"Non-Christian" behavior and people...?

Question

have been to some church groups, meetings and Bible studies where the pastor/reverand and other church members make fun of homosexuals and believers of other religions. I have often heard some say that they will "Pray for these Non-Christians", and that they'll "pray for those who don't believe". It's like if you do not believe the norm in orthodox religion, or if you do not subscribe to a particular belief, you are damned and going to hell. This is my personal problem with organized religion, particularly Christianity.

I admit, I am still trying to decipher everything and find my true spiritual place, but I think of myself as a Christian and believe in God, I just have a problem with many of the things they say in Chruch and some Christian books.

Personally, I do not think that is is "Christian" to make fun of those who are different, or condemn people who do not believe as you do. What are your thoughts?

I understand telling someone you'll pray for them if they are sick, distressed or going through hard times; but what gives someone the right to say 'I'll pray for you' simply because you are gay or not Christian?

Answer 1

in all walks of life there will be good and bad....i don't think that it is condemning to pray for someone soul for whatever reason.....and since you have to sail your own boat it is best that you trust more in God words then in man words.....just my opinion

Answer 2

I think of life as a light switch, it's either on or off. You're either good or bad. There is right and wrong...this in a pure sense and not because you grow to believe in a certain way.
That said............A person would rarely say anything that would be derogatory against someone they truely loved unless the get realy pissed off.
I feal most attacks against others are because of a sense of threat by that person or group oft times have senseless reasons.
The further you get away tree bark ,ie self, and into an "Organized" belief system the more people you run into who do not live the tenants of their choosen faith.
It's your responsibility to lead by example and when nessasary remind those who just don't get it.

Answer 3

This is one of those loaded questions for most Christians, but I'll dive right in. I don't agree that making fun of anyone is the right thing to do. And I also don't believe that it is our job to condemn other people.

However (you had to have seen that coming), I DO believe in the infaliable nature of Scripture. And it speaks to both homosexuality and idolatry (honoring gods other than Yahweh). It also speaks of faith in Christ - believing that he is the Son of God and that he was sent to save us from eternal condemnation - being the only way to heaven.

Being a Christian, if we say that the Bible is God's inerrant word, means that we DO draw a very clear line between right and wrong. It means that we DO NOT say that what is clearly unacceptable to God, is acceptable to us. It means that we DO believe that there is only one way to heaven and that it is had through 'faith alone in Christ alone.'

Judging,condemning, and ostrasizing are not things we are called to do, as Believers. But speaking honestly of what we believe and why - well that's part of the deal. Belief is belief, whether or not its convenient or well-received.

Answer 4

You are correct and what you are seeing you are seeing for a reason. Please never mistake religion for GOD. We are a fallen people with many problems. What works is a personal relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ. You will find out quickly that Jesus loved people who were not following him when you read the gospels. I do not see homosexuals and Muslims any different then I do people who are prideful or selfish. It's all "not Christlike". I am guilty of many things and I am working to fix that with Christ help. So I do not view anyone as below me. If anything, I am lower then most.

Answer 5

This is the main reason why I don't like organized religion, you have the few telling you what you should believe.

My suggestion, read the bible fully and then make an informed desision on your own. The temple of god is within you not in some building. (Taken from the movie stigmata)

Answer 6

I think you've just begun to understand the animosity that we in the Atheist community feel for religious folks, christians in particular.

This 'my way or the highway' attitude that most christian faiths seem to embody, not only towards non-believers and the like, but even amongst the different christian denominations themselves is just getting old.

I have no problem with folks believing whatever they'd like, just don't insult me by 'praying' for me, for being me!

Answer 7

Scripture is the offer of a marriage covenant by YHVH to people. Believers took His name, and followed His rules for 300 years after the Messiah (YAHOSHUA) until obedience was outlawed by the "Christian" church! "Rome" is "Babylon" from which we are told to come out--- and that means all the way out!

Answer 8

I agree with you. You might what to think about talking to the pastors themselves and finding a theologian to educate you about religion. Your pastors (and others like them) are only following what they believe is right and don't think they are offending anybody. You should let them know.

Answer 9

You are rare. I wish there were more Christians like you. Like I said in a previous post of mine, Buddha was more Christianlike than most Christians who claim to be Christian.

Answer 10

If you have to follow a religion, look into Buddhism. It's more Jesus-like than Christianity is today.