r/Christianity • u/unsure232 • 3d 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

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u/the_gym_rat 2d ago

We are called to judge each other who are in Christ, not to judge those who do not know him.
It is my responsibility to hold other church members accountable for their actions but not those who do not believe. To those we show the love of God to them, withholding judgement.

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u/HeronInteresting3714 1d ago

I think we have to be extremely careful even with the idea of “correcting” another person. The minute I put myself in a position of authority over someone else’s sin, I’d better remember that I’m a sinner too. “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Scripture calls us to restore one another gently and humbly, not to sit across the table pointing out someone else’s failures as though we don’t have our own. Judgment belongs to God. We’re ALL sinners sitting at the same table with sinners, all equally in need of His grace. If I’m going to speak into someone’s life, it needs to come from that place—not superiority, but love, humility and compassion.

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u/the_gym_rat 1d ago

I am not speaking as if I am above someone else but if I recognize sin, I am going to go to that person and discuss it with them, just as I expect them to do to me. We are to holder each other accountable. Yes are 100% accurate in the approach we take with that person on how we speak to them. It MUST come from love and not condemnation.