Isnt it a cop out....?

Question

...to say that anyone who is accused of X "wasnt a real Christian"?

I hear this all the time. Everytime a discussion of prison statistics arises, invariably, some Christians states that those people werent "real Christians" or they would never have gotten into trouble in the first place.

Come on now people - isnt that a huge cop out? I suppose Ted Haggard isnt a "real Christian"? He just runs a Church, right? I just dont get it - if we are all born sinners, then what exactly is a "real Christian"?

Or, are "real Christians" just like the Christian God - non-existent?

Answer 1

If we are to go by the majority of people who claim to be christian on R&S, you better believe it.
The majority on here are the most hateful, vile people I've ever had the misfortune with which to come in contact.
They spew out insults and threats faster than all other beliefs and non-beliefs combined.
When cornered on something, it's always, "well that person isn't a real christian" or "you were never a real christian if you left the faith" blah blah blah... it's pathetic, really.
If this is the christ they want us to see in them, no wonder people are leaving christianity in droves, and no wonder none of us non-christians want to convert.

Answer 2

It is entirely possible to know the plan but not the man. The Bible tells us not to judge,or we face being judged ourselves (boy, am I in trouble...). As for those in prison, most know that one of the quickest ways to get out is to "Find Religion." And it's astounding how many who while in claimed to have found it, but shortly after their return to society, fall off that wagon. And who the hell is Ted Haggard? You can be spiritual and not be very religious and you can be very religious but not the least bit spiritual. There's a huge difference between southern Christians, northern and western. Sadly, I have to pass at least seven churches in the four miles I travel to get to church -- and they're building more every day. Why is this sad? Because everyone here claims that there's only one God, but no one can seem to agree on how best to worship this one God. A huge divide. Eleven oclock Sunday morning, is the most segregated hour in the history of all of mankind.
Is it a cop out? I dunno. How many masks do you wear? Is the face everyone in public sees the same face you show only your most intimate friends and relations? So, is the public mask the "Real" you? Or are you just putting on a show? A "Real" Christian is supposed to be someone who has accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. AND, once they realize that whatever it was they were doing is a sin, they're supposed to never do it again. Guess that would mean the Catholics should do away with confessional...?

Answer 3

Great question:
A Christian is just like anybody else. We all sin; the reason Christ never used anyone in the Bible who was perfect is because there aren't any perfect people.
For someone to say that someone in prison "isn't a real Christian" is terrible, because often when someone becomes a servant of Gods, their life goes into turmoil.
We may not know what service we may be to God, but quess what: Satan sure does.
And, Satan will do anything and everything in his power to bring a Christian down.
Paul in the Bible was a zealot who wished to carry papers in his pocket so that if by chance he ran into worshipping Christians, he could drag them bound to their deaths, even women and children. When God called Paul to service, he was awakened. The manuscripts state that Gods Elect will be awakened by God when it is their due time.
Some of those people who one might judge as being a "druggie" or a "jailbird", may just end up being the greatest servant of Christ that the world has ever known. This is why we are told not to judge.
Ted Haggard is an interesting point; the problem with Ted is that he condemned others while practicing the same sin himself.
He wore the cloth of the service of Christ.
God does not take that position lightly.
When you stand behind the pulpit, you had better be living what you preach. You are directly representing Christ when you stand in that position. Ted should have taken off the cloth and went about his business.
But he chose not to do that; instead, he condemned people, blamed them, took their money, and made himself look like a pillar of rightiousness. He disgraced every single point of Christianity. Will he be forgiven? Sure, upon repentance and a change of heart, he will be. Thats between him and God. Is He a Christian? He is, if he believes in the birth and death of the savior, Jesus Christ.
A "real" Christian tries their best to live in the example of Jesus Christ and His teachings. All fall short. Even Ted.
It sounds to me as if some people want to justify the fact that people are in jail, by saying "oh, yeah, but he wasn't a "real" Christian. That is pure nonsense. Like I said, that inmate may turn out to be the realest real Christian there is. There is no need to pretend that because someone sinned that they aren't a Christian.
Instead, Christians need to reply this way:
"Yes, he states that he believes in Jesus Christ our Savior so he is a Christian, but unfortunately he has fallen short. Thank the Lord for repentance and salvation - there, by the grace of God, go I".

Answer 4

People like Ted Haggard, who actively preach AGAINST homosexuality but are practicing homosexuals (or repeatedly participating in homosexual acts) are NOT true or real Christians. He is a charlatan who is giving the church a very bad name. Over a period of time, he lied to his family and his church while INTENTIONALLY doing things that are decidedly "unChristian" (and I do think it's a crock that "homosexual acts" are unChristian, but that's another answer).

Someone who runs a red light or lies to a co-worker when they ask how they look with a new haircut or any other myriad of innocent, momentary lapses are not in the same league as Mr. Haggard, who was enjoying living the high life of a lucrative ministry AND eating it too.

I believe you have to look at the intent behind the act to determine whether the act is "christian" or "unchristian" in nature.

Answer 5

Ted Haggard is what you call a false prophet or a false teacher,, The bible says he that is Born of the spirit of God is sealed unto the day they backslide, NO,NO,NO, Until the day of redemption. Eph.4:30. Now how slick you try to put a question, why are you so concern about Christians either fake ones or real ones, You just admitted you don't believe in God, so why are you so concern, could it be that you might be wrong. I am not one bit concern if I am wrong, Because I know where I stand at in God's word. & have been standing for him for 37 yrs. To you that might sound like boasting, I am not boasting, I am thankfull for God that he kept me from all of these religous ideals & kept me in his word just as the Apostles of old taught it.

Answer 6

Yes it is somewhat of a copout. It would probably be more appropriate to say that such an action was not consistent with Christian teaching. However, some of the time that excuse gets used on hateful people who are perfectly in line with the Bible. Then it's just a lie.

Answer 7

All who come to God in The Way He prescribes will receive His free gift of Salvation and will become part of The Body of The Church of Which Jesus The Christ is The Head. These are the ones of The True Christian Faith. Only those of The Chruch Will enter Heaven.

There are indeed Christians in prison... and some in prison become Christians... If they are True Christians then their place in Heaven is assured...

Answer 8

Maybe it is a cop out but I have heard the same answers from atheist and satanists in response to the same types of questions. There are people in all groups who do not take their beliefs as seriously as they should and make the rest of us look bad. Keeping in mind that 76.5 % of all Americans are Christian and only 0.4% of Americans are atheist. The probability of seeing more of these offensive personalities in the Christian faith is higher. It shouldn't be that way because we are called to live to a higher standard but we are all human. But I think that you can logically agree that the probabilty of running into bad behaviors in a group go up as the group increase in size and there is a BIG difference between 76% and 0.4%.

Answer 9

some of these people were "real Christians"...but they turned their back on God...

Examples of people like this are found in the Bible all the time...
1. The Apostle Paul names two people, Hymenaus and Alexander, who "made shipwreck of their faith."
2. Ananias and Sapphira tried to lie to the church and to God and God struck them dead as punishment.

Even "real Christians" sin...but God doesn't take it lightly...
Christ told us not to Judge others so I will avoid determining whether specific individuals were "real Christians" or not . . .
but I know that God does not deal lightly with sin, even when it is one of His Children

Answer 10

there is not any thanks to understand a lot about everyone on the different end of a computer, including even if someone is a cop or a assassin. if you're enticing in unlawful habit and make contacts by the web, ultimately you'd be arrested (or worse).