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There's a popular belief out there that Jesus was a wonderful person who taught love and compassion. But if we believe the stuff attributed to Jesus in the Bible, it's hard to maintain such a view. Ultimately, we'll never know what Jesus really said or if he even existed at all. But for now I will assume that he existed and that the Bible is an accurate record of his words.
I'll start with John 3:16. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. It's a popular verse because it is "nice." There are even "John 3:16" t-shirts, motivational posters, and bumper stickers. "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." Sounds nice right? It's quoted frequently (usually out of context) as proof of God's love for the whole world.
The next verse (17) seems pretty nice too: "For God did not send his Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Other than the implication that the world needs to be "saved" from something, it's pretty nice.
But let's look at the verse immediately after (verse 18): "Whoever believes in Him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in God's one and only Son." So here we have a "not so nice" teaching of Jesus: a clear division of people into two groups: whoever believes in him and whoever does not believe in him. And the ones who do not believe are condemned. Just for not believing.
He doesn't say that "evil" people will be condemned. The reason for condemnation is non-belief...as if not believing something is somehow evil and deserving of condemnation. It's not surprising that we don't see too many John 3:18 t-shirts and bumper stickers out there.
John 3:18 is but one of many examples. So why do so many people see Jesus as a nice harmless teacher of love and kindness when there are so many nasty teachings attributed to him?
There's a popular belief out there that Jesus was a wonderful person who taught love and compassion. But if we believe the stuff attributed to Jesus in the Bible, it's hard to maintain such a view. Ultimately, we'll never know what Jesus really said or if he even existed at all. But for now I will assume that he existed and that the Bible is an accurate record of his words.
I'll start with John 3:16. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. It's a popular verse because it is "nice." There are even "John 3:16" t-shirts, motivational posters, and bumper stickers. "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." Sounds nice right? It's quoted frequently (usually out of context) as proof of God's love for the whole world.
The next verse (17) seems pretty nice too: "For God did not send his Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Other than the implication that the world needs to be "saved" from something, it's pretty nice.
But let's look at the verse immediately after (verse 18): "Whoever believes in Him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in God's one and only Son." So here we have a "not so nice" teaching of Jesus: a clear division of people into two groups: whoever believes in him and whoever does not believe in him. And the ones who do not believe are condemned. Just for not believing.
He doesn't say that "evil" people will be condemned. The reason for condemnation is non-belief...as if not believing something is somehow evil and deserving of condemnation. It's not surprising that we don't see too many John 3:18 t-shirts and bumper stickers out there.
John 3:18 is but one of many examples. So why do so many people see Jesus as a nice harmless teacher of love and kindness when there are so many nasty teachings attributed to him?
Make sure if someone robs you that you don't condemn them...So where are the many quotes?...
There's a popular belief out there that Jesus was a wonderful person who taught love and compassion. But if we believe the stuff attributed to Jesus in the Bible, it's hard to maintain such a view. Ultimately, we'll never know what Jesus really said or if he even existed at all. But for now I will assume that he existed and that the Bible is an accurate record of his words.
I'll start with John 3:16. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. It's a popular verse because it is "nice." There are even "John 3:16" t-shirts, motivational posters, and bumper stickers. "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." Sounds nice right? It's quoted frequently (usually out of context) as proof of God's love for the whole world.
The next verse (17) seems pretty nice too: "For God did not send his Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Other than the implication that the world needs to be "saved" from something, it's pretty nice.
But let's look at the verse immediately after (verse 18): "Whoever believes in Him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in God's one and only Son." So here we have a "not so nice" teaching of Jesus: a clear division of people into two groups: whoever believes in him and whoever does not believe in him. And the ones who do not believe are condemned. Just for not believing.
He doesn't say that "evil" people will be condemned. The reason for condemnation is non-belief...as if not believing something is somehow evil and deserving of condemnation. It's not surprising that we don't see too many John 3:18 t-shirts and bumper stickers out there.
John 3:18 is but one of many examples. So why do so many people see Jesus as a nice harmless teacher of love and kindness when there are so many nasty teachings attributed to him?
yup. Jesus kicked some butt. I love the one about pedophiles. That's why I have no problem with his teachings.
The "non belief" is a literal take. I take the "non belief" as meaning not believing in truth, justice, liberty, and equal availability to pursue happiness. yeah, I condemn anybody against that.
There's a popular belief out there that Jesus was a wonderful person who taught love and compassion. But if we believe the stuff attributed to Jesus in the Bible, it's hard to maintain such a view. Ultimately, we'll never know what Jesus really said or if he even existed at all. But for now I will assume that he existed and that the Bible is an accurate record of his words.
I'll start with John 3:16. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. It's a popular verse because it is "nice." There are even "John 3:16" t-shirts, motivational posters, and bumper stickers. "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." Sounds nice right? It's quoted frequently (usually out of context) as proof of God's love for the whole world.
The next verse (17) seems pretty nice too: "For God did not send his Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Other than the implication that the world needs to be "saved" from something, it's pretty nice.
But let's look at the verse immediately after (verse 18): "Whoever believes in Him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in God's one and only Son." So here we have a "not so nice" teaching of Jesus: a clear division of people into two groups: whoever believes in him and whoever does not believe in him. And the ones who do not believe are condemned. Just for not believing.
He doesn't say that "evil" people will be condemned. The reason for condemnation is non-belief...as if not believing something is somehow evil and deserving of condemnation. It's not surprising that we don't see too many John 3:18 t-shirts and bumper stickers out there.
John 3:18 is but one of many examples. So why do so many people see Jesus as a nice harmless teacher of love and kindness when there are so many nasty teachings attributed to him?
I always get a chuckle out of the idea that human beings are upset that God has freedom to save the ones he wants to save. I bet you're a Democrat, aren't you? You think it's unfair to let some get saved but not all? That everyone must be treated the exact same?
There's a popular belief out there that Jesus was a wonderful person who taught love and compassion. But if we believe the stuff attributed to Jesus in the Bible, it's hard to maintain such a view. Ultimately, we'll never know what Jesus really said or if he even existed at all. But for now I will assume that he existed and that the Bible is an accurate record of his words.
I'll start with John 3:16. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. It's a popular verse because it is "nice." There are even "John 3:16" t-shirts, motivational posters, and bumper stickers. "For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life." Sounds nice right? It's quoted frequently (usually out of context) as proof of God's love for the whole world.
The next verse (17) seems pretty nice too: "For God did not send his Son [Jesus] into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Other than the implication that the world needs to be "saved" from something, it's pretty nice.
But let's look at the verse immediately after (verse 18): "Whoever believes in Him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in God's one and only Son." So here we have a "not so nice" teaching of Jesus: a clear division of people into two groups: whoever believes in him and whoever does not believe in him. And the ones who do not believe are condemned. Just for not believing.
He doesn't say that "evil" people will be condemned. The reason for condemnation is non-belief...as if not believing something is somehow evil and deserving of condemnation. It's not surprising that we don't see too many John 3:18 t-shirts and bumper stickers out there.
John 3:18 is but one of many examples. So why do so many people see Jesus as a nice harmless teacher of love and kindness when there are so many nasty teachings attributed to him?
So are you suggesting that God shouldn't want people to listen to him? He should create people who can do whatever they want? When was the last time you seen an inventor/creator, create something that didn't turn out anyway like they wanted it to, didn't make an effort to 'correct it' and simply allowed that invention/creation to remain as it is. Why do you believe God should allow us to do whatever we feel is right?
John 3:18 is but one of many examples. So why do so many people see Jesus
as a nice harmless teacher of love and kindness when there are so many nasty
teachings attributed to him?
Excellent observation!
And this is one reason why I can not call myself a Christian according to others' standards,
because I simply do not trust the Bible's scribes or translators
or the memories of others, whatever.
I, personally, do not believe Jesus said that or certainly was misinterpreted.
He would know no one is ever ''condemned''.
That's crazy talk.
To those that believe the Bible is factual and accurate, are thinking I am being
hugely blasphemous now...not so...
I, in turn, can think they are being blasphemous
thinking still there is some 'wrathful Divine, Holy Father'.
To truly know Him, is to know He is nothing but pure love, period.
There is no room for these concepts of condemnation within Him.
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