But no one seems to pay attention to that part of the bible.
It was mentioned as I came in this morning that there is a new reality show on television that has to deal with the transformation and trials of transvestites. Immediatly after I explained what a transvestite was she uttered, “Oh, goodness, you know those people are going you know where.” This, said in passing with laughter, startled me out of my sleepy state. Such a judgement, condemning people to hell for being different. And did they even understand what a transvestite is? Or a transexual? Or a hermaphrodite?
The point is this: narrow minded Christians are so quick to condemn, rather than explore and accept. The further I get into my acedemic studies on Christianity the more my irritation and downright rage at the followers of the religion consumes me. All of this judgement, passed off as Godly righteousness, goes against the grain of Jesus’s messagem, in its purest form.
He did not tell people to judge, ignore, disregard and disdain. He was a relaxed and groovy kind of guy who wanted people to find their faith in the lord, and with that faith they would learn to walk the path of light. But, I can’t tell you how many Christians cower beneath the cloak of judgement. Don’t tell me how to live my life, when you have not explored the understanding of the boundaries of your own life. Educate yourself when it comes to your religious history. Christians have wronged so many people, so understand that is a part of your religious culture. What would Jesus do? He would slap most of you in the face and call you what you are: hypocrites.
Caring and compassion should be the order of the day, not judgement and damnation. This world teems with loathing and misunderstanding and fear. Love thy neighbor, and if you can’t love him, at least try to give him a little more understanding. That’s what its all about.
October 7th, 2004 at 8:56 am
I don’t think other religions are innocent of this either. We are unfortunately exposed more to the simpleton Christians in this country. Of course, the Christian faith has been used a great deal to harm and control others throughout history. Saddening what we do as a race.
October 7th, 2004 at 10:15 am
I know, but in this country and in my little world, people hold up the banner of Christian righteousness with pride, but then they damn and judge others. It chaps my ass.
At this point in my life I am almost proud to say I have broken 9 of the 10 commandments, cause that just pisses people off.
The ideals, at their core, are beautiful and peaceful. They are almost zen-like, but they have been twisted into something that makes money, looks good on a bumper sticker and allows shallow people to escape self-examination. If Jesus is going to save your ass from the fire, then what’s the point in trying to be a good person?
October 7th, 2004 at 12:15 pm
Blame the followers, not the religion.
All the majors; Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, the various pagan/occult sects, etc., are all incredibly beautiful, mindful philosophic ways of existence.
They were, of course, in some way, shape or form started by humans (the divine inspiration part could be debated), but the human factor is what muddies their purity, and sometimes credibility (to be discussed at a later time).
You have someone born into a family full of willfully ignorant and judgemental people, and they happen to be Christians. It doesn’t make all Christians willfully ignorant or judgemental. It’s just one aspect of who they are. It just seems that being of lower genetic/educated quality, some people prefer to use Christianity/ The Bible as a crutch in their statements.
What we end up having to do is take people on a case by case basis. Sometimes the actions of the whole chaps my.. um, whatever gets chapped. But it takes a lot of work to realize that “yes, there are people in X religion who adhere more to the doctrine, as well as live a mindful life in regards to the freedom and interests of others, and allow [insert deity here] to do the judgement/damnation.”
Next time someone says something you find repulsive, and you’re in the mood to rattle their.. um, whatever rattles, say “let they who have no sinned cast the first stone”.
Or just give them a wedgie.
October 7th, 2004 at 1:54 pm
It’s give a Christian Fundamentalist a Wedgie Day!
Just kidding. I understand the frustration. It seems rediculous for someone who claims to follow the Christian faith to judge others, or support the death penalty. There are many problems and causes to be sure. I think the Bible itself was put together rather irresponsibly. You have two parts that totally contradict the other. Jesus’s teachings preach tolerance and forgiveness and non-violence. Pretty groovy. The old testament teaches an eye for an eye and glorifies a king who kills a man to sleep with his wife. Ummm mixed messages anyone? I also don’t think that the ten commandments really jive with the teachings of Jesus either. Not to say that it is okay to do those things, but if Jesus didn’t ‘teach’ them then they shouldn’t be included in a tome for the Christian religion.