I came across a quote from one, Barbara Brown Taylor, that emphatically stated Christ died because of the alliance and cooperation of religion and government—in other words, man killed Christ. The warning was ostensibly that if the government and the church get together, they are both lying and trying to take over the world at our expense. Sadly, there is a modicum of truth to what this writer postulates—but only a modicum.
The manmade construct of religion has been used as an excuse to perpetrate and/or hide atrocities throughout history. Cults like Jonestown and the Branch Davidians are recent examples of organizations that attempted to hide behind Christ while committing heinous acts. The Reichskirche in Germany sided more with the Nazis and not with Christ when executing Hitler’s plan.
During the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries, the Catholic church, Islam, and other manmade religions fought more for their power and belief systems than for the true Word of God. Today, those histories are broadly misinterpreted and applied to any mention of Christ and His church. Fortunately, men like Martin Luther, Wycliff, Zwingli, John Huss, and others fought hard; some died, trying to ensure that God’s Word prevailed. We are fighting that same battle today against mis, mal, and disinformation when it comes to Christ and His church.
But, no, regardless of what this unfortunately misinformed person posted, man did not kill Christ. Christ’s death was not the result of government and religion coming together; it was the result of love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him they will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And Christ emphasized His mission as love when He told His followers, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Christ laid down His life in love and obedience. Nobody could take it from Him; He freely gave it (John 10:17 & 18). To think man took His life shows the lack of knowledge and critical thinking that is all too prevalent in our society today.
Teaching opportunity: Before you attempt a comment on a point, know your subject. Critically think about how, why, and what actually happened. Think it through and ask God to show you His wisdom before commenting (Proverbs 18:13).