Luke 6:22-23: Does this give license for Christians to be jerks?

[boatsnguitars]

Luke 6:22-23:

“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

The verse makes it clear that Christians will be hated and excluded because they will be associated with Evil - because of Jesus.

Christians might say, "Yes, associated with Evil, but we're the good guys!" But, Jesus must have known his ideas were hateful. He must have known he was preaching hate, or why think his followers would be hated?

Let's see why Christians are considered Evil.
Biblical Teachings:
Interpretations of certain biblical passages, contribute to perceptions of exclusivity and judgmental attitudes, leading to vilification.

Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 (Homosexuality):
These passages contain prohibitions against homosexual behavior and are often cited in discussions about LGBTQ+ rights. Some verses that contribute to discrimination and exclusion:

1 Timothy 2:11-15 (Women's Roles):
This passage addresses the role of women in the church and has been a source of controversy, with debates over whether it supports or restricts women's leadership roles within religious institutions.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29 (Rape and Marriage):
Critics may point to this passage as problematic due to its prescription for a rapist to marry their victim, raising ethical concerns about the treatment of survivors and the endorsement of such practices.

Psalm 137:9 ("Babylonian Babies" verse):
This verse, which speaks of dashing Babylonian infants against rocks, is sometimes cited to highlight the apparent brutality in certain Old Testament passages, leading to questions about the morality of such narratives.

Exodus 21:20-21 (Treatment of Slaves):
Passages discussing the treatment of slaves in the Old Testament have been criticized for not explicitly condemning slavery and, in some cases, appearing to regulate it.

Matthew 10:34-36 (Division):
This passage, where Jesus speaks about bringing a sword and division, can be controversial when interpreted as promoting conflict, particularly when applied to interfaith or intra-faith relations.

Ephesians 6:5-9 (Slavery and Masters):
Similar to Old Testament passages, New Testament verses that seem to regulate the relationship between slaves and masters have been criticized for not outright condemning slavery.

Numbers 31:17-18 (Treatment of Midianite Women):
This passage describes the killing of male children and the sparing of female children during warfare, which raises moral questions and concerns about the treatment of non-combatant populations.

Genesis 19:1-11 (Sodom and Gomorrah):
This passage is often cited in discussions about the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, contributing to debates around the Bible's stance on homosexuality.

Historical Ecclesiastical Misconduct:
Instances of historical misconduct by the Church, including the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the clergy abuse scandals, have left lasting negative impressions on public perception.
Did Jesus prophesize this, yet say nothing to his followers to avoid it?

Resistance to Social Change:
Resistance or perceived resistance to social and cultural changes, led to criticism and vilification.

Civil Rights Movement:
Many Christian groups resisted the Civil Rights Movement, particularly during the mid-20th century. Some argued against desegregation and equal rights for African Americans based on perceived biblical justifications. The Christians arguing for desegregation were often Black, or Liberal (traditionally vilified by the Church).

Women's Liberation Movement:
Christian denominations have resisted aspects of the women's liberation movement, opposing women's rights, gender equality, and the expansion of roles for women in the church and society.

Reproductive Rights:
Christians, particularly within conservative branches of the faith, have traditionally resisted changes related to reproductive rights, such as access to contraception, abortion rights, and comprehensive sex education. (By Consrevative, we usually mean non-Liberal, non-luke warm Christians who adhere to every jot and tittle of the Bible).

LGBTQ+ Rights:
Most Christian denominations and groups have resisted advancements in LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality and protections against discrimination, often citing scriptural interpretations that view homosexuality as incompatible with

Scientific Advancements:
Throughout history, some Christians resisted certain scientific advancements that challenged traditional theological views, such as the heliocentric model of the solar system, the theory of evolution, and more recent debates over issues like climate change.

End-of-Life Issues:
Christians, particularly those in conservative circles, have sometimes resisted changes related to end-of-life issues, such as assisted suicide and euthanasia, based on ethical considerations rooted in religious beliefs.

Secularization and Separation of Church and State:
Many Christians have resisted secularization trends and the separation of church and state, advocating for a more direct influence of religious values on governance and public policies.

Cultural Changes:
Christians have, at times, resisted broader cultural changes that are perceived as contrary to traditional values, including shifts in entertainment, fashion, and popular culture.

Environmental Stewardship:
While many Christian groups emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship, there have been instances where resistance to certain environmental policies stems from concerns about economic impact or conflicting interpretations of biblical teachings on human dominion.

Interfaith Dialogue and Cooperation:
Many Christians have resisted efforts towards interfaith dialogue and cooperation, particularly with religions that have historically been viewed as competitors or adversaries.

Dogmatism and Intolerance:
The perception of dogmatism and intolerance towards differing beliefs or lifestyles can contribute to the vilification of Christianity. After all, one of the worst things you can do as a Christian is be tolerant of things you call sin, and to waver in your strong, Christian faith.

Missionary Activities and Cultural Imperialism:
Criticisms of missionary activities and perceptions of cultural imperialism contribute to the vilification of Christianity, especially in the context of colonial history.

Sexual Morality Debates:
Debates around sexual morality, including issues like abortion and contraception, may lead to vilification when Christian perspectives clash with broader societal views.

Political Activism:
Involvement in political activism, particularly when aligned with specific controversial policies or candidates, lead to polarization and criticism.

Proselytization Efforts:
Aggressive or perceived aggressive proselytization efforts are viewed negatively, leading to criticism and vilification.

Cultural Insensitivity:
Instances of cultural insensitivity, where Christian practices clash with or dismiss local customs, contribute to negative perceptions.

Hypocrisy:
Publicized instances of hypocrisy among prominent Christian figures or institutions can undermine the credibility of the faith and lead to vilification.

Religious Exclusivity:
Belief in the exclusivity of salvation through Christianity is viewed as intolerant, contributing to negative perceptions of the faith.


Now, I'm sure someone will shrug and say, "Well, that's all humanity! Other groups are just as bad!"

Maybe, but they also don't have a passage in their Holy Text that gives them license to be hated and then say that you'll be rewarded for it...

So, why are Christians vilified?

[Data]

How many times have you protested a Hate Church? How many Christians have you told to stop being jerks? How many Christians have you told they are doing Christianity wrong?

Just out of curiosity and interest, what is a hate church, how many atheists have you told to stop being jerks and who is the arbiter of subjective Christian error?

[Masterblaster]

Hello Data

You ask-"....who is the arbiter of subjective Christian error"

----
This question suggest something to me. Do we give people permission to have their Gods. I think not. The best we can do is offer reflection to them with their choice. Then again, who are we?

I drive a Toyota, for a list of reasons.
Surely these God options should be evaluated by their effects. I am not talking nuclear bombs here but more like a good maxim for proceeding. What do you think?

[JehovahsWitness]

While your organization itself is failing the same way. ...

No religious group is perfect but Jehovah's Witnesses believe they are only religion that had God's approval and act accordingly. The question I was responding to was effectively, since you believe you are "true Christians" (the true church) what are you actively doing for those you think are in error?

If you (or others) disagree, thats fine ; your post at the very least shows we both agree one one thing - the personal responsibility to point out what you feel is an erroneous view in others, with the hope they change. Otherwise I presume you would have kept your opinion about Jehovah's Witnesses to yourself.

Same message different sandals,


JW

To learn more please go to other posts related to ....

WORSHIP , IDOLATRY and ... BLASPHEMY

[Data]

No religious group is perfect but Jehovah's Witnesses believe they are only religion that had God's approval and act accordingly. The question I was responding to was effectively, since you believe you are "true Christians" (the true church) what are you actively doing for those you think are in error?

Of course, you are aware of the post and splinter removal process. Remove the post in your own eye before attempting to remove the splinter in another's. All religions, including the Jews of Moses time, the disciples of Jesus and the JWs are imperfect, as am I and everyone else.

If you (or others) disagree, that's fine; your post at the very least shows we both agree on one thing - the personal responsibility to point out what you feel is an erroneous view in others, with the hope they change. Otherwise, I presume you would have kept your opinion about Jehovah's Witnesses to yourself.

Same message different sandals,

The world claims God is on their side when it benefits them to do so. The "true Christain" knows better.

[Data]

Hello Data

You ask-"....who is the arbiter of subjective Christian error"

----
This question suggest something to me. Do we give people permission to have their Gods. I think not. The best we can do is offer reflection to them with their choice. Then again, who are we?

I drive a Toyota, for a list of reasons.
Surely these God options should be evaluated by their effects. I am not talking nuclear bombs here but more like a good maxim for proceeding. What do you think?

Christ is the arbiter and judge. We have imperfect ideology, dogma, theology, politics, ego and xenophobia. Constructive criticism, then, is beneficial but problematic. The result of which is getting it backwards. We tend to think constructively criticizing someone else is beneficial to us superficially. To receive. at Micah 6:8 (ASV) reads: "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?" The meaning of the Hebrew word used there for humility literally means to be aware of one's own strengths and weaknesses.

[Masterblaster]

Hello Clownboat

You say to 1213 Post 24 - :"Interesting point IMO: You are an atheist when it comes to all the available gods, less one. An atheist shares your position, they just take it one god further."
In the same post, you affirm that there are no gods, regardless of anything.
"No available god concept has ever been shown to be real though. Do what you want with that real world 'evidence'."
------

Your logic betrays you ,Clownboat.
You are not saying that there is no god that you are aware of but that there are no gods. You suggest that harbouring the idea that there might be a God is the same as picking one.You are saying that even if there was one, you would not have it. Isn't that subjectively choosing to slam the door shut, in a perverse and opposite way.? You are correct in the underlined point, he is ,in fact, you, and you are he.

[Masterblaster]

[Replying to Data in post #45]

Hello Data

You make many thoughtful observations in your post.This bit, ' rubs me up the wrong way'

You assert
"Christ is the arbiter and judge"

I'm a 'James' Jesus person ,and this name that is the Christ, embedded in Christianity is a no no for me. I'm sure atheists just chuckle at this declaration as more of the same.

[JehovahsWitness]

The world claims God is on their side when it benefits them to do so. The "true Christain" knows better.

On that we can agree. Jesus is recorded as saying

JOHN 16:33 - Christian Standard Bible

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS

[Data]

[Replying to Data in post #45]

Hello Data

You make many thoughtful observations in your post.This bit, ' rubs me up the wrong way'

You assert
"Christ is the arbiter and judge"

I'm a 'James' Jesus person ,and this name that is the Christ, embedded in Christianity is a no no for me. I'm sure atheists just chuckle at this declaration as more of the same.

A James Jesus person? What in the world is that? I'm not familiar with most modern-day Christian terminology. Is that a thing? Is James the arbiter and judge?

[Masterblaster]

Hello Data

You declare - "Christ is the arbiter and judge"

I am saying that that is incorrect, to me, and it is something that needs to be explained by the declaree(you), before you stamp it down on your post. Most people fundamentally disagree with this subjective and vague summation.

What does this mean Data? Did it happen? John 8

"Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”11 “No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”
15:" Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man"

I do not seek a gotcha moment here but rather encourage you to expand on your original declaration. How does the statement represent your faith?