Can a Christian Justify these actions?

Question

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Intolerance and judgment. I have been often told that these are not qualities of a true Christian, but these are the exact qualities that this Christian is exhibiting. As you can see, I pointed out she was going against the teachings of Jesus. However, she glazed over that and justified her position by saying that she's not perfect, and continued her actions.

I point this out, not to bash, but to give a prime example of why I stopped going to church and why I turned away from Christianity. I couldn't believe that "God's children" could act so intolerant of me and other people. I live in a city of 2.7 million people, and I've seen this kind of behavior in every church I've been to. 90% of the congregation acted on impulses of judgment and intolerance.

How can Christianity be the true faith when most Christians I've come into contact with act like this?

Answer 1

I would be curious to see what your friend thinks of this scripture from 1 Corinthians 5:12-14...

For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”

She is wrong. Yes. But you are also wrong for basing your salvation on what other people say or do. This will be no excuse in the last day. We must base our self examination with CHRIST as our standard. And without God's grace and mercy, we would all lose, wouldn't we?

Yoda Green - I suppose you are an example of the non-judgmental?

Answer 2

Unfortunately, many people have this view of Christians. Being a follower of Jesus myself, I am upset with the number of those who claim to be Christians, yet still go on with their intolerance and judgmental attitudes.

I have also been in many churches where that was actually taught as a way to convict other people of their sins and convert them to Christianity. Obviously not a good answer. I have several friends who are not Christian, but know that I am, and I may not approve of their lifestyles or choices, but they know why I am concerned for them. I do not harrass them or bring it up all the time.

Christians today need to learn that what Jesus taught still holds true today. You can love each and every person, regardless of their choices.

Answer 3

I have come across the same problem and because of it, I too stopped going to church. I know what you mean and that is a good question. I think Christianity is a true faith but most believers twist the truth to fit their needs and actions. It is not justifiable but it happens every day. All I can say is God bless everyone and try not to pass judgement on those who are so obviously doing so.

Answer 4

Seems to me that you're projecting! The God of Tolerating Absolutely Everything is your god, not hers. (Hypothetically,) If I am the One True God, then the fact that I am right would mean that sticks and crystals are wrong. Where is the logic in God not teaching people to reject what He knows to be totally wrong?

Also, I missed the part of her question in which she stated that she was a Christian. Since I don't know about that, I will just point out that Jesus was not the all-tolerating guru you make him out to be. Some of his teachings are quite hard; and none of them were, 'Only perfect people may share the Gospel.' Especially considering the guys he chose as His apostles; who ran away when they came for Jesus.

Oh, and Christianity never said that all its followers were perfect; anyway! Called to perfection, yes; perfect now, hardly. So, your question about the 'truth' of Christianity in light of your judgment against most of His followers is not very logical, either.

BTW, I would like to thank you for the civil tone of your question. I wish you well!

Answer 5

"How can Christianity be the true faith when most Christians I've come into contact with act like this?"

Do you dare to judge God based on people?

(I'm not trying to be harsh, but you get my drift. I hate going to church etc. Many Christians --especially American ones-- won't be in Heaven (Rev 3: 14-22) because life is so easy.

Many Christians think they are saved, but don't even know God.

Even those that do know Him and have his Spirit still screw up alot.

But the point is, don't make the mistake of judging God by people that say they know him...that would be a mistake to regret forever).

If someone is possesed by God in His manifest glory --not just His manifest presence--- and exhibit the love of God, they won't need to say it.

Answer 6

If this is the kind of people you have encountered and they call themselves Christians, it is no wonder you are so disallusioned. No true Christian would act that way. To be Christian means to be Christ like. Would Jesus treat you this way? No way. If you let these people keep you away from going to worship God, it means they are closer to Him than you are. Is that what you want? Are you going to let them steal your place in Heaven? Actually, acting like you describe, I don't think they will be there but I hope you get my meaning. You are letting them keep you away from God. Keep looking and you will find a church that will not only teach you about God but will show you what Jesus is like in their actions. Check out the site below and you will find some studies that will show you things you never knew before that will help you find a church that will be acceptiing of you.

Answer 7

It all started with the preachers. When they began to preach falsehood, claiming it to be 'new light' when in fact it was darkness, and the people believed it, then they excepted that darkness as their own, then they taught it to others, and so Satan's darkness has spread world wide. If you keep your eyes on Jesus and not on people, and find a church that really does follow the Bible (KJV) you will probably be OK, as long as you know your Bible, and not just what some preacher has taught you. Do you want to know what church is Gods church? Test them by Rev 12:17, and 14:12. If they do not adhere the these (yourself included), then there is no light in them.

Answer 8

You are fixing your eyes on the creation not the creator. I like you have found that churches are a terrible place. People gossiping about you, being judged by others, it's terrible. Still I don't let these people destroy my faith in Christ. They are sinners just like me and sadly more often than not they (and I) are in process of sinning at most any instance. Just remember that some time in your life someone will most likely say that you have acted on impulses of judgment and intolerance. We all mess up some of us just don't see what we are doing till we have hurt someone.

Answer 9

A Christian can justify anything. That's the beauty of their belief.
Look at PTL, and you will see what I mean, or how about the Farell
[forgot his name] big TV preacher who got caught visiting a hooker, and it was not for spiritual enlighten meant. When you have a God that forgives you before you sin, or you can hide your bias under the cover of religion, you can get away with any thing. and the good news is Jesus loves you.......I was just reading some of your answers and I thought, hey there's the proof of what I am saying

Answer 10

I totally see where are coming from, before I became a christian I thought the same way about the christians I had met. But I was fortunate, I met some people at a church ( and it took me going to a lot of churches before I found one with people who spoke the truth). God does not want us to judge others, we do not have that right. God wants us to love and respect others and help people in need. He wants us to represent him with our attitude and how we interact with others. But we are also human and depending on how messed up your life was before you became a christian it is easy to forget that and let out your human side and views. I catch myself sometimes thinking negative about someone and know it's not right of me to do so, so I pray. But there are a lot of people who are not hearing what God wants them to hear... There are some churches that I have been to where the pastor is saying negative things about people!!! That blew me away, but you just have to pray for those people as well. Pray that God leads you to a church that shows the true christian way and pray that all those christians out there that are not seeing things so clear may one day see Gods way. Don't loose hope on all christians and especially God!!!! We are not perfect, but for the things that we do that are not chrisitan like may we recongnize and pray that God gives us the strength to correct and help us to bring glory to God.