Thank you, Stephanie. I have long railed against the use of Christian as a term that describes them. Christian means Christ-follower and they are anything but. Jesus said we are to love one another. These ppl hijack Christ and his words and use them for division, hatred, and persecution as opposed to the true meaning of Jesus’ intent whi…
Thank you, Stephanie. I have long railed against the use of Christian as a term that describes them. Christian means Christ-follower and they are anything but. Jesus said we are to love one another. These ppl hijack Christ and his words and use them for division, hatred, and persecution as opposed to the true meaning of Jesus’ intent which is to unify, forgive, heal, and love. It’s an abomination.
And have done so for a long time, such as the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition. At this point I don't refer to myself a "Christian" but deeply respect some religious leaders, such as Desmond Tutu. Netflix "Live to Lead" series that profiles Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Greta Thunberg, Bryan Stevenson, Jacinda Ardern, Siya Kolisi, Gloria Steinem, and Albie Sachs, especially the latter who was a courageous ally of Tutu.
I see a stark separation point between churches organized around hubris and self-asserted superiority, and churches that are humble and inclusive. I wish the latter would do more to publicly declare their perspective, as the former hogs nearly all of the "limelight".
Stephanie and Jen, I happen to agree that we are not seeing Christ-like behavior from the Christians of today. However, they call themselves Christians because the deeply believe they are. When someone tells you who they are, believe them. As much as the words patriot or freedom have been turned in on the true meanings, they have done the same to Christian. I am not a member of any faith except love. If someone tells me I am a devote Christian, it is not my job to rename them. So, yes, they are not your understanding of the word, but that no longer matters. What they are doing is in the name of Christ. Because that is what they tell me.
I would accept this new definition of Christian, and find another for Christ-like behaviors and faith. Because as far as I am concerned, that word no longer bears any resemblance to the original beliefs. (I have studied many religions and am a firm believer that the only thing that prevails is the Golden Rule.)
We are in a pickle, my friends. And, this is where I come for a little sip of sanity. (To mix my metaphors, again!)
Thank you, Stephanie. I have long railed against the use of Christian as a term that describes them. Christian means Christ-follower and they are anything but. Jesus said we are to love one another. These ppl hijack Christ and his words and use them for division, hatred, and persecution as opposed to the true meaning of Jesus’ intent which is to unify, forgive, heal, and love. It’s an abomination.
And have done so for a long time, such as the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition. At this point I don't refer to myself a "Christian" but deeply respect some religious leaders, such as Desmond Tutu. Netflix "Live to Lead" series that profiles Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Greta Thunberg, Bryan Stevenson, Jacinda Ardern, Siya Kolisi, Gloria Steinem, and Albie Sachs, especially the latter who was a courageous ally of Tutu.
I see a stark separation point between churches organized around hubris and self-asserted superiority, and churches that are humble and inclusive. I wish the latter would do more to publicly declare their perspective, as the former hogs nearly all of the "limelight".
Stephanie and Jen, I happen to agree that we are not seeing Christ-like behavior from the Christians of today. However, they call themselves Christians because the deeply believe they are. When someone tells you who they are, believe them. As much as the words patriot or freedom have been turned in on the true meanings, they have done the same to Christian. I am not a member of any faith except love. If someone tells me I am a devote Christian, it is not my job to rename them. So, yes, they are not your understanding of the word, but that no longer matters. What they are doing is in the name of Christ. Because that is what they tell me.
I would accept this new definition of Christian, and find another for Christ-like behaviors and faith. Because as far as I am concerned, that word no longer bears any resemblance to the original beliefs. (I have studied many religions and am a firm believer that the only thing that prevails is the Golden Rule.)
We are in a pickle, my friends. And, this is where I come for a little sip of sanity. (To mix my metaphors, again!)
I call such people churchists