Why do so many 'Christian' denominations contradict Christ's teachings by their actions?

Question

Having read the Bible for myself to see what it REALLY says, I see that Jesus taught a much simpler, more direct, more compassionate, more forgiving and more logical way of living than what I've heard from the so-called 'Christian' leaders. What a contrast! Most of the 'Christian' denominations seem more like the Pharisees with their sanctimonious hypocrisy and burdensome traditions.

Answer 1

Christian denominations are, first and foremost, human institutions. People, despite good intentions (and I think reasonable people will admit that most Christians have good intentions), are sinful don't always do the right thing. We shouldn't expect anything less with the organizations and groups made up of sinful, imperfect people. The unfortunate thing is that sinful, though well-intentioned, institutions can often inflict much more harm than a single sinful, though well-intentioned, individual can because they have the weight of numbers behind them.

The answer is not to do away with institutions, because institutions can be a force for good in the world. The answer is to remain engaged in our institutions, to stamp out the evil that inevitably creeps into said institutions, and to always be ready to recognize the evil that lies within ourselves before we dare to point the finger at someone or something else.

Answer 2

The religion has changed a lot over the last hundreds of years. Sometimes when breaks are made, the new groups try to establish their uniqueness and reject ideas from the older group. Also, a lot of Christian theology is based on writings of non-Christians, and huge debates about grace and such never really seem to be settled.

A lot of times though, theology is invented to make the religion more attractive. A good example of this is premillenial dispensationalism. It wasn't until very recently Christians thought they would get sucked up to heaven before the End Times, but they came up with that idea because it's more attractive.

Answer 3

In my opinion, it seems that a lot of churches have turned into a corporation and that it is no longer about the teachings of Christ, but more about theatrics, money, power, and control over their flock. You would be suprised how many people who go to church every Sunday and have never actually read the bible instead they listen to their minister take one sentence from one book and another from somewhere else to transform their sermon to fit their agenda. Sometimes it seems that christianity has turned into the lazy man's religion. In most all other faiths you have to do extensive studying of thier texts to be able to join.

Answer 4

Yup, I'm a sanctimonious hypocrite with burdensome traditions. And I contradict myself and go against Christ's teaching. I'm a sinner, in other words. And I join other sinners every Sunday morning, guilty as charged, and together we worship the One that has taken every one of those sins on Himself and paid that price in blood. Soli deo Gloria!

Answer 5

Don't confuse religious truth with political power.

No where does Jesus condone killing, for any reason, and yet we have the Crusades.

No where does Jesus talk about assuming power over others, but look at how many politicians are Christian.

Answer 6

The fact is most Christians believe in the "salad bar" bible. They just pick and choose the part they like>

Answer 7

What David said above is exactly right. The problem with a book of contradicitions, is that you cannot believe all of is as a whole...it's impossible.

Answer 8

Religion is an expression of the collective ideals of a given sect or community. They pick and chose what they will believe. This is a good question, I wounder what answers you will get from it.

Answer 9

Interesting "question"