Embracing the Divine Without Boundaries

Protestants often critique Catholics for their veneration of Mary, suggesting it borders on worship. Yet, Protestants similarly elevate Jesus, directing worship toward him.

However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals that Jesus consistently pointed others to God, not to himself. When addressed as "Good Master," Jesus responded, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone" (Mark 10:18). This indicates his intent to redirect praise to God.

This pattern reflects a broader tendency within religious traditions to center around specific individuals or groups. Judaism, for instance, derives its name from Judah, one of Jacob's twelve sons. 

After the division of the united monarchy, the southern kingdom, comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, became known as the Kingdom of Judah. Over time, its inhabitants were called Judeans, and eventually, the term "Jews" emerged to describe the people and their faith.

Similarly, the term "Christian" was first used in Antioch to describe followers of Jesus. Notably, this label was not self-assigned by Jesus' followers but was attributed to them by outsiders, possibly as a term of derision. 

When religions adopt names centered on specific individuals, groups (or tribes), they risk creating exclusivity, implying that access to the divine is limited to those within the named group. This exclusivity can inadvertently marginalize others and foster division.

Yet, both scientific understanding and theological reflection affirm that God existed long before humanity and transcends all human categories. By focusing on particular personalities or groups, we risk confining the infinite nature of the divine to our limited perspectives.

Jesus' mission was to guide people toward God. His teachings emphasized a direct relationship with the Creator, unmediated by human institutions or intermediaries. When religious structures prioritize allegiance to specific figures over a direct connection with God, they deviate from this foundational message.

In our spiritual journeys, it's crucial to recognize and challenge the ways in which religious naming and structures might inadvertently limit our understanding of the divine. By doing so, we open ourselves to a more expansive and inclusive experience of God, one that transcends human-imposed boundaries and honors the universality of the divine presence.