When we encounter someone who professes a religious faith, but acts very differently to what we expect, we can easily dismiss their religion as rubbish.
Indeed, many will have been surprised to have learnt that the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who is regarded by the West as a war criminal, is a devout Orthodox Christian believer who regularly confesses and takes communion.
He believes he is fulfilling God’s purposes for Russia by invading Ukraine.
The invasion itself had the backing of the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Over the centuries, religion has been used to inspire and justify both good and evil actions.
At the other end of the scale all of us, religious or not, have done things we shouldn’t have.
Unfortunately, after being let down by a religious person some people don’t want to have anything to do with Christianity, which is understandable.
However wicked actions by people who claim to be Christian but misuse the teachings of Jesus does not mean that the religion itself is evil.
If you are seeking a spiritual dimension to your life, don’t look at other people. Just ask God to reveal Himself to you and He will.
Jesus said ‘Whoever seeks me will find me’.
Roger Howard is a member of Kings Church Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
