Why do Christians criticize others about their beliefs?

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   Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years ago

   As Christians, we should be the most kind and loving because of our faith and because of the ultimate example, Jesus Christ. I've noticed that some denominations are criticized for being different within Christianity. For example, many mainstream Christians seem to focus on the teachings of Paul versus the whole New Testament. On the other hand, most of the beliefs of the various Christian denominations are very similar in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Examples: Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, formerly Mormon), Penticostal, etc.
   A great quotes come to mind: "...you must get at a man through his own religion, not yours." -George Bernard Shaw.
   "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." -Stephen R Covey
   Why not build on common beliefs? Thoughts?

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      wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Because, at the very root, the power and money does not flow to where it should be.
      
      Money collected by Mormons does not end up at the Vatican, to be used for Catholic purposes, for instance, nor vice-versa.  The complaint is then issued that the beliefs are wrong of everyone else and the fight begins.  Gotta get those non-believers (whether Mormon, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic or other) into the church (whatever the church of the speaker is) to save their souls...and collect their gold.

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         Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         It's not about money.
         Common beliefs tend to be ignored. You do not make friends by telling others they are wrong.  I believe in one true church, but others have some of the truth. I know that many get offended by the idea of one true church. But I would not want to be part of a faith that does not believe they have the truth.  We should still be kind, even to those who believe differently or are a different kind of Christian. I don't tell people they are wrong. I just defend my beliefs when I am under attack.

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            Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            https://youtu.be/l3fAcxcxoZ8
            
            Christians fight more often with each other than any other group of people.

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               Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               I agree

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                  Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Wouldn't you find more peace into something else, without the conflicts?

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                     Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                     What do you mean?

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                        Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                        Jesus came with a sword to divide.
                        
                        I prefer the world to be my family

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                           Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                           I see. It was a figurative sword. He was loving and not violent. He broke up tradition, which was more focused on the letter of the law than the spirit of the law. They wanted to look good instead of just being good. I see that today with other denominations where they are critical of other Christians. They draw near to God with their mouths, but their hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Many are searching for truth but know not where to look. Confucius said that the man who chases after two rabbits, well catch neither. I'm other words, if we're do not focus on one way, we may never find it. I know of no better example of how to live than Jesus Christ and my faith/religion/church is the best guideline to follow to help me accomplish that.

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                              Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                              I take notes of the good bits from Jesus. It at least confirms from other sources of truths.

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                                 Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                                 Yes, good can be found in many places.

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                              Jude Wilsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                              Great conversation Mark.
                              I'm curious what exactly are your convictions? I read the mentioning of Christianity, Confucius, George Bernard Shaw, and Stephen R Covey. Therefore, I see a wavering of faith nestled in your words, which Matt 15:18 tells us "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.".
                              I think your question can be better answered (and understood) by taking a look at what Jesus says about the Pharisees in Matthew 23.
                              I hope this helps.

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                                 Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                                 Thank you for your post. I'm not sure I completely follow, however. I use the KJV, so maybe something is lost in translation. Do you mean Matthew 23:28? What do you mean by that? My convictions... Perhaps that is the root of this. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), so I am a bit different than Baptist, non-denominational, Catholic and others. There are similarities, however. That would be my focus, to build upon common beliefs. My hope is to answer sincere questions and to clear up (at times ignorant) misconceptions. I have my ideas as to the reasons for others to be unkind. I would not be one to tell another who professes to follow Christ that they are not Christian. We all waver in our faith at times, but rarely have I felt stronger about who I am and what I believe, hence I am putting this forum out there.

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            wildernessposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            You are absolutely right - we should be kind to those of differing beliefs, including Islam, Buddhism, the Jewish faith, Wicca, and all the other myriad of belief systems.
            
            Unfortunately, some believe that they have the "one true church" as you put it, and that they have a God ordained duty to convert everyone else to their belief.

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               Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               Not sure if any similarities with Wicca, but I know of other similarities with those other religions that you mentioned. I find that to be fascinating. Going back to your prior comment, instead of money, it is about souls, if you look at it half full. We want everyone to have a chance to accept or reject the Gospel. My faith is not fear-based and it is not my place to tell others that they will go to Hell if they do not believe as I do. But I was just thinking today if how un-unified Christians are as a whole. But what a wonderful world it would be if we could put aside our differences. That is what the Savior Jesus Christ would have us do.

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                  Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                  Don't think wilderness wants to be a fighting Christian soldier . Lol.

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                     Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                     Oh, wanting to get along? That's fine. As you know, religion is a hot topic and there can be strong emotions. But we're all adults and can be civil. I wouldn't expect to change anyone as change doesn't come easily. I would just want to clear up misconceptions because there are a lot out there. If there is truth, evil/Satan will definitely want to cover it up and keep people in the dark.

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                        Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                        God lives in the dark and satan is his adversary relationship.

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                           Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                           God lives in the dark? I've never heard that nor do I believe it. On the contrary... See Genesis Chapter 1

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                              Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                              And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
                              And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
                              And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
                              
                              Although there is so many controversial and contradiction about light and darkness in the bible to fight over.

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                                 Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                                 Darkness cannot exist where there is light

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                                    Castlepalomaposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                                    1 Kings 8:12 and 1 Chronicles 6:1
                                    "The Lord said that he would dwell in the THICK DARKNESS."
                                    
                                    I sure you can find something to contradict  this.

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                                       Mark O Richardsonposted 2 years agoin reply to this

                                       It could have had something to do with Solomon in both cases. Solomon had some issues. I recall that he got into idolatry because of some of his wives. See psalms 97:2. Anyway, what are you driving at?

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