Can you love Christ, and REALLY be turned off by those who claim to be his followers?

Question

Frankly, I love reading the bible. I also read other religious works. When it comes to Christ's teachings, as they were described by his apostles, I don't think any honest person could say they're anything other than truly beautiful. But the broad chasm between what he obviously was, and what I see in the condemning, pointing fingers of Christianity, is astounding. Frankly, although I think most Christians are great people, as quickly as they start talking (most of them), the very spirit of what they are betrays who they claim to follow.

So ..... I love the teachings of many religions and philosophies, Christ's teachings included. Is there something wrong with seeing divine inspiration in Christ's teachings, and a foul twisting of original intent in the dogmas of modern Christians? Or have they risen to such arrogance to believe that denying them is par unto denying Him?

Answer 1

By posing this question, you will quickly discover there are many who feel the same way. Christ spoke of Love, Forgiveness, Tolerance, and warned us not to judge others. His teachings are pure...and often misunderstood.

I have discovered Church is for non-believers...for the most faithful, most loving people, the True Believers...are not in Church. It is unnecessary to contain God's Laws within a four square building. True Believers celebrate God every minute of their lives...not just on the Sabbath. They never feel the need to make a show of it to impress their friends or community with their righteousness...they simply "do it".

Church is a wonderful place for fellowship and to celebrate God's Love for us...and can be a true place of worship...a source of learning...and can provide a wonderful introduction or concept of God to children. It can be very unifying for a family.

Unfortunately, it is also becomes a place of false righteousness...often breeding contempt for those who do not believe as they do. Every church is competing for your membership...they resemble Madison Avenue after a while.

They are literally driving people away from the very thing they hoped to attract. Church and religion have become big business. Who can build the bigger church, who can attract the most members...who can claim superiority in the "God Game"?

I'd rather witness God in a humble, run-down shack than these monumental false testimonies to God's Love.

Answer 2

It's like you've read my mind with your observations of condemning and finger-pointing Christians all around. The core of Christ's teaching is beautiful.

I focus on building and strengthening my personal relationship with Christ. I am not here to impress men with being a facade of a perfect follower as many Christians I know seem to be. I am imperfect, the Lord is still working on me. Perhaps if more Christians were humble and honest about their true knowledge and dedication to the Lord we would not see so much of the arrogance you speak of. I suppose this can be true of any religion since religion is basically an idea.

Answer 3

I agree, but I think a distinction is called for between Christ's teachings & the Church. Sadly, people tend to follow the organized religion that the beautiful philosophy, which I think is the greatest work of genius, taught over 2000 years ago and still as prtinent now as it was then.

Remember, the church's history is full of politics. Men had to distort a few ideas in order to retain absolute power over their followers. No where in the bible does it call for the Cruisades or the Inquisitions or other public or private murderous acts. Nor does it call for the many many limitations set by the church.

To me, Christianity is summarized by one quote: "Love one another the way I have loved you". And if we follow this, if we truly love each and every human being, completely, selflessly & unconditonally, the true love, unbounded by our selfish natures (which, I have to admit, is quite beyond our materialistic capabilities), NOTHING can go wrong.

Answer 4

christianity started as what can only be described as something new and beautiful. however, when the original teachings were taken over by men seeking power and self-importance, and in order to keep the roman empire from collapsing, the original meaning was lost to all. history tells who, what, when, where and why this occurred. it has never regained its original place in life because those who can do so, won't since it would entail giving up all that they hold dear, that is, money power, and control of men who cannot think of anything but what they were told was the way of the world from the day they were born. in short, people would rather be told a big lie they can believe, rather than a small truth to live by.

Answer 5

When one reads the Bible the inspiration is divine. It appears that many religions or churches practice too many ritualistic practices brought into the church during Greek and Roman times. Somehow many people have fallen off the path of divine inspiration of the Bible and fallen to judging others for their sins and following ritualistic practices never intended for us. Most churches have become business rather than a church. They weigh us on our monetary contributions rather than our true ability to help others on our own. I am not sure they are arrogant but just a but mislead. Most people I see who claim to be good Christians stand on their soapbox and make their claims. I believe the only time they have a Bible in their hand, pray or think of God and how to walk in his path is on Sunday in church if they can stay awake long enough. They do not deny him but just not learned how to walk in his light.

I do not go to a church but choose to worship with others who believe the teachings of the Bible and try to live it. Church is not a big white building on the hill with a huge cross where you only go on Sunday. It is your life and everything around you if you believe in the word of Christ. Church is when Christians get together and discuss their fellowship in the Lord. Any time any place.

Peace

Answer 6

No way! Denying those that prefer to follow a mans ideal of religion, wich is its dogma and practice, does not mean it is equal to denying Him.

I have come to believe organized religion is nothing more than mans ideals, personal opinions and beliefs passed on in a church setting as gospel.

When the truth is, the REAL Gospel was taught by Jesus himself, passed to us through an uncorrupt Bible. Organized religion will focus more on practice, and teachings of Man, then the actual Word of God, wich is why I also have a problem with Hard core Religion Followers. I am a Christian, I love God, I believe the Bible, and have sought my own way of faith and belief. I agree with what you said.

Answer 7

Oh, I understand fully!!
I feel the same way most of the time, though I am no avid bible reader (will have to work on changing that). I do feel the presence of God and his love but some times Christians really turn me off and... other times they don't... I don't really know what the answer to your question is but you certainly aren't the only one that feels that way

but I think... you can love Christ and still be turned off by other Christians because Christians aren't perfect.. they are people just like everyone else. We aren't perfect and the devil likes to play with our minds more than anything......

Answer 8

Read Only The Bible For Jesus Is The Only Way And Dont Worry about The Rest

Answer 9

Thats awesome,I have a strong feeling that most people that claim to be christians are infact not, Because of the fruit they bare. LOVE is the true sign to look for, but you have people claiming to be born again, that believe they are only suppose to love those that love them.we are to be christ like, how many christians in the world today would DIE for a Godly person?Christ died for sinners. I wonder if any of us would Die for CHRIST.

Answer 10

Right so when Christ says He is the way the truth and the Life no man comes to the Father except by Me . Do you Love Him then or just say "He did not really say that"