WHEN CHRISTIANS GET IT WRONG

A lesson I learned from the first week of discussion: I do not want my life to become someone else’s excuse for not accepting Christ or someone else’s justification for leaving the church.

From Marilyn Vos Savant in Parade Magazine After we finish school, we tend to head down one of two roads 1.We close our minds to new or different information while becoming more and more sure of ourselves. 2.We watch, listen, and learn as we grow older. The second road has more bumps and curves but it is also the path to wisdom. Which road have you chosen?

In the book UnChristian, the author explores six broad themes as the most common points of skepticism and objections raised by outsiders. 1.Hypocritical, say one thing and do another 2.Too focused on getting converts 3.Anti-homosexuals and bigoted 4.Sheltered, boring & out of touch with reality 5.Too political, overly motivated by political agenda 6.Judgmental How do you feel about these?

In this book, criticism of Christianity includes 5 Key Themes 1.Christians act in un-Christian ways 2.Anti-intellectual anti-science stance of some Christians. 3.Christianity’s view of other religions 4.Questions related to the role of God in human suffering 5.The way Christians view homosexuals

There are no right or wrong answers here. Everyone must decide or themselves what is right. You’ve been told things from the pulpit and in Sunday School for years. Put all of that aside and start this study with an open mind. You need to read the Bible and understand what it says to you. Do NOT depend on me, because what is right for me may not be right for you.

In this country there is a separation between church and NEIGHBORHOOD!!

Perception: Christians are insincere and concerned only with converting others. New perception: Christians cultivate relationships and environments where others can be transformed by God. How do you feel about these perceptions?

1. Christians act in un-Christian ways What does this mean to you? 2. The Anti-intellectual anti-science stance of some Christians. What does this mean to you?

3. Christianity’s view of other religions What does this mean to you? 4. Questions related to the role of God in human suffering What does this mean to you?

5. The way Christians view homosexuals What does this mean to you?

There are 613 laws or commandments (Mitzvot) in the Old Testament. People often pick and choose which ones they want to enforce. When you violate one fo these commandments, all of which are equal in nature with no hierarchy, have you sinned?

To affix the mezuzah to the doorposts and gates of your house To read the Shema in the morning and at night That a bridegroom shall be exempt for a whole year from taking part in any public labor, such as military service, That a widow whose husband died childless must not be married to anyone but her deceased husband's brother

Not to indulge in familiarities with relatives, such as kissing, embracing, winking, skipping, which may lead to incest Not to do work on Shabbat To fast on Yom Kippur Not to eat the flesh of unclean beastsThus, shellfish such as lobsters, oysters, shrimp, clams and crabs are all forbidden. camel, the rock badger, the hare and the pig are not kosher

Not to borrow on interest To release debts in the seventh year Not to tattoo the body like the idolaters Not to remove the entire beard, like the idolaters That a man shall not wear women's clothing That a woman should not wear men's clothing

So what does Jesus have to say about all of these commandments? Read Matthew 22:34-40 Knowing what Jesus said, how does that effect the way you would apply the 613 commandments today?