I'd like to start this out by saying that I would in no way belittle someone for their religious beliefs. I, myself, am Catholic. I think that religion is vital to a happy life and brings with it so much peace and comfort, but that is just my opinion. I also understand that there are many people who don't practice any religion, and I respect that, as well.
That being said, let me elaborate a little bit on what Catholicism has taught me. I know that many people see the church as close-minded, old-fashioned, and generally outdated, but I feel that neither I, nor the church, am not any of those things. Rather, what the church taught me was to be humble, to love others unconditionally, and to show these things through my actions. What the church didn't teach me, however, was to condemn others or to hate.
We need to be more aware that the words we use carry weight, and we cannot use a religion to justify that. When you're calling a girl a "whore," or calling a same-sex couple "fags," you are not showing that you are Christ-like. You are not showing unconditional love. You are showing bigotry, judgment, and spewing hate. Think for a moment about the girl that you just called a whore and ask yourself how well you know her. Chances are, you don't know her that well at all, and have something else against her completely. And what about that same-sex couple would make you feel so threatened and uncomfortable to bring you to using degrading slurs? The problem we face is that we are often so uncomfortable with ourselves that we judge others on things they are doing that "aren't biblical" and use a Bible verse or two to prove our point.
Well, guess what? You aren't proving anything other than your close-mindedness. People aren't going to want to join a religion that shuns them for being different. People aren't going to feel inclined to get closer to you or closer to God if you, acting "on His behalf" instill judgment on them. If you want to get technical about it, we all break the biblical code every single day. None of us on this Earth are perfect, and none of us have the authority to judge anyone else. There is a big difference in using your religion and wanting to bring someone closer to God and out of bad habits you are harming them and gossiping. Concern usually involves picking up the phone and calling that person and checking on them; gossip usually involves picking up the phone and texting someone else about them.
We all have struggles that we go through every day. We all have skeletons in our closet, and many of us have issues that no one could imagine going through. Before you go on your next crusade against one type of person, think about someone personally attacking you for things that you're going through. In the end, it won't help anyone more than it hurts the people involved. Be kind, be humble, be loving. And remember James 4:12, "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" That's a Bible verse you can go to next time you feel the need to condemn someone else.
