Okay Christians, Here's the thing...?

Question

Jesus seemed like a pretty great guy. I mean he touched lepers, he helped poor people, he aided prostitutes, he turned the other cheek and he forgave well, everybody. So here's the rub, why don't his followers (that would be you) incorporate any of those values now? I mean it seems like (just an opinion mind you) there is alot of intolerance being practiced by Christians. I have seen cars with little fishes on the back pass by a homeless person in the street who seemed very down on his luck. So here's the question. Where did the fundamental values of Jesus go? And please I don't want to incur anyone's wrath, just curious...

Answer 1

Wow. Wanna go out with me?

Unfortunatly, I AM one of those who stop for the homeless person down on his luck. I may not give him money, but I give him food and give him the address of a shelter. Even though he probably knows where it is.

Why is he there? I don't know and I really don't care. The fact is that he IS there.

I dontate extra money I have. I volunteer when I can--even if it's just taking fifteen minutes in a few days to pick up trash on the road. I take in injured animals that other people pass by.

I am not Christian, but I can strive to be Christlike. Of course, I am (unfortunately) very judgemental against fundimentalist Christians and I try to work on it. I am bisexual and maybe I'm going to hell, maybe I'm not. Honestly, I really don't care, but I DO care when people trry to tell me they know where I'm going.

I care about the here and now, trying top make it a little better. Maybe quiet some of those who are so vituperative in their hate, support those who are fighting their own battles in life.

Screw the Afterworld. Let's worry about what's here, now, and worry about there when that time comes.

Answer 2

Hello go_to_girl,

I would be lying if your question did not have a ring of truth to it, despite being a devoted Christian myself. There is actually a saying that essentially says that the some of the greatest opponents to Christianity are Christians. And you are right that there is a great deal of hypocrisy when it comes to many Christians (including myself).

However, I do take a little issue with the broadness of your question. From the sounds of it, you are lumping all Christians together, saying that none seem to incorporate the values you see Jesus exhibiting. Now, though I could list a number of people in my own life who, though not perfectly, practice the values of forgiveness, charity, kindness, etc. because of their Christian faith, I will spare you such a list (since you wouldn't be able to confirm or deny it anyway). You need only do a little research to see what sort of organizations are the ones that are housing the homeless, who run the soup kitchens, who were the some of the first and longest staying in the Katrina recovery efforts, etc. And while not all Christians are doing this, some are and are doing these things because of their faith in Christ. Therefore, the fundamental values of Jesus that speak of are still here, though maybe not to the degree that either of us would like to see.

Answer 3

Well, we should do better than we do. One thing to remember though is this attitude is not new. Christ's own disciples were admonished for turning people away. As to the homeless people, many view them as drunks or junkies who will just spend the money given them on booze or drugs, instead of seeing them as people. Others are too busy with their own lives to stop. A lot of Christians do do things to help out. Most soup kitchens and homeless shelters are run by Christian churches and organizations. You did know the Salvation Army is a Christian organization, right? The churches in our town got together to get a Food Bank(basically a canned goods repository for the needy) set up for our community. We have also seen houses being built extremely cheap(donated funds) for needy families who have unacceptable accommodations. The ones who help are out there, but the one who help the most and are following Christ's example do so quietly, without seeking attention.

Oh and just because there is a little fish on the car doesn't mean the driver is necessarily Christian, I have seen Darwin fishes too.

Answer 4

Jesus was far beyond anything we could try to be or compare to. We are humans. People need to understand that. Just because we are born again, does not mean we are without sin, nor that we may not make bad decisions. Christians as a whole will do the things you ask about for the most part, but because we are human, might still occassionally pass that person by. We are constantly trying to improve and walk closer to God, the fundamental values are not lost, just not always followed as we are still human, but we have made a change that will direct us to Heaven in the end. We ask forgiveness for our transgressions and pray that we may improve. Christian or not, you have the same ability to help those people.

Answer 5

Go to Girl, I know there are hypocrites in Christianity, and unfortunately, it's easier to see the bad in others than the good.

One thing you need to understand is that in Christ, we do good things but we don't want to do it in a way that everyone can see because then it would be for show.

Many of us do honestly try to help others, but we're not perfect. If I have my children in the car, and I don't know that person, would it be irresponsible for me to stop and pick up a person down on his luck and take a chance that the person might be dangerous or harm my children?

Just so you know, I HAVE stopped and helped a homeless person. Brought them food, gave them money, or even offered a job. But sometimes I can't stop because someone is expecting me at my destination. Or I may honestly have no money on me (and I don't have a new car with a fish decal either).

The reason I am bringing this up to you is that there may be very compelling reasons why a person goes past a homeless person.

Just understand that we're humans, we do make mistakes and we are not perfect.

But you are right that we need to use Jesus as our example of how we are to live our lives. With compassion, and when God shows me a need I can help with, I do try, but I just can't help everyone.

Even with God's help, we are still human and it's just not possible to be perfect 100% of the time.

Answer 6

You are exactly right. We Christians, as humans, get wrapped up in our own problems and concerns and do not show God's Love to others as we should.

You see most people are missing the point. Being a Christian doesn't make me perfect. Heck no! I have just as many if not more faults as anyone else. In fact I believe that being a Christian puts you at odds with Satan and therefore under attack from him and his forces. Being a Christian is not about me and what good I can do. It is about Jesus Christ and the price he paid so that I can be forgiven.

No, that does not give me a "license to sin" as some folks see it. There are consequences for every wrong done. It simply means that even though I am not perfect, and will never be, my sins are forgiven through his sacrifice on the cross. All anyone has to do is believe in him and ask him to forgive you of your sins and come into and be the Lord of your life.

It is not about being perfect. Your definition of perfect and mine would be different anyway. Unlike the normal human way of thinking about things, it is not about me or any other Christian at all. It is about him.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

The reason Christians are not very Christians sometimes is because many don't study the word of God, or study,but, not with understanding. Or, They follow the wrong teachers. Some Christians go to church once a week and are no thought the word of God. Christians are not perfect. But, we that understand, do our best to follow Jesus' teachings.

By the way, a homeless person on the street can not be down on his luck when he is there day by day for years. I see many on my way to work.
God is very serious about those that beg....

Answer 8

Hi^^ I'm Ji Myoung, from Toronto, a Christian teaching English in Korea. That's true, many Christians do pass by homeless and unfortunate people on the street without helping them.
And that goes to show you that Christians have many faults and mistakes, just like all mankind.
It's a sad fact that many Christians don't care about the poor but still there are many who are genuinely concerned and take that into action. I, myself, have passed by those people, but there have been other times, I have helped these people directly. Most importantly, we must see the greater picture of poverty as a societal problem, and lobby for greater action from the government and agencies. I have been part of that type of action to lobby the government, to volunteer at food banks, and be part of church efforts, such as the "out of the cold" program to welcome homeless people into the church for a one night stay and a warm meal and fellowship. On a bit of a ironic note, there are stories of people who have bought a hot dog to give to a homeless man, only to find that he won't eat it because he's vegetarian. So many Christians and people of other faiths do care for the poor and the underprivileged, and we Christians do it with the love of Jesus, we see Jesus in these people as our neighbours.

Answer 9

We are but mere humans, There is no one on this earth that is perfect like God and His Son Jesus. The best we can do is TRY to follow in Christs footsteps. And there are Christians out there that do try and help others all the time. Many work with the homeless and do what they can, What about all the Missionarys that are out there doing Gods work? I think many Christians including myself, should do more than go to Church on Sunday.

Answer 10

You are so right. Christians do not always follow the example set for them. But there are Christians out there who do good deeds every day. Do I stop my car every time I see someone in need? No, I would never accomplish anything. Do I try to help when and where I can? Yes. I also don't have a fishy sticker on the back of my car. That's just tacky.

Answer 11

I totally agree... However Jesus was an exceptional man who's mission was a lot more divine than any of ours. My mission for the time being is to graduate college on time, get a great job, and then go to grad school. And while I help when I can, I simply can't afford the time or money to help every disadvantaged person I happen to cross paths with...