Is there anyone out there who is a christian and is tired of judgemental christians running people off?

Question

I am so tired of self righteous Christians giving the impression to the world that we are holier than thou! I smoke, and I love Jesus, I drink, and I love Jesus. I don't hate gays, my father was bisexual and I took care of him till the day he died. I don't hate gays, I don't hate drunks, and I don't expect anyone to be perfect, and neither does Jesus. He came here to save the lost, not condemn them! God loves every one of us, and sometime I am actually ashamed to admit I'm a Christian because of the impression people give. It's not about BEING GOOD. It's about mercy, and truth, and the fact that he created everyone of us for a purpose. It's a message of love, not hate or division. So, does anyone feel the way I do?

Answer 1

AMEN SISTER!!!! i 100% agree with you. you literally stole the words out of my mind. i am getting tired of the reputation that these self righteous christians are giving all of us. the ones that humble themselves. Jesus didnt come to condemn the world but to save the world. its not our job to judge. its God's. && the day of judgement will come. our job is to just keep our eyes on Him && speak His word. hate the sin but loe the sinner. show them Christ through your actions. thats the way it should be. God bless you love && to everyone else reading this.
x0o

Answer 2

I am no longer Christian because I did get run off by the judgemental ones! But I do appreciate the kind spirits of Christians like you who are tolerant. Most Christians forget that Jesus spent most of his time hanging out with non-religious types, the common era's equivalent of the average Joe (or even the prostitute) you'd meet in a bar. Jesus didn't condemn gays or people who drink in moderation. If Jesus had met a drunk, I'm sure he'd be sympathetic instead of condemning them. Though I can't remember the source, I read somewhere that "Christianity is the only army that shoots its wounded". Christians have an obligation through Christ to care for those who are struggling, not casitgate and ostracize them. I'm sure that if Jesus sees the behavior of modern believers, he'd be very sad to observe his followers straying so far from the course he set for them.

Answer 3

Well, I know you were addressing Christians, but I wanted to chime in.As an Atheist I am fully aware that there are some decent Christians with ideals like yours.Though, I am not sure being a drunk is admirable from any perspective.Alcohol is bad on the liver and my grandfather died from alcoholism.But, anyway, I just wanted you to know that while my impression of Christianity overall is negative, I do not think all Christians are bad or mean or in any sense negative.I would be glad to call you a friend based on what you have posted in your question.

Answer 4

Why did Jesus institute sacraments to aid us in our salvation if all we had to do was profess our belief in him one time? Jesus said that the Eucharist forgives sin (Matthew 26:28), Confession forgives sin (John 20:22-23, and the Last Rites forgive sin (James 5:14-15). Salvation occurs in our past: Romans 8:22-24 Ephesians 2:4-8 Salvation is happening now: 2 Corinthians 2:15 Phillipians 2:12 1 Peter 3:21 Salvation occurs in the future: Romans 5:9-10 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Matthew 24:13 The answer is that I have been saved, I'm being saved, and I have the hope that I will be saved, while I work out my salvation with fear and trembling. According to the Bible, "being saved" is not a one time event. One important thing to remember .............. We are forbidden to judge people, ( Matthew 7:1), which includes ourselves! When people say "I am saved", they are judging themselves, which is solely the job of Jesus Christ at the final judgment.

Answer 5

Don't worry you're not alone.

If you're in the US you'll probably experience this feeling more than some other countries since the extremists hold more influence there. It seems impossible for an openly atheist person to become president in the US, while in Europe noone would really care since people there- believers and non-believers- are more thoughtful.

Because the majority of people stay silent, it's hard to know if religous nutters (of all religions) are just a vocal minority, or whether they're simply courageous enough to reveal what most people are thinking. It's heartening to know there is always a group from all Abrahamic religious who share your view. (This problem rarely crops up in other religions since other religions are more tolerant than middle-eastern religions).

I choose to retain my faith despite what others tell me and the nasty thoughts and actions of some of my fellow believers. It can strengthen you, especially when you expose the faults of the self-declared righteous (they won't accept it, but at least you'll know that you're right).

Answer 6

Jesus did love people of all kinds, and still does. But He wasn't afraid to tell it as it was. Two examples: John chapter 6, where He told people they were following Him for the wrong reason, and several times when the ultra-religious leaders (scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.,) were trying to accuse Him of who knows what. He didn't pull any punches either. So when people walked away because He told them the truth, He sadly let them go away.

Yes, there are some people who have responded in, shall we say, less than a mature Christian spirit. But many have tried to provide a reasonable defense to what we perceive to be a genuine question. Desire to share and present the truth may be perceived as anything the reader desires.

Answer 7

Amen.

I, too, often don't like to be labeled a Christian because of the way some Christians act. I come in here to R&S and see so many of them just blithely presume that their beliefs are correct. It never occurs to them that what they believe is no more 'correct' than the Religio Romana, Asatru, Islam, or Judaism, for instance.

I have never understood how some Christians can so blindly presume that they know the true and best way to worship, and that others don't. How can anyone who calls himself Christian presume to declare that someone else is going to Hell for their beliefs or lack thereof? Since when did being Christian give us license to be so arrogant, condescending, and patronizing to others who don't share our beliefs?

Answer 8

Yes, judgmental Christians are often the creators of atheism.

There's a fine line between making sure you stand up for your principals and at the same time be loving and not judge others. I'll admit its VERY difficult to do. On the one hand, you don't want to make excuses for people and try to legitimize bad behavior. On the other, you don't want to drive people away from Christ by being heavy handed and judgmental.

Much easier said than done...

Answer 9

I get tired of overly judgmental comments, at the same time I don't want to see God's Word watered down.

Jesus saved me by grace, through faith, apart from works, but only after I realized I needed a savior.

Jesus loves everyone, and that is what I keep saying on here. People have asked things like, "Will not going to church send me to hell?" I answer that truthfully, that going to church is not what saves you and not going doesn't send you to hell, accepting Christ saves you, and rejecting Him sends you to hell.

As you said, its about mercy and TRUTH, the truth is that the Bible calls certain things sin, and that is why Jesus came to die for us.

BTW I don't hate homosexuals either, I pray for the people I know who are homosexuals, that they will turn to God and embrace Him.

God doesn't send anyone to hell for drinking, smoking, or being gay. God allows people to go to hell because they will not accept the only way He provided for them to go to heaven.

Answer 10

It's nice to know that others believe the same way as I do.

Jesus clearly demands that we completely surrender to God and do His will, to push aside our ego and selfishness and put God first. And He demands that we are loving and compassionate, and understanding.

Is it possible to fully commit to Christ while also being loving toward gays, drunks, and others that do not fit the "norm"? Not only is it possible, IT IS REQUIRED.

Thank you for sharing your message tonight. Peace be with you.

Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? She said, No one, sir. Jesus replied, Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again. (John 8:2-11).