They like Jesus and not the Church...

I AM NOT SHARING THESE THINGS TO BE JUDGED... I NORMALLY WOULD NOT DISCUSS THINGS OF THE HIGHLY RELIGIOUS NATURE BUT I FOUND THESE QUESTIONS TO BE INTERESTING!

Okay so many of my close friends know that my husband and I have been in a bible study for the past 5 weeks. We joined because the name "They like Jesus and not the Church" sounded so thought provoking to us! And so we joined not really knowing what we were in for and hoping it would be a blessing to us. Boy were we surprised when we realized that this study lead us to really examine our own views and closed mindedness.



I have always thought of us as young, hip, and open minded. But I have never been more wrong through this study I have learned I am alot more judgement then I ever knew. This study asks you to " step " out of the "Christan Bubble" and see how others view us and the church. The 6 week study included video clips and discussion on the following topics (really questions) and in this order....



1. The Danger of the Christan Bubble

2. Is the Church Negative, Judgmental, and Political

3. Does the Church Restrict and Oppress women

4. Is the Church Homophobic

5. Do Christan's Arrogantly Think All other Religions are wrong

6. Are Christan's fundamentalists who take the whole Bible Literally



Now I don't know about you but each one of those really got me thinking about how judgmental I really am. We only have one more week to go and I just thought I would share those questions with all my Christan friends. I think it we all should think about something... How Non-Christians see us Christians?



For anyone who is wondering how I answer these questions I will share shortened versions of the answers we discussed in our class. A short disclaimer to all these are my opinions and or how I see things not the churches views/answers. I know not everyone will agree with me or my opinions but... I wanted to share these 6 questions to provoke thought among all kinds of people we all need to be a little more sensitive to each others views and respect them. That said here I go (I am not going to rewrite each question I am only going to use its number from above.)



1. I think most Christians are in a bubble we don't really want to get out of. It is comfortable and we like it. We don't want to do anything that might upset other Christians and or Non-Christians. I think after this study I learned the "bubble" might be hindering me from doing God's will for me.

2. I think alot of Christians are negative, judgmental, and political yes. But I think we all are in alot of was all of the above. I know we are judgmental I have experienced judgement in the church. My only really answer to this that Jesus hung out with all kinds of people whores, drunks, tax collectors, all kinds of "bad" people. These are the people who need the "church" the most so why do we judge them. And as for being political I am not going there I don't think they even go together that is just my opinion.

3. I think some churches do restrict women, but in my church and our household I have never experienced this. I am sure others could share more on this topic.

4. Homophobic... Well this class was interesting! And the only thing we talked about that stood out and is worth sharing is that Jesus loves me and Jesus loves you. But I know there are verses in the Bible against it but aren't we suppose to love the person and not the behavior.

5. I think answering this question is tricky. I am open and I know there are other faiths and I believe we all have the right to believe what we want. My faith is in Jesus Christ. I take the verse from John pretty seriously... John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life. But, like I said everyone has the right to believe what they wish and that is okay with me.

6. Considering we have not gotten to this question in class yet I will share what I think. I do not take my Bible literally I don't think it was meant to be taken that way. Not to include the times have changed.

I hope that by sharing this it will provoke discussion so we can all be a little more understanding of people and their "culture" (Culture=way of life)