IT NEED NOT BE said that practically all known religious sects, groupings or movements in the country subscribe to their own respective Christian doctrine and pursuant particular practices.
In one way or another, they look at and revere Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This is why they frequently invoke the Scriptures – the New Testament in particular – the central figure wherein is the Lord Jesus.
This is also why although said and done in different ways and in various means, the said Christian Churches more often than not, believe and observe the teaching of Christ.
The said belief and observances are more known and pronounced on the following points:
* One, the frequent and ardent recourse too much and long prayers, which is good.
* Two, the predictable pursuit of the marvels if not the downright miracles of healing, financial grants and other human needs, which is understandable.
* Three, the expected loud shouts of joy and gratitude to top and end the gathering, which is something distinct and impressive.
It is these Christian Church that brought to fore the standard jubilant shouts of “Praise the Lord!”, “Alleluia!” and “Amen!” which is a marvel to hear and to behold.
Not the least meant to criticize but merely untended to forward as some kind of advisory – which is not asked but herein given just the same, in deference to truth and recall of reality – it is not only possible that rather probable that certain Christian Churches might have unwitting and unconsciously fomented “spiritualism” in place of spirituality, “pietism” instead of piety, “quietism” rather than tranquility and quiet, among their members.
The over-arching factors of the above said dispositions are the following:
* First, Christians are detached from the truth and reality of life here and now.
* Second, they are thus disposed to be above the realm of Natural law of cause and effect.
* Third, they are made to feel and believe that God does everything for them, with them altogether free from doing anything for themselves.
“Spiritualism” is the excess of spirituality.
“Pietism” is the abuse of piety.
“Quietism” is a contradiction of proper action and required actuation, due concern and understandable human preoccupation.
There is a truly wise saying: “Pray as if everything depended on God. Work as if everything depended on yourself”. This is the truth of life. This is the reality of living not only in the here and beyond, but also in the here and actual.
There seems to be a good amount of truth that “Spiritualism”, “Pietism” and “Quietism” are all anchored in one and the same factor: Egoism.
Would that everything noted above were not true./PN
