Is it fair to say that christianity today bares no resemblance to the religion of Jesus and his disciples?

Answer 1

First of all, the religion currently labeled "Christianity" is based much more on the letters written by Paul than the teachings of Christ himself. These letters are the oldest extant Christian writings. They regularly begin by identifying the sender and recipients, and extending greetings. This is often followed by a thanksgiving and prayer. The body of each letter deals with specific issues that confront the congregation or person to whom Paul is writing. Personal remarks and greetings appear at the conclusion of the letters. These letters were never meant to be read by anyone other than the recipients. Although 13 works bear Paul’s name, there is some question whether Paul even wrote Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians or the three “Pastoral Epistles” 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.

Secondly, The teachings of Christ recorded in The Gospels DID NOT ask followers to stop being Jews. Christ did not tell people to turn their backs on their faith, rather he taught them how to be better Jews, how to be more faithful to the True God, and how to pray to God directly without having to have a priest pray for them. Christianity and specifically Catholics have ignored and twisted those basic teachings into a polytheism that worships Mary, Jesus, The Holy Spirit, and God. Christ taught his follower that they should go forth and spread the word with just the clothes on their back, that God would provide for them. Yet, Christianity is a multi-billion dollar business with some preachers making super-star salaries. Christ taught “Every man (giveth) according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:7 (King James Version) Christianity teaches “tithing” , or the giving of 10% of your earnings to your church.

There are so many discrepancies I could go on all day but my point is that Christ never wanted or expected to create a new religion that would supplant the Jewish religion he followed faithfully.

Answer 2

Well, Jesus was a Jew, and Christianity didn't even exist back then, don't remember which disciple just HAD to start his own break-off religion, Philip? Starts with a "P" anyway, and just because there isn't a book in the bible from him doesn't mean he wasn't a disciple, BTW. And I do believe that it was he that decided to break off from Judaism completely and start his own religion called Christianity.

So if it's the facts and just the facts you're looking for, NO, Christianity today bares absolutely NO resemblance to the religion of Jesus and his disciples! Unless you categorize every single religion that exists (and have you ever wondered why there are so damned many of them? Cults is what I refer to organized religion as.....and YES, I believe in GOD most emphatically!!! Just not organized religion!)

Judaism is actually the one and only "modern day" (I'm not counting Buddhists and those ancient 'religions', obviously) religion and all others that exist today broke off from it. Jesus was Jewish and the Christian religion(s) I believe you're referring to today didn't even exist back then.

BTW, I know far too many who actually call themselves "Christians" and they BELIEVE it, too! But everyone of them happen to be the biggest hypocrites, liars, thieves, power mongers and worse in existence today!

I don't believe that Jesus and most of his disciples and apostles were EVER as bad as most everyone today! I know my politics are showing, but one of the best examples now is the current administration in the White House. I could list books upon books for reading (and they're actually NON-fiction, too!) that would confirm exactly what I've stated here.

I'll stop with THAT now! Just one of the worst administrations ever in the history of this country to lie, cheat, steal and do everything within their power to "get their way"!!! Most illegal, at least the so-called "Christian Groups and People" behind the scenes who did anything they had to just to get "their" guy in the Whitehouse. These so-called "Churces" with tax exempt status shouldn't even BE in Washington, let alone politicing and all the rest that they do to further their agenda's!

Answer 3

Considering that Jesus and his disciples were practicing Jews who followed the laws of the Torah, I would say that there is a HUGE difference between what Jesus believed and taught and the religion that followed him.

For example, it's very unlikely that Jesus, as a Jew, would ever have referred to himself as the literal Son of God (expect in that we are all the children of God). I would think that if Jesus were to see that hundreds of millions of people worship him as a God, he would be quite upset. That would be blasphemy to him.

Remember that the Gospels were written over 30 years after his death. That's a lot of time for "interpretation." By the time they were written, the leaders of Christianity had made the decision to split with Judaism and to allow non-Jews to become Christians without converting ot Judaism first (ergo, no circumcisions). So the Gospels and other writings are deliberately written to underscore that point and to stress the divinity of Jesus, whether he actually claimed it or not. Unfortunately, we have no idea what Jesus actually said, did, or thought. All we have is hearsay written decades later by people with clear agendas.

Answer 4

Completely fair to say! Sure, there are still some good Christians out there, I've known a few. But the majority are too busy sitting in judgement of everyone (except themselves, of course) to actually hear Jesus' message of peace, tolerance and love. Many Christians now are like the Pharisees of Jesus' time....and I can't see how they can not see that.
It is sad how politicized religion has become, and they just don't seem to realize they are only pawns in a giant chess game played by the rich and powerful.

Answer 5

In some forms of Christianity, you're probably right, considering Jesus taught love and not to judge others. But don't lump all Christians together just because of a few that can't look beyond the "letter of the law" and see the heart of what Jesus was trying to teach.

Answer 6

It is fair to say that Christianity bears little resemblance to the religion of Jesus, since Jesus practiced Judaism.

As for his disciples, no, it's not fair to say that Christianity today bears no resemblance to the their religion. It bears many resemblances, most notably that Christians believe Christ is an incarnation of God who died for our sins so that we may be saved.

It is fair to say that Christianity is much larger today; that there are more sects; that we are further along in history and so no longer have living eye witnesses to Christ's physical life when he walked among people in the flesh. These things are all fair. It is also fair to say that Christ is still Christ and people are still not.

Your question is too broad. Be more specific?

Answer 7

It bears no resemblance because many that claim to be Christians are not Christians. To be a Christian you must be a believer of Christ and follow the Words inspired by God from the foundation of the earth.

Answer 8

Seeing as we do not know for sure what the religion was like when Jesus and his disciples were around, it is impossible to compare. Now if you asked "is Christianity what it should be according to the Bible's (metaphorical and spiritual) teachings?," Then no would be an easier answer.

Answer 9

no, it isn't fair to say that. You don't know all of todays Christians. Also bare is without covering, to bear something like a resemblance is bear, like a teddy bear.

Answer 10

Yes and No - Yes, I see all kind of religions that do and worship as they please - they think they are one their way to heaven, but they will have to answer for their non-conformity.

No - the church I attend is the one that was set up by Jesus and His disciples - we follow God Word - not one made up by man.