I've observed that there are three groups who claim to be Christians.
The first group are what have been termed "churchianity" for over 100 years. These are ritualists who quote the NT while behaving opposite to what Christ taught. They are intolerant, rigid, narrow minded in their interpretations, and quick to dismiss and/or condemn everyone not "as devoted" as they are. These are the "prosperity gospel" nationalists who mock or dismiss all other faiths, including Christians who aren't as fundamentalist as they are. It is "religiousity" rather than based in the teachings of Christ.
The second group are followers of Christ, usually affiliated with a church, but are more focused on Christ's message of compassion than outer shows of proclaimed faith or belief in a prosperity gospel. They reject church interference and favoritism in politics, try to live how the Gospels dictate, and are not antagonistic to foreigners, immigrants, or the doctrines of other churches.
The third group actually try to live as Christ taught, without fanfare or making a show of it. They often avoid churches and their dogma, and tend to be welcoming of all other faiths, open to the truths of each and rejecting all teachings other than the Two Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.
I suspect all religions have these three groups. The brazen, the faithful, and the quiet, corresponding to the outer court, the inner temple, and the "Most Holy Place."
I've observed that there are three groups who claim to be Christians.
The first group are what have been termed "churchianity" for over 100 years. These are ritualists who quote the NT while behaving opposite to what Christ taught. They are intolerant, rigid, narrow minded in their interpretations, and quick to dismiss and/or condemn everyone not "as devoted" as they are. These are the "prosperity gospel" nationalists who mock or dismiss all other faiths, including Christians who aren't as fundamentalist as they are. It is "religiousity" rather than based in the teachings of Christ.
The second group are followers of Christ, usually affiliated with a church, but are more focused on Christ's message of compassion than outer shows of proclaimed faith or belief in a prosperity gospel. They reject church interference and favoritism in politics, try to live how the Gospels dictate, and are not antagonistic to foreigners, immigrants, or the doctrines of other churches.
The third group actually try to live as Christ taught, without fanfare or making a show of it. They often avoid churches and their dogma, and tend to be welcoming of all other faiths, open to the truths of each and rejecting all teachings other than the Two Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.
I suspect all religions have these three groups. The brazen, the faithful, and the quiet, corresponding to the outer court, the inner temple, and the "Most Holy Place."
It's a good question considering the DOJ announcement about religious practice today.
Did you see the DOJ communication regarding religious pratice today? I don't want to say it here.
Hmm.. I wasn't aware of that. ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dEWqMD8Kpw
Let's hope they do apply this to all citizens...the right to speak and worship.