Boards
What is a christian...ive suddenly realised I dont know
I mean it seems obvious on the surface but is it?
Is a christian someone who thinks 'that which is presented as jesus's teaching' is rather good (although they might have come to those conclusions themselves) but nevertheless think hes a good example.
I know this is open to debate but as presented to me
1) campassion for everyone, accepting that you can make mistakes.
2) compassion and love should overcome strict doctrinal rules (healing on sabbath etc)
3) that anyone could be good....if not better than any 'chosen few' 'those that follow a particular religeon' (good samaritan parable)
4) that although it does not automatically make you evil, wealth is not a good thing that should be sought, that wealth inequality lessens fairness and causes strife.
5) politeness always is not a virtue (overturning tables, speaking out, and causing a ruckus)
Now mostly the christian hierarchy (of many descriptions) as a whole appear to me to behave (when it comes to the crunch) totally not in that way.
My challange therefore is to people who regard themselves as christians..........how can you possibly endorse such an organisation.......I realise that down the centuries that various sects who objected most strongly to the centralised command and control structure, have been (in older times) classified as heretics etc.
However.....really......I mean.......why do any people who believe in 'jesus's teachings' tolerate 'church leaders' who do not chain themselves to railings and go on hunger strike till war stops......e.t.c.
Since there are sects of christians that define themselves by 'who they hate'
why do other christians make the clear distinction that you worship completely different things.....its just that they chose to use the same name, when they mean a different thing...........why do you allow yourselves to be counted with the sort of people that you know I mean?