Christian or Jewish?

[Sapphos]

I'm interested in knowing why so many Christians still set so much store by the Old Testement (to the point of rating it higher than the New) when they are CHRISTians - they follow Christ. And yet the they e.g. discriminate against Gays - the rule against homosexuality is Old Testement - and yet they are clearly placing it above Jesus' teaching of Agape.

Can anyone explain this?

 

[Marycita]

I find that interesting...in my experience it's the other way around. I don't know many Christians who put tons of emphasis on the Old Testament.

 

[MikeMcK]

I'm interested in knowing why so many Christians still set so much store by the Old Testement (to the point of rating it higher than the New) when they are CHRISTians - they follow Christ.

Actually, Christ is found all throughout the OT.

Second, Christ, in the NT, quoted the OT constantly so, evidently, He thought it had some merit. If we're following Him, then shouldn't we show the same respect to the OT that He did?

Third, the Bible tells us that all scripture is God-breathed, not just one part or one part more than another part.

And yet the they e.g. discriminate against Gays - the rule against homosexuality is Old Testement

First, I don't know of any Christians who disciminate against gays. Disagreeing with something is not the same as discrimination.

Second, the NT is just as clear that homosexuality is a sin as the OT.

and yet they are clearly placing it above Jesus' teaching of Agape.

Where did Jesus ever say that we're to overlook sin in the name of "agape"?

 

[MikeMcK]

I find that interesting...in my experience it's the other way around. I don't know many Christians who put tons of emphasis on the Old Testament.

Far too few.

I know too many Christians who believe that the NT is all that applies and that the OT is just a collection of inspirational stories. There are far too many Christians who are woefully ignorant of the OT and it's purpose for the church and for the individual.

 

[WashedClean]

I know too many Christians who believe that the NT is all that applies and that the OT is just a collection of inspirational stories. There are far too many Christians who are woefully ignorant of the OT and it's purpose for the church and for the individual.

I could not agree more Mike.

Jesus said he came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. He was a Torah-observing Jew, so why would we ignore the OT? Also, as Mike stated, the NT also mentions homosexuality as being wrong. Read Romans 1.

We are to love people into the Kingdom. Homosexuals are no more and no less sinners than anyone else. While I don't agree with their sin, I can still love them.

 

[PhilosopherD]

I'm interested in knowing why so many Christians still set so much store by the Old Testement (to the point of rating it higher than the New) when they are CHRISTians - they follow Christ. And yet the they e.g. discriminate against Gays - the rule against homosexuality is Old Testement - and yet they are clearly placing it above Jesus' teaching of Agape.

Can anyone explain this?

First, Paul the Apostle follows suite with the O.T. in explaining that homosexuality is not the way God designed humanity to interrelate sexually. (Romans 1)

HOWEVER, I think many Christians forget to read chapter 2 of Romans, where the insinuation falls in line with Jesus' injunction to not judge. Why, because we ALSO are guilty of being sinners. Maybe different sins, but we all fall short. So, even though God condemns sinful acts, one of which is homosexuality, we Christians are to appropriate love, grace, mercy and guidance to others who may not be walking in God's truth.

I think some Christians are militant in denouncing homosexuality because they are worried (some maybe paranoid) about the politics involved in our country, concerned that someone will attempt to force them to renounce their conviction in God's truth.

 

[TexasGirl06]

I'm interested in knowing why so many Christians still set so much store by the Old Testement (to the point of rating it higher than the New) when they are CHRISTians - they follow Christ. And yet the they e.g. discriminate against Gays - the rule against homosexuality is Old Testement - and yet they are clearly placing it above Jesus' teaching of Agape.

Can anyone explain this?

A well balanced Christian sees the huge significance in the Old Testament.

I do not discriminate against Gays.
I love them.
My heart aches for them.
Just as my heart aches for a heterosexual who denies the authority of God.

 

[salida]

Sapp--

I don't know one christian - and I have been one for at least 25 years that places more emphasize on the Old Testament.

If you go to the New Testament - then to the book of Romans - it will explain the perception about gays.

The New Testament is a fulfillment of the Old Testament.

 

[heron]

I agree too.

Second, Christ, in the NT, quoted the OT constantly so, evidently, He thought it had some merit. If we're following Him, then shouldn't we show the same respect to the OT that He did?

But Sapphos, it's not your imagination -- I've heard many Christians here who belittle the value of the Old Testament.

I think you're asking about ten questions in that little post, so I'm not certain if you're focusing on the gay issue or not. Even that one question is complex, because it is not only about personal choice, but brings up other issues of disease control, abuse, and monogamy. These are not exclusive or inevitable issues, but they come up.

The law also had other ones you might not agree with --
no hybridization (or genetic engineering), no work or expecting others to work for a whole day each week, giving back collateral when someone needs it for survival.

And you're right, even those of us who say we value the Old Testament also ignore some of these precepts.

Even though the Law of Moses was given by God, I see it as more practical than spiritual ... or rather, showing how the spiritual and physical are woven inseparably into our life fabric.

 

[MethodMan]

Closed permanently under rule 3.5