Khandu,

My grandfather (a lay minister) believed you can't exactly tell someone how to know if someone is a Christian. But when you meet one, you'll know. What you are talking about is people who claim to be Christian.

Assuming the definition you hold of 'Christian' is one who accepts Christ as their savior, tries their best to follow the tenets and ethics of the bible and so on, the question could be restated: Does the Bible authorize or legitimize these seeming unchristian like actions? And is claiming to be Christian the same as being one?

Sometimes and No.

On a secular level, there seems to be an "out" in Christianity for someone doing all those horrible things. You can be forgiven. And backslide and be forgiven again. Ad infinitum. Why worry about the consequences, when there's an escape clause. There is also very human tendency of people to select not only which parts of the Bible (Or any work, secular or otherwise) they choose to believe, but which elements they want to stress/de-stress. (This is the real problem, I think. And one not usually dealt with by theology). IMO, this attitude has little to do with being a Christian and a lot to do with claiming to be.

They fall into the trap of: I've been saved so what I believe must be good since I am saved. I believe in _________________, so it must be ordained by God. One of the hardest things to deal with, with this type of person, is their absolute (and honest) sincerity. Logic doesn't enter into it. Just self delusion.

That said, why don't those who are truly Christians (in word and deed) denounce those who aren't? In part because their belief tells them not to. Judgement is reserved for God.

While it seems clear that someone can live a Christ-like life and yet not believe in Christ, the converse (logically and theologically) should not be true. If you accept "being filled with the spirit", then walking the walk has to happen, it isn't a matter of choice. If it doesn't (allowing for a very infrequent slip-up), then the person probably isn't a Christian. (Strictly speaking).

The more cynical answer to most of your questions is that by condemning and denigrating others, they feel better about themselves. Their motives are internal (ego gratification) as opposed to external (spiritual). I think they're looking for a way to force the world into a mold they can understand.

Implying however, that Christianity is worse (or better) in this illogic than other religions would be wrong. People want some justification for what they do. A lot look for it outside themselves.

While many religions build monuments, the justification under Christianity is tenuous and more social than theological. I seem to recall that the only temple that the bible commands be built is in Jerusalem.

Regards, John