The Hardships of having a waytooreligious mother...

That color choice is too much of a strain on my eyes to read this. Light color font + white background = bad idea.

Lol, that´s not an answer to one of my questions

Nope. Because I can't read the blog due to the color of the font. =P

It does seem like Christians spend more time judging each other than building each other up in the gospel.Even the disciples argued and Peter downright denied Christ and Thomas doubted...Judas betrayed Him.Well I guess there is no simple answer to this question. We all fall short.I believe we just have to focus on working our own salvation out and just accept that we are not perfect which might help us to accept that others aren't perfect. Every Preacher I've ever heard has their own way of interpreting scriptures without relying on the Holy Spirit to guide them which is how sound doctrine becomes the tradition of men. Then you get those who blatantly twist scripture to suit their own agenda ...it's a mess.We just have to study the word and pray and don't sweat the foolishness.

I wanted to go back and edit what I said about preachers not relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit...Well there are some who do rely on the spirit .I didn't intend to make that a blanket statement .

Hi Maggie,
I understand your frustration with your Mother. I would hope that she tells you these things because she loves you and is concerned for your spiritual wellbeing. That being said, it's how she says things that makes you so defensive. The Bible does tell us that we are always to speak with grace. "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned as it were with salt so that you may know how to respond to each person." That goes for both of you.
You said one thing that I wish to address. You stated that you will pay for your sins and she will pay for her sins. However, the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ paid for you sins. He died on the cross for the penalty of your sins so that you would NOT have to pay for them yourself. All our sins earn us death apart from Christ (Rom. 6:23). But if you have accepted Him as your Savior then your sins have been paid for, that is what makes you saved. Church2u2 stated it well about studying the Word. When we know the Word of God and live it, then we can truly be the kind of Christian you yearn for your Mom to be and also for the kind of Christian you long to be too. Knowing the Word helps you live in close fellowship with God. When we do this, we show the world and others that Jesus is about love and forgiveness and not about condemnation and judgment. Proverbs tells us, "A gentle answer, turns away wrath." We would all do well to live this way. Unfortunately we sill have the sin nature and continue to sin. You are right about your relationship with God being private and while you may not be able to go to Church that does NOT mean you are not a Christian. Sometimes it's just best not to engage in arguing if you know that she is only going to put you down. Pray for her, love her, serve her and let Jesus shine through you. Be the godly example. Hope this helps - Be Blessed!

I am sorry your mother acts that way, from what you said, it sounds like she follows religion rather than Jesus. Maybe when she grew up everyone had to go to Church every Sunday, and it's sort of embedded in her?

A true Christian:
To me this is one who believes fully that Christ was who he said He was (/is) ,
and who tries to show love to the people they are around.

Judging:
I really don't know, I think they fall into the trap of the Pharisees (being faultless on the outside but not on the inside)

Religion:
Religion is always bad, religion is about rules, and if taken to extremes, about control.

Love in stead of judgement:
I don't think that we as humans on this earth will ever master to put away all hate and all judgement. In part because we so easily see that speck in our brothers eye, in part because there will always be some circumstances in society that we should judge (i.e. if someone wants to pass a law that clearly contradicts Christ's teaching)

Going to church has NOTHING to do with your salvation. Many Christians are lulled into thinking that church going = salvation. It is a false gospel/salvation based on works. Only Jesus blood sacrifice and us accepting it can save us from hell. Your mother may have good intentions but judging you for bad circumstance is crap. Sometimes bad things happen to good people for no reason and no b/c of their sin or what not. I found church to be extremely boring and quit going 3-4 years ago. Does that mean I'm not a Christian? No!, In fact I have grown closer to God and kept my relationship good with God. I obey the Bible and serve God whole heartedly as best I can. I'm not perfect but living for Christ to the best of my ability. I can relate to parents wanting to Bible bash you for any little thing that goes wrong. It's complete crap and a flaw in their humanity/sin nature. Not everything that happens in life is based on our works sometimes God allows hardships for no good reason but a higher purpose that he has which we cannot see. Best advice is to stay close to God and forgive your parent's rant. As a teacher I used to have said "Just do right!"

Church going is good like a vitamin it can help in some areas but it's optional.....you can get the most "nutrition" from one-on-one discipleship with Christ via prayer, devotion, worship songs etc. Just talk to God like a friend to friend.