I was raised Baptist, but now I am Unitarian Universalist. I personally believe in a creator. I believe also in many spiritual teachers, of which Christ was one. I respect and admire Jesus and his teachings.
That said, I don't want to talk directly about my beliefs. I am curious about the beliefs of certain Christians. I honestly want to know the answer to this and am not trying to be contentious.
In another post concerning alleged government conspiracy, there is talk of the nation turning away from "Christ-like" values.
I have studied the Bible intently in my life and I am interested in what these "Christ-like" values we are turning away from are.
Christ taught these things, as I recall:
Love thy neighbor as thyself.
The greatest of these is love.
Judge not that you be not judged.
Let he is without sin toss the first stone.
Heal the sick, cloth the naked, feed those who are hungry, care for those who are widowed or homeless.
Render under Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.
I do not recall any place where Jesus talked about politics at all. I believe he would have stood up strongly on the side of social justice, such as ending genocide in Darfur, etc. But where did he ever talk about fomenting distrust against the government? What have I missed?
Now, there was talk about what was said in Revelation about the end times. What does Revelation have to do with Christ-like values? Revelation was not written or foretold by Jesus. If it's true, it's true and going to happen. In that case, why are all of you trying to stop it? If it's not true..that's a whole other discussion, isn't it? And still has nothing to do with "Christ-like values."
It seems to me that "Christ-like values" is being used here to mean not respecting those who believe differently than you; not either trusting the government completely and supporting it wholeheartedly or failing to trust it at all depending on whose in office; and trying to force everyone to follow your particular beliefs. I don't see what is "Christ-like" about that.
The Christians I respect are out in the streets taking care of the homeless; running soup kitchens and shelters; and trying their best to show love in everything they say and do. Those, I think, are the real "Christians."
Let's see how many people preach and rail at me for this post. Let's see how much love I'm about to get shown. I'm curious to see.
And, please, DO define for me what you consider to be "Christ-like" values, whether you are Christian, Pagan, Buddhist, UU, or whatever. I want to know.


Comments: 19
(it inspired an article out of me for me today)
Yours is the more intelligent interpretation
There are real, "walk the walk, talk the talk" Christians, and people who I tag with the epithet "Gather Christians", who are as vile a group of religious extremists as the Taliban, only with better internet access.
I do like "Christian Taliban" though.
James is a very short book, only five chapters but packed with much doctrine which is very profitable for everyone to read..