self-help books that slap the word Jesus on top but are really just motivational fluff.

And He sighs.

"My house shall be called a house of prayer… but you all turned it into a concert venue with a gift shop." 

Here’s the irony—today’s churches are more technically advanced than ever. We got live-streaming, worship bands with Grammy ambitions, and pastors who are basically social media influencers. But somehow, we have less actual faith. Less repentance. Less discipleship. And don’t even get me started on how people pick churches like they pick restaurants—"I didn’t feel fed today." Oh, I’m sorry, was the Word of God not spicy enough for your tastes? 😌

Worship today is often more about vibes than sacrifice. More about emotional highs than surrendered hearts. More about "God, bless me!" than "God, break me and mold me." Jesus didn’t say, "Come, and I’ll make your dreams come true!" He said, "Come, die to yourself." But who wants to hear that when they could just hear, "God’s got big plans for you!" instead?

Of course, not every big church is like this. And God, in His grace, still works through all of it. But if the church becomes more about performance than holiness, then it’s just another business—one where the product is feelings, and the currency is hype.

Meanwhile, Jesus is still calling for the same thing He did 2,000 years ago: Repent, take up your cross, and follow Me. But you know… that doesn’t look as cool on an LED screen with a fog machine. 😌

A World Without Agape: The Descent into Chaos

In contemporary discourse, Christian morality is often dismissed as antiquated or unnecessary. Increasingly, secular voices argue that human morality can flourish independently of religious roots. However, this perspective fails to recognize the extent to which Christian ethics have shaped modern civilization. The principles of human dignity, compassion for the weak, forgiveness, and humility—values now seen as universal—are distinctly Christian contributions to the moral framework of society. To imagine a world stripped of these values is to envision a return to brutality, where strength dominates and mercy is seen as weakness.

The Ubiquity of Christian Morality:

Many of the core tenets of modern ethics are direct descendants of Christian teachings, even in ostensibly secular societies.

• The dignity of the individual, irrespective of status, gender, or ethnicity, is rooted in the Christian belief that all people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

• Compassion for the marginalized—the poor, the sick, the foreigner—was revolutionary in antiquity, where pity was often regarded as a weakness.

• The concept of forgiveness as a moral virtue rather than a weakness finds its origin in Christ's teachings (Matthew 18:21-22).

Without these moral foundations, humanity is left to the caprices of power. Nietzsche’s Übermensch philosophy and Schopenhauer’s Will-driven world reflect what society might become when Christian compassion is removed: a realm of self-assertion, dominance, and despair.

 The Paradox of Christian Hypocrisy:

A common objection to Christian morality is the moral failure of its adherents. Indeed, Christians have frequently failed to live up to the standards they preach.

• Religious wars, colonial oppression, and institutional corruption are frequently cited as evidence of Christianity's moral bankruptcy.

• However, this argument misses the point: Christianity does not claim that its followers are inherently good.

•  On the contrary, the core Christian confession is one of moral brokenness:

• The tax collector’s prayer in Luke 18:13 encapsulates this sentiment:

  • “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
    Christianity, at its essence, is not a celebration of human goodness, but an acknowledgment of human depravity and the need for divine mercy.

The Scandal of Grace:

The most radical contribution of Christian morality is the concept of grace—the notion that the guilty can be forgiven and restored.

• In pre-Christian moral frameworks, justice was often retributive.

• By contrast, Christian forgiveness—exemplified in Christ’s plea, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)—redefined the boundaries of justice and mercy.
  In a world without Christian influence, mercy itself could be seen as folly:

• The strong would dominate the weak without compunction.

• The innocent would suffer without the concept of redemptive justice.
  A society devoid of Christian mercy would inevitably become colder and crueler.

Christian Morality as the Ethical Safety Net:

Even in increasingly secular societies, Christian morality functions as a safety net.

• The concept of human rights, often championed by secularists, is rooted in the Christian view of human dignity.

• The welfare systems of Western nations trace their origins to Christian charity and almsgiving.

• The abolition of slavery was largely driven by Christian activists (e.g., William Wilberforce) who viewed human bondage as antithetical to the gospel.

• To remove these ethical underpinnings is to tear the moral fabric that sustains human compassion.

The Dystopia of a Post-Christian World:

If Christian morality were entirely stripped from society, the resulting vacuum would likely be filled by Nietzschean Will to Power or Schopenhauer’s pessimistic self-assertion.

• Without the Sermon on the Mount, society would gradually revert to the values of Rome or Sparta—where strength was exalted and the weak were expendable.

• Mercy and grace, regarded as virtues in Christian ethics, would become liabilities in a world governed by strength alone.
  Thus, even the most strident critics of Christian morality unknowingly rely on its residual influence to enjoy the compassion, justice, and dignity they take for granted.

Conclusion:

The secular rejection of Christian morality is often made from the safety of Christian ethical remnants. To strip society of its Christian moral roots would be to remove the foundation upon which modern concepts of justice, human dignity, and mercy are built.
Despite its flaws and the failures of its followers, Christianity’s message of mercy endures. The prayer of the tax collector, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” captures the essence of Christian morality—a recognition of human brokenness and a humble plea for grace.
Without these moral foundation—love, mercy, and compassion, the world would grow darker and colder, as the light of mercy and compassion would be extinguished.

Schopenhauer’s Philosophy: The Tyranny of the Will (Biblical Response)

Schopenhauer’s metaphysical pessimism posits that the Will is the fundamental force governing existence—a blind, insatiable drive that manifests as ceaseless desire, ensuring perpetual suffering. Human existence, he argues, is caught in a relentless cycle:

# Cycle of the Will:

Desire → Fulfillment → Brief satisfaction → Boredom → New craving → Suffering

Repeat ad infinitum.

The only escape, Schopenhauer contends, lies in aesthetic contemplation—a fleeting transcendence achieved through immersion in art, particularly music. Music, for him, was the purest expression of the Will itself, offering a momentary reprieve from its oppressive grasp.

“Music expresses the metaphysical of everything physical in the world.” – Schopenhauer

BIBLICAL RESPONSE

Ultimate Redemption: Triumph over the Will:

Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

Meaning: The Will-driven cycle of suffering is ultimately broken in the eschatological hope of a new creation.

Strength in Weakness: Moving Toward God, Not Away

Life can often feel like a struggle, where we confront our weaknesses, failures, and imperfections. During those challenging times, it’s easy to feel unworthy, embarrassed, or disconnected from God. However, Scripture reassures us that God’s grace doesn’t rely on our perfection—His strength shines brightest in our moments of weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The Apostle Paul, who wrote these powerful words, faced his own share of challenges. He sought to have his weaknesses taken away, but God offered him something even more profound: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness." God wasn’t asking Paul to muster strength on his own; instead, He encouraged him to rely on divine support. Similarly, our failures don’t mark the end—they present us with chances to experience God’s sustaining grace.

Take a moment to reflect on the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:20). The son wasted everything, created chaos in his life, and felt too ashamed to return home. Yet, when he finally chose to come back, something beautiful occurred—his father ran to greet him. He didn’t wait at a distance for an explanation or punishment; he embraced his son, welcoming him back with love.

This illustrates God’s heart for us. When we stumble, He doesn’t turn us away—He desires for us to come to Him. Fleeing from God in our moments of weakness only deepens our pain, while approaching Him opens the door to healing, restoration, and renewed strength.

Coffee and Dialogue with Aristotle

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By the time I arrived at the quiet little café on the corner, he was already there waiting. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow on his face. His robes seemed out of place, yet no one else seemed to notice. The barista, completely unfazed, poured him a steaming black coffee.

"You are late," he said, not unkindly. "But time, as we know, is a construct of perception, is it not?"

"Traffic," I muttered, sliding into the seat across from him. "It’s a mess in the mornings."

"Ah, the polis," Aristotle mused, taking a slow sip of his coffee. "A city is much like a body—when its roads clog, so does its progress."

I blinked. How does one even respond to that?

"I was hoping you could help me with something," I said finally. "Life feels… overwhelming. Everything moves so fast. Social media, work, expectations—it's all too much."

He set his cup down and studied me. "Tell me, what is your definition of happiness?"

"Uh… I don’t know. Maybe having enough money? Success? Feeling free?"

He smiled. "Eudaimonia."

"Bless you?"

"Eudaimonia," he repeated. "The highest good. A flourishing life. Not mere pleasure or fleeting satisfaction, but living in accordance with virtue and reason."

"So, what? I just have to be a good person and everything will be fine?"

"Not quite," he chuckled. "Excellence is a habit, not an act. We become what we repeatedly do. If you seek fulfillment, do not chase it—cultivate it. Engage in meaningful work, nurture friendships, seek knowledge."

I stirred my coffee, letting his words settle. Maybe happiness wasn’t about constantly searching for the next big thing. Maybe it was about finding purpose in the small, everyday moments.

"And what about failure?" I asked. "What if I mess up?"

"Then you learn," he said simply. "Even the wisest among us once knew nothing. The unexamined life is not worth living—but nor is the life spent in fear of making mistakes."

I sat back, watching the steam rise from my cup. Across from me, Aristotle sipped his coffee, content as if he had all the time in the world. And maybe, for the first time in a long while, I felt like I did too.

---

Flee, Don’t Fight: The Christian Battle Against Lust

 

Too many think the battle against lust is fought with sheer willpower, like wrestling an enemy in the dirt, fists clenched, determined to overpower it. But Scripture makes it clear, lust is not to be fought but to be fled from.

When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he didn’t stand there debating, flexing his resistance, or trying to rationalize his way out. He ran. Not because he was weak, but because he was wise. Some battles aren’t meant to be fought head-on—they’re meant to be escaped.

“Flee from sexual immorality.” —1 Corinthians 6:18
“Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” —Romans 13:14

Lust doesn’t need an invitation. It doesn’t knock but rather creeps in quietly. A second glance, an unchecked thought, an innocent compromise—before you know it, you're not fighting anymore; you’re falling. That’s why the Bible never says, “Be strong and stand your ground against lust.” It says, RUN. Because staying in the wrong place, entertaining the wrong thoughts, is like standing on a battlefield with no armor, daring the arrows to pierce you.

But here’s the good news: we don’t just flee from something—we flee to Someone. When we run from sin, we run into the arms of Christ. Into His strength, His grace, His power that transforms us not just to resist lust, but to desire holiness more than fleeting pleasure.

This isn’t about fear. This is about wisdom.
This isn’t about trying harder. This is about moving swiftly—straight into the arms of the One who calls us to something greater.

Plato & Apostle Paul – A Meeting of Minds

Once upon a time, in the heart of Athens, a quiet evening. The marble halls of the academy echo with the murmurs of philosophy. Plato, the great thinker, sits on a stone bench, lost in thought. Across from him, a traveler in a simple robe—Apostle Paul—leans forward, fire in his eyes. Between them, a flickering torch dances in the breeze.

Plato: You speak of a kingdom beyond this world. But tell me, what is truth?

Paul: Truth isn’t just an idea, my friend. It’s a person—Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Plato: ("Smirking") A bold claim. But can truth be known through faith alone? What of reason?

Paul: Faith doesn’t reject reason, Plato. It completes it. The wisdom of this world is nothing before God.

Plato: ("Nods, intrigued") You know, I once taught that the soul is immortal, always seeking the highest reality. But you—you're saying true immortality is not found in philosophy, but in your Christ?

Paul: Exactly. Immortality is not just an idea—it’s a gift. And it’s given through Him.

Plato: ("Pauses, tapping his chin") Then you believe the soul’s greatest purpose is not to contemplate, but to know… a man?

Paul: Not just a man. The divine made flesh. The Logos Himself.

Plato: ("Eyes widening") A divine Logos… made visible? Now that is a thought I have never considered.

Paul: And yet, it is written: "God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom."

Plato: ("Laughs softly") A challenge to all philosophers. Tell me, Paul—can a man still seek wisdom and follow your Christ?

Paul: My friend, in knowing Him, you do not abandon wisdom. You find its true purpose.

~~The torch flickers, but neither notices. Two minds, two worlds, colliding in a debate that will echo through the ages—Athens and Jerusalem, reason and faith, philosophy and revelation. And though their paths are different, both men seek the same thing: the ultimate truth.😁

Mao Zedong vs. Jesus – A Conversation in a Coffee Shop

 

Mao Zedong, dressed in his iconic grey suit, sits in a modern café, sipping tea. Suddenly, Jesus walks in, wearing a simple robe and sandals. He orders a glass of water… which, moments later, turns into wine.

Mao: ("Raises an eyebrow") That’s quite the trick. But wine? A true revolutionary should drink tea, not indulge in capitalist pleasures.

Jesus: ("Chuckles") My friend, I bring people together with love, not revolutions.

Mao: Love? Love does not liberate the oppressed masses! Only class struggle can!

Jesus: ("Smiles") But what good is a revolution without love? Shouldn’t the rich and poor live as brothers?

Mao: ("Sips tea") The rich will never share willingly. The state must take what is needed and distribute it.

Jesus: ("Leans forward") But is force truly justice? I taught people to give freely, to love even their enemies.

Mao: ("Laughs") If you turn the other cheek, the oppressor will simply slap it, too. The only way forward is to overthrow the oppressors!

Jesus: ("Nods") And then? The oppressed become the new rulers, and the cycle begins again. True change comes from within.

Mao: ("Pauses") Perhaps… but can a man’s soul fill his stomach?

Jesus: ("Smiles") And can a full stomach replace an empty soul?

Mao stares at his tea. Jesus takes another sip of his wine. The café falls silent as two of history’s most powerful figures sits and talk till the sun goes down.

Title: The Day the Pigs Drowned

I had never seen anything like it in all my years.

The morning had been just like any other. The sun hung low over the hills, the scent of the sea drifting in with the breeze. My herdsmen were watching over the pigs—nearly two thousand of them, a fortune in swine. I had spent years building up that herd, making deals, hiring strong hands to tend to them. We weren’t rich, but we were getting there. Pigs were money, and money meant security.

Then, in an instant, it was all gone.

I was at the edge of town when I first heard the shouting. One of my herdsmen ran toward me, his face pale, his words tumbling over themselves.

"They're gone!" he gasped. "The whole herd! Into the sea!"

At first, I thought he’d gone mad. But others soon followed, and before I knew it, I was sprinting down the hill, my heart pounding. When I reached the cliffs, the sight below turned my stomach.

The sea was restless, foaming and writhing, littered with the floating bodies of my pigs. Their pink hides bobbed in the water, lifeless. My men stood at the edge, some staring in shock, others whispering among themselves. I felt like throwing up.

I wheeled around, looking for an answer. That’s when I saw him.

The man from across the sea.

He stood among the people, calm as if he hadn’t just bankrupted me in a single breath. Around him was a group of his followers, their faces a mix of awe and fear. And then there was the other man—the wild one. Or at least, he had been wild. I recognized him immediately. He was the madman who lived among the tombs, the one no chain could hold. The one whose screams haunted the night. But now, he was clothed. Sitting. Clear-eyed. Sane.

A miracle, they said.

I barely heard them. All I saw was the sea swallowing my livelihood.

I stepped forward, my fists clenched. "You!" I shouted; my voice raw. "What have you done?"

The man—Jesus, they called him—turned his gaze to me. There was no arrogance in his eyes, no defense. Just... something I couldn't name.

"The demons begged to go into the pigs," one of his followers spoke up. "He cast them out, and they—"

"And they drowned!" I snapped. "My pigs! Do you know what this means for me? Do you have any idea the loss you’ve caused?"

Jesus said nothing. He only looked at me. And for a moment, I faltered. There was something unsettling in his gaze. Not cruelty, not anger—just knowing. As if he saw something in me that I didn’t even see myself.

And then, beneath all my anger, something else stirred—something I didn’t want to admit. I was awed. I had seen that madman, heard him screaming night after night. And yet, here he was, whole, sane, human again. The power to do that? It was terrifying.

The crowd murmured. People whispered of power, of spirits, of miracles. Some rejoiced, some cowered. But I felt only the weight of what I had lost.

I turned to the other men of the town. "He needs to leave. Now."

Others nodded. Fear lingered in their eyes. Fear of what else this man might do, of what else he might take. And yet, as we asked—no, begged—him to leave, the healed man clung to him. He wanted to go with Jesus, to follow him across the sea. But Jesus shook his head.

"Go home to your people," he told him. "Tell them what the Lord has done for you."

And then, just like that, he left.

I stood there long after the boat had vanished beyond the horizon. The pigs were gone. My business ruined. And yet, something lingered in my mind, an unshakable question that I could not voice, no matter how much I wanted to:

If he could do that to a demon, what could he do to a man like me?

NOTE: It makes me wonder why this story is so important that it got mentioned in the three synoptic Gospel**Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39, and Matthew 8:28-34 

"The Goodness of Creation: A Christian Response to Platonic Dualism"

Plato viewed the material world as inherently flawed and inferior to the realm of Forms or Ideas—a higher, perfect reality beyond physical existence. In his philosophy, the material world is merely a shadow or imperfect copy of the true, unchanging ideals that exist in the realm of Forms. Because of this, Plato de-emphasized the physical and encouraged a pursuit of intellectual and spiritual enlightenment, believing that true knowledge and goodness could only be attained by transcending the material world.

In contrast, Christianity affirms the goodness of the material world. From the very beginning, God declares creation to be "good" (Genesis 1:31), affirming the inherent value of the physical universe. Unlike Plato, who saw the material as a lesser reality, Jesus Christ validated the material world by taking on human flesh in the Incarnation. By becoming fully human while remaining fully divine, Jesus demonstrated that the physical world is not something to be escaped but something that can be redeemed and sanctified. His bodily resurrection further confirms this idea, as it signifies not the abandonment of the material but its restoration and glorification.

Christianity teaches that matter and spirit are not in opposition but are both part of God's good creation. While sin has corrupted the world, God's plan is not to discard it but to redeem and renew it (Romans 8:19-21). This contrasts sharply with Plato’s dualism, which views the material world as something to be left behind in favor of a purely intellectual or spiritual existence.

Thus, while Plato sought liberation from the material world, Christianity teaches that God Himself entered into it, affirming its goodness and redeeming it through Christ. This fundamental difference shapes Christian thought, emphasizing that both the physical and spiritual are part of God's divine plan for humanity.

The Danger of Rising Religious Extremism

Religious extremism has emerged as a significant global challenge, threatening social harmony, political stability, and human rights. While religion has historically served as a source of moral guidance and communal unity, its radicalization often leads to violence, discrimination, and societal division. The increasing prevalence of religious extremism demands critical attention, as it undermines democracy, fosters intolerance, and perpetuates cycles of violence.

One of the primary dangers of religious extremism is its potential to incite violence. Extremist ideologies often promote the belief that their interpretation of faith is the only valid one, leading followers to perceive those outside their religious framework as enemies. This absolutism has fueled terrorism, sectarian conflicts, and hate crimes worldwide. For example, terrorist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram have justified their violent actions through distorted religious narratives, leading to mass casualties and deep-seated fear in affected regions. The impact extends beyond immediate violence, as societies remain trapped in cycles of retaliation and unrest.

Additionally, religious extremism erodes democratic values by suppressing freedom of expression, belief, and human rights. Extremist factions frequently advocate for rigid, theocratic governance that disregards pluralism and suppresses dissent. In such societies, individuals belonging to different faiths—or those choosing to be secular—face persecution, discrimination, and even execution. The erosion of civil liberties in the name of religious orthodoxy weakens democratic institutions and fosters authoritarian tendencies. History has repeatedly demonstrated that when religion is manipulated for political gains, the result is often repression and the silencing of diverse voices.

Furthermore, religious extremism fosters societal division by exacerbating intolerance and fueling prejudice. When extremists assert that their religious identity is superior, they marginalize those who do not conform. This deepens existing sectarian divides and heightens tensions between different communities. Societies plagued by religious extremism often experience deteriorating interfaith relations, making peaceful coexistence increasingly difficult. In contrast, societies that embrace religious pluralism and tolerance tend to thrive culturally, politically, and economically.

Religious extremism also has detrimental economic consequences. Nations affected by extremist violence often experience declining foreign investments, disrupted trade, and weakened economic stability. The destruction caused by extremist activities leads to infrastructure damage, loss of human capital, and reduced productivity. In regions plagued by terrorism and religious conflict, businesses face increased operational risks, discouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth. Tourism, a major revenue source for many countries, is also severely impacted, as instability deters visitors. Ultimately, religious extremism hinders sustainable development and perpetuates poverty, making economic recovery exceedingly difficult.

To counteract the rise of religious extremism, it is imperative to promote education, critical thinking, and interfaith dialogue. Educational systems must emphasize the importance of religious tolerance and the dangers of fundamentalism. Governments and religious leaders must work together to deconstruct extremist narratives and promote moderate interpretations of faith. Strengthening institutions that protect human rights and democratic values is equally essential in curbing extremism’s influence.

Recognizing the shared values of compassion, justice, and peace among religions can help build bridges between communities and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. By fostering a culture of dialogue and mutual respect, societies can mitigate the threat of religious extremism and work towards a more peaceful and inclusive world.

               Image: A painter deeply engrossed in his art.

You ask for a loving God—well, congratulations, you have one! But let’s be clear: He’s not some sleepy old grandfather in the sky, nodding off in His rocking chair, vaguely hoping you’ll have a nice day. No, He is the consuming fire Himself—fierce, unrelenting, and deeply invested in you. His love isn’t the passive kind that pats you on the head and lets you run wild; it’s the kind that shapes, refines, and, yes, sometimes downright wrestles with you.

Think of Him like an artist obsessed with His masterpiece. He doesn’t just slap some paint on the canvas and call it a day. No, He painstakingly layers, scrapes, and reworks every detail, perfecting it with a love so persistent it would make even the most passionate painter look lazy. He sees what you’re meant to be, and He won’t stop until you shine with the brilliance He intended. Sure, it might feel like you’re being smudged, stretched, and occasionally dunked in turpentine, but trust me—it’s all part of the process.

The Covenant keeping God

 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You.” – Psalm 89:14

The God of justice moves like a roaring storm, shaking the foundations of the earth. His voice thunders against the wicked, and His judgment rolls forth like the mighty ocean, unrelenting and sure. The cries of the oppressed rise like incense before Him, and He does not turn away. With eyes like flames of fire, He sees every injustice, every hidden sin, and every broken heart longing for redemption.

The fragrance of His righteousness fills the air, and His footsteps leave trails of truth wherever He walks. The proud tremble at His coming, while the weary find shelter beneath the shadow of His wings. His justice is not distant—it is alive, moving, breathing, shaping the world into His perfect order.

And one day, the heavens will split, the earth will bow, and His kingdom of justice will stand forever, bathed in unending light.