IN AMERICA,

WE ARE FREE

TO CHOOSE

HOW WE BELIEVE

ZACH’S TESTIMONY

Zach stood in the pulpit and looked out at the people, like so many sheep awaiting orders from their shepherd. Many in the congregation knew Zach only as the friendly, smiling man with the beautiful wife and two well-mannered boys. Not many really knew him personally, but they did know he was a well-respected filmmaker they had seen recently on television winning an Academy Award. He had a reputation of being a man of intelligence and integrity, a talented man who had exposed the lies and deceptions of religious cults, uncouth businessmen and crooked politicians. He had shown the world the absurdities and the atrocities of the Taliban, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Moonies, and had cast dark shadows on Mormonism. He had shown how dishonest politicians had spent taxpayer money on personal luxuries and perks, and had fought to make our educational system more effective and efficient.

Now he was here to give his testimony about his Lord and Savior. All ears were open and each heart was prepared to hear him speak about his love for the Lord and the wonderful things Christ had done in his life. They were all ready to yell, “Amen! Hallelujah! We love the Lord!” Up in the balcony, Bryan was filming Zach's words and the crowd's reaction, hoping to get some good footage for the film.
Zach began.

“As some of you know, I have devoted my life to finding the truth. I search for the truth everywhere and in everything. I read, I observe, I discuss, and I think with my mind and my instincts. I am about to wrap up a quite extensive study of religion and a film that I hope tells the truth – at least, the truth as close as mere mortals can come.”

“I have listened to the evidence, and am still listening each and every day. At this point, I feel confident in sharing the following thoughts with you. After you listen to the evidence, I would love for you to share your thoughts with me at my website, www.truetruths.com, and to watch my film, True Truths, when it comes out."

"Like you," said Zach, "I am constantly looking for the truth."

"And I've found the truth!" he shouted.

"Amen," "Hallelujah," "We love the truth!" and "God bless you, brother," could be heard throughout the Baptist congregation.

"We know that Mohammed is not God's spokesman," Zach said slowly and deliberately. "We know Buddha is not the true God. We know that God did not speak to Joseph Smith and send him golden tablets from heaven. And we know that God did not choose the Pope to speak for him here on earth!"

Shouts of "Amen", "God bless you," and "Jesus Christ is our Lord," echoed throughout the church.

Zach continued. "We know that the Taliban and other Muslim leaders are not carrying out God's wishes, killing innocents, demeaning women, and holding their people as pawns in a deadly game of religious dominance."

"We know," Zach said, "there are some among the Muslims, the Jews, the Hindus - yes, even Christians - and others who teach intolerance towards other religions, even teaching their people to punish or kill those who believe differently."

"We know that Allah, Buddha and other false gods will not get us to heaven. We know there are many false gods and religions being worshipped by millions which deceive and mislead many of the world's population."

"In summary," said Zach, "we know all of these organized religions are creations of man - the work of Satan, you might say. Some leaders of these other religions purposely mislead their followers, knowing their religion is a lie."

"Amen, " shouted an old man on the second row. "Thou shalt not have any other gods before me," another man said as he quoted one of the commandments.

"We also know, sadly, that many people innocently believe the lies of these religions, and are truly lost and in need of knowing the truth."

More responses from the congregation - "Amen." "Help the blind to see." "Glory to God." “Jesus saves,” and "Praise the Lord. Bring God to the heathens. They've been brainwashed."

"Yes," said Zach. "We know all this. Why, then, don't other people see these truths that are so clear to some of us. Too often, we close our eyes and our minds and refuse to think. It's time all the world open their minds, and open their hearts, and discover the wonderful truths of our world."

"Preach on, brother. Jesus is alive." "Amen. God bless you." "Amen." "Hallelujah."

Zach continued. "We owe it to ourselves, to our family, to our neighbors - to our world - to seek out the truth and share it with every soul."

"That is my mission in life, my goal, my passion. I'm elated to share what, in my heart of hearts, I know to be true. God bless the truth!" Zach stood quietly as the congregation was caught up in a religious hailstorm, fervently praising the Lord and praying for the lost.

Among the thunderous applause, screams of "Amen, Hallelujah, and Praise the Lord!" could be heard.

The crowd quieted, anxious to hear what Zach had to say next.

“I want us to think about some of the things people say about religion," Zach continued.

"Some people say:

1. Every religion worshipped by man was created by man.

2. Throughout history, man has used many tools - force, reason, myths of “divine intervention”, lies, and murder - including religion, to gain power, riches, and control over his fellow man.

3. Yes, some people would say that religion is responsible for the deaths of millions and millions of people throughout history, encouraging and inciting the masses to kill in the name of their particular god and religion.

4. Students of religion have noted there have been many “gods” who have many similarities with Jesus Christ, because these gods are based on the same ancient, widespread fictional stories that Jesus is based on.

5. Some people would say that careful research of the facts accompanied by critical thinking would prove to any intelligent person that a historical Jesus Christ did not exist and was the creation of man.

6. There are those who insist the Bible was written by many men and edited by many more over a period of thousands of years. It is not the direct word of God, they say. Neither is the Koran or the Book of Mormon or any other holy book. Religious writings were written by men with vested interests in their content.

7. It is truly amazing what some men and women will believe.

8. It has also been said that religion controls billions and billions of dollars worth of assets all over the world.

9. Religion controls the minds and wills of billions of people all over the world.

“These are some of the things people say about religion,” Zach continued. “As you know, I have spent many years researching the subject, and I have made a film exploring that research along with my critical analysis of the many aspects of religion. Hopefully, you will watch the film, and take in the message with your eyes and ears. Even more importantly, listen with your mind, listen with your heart, and listen with your soul, and I think you will make your own decision about what is the truth.”

"Tell us the truth," someone shouted. "Give God the glory," shouted another. "Praise the Lord, Jesus Christ lives!" added a young woman with religious fervor. Meanwhile, the pastor and the music director exchanged anxious looks, unsure of what was to follow.

“Without going into any further detail, let me share the main conclusions I have made in my mind after my long and arduous sojourn into religion. First of all, I agree with all of the statements I just made." An uneasy restlessness flitted through the congregation, as Zach spoke in a strong, steady voice.

"My final two points are anchored in my hope for truth and justice to rule the present as well as the future of our children and grandchildren. You can check out my website, watch my movie, and I'll also be passing out a pamphlet after the service for anyone who is interested in more information about understanding yourself and your religion - in finding the truth.”

“In closing, my friends, my final conclusions are:

10. Religions are not interested in the truth – they are interested in what will help religious leaders gain and maintain control of their followers and their possessions.

11. It is time that we take back control of our minds, our resources and our lives. All of humanity must work together to do what is right, what is just, and what will best serve men and women throughout our world. We can no longer give our hearts, our souls, and our mind to a mythical god and his self-appointed representatives.”

The pastor, realizing it was too late, hurriedly escorted Zach away from the podium with the assistance of two deacons, while the music minister led the choir in a resounding rendition of Amazing Grace.

"… I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."

Amid the noise and confusion came a solitary voice from somewhere in the dark recesses of the church.

“Now I see. Long live the TRUTH!”

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