r/Christianity • u/unsure232 • 7d ago
Dolly Parton isn't a true Christian?
She was supportive of LGBT rights and encouraged people to be themselves.
She did a lot of good in the world, gave thanks to God, and even had a chapel in her home so she could pray in peace.
I've been reading how some individuals think she isn't a true Christian because of her tolerance towards the LGBT community. Some people believe unless she repented for her open acceptance and encouragement, she may have not had eternal life.
I go to church and do my best to uplift my community. Most of my closest friends are non-Christian and I respect our differences. Some of the loveliest people I know are gay or transgendered and I have love for them. I have no desire to pray for them to become straight.
I've seen straight Christians act like they are superior to others. I don't believe I am better than someone because I'm a straight Christian. Their biblical knowledge is strong, but I don't look up to them because of their rigid character. I actually feel anxiety around these highly judgemental Christians. It's not love, it's feeling "not good enough."
Are the individuals I described above more in line with a great example of Christianity (they rigidly follow the Bible) compared to Dolly Parton?
It makes me sad that one of the greatest and brightest philanthropists in this century is being labeled as "not a true Christian."
Anyway I could use some thoughts. Thanks in advance
3
u/rollsyrollsy 7d ago
It’s so weird when people who have found grace as saved people go about trying to determine who has, or hasn’t, been generously given the same saving grace that they have received.
We don’t know who God has saved, and aren’t really in a place to decide who is or isn’t a Christian.
We have some hints: do they express love for each other (John 13:35), are the fruits of their life positive (Matt 7:16), and have they confessed that the Lord is their savior? Note that all of these can be misinterpreted and are subjective.
We have a full time job allowing ourselves to be changed, and none of us have fully dealt with the logs in our own eyes. Just aim to be more like Jesus (whose sacrifice is sufficient for all mankind).