...does it seem like more and more people forget the whole "Judge not lest ye be judged" and "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" lessons?
Am I the only one that thinks God might be severely disappointed that a devout born-again Christian would criticize and judge an agnostic or an atheist...and that's just an example.
Aren't we just supposed to "let it go" and respect everyone's differences without calling each other infidels, morons, etc. etc. etc.
2006-09-04 14:26:49 · 14 answers · asked by WhyAskWhy 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you. I believe that God is the supreme judge I have no right to judge others, whether agnostic, atheist or whatever people may believe they are just people that have different views and deserve the same respect, If we believe what we say why would anyone want to listen if were being disrespectful and calling them names
2006-09-04 14:32:56 · answer #1 · answered by Sigmondo, The Other Green Meat 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Strictly speaking, a Christian is an individual who accepts the Bible as God's revelation to man relevant to both belief and practice. A Christian does not have the option or the luxury of changing its message. If I change it to suit either myself, others, or the current views of culture, then it's no longer Biblical Christianity -- it's my own self-styled religion. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, consistently teach that salvation is narrowly defined and that the LORD God is not like the gods of other nations. Now you could argue that the Bible is wrong, and that is certainly your prerogative -- you may, or you may not be right. But a Christian is one who, by definition, has accepted it as true.
As for judging -- the Bible does teach that all judgment should start with self. Judgment on some level is necessary -- the question is, who's standard are we going to use?
Unfortunately, as you have experienced, many folks who profess Christianity do so in an obnoxious fashion -- and that is wrong too, because the Bible says that Christ's followers should keep their faith in a spirit of respect and reverence for others. Jesus explicitly taught that He was "the only way" to the Father, but yet He did so in a way that attracted people to Him -- not repelled people away from Him. The Bible maintains a careful balance between Truth and Love.
I could go on. I'm confident you might reply with a list of follow-up questions, and perhaps objections -- but this will do for now...
2006-09-04 21:38:36 · answer #2 · answered by pilgrimchd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you.
Christianity is a missionary religion, and has a call to teaching others why & what you believe. However, I do believe there's a way to do it without condemning others and without jamming a track and a bunch of bible verses down someone's throat. Living a life where you follow peace with all men is very important. Ppl are more inspired by how you live than what you say, and you can spread the message of God's love much more through kind acts than through quoting scriptures.
I agree that we shouldn't judge others, especially since we don't have all the answers. We can only know what's right for us, pray that others find their way, and be done with it. We can't effect the way others choose to live their lives. God doesn't, why would we?
2006-09-04 21:41:06 · answer #3 · answered by retro 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With regards to judgments, you're absolutely correct that it is a venture best left to God, but I don't believe that assertion translates into a stoic acceptance of lacking faith as being "okay". Admittedly it's difficult to witness to others while calling them "idiots" and things of that sort because folks tend to stop listening to people who are insulting them. One of the greatest instructions Jesus imparted to His followers however, was the Great Commission, (or Matt.28, 19 & 20).And in keeping with Jesus' example, insulting those who don't yet know or believe as we do should be out of the question.
2006-09-04 22:56:47 · answer #4 · answered by Captain S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree. I read this today about mercy: "Jude says we should have mercy on those who struggle with sin and doubt, just as Christ had mercy on us when He forgave our many sins. While we must not tolerate or accept sin, we are to love and accept others with kindness and mercy." (From the Touchpoint Bible.) That sums up my feelings exactly.
2006-09-04 21:46:09 · answer #5 · answered by cj_justme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, well, Humans are like that, and not even God can change it, no matter whatever Christianity tries to say about him. The Romans started the fight, anyways...
2006-09-04 21:36:41 · answer #6 · answered by High-strung Guitarist 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Disagreeing with someone even calling them names is not judging...
There is a difference between acceptance and tolerance... I can tolerate their persecutions but I don't have to accept their teachings and beliefs...
2006-09-04 21:35:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I completely agree with you.
Tolerance would prevent much of the world's problems.
2006-09-04 22:50:52 · answer #8 · answered by ethereality 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't care what other people believe...that's God's job not mine. I believe in Jesus. But I don't believe cuz I'm so smart or special - I just do and that's how God made me. And other people are the way they are - and if God wants to make them believe he will. I don't worry about it.
2006-09-04 21:31:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, we're not necessarily supposed to "just let it go", but I agree that we should not be calling names
2006-09-04 21:31:52 · answer #10 · answered by steve 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋