I have had nothing but the worst experience with Christianity. As with all religions, people "interpret" the scriptures to suit their own selfish agenda. Perhaps it is because I'm in a Christian dominated society, but I have experienced, seen, and been on the receiving end of those "interpretations" from more Christians per capita than non-Christians.
again, I'm
sorry you've had
nothing but bad experiences with Christians.
That's extremely sad. I understand where you're coming from. Even BEING a Christian, I've sure had my share of negative experiences from other fellow believers. That too, however, isn't unique to Christianity. The Biggest problem with any of the religions on Earth is that they are represented and made up by fallible humans, with all of the problems and baggage that come with our human frailty. Don't see how any of us can get around that. I pray that someday you have a very positive experience with Christians, and that you're open to know it as such.
Who is capable? We all are. Otherwise "we" wouldn't have been commanded to do the impossible. I find it a complete copout to say only Yeshua could do it, after all, if only he could do it, then what is the point of even trying?
I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on this. The ability to ALWAYS Love purely and perfectly is a gift from God IF it's ever achieved. I don't think that any person could fully and continually accomplish this outside of a miracle. But there are instances in which we are given a goal or pointed by God toward an ideal standard that's beyond our ability to accomplish fully or always. For instance, lets look at the place where Jesus Christ is telling us, as you pointed out, to Love always.
Mat 5:44 - 48 but I -- I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those cursing you, do good to those hating you, and pray for those accusing you falsely, and persecuting you, that ye may be sons of your Father in the heavens, because His sun He doth cause to rise on evil and good, and He doth send rain on righteous and unrighteous. For, if ye may love those loving you, what reward have ye? do not also the tax-gatherers the same? and if ye may salute your brethren only, what do ye abundant? do not also the tax-gatherers so? ye shall therefore be perfect, as your Father who [is] in the heavens is perfect.
((BTW:
As you preferred Young's Literal Translation, I used it here. For those not used to it, might try looking up these same verses in a different language. I suggest the New American Standard Bible; still a direct translation, but must more readable.))
There've been people in history and maybe even alive today who can do VERY well with this, but not always, not perfectly. AND: Being "Perfect"?? Only by the Grace of God can that be accomplished. So sometimes we are instructed to do what cannot be fully accomplished, perfectly all of the time by flesh-bound humans. Only by the supernatural help of God can we even come close.
Just my point of view.
For an old Testament comparison, compare the beautiful verses where God establishes the covenant with Abraham:
Gen 17:1 And Abram is a son of ninety and nine years, and Jehovah appeareth unto Abram, and saith unto him, `I [am] God Almighty, walk habitually before Me, and be thou perfect;
וַיְהִי אַבְרָם בֶּן־תִּשְׁעִים שָׁנָה וְתֵשַׁע שָׁנִים וַיֵּרָא יְהוָה אֶל־אַבְרָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אֲנִי־אֵל שַׁדַּי הִתְהַלֵּךְ לְפָנַי וֶהְיֵה תָמִֽים׃
Yet even Abraham didn't fully and continually be "perfect".
Just for consideration.
It is the actions and how Christianity "shares their truth" that show how they do not love their "brethren." I have even been told that this scripture refers only to "fellow believers" and not "unbelievers." That just sounds like yet another copout.
YES! That would be a copout, in no uncertain terms!
But also, might consider this: Nobody likes being shown their errors, being disillusioned about what they "Though" life was really all about, OR..... and I'll use a strong word here.......being made to see their own "SIN". That can really rankle anyone. It's never comfortable, even for those of us who already 'believe'. But,
it's a necessary step. Often, VERY VERY often, that step is the biggest stumbling block to anyone investigating Christianity. It's an offense to them and they view it as intrusive or "judgmental"....things like that. So....if they go no further than this early stumbling block and resist the 'truth' because of it, they often come away with very negative impressions of Christianity and simply remember the uncomfortable, anger evoking, "offense".
Also: Christian's DO try to convert others. I'm not at all apologetic about that fact. It's simply the truth. BUT......we're often woefully inept at being ABLE to do it well. That's a horribly sad truth. Being able to share the truths about Jesus Christ with others SHOULD be one of the biggest things on our mind, but really.....it's frightening. Remember that "First Stumbling Block" I talked about above? It's very frightening to a well meaning Christian who really feels moved to share the Gospel with others!! Nobody
wants to offend!!! In fact, it's the direct opposite of what we'd really like to do. Yet, it's a hurdle that we've got to approach and jump over. It's never easy. But like I said, it's a necessary step! Sadly, many of us either bungle that step OR....the person digs in their heels at the idea that they are a sinner (very common) and the believer doesn't know how to handle THAT with good tact. Not easy. Then...we come off as being pushy and demanding. Sad. The people I've met who are Gifted in being able to effectively share their faith with others are my HEROES! But they're rarer than I'd like.
Religionists are very off-putting to me.
Me too. Had to look up the term "Religionist", but when I read that it says:
Excessive or affected religious zeal.
I agree. IF one's religious zeal isn't real but 'affected'.....in other words, forced or fake, it has horrible results for them, the people they effect and even the 'religion' they think they're serving.
Hope ya'll are having a GOOD day!
Your Brother
John