1/30/12

I had not intended to post anything about this, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it needed a response.  While I won't post the link, a fellow blogger put a link up to an article claiming that right wing Christians spouting hate are "real" Christians since hate and intolerance are just what the Bible teaches.  The author goes on to state any Christian that says different must let go of their Bible as their "religion" doesn't match up with their words.

What a bunch of crap.  Religion and Christianity are not the problem.  Jesus taught some pretty radical stuff, even for today.  Jesus told us that instead of seeking revenge (eye for an eye) you must give the person who stikes you the other cheek and pray for those that persecute you.  He also taught that you must love your God above all else and to love your neighbor as yourself.  He taught us we must keep forgiving those that wrong us no matter how many times they do it.

These are central tenets of my "religion" and Christianity.  Where in there is there room for hate?  Will people take what they read in the Bible and use it to justify their own behaviors?  Of course.  Does that mean the Bible is at fault?  Of course not.  The author is doing what those he accuses do: use the Bible to justify their incorrect views.  No religion will ever be perfect because people are the ones that make up the believers and people aren't perfect.  We will always fall short.  However, it's the stiving to live up to the example of Christ that makes the difference.  And I challenge this author to find anyone that puts God and neighbor above themselves to be hateful.

Comments

Jude said…
People have always read what they want to into the Bible's words. And that gets dangerous sometimes. To me, Jesus was a cool dude and he knew all about loving your brother and sister....forgiveness and giving.
sydwynd said…
Jude: Jesus still is a cool dude. It is indeed sad that those with an agenda just focus on the words that support their view instead of getting the whole picture.

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