1. Anti-Homosexual (toward the person not the deed) 96 percent 2. Judgmental 87 percent 3. Hypocritical 81 percent 4. Sheltered 5. Politically Motivated 6. Insecure

Some of the perceptions have some basis in reality: Fred Phelps and his www.godhatesfags.com Web site contribute to the anti-homosexual stereotype. Well-known pastors who preach against immorality—and then engage in the very sins they condemn—are certainly guilty of hypocrisy. And the political ranting of TV preachers do appear politically motivated.

Perhaps, it's a case of the perception of Christians versus the reality of Jesus Christ. I'll let Him answer each perception:

Anti-Homosexual

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (Jesus, John 13:34-35).

Judgmental

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Jesus, Matthew 7:1-2).

(Keep in mind, however, that Matthew 7:15-23 commands us to be good jurors.)

Sheltered

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world. . . . As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world" (Jesus, John 17:15, 18). "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Jesus, Matthew 5: 13-15).

Politically Motivated

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, 20and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away (Jesus, Matthew 22: 15-22).

Although Jesus lived during the politically repressive rule of Rome over Israel, we have no record of Him speaking out against the Roman Empire.

Insecure

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Jesus, Matthew 10:28-30).

So, the perceptions of 16-29 year olds are definitely un-Christian.

© 2007 James N. Watkins



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