How do people choose to self-justify their wishy-washy dogma?

Question

When things go well people are often seen embracing the beattitudes (turn the other cheek, walk a mile with them, give them your cloak and your shirt, et cetera...); however, as they are crossed or angered they swich to "eye for an eye" and "Lord, strike down mine enimies", etc.? Does this seem focused on self rather than Word?

Answer 1

Nobody follows religion anymore, they just use it for their own reasons twisting what it means to suit them and what they do.

Answer 2

That is the problem I have with religion. Every religion morphs into what the person wants for each moment. When one has the power to victimize or take revenge, they say "eye for an eye". When a person is powerless, they say turn the other cheek, and this makes them feel less powerless and more righteous.

There are so many other things that are taught by religious people that are used or ignored when it suits.

Answer 3

Your question brings out the difference between religion and those who are faith full.

Religion is a game played by man to make himself equal to God. With Dogma and doctrine to make rules to allow only those who they want and leave out those they don't want. Religion points the finger of blame as to make itself look and feel better. But that is not what Jesus taught. By far it is not.

It one just looked at the things that Jesus taught, they would see it was putting others before yourself. Treating others in the manner in which you want to be treated yourself. Love God with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. Having compassion (concerned passion, concerned love) for others. In other words becoming selfless rather than being selfish.

Sounds real good but is it easy. No it isn't, it goes against human nature. Human nature is to put self over everything and we are all good at that. Religion is also good about that also. You can see that in many of the answers that you see to questions asked in this section. But judge the actions and the deeds of those who claim the faith. Their actions will affirm their faith or it will condemn them. Actions do speak louder than words and words mean nothing if they are not backed up by actions.

Claim to be a Christian doesn't make one a Christian. Some claim it to make a fashion statement, some claim it to be part of the crowd, others claim and have no idea what they are claim. And then there are those that are faith full and live by their faith. These are the ones that their actions will speak for them. It isn't hard to see which one is which. All you have to do is watch.

Answer 4

I personally don't do that. I ask that God, if it be his will, bring those who offend me into his grace, mercy, bounty, and love.

Why do others sometimes seek to strike down their enemies? I don't know. Really. Maybe because of imperfect faith. Because when you look at it, truly, what would be best? The removal of those who offend, or the gift of God's grace in their life, so that they may transform and grow through God's mercy and justice?

Moreover, if all who offended were to be struck down, we would all be gone.

Some people presently don't have the ability to bring themselves to account in such a fashion, by noting that what others do to them, they have in one way, shape, or form done to others...and have thereby offended God.

Answer 5

I never thought about it like that before, but you are quite right! That's very observant of you.

Yes, it is focusing on self rather than God. It is using religion to justify your actions rather than using religion to guide your actions.

Answer 6

Yes Jesus said even 'sinners' love those who love them back....but love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who hate you...If we are following Christ, under the New Covenant, we are to ALWAYS have this attitude.

The Amish recently showed a good example of this....

Answer 7

Why does it matter?