I am not really sure what you mean by this comment. But, there were many early Christians who were imprisoned and/or killed at the beginning of Christianity like Paul and Stephen for instance. At that time, I am not sure if the term "Christianity" had been coined yet, but they were followers of Jesus post-crucifixion. Maybe that isn't what you were referring to, but I am not sure.
No, Misty, I was referring to the propensity of many contemporary Christians to turn people away, to shun them or even actively seek to do them harm in one fashion or another, based solely on the fact that they don't follow the same faith or see things the same way. The whole idea is that Christ accepted everyone, regardless of whether they agreed with his views. We were meant to love one another unconditionally and it just feels antithetical to claim to live in His image and actively not do so for others who are making the choice not to follow the dogma of the church erected in his name.
That being said, I know a number of people, both Christian and otherwise, who DO live in a manner in keeping with Christ's teaching, giving when they can, helping and accepting others. To me, that's a much deeper sign of goodness than someone who goes to church three times a week and condemns others for the "sin" of not sharing the same faith, or even branch of it.
Oh. I understand better now. I agree with you. I am not sure why many people overlook the unconditional love that Christ continually showed to people throughout his life. The grace of God is for everyone. It's funny how many people overlook that verse that says "Love one another." Thank you for the further explanation.
I am not really sure what you mean by this comment. But, there were many early Christians who were imprisoned and/or killed at the beginning of Christianity like Paul and Stephen for instance. At that time, I am not sure if the term "Christianity" had been coined yet, but they were followers of Jesus post-crucifixion. Maybe that isn't what you were referring to, but I am not sure.
ReplyDeleteNo, Misty, I was referring to the propensity of many contemporary Christians to turn people away, to shun them or even actively seek to do them harm in one fashion or another, based solely on the fact that they don't follow the same faith or see things the same way. The whole idea is that Christ accepted everyone, regardless of whether they agreed with his views. We were meant to love one another unconditionally and it just feels antithetical to claim to live in His image and actively not do so for others who are making the choice not to follow the dogma of the church erected in his name.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I know a number of people, both Christian and otherwise, who DO live in a manner in keeping with Christ's teaching, giving when they can, helping and accepting others. To me, that's a much deeper sign of goodness than someone who goes to church three times a week and condemns others for the "sin" of not sharing the same faith, or even branch of it.
Oh. I understand better now. I agree with you. I am not sure why many people overlook the unconditional love that Christ continually showed to people throughout his life. The grace of God is for everyone. It's funny how many people overlook that verse that says "Love one another." Thank you for the further explanation.
ReplyDelete