The love of Jesus Christ

[InChrist]

I just don't understand why so many people aren't grateful or don't appreciate the love Jesus Christ has demonstrated toward humanity which includes each and every person. It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history. I am just so thankful for a Savior who freely offers new life and the promise of eternal life free from the bondage of selfish sin. Yet so many people either ignore, disregard, or even have animosity toward Jesus Christ and His loving offer. Why?

 

[Nietzsche]

Some of us don't believe the Nazarene was anything more than a man. A few of us have our own faiths & Gods. And a good deal of us simply reject the notion that we're broken to begin with. That we would be born sick and told to be well. No. There is nothing wrong with us that needs fixing. Not in the sense Christianity claims anyway.

"The Christian resolution to find the world Ugly & Bad has made the world Ugly & Bad"

 

[NewGuyOnTheBlock]

I have a high regard for Yoshua, as I happen to believe there is enough historical evidence to believe some guy walked around preaching peace and love and was ultimately executed for criticizing the religious dogma of his day. It is the same high regard that I feel towards Loa Tzu, Confucius, Guatama, Mahatma Ghandi, and many others who called mankind to non-violent life.

It is the religions that people built around these people and their messages that I abhor.

I do not believe in any savior and my former faith in that "savior" did not give me a new life or free me from the "bondage of selfish sin". I did that myself through hard work and contemplation; through empathy, humbly admitting my shortcomings, and painfully recognizing that no one would -- or could -- make me a better person except me.

“A belief is not merely an idea the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind”. ― Robert Oxton Bolton.

Disregarding the belief in a savior placed the responsibility on me to make me a better person and to make the world a better place. These things are not accomplished through religious doctrines, faith or belief. These things are accomplished through striving for self-actualization, brutal honesty, recognizing one's limitations and not exceeding them, empathy, proactive choices and smart decisions.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I don't have any qualms over the narrative of Jesus Christ. I still view the stories as one of the great passion plays found in historical literature.

Just don't regard it as being true in real terms, yet the real world behaviors of those that do see it as being true, tells weither that particular appreciation reflects through real life actions.

 

[JustCallMeNick]

I just don't understand why so many people aren't grateful or don't appreciate the love Jesus Christ has demonstrated toward humanity which includes each and every person. It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history. I am just so thankful for a Savior who freely offers new life and the promise of eternal life free from the bondage of selfish sin. Yet so many people either ignore, disregard, or even have animosity toward Jesus Christ and His loving offer. Why?

Seems like you're conflating two issues. People can recognize the harmfulness of being self-centered, and come to a place of being more selfless and altruistic, without ever having heard of Jesus, much less "having animosity" towards him.

When people do have some kind of animosity toward Jesus, it is generally toward Christianity/Christian doctrine (and the problem of evil, it seems to me, is more than enough to get someone riled up). More often than not, though, it seems as though Christians interpret simply not believing in Jesus, and being able to speak to the reasons for not believing in him, as having "animosity" or "hate" toward him.

 

[NewGuyOnTheBlock]

Seems like you're conflating two issues. People can recognize the harmfulness of being self-centered, and come to a place of being more selfless and altruistic, without ever having heard of Jesus, much less "having animosity" towards him.

When people do have some kind of animosity toward Jesus, it is generally toward Christianity/Christian doctrine (and the problem of evil, it seems to me, is more than enough to get someone riled up). More often than not, though, it seems as though Christians interpret simply not believing in Jesus, and being able to speak to the reasons for not believing in him, as having "animosity" or "hate" toward him.

Those who believe this way are indoctrinated into this belief: that if you don't accept the Christian doctrine, then you are immoral, you hate god, you are an enemy to god who needs to be saved. It is how they separate themselves from the rest of us poor sinners.

Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I dont think its that. The Buddha said each person has within them a pure naturw but its hidden among the negative characteristics you mentioned. In christian terms, the Holy Spirit is in them even though they dont act like it.

So, Id think people are growing in Christ. You never know they could be struggling to follow the Christ within themselves. Since that is where Christ is. The closer one gets to fullness in their goals, the more they come across challenges.

People may be angry at Christ, walk away, ignore His teachings, but as long as they know they are Christian, they carry their cross just like anyone else.

Because they "do" carry their crosses, that is the closest of gratitude they can give even if they cant say it out loud for others to here. Just being alive is saying thank you.

I say thank you from time to time because of the vows I took. I dont follow Christ, but because I am alive and took those vows I am thankful to Him all the time "now" no matter where I am later in life.

Im sure a lot are greatful, its hard to show it sometimes when carrying such a heavy cross.

I just don't understand why so many people aren't grateful or don't appreciate the love Jesus Christ has demonstrated toward humanity which includes each and every person. It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history. I am just so thankful for a Savior who freely offers new life and the promise of eternal life free from the bondage of selfish sin. Yet so many people either ignore, disregard, or even have animosity toward Jesus Christ and His loving offer. Why?

 

[JustCallMeNick]

Those who believe this way are indoctrinated into this belief: that if you don't accept the Christian doctrine, then you are immoral, you hate god, you are an enemy to god who needs to be saved. It is how they separate themselves from the rest of us poor sinners.

Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

And yet:

"For he who is not against us is on our side." Mark 9:40
"But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side."" Luke 9:50

Who says the Bible has to make sense?

 

[JRMcC]

It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history.

I love all this.

I am just so thankful for a Savior who freely offers new life and the promise of eternal life free from the bondage of selfish sin.

I just don't understand the whole "sin" and "eternal life" thing.

 

[George-ananda]

I am so thankful for all the advanced souls that came to earth to teach.

 

[dust1n]

I just don't understand why so many people aren't grateful or don't appreciate the love Jesus Christ has demonstrated toward humanity which includes each and every person. It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history. I am just so thankful for a Savior who freely offers new life and the promise of eternal life free from the bondage of selfish sin. Yet so many people either ignore, disregard, or even have animosity toward Jesus Christ and His loving offer. Why?

Presumably you have a relationship with God? I don't. So, it would be exceedingly difficult to love something that isn't there. I do however agree with you there is far too many self-centered people though.

 

[NewGuyOnTheBlock]

Video shows deadly Walmart brawl between family, Arizona police - CBS News
Video Shows Deadly Brawl Between Gaver Family and Cops at Arizona Walmart - NBC News

THIS is why the atheist despises religion.

A "Christian" banned, named "Matthew 24 Now" (a reference to the end times), who believed the police are "nazis" (as they are living in the "end times"), "defending" themselves from a perceived threat of the delusion of Christian prosecution at the hands of an unfaithful, ungodly government ... all delusion ... and that delusion resulted in the death of one man, 2 more injured, inevitable prison terms; a family shattered with the minors probably ending up on some Adoption registry ... all that violence, sadness, trauma, loss and destruction rooted in asinine beliefs that "the end is now" and the government is the tool of the devil.

This is what we have animosity for; irrational beliefs leading to irrational behavior leading to pain and sadness and death.

It's got nothing to do with Yeshua and everything to do with things like this.

 

[Skwim]

I just don't understand why so many people aren't grateful or don't appreciate the love Jesus Christ has demonstrated toward humanity which includes each and every person. It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history. Yet so many people either ignore, disregard, or even have animosity toward Jesus Christ and His loving offer. Why?

Christianity's sales pitch simply failed to convince. Saw no reason to buy into it. In fact, I saw many reasons to reject it. Many! And, although its had many failings throughout history, it does have its up-side. Many people would find it difficult at best to make it through life without the comfort and security of their faith.

 

[viole]

I just don't understand why so many people aren't grateful or don't appreciate the love Jesus Christ has demonstrated toward humanity which includes each and every person. It seems so obvious to me that we are all selfish and so often only interested in our own desires at the expense of others. The impact of such self-centeredness, which I am certainly guilty of and I think really everyone is, has done its damage in people's personal lives and in every society throughout history. I am just so thankful for a Savior who freely offers new life and the promise of eternal life free from the bondage of selfish sin. Yet so many people either ignore, disregard, or even have animosity toward Jesus Christ and His loving offer. Why?

I think He would have shown more love by performing more useful miracles. Removing child cancer for good comes to mind, instead of indulging in useless stunts like walking on water or staying dead for only a couple nights.

Ciao

- viole

 

[InChrist]

I think He would have shown more love by performing more useful miracles. Removing child cancer for good comes to mind, instead of indulging in useless stunts like walking on water or staying dead for only a couple nights.

Ciao

- viole

So you think the "band-aid" approach is best? According to the scriptures, which I believe reality attests to, all the woes of this world, including cancer, are the result of the progressive, detrimental effects of sin. The stunts you accuse Jesus of doing, I believe, were for the purpose of demonstrated who He was as God the Creator in the flesh. As the Creator He alone has power over creation, nature, life, and death. As Savior He came to deal with not simply the effects, but the root of all the infections in the world Taking away a symptom like cancer does not really solve the problem if the cause is still there. Jesus came to address sin, the cause of death.

 

[InChrist]

I appreciate all the thoughts shared. I do realize that everyone comes from different backgrounds having a variety of life experiences which influence one’s perspective in regard to God and/or spirituality. I did not know Jesus Christ for the first 35 years of my life, so I do understand many of things some of you have expressed because I had many similar views. I guess, that now knowing who He is and the depth of His love, it just makes me desire that everyone would also know such true love or at least seek Him directly without making the decision to ignore, refuse, or reject based on second-hand information, preconceived ideas, or a bad experience in a church or with a person claiming to be Christian.

Thanks again to everyone who posted their thoughts and reasons on the subject.

 

[Tumah]

I appreciate all the thoughts shared. I do realize that everyone comes from different backgrounds having a variety of life experiences which influence one’s perspective in regard to God and/or spirituality. I did not know Jesus Christ for the first 35 years of my life, so I do understand many of things some of you have expressed because I had many similar views. I guess, that now knowing who He is and the depth of His love, it just makes me desire that everyone would also know such true love or at least seek Him directly without making the decision to ignore, refuse, or reject based on second-hand information, preconceived ideas, or a bad experience in a church or with a person claiming to be Christian.

Thanks again to everyone who posted their thoughts and reasons on the subject.

Do you think its possible that there are other religions out there who feel their god's whatever it is, just as strongly as you profess your god's love?

 

[JustCallMeNick]

So you think the "band-aid" approach is best? According to the scriptures, which I believe reality attests to, all the woes of this world, including cancer, are the result of the progressive, detrimental effects of sin.

The obvious objection to this is that young children have not committed any sin, even within the Christian paradigm, for which they should be suffering.

In terms of "corresponding to reality," there is no empirical correlation between being a "sinful" person according to Christian teaching, and suffering vs. Not suffering in this life. At least, no correlation with the "sins" unique to Christianity, like unbelief, heresy, all sex outside monogamous straight marriage, etc.

 

[InChrist]

Do you think its possible that there are other religions out there who feel their god's whatever it is, just as strongly as you profess your god's love?

Yes, I do think it is possible that others may feel that their god's love/existence is as real as I do concerning Jesus Christ. Yet I also believe feelings do not always equate truth, but that faith must be based on truth and reality. I believe the biblical scriptures reveal the truth to humanity about the true God and His love and that these scriptures can be proven to one's satisfaction, along with going directly to the Creator, for accuracy in regard to truhfulness.

 

[Tumah]

Yes, I do think it is possible that others may feel that their god's love/existence is as real as I do concerning Jesus Christ. Yet I also believe feelings do not always equate truth, but that faith must be based on truth and reality. I believe the biblical scriptures reveal the truth to humanity about the true God and His love and that these scriptures can be proven to one's satisfaction, along with going directly to the Creator, for accuracy in regard to truhfulness.

And do you believe that other religions make these same claims just as vociferously as you do?