Mummified Jesus
Because Jesus isn’t here to defend himself, it is easy for some churches to use Christ as a mascot for their own invented causes. The Jesus of cruel and superstitious religion is an idol. It is a mummified version of the original.
When churches use Christ to seek power over others, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to take the lowest place.
When churches use Christ to preach culture wars against liberals and non-Christians, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to love their enemies.
When churches use Christ to attack the LGBTQIA community, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them not to judge.
When churches use Christ to defend ancient theological understandings over modern discoveries they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to put new wine in new wineskins.
When churches use Christ to seek wealth, or to ignore economic inequality, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them not to gather up treasures on earth.
When churches use Christ to impose their version of Christianity into the public square, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them not to make a show of his religion.
When churches use Christ to bind people's minds to ancient superstitions, they are renouncing the Jesus who commanded them to seek the truths that set people free.