Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
There are many people in this world who only look at the negatives of religion. They consider religion to be exclusive, not inclusive. They dwell on what not to do, instead of what should be done. Some of these same people are religious, others are not. However, this view of Christianity is as far from my belief as possible. This is a pessimistic view of religion, and as someone who decided years ago that a positive attitude is far greater than a negative attitude, I look to a far more optimistic view of Christianity.
The two verses above are just two of many examples in the Bible that shows the optimistic view of Christianity. More than anything, I believe in the inclusiveness of Christianity. God loves us all, and we are told that we should love all. This type of love is called agape. Agape often translated “unconditional love”, is one of the Koine Greek words translated into English as love, one which became particularly appropriated in Christian theology as the love of God or Christ for humankind. In the New Testament, it refers to the covenant love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God; the term necessarily extends to the love of one’s fellow man.
Although the word agape does not have specific religious connotation, the word has been used by a variety of contemporary and ancient sources, including biblical authors and Christian authors. Greek philosophers at the time of Plato and other ancient authors have used forms of the word to denote love of a spouse or family, or affection for a particular activity, in contrast to philia (an affection that could denote friendship, brotherhood or generally non-sexual affection) and eros, an affection of a sexual nature. The term agape is rarely used in ancient manuscripts, but was used by the early Christians to refer to the self-sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another (also see kenosis). When 1 John 4:8 says “God is love,” the Greek New Testament uses the word agape to describe God’s love.
Anyone who proclaims that Christianity is a negative religion and focuses only on what not to do, need look only at the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-7:27) to be proven wrong. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) are enough in themselves to show the positive nature of what Christianity should be:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
If more people would follow the teachings of Jesus Christ instead of focusing on the negatives, then I honestly and wholeheartedly believe that the world would be a better place.
Joe
The Closet Professor 
December 8th, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Well, reading this I take away the concept that in your religion it’s all about what you read … i.e., read this part and you will be and feel positive. But all of those other horrific things (stoning, not touching ferrets, not eating snails, avoiding women while menstruating) are all part and parcel of the religion called Christianity. So … it must be as wrong to just pull out the good parts as it is just to pull out the mean-spirited and damnation parts. Or … am I missing something>
December 8th, 2013 at 1:21 pm
In fact, you are. I was raised a member of the Churches of Christ, which focuses on the New Testament. Christ brought forth a new covenant, and the things you mentioned are part of the old covenant. The Old Testament was a different time and a different belief. The New Testament is focused on love and compassion, which is the message of each and every one of Christ’s teachings. The old Jewish laws had been used, and are still used by some Christians, for brutality and exclusion. Religion, of any sort, can be used incorrectly, just as many philosophies can be, but when used in the true spirit of the Word, it can bring hope, peace, and joy. Too many people do not follow the teachings of Christ but do pick and choose the words, and they do religion I great disservice that pains me greatly. The Churches of Christ aren’t perfect, no modern version of Christianity is, but that doesn’t stop me from believing and praying for something better.
December 8th, 2013 at 1:51 pm
I like what you say here … let me ponder a bit. Thanks much ! Sincerely.
December 9th, 2013 at 4:56 am
Just goes to show it’s not about the religion itself but the worshipper, how he interprets the teachings of the holy book of his religion, and what he chooses to do with what he has learnt. The inclusivity in Christianity you speak of, the love of God or Christ for humankind, this kind of thinking is honorable and something everyone who believes in God should seek to implement in their own lives regardless of their religious beliefs. Not just to get along with other people but also to achieve peace in our own hearts.
December 9th, 2013 at 6:34 am
Halim, I agree. I think that God speaks through us by how we interpret the Word. Thank you for your kind words.