bacht

Joan how could you possibly know what every Christian in the world says and does, or even how every American Christian behaves? Do you really believe that, per capita, Christians are more hypocritical than Muslims, Jews, Buddhists or whoever?

The gospel teaches that Christians must remain part of society, neither mortifying themselves nor following mindless self-gratification. The NT also acknowledges that some will fail in setting a good example to non-believers.

I'm not a Christian and I don't see the gospel as the best of all possible teachings for humanity. But your sweeping generalizations about milllions of people smells like irrational bigotry to me.

Gawen

She doesn't. And neither do I. But one can read just about any creed or declaration or confession of faith and you can pretty much see what they believe compared to what Jesus supposedly taught.


For myself, it doesn't matter. Where I live there are more Christians than the others.

The Gospels have specific teachings for a people of an antiquated time. The teachings spew ways to achieve salvation in a new world that never came. Yet, most Christians hold onto those beliefs of old and yet do not follow the teachings.

. The NT teaches much more than that, including man has no choice in the matter.

Me either, on both counts.

They would be my generalisations as well, regardless if they sweep or not. Pointing out that many Christians don't follow the teachings within their belief system is not bigotry at all.

bacht

Okay you win. Christians are hypocrites.

Get your hate on and your lynch mob ready.

Joan of Bark

Every Christian? You're putting words in my mouth again. I used the word majority.

I don't know, but hypocrisy should be pointed out wherever and whenever it occurs.

And as for your lynch mob comment ... you love your strawman arguments, don't you?

Anyway, this is Biblical Criticism and History. Do you have some Bible quotes you wish to throw out here?

Iskander

They are not hypocrites, they are sinners and behave as best as they can and they will be helped by their god.


Mark 2:17 (New International Version, ©2010)
17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

aa5874

If Jesus was just a man then he was a big hypocrite. Which sinner man can forgive the sins of all men?

Can Jesus call anyone? Let him call then.

Iskander

Jesus is god if one is a Christian

Joan of Bark

As I've already stated, if those Christians who actively sought wealth would simply admit that they don't follow Jesus' teachings on this issue, I would accept their weakness without using the h-word. It's their refusal to admit this sin that annoys me.

Matthew 6:19

Iskander

Christians are aware of their failings and that is why they have confessions, penitence, prayers and repentance, churches, priests and holy saints to emulate and why the holy mother of god is their advocate in heaven

The saying, ‘we are sinners’ means we fail to reach the lofty goal set by our lord Jesus ;no hypocrisy at all there, but the noble statement of a sublime humility.

Doug Shaver

Paul wrote, "All have sinned."

Since sin is a theological concept, I cannot endorse it. But if all he meant to say was "Nobody's perfect," then that is one biblical concept with which I totally agree.