General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: At the risk of offending, I don't think Christians can be trusted [View all]theophilus
(3,750 posts)Having said that, I totally see where you are coming from. Please don't use such broad brush strokes. Jesus was put to death and betrayed by His own people because He taught love and forgiveness. A careful study of the New Testament, the one that applies to Christians, will find that we who believe in Jesus have one commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself. That starts with other Christians but it is expanded to all people. We are to be at peace with all as much as it depends on us. We are even to be willing to love and care for those who are trying to be our enemies.
Jesus said that this Way is difficult and that there are FEW who find it. I believe that still holds true. The tares are vocal. The wheat pretty much keeps on keeping on being misunderstood by both sides but trying to show love and good works as a result of faith. Pretty harmless, I'd say. When done right. Our message is the "Good News". Not bad news. There is no eternal torment only total destruction. The criteria is, seemingly, how we treat our fellow humans. There is room for hope to those who do not believe in Jesus. There is not much hope for those who do not treat others with love.
All will never accept these things. We don't expect them to do so. It IS complicated. Don't judge all of us by the vocal hateful bunch, please.