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Why Do So Few Christians Follow The Teachings Of Jesus?
46 Answers
In a rather belated response to a thread started by Goodlife, I would like to pose the question:
* Why do so few Christians follow the actual teachings of Jesus? *
You'd think they'd be falling over themselves to emulate Him and carry out His wishes. However, this would appear not to be the case. In particular, why do most Christians in western societies:
1. Not sell all their worldly goods and live in poverty (Mark 10:17-25, Luke 18:18-25, Matthew 19:16-24);
2. Not go out of their way to hate their mothers and fathers (Matthew 10:35);
3. Not abandon and leave their families (Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:29-30, Luke 18:29-30 & 14:26).
Of course there are many more examples of quite specific instructions that Jesus gave to his followers that hardly anyone today takes any notice of. In fact, the modern Church often teaches the exact opposite of what Jesus actually said and believed.
Isn't it far more true and honest to admit that secular thinking has shaped the societies of today far more than Christianity has and it is, in fact, Christianity that has adapted its teachings to conform to secular norms often at the expense of rejecting Jesus' teachings?
* Why do so few Christians follow the actual teachings of Jesus? *
You'd think they'd be falling over themselves to emulate Him and carry out His wishes. However, this would appear not to be the case. In particular, why do most Christians in western societies:
1. Not sell all their worldly goods and live in poverty (Mark 10:17-25, Luke 18:18-25, Matthew 19:16-24);
2. Not go out of their way to hate their mothers and fathers (Matthew 10:35);
3. Not abandon and leave their families (Matthew 19:29, Mark 10:29-30, Luke 18:29-30 & 14:26).
Of course there are many more examples of quite specific instructions that Jesus gave to his followers that hardly anyone today takes any notice of. In fact, the modern Church often teaches the exact opposite of what Jesus actually said and believed.
Isn't it far more true and honest to admit that secular thinking has shaped the societies of today far more than Christianity has and it is, in fact, Christianity that has adapted its teachings to conform to secular norms often at the expense of rejecting Jesus' teachings?
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chrisgel - it is apparent to me, and i am sure to plenty of other AB'ers who attempt to engage goodlife in meaningful debate -
the unassailable arrogance of the 'true believer' excuses him or her from the tiresome task of actually explaining to anyone who genuinely wants to know what and why he / she believes.
Therefore, good life continues to chicane around any and all questions put to him, and simply cuts and pastes tracts that he believes support his own distorted view.
To set yourself up as a 'true believer' and look down on the rest of the world from your high horse is the height of arrogance and ignorance - goodlife would do well to learn a little humility if he is indeed to face his God when he dies - his God, as advertised, will take a dim view of his arrogance and posturing.
the unassailable arrogance of the 'true believer' excuses him or her from the tiresome task of actually explaining to anyone who genuinely wants to know what and why he / she believes.
Therefore, good life continues to chicane around any and all questions put to him, and simply cuts and pastes tracts that he believes support his own distorted view.
To set yourself up as a 'true believer' and look down on the rest of the world from your high horse is the height of arrogance and ignorance - goodlife would do well to learn a little humility if he is indeed to face his God when he dies - his God, as advertised, will take a dim view of his arrogance and posturing.
Taking words out of context has been the preserve of political mischief-makers throughout recorded history.
These quotations are about obstacles to faith and were made to specific people. If we find that money, possessions, parents or families are an obstacle to our faith, we should abandon them. Jesus never said that we should all become curmudgeonly beggars (although I've met a few Christians who are).
These quotations are about obstacles to faith and were made to specific people. If we find that money, possessions, parents or families are an obstacle to our faith, we should abandon them. Jesus never said that we should all become curmudgeonly beggars (although I've met a few Christians who are).
goodlife - "All I have to say is this; the Bible tells us what the future is for you, me and all mankind. It is not arrogance to forewarn you of these things. The arrogance is yours for thinking that you know far more than God. So simple that even a child can understand."
I have never claimed to know more than God - difficult since I do not believe he exists.
It is arrogance to assume that you know the future based merely on your faith, which is the basis of a belief without evidence.
I have never claimed to know more than God - difficult since I do not believe he exists.
It is arrogance to assume that you know the future based merely on your faith, which is the basis of a belief without evidence.
Goodlife - As there are reported to be approximately 41,000 Christian denominations (Wikipedia)
Is it not arrogant to insist that yours is the one true faith?
Is it not arrogant to declare that your understanding of the bible is greater than mine or anyone elses?
//The arrogance is yours for thinking that you know far more than God. So simple that even a child can understand. //
No Goodlife, the arrogance is yours for thinking that you know gods mind and sneering at people who don't agree with you.
Is it not arrogant to insist that yours is the one true faith?
Is it not arrogant to declare that your understanding of the bible is greater than mine or anyone elses?
//The arrogance is yours for thinking that you know far more than God. So simple that even a child can understand. //
No Goodlife, the arrogance is yours for thinking that you know gods mind and sneering at people who don't agree with you.
GL //All I have to say is this; the Bible tells us what the future is for you, me and all mankind//
Like this you mean :
Genesis 19: 24-25
24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.
Is it true as you say YES or NO ?
Like this you mean :
Genesis 19: 24-25
24 Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. 25 Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land.
Is it true as you say YES or NO ?
FredPuli43 - "... We might distinguish between directions given to his disciples... and those intended for the rest of us... "
But how do you know which specific instructions were for His disciples only and not for everyone else? How about, "Judge not, that ye be not judged"? Few Christians take this one seriously either. Christian countries still establish courts of law. Christian judges have no qualms about judging others. Mainstream Churches even have their own ecclesiastical courts - in which they have prosecuted and condemned many such as Quakers for following the New Testament injunctions. It may be argued that to do away with the courts would be impractical and this may or may not be true. But the practicality of it is irrelevant.
The simple fact is that according to the gospels, Jesus told his followers not to pass judgement. His quite clear directive covered all courts and all of his followers.
But how do you know which specific instructions were for His disciples only and not for everyone else? How about, "Judge not, that ye be not judged"? Few Christians take this one seriously either. Christian countries still establish courts of law. Christian judges have no qualms about judging others. Mainstream Churches even have their own ecclesiastical courts - in which they have prosecuted and condemned many such as Quakers for following the New Testament injunctions. It may be argued that to do away with the courts would be impractical and this may or may not be true. But the practicality of it is irrelevant.
The simple fact is that according to the gospels, Jesus told his followers not to pass judgement. His quite clear directive covered all courts and all of his followers.
Goodlife - "... Yet, when you examine [Christian] beliefs, what do you find that many of their teachings differ from the teachings of Christ. Did not Jesus say concerning his true followers: They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.” (John 17:16)..."
You appear to have singularly failed to understand my very simple question. You are still quoting Jesus as though His pronouncements should be heeded and followed without question.
Don't you understand? When the gospels say that He gives an instruction to His followers, He is speaking directly to you, Goodlife. So when Jesus states quite clearly that His followers should sell all their worldly goods, abandon their families, have hatred in their hearts for their parents, not have a job, never swear an oath, never try to recover goods that have been stolen, etc., He is instructing you to do exactly the same.
But you don't, do you? Why? Because you, like every other believer in the Bible, treat it in an a-la-carte fashion; picking and choosing the bits you like and ignoring the bits you don't. Hypocrisy and dishonesty runs through your faith and hence, through true believers, like a cancer. It inevitably leads to thoroughly disreputable ideas such as the "doctrine of equivocation" which you demonstrate routinely on this website.
You appear to have singularly failed to understand my very simple question. You are still quoting Jesus as though His pronouncements should be heeded and followed without question.
Don't you understand? When the gospels say that He gives an instruction to His followers, He is speaking directly to you, Goodlife. So when Jesus states quite clearly that His followers should sell all their worldly goods, abandon their families, have hatred in their hearts for their parents, not have a job, never swear an oath, never try to recover goods that have been stolen, etc., He is instructing you to do exactly the same.
But you don't, do you? Why? Because you, like every other believer in the Bible, treat it in an a-la-carte fashion; picking and choosing the bits you like and ignoring the bits you don't. Hypocrisy and dishonesty runs through your faith and hence, through true believers, like a cancer. It inevitably leads to thoroughly disreputable ideas such as the "doctrine of equivocation" which you demonstrate routinely on this website.
goodlife - "Bye Bye For Now Have Fun"
You have no answers because you're clearly unable to think for yourself, yet you presume to lecture others about faith when you can't even defend your own when it is questioned.
The ignorance you display about your own religion is matched only by your inability to justify your beliefs to others. If your brand of clueless, illogical, non-engagement proselytising is typical of your particular Christian sect then "heaven" help you.
You have no answers because you're clearly unable to think for yourself, yet you presume to lecture others about faith when you can't even defend your own when it is questioned.
The ignorance you display about your own religion is matched only by your inability to justify your beliefs to others. If your brand of clueless, illogical, non-engagement proselytising is typical of your particular Christian sect then "heaven" help you.
birdie - as an atheist, I have always said that high above my issues in believing in a God, is my major issues with those who do, and their constant 'I've got something you need ...' attitude.
I always imagine goodlife in conversation to behave like the late Michael Foot used to, when being interviewed.
Before answering, he would give a little humourless laugh which non-verbally communicated his general attitude to being asked to explain or justify his views - that is probably the most fatuous naiive and ignorant question I have ever heard since your last one, or the next one, but I must remember my manners, so i will try and explain my lofty thought processes to you, in the voice i use to speak to five year olds with personality problems.
His writing certainly indicates a similar lofty contempt for anyone and everyone who is not a JW - which let's face it is most people on this site.
I always imagine goodlife in conversation to behave like the late Michael Foot used to, when being interviewed.
Before answering, he would give a little humourless laugh which non-verbally communicated his general attitude to being asked to explain or justify his views - that is probably the most fatuous naiive and ignorant question I have ever heard since your last one, or the next one, but I must remember my manners, so i will try and explain my lofty thought processes to you, in the voice i use to speak to five year olds with personality problems.
His writing certainly indicates a similar lofty contempt for anyone and everyone who is not a JW - which let's face it is most people on this site.
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