Angels4Applachia

"Jesus Christ never heard of Chritianity. Basically He was only after the attainment of universal brotherhood. He was trying to teach individual and personal humility. Undoubtedly He would be shocked to find churches bearing his name as rigidly labelled and as compartmented as they are, because by doing so, we have made it difficult for people to remember that Christianity should be a way of life, not simply membership in an organization. I say this without rancor of any kind. I feel the churches themselves recognize the dilemma and are making valiant efforts to reach more people effectively. But at present they are the victims of their own size and inevitable complexity."

"But suppose we go back in time and imagine how it all began. Let's forget about churches and sects and the great complex of inverted Christian organizations, and just visualize ourselves on a hill over-looking Galilee, hearing this man talk in simple terms about how we can achieve a better life and a better world by treating others as we would ourselves. That was really the core of almost every message He left with us. He talked about sharing with those less fortunate than ourselves. In parable after parable He urged us to help strangers. He assured us that good works, done secretly, anonymously, among strangers, would bring the fullest rewards."

"This truly is a universal message, and Christ intended it as such! It is Judaism, Mohammedanism, Buddhism, and indeed is the key precept of every large religious movement in the world. It is nothing short of preposterous vanity or ignorance to hold that Christians have a sort of 'copyright' on the extension of decency and charity toward their fellow men."

"So why not take the occasion of the anniversary of Christ's birthday to carry out these basic injunctions, and invite all mankind to join in with us. . not necessarily as Christians, but just as men of goodwill. Would it not be more fully in keeping with Christ's original message? Would this not be a magnificent way to finally make Christmas fully meaningful?"