Is it possible that Christianity has been usurped by people who are the polar opposites of Christ's teachings?

Question

The new testament teaches a not at all unpleasant way of looking at life and others. Why is it that people calling themselves Christians in the U.S. are making lives miserable for those who won't adhere to their distortions of Jesus' messages? Where is the condemnation for the Reverand Phelps? Why are they tolerating and condoning and supporting hatred? Where is hatred, judgment and persecution put forth by Jesus as the right way to treat others?

I really would like to hear reasoned responses from intelligent people. I think the zealots will want to spew venom but will probably be challenged by what usurp might mean.

God save me from your followers.

Answer 1

You hit the nail on the head. Look at Jimmy Swaggert and his tramps. Sadly some people use the Bible to increase their power and be heard. Look at the Book of Acts and how the Apostles went quietly to jail and the Lord delivered them. Jesus was a tactful human. He still told people off, but he didn't need to use profanity and violence. He used wisdom and the glory of God. In the Old Testament violence is used at the beheast of God. Jesus gave us two commandments. Love thy neighbor and love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, strength, and wisdom. I pray that societ will see the light. The lord won't stand for this much longer.

Answer 2

I think that it has to a certain degree. Not so much by the older more established religions although some of those have more established distortions.

The new generation of fundamentalists are a major concern. They seem to be young people searching for something but can't completely cut themselves of from the zeitgeist or the modern society. As a result many are ultra conservative to the point of being fascist. I feel that they are from comfortable background and have lead a life protected from reality by their parents. Perhaps they will learn with experience.

If you look at the life and teachings of Christ, you will find that he was a socialist but this is not acceptable the the new generation so they continue on their current, wrong path.

Answer 3

There is a possibility (however slight) that the story of Jesus was entirely made up.
Another more likely scenario is that the writings and teachings didn't fit into a world which had a power vacuum and the political manipulators like Constantine managed to twist a combination of pagan and Christian thought into a paternalistic authority which controlled people, money, and life itself for most of Europe. The modern result is a struggle between real information and doled-out absolution based on marketing of false scarcity.

Answer 4

I agree that some Christians set a bad example and certainly don't follow the example I believe Christ set. I wouldn't assume they're the majority, though - they just happen to be louder. The Christians I know through my church and social life are wonderful, kind people who really try to follow His teachings.

There has been MUCH condemnation of Phelps, however, even from Christians you might be referring to. It's just that "mainstream" or "normal" Christians aren't as loud. They even have lives that don't revolve around making signs and finding the newest and neatest ways to torture a grieving mother, wife or child.

But I have no problem saying this: I'm a Christian and I find Phelps about as repulsive as I could possibly find someone. Check out the website below that tells about his life. It's like he was born for lunacy.

Just remember - loud "Christians" don't represent or speak for other Christians any more than Mohammed Atta, bin Laden and 18 other hijackers spoke for Muslims. They're freaks. Outsiders. They need to "be seen" to feel as though they exist. I pity them. But not as much as I empathize with the families whose lives are damaged by his craziness.

Answer 5

A manipulative tool called ignorance seems instilled in alot of christians of today. They're told that the bible is it and no one else in the world knows anything. They ignore history and the concept of control..that if your afraid you can be controlled...it was a genius move on those in charge...then the religion was forced on millions and grew because who do people grow up to be..their parents....all the while..the ones with the real wisdom sat dormant because they were getting killed off. So we have a military like chain of command called modern christianity where asking questions is treason..Works can't get you into heaven...well laziness does...if you worked on the dreams you had of a better world maybe some people would lose their high level positions and that is seriously scary for them....it is nice not to feel responsible...sit and wait..u know u want to

Answer 6

Very true honor thy father and love your enemies are paramount in the New Testament. I have a personal problem judging others because I know I have much to be judged for myself. Though anyone that spreads hate and venom in the name of Christianity does not follow Christ. I think politicians are right to out law his protests at funraels. Rev. Phelps's brand of hate and tatics have been condemed. His actions are not prescribed by Jesus nor influenced if you ask me. Secular authorities are appropriaite to handle hatemongering no difference from them handling the KKK they also call themselves Christians even have their own church for whites only. Where is that in the bible?

Answer 7

I actually don't know anything about the Rev Phelps. I do know that we need to decifer between false teaching and passionate teaching. Is someone offended because the person is really being hateful or is he just being truthful. I have been offended recently, but realized that I was offended because a light was now shining upon my sin. Revealing it. If you love your sin, then you will cower towards the darkness so that no one can see what you are doing. Learn to love the light by being obedient to God's laws.
Be sure to read your bible daily and pray to God for understanding, so that, when someone teaches falsely, you will know.

Answer 8

It's not only possible but probable. Just look at people like George W. Bush, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Fred Phelps, Jim Baker, the list goes on and on ... what these people all have in common is they have used the Christian faith for their own profit, beit financial or political.

Answer 9

Phelps had better hope there isn't really a hell. I'd hope Bush would use some Secret Service/National Guard powers to keep those drooling idiots half a mile from any military funeral.

Answer 10

Absolutely - As one who is a True Christian, following Jesus Christ and his teachings, I believe many use the name "Christian" for their own means and purposes that have nothing to do with Christianity and find them to be serving anti-Christ - even Jesus said many then were already serving the anti-Christ.