General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: John Pavlovitz: This Isn't Christianity [View all]patphil
(6,150 posts)That is what I'm saying when I say that they are Christians in name only.
I never said that only non-Christians can be bad people.
There are plenty of people who use the Christian name to justify their non-christian, bad behavior.
However, if you follow the actual, love based, teachings of Jesus, the chances of you being a good person are very high.
My personal feeling is that Jesus' teachings are easy follow. They are plainly set out in the New Testament.
Too much of Christianity is bogged down in Old Testament teachings...things like condemning homosexuality.
None of that is relevant to me.
I have no problem with there being many variants of Christianity. There are many interpretations of his teachings.
But, there are groups that put their own beliefs into the mix, such as the Westboro Baptists, that have gone far afield from the actual teachings of Jesus.
Also, those groups that put forth a "fire and brimstone" message, and talk about an angry God.
Now how can God be God and get angry with his creation?
Jesus taught love, not fear, anger, and hatred.
People who love Jesus but preach fear, anger, and hatred have a real problem. It's just not possible to love Jesus and do this.
Those people are not TRUE Christians because they violate the fundamental teaching of Jesus. They claim the name but don't follow the him.
I'm sure Torquemada felt he was a good Catholic, but his actions were vile to say the least. He was acting consistently with his religious belief, but was actually pursuing a demonic path.
I'm sure the nuns that ran the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland felt they were good Catholics, but history has shown how little love many of them felt for their charges.
Those nuns failed to follow that single most important aspect of Jesus' teachings.
They were Catholic in name only.
I've used Catholic examples because that is my background.
It's the same if you are Catholic, or Christian.
You can claim the name, but it doesn't really mean you are what you claim.
You have to live the true message of Jesus...Love.
Patrick Phillips