Why are people who belong to a religion without following that religion's rules and doctrine entirely?

Question

looked down on?

For example, I have heard people say that Christians who accept evolution or don't have a problem with premarital sex aren't really Christians, as well as people maintaining that Catholics who are okay with birth control aren't really Catholics. Why is this? Just because you don't agree with ALL of the general beliefs of a religion or belief system you can't identify with that religion or belief system? Sounds silly to me.

Let me give an example. I live in the USA, and I identify with one of the two major political parties here in my country. I won't say which one, because this isn't the politics forum and I don't want to get sidetracked. Nonetheless, I identify with one of the parties; however, I do not agree with all of the general beliefs of that party. But I still call myself a member of that party. Not all Republicans are pro-choice, but those Republicans still call themselves so because their overall beliefs reflect that of a Republican.

See my point?

For some reason, when it comes to religion, people have an all-or-nothing attitude. You either have to accept religions in their entirety, or not at all.

Pretty narrow.

CORRECTION: I should have said "Not all Republicans are PRO-LIFE.

I always switch those two around when I talk about them. lol

Now I can't help but wonder how many people are still going to correct me on that typo, even though I have corrected myself, and another answerer has corrected me as well. (snicker)

Answer 1

I have noticed that, too.

It's really pretty silly, as you said, because if we make following all the "rules" one of the criteria for IDing with a religion, then virtually no one would belong to any religion.

Answer 2

"Just because you don't agree with ALL of the general beliefs of a religion or belief system you can't identify with that religion or belief system? Sounds silly to me."

Amen. I don't agree with every single doctrine of my church, and as a result, people often take it upon themselves to smugly tell me that I'm not a "real" Christian. Whatever. There are some beliefs that I have questions about, and I don't feel that it makes me any less of a Christian just because I'm trying to use a bit of reason. I refuse to be silenced. The worst critics in this regard are other Christians who feel they were somehow awarded a complete monopoly on the truth along with their church membership.

Answer 3

Christians judge everyone, even each other. That is one of the main problems I have with Christianity.

Intelligent open minded Christians are judged as being "false" Christians.

No surprise because knowledge was a cause of punishment from the biblical monster.

Answer 4

Not "all" Christians are like that. Many do accept other "Christians" with different view points but I do agree that "some" don't I also think that even some Politicians privily reject some of their comrades of the same party based on their dissimilar views.

Answer 5

first of all, the first answer doesn't even make sense, but to answer the question, just live your own religion. if you think you need to go to a church or some other worship center, just go to the one that is closest. everyone doesn't have to believe the same thing, but most people dont really get that. also, a person saying you arent a Christian is just saying that to make themselves feel like more of a christian, sont let it even phase you.

Answer 6

"We have all sinned & fallen short of the glory of GOD."
BTW it's Democrats who are pro-choice ( a euphonism).

Answer 7

Because no human is perfect.