"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
-Gandhi
I came across this quote the other day, posted by a friend who I believe is agnostic. She often posts some pretty harsh comments railing against Christianity, but this one really got me. You just really can't argue with it. It is uncomfortable to read such a statement and realize the profound truthfulness in it.
I live in the Biblest part of the Bible Belt. It used to make me uneasy to hear people proclaiming their faith in God anywhere and everywhere, but now I have either gotten used to it or come to respect it. I'm really not sure which. Anyway, I live in a community where the "Christians" make themselves loud and proud.
I have noticed however, to some, that Christianity is like a sweater that they put on and take off depending on the weather. Some of the most vocal Christians I have met, have also been the first ones to criticize and demean when a celebrity comes out as a homosexual. ***Okay, disclaimer here---- I am and have always been a staunch supporter in the rights of gays, however this is not a soap box issue; this is a tenant of Christianity in my opinion. These "Christians" claim the Bible condemns homosexuality and that these people will undoubtedly go to hell. I am not a Bible scholar by any means, but I do know a few things. 1) God's greatest law above all else is to love one another and 2) no one on this earth has the capacity to know how God will judge another person.
There was a popular Christian campaign years ago; WWJD? That is What would Jesus do. I still use those 4 letters often when I reach a moral dilemma. Ok. So you are a God-fearing, Christ worshipping person. You want to enter those pearly gates with an express ticket when your number is called. You are confronted with the reality that a friend is gay. What do you do? You choose to discontinue contact because his lifestyle sets your moral radar off?? But, what would Jesus do? Our Christ would embrace that person. He would acknowledge the suffering he must be going through. He would pray for and with his friend. Jesus would show love.
I want that express ticket through the gates like everyone else, but I know so little. I admit that freely and openly. But I know Christ. I know the way to Him is to emulate Him. The way to emulate Him is to love. Love everyone; especially those who you think are impossible to love. By doing this, we can all prove Gandhi wrong.
2 comments:
Regarding your homosexuality comment. Did god not create homosexuals as he did heterosexuals? No matter what you may hear, it isn't a choice people make so that stands to reason that god created them exactly the way he wanted them. When did being born heterosexual make you morally superior?
So why does being gay set off your moral radar? I struggle to understand what 'lifestyle' you assume this individual has based on their sexuality. I'm straight, what can you tell me about my lifestyle? nothing . . hmmm then why is it that you can make these judgment calls when someone is gay.
Prejudice and hate in the name of god are still prejudice and hate.
I am so very confused by this comment that I published in the hopes that the author will contact me again.
The point of my post was to promote unconditional love and acceptance of all people regardless of lifestyle, orientation or anything else.
I sincerely hope and believe that I made that point clear but if I didn't please allow me to apologize. I am now and have always believed that homosexuals are unfairly criticized and condemned and it is my intention to show everyone that God loves us all.
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