Post for 10/5: Don't judge a religion based only on its followers

Recently, including yesterday, we have been talking about how the Spanish conquistadors were Christians, and how they committed untold numbers of atrocities in the name of Christianity. And it has really made me think. Because I am a Christian, and have been my whole life. I believe there is a merciful God Who delights in forgiving sins, and that the core of the Christian gospel lies in that fact. And I believe Christians are called to spread this "good news" to everyone else in the world.

Then, I look at the Spanish Christians of the 1500s and wonder what Christianity has come to. I read Victoria's post from last week, as well as Amanda's response, and know that they are wondering the same thing. If the Spaniards can call themselves Christians, while forcing Christianity on the natives, then is Christianity really the peaceful, loving religion it claims to be? Since so many Christians in history are outright hypocrites about what they believe, doesn't this suggest that Christianity itself should be rejected?

My answer - absolutely not. And that is actually a good thing! Imagine if the validity of your beliefs depended on how well you lived them out. If that were the case, truth would simply not exist, because I'm not perfect, and neither is anyone else. The point is this: Don't reject Christianity just because some Christians did terrible things. Don't base your view of Christianity on how certain Christians act. Base it on the beliefs Christians are commanded to stand for. Cortes and his men were all sexually immoral; the Bible clearly speaks against such actions. Cortes and his men constantly lied and exaggerated about the conquest; Christians are commanded not to lie. Cortes and his men forced their beliefs on the natives; Christians are commanded to preach the Gospel, but never to force people into Christianity. The whole Christian religion can be summarized in one word: Love! Love to God above all, and love to your fellow man. Cortes and his men did exactly the opposite - they were selfish and greedy. Thus, there is a world of difference between Cortes's actions and Christian actions.

In conclusion, I hope you understand why I can read about the Spanish conquest and continue to be a Christian. And Victoria, Amanda, and any others of you that are Christians: I hope you don't reject a lifetime of beliefs based on other people's poor examples!

Comments

  1. Professor StarkOctober 12, 2021 at 3:39 PM

    Thank you, Seth, for the post. I like how what we have been learning in class has caused you to think about religion and that it has been corrupted by human greed and for violent purposes. You did a nice job of identifying problems with what Cortes and his men did in the name of religion. What you wrote about not judging a faith based on some of its followers is a valid point. I appreciate what you wrote and can tell you reflected upon this before writing.

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