The last few years I've been taking a step back and looking at life from a different angle. More specifically religion and Christianity. I was never a very "strong" Christian and lately I've been pulling farther away from it. I just want to say I'm not an atheist and these are just my opinions, but I have my questions and doubts on various topics. My biggest issue with Christianity is that the people and the message itself seem so contradictory and hypocritical. Anyone who is not a Christian is given the "oh he/she isn't a Christian treatment." I've seen it everywhere and I really don't understand why. They're looked down upon as bad people. That seems contradictory to the "love your neighbor as yourself," and "do unto others as you would want done unto you." Doesn't that completely go against the message? Or am I just crazy and seeing something totally off the wall? One of the foundations of Christianity is accepting and loving others for who they are. Just like the song we would sing in kindergarten "red or yellow, black or white, we are perfect in his sight..." Why does religious or not religious matter? If you have genuine to your family, friends, and anyone else, then why does it matter if you believe or not? It makes no sense to me and goes against the whole message and basis of Christianity. That's a constant theme in sermons, messages or whatever you want to call them, but it's not being practiced. How can you preach it to others and judge others for not doing so when you don't even do it? I admit that I have my stereotypes and prejudices, who doesn't? But I don't put on the act of being a devoted Christian. It's funny because I actually have more friends that share the same views as me and some friends that are atheists who are better quality individuals than most of my religious friends. They're more trustworthy, loyal, sincere, and they're all-around more genuine to myself and others. They also have great lives and are on the path for a very bright future. The majority of my friends who are the most judgmental people I know are strongly devoted Christians. I find that interesting.
Again, these are just my opinions and what I've observed over the past few years. I realize that nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes, but just because a non-Christian messes up doesn't mean they're "bad" people. I don't understand why they're looked down upon and portrayed in such a negative way. I have no problem with people believing in Christianity or any other religion, all I'm saying is practice what you preach. I may be way off-base with my interpretations, but they seem logical to me and have bothered me for quite sometime. If anyone else has comments please lay them out here I'd like some feedback and other views on the topic.
I understand your confusion Bret, I've undergone the same thoughts over the past couple of years. I'd love to talk about it with you once I'm back in town :)
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