A youth pastor at a pentecostal church told his young followers that they couldn't be "friend" friends with non-christians, only acquaintances. As an example, he said, "Imagine you knew someone who was a rapist. You could be their acquaintance, but not their friend." How do you feel about equating non-christians to rapists? How about saying non-christians and christians can only be acquaintances?
2007-11-11 14:10:34 · 39 answers · asked by nunovyorebiznis 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Why would you WANT to befriend a rapist? Unless he professes and demonstrates a life-changing experience (i.e. repenting of his sins and discovering the releasing of sin's bonds as only Jesus Christ can perform), then why would you want to hang out with a dangerous criminal? All the youth pastor is doing is urging his young followers to be friendly, but not close friends, lest they be pulled under the incriminating influence of a very perverted man. I think any person of reason can agree with that. Have you ever heard of Megan's Law? The world understands this concept, and so should religious people.
2007-11-11 14:30:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I go to a pentecostal church and this pastor was way wrong in saying that. Not only equating non-Christians to rapists, but even to say that you could be an acquaintance to a rapist? What a bad choice of an example - as if an example should have been giving under that line of thinking to begin with.
2007-11-11 14:17:58 · answer #2 · answered by Linnie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would hope those young followers ignore the youth pastor the last thing we need is that kind of hatred by equating non-christians as rapists and possible other kinds of criminals..
2007-11-11 14:23:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "religious sect" had the same thing against Jesus. Luke 7:34-35 - "The Son of man is come eating and drinking, and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children." What would be this youth pastor's hope if Jesus hadn't been a friend of sinners! God bless you!!!
2007-11-11 14:29:53 · answer #4 · answered by Virginia B (John 16:33) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the youth pastor is miss lead. The bible tells us we should not be married to those who do not believe . Or as it says unevenly yolked. If we do not befriend those who do not believe then how are we to find and save the lost? Acquainting a non-believer with a rapist is poor judgment.
2007-11-11 14:15:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Whatta way to teach "love thy neighbor", huh? And this fool wants the children to "be acquaintances" of a rapist?
And higgie, what makes you (and others, I'm sure) think you have the right to tell others what to do with their lives? My shirt is pink. I am bringing a full wardrobe of pink shirts to your house and demand that you wear one every day. And you're paying for them, of course. Howdouyoulikethat?
I'm sorry, but meddling in other people's lives is never right and it makes me a tad miffed.
Quoted: "I have heard similar things in different youth groups. What was said then was that these young kids need to be "equally yoked", meaning they need to be around people that believe as they do because they are very young and impressionable and if they get in the wrong crowd it may pull them away from church."
...because they may open their eyes to what they REALLY want to be.
2007-11-11 14:15:38 · answer #6 · answered by wiccanhpp 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Not surprised; this is a typical attitude for religions, as they fear someone might ask an intelligent question and you'll realize they are full of BS!
Statistically, criminals of all types are far more likely to be Christians in the US than nonreligious, even after factoring for population percentages. Heck, the guy is likely to be a molester himself; many become youth pastors for easy access to vulnerable children! RUN!
2007-11-11 14:23:30 · answer #7 · answered by Brent Y 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Thats a load of BS and its unfortunate that a youth pastor is spreading those types of views to children. Its people like this man who give christians the stereotype of closed minded bigots. True christians love everybody equally.
2007-11-11 15:33:56 · answer #8 · answered by idbangrobertplant 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know the reasons such an illustration was given, but I feel it was a bit extreme (to say the least)... but the idea is a scriptural one.
Even Jehovah's Witnesses are strongly encouraged not to form strong bonds with people outside our religion. "Bad association spoils useful habits"-- 1 Corinthians 15:33
And we have the example of the ancient Israelites who were supposed to keep themselves cut off from unbelievers.
People are influenced by their friends and entertainment etc which is why we're supposed to be so careful. We don't want the beliefs or practices of people of different faiths to rub off on us.
2007-11-11 14:23:24 · answer #9 · answered by Xyleisha 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the pastor is a bit misguided. I don't think it is God's intentions for people to segregate themselves.
A non-Christian may still believe in God - Just not that Jesus was anything more than a prophet. The pastor needs to go back and learn tolerance.
2007-11-11 14:18:50 · answer #10 · answered by Rabbit 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋