Why so offended?

     Have you ever stopped to wonder what it is about Jesus that people find so offensive? I mean really, what logical reason do people have for hating a man who lived over 2,000 years ago?

    From an academic viewpoint, there really isn't any logical reason for it. Historically speaking Jesus was a peasant, a carpenter from Nazareth in Judea. The Bible itself says that there was “nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.” (Isaiah 53:2) And Nathaniel, one of Jesus’ own disciples, even scoffed at him for being a Nazarene saying: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:45-50)

    Not only was Jesus’ appearance common; his name was, too. Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) was one of the most popular names in First Century Israel. There were literally thousands of people named Jesus living in Judea at the time of Christ. As far as his humanity was concerned, Jesus was as common as common could be.

    So why do people hate him so much? Is it his teachings? Do they somehow find it offensive to love their enemies and pray for the people who hate and persecute them? (Matthew 5:43-48) Is it wrong to treat people the way you want to be treated? (Luke 6:31-36) Or maybe it's the fact that Jesus hated religious hypocrisy and told his follower not to judge others? (Matthew 23:1-36, Luke 6:37-42) 

    Most people would agree that these are all good things. So perhaps it is the fact that Jesus associated himself with women and “notorious sinners” on a regular basis that offends people? It certainly offended the religious leaders in Jerusalem. (Matthew 9:9-13, Luke 7:36-50) But since most people these days would be classified as “sinners” by the Pharisees, one would have to assume that this is not the reason Jesus offends people.  

     

    Indeed, when you study Jesus’ teachings it becomes clear that Christianity is a very passive belief system. Not the war-like religion it is often portrayed as. Which begs the question: If Jesus taught his followers to be peaceful, then why did the Roman Empire try so hard to stamp them out? What logical reason did an empire that prided itself on it's ability to maintain order have for trying to wipe out a religion that encouraged people to submit to the government and pay their taxes? (Mark 12:13-17) Why did people who believed that all authority came from God, and that it was therefore sinful to rebel against authority threaten the Roman Empire? (Romans 13:1-7) Isn't Christianity precisely the sort of religion the Romans would want to have on their side—a religion that would pacify their subjects and ensure imperial rule throughout the known world? 

    There really isn’t any logical reason for the Roman Empire to persecute Christians. Yet we know from history that Christianity was heavily persecuted for almost 400 years. 

    Historically speaking, the Roman Empire was quite accepting of other religions. They had numerous gods in their Pantheon, and countless cults throughout the Empire. So why was Jesus so offensive to them? Why did they hate a peaceful religion that believed in one, true God, when they themselves worshiped numerous gods? What difference did it make? 

     

    The same question applies today with religions like Hinduism that teach tolerance and the idea that all religions lead to God. If this were true, then why are Christians constantly being beaten, arrested, and killed in India? If all religions are just “different parts of the same elephant,” then why do Hindus burn down churches? 

    Furthermore, why is it that Christianity seems to be mocked more than any other religion in the world? If we as a society really are tolerant and accepting of other religions, then why is Christianity a banned topic in schools? Why is it that other religions can be discussed openly and curiously in the public forum, while Christianity is mocked and insulted on television and social media? 

     You hardly ever see Islam being mocked—even though Mohamed taught that people should only worship Allah. And you certainly don't see many insulting memes about Buddha on Facebook. But with Jesus and Christianity it's a whole other story. Why is that? Why are people so offended by Jesus that they feel compelled to insult him and his followers on a regular basis, while at the same time pretending to be tolerant of everyone? 

     One could of course argue that it is intolerant to believe that there is only one true religion, or that the only true God is the God of the Bible. But followers of every religion—including Atheism and Secular Humanism—believe that their religion is the only true religion; that everyone else is wrong; and that it is their duty to sway others to their way of thinking. So this can't be the reason why Jesus offends people—everyone believes that their beliefs are true, even though logic dictates that it is impossible for two, diametrically opposed worldviews to both be true.

    But maybe people are offended because Jesus taught about Hell? That might be a reason for some to be offended. But Christianity isn't the only belief system to teach about Hell. Nearly every religion has some sort of Hell, or at least the idea of negative consequences in the next life for wrongs committed in this one. What makes Christianity different however, is that the Bible tells us that God does not want anyone to go to Hell. (Ezekiel 18:23, 2 Peter 3:9) In fact, He was so opposed to the idea that He sent Jesus to die in our place so that anyone who put their trust in him would be saved from Hell. Not because of anything they have done. Not because they were a “good person.” But because Jesus died in their place. (Romans 5:6-11)

    Perhaps it is the fact that Jesus claimed to be God, that is the chief offense? After all, it was this claim of divinity that persuaded the Jewish religious leaders to murder him in the first place. (John 10:30-33) 

    Or maybe people are offended by the thought that a loving God would humble himself, taking on a body like we sinners have, so that he could die in our place? (Philippians 2:6-11) Perhaps it is equally appalling to them that such a God would then raise himself from the dead three days later, in fulfillment of prophesy, so that he could then offer them the promise of eternal life if they would only chose to accept his forgiveness and mercy? (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Or maybe people are offended by the fact that no matter what they have done—no matter where they have come from—God loves them and wants to forgive them? Or perhaps they are offended by the fact that because of Jesus, this forgiveness is free and cannot be earned through any pious works or religious deeds? (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

    Is that why Jesus is so offensive—because he claimed to be the only way to God? (John 14:6-7) It seems that this is the only logical conclusion. But if Jesus wasn't God, and was just a man, then why is he such an offensive person? If he never existed, then how can anyone hate him? (You can’t hate what doesn’t exist.) His teachings obviously aren't offensive. The man himself isn't offensive. Yet he offends people. Why? Maybe it is because deep down people know that he was right when he said, “I AM He” (Yahweh/Jehovah) (Luke 22: 66-71, John 18:1-9, etc.)

    

    In short, if Jesus was not God then he was a mad-man. No sane person would make the claims Jesus made, nor would any sane person follow him—especially after his death! If this is true, then there is no logical reason for anyone to believe a word Jesus said, or even be offended by him. But what if Jesus was telling the truth? What if he and God really are one and the same? (John 14:6-9) This would not only imply that God is real, but also that every person in the world—living, deceased, or yet unborn—will one day have to give an account to him for the way they've lived. That is why people are offended by Jesus; because even though they know that there is no logical alternative, they are unwilling to believe the unimaginable truth:
   

    “‘For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

    “‘There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.’”

~ John 3:16-21 New Living Translation (NLT)

Other Related Articles on this Blog Include:

Was Jesus Real?

Did Jesus Say He was God?

Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

Was Jesus' Physical Body Raised from the Dead?

What about Phoebe?

There's a lot of talk these days about how the Bible's ideals and moral principles are obsolete for today's society; the result of man's attempt to enforce order and control over weak-minded and/or ignorant individuals.
Perhaps the most hotly contested topic of all is the role of women in the church, and indeed the rest of society.

Understandably there are many individuals who are offended by what the Bible says in verses like Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, and especially 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
For this reason many people, including Christians, have come to the conclusion that the Apostle Paul was a sexist. (Even though the Apostle Peter said the exact same things in 1 Peter 3:1-6) However, there is one passage of scripture that I would like to present as evidence to the contrary:

"I (Paul) commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me."
~ Romans 16:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT) 

Paul clearly thought very highly of Phoebe, and did not see himself as superior to her. In fact, he even went so far as to instruct the Church in Rome to welcome her as someone "worthy of honor."
She was not a subservient, voiceless puppet. She was a person; Paul's sister in Christ, and a great help to him on his missionary journeys--something that would have been completely counter-cultural in the first century AD. 

Furthermore, the Bible goes on to tell us that "all scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT) )

Are we then permitted to choose which verses apply to us and which ones do not? Obviously not! Either the Bible is the Word of God, or it isn't. We don't get to pick and choose. Just because something is hard to understand or is offensive to our 21st century culture, doesn't mean that it is any less relevant. Cultures may change. But God's Word endures forever. (1 Peter 1:25) 

See Also:

Women and the Bible: Is Bible Sexist?

Context is King.

We live in an information age. The invention of the Internet in the 1990’s has made it so that anyone can find information on virtually any topic with the click of a mouse. Unfortunately, this also means that it has become far easier for people to lie and deceive each other. This is especially true whenever the Bible is involved.

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have seen Bible verses used out of context to either justify something that is contrary to God, or to discredit and insult God, His word, and those who follow him.  

            This is why it is so important to view things in context. If there is a Bible verse quoted, read the entire passage—the verses before and after it. If it still doesn’t make sense, then look at the cultural and historic context and cross reference the passage with other verses. Don’t base your opinions on something you read on Facebook. Look into it for yourself before you jump to conclusions. Just because sometihng is popular on the Internet doesn't mean it's true. We need to be cautious. (Matthew 24)

In short: Context is King. A verse taken out of context can be used to justify virtually anything—any doctrine or theology that suits your fancy. Unless you want to be deceived, I would encourage each and every one of you to think for yourselves concerning these things. The Internet is a great tool, but it is hardly foolproof. There are many people out there who hate God and seek to destroy Christianity by any means necessary. They are quick to condemn evil and point out the flaws that make Christians human. But I would challenge them to find fault with Jesus Christ himself. He is the one they find so offensive after all. 

If you pride yourself in your wisdom, then take to heart what I’ve said—think for yourself. But if you don’t believe me and still think of Christianity as the enemy of free thought; then I would encourage you to read some of what the Bible has to say about believing whatever you're told without question. You may be surprised to learn that God’s Word actually commends people for being open-minded. (Acts 17:11)

Homosexuality and the Bible.

Few topics are as controversial as the issue of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, and gay rights. This is especially true within the church. Some Christians support the practice wholeheartedly, while others condemn both gays and “gay-lovers” to hell. Meanwhile the world looks on; labeling Christians as fanatics, hypocrites, and bigots.

It’s no secret that mainstream media loves this radical portrayal of Christianity—it gets better ratings after all. But what do Christians really believe? 

The following is my personal take on this sensitive subject from what I see in the Bible. Though I do not know for certain if every Christian shares my views, it is my belief that the majority do in one way, shape, or form.

According to the Old Testament, the act of homosexuality is an abomination; a sin which was punishable by death under Jewish Law (Leviticus 20:13) as did the crime of murder and adultery.
    Now at first glance, the issues of murder and adulatory may seem unrelated to homosexuality. That is until one realizes that Jesus himself stated that being angry with someone to the point of hating that person is the same as murdering them, and that lusting after someone in your heart is the same as committing adulatory with them. (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28) 

That said, the New Testament initially seems far more lenient in regards to homosexuality compared to the Old Testament. However, upon further study one will discover that homosexuality is in fact condemned throughout the New Testament; the books of Romans, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy and Revelation being some of the more obvious examples.

Jesus also alludes to the fact that homosexuality is a sin in Mark 7:

 “And then he added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’”

~ Mark 7:20-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

The word for sexual immorality used in this passage is the Greek word Porneia, from which we get the word Pornography. It is an all-encompassing term that refers to any act of sexual immorality and/or sexual deviance, including homosexuality. Therefore Jesus himself states that homosexuality is a sin on par with every other sexually immoral act.

We can, therefore, clearly see that God condemns homosexuality is a sin in both the Old and New Testaments, while Jesus makes the bold claim that hating people is the same as murdering them, and that lust is the same as adultery—which, under Old Testament Law carries the death penalty just like homosexuality. (John 8:1-11, Deuteronomy 22:22) 

That being said, some people within the Christian community seem to think that the Bible says to hate gays and so-called “gay-lovers.” But according to Jesus, that would make them guilty of murder. 

So what is the answer then? Is the Bible in conflict?

Not at all!

Sin is sin. God hates all sin, not just homosexuality. And all sin is punishable by death.  (Romans 6:23) Which is a problem considering that Romans 3:23 tells us that everyone has sinned. Fortunately for us there is good news, and it is found in the very next passage:

“Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

“Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles.”

~ Romans 3:24-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

And that’s what changed everything. 

Jesus took upon himself the sins of everyone; Christians, atheists, homosexuals, me ... everyone. The death penalty that we all owe, was paid in full on Golgotha, 2000 years ago.

Because of this, I can say that yes, homosexuality is a sin in God's eyes. But it is also a sin to hate sinners.

All sins are appalling to God and lead to death, even though some sins are obviously more grievous then others (i.e murder). And while it is true that some sins are more harmful to the person who sins than other sins are, (Romans 1:24-27) all sin will separate us from God forever if left unchecked. That's why Jesus had to die. It was either him or us. But if we refuse to repent, turning from our sins to accept the forgiveness God has offered us through Jesus’ death and resurrection, then we will ultimately be held accountable for our actions, and there is no hope for us. Apart from Jesus, we are all guilty as charged.

Therefore, it is possible to hate the sin but love the person who sins. That's what God's love is all about. Sin is the symptom of a heart condition. You can't cure a disease by attacking the symptoms. (In fact, doing so will only prolong the illness!) 

But sadly, this is exactly what is happening in many Christian circles around the world; and not just with the issue of homosexuality. We attack people in God's name and push them further and further away from the cure that will save them. This sort of behavior paints a negative picture of all Christians, and defames the name of Christ. 

When we say that we love God, but that God hates people because they are sinners, we are trapped by our words and condemned by God's truth:

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 

    “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can seethe they are doing what God wants.”

~ John 3:16 -21 New Living Translation (NLT) [Emphasis Added]

Remember, as Jesus died he prayed: 

“Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

~ Luke 23:34 King James Version (KJV)

Jesus died for you and me—and in reality every human being that has, or ever will exist. So let’s try to follow his example. Love people. Hate sin. Pray for those who are lost. Pray for each other. And above all, be ready to defend the hope that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. (1 Peter 3:15)