Isn't that what the world demands of Christians? Of the “Christian Church”?
We're too narrow.
Too repressive.
Too demanding.
Too constricting.
Christianity asks things of its people.
No – Christianity demands things of its people.
Comments from pagans and atheists seem to suggest that Christian congregations should become microcosms of worldly living, a place where, just like in the world itself, nothing really matters – at least not from a behavioural standpoint.
As long as what you're doing doesn't negatively effect me directly, then I don't care what goes on in your life. And as far as my life goes? I'll decide how to run my relationships.
As long as what you're doing doesn't negatively effect me directly, then I don't care what goes on in your life. And as far as my life goes? I'll decide how to run my relationships.
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.” Ephesians 5:3
Now of course in our attempts to “get it right,” humans err and err often. I'm no exception. In fact, I'm an example.
At one extreme, at least in North America, we have the Westbourgh Baptist Church and at the other the Unitartian Universalist Church (I'm not suggesting that either is Christian in nature or example). And those are only the extremes that I'm aware of. Including those and everything in between (like atheism) we have people who are genuinely trying to live their beliefs properly. Hard as it is for we Christians to be the people Jesus says we should be, we have people of the world trying to ram their beliefs down our throats. They tell Christians that what goes on in the sanctuary of our souls and within the building itself, anything goes. Nothing should matter. If the individual decides that it's right, then it is right.
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.” Ephesians 5:11
You look to your congregation for moral support and direction and find what?
Couples living together.
Hypocrisy piled upon hypocrisy.
Discriminating and rejecting instead of loving.
Divorce and remarriage without a hint of remorse or protest.
Of course where ever you find humans you'll find the worst sort of common behaviours but, should the Church follow the pressure of the world and turn a blind eye to sin? Should we ignore the One we claim to follow and refuse to pass on the guidance that we ourselves have received? Do we withhold this guidance from those who say they've committed to following Jesus?
Is that really love?
Is that really proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus?
Didn't Jesus welcome sinners in order to help us change?
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