So it's fair to say that contemporary Christians who don't follow the example of Jesus are not what you consider a Christian?
This is not about me, so pleas\e do not try to make it personal, as though it's a personal view. It is not.
If you truly believe in objective evidence, then please demonstrate it.
If you take papers to the magistrate in your case, and you present them with your fathers signature, stating that the house belongs to you, regardless how many family members say... "bu... bu.. but, your honor, our father decided that we share the house, and we are all one, and the same..." the magistrate will go, by what... your brothers words, or the will?
So please, Jesus died. his followers died, but we have the "will". The fair individual will go by that. I go by that. It's not about me. It's about what the record says.
It says Christianity today is not true Christianity. Read the "will". It's available for all to read.
Some people try to find a means to 'cop out'. That's not what you are doing, are you?
These are people who don't support social policies that help the poor, or help society be more loving by ensuring healthcare for all, who oppose gays being recognized and allow marriage, who support greed and the wealthy despite them calling themselves Christians, etc.? Some sects have become more liberal, like Methodists, Catholics, and Episcopal. These are accepting more gays in their congregation.
Sorry, I miss your point. Do you mind making it clear? What are you trying to convey here?
Are you asking why children reject their belief in Santa, The Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Monsters under their bed, but they then adopt ideas of Jesus being savior?
It is because society admits Santa is imaginary. Conversely society is highly religious and typically some version of Christian, and they all have adopted the idea that this basic God exists. Of course there are thousands of options of what this God is, and what the dogma that gets the person closest to what this God wants in the form of Christian sects. These sects can be very liberal, moderate, or extreme. But all claims the same salvation, they all claim a legitimate path to God, and they all will appeal to the mind set of various individuals. Some sects are more notable for being intolerant and bigoted, like Baptists. Oddly there are many black churches that are also Baptist, so we see this racial divide.
Sorry, but I am having a hard time understanding what you are trying to say. The only thing I am seeing, correct me if I am reading you wrong, is that since religious people claim to believe in some God, and they are divided, then that gives me a basis for not believing that there is actually any truth of God, or the Bible.
I hope that's not what you are saying, because that's the kind of 'cop out' I was referring to... the one where people lump everone into the same basket, so they can say, "Ah. See! God can't even clearly teach or unite people." ...and things of that sort.
Reasonable people understand that companies carry different names for the purpose of identifying them apart from other companies, and their policies differ. Likewise, different religions carry different names for the purpose of identifying them apart.
Referring back to the first century, everyone belonging to the Way, was targeted for persecution. Yet, they were a unite group, not only in Jerusalem, but wherever they were.
(Acts 2:44-47)
44 All those who became believers were together and had everything in common,
45 and they were selling their possessions and properties and distributing the proceeds to all, according to what each one needed.
46 And day after day they were in constant attendance in the temple with a united purpose, and they took their meals in different homes and shared their food with great rejoicing and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God and finding favor with all the people. At the same time Jehovah continued to add to them daily those being saved.
The Christians were identified for the love their had among themselves, and their ministry which they carried out throughout the then known world, as well as their staying separate from the world.
What would you say about a group that is not divided racially, nationally, or even doctrinally, wherever they live in the world?
Well it is apparent that Christianity is a huge theological buffet that a serves all type of people, and everyone saved despite the vast moral differences. So, it is "anything goes" theology.
Ah. there it is. I was right then.
There is no "one" Christianity that is easily defined, as I have explained above. At best Christians can give testimony what they think Christianity means to them.
Not looking at things objectively leads one to this conclusion.
I'd be very happy if ALL Christians really worked to follow Jesus, because there would be more decent people. I've heard a few Christians say they don't have to be kind or loving to others as an obligation because they are already saved, and works isn't required for salvation. WOW, talk about having your cake and eat it too. I noted that these kinds of Christians have contempt for their God since they seem to think they can exploit Jesus' gift of salvation by accepting it, and not having to live up to any moral expectation.
All Christians do work to follow Jesus, and indeed they are known collectively as decent people.
In fact, since they are no part of the world, and not involved in political struggles, they get along with each other, in love, no matter which corner of the earth they reside.
They are a united brotherhood, and they follow Christ in those areas I mentioned earlier.
So, you
should be happy.
