Moralistic Therapeutic Deism

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD) Christianity is a religious epidemic. Following is my personal debunking of the belief that MTD Christians are Christians.

The following statements sum up Christian MTD:
1. The god that is believed in is one that created existence and oversees this existence.
2. The desire of the god of MTD is that people will live by the golden rule.
3. The most fundamental goal of human existence is to maximize self-utility.
4. The god of MTD is one that is only called upon by its believers when it is needed.
5. Good people go to heaven.

The following statements sum up Christianity in regards to the MTD summation:
1. God created existence and oversees this existence.
2. The desire of God is that people will imitate Christ and the Word of God.
3. The most fundamental goal of human existence is to glorify God.
4. God is not solely called upon when needed, but also is exalted, praised, and glorified.
5. Christians go to heaven.

Christianity is a relationship - a relationship with God. This relationship must follow certain criteria to be considered valid. If it does not follow this criteria, one is not a Christian. As far as I know, one cannot pick and choose what he believes and still consider himself a part of that given religion. That is what makes up that religion, the beliefs that it encompasses. Don't get me wrong, every relationship with God is different, but every relationship also has similarities.

The most powerful point I can make in regards to the need for a genuine relationship with God stems directly from cross analysis of the fourth statement in each category stated above. MTD "Christians" only call upon their god when they need him. How is this a relationship, or Christianity for that matter? It isn't. It is simply an attempt to take advantage of the deity one believes in! MTD Christians are not Christians. They do not have a real relationship with God. They don't actually know Him, and He doesn't know them as His. Thus, not only are their attempts to receive what is needed from God at the time unanswered, but God isn't even hearing them.

The thought of taking advantage of God in such a manner upsets me, but who's fault is it? Is it a MTD "Christian's" fault, or, as Christians, our fault? How can our and God's disciples have such a skewed view of Christianity?

All of the differences above and many more unlisted ones are what distinguish MTD "Christianity" from Christianity.

If you are interested in researching MTD more fully, consider this article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20050418/moralistic-therapeutic-deism-the-new-american-religion/index.html