It Gets Really Old

There is this tired old argument that Christians were as bad as Muslims or any other religion that has gone about killing those who don't agree with them.

It is just not true.

"What about the Crusades?!"

Look, you can call yourself a banana, but it doesn't make you one any more that calling yourself a Buddhist. A Buddhist, Muslim... and a Christian is a person who follows a certain set of beliefs, basically acts like the person they are following.

A Buddhist follows the teaching of Buddha. A Muslim follows the teaching of Muhammad. A Christian follows the teaching of Jesus Christ. End of story.

Of course, the person may not follow it well. A walk of faith is a struggle, because we have no ability to change our own hearts. Only God can do that.

Yet, the actions show whether or not there is in fact "Faith". If a Crusader murdered women, children and puppies because of the orders of men, or because they believed it would earn them a place in Heaven, or if they just plain liked it... they are not followers of Jesus Christ.

LOOK AT THE TEACHING!

Nowhere in anything Jesus said justifies one person putting themselves first over another NOWHERE!

On the contrary, "turn the other cheek" and many other teachings of our Lord say vastly different things. He taught plainly that trust in God is what saves, and if we trust in God, we will do what He commands, and His command was to Love one another.

Love is not rude. Love puts others first.

LOVE CANNOT MURDER

So, no, Christianity is not like other religions. The teaching shows the difference. It doesn't matter what excuse a murdering jerk says, if they do these things... they don't follow Jesus Christ.

Oh, but this also follows... Those who are rude, arrogant, and dismissive to others are not following Jesus either.

NO! Your ministry, Church, and the many people you lead to Jesus are irrelevant. You KNOW you are a jerk. You believe you are making up for it, by helping a few.

It doesn't work that way.

Faith is what saves.

Faith is exposed by actions.

If your actions show you have no faith, your works will never be enough to save you.

Forgiveness eludes you... because you trust in you.

All your effort, your "penance" is a waste of time... for you.

Ah, but for Him, well, He made use of Judas and the Pharisees very well. It is the same for you.

Seek First it says... Not do more stuff.

Know God.

Know Faith.