I would have few problems with Christianity if Dolly was the standard Christians tried to live up to. They sure as hell don't try to live up to Christ's standards.

[–] Duranie@literature.cafe 36 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Through my teenage years I got wrapped up in an evangelical environment, but as an adult found my way to a non- denominational church. It was eye opening. The more I talked to the pastor, learned and read, I realized that people get wrapped up in their denominations like sports teams. And since the different denominations come about because of different interpretations of Scripture and the "rules" some group puts into place for their team, no wonder it's the perfect environment for creating a culture of control and abuse for those seeking power.

This doesn't make me not believe in God, this makes me not trust the motivations of people in power. On the day to day, I try to be the best I can to people around me, and share love, kindness, and respect. That's my big take away from Jesus' teachings at least.

[–] Sadrockman@sh.itjust.works 11 points 5 months ago

That is exactly what Jesus was teaching,from what I remember of my time in church. At least when you strip out the religion and deity worship.

[–] TheRealKuni@lemmy.world 18 points 5 months ago (2 children)

There are many Christians whose faith does not involve pushing the law on others, but instead focus on the gospel and its inclusive nature.

These aren’t the loud ones who push regressive policies. Because the ones pushing regressive policies aren’t doing so because their religion tells them to, they’re making their religion fit whatever they feel the world should look like, picking and choosing which rules to follow or ignore based on their worldview, shaping their religion to fit their bigotry. They would hate Jesus, who preached paying taxes, being generous to the needy, and accepting sinners and those despised by the establishment of the time.

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 15 points 5 months ago

If it was just a handful, you wouldn't have situations like the anti-LGBT law in Uganda or just Trump's election in 2016.

[–] Swedneck@discuss.tchncs.de 9 points 5 months ago (2 children)

they should be the loud ones though, i really struggle to see how you can be a good christian in america without having john brown as a role model.

like, the Swedish Church (closest we have to a state religion) is actively and aggressively pro-lgbt, if anyone tries to spread hate they smack them with a bible and shut that shit down fast.

Sensible religious people don't have to sit in the background doing charity work like a sailor futilely scooping water out of a leaky boat, they can speak up and push back against what can be rightfully classed as blasphemy that spreads hate and injustice.

[–] TheRealKuni@lemmy.world 5 points 5 months ago

I’m not saying the open and affirming churches don’t fight for causes and social justice.

I’m just saying that they’re not the ones running governments and controlling rural populations. Those people don’t want to hear it. It’s just like how they abandoned Fox News for Newsmax and OAN when Fox called the election for Biden. To them, religion is a source of validation, not something to emulate or follow. They don’t want to be challenged.

There was an article a while back about a pastor who said someone in his congregation argued with him about something he said in his sermon, which had been Christ’s own words. The congregant said, “That’s not Christian, it’s too weak.” Or something to that effect.

[–] Semi_Hemi_Demigod@lemmy.world 5 points 5 months ago

I was in Salem, MA for Halloween and there were more than a couple assholes preaching hellfire and brimstone to anyone celebrating the "evil" holiday.

My first thought was to dress up like Jesus and carry a sign that says "My Dad thinks this guy is an asshole." I've got the hair and beard to pull it off.

[–] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 13 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

Imagine what Jesus would say about "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas".

He'd probably clap until his wrists were sore.

[–] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 8 points 5 months ago

I mentioned elsewhere- it's one of the few movies where sex workers aren't demonized. And then ending... His political career will be over if he marries the madam? Oh well, love is love.

I discovered today that the director of 9 to 5 also directed that film, which doesn't surprise me.

[–] Jimmyeatsausage@lemmy.world 13 points 5 months ago

I'm almost certain they've all decided Jesus was a loser and decided to root for Barabbas instead.

[–] samus12345@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Sure they do!

[–] TommySalami@lemmy.world 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

I mean, in context that verse is about being aware one's belief in Jesus may cause strife with their family/community, and how Christians are meant to endure this strife without denying their faith. The choice of wording makes sense in the context of the time it was written, when affirming Christ is God would have absolutely caused some major animosity with those who don't believe. It's assuring the reader that the division and pain that will come from those disagreements is not lost on God, and also not something we can turn away from and ignore.

The Christians that everyone is up in arms about all the time are close to the worst representation of the faith as possible, and you can easily point out their lazy interpretations as well as scripture that, more often than not, outright rejects their twisting of the faith. Modern day Pharisees all the way. Unfortunately the church on a national level is inundated with them, and has done a poor job of separating from them.