Hi,
I don't blame you for being disappointed. I've just read the whole thread and I understand what you are saying. Some people seem to forget that they were not believers in Christ at one point in their life also.
I don't know why or how they forget but it happens.
I understand why some things are percieved as a threat or scary to non Christians.
There are all manners of Christians out there, and they are not all doing the right thing. They believe in their heart that they are, but they are not doing the right thing. Plus the fact as mentioned they are those that profess Christianity and are decievers, having been deceived themselves or are out for personal gain or status.
I believe these are the ones that Jesus will say to those:
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
So obviously there are many 'evildoers' in the name of Christ.
I waited until reading the whole thread to be sure you were not setting up the Christians, as that happens commonly here, which may be why you got such a taste of how many times Christians on the board have recieved hatred in return. I see you are not like that, and even if you were it still doesn't justify some of what I've seen in this thread. But I've seen it. You are not like that.
Someone said you rejected our Lord or something along those lines, well so did that person at one time. I can't understand how they forget.
I understand the threatening feeling, because were I a non believer in Christ I too would feel threatened by people who seem to want to make this world into a Christian world or nation. It won't happen until Jesus' 1000 year reign so there's no worries there.
I too am concerned at some of the things I see Christians fighting for, yet we are commanded:
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
That isn't the verse I'm thinking of but it is similar and tells us to do good, and by doing good it may mean standing up against things we know from the bible are wrong.
One thing that I think Christians do wrong is to try to get non-Christians to live according to thier standards. God didn't do this in the OT He required it of His people but did not make requirements of those who were not Hebrews or who did not believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God revealed himself through the Hebrews and some were changed by His presence with them and some were not.
In like manner, Jesus taught:
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
27"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.
I'm not saying that Christians who espouse certain things are hypocrites, but there is no sense in imposing on others that they must not sin (unless it is their children.) It doesn't lead to eternal life. It only cleans the outside of a man, not the inside, the heart change that comes from believing in Jesus.
However, there are reasons to fight for some things as a nation, since we are concerned about the children being raised to believe that wrong is right.
As the culture is unfolding in America we see now that children think that bisexuality or homosexuality is good. The bible says it's a sin. It's fine that there are adults who are so, but when it influences the schools that our children go to then we are concerned. Hence the pros and anti's each fighting for their rights.
I just want to add here, that there are Christians who are homosexual and do not believe it is a sin. I believe they are wrong, but I know I sin too. It is condemed in the bible, but so are the inward sins which all Christians struggle with daily. Many Christians also struggle with outside sin, that people see or don't see. We are different in our maturity and understanding and willingness to do as God commands. Some hold on to some sin, and may never give it up. We are striving but will always be in a battle with sin but we have Christ to help us as we turn things over to Him.
Jesus didn't come to condemn the world. He taught to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and soul and might, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. He tried to reveal to His disciples what He came for. The story goes on and on.
Well, sorry I wrote a book. Just gave one major example of how I see fear could come about when Christians try to impose their beliefs on others.
Take care,
tapero
