Bumper sticker recently spotted and noted as worthy of at least some reflection: “Loving kindness is my religion.” Something about this strikes me as being odd. It’s like it’s a new slant on religion, when in fact, it is the embodiment of true religion. God would be elated if loving kindness were everyone’s religion.
Is this anything like, “I don’t need to go to church because the forest is my church”? Well if it was meant to be an affront to religion, it is quite the opposite. It is actually complimentary to religion, because true religion is all about loving kindness.
“Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4) There’s no fire and brimstone here, no scare tactics, no ten easy steps, no coercion… just the kindness of God that leads to repentance. It’s all anyone needs.
So why would anyone think the loving kindness of God would somehow redefine religion? Loving kindness is God’s religion, too.
John Fischer The Catch 
John, I love the kindness bumper stick. Here’s one I’ll share with you.
“Jesus loves you. But I’m his favorite.” This one could evoke lots of comments. Mine is: Thank God, He doesn’t play favorites nor show partiality. Thanks for Eloise and Weinee! What a great name for a dog!
It is sad that “Loving Kindness” is thought to be in contrast to this person’s experience of religion. Keeping a positive, “this-is-a-person-who-is-being-saved” approach I can see their longing for what is missing. Being skeptical I can hear a “so-I-do-not-need-your-God-or-Bible” statement. Either one is possible. Sadly I jumped to #2 first.
“Bumper sticker theology” is another topic. We have a sign board on the road in front of our church’s building for messages. We have made a big effort to just put out welcoming information [right now it says: “Youth Camo-Nite, Saturday 4-9”]. We resist using those slogans that get passed around the internet. We have just become convinced that, in our culture, you cannot put real truth in that format.
Couldn’t agree with you more, with the exception of “WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM.”
Big tongue in big cheek?
Teh person who had the bumper sticker sounds as if they have given up on ANY church. Her religion, to me, seems to be the act of loving something she defines as “Kindness”. What is that? Is she kind to dogs or cats? Is she kind to children? The other side also glares out – what or who is she NOT kind to? What is her standard for kindness?
God’s version of ‘lovingkindness” (note it is one word) would probably not meet her definition. The sad part is, a huge portion of our population believes the same way she does. Their definition has become their god and they have put aside the Truth God has given in the Bible, both the “kindness” and the “consequential”. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I WILL give you peace”