Why We Need Peace — Not Merely Religion
(Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace)
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba — Shimba Theological Institute
Religion, in its human form, often evolves into systems of rules, rituals, labels, and traditions. It can easily create divisions, elevate fear over hope, and even ignite conflict. But the mission of Jesus Christ was never to establish another religious institution. He came to bring something far greater—peace. Peace with God, peace within the human heart, and peace among people.
Below is a clear understanding of why true transformation comes not from religion, but from the Person of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
1. Religion Focuses on Outward Practices — Christ Brings Inner Transformation
Most religions focus on what people must do to reach God. Jesus focuses on what He has already done.
Religion says: “Try harder.”
Christ says: “Come to Me.”
Religion burdens the human soul with impossible demands, but Christ invites the weary to rest:
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)
Rituals cannot give peace. Rules cannot heal a broken heart. Only Christ transforms the inner person—bringing true peace from the inside out.
2. Religion Divides People — Christ Reconciles People
History is full of religious conflicts. Systems and labels divide, but Christ unites.
“He is our peace… and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility.”
(Ephesians 2:14)
Jesus forms one family of God—not by law, but by love.
In Him, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, male and female stand on equal ground. Christ creates unity where religion created barriers.
3. Religion Creates Fear — Christ Offers Assurance
Many religious systems teach that you must perform perfectly to be accepted by God. This creates fear, anxiety, and guilt.
But Christ brings assurance:
“We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Romans 5:1)
Peace comes not from human effort but from Christ’s finished work on the cross. He brings confidence, forgiveness, and unshakable hope.
4. Religion Tries to Reach God — Christ Brings God to Us
Humanity builds religions to climb up to heaven.
But heaven came down through Jesus Christ.
He is Emmanuel—God with us.
Through Christ, God enters our world, knows our pain, carries our sorrows, and walks with us in every season of life.
5. Religion Cannot Change the World — Peace Through Christ Can
Laws, governments, and religious institutions may try to improve society, but only transformed hearts can produce lasting peace.
Jesus teaches a radical lifestyle:
Love your enemies
Bless those who curse you
Forgive seventy times seven
Overcome evil with good
This is the kind of peace that heals homes, restores communities, and can transform nations.
Jesus Christ: The True Prince of Peace
Isaiah declared His identity centuries before His birth:
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
(Isaiah 9:6)
Through Him we receive:
Peace with God
Peace within ourselves
Peace with others
Eternal peace in God’s kingdom
This is why humanity needs peace, not merely religion.
Religion without Christ leaves the soul empty.
But Christ—without the weight of human traditions—brings life, salvation, hope, and everlasting peace.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
Teaching Christ. Proclaiming Truth. Advancing Peace.
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