Christians: Time to Clean up our Own Yards First?

You know this occured to me while watching a popular black american comedian being interviewed on the subject of 'reputation' and 'perception' etc. He had argued with other blacks about the way society/media presented them unfairly and consequently they were treated unjustly.
Ok.
His argument went along the lines of demanding they 'clean up their frontyards first... then would have the right to demand more respect after that'.
In this case was pointing out how he could go to 'black neighbourhoods' like his own and see the stupidest shit going on.
People acting stupid, putting on bad examples and frontyards in total disarray.

Well all that to compare the same premise to Christianity.
As Christians we are probably all too aware of the slurs, slanders and have all had discussions about how the Media portrays us. (what serial killer doesnt scribble christian verses on the wall it seems).
Forums like this and you see just pure unadulterated seeting hatred and all sort of lies and sick twisted depictions of Christians too.
Heck its almost 'the sport' on the internet sometimes even if there are no real 'Fundies' they will make them up.

But a question for all of us:
Is it time to start cleaning up our own front yards first?
Let me give you an example,
We have a Christian TV station broadcasting around here and this thing is just a mess.
I cringe to call it a 'Christian' broadcast because the whole thing is chock full of these 'Prophecy' nutters and every kind of 'slain in the spirit' and psychic hotline crap you can find.
Now consider this - THIS is what a good portion of the non-christian world sees as a 'representation' of Christianity.
Of course they watch this crap for 20 minutes maybe and obviously they recognise its bullshit and then want no part of it.
Well I dont blame them.
I dont even need to get started on the stupid crap these people are trying to get on City Councils and whatnot.
The point here is this is exactly the garbage the world points at.

Now there is no 'authority' in Christianity but you know something it wouldnt hurt if normal Christians were to just make some sort of effort to tell these nutjobs to knock this shit off.
Just stop it.
I mean seriously, its not easy for me because Im dear friends with some of these people and in a few cases they have stepped up and shown the love of Christ more than anyone else.
I even owe a few a debt of gratitude.
However,
I have been trying to find a right time and place to simply communicate to them the simple truth: this crap they air effectively turns people away from Christianity.
Of course they will argue that X-amount 'got saved' but maybe just asking them to consider how many more turn away and wont ever step foot in a church again.

Anyways, Im really just thinking out loud and there are alot of considerations here but theres the question to ponder:

Is it time for Christianity to start cleaning up its own frontyard first before we go looking for anything else?

 

I agree, Jesus taught love and acceptance. How many churches can you really find that in, if you don't fit into their mold. It's no wonder to me that many people don't like christianity.


IMO, I think it will take more independent churches starting that do not follow doctrine, but love of all.

 

Skip, its good to see you so active in the Christianity forums all of a sudden.
I take it you find Christianity 'hateful and intolerant'.

What would you say is the best example of 'intolerance' (a real world example)?

 

I notice you posted a picture of Fred Phelps.
He is a notorious antichristian who protests Billy Graham (a lying whore placard) as well as Pope Benedict.

He is part of a tiny little cult who routinely attacks Christianity.

Are you posting that picture because you identify and agree with some of his belief systems or are you opposed to some of their beliefs?

Also;
Here is a link to the article on Buddhists attacking and vandalising Christian Churches.
http://www.tamilnation.org/indictment/continuingwar/040211churches.htm

Will you read that article and come back here admitting that Buddhists are intolerant and then reject Buddhism on the same grounds?
Serious question?

 

I have no idea where anyone talked about Sri Lanka before and this is the first time I ever brought it up.
However,
The point there is that I can find 90 Buddhist extremists hate-mongers somewhere.
So you can find 90 extremist nutjobs in Phelps group.
(mind you, they have never physically attacked anyone.. yet).

Correct me if Im wrong but your entire case of Christianity seems to go like this:

In Christianity, homosexual sex is accepted as a 'sin' or as to say a weakness, lust, or less than ideal way of life.
Ok.
Now you seem determined to insist that it is (at least) perfectly normal and acceptable.
Ok.
So you sort of deduce that 'therefore' Christians are teaching, promoting or saying something that does not wholly accept homosexual sex.... and therefore not 'tolerating it'.
so,
Hence Christianity is bad for people on that alone.

By all means correct me on that or show me where Im off?
Am I getting you wrong on that or what?

 

I for one am a Peaceluvin,treehuggin, Christian that has put more than a few fudie types in their place over the years. These incidents in Sri Lanka just go to demonstrate why church/state separation is a VERY good idea.