Has Jesus been marginalized in Christianity?

Question

I’ve been on this board for a few months and I’ve *never* seen Jesus quoted.

Never

What I do see regularly is some reference to *having to know* him, or *having* to be saved by him or you’re going to hell.

Since when has Jesus been used to polarize people like this? His words are words that unite us all, but it seems like his position in Christianity (showing love, compassion, kindness) has been replaced with this sort of secret hand shake that magically defines a ‘Christian’ and gives them a free pass into heaven.

Has the real Jesus of love and compassion been marginalized to the point of unimportance in Christianity? Is this laziness or has he been marginalized because he does not match the modern Christian politics?

I'm sorry if my disgust on this topic is showing, but I do believe it justified.

Answer 1

Indeed it has been a problem the church and churches have had since the beginning. Read Dostoevskys "Brothers Karamazov" chapter "The Grand Inquisitor" for a wonderful take on this problem. There are as many interpretations as there are churches, but I would find it difficult to believe that the advocate of "love thy neighbor as thyself" and "put away your sword" would be happy with many of the things that are happening today. It seems that the message asks too much and so the interpretors have marginalized the author's words throughout history.

Answer 2

I think many churches in this time dont preach the true message of Jesus.. The Gospel it's using for bad deals.. using like an excuse.. the true message of Jesus was destroyed with the time..

Answer 3

Jesus has been marginalized -- his whole message was changed into one that people's egos wanted and it made it into the bible as the 4 gospels. We don't have the original message of unconditional love but, instead, of an ego Jesus that fits what people want him to be (the same way the 'good son' in the prodigal son parable made god into what he wanted him to be)

Answer 4

technological know-how has actually not something to do with the certainty of God's word. technological know-how can't clarify how Jesus walked on water, nor can it clarify how He brought about a typhoon to quit. certainty is larger than technological know-how. Thomas exchange into corrected because of the fact He did not have faith that Jesus rose from the ineffective, and alter into seen by utilising the females and the disciples. that's observed as doubt, not faith in God.

Answer 5

OK, you want the words of Jesus how about these: "In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'" John 3:3 or "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6 or "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?'" John 11:23&24 or "The Jews gathered around him, saying, 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ (Messiah), tell us plainly.' Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater then all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.'" John 10:24-30.

Also, how about what Peter said about Jesus in Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Jesus is a God of love and compassion. If he weren't he wouldn't have come to earth, died, and rose again on the third day for our salvation. However, he is also a God of judgment, holiness, and righteousness. He requires that his creation has to "do it His way" or there is no salvation granted. There is no "secret handshake" but there is no "any way is as good as any other way" either. Jesus preached about heaven but he also preached about hell.

Answer 6

Most people on this site can't quote Jesus because they've never read the bible and do not know what he (allegedly) said.

But, it doesn't matter, faith can never be demonstrated by words and anyone who attempts to "spread the gospel" with words is a moron or a charlatan.

Answer 7

I have quoted him but many of these people dont care believe me. Too many here are playing games and we are dealing with their questions which are many times selfish and just curious..
I like Matt 28:19 It proves the trinity which some churches are forgetting these days..

Answer 8

I think if Jesus has to return to this earth, allot of "christians" is going to have a big surprize. You are right, I sometimes feel ashamed calling myself a christian, I rather call myself "a child of God"