How far removed from Jesus' message is modern Christianity?

Question

I find Jesus' teachings enlightening but then I look at the church, and many self-proclaimed 'Christians', and realise I want to live like Jesus taught, but not to be associated with Christian culture and the church (which seems corrupt and the exact opposite of what Jesus taught anyway).

Is this unusual, and does anyone agree with me?

PS, I'd like to say I don't mean ALL christians are objectionable, far from it, so please don't bite my head off! Just that very few of the 'Christians' I have met actually exhibit characteristics defined by Christ!

What I mean is that I want to live life like Jesus taught, but with none of the mumbo-jumbo of modern organised religion attached.

Thanks!

Answer 1

As far away as reason is from faith. And thats a long way.

Christ taught compassion and love. Modern christianity teaches intollerance for homosexuality and promotes war. It also has an anti-intelligence agenda that ought to scare everyone.

Answer 2

That depends on what you mean when you say "modern" Christianity. True Christianity, as taught by Jesus, has not changed since it was first established. True Christians have ALWAYS practiced the principles Jesus taught. They were taught to love one another. They were instructed to go out and share what they learned with others.

On the other hand, "modern" Christianity is not really Christianity at all. So-called Christians today are some of the most violent people on earth. The prisons and jails are filled with them now. Others who call themselves Christians practice homosexuality and other vil things. Still other "Christians" are in the military where they learn to kill their fellow man.

True Christians live their lives by the teachings of Christ not just in word, but also in deeds.

Answer 3

Yes i see this everyday, it's not really the average christian people who are at fault. It's the whole structure and way that christianity is taught. There are too many interpretations, no one agrees on anything and most christian orginazations such as the evangelical church and fundamental conservatives basically construe the bible to suit their agendas, there seems to be no emphasis on all the values Jesus taught - just the ones that fit into their narrow view. I think the best thing to do is live your life with good in your heart and try your best to be kind to others and care about the planet, and you should be good, doesnt matter what you believe in as long as you contribute positively to the world your doing the right thing.

Answer 4

I agree that there are several organized Christian groups that are quite un-Christian. Moreover, there are many individuals within an otherwise good Christian church who lead un-Christian lives. But speaking as a member of an ancient, organized church, I can't say I agree with your contention that organized religion is mumbo jumbo. If nothing else (and I believe there is a lot more to it than what I will say here), organized religion allows us to worship within a larger community, getting strength, support and wisdom from each other. Christianity requires this community effort. Churches (meaning the institutions and the people within them) are part of the Body of Christ.

Answer 5

first, I am a Christian, and i agree with you in many ways...so there will be no biting off of heads here :)

the only thing that makes me a Christian is that I believe that Jesus is the Son of God AND that God sent that Son as attonement for sin. When Jesus died, man no longer had to attone for his sin by offerings because His death was the ultimate offering for man's disobedience to God. Christianity is not religion or culture, it is FAITH and LOVE from the depths of your soul. Man, unfortunately, has created a "religion" and a "culture" around the beliefs of Christianity and called it the same name.

"modern" Christianity can be very far from Jesus' actual teachings. i think this is because many people that call themselves Christians are trying to create a "Christian" religion that fits them and their particular lifestyle, instead of learning and following the truths that Jesus taught.

when you become a Christian, by believing that God sent his Son to be attonement for our sin, you are infused with the Holy Spirit. this basically means that God is giving you part of Him to have as part of you at all times. discernment is one of the many giftsyou get from the Holy Spirit, and it is what you should use when finding a group of Christians to fellowship with. this is not saying that you can not associate with any other people, or that you should judge anyone by the standards of which this group holds (that's not your job afterall), but just that the Bible teaches that believers should have like-minded people to sharpen themselves on ("iron sharpens iron"). ultimately, Jesus' teachings and the rest of the Bible will help you along your Journey...and remember, being a believer doesn't mean you will be perfect, happy, healthy, or wealthy (or any other thing that "prosperity" preachers will tell you for that matter), it just means that you will have God to guide you, love you, discipline you, and mold you!

good luck! and feel free to ask more if you please! i'll add you to my contacts

Answer 6

ALOT!!! I totally agree with you. The Church, I think, today, have started to make following Christ seem much more complicated and complex than it really is. All I say to you is don't focus on trying to live the way the church wants you to live. Just focus on living the way Jesus taught us to live. There are all these christian sub-divisions today which I think is totally wrong - we should be uniting ourselves under one church, not separating ourselves. Don't worry about labelling yourself, just simply believe, follow and trust Christ. GOD BLESS YOU!

Answer 7

> I find Jesus' teachings enlightening

I have no evidence that you are not sincere. However, I wonder, how are you familiar with Jesus' teachings? Did you read the bible? Did you do so only in English? If so, then I claim that you probably have little idea of what he really taught, as modern translations of the bible are completely worthless, except to the extent, of course, that one might believe that the original meaning somehow magically comes across in spite of the insurmountable obstacles faced with translation.

Answer 8

So many have heard the message but there is only one way to understanding the message and that is to live through it, having faith in the promise that Jesus gave us to follow, to live the message is to know Christ Jesus and his Salvation for us. When we let go and let God lead the way, life tends to make sense. I can't speak for the whole of Christianity only from personal experience. Thank You for the question. Have a nice day.

Answer 9

I do. Relgion is evil. The so called christians of today are far removed from any real Bible truth. They would rather follow what some stupid charleton false teacher on tv than reading God's Word and using the mind God gave them. The religion of today wants to better the flesh, when God says the flesh profits nothing. The church would have us belive we can supress this wear that reapeat this and we will be acceptable. No way. Nothing in the flesh will God accept. Those that come to Him must worship Him in Spirit and truth.

Answer 10

The church of God or Christians?

The Bible refers to those who are in Christ Jesus as the church of God (1 Cor.10:32, 1 Cor.1:2, 1 Cor.15:9, Gal.1:13 below). The world refers to us as Christians (Acts 11:26 below).

When we (Jews and Gentiles - 1 Cor.10:32 below) are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit we are no longer Jews or Gentiles (Eph.2:16 below); we have become a "new" creature (2 Cor.5:17, Gal.6:15 below); we have BECOME individually, as well as collectively, Jesus' living body (Col.1:24 below), the church of God.


The church of God

1 Cor.10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Cor.1:2 Unto the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above) which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

1 Cor.15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above).

Gal.1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above), and wasted it:.

Col.1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake, which IS the church (1 Cor.10:32, 1 Cor.1:2, 1 Cor.15:9, Gal.I:13 above).


Christians

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church (1 Cor.10:32 above), and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.


A New Creature

2 Cor.5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gal.6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature (2 Cor.5:17 above).


Neither Jews nor Gentiles

Eph.2:16 And that he might reconcile BOTH (Jews and Gentiles) unto God in one body (the church of God, 1 Cor.10:32 above) by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:



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