Christianity without Christ, an American specialty.

[TreasonousBastard]

https://goodfaithmedia.org/what-a-followship/#

The earliest followers of Jesus would be greatly baffled by what it means to be “Christian” today.

The ever-changing lists of “essential” beliefs and organizational expectations would certainly be unfamiliar to those who encountered the radical love and grace of Jesus and, in response, left their familiar and comfortable ways to follow in his risky footsteps.

Oh, it took belief to heed the call of Jesus to “follow me.” But Jesus never required a test of orthodoxy, put them through a six-week doctrinal course and then gave them a membership card to The Jesus Club.

Today’s Americanized Christianity gives little to no attention to following Jesus. It is about affirming some human-formed list of “essentials” that tend to leave Jesus out – and often require attitudes and acts of exclusion at odds with how Jesus actually related to others.

I have no particular belief ]in the divinity of Jesus, or even if he actually existed. I do, however, have a particular affinity for the teachings of Jesus as distilled down to us today. Jesus certainly wasn't the only great spiritual leader, but he is the one this Westerner is most familiar with, and see no reason to pledge allegiance to Buddha, or someone else. Ultimately, it is all very much the same.

But, I digress... Like most here, I cringe when I see the universal parables and prayers of the Gospels suddenly perverted into calling for political positions. Unless I missed something, Jesus said render unto Caesar that which is his, and not to put God into the middle of it.

Separation of church and state was actually one of the first Christian principles.

Carry on.

[PJMcK]

1. Today's "Christians" really aren't what they claim to be

The greed seen in Evangelicals is stunningly at odds with Jesus' teachings.

The bigotry, misogyny and racism seen in Evangelicals is dramatically at odds with the Ten Commandments.

The aggressive confrontational behavior by Evangelicals is profoundly at odds with Jesus' dictum to "turn the other cheek."

In short, the general public behavior of Evangelicals demonstrates that while they express faith in something, it certainly has nothing to do with the carpenter from Nazareth.

[multigraincracker]

4. As Christians, their focus would be

more Christian to focus on the Beatitudes than the 10 Commandments. They should be on the courtroom walls in a “Christian” Nation.

[TigressDem]

6. It seems to me the groups none of us like are strong fundamentalists hiding their KKK attitudes

But looking at the list of religions even listed as "Evangelical" I am wondering if just the LOUD of these groups make them seem like MORE than the actual number of people who actually are so prejudiced.

BUT I also know family mostly and some friends of many religious backgrounds that buy into the abortion is wrong, vote Rethug camp.

They didn't always get so screechy, though. They don't support racism and are not worried about their taxes going to help others. But the koolaid about how government is trying to control us is starting to filter in some how.

The FEAR mongering is hitting it's mark, I think.



https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/

[The Wizard]

2. In Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle"

they practice a religion with a Bible kept in a loose leaf binder that allows them to add and remove pages to suit the needs and whims of the moment, kind of like Evangenitals in America.

[Chainfire]

3. Many pay their dues for one hour each week

then are forgiven and free to ignore the message the rest of the week.

Us non-believers have to live with our sins and guilt; I think that it make me a better person.

[TigressDem]

7. And real Christians do live with our sins and guilt too.

Being forgiven isn't an excuse to go out an do it again.

The point is to learn from the mistake and do better.

As a Christian understanding how when you hurt someone it's more about you needing to be better than them deserving or not deserving your rage is humbling.

I am still trying to understand how these boards work, because every religion board I go to seems to be anti Christian.

I hate the behavior of Qanon and the rest as much as anyone. I am not even an evangelical, but I have known decent people who are. Who likely vote DEM rather than Republican and can see through old Donny boy and MGT.

Besides if we can't agree on anything here on DU, how do we bridge the divide and put the country back together?

[TigressDem]

5. Can you say more about this?

"I cringe when I see the universal parables and prayers of the Gospels suddenly perverted into calling for political positions. Unless I missed something, Jesus said render unto Caesar that which is his, and not to put God into the middle of it.

Separation of church and state was actually one of the first Christian principles."


Hey, Treas..

I also believe in separation of church and state.... but I think having leaders who are guided by real Christian principals is a GOOD thing.

What am I missing?

I get it that "God told me to run for Congress" isn't the endorsement people think it is. And that holding a Bible doesn't mean a person has read it.

BUT if someone believes that "if we are One Nation Under God" even if the choice of that religion or to choose NOT to be religious is part of that... if someone believes that doing good as a person in a political position is ultimately ALSO in line with their faith, why is that cringe worthy?

As a Christian whatever line of work I choose, I try to do my best to still live my spiritual priorities even if it's all an internal dialogue.


Tig