Why do mainstream Christians often focus on the smiting God of the Old Testament as opposed to the loving and?

Question

accepting God of the New Testament (in the form of Jesus). I'm not speaking of Paul or anyone else. Just the words of Jesus, he is the "word made flesh", after all. I don't recall Jesus condemning sinners to hell, more like "forgive them Lord for they know not what they do". It's disappointing to see Christians today act more like the Pharisees than Christ. I know it isn't all of us, but the ones on TV are giving us a bad name. Does anyone see what I see?

Answer 1

Aus, you are one of the rare few, who dare admit to such a blatant observation about modern day Christians focusing on the Wrath of God rather than the Love of God... because many others will not budge from "... don't question God"... when we are in fact questioning the attitude of man.

A Christian who focuses on the Message of Love and Hope Jesus shared to humanity, usually creates harmony and inspires others to embrace Christianity without Blackmail and Threats of eternal damnation... that was exactly how Christ lived and spread the word. Such rare Christians will have life long friendships with " heathens" to continually inspire and not stand on a high chair and judge them as sinners and evil, these Christians encourage them to transform rather than convert, by living a Christ-like life without being vortexed into undesirable activities of these friends that go against their Christian values. And with Faith, these friends too will see the beauty of Christianity and willing embrace it from their experience with the rare gem of Christ.

Modern Christians on the other hand... are mislead by a handful of wrathful preachers who use threats, spiritual blackmail and rebukes to scare their "flock" into submission... And having be taught this way for years and months, it is not a wonder that when they are "spiritually matured" they too will go forth and preach the word the same caustic and laser beam way.

You are definitely a breath of Fresh Spring Air in a hall of smokey ciggies and cigars.

Answer 2

yes. I agree. It hurts. But the only reason I could come up with, is they don't "know" Jesus, as the Truth is in Him.

It breaks my heart though because there are some who, though they mean well, are actually turning people away from God. I've seen some comments on here saying"If that's the way your God is, I don't want anything to do with your God or christianity".

I guess it's possible to get so caught up in defending that a person maybe forgets to do what Jesus said and just love them as He first loved us when we were still yet sinners. It makes it harder to find common ground and minister to people when 'christian's', and I say that mildly, act like they don't even know the first thing about Jesus and His Love & Forgiveness, or His Mercy and Lovingkindness', and all He's done for us that we may have life and have it more abundantly, to the full.

As christians, we are the body of Christ. And I know that we all have our own faults and areas we need to work on, that is, areas of our life that need to be surrendered, and die daily-you know, mortify the flesh. but there are some things that are posted, that I don't even know what to think about them,

I feel sorry for the person who simply asked an honest question. But if they make one little mistake or say anything different than they think they should, they condemn them and shoot them down. They just need to soften their edges just a little bit, You know the Word of God is a two-edged sword all by itself, no one needs to flail it at people! Besides, there is no for comdemnation in Chris† He never condemned anyone.

He said,"He who is without sin cast the first stone", I've been passing the same Word along as you, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do".

I think maybe for some it's easier to just type what you want to say, without thinking about it, or praying about it first. Because I know that there's alot of things said on here, that would NEVER be said to someone's face! I guess because they can't see the other person and don't know who they're talking to, and figure they'll never see them any way, so they don't care what they write. Or so it seems

I answered one just today asking why does the same Book say "eye for an eye" and "turn the other cheek". I seen so many questions about why does the God of the Old testament do this or that, I finally just posted a question that said, "Just curious how many people here know that Jesus Christ rose from the grave 3 days after He was crucified?"

I've met more people lately that know Jesus was crucified, but have never heard the rest of the story, I heard on TV recently that someone claims to have found the bones of Jesus! Can you believe that?!! helloooo.That's why I think that we, as christians, need to strive to get the full Gospel out, the Truth and the whole Gospel!

Because I hear alot of people talk about Jesus on here past tense, or they'll ask things like, what would Jesus do in this situation or that, "if" He were alive. Alot of people think of Jesus as "some guy" in history, or they refer to Him as a myth or fairytale. Some refer to the Bible as fairy tale stories and metaphors.

I'm with you,it's hard enough to get the message across to the lost and the broken hearted as it is, We've got enough people already throwing stones at us, we don't need "stumbling blocks!".

Answer 3

Please take a seem on the form of cases that Paul makes use of words that talk with our Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ the two. Matthew 28:19, 20 - we are baptized in the call of the father, Son, and the holy spirit. His presence in the hot testomony is from Matthew to Revelation. analyzing the Psalms will supply expressions of God's love from the previous testomony.

Answer 4

I see more atheists focus on the smiting God of the Old Testament as opposed to Christians.

Answer 5

you are right, but Jesus is in the old testiment as well. look at the story for joseph. he was forsaken by his brothers, and then wound up the prince of Egypt. when his brother returned for bread during the greath 7 years of famin. he told the egyptions to leave the room. then revealed himself to his brothers with forgivness. then read 1 thessolonians 4:16 when Jesus returnes. those who do not believe in him will not see Him, and He will reveal Himself to those who believe.

there is forgivness in old testiment as well.

but yeah it is ashame that churches sometimes lead their congregation threw fear instead of love. but 1st John says There is no fear in love, but perfect love castes out fear. that is how churches should be runned.

Answer 6

actually, I hear this more from those who a skeptical about christianity, but then I don't watch TV! My impression of televangelists is that they become the ministry instead of allowing God to work in the ministry.