Hatred and Evil Displayed: Concerns from a Christian to Christians

I want to preface this article by saying I know there are many gospel centered men and women who are faithful to the word of God, their church, and their family. I know that many of these same men and women have particular sins that they struggle with and seek to put their sin to death. I also want to say that I understand that no one is without sin. However, with all of this being said, there is much to address.

The Point of this Article

The issues I want to address in this article deal with the hatred and cynicism so many of US Christians display in the midst of the world and in private. I want to step inside and maneuver through the chaos to address and issue and call for repentance and forgiveness.

What do I Mean by Christian?

What I don’t mean by Christian is someone who claims they are Christian by word only. I am not talking about one who affirms the Bible, but doesn’t obey it. A Christian is someone who has turned from their sins and put their faith in the cross of Christ who died for their sins. One who now hates the sin they commit and seeks to abolish it in their lives and loves God, His word, and His people. A blood bought recipient. That is the Christian I am talking about.

My Eye-Opening Experience

The more I have become a Christian in America, the more I have realized the many flaws we display. I have come to realize that many Christians in America are blinded to their own bitterness and hatred of others. I have seen this displayed in racism, homophobia, legalism, politics, and even “playful” cynicism. I have been heartbroken to see that some Christians can be the most evil and hateful people. The same people who follow a word that commands them to love those who aren’t like them. It is no wonder the broken world is anti-Bible. They see many Christians and think the Bible is full of laws and discrimination of people who don’t follow the same interpretation as them. They see hate.

Racism & Prejudice

Growing up as a Christian in the south, I have been blown away by the racism and prejudice that still exist in the church today. Even my church today. I am not talking a couple years ago that I observed this. I am talking about men and women who genuinely love Jesus in my church today that have a bitter and prejudice heart against others. Racist jokes are slung around as if it is normal and righteous to say them. Some don’t even allow their daughters or sons to date other races and then hide behind the term “preference” to justify it; as if one’s preference can’t be a sin.

Homophobia

One of the more common and explicit aspects of judgement Christians tend to speak out about is homophobia. Once again, the south is a poster child for this; Christian or not. Ironic isn’t it? “Christian or not”. Both Christians and non-Christians tend to have a heart of judgement and superiority to those who are homosexuals. It’s like the sins they struggle with aren’t as damning. However, I understand… a little bit. I get that it might be gross to think of two guys making out. What’s more disgusting is bashing and judging them as if you are sinless yourself. There is a sense of pride and supremacy that comes with racism and homophobia. The sad thing is Christians tend to be pretty vocal about their homophobia. Homophobia is a sin. Nowhere in scripture does Jesus call Christians to avoid and tear down those who are homosexuals. If every Christian was homophobic, there wouldn’t be anyone willing to share the gospel to them. Funny how Jesus doesn’t call us to share the gospel to those we feel comfortable around. What gets even more terrifying is that when those who struggle with homosexuality in the church get near the homophobe. They have nowhere to run. Homophobia does not belong inside or outside of the church. Some don’t even know how to respond to those who are homosexuals, so they resort to tearing down in the name of playing around because they feel uncomfortable.

I also hear many Christians dismiss those who struggle with homosexuality by saying “it is a choice, so just stop doing it”. This makes those who struggle with such things very inconsiderate people with no compassion. Homosexuality is much more complex than just not doing it. It is an attraction, not so much a choice. Many Christians also elevate the sin of homosexuality as if that is their only problem. Their main problem isn’t homosexuality, it is their need for Jesus. Once that has been fixed, so will everything else.

Legalism

Legalism is one of the most prevalent, yet divisive sins of the Christian. A perfect example is the older generation thinking that the way they did it back when is the only way. A Suit and tie, hymns, pews, and King James Bible are the legalist’s ammunition. What happens when a visitor comes in wearing a hat or the worship pastor plays a contemporary song? To the visitor wearing a hat (Christian or not) they say “take it off” To the worship pastor, they don’t say anything, they leave the church instead. What does this teach the world? That Christians are the most selfish and legalistic people. Not the most loving, compassionate, and sacrificial.

Politics

Christians will even steep as low as to bash each other. There are such things as Christian Democrats. There are such things as Christian Republicans. Political affiliations don’t define a Christian, the Bible does. Politics are something that divides churches and even causes quarrels among Christians. What does this display to the world? That we Christians can’t even get along with each other, but instead fight each other when disagreements arise.

Cynicism & Judgement

When things don’t go the way we want, cynicism often arises. When we see someone doing something we don’t approve of, cynicism often arises. Some Christians even hide under the word “playful” as if it is just a joke to judge others harshly or tear others down. Cynicism is sin. Judging others as if you are superior is sin.

Conclusion

Christians can be the most hateful and evil people. A people who are racist, unloving, divisive, gossipers, slanderers, legalists, homophobes, and hypocrites. Ironically, in many of these aspects, if not all, I am guilty. All of these shortcomings in our Christian faith are but symptoms. We great and mighty sinners. Sin is the root. We are a fallen people, Christian or not. Praise God, that though our sin might define us in the world, our sin is not what defines us in the sight of God. The king has taken our sin away by dying in our place. By dying for our racism, homophobia, gossip, legalism, and hypocrisy. We are blood bought recipients are in the process of sanctification. Believers, repent of your sin. Unbelievers, show us grace and forgive us of our shortcomings and flaws as we strive for change.