Dear Allan,
I am a believer in Christ, and I apologize for my people if we have given you the “purer than thou” vibe.
There is something pure in Christianity, but it is not us believers.
It is, of course, Christ.
All of us believers are just sinners saved by grace. But we certainly have found God to be pure.
That purity indwells believers, and it should, over time, make us Christlike, but it in no way makes us more pure by nature than you or anyone else.
His Spirit also, should make us -humble- and thankful for the divine gift of grace.
Jesus, the God-man, died on the cross for the forgiveness of all of everyone’s sins, and He rose on the third day back to life.
His offer of forgiveness of sins, meaning, spiritual life, experienceable connection with God, and an eternity in Heaven as a free gift is available to everyone right now through a moment of faith.
I too, am disappointed in the superiority of some Christians (pride), the reliance on mere human good works (pride), and the money- grubbing of the American Christian church (greed).
Sorry for all that, Allan.
Please forgive us if you can. We are very screwed-up people, like everybody else.
And please join us in experiencing the divine purity that is not of ourselves — any of us.
I assure you that there is something truly good and loving in Christianity: Jesus Himself, and only Him.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me -has- everlasting life.” John 6:47 (My favorite Bible verse)
Sincerely,
Curtis Smale
