Part 7 in our Disciple series. We all like loopholes. They’re our way of getting around rules or laws. Looking for them comes naturally; nobody has to teach us. We’re always searching for them. Christians love loopholes too, as do all religious people. Every religion has a book or list, and every religion has scholars to help people get around actually doing the stuff written in those books or lists. Religion gives you a belief system that you don’t really follow; when it gets difficult, you find an escape clause.

In the opening verses of ‘the sermon on the mount’ Jesus began to describe his followers as ‘poor, sad, meek, righteous, merciful, pure, peaceful, persecuted, insulted people, waiting for a reward in heaven.’ Is that really what we are?