Growing up in the organized church, I was taught over time that we actually had enemies within the religious world and that certain groups of people were to be avoided.
I do not think this was done openly but very subliminally, it was just something that you picked up over the years in the christian religion.
I can say this because I spent well over fifty years in the organized christian church and I know how I used to feel. Fortunately, not everyone in the church system feels this way but it does seem to be a pretty normal way of thought for those of us who grew up in it.
Let me be clear, I no longer think this way. I believe Jesus came to show the love of God to all people and he accepted and respected everyone.
Yet in the church system I found that things such as, if you attend a certain denomination all the other denominations do not quite measure up.
If you are a christian then those outside of christianity are to be avoided. Of course acting like a friend so you can witness to them and try to convert them to christianity was OK. I know for a fact that friendship with ulterior motives can be very disheartening.
I found that inside the christian religion atheists are considered to be our enemy. They deny that God exists and it is best for us to stay far away from them so that doubt does not creep into our own way of thinking.
Inside the church system the gay community is to be condemned and shunned. Anyone openly admitting they are gay is an abomination to God and thus to us also. After all, people choose to be gay and that means they are choosing to go against God. Wait, I do not remember choosing to be straight, it is just the way I am. Is that not the case with people who are gay?
People of other religions such as hinduism, buddhism. confucianism, gnosticism, judaism, islam or a host of other religions were considered to be confused and wrong in their beliefs. Nothing measured up except christianity. Still, christianity is a religion created by men. Jesus did not come to start a religion and he is not the head of the christian religion.
Being outside the walls of religion, I have come to see people as people. I have come to know several people of all beliefs and ways of life and have found them to be good friends. We all have our different backgrounds and beliefs but we are all basically the same.
No matter what label the world or religion puts on people, that does not completely describe who they are. Each of us is a person who basically wants the same things and same goals in life. We all want to be happy, to be loved and accepted and to live a good life. We all go about it in different ways but the basics are the same.
Rather than judge and condemn others who do not see things the way we do, it is time we do what Jesus said to do. Love God and love others. We are not here to judge, condemn and try to force people into accepting things the way we see them. The Holy Spirit will draw, convict and change people if that is what is needed. We are only called to be loving and kind to all we meet. Being loving does not mean we always agree, but we can show the love of God and be respectful even in our differences.
I am glad to hear someone of your faith show such a tolerant and understanding view. If people would follow Christs example instead of having a self righteous stance and attacking everyone else there would probably be a lot more Christians in the world! I truly believe that many Christians are so wrapped up in the traditions of their particular church and bible verses that they have forgotten the example Christ (the way he lived his life) gave them to live their life. I can see by some of the comments that taking this stance will not be easy for you, but I commend you for it. Religious people have a lot more in common then what separates them. The world could be a better place if they all would just realize that. Good luck on your path!
LikeLike
Thank you very much for the kind and understanding comment. So true, if we could only accept others, knowing that we are not all going to agree and see things the same way. Follow the example of Christ rather than with religious pride and condemnation of those who see things differently.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Satan believes in yeshua too! Hindu’s have another god before G-d and that is idolatry. Homosexuality is an abomination against G-d. Yes! we are called to love but leaving them in their sin without showing them The truth of G-d’s word about repentance is condoning it and not showing real agape love at all.
See 1 Corinthians 5: 1-13 and Jude v 23
LikeLike
Thanks for reading my article and sharing your opinion.
LikeLike
A voice crying in the Wilderness perhaps. How I love what you have to say. It is always a gentle voice of such wisdom and balance, but somehow I don’t hear that too often and I crave it so much.
I’ve been trying to get into a church again since moving but have failed to find a place or the people to have fellowship with. Wish there were more folk like you around.
LikeLike
Thank you jem for the very kind words. Keep asking God to lead you to his people for fellowship. My wife and I have come across people over time in places least expected, yet His people are all around. Continue to live each day showing His love and in time you will begin to find what you are looking for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey Jimbo, I love to love people of all walks of life.
One part you mentioned concerns me a bit, so I’m asking you this so I have your belief, instead of me assuming anything.
You mentioned hindus and Buddhists, etc.
Say for example, if a hindu dies without having been born again in Christ…is he going to hell, and ultimately the lake of fire forevermore?
LikeLike
Hi Lee, thanks for the comment. My view is that Jesus is the way. People can follow the ways of Christ and believe in him without being christian, hindu, buddhist, jew, islamic or any other religion. Religion is not the answer but people in any of the many religions can follow Jesus. I know many people who love Jesus and his example but want nothing to do with christianity as a religion. It is following Jesus rather than any religion. Fortunately we are not the judge of what happens to people when they die. I believe the Holy Spirit will work in the lives of people and it will be between God and each person as to what happens after death. We are called to love God and love others. Thanks again for the comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good mornin Jimbo.
Thank you for your kind reply.
And I want to reinforce that loving people is always what I want too. And I agree that religion in general can be quite negative to the image of Christ.
It’s just that I’ve encountered some professing Christians who are quasi universalists, and I’m trying to discern if that’s your position. Because I really still don’t know the answer.
I’m not going to debate you. Whatever your position is.
Let me ask my question a little differently if I may please.
Is it possible that a Buddhist can die as a Buddhist, and eventually get to heaven?
LikeLike
I think if a person accepts the gift of Jesus it does not matter what his religion is. Jesus came to show us the love and grace of God, but he had nothing to do with religion. I understand the universalist view and truthfully I hope it is true, but I cannot go so far as to say I can completely accept that. I feel grace is provided for all the world yet I think we have to accept the gift.
LikeLike
Amen!
LikeLike
Thanks Kris.
LikeLike