Understanding Criticism of Christianity: A Deeper Look

Introduction

Why do some people hate or do not practice Christianity, you might ask? This article delves into the reasons behind such perceptions and offers an introspective look at the condition of the faithful and the world’s response.

Graciousness and the Lamentable Actions of Some Christians

It is often said, 'God hasn’t granted them a change of heart. Apart from grace no one would believe.' Many believe that faith is a gift, one that not everyone can receive, no matter how much they seek.

There are Christians in name only, or nominal believers, who indeed give Christ a bad name. History has recordings of the errors of Christian societies, notably the Crusades, witch hunts, anti-Semitism, the Inquisition, the Thirty Years War, and Christian governments that failed, like Cromwell’s England and Bradford and Winthrop in Colonial America. These actions, misguided or not, have been recorded and critiqued, but the foundation of the faith remains the teaching of Jesus, not man's missteps.

The Problem with Rules and Limitations

Christianity, like any moral code, has rules. The world is filled with individuals who prefer to act like uncontrolled children, indulging in every vice. Such people do not like limitations and being told 'no.' Consequently, they resent anything or anyone that imposes rules, which have existed long before them and will continue to exist beyond their lives.

This disdain for rules is not unique to Christians but applies to many who have no faith; they often feel that they are the exception. A child who is told to go to bed throws tantrums and has a profound sense of injustice. Such behavior is childish and immature, which is why society must maintain certain standards.

Self-Reflection and Critique

'We are the problem.' This statement rings true in the Christian community. The ethical standards that Christians uphold can sometimes prove contradictory to their lives. As Jesus himself stated, 'For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.' The challenge laid down by Jesus is a call to rigorous self-examination. The task of every Christian is to consistently and ethically uphold these standards.

Jesus also spoke of the true nature of a follower of Christ through the fruits they bear: 'Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you, depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

The Contradictions Within Christianity

Christianity emphasizes the importance of love and the fruits of the Spirit: 'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.' Jesus also said, 'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.'

The sad reality is that the world does not know Jesus through the actions of his followers. Many Christians think that hating the world will make people believe in Jesus, but this is a misunderstanding. The world hates the actions of some of us because of the actions of ourselves, not Jesus.

Conclusion

As a community of believers, Christians must strive to uphold the ethical standards set by Jesus. Missteps and shortcomings should be acknowledged and corrected, not used as a tool for manipulation or to gain a semblance of righteousness. True faith and morality are evident through love, kindness, and self-control. The journey towards excellence within the Christian faith is a lifelong task.