Will the Real Christians Please Stand Up!
I'd like to know exactly when Christianity became a religion of, judging others, casting the first stone, and my particualr favorite--Knowing exactly what God thinks and wants on everything from which sinners he hates the most, to which political party he's rallying behind? The Christianity I was taught to believe in stressed loving my neighbor, charity, humility, judge not lest ye be judged, the meek shall inherit the earth. It did not teach, love thy neighbor unless he disagrees with my beliefs, give to charity while I call the poor stupid, useless and lazy, be a humble servant of God while I make self-righteous proclamations that I and only I (and people exactly like me) truly know His will.
A great example of this new breed of "Christians", is Pat Robertson. God apparently speaks directly to him and tells him things such as, who He wants assassinated, how much He hates Democrats and Gays, and of course the ever important message,after the fact, that He decided to destroy an American city (with Katrina), killing hundreds of children, senior citizens and poor black people, to smite the sinners who had visited or might someday visit. Makes you wonder why San Francisco and Las Vegas aka. Sin City- are still around doesn't it?
The thing that really pisses me off, with this whole Christian Right shift, is that it gives Christianity a bad rap. True Christianity isn't about being self-righteous and nodding smugly as you list all the sinners God has in His Hurricane wielding sights. True Christianity is about love, humility, respect, empathy, charity, forgiveness, treating others as you would be treated, honoring God--not using Him and His words as a battering ram etc. It seems to me that a lot of "Christians" these days don't truly trust God, because if they did they wouldn't feel the need to do His job for Him and judge others so freely, so sure that they are His chosen and the rest of us "sinners" are doomed to hell.
“Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged…” (Matthew 7:1-2).
A great example of this new breed of "Christians", is Pat Robertson. God apparently speaks directly to him and tells him things such as, who He wants assassinated, how much He hates Democrats and Gays, and of course the ever important message,after the fact, that He decided to destroy an American city (with Katrina), killing hundreds of children, senior citizens and poor black people, to smite the sinners who had visited or might someday visit. Makes you wonder why San Francisco and Las Vegas aka. Sin City- are still around doesn't it?
The thing that really pisses me off, with this whole Christian Right shift, is that it gives Christianity a bad rap. True Christianity isn't about being self-righteous and nodding smugly as you list all the sinners God has in His Hurricane wielding sights. True Christianity is about love, humility, respect, empathy, charity, forgiveness, treating others as you would be treated, honoring God--not using Him and His words as a battering ram etc. It seems to me that a lot of "Christians" these days don't truly trust God, because if they did they wouldn't feel the need to do His job for Him and judge others so freely, so sure that they are His chosen and the rest of us "sinners" are doomed to hell.
“Judge not that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged…” (Matthew 7:1-2).
posted by Leo at 2:27 AM
10 Comments:
This whole "Christian Right" thing baffles me, I must admit. I remember when it came time for me to vote for the first time, I was so excited (I know... I'm a dork) and I did all kinds of research, and came to the conclusion that, as a Christian I should probably vote Liberal (the Canadian psuedo-equivilant of the Demorcrats -- sort of...) because they supported social policy that, to my mind, seemed more in keeping with Scripture (ie: taking care of the 'widows and orphans', or in other words, the disenfranchised).
Now, I realize that in Canada things are different (well, for now anyway) because we have a 3 party system so things tend to not get as polarized, but it's beginning to happen here too... the creeping advance of the "Christian Right"... who focus on only 2 issues -- abortion and homosexuality... and none of the other things that the Bible speaks off; ie: taking care of the poor, not giving into materialism (mammon), loving your neighbour as yourself, etc...
Now, I have no problem with people being right wing, they have a right to their opinion (even though it's wrong! heehee), but I hate the fact that it is now assumed that if you are a Christian you can only vote one way. I remember before W. Bush was elected for the first time, my mom hosted a prayer meeting to pray that he would get elected (and she's not even American... I don't know why she doesn't just move down there, she loves America so much), and one of the people she invited didn't want to come because she couldn't 'in good consciounce, vote for someone who supported the death penalty'. My mom was scandelized... how could a Christian disagree with her???? She couldn't see that this person had convictions that she thought of as important that were different from hers. This idea that all of us are supposed to think the same way drives me nuts. We have different denomonations, different worship styles... why can't we have different opinions??
Anyway, now I'm rambling! *smile*. Thanks for your incredibly flattering comments on my blog... feel free to stop by anytime... flattery will get you everywhere!
Pat Robertson does not represent the whole of Christianity - those that think he does are just ignorant.
It is more a tactic of liberals to point at some extremist and claim that is how the whole thinks - especially true when it comes to Christianity.
BTW - the Bible does not teach socialism, it's teachings are more toward capitalism, investing, being wise with ones money/possesions, punishment for crimes, respecting borders, etc.
justadog
I never said anything about socialism... and to use your words, it's just a tactic of the conservative right to characterize my views as socialist.
I'm afraid, on this issue I disagree with you. I feel the Bible does not teach an economic system at all... but it does teach us that we are to care for those who cannot (for whatever reason) care for themselves.
Justadog--JJ didn't mention socialism and I didn't say all Christians are represented by Pat Robertson. Obviously, since I consider my self a Christian and I don't subscribe to Pats' views I realize there are a variety of types of Christians. I was speaking of a particular type of Christian that is at the forefront of Americas religious right movement. As for God/ the bible advocating Capitialism...that's a new one to me. Thanks for your comments everyone.
Pat Robertson is the perfect example of someone who believes his own hype.
Amen. I could'nt have asked better questions.
Good lord, Christians have done much, much worse than judge people in history. They have raped, plundered and slaughtered, all in the name of Christ since Constantine changed the Roman Empire to Christianity.
Love thy neighbor?! HA! That's the funniest thing I've read all afternoon!
Nick, yes some Christians have done terrible things throughout history in the name of their religion, but then so have some Muslims, some Jews, some Hindu's etc. There have also been quite a few atheists who have done terrible things throughout history. I personally think anyone, no matter their religion or lack there of who commits atrocities in the name of God or their cause is the worst sort of evil. I do not think however that the majority of Christians or people in general are horrible, rapists, pillagers, murders etc., and I don't think that any religion or group should be judged soley on the acts of the few. In fact that's my main reason for writing this post, to point out that not all Chrisitians are being represented by the evangelical christian right in this country. Thanks for the comment.
Jeff, Everyone, including Evangelicals obviously, have the right to speak out in this country, the concern I have is that, one a lot of what is being said by far-right Christians comes across as hateful and judgemental, esp. if you don't happen to share their interpetation of the bible/scripture and it bothers me that Christianity in general is being linked exclusively with the evangelical brand of the religion. It is perfectly valid to be Christian and not be an evangelical, but the only Christians you hear about, read about etc. these days are evangelicals, and a lot of Chrisitians do not believe as the evangelicals do. As for your speaking out on issues, you seem like a respectful and reasonable guy and I'm sure you bring that to the table when you do speak out. Unfortunately, in my experience a lot of the Christian right don't share you're reasonable tone. Thanks for the comment.
Very interesting read. I happen to be born catholic but non practicing for a few specific reasons that I will not go into here. Since coming to the states I realized that there is a scary sort of fervour surrounding the "christian right" that smacks of just a little insanity. I realize that Pat Robertson is a minority, but evangelicals for the most part are very "fervent" in their beliefs for want of a better word. Being of a more liberal leaning but still christian, I have had some interesting experiences with people on politics and religion and when they get that crazy glint in their eye I think of the zealots and stonings and crosses in the square. This movement towards the right by pople who "claim" to be christians is a farce. Most of them are bigots and hypocrites who shield themselves behind religion because its the only thing in the world that allows you to have an opinion that is "illogical" and the same time acceptable.
Some more writings like this by true christians would go a long way towards showing the moderate side of Christianity.
Great post.
Mr. Rant, Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
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