Explain to me something about God's love? Serious question.?

Question

I'm a tarot reader professionally, but I don't believe in satan-worshipping, sorcery, or anything involving occult or communicating with the dead.

I was raised in a christian family, and they still believe what they believe. However a branch of my family are what most would call 'hardcore' christians - they believe some things that most people in their church consider a bit off the wall.

I had a run-in this morning with one of the family members who accused me of being a satan-worshipper, and told me that God could never love me, so neither can they.

I thought that even the Bible said that despite what people believed, thought, or how they looked, that you were to love them how you would want to be loved?
I believe they can believe what they want, and I don't mind it when they preach at me, I really don't. But it's being told that I'm not worthy of God's love when I know personally that God loves everyone.

What do most christians, even people in general, believe about this?

Answer 1

Well I believe that these family members are irrational. Personally I believe that God loves each of us unconditionally. If we are not on his path then he still loves us, if we sin he still loves us, if we don't believe in him he still loves us. The bible talks about love and grace and i believe wholeheartedly that God loves each and everyone of us.

Answer 2

Well, when it says in the Bible that God loves everyone, and that we're supposed to, too, I can't help but believe it. The family member who told you that was mistaken--God loves you whether or not this particular wants to love you. You are still supposed to love her back, though, even if you don't think that she's returning the love. We're commanded to love others because God first loved us. He does love everybody, even if they don't choose to believe in him, though it doesn't sound like you fit into that category. Just because you do tarot doesn't mean that you can't also be a Christian, or that you don't love God. You have the right idea. Keep loving your family members. Maybe one day they'll get the message and realize their error.

Edit: It's not that most of us believe that tarot is witchcraft, it's just that many of us aren't open-minded enough to see the innocence behind it. Now, if one believes that tarot is the divine law and can accurately predict their life, well, then they're a little misguided. But on the flip side, many of us are open-minded to controversial issues like this. I've done tarot once or twice, just for fun. Never tried Ouija, though I'd like to. And it doesn't make me any less of a Christian. As long as I realize that there's not divine truth in any of it, and that I still trust God with my life and my decisions, I'm still a good Christian. Doing tarot professionally means nothing. It just means that you know how to interpret the cards, and are willing to tell people their "fortunes."

Answer 3

God loves everyone.

I have grew up with people who are like what you are talking about. They have no right to call you that. It is all about acceptance in the church. Some churches push things too far and they have always done that.

Your family should be living as Christ would and setting an example for other people. Rejecting people and being hateful to them just because they don't agree with what they are doing is right. One example, interracial marriages. In churches where I live they believe that is a sin. However, no where in the bible does it state that. It has been taught that in communities where people are still racist or have been taught those tendancies.

What you believe is between you and God. It is your relationship with him. Other people need to worry about there own sin before they go pointing fingers.

Answer 4

God could never love you so neither could they? Statements like that can really hurt, especially coming from a family member.

OK, so you do tarot readings. That has a tinge of Wiccan belief to it, and many Christians have a fear as well as hatred of "The Craft." Meaning they don't understand it. Yes, I can debate with you as to the theology of tarot reading, but how will that, or your Christian family member, change you? With threats of not loving you? How awful!

I'm Christian, and it's true that I wouldn't allow tarot readings in my house, because that's how I run it. Neither can I tell you that it's OK to place your trust in tarot cards in place of another Power. But God forbid that I should show hatred for you, and walk away thinking I've done a holy thing! Your family member needs to be reminded of the second Great Commandment of Christ, and perhaps how they stand equal to you in guilt before the Lord, save for His grace and mercy. Therefore they do not have the right to sit in judgement upon you.

Answer 5

As a christian I never believed any of those things. Everyone is always throwing out the old testament to prove that tarot is evil. Are you following everything else in the OT? No, I'm sure your not, only the bits and pieces that fit your idea of right and wrong not God. You are a judger, even as I am now. However we must each look to ourselves.

Answer 6

I have met many 'Christians' like this. Some of them have been good friends of mine. It is clear from your description that they are not Christians. It is unfortunate that some people cling to their religion with such fervor that they are blinded. I doubt in most cases that they have ever truly spoken with God, instead becoming lost in the ideas of men.

My wife's father is a classic example. When I traveled to Mexico, he went with us and I was simply amazed at his ignorance. Granted he could quote any passage from the bible, and give you an accurate description of its meaning, but he clearly wasn't living what he was preaching. For him religion was a tool, and a weapon, to control others. The really unfortunate thing is that he spent many years as a preacher. I don't know how many lives he may have affected, or how many people he drove away from Christianity.

When faced with such people, you must realize that they aren't thinking clearly. They say hurtful things because they have backwards ideas in their hearts. Somewhere along the way they got it wrong, and they will never hear reason. It saddens me that such things are proclaimed in the name of a beautiful idea. I'm sorry to hear that members of your family have fallen into this. I do not believe that they are in touch with God. God represents love, unity, positive energy, creation, and peace....all positive things. Nothing negative comes from Him, so you have to consider an alternate source.

The words of your family members sound negative, destructive, hurtful, and unloving. I would be more worried about their relationship with God then yours. Beyond that I can't offer you much advice without knowing more about your situation.


With Love,
Shane K.

Answer 7

I think the answer to your question depends upon how hardcore they are in their beliefs. The really "hard core" bible thumpers would say just what your family member said to you. However, I have known many good Christian people who get excited about the chance to have their cards read and it doesn't bother their "Christianity" one bit.

As a side note, if you read tarot cards, you are dabbling in the occult whether you believe in it or not. Hard core Christians might say you are Satan's pawn, but what they don't realize is by them saying those terrible things to you, they are actually the same thing.

God loves us all in spite of our failings. Those "Christians" need to be reminded of that little factoid. Of course, what they say could also be just their way of hiding their imagined fear of something beyond their understanding.

I was born & raised Catholic. I read cards, runes, and have used Wicca spells over the years. Gee - shouldn't I be burning in Hell by now?

Hope this helps.

Answer 8

most christians think that tarot is witchcraft, evil, satan-worship type of stuff. It is sick and messed up, but that is what they think. They are just to closed minded to realize. Pentacostal type christians think prophesying is okay but going to a psychic isnt. It is the same as long as the psychic is tapping into a higher power. Which most do. There is false-prophesying in the church yet they dont throw them out or even approach them telling them they are wrong or not tapping into the "Holy Spirit".
God loves everyone. there is nothing wrong with tarot, but in the church they are taught that it is evil and leads people astray. Just try to understand where they are coming from and realize they are not as enlightened as you. Gods love is pure love and is in/for everyone, if they cant see that that is there problem, but dont ever doubt the love of God for you or in you.

Answer 9

Oh dear, this is what I hate about people who call themselves Christians - they are not real Christians because doesn't Christian mean "follower of Christ"? When did Jesus teach that you should treat people that way? From my understanding, the teachings of Jesus were similar to many great men and women who taught wonderful virtues and truly loved everyone regardless of how "bad" that person was. If they were truly following Jesus's teachings they would be communing with those they condemn and doing good for them not judging them. You will find that people who actually are Christians are few and far between but great people if you are lucky enough to meet one.

Answer 10

I had a run-in this morning with one of the family members who accused me of being a satan-worshipper, and told me that God could never love me, so neither can they..

It sounds like your family member doesn't know what the Bible says about how to be a good witness for Christ. First of all, Jesus said to love your enemies, and the Apostle Paul wrote this passage.

1 Timothy 1:13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

So that person has no basis to say that God could never love you or anyone else and they are using their anger and ignorance as an excuse to put their sinful, fleshly nature on parade.

Galatians 5:16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Last of all, here's what the Bible teaches about how they should speak to someone to whom they are trying to teach God's truth.

2 Timothy 2:23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

As to your question about Tarot, here's a link for you http://www.allabouttheoccult.org/tarot-cards.htm

Answer 11

God loves the sinner not the sin. The most well known verse John 3:16 "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have eternal life". He loves the worst of sinners and calls them to come and accept His gift which is salvation in His Son. First turn to Christ then He will deal with whatever issues you have in your life, He loves you!