Discrimination/prejudice and christians?

[jane boston]

As I was sitting in sociology class today it struck me. My professor was explaining Merton's theory of there being 4 types of people: unprejudiced/non-discriminator, unprejudiced/discriminator, prejudiced/non-discriminator, prejudiced/discriminator. We, as christians, would hope to be considered unprejudiced/non-discriminators. We hope to be as accepting and loving as Jesus, with no evil thoughts about any sects or groups of people. But, on further review, I realize that we are not, we are, in fact, prejudiced/discriminators!! We are prejudiced against certain groups (gays is a prime example) and we discriminate when choosing our mates. Is it us, twisting and perverting the Bible's teaching into meaning we must do this? Or is God actually a prejudiced/discriminator? :crazyeyes:

 

[Rick W]

I voice opposition to tolerance of sin when there is no hint of repentance, yes. If forgiveness is sought then forgiveness will be given. Without repentance or at least some recognition or admitting that something is wrong along with the attempt to make the sin not a sin then yeah, I'll oppose that effort.

1Co 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1Co 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

 

[Jon-Marc]

I am NOT discriminating or being prejudiced when I hate sin as we are commanded to do. If I am then so is God, because He said that men with men and women with women is an abomination.

I don't hate any person or group of people. I hate wickedness--the same as God does. So if I'm discriminating or being prejudiced I'm in good company, because so is God. He does not, and neither will I, tolerate homosexuality.

I also can't stand being around people who use the name of God or Jesus Christ as profanity. Discriminating against anyone simply because of their of their nationality, skin color, or religion is a sin, and it's something I don't do.

 

[stranger]

As I was sitting in sociology class today it struck me. My professor was explaining Merton's theory of there being 4 types of people: unprejudiced/non-discriminator, unprejudiced/discriminator, prejudiced/non-discriminator, prejudiced/discriminator.

We, as christians, would hope to be considered unprejudiced/non-discriminators. We hope to be as accepting and loving as Jesus, with no evil thoughts about any sects or groups of people.

But, on further review, I realize that we are not, we are, in fact, prejudiced/discriminators!! We are prejudiced against certain groups (gays is a prime example) and we discriminate when choosing our mates. Is it us, twisting and perverting the Bible's teaching into meaning we must do this? Or is God actually a prejudiced/discriminator? :crazyeyes:

Hi Jane . . .

The interaction between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees would be a good case study for the proposed model.

They sought to kill Jesus (after a certain point in time) and He in turn denounced them in no uncertain terms.

Truth needs to be upheld and Jesus' condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees with special reference to 'entering God's Kingdom' highlights this.

In the professors model 'what is the role of truth'?

In Christ: Stranger

 

[D46]

Jane-Be cautious and discerning while getting an education. Most of what you hear will be from a secular viewpoint and although the purpose of getting a higher education teaches you to think on a level you may not have experienced before, it can be very damaging to your psyche. Case in point is while I attended college a millinieum ago, I had course in General and Abnormal Psychology and Philosophy. After awhile, you'll get to doubting not only the existence of God but his attributes will become distorted by whatever way that teacher/professor views God and he'll pass them on to you. All those Greek, French or German philosophers can real wreck your mind if one was to take it all to heart. People like Descartes, Spinoza, Plato, Aristotle, Freud, Aquinas, Kant, Nietzche, or many others can destroy your perspective of life and cause you to question your very being. I don't have to study "Existential Man" to understand who I am or why I'm here.

Scripture enlightens us as to how Jesus felt about the scribes, Pharisees, hypocrits and lawyers of his day. Read Matthew 23rd Chapter to get aquainted with how it viewed these folks. Was he prejudiced and show discrimination here? Apparently so, calling them a "generation of vipers" as he knew their hearts and how vile they were inside despite their "holier than thou" exterior.

 

[JM]

Merton is not always to be trusted. Did he offer proof for his view?