Can we judge religions by their followers?

1. 71

   Khawaja Iqbalposted 9 years ago

   Can we judge religions by their followers?
   
   

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2. 59

   firdousi0posted 9 years ago

   Though the followers of a religion are the true representatives of their religion but it is correct method to gauge the correctness of a religion by considering the attitude of followers of a particular religion. The right way is to study the teachings of that particular religion. For example, if you want to know about Islam, you may not get anything right by observing the attitude of Muslims which is far away from the actual teachings of Islam. For this, you have to study Quran, life of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the life of saints of Islam, and you will find the right answer about the true religion.

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3. 70

   Diane Van Hookposted 9 years ago

   I think that it is already the default for us to judged religions by its followers, and it creates a fallacy when only those that come most into the limelight become representatives. Judging religion by its followers exists to its detriment and should be abolished, even though it won't because it is part of the human purview to judge others.
   
   The only true way to get the truth of the religion is to go to its originating texts, taking with a grain of salt the time and place that they were written and taking in the level of technology at the time into account. Followers, especially religious leaders have a tendency to interpret the text they way they want to, to fit their own morality and wield for power.

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4. 72

   Faceless39posted 9 years ago

   Not really. After all, the saints or prophets or Gods or whoever these people worship, had no religion themselves. Across the board, they all just lived good, peaceful, productive lives without religion. Perhaps we should follow their lead.

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5. 51

   Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

   First Khawaja, "religion(s)" was/were made by man/men!  "Believers" or followers of Christ should only teach "The Gospel of Christ" according to Galatians 1:6-9 who were called Apostles after being anointed by the Holy Spirit to teach! 
   
   Although II Peter 3:14 says "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye MAY BE FOUND "OF HIM" in peace, WITHOUT SPOT, and blameless."  Did you hear "may be found OF HIM...?"  HE (His Word) JUDGES - not we ourselves!
   
   Scripture says that we are to "...judge RIGHTEOUS judgment..." (John 7:24)!  What is RIGHTEOUS judgment but the Word of God?  (Numbers 23:19-He doesn't LIE!)   Scripture further tells us that we are to "...warn them that are unruly (sinning - with the Word of God), encourage the fainthearted, support the WEAK, be PATIENT toward all men."  (I Thess 5:14) Therefore, it is our duty as a follower of Christ to "warn" them according to His Word!
   
   I Samuel 16:7 says "...Look  not on his countenance...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."  Thank GOD for JESUS that HE is not "mere-man!"   
   
   Man tends to "look at one's actions" (unlike GOD looking at the heart) and judge but who's to say that person has not been "chosen?"  What would we have said of David? Adulterer!  What would we have said of Abraham? Liar!  What would we have said of Paul?  Murderer!  MOST "chosen" by GOD were the worst of men according to "mere man!"
   
   Precisely why I continue to tell ALL, be very careful when judging for judging must be done ONLY according to what His Word says (Scripture)!  Who knows what "level" of faith that individual has?  Are we (ALL) not still "growing" or "changing from glory to glory?"  (II Corinthians 3:18).  If not "growing," (changing), must be "perfect" and don't need Christ!  Who needs doctor if not sick or who needs Christ if already "perfect?"
   
   GOD can make a "jackass" speak, if he has been "chosen"  (Numbers 22:28) so be "very careful" when judging especially if one is not using The Word of God!  Scripture says "Judge not" which means YOU don't judge but His Word does (Hebrews 4:12)!

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