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What? Have you heard of any mainstream christians who have advocated the death of gays and Obama? Not even James Dobson has said that. I've been going to church--conservative, baptist, evangelical churches--for over ten years and not once have I heard anyone say that.
Never said they were "mainstream", now did I.
They are, however, still Christians, and represent a significant portion of US citizenry.
Ad up all the ministers who preach this message, including TV Evangicals, then add up their parishioners and TV/Book/Radio audiences.
"...twisted and perverse forms of Christianity..." No. That would not be Christianity. One might live in a church. That does not make one a Christian. No more than living in a garage would make one a car.
Example: Jeremiah Wright. He calls himself a Christian, and those who listen to him (Obama did for 20 years) apparently call themselves Christian. But what Wright preaches, is not Christianity. I wouldn't even dignify it be calling it a "perverse form" of Christianity, because to say it is a "form", is to say that it is Christianity. It is not.
Considering there are over a thousand sects of Christianity, in North America alone, I think it's quite safe to say you have no authority to judge who is Christian and who is not, or who is preaching Christianity and who is not.
A belief in, and active worship of, Jesus Christ is the only litmus test neccessary, or even rational.
What? Have you heard of any mainstream christians who have advocated the death of gays and Obama? Not even James Dobson has said that. I've been going to church--conservative, baptist, evangelical churches--for over ten years and not once have I heard anyone say that.
I agree with you. Pastor Anderson and his followers are religious fanatics. They do not represent the vast majority of Christians. He and his wife are filled with hate. They will be judged one day. God may have to think hard on this one....
Originally posted by AxisMundi
Never said they were "mainstream", now did I.
They are, however, still Christians, and represent a significant portion of US citizenry.
Ad up all the ministers who preach this message, including TV Evangicals, then add up their parishioners and TV/Book/Radio audiences.
Yep, add them all up and they're still a small, fanatical minority out of a very big faith. Most christians think homosexuality is a sin, but are nowhere near this guy.
What? Have you heard of any mainstream christians who have advocated the death of gays and Obama? Not even James Dobson has said that. I've been going to church--conservative, baptist, evangelical churches--for over ten years and not once have I heard anyone say that.
Same with me and my family. In Southern CA, we went to an Evangelical church for years. When the pastor moved, we began visiting other churches, and even went out to Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon for a while where Dr. David Jeremiah is senior Pastor (also on radio, "The Turning Point" radio ministry) and he is very good. This is a pretty good sized church (some might say a "mega church"). David Jeremiah has never taught such nonsense. Does he believe homosexuality to be sin? Of course. It's what the Bible says. But no one advocates violence or killing of homosexuals. What is taught is (and this goes for all sinners — which is all of us) "Love the sinner, but hate the sin". The greatest Commandment is "Love one another".
Here in Ohio where we live now, we have also been to several different churches, a Baptist for about 2 years, a Wesleyan for probably 5 or 6 years, and a few others, including a Methodist and another Community Church. None have taught such a thing.
Yep, add them all up and they're still a small, fanatical minority out of a very big faith. Most christians think homosexuality is a sin, but are nowhere near this guy.
A vocal minority (and note I did NOT say majority) certainly.
Probably another Conservative closet gay like Ted Haggard or Mark Foley.
Ted Haggard, the fervently Conservative anti-gay minister turned out has been involved in gay sex for at least three years (despite being married and father of five).
Mark Foley, another Conservative Republican hypocrite with an anti-gay agenda, attempted to seduce male teenage House "pages" on the Internet.
They are, however, still Christians, and represent a significant portion of US citizenry..
Not all who claim to be a Christian, are. You need to look at the fruits they produce in word and deed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AxisMundi
Considering there are over a thousand sects of Christianity, in North America alone, I think it's quite safe to say you have no authority to judge who is Christian and who is not, or who is preaching Christianity and who is not.
Agreed, but there are indications of who may be a true Christian. (see above)
A belief in, and active worship of, Jesus Christ is the only litmus test neccessary, or even rational.
There's the crux of it -- "a belief in" -- ("active worship" means nothing. Anyone can go through the motions)
How can anyone know what another believes in, except to look at what that belief produces in a life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AxisMundi
A vocal minority (and note I did NOT say majority) certainly.
So, why are we all discussing the statement of a minority that does not even appear to be Christian? Why start such a thread in this forum? Why not take it to Religion?
However, they are still Christians.
You said, "I think it's quite safe to say you have no authority to judge who is Christian and who is not," and then you conclude that they are still Christians.
Its pretty simple, he taps in to peoples complaints about the administration and justifies their anger saying "God says its ok"
Left wingers would love it if some Christian preacher said Rush Limbaugh was th devil and should be stoned.
Loss of compromise in America.
The only thing that matters is whether I prosper or not. Not my neighbor or family but me and me alone.
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