I know this may seem like a profound question and may offend some at first glance. But before you get all worked up about this, let's explore exactly what I mean and maybe have a thought provoking discussion on the difference between religion and faith.
Humans are an interesting species, we have different cultures, customs, religions and even those that have the same customs , cultures etc still have different ways of seeing the world. The fact is everyone is different, we all know this to be true. However there is ONE thing we all have in common, that is we all want to be right. It's human nature, no one likes or wants to be wrong. The Christians think they have it right, the Jews, Muslims, Hindus etc., everyone thinks they got it right. But suppose everyone has it wrong, or on the other hand, suppose everyone is right? Your first instinct is to say, "everyone can't be right", but I think it could also be the case. But that is for another thread. I'll stick to the topic at hand.
Two things must be said first, I hope everyone knows that with every subject there are always exceptions to the rule, so I speak in general terms to the vast majority of those I speak of. Secondly, and most importantly, I am NOT criticizing the Christian religion. As I said above, I am not smart enough as some think they are to know God's real plan or purpose for this thing we call life. The Christian RELIGION may or not be the one true way, I speak only about the hypocrisy in their practice or supposed faith in that religion.
To make my point let's look at extreme Islamic fundamentalists.
Although I personally don't think God would ever condone the murder, torture and rape of innocent people in the name of God, the point is that they have such strong faith and belief, they are willing to strap on a bomb and die in the name of Allah. They believe by being a martyr they will receive 72 virgins in heaven, and they are more then willing to die for this. My only question is, are those 72 replenished, for I don't think in my case they'd be virgins for very long LOL. But seriously, the point is regardless of what you think of their religion, They believe in it and as a result are not afraid of death.
On the other hand, let's look at Christians and what they believe, but how much difference in practice their faith is. In general terms(this thread is already much too long to go into each specific religious belief of all Christian denominations)they believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and If you follow His teaching and/or accept Him as your personal savior you will live in heaven for eternity. Heaven being not a place of 72 virgins, but an indescribably beautiful place filled with pure love, peace and happiness. I hope I got this right in general terms at least.
So whats wrong with this picture? Here is the issue which I always ask my two sisters who use either Jesus or Lord in about every sentence they speak. If you truly believe in Jesus, and love Him with your whole being and you truly believe in this place called heaven, then why will you do everything and anything to prolong your meeting with Him and a life of love, peace and happiness?
Think about that, people will take blood pressure meds, have heart surgery,chemo, special diets etc,everything they can do to stay here on this sinful planet instead of being in heaven with Jesus they so profess to love. If you really have FAITH and BELIEVE in what you say, then why not pray that your children die in a bus accident or that your father dies in heart surgery so they can be in this wonderful place called heaven? Instead it seems the opposite is true.
It's like being offered on one hand, a plate of dog food and on the other a seven course meal prepared by the finest chef and yet you'll eat the dog food as long as possible before eating the 7 course meal. Just food for thought :)

There have been hypocrites in every religion

yes, true...but some religions don't believe in a "heaven" just an extension of life in another form...so they may not want to become a bird or goat yet LOL :)

Don't bogart that joint!...

j/k Red...It is SOOOOOOO good to see you again!!

And yeah, what Romeo said....

Hi Leigh Good to see you too :)

You my friend are right! For years i've had people try to throw the bible down my throat, that this and that will happen to me when i pop off my mortal coil, just because i don't follow their ideals? How do they know what will happen to any of us? Have they experienced it? No they haven't! More people have died in the name of religion, that's meant to be about peace and guidance for life, to make me think that religion, really is an evil to avoid? Well the way people interpret it and practice it here on this Earth anyway.

Well just to be clear, I'm not saying Christians(or anyone else) are evil..lol. I think any and all religions can be useful in leading a better life. I guess the point is to practice what you preach or find another religion you can really BELIEVE in.

Faith is supposedly blind devotion. However, I have a problem when this is being based on religious dogma.

I am not going to tell someone that "my beliefs" or that Jesus Christ is the only way to God.

I feel that the meaning of life is love, which is very much lacking in this world.

Agree!^^

Talk the talk, walk the walk....Or STFU...

Not sure if thats directed my way...but I do walk the walk..I do believe in what I believe...

Im talking about ALL religions here, not just christianity! I was raised a Catholic, but fell away from it, as i made my own mind up about things as i grew up. I'm not saying that all religions are evil, just the maniacs that latch onto them and brainwash people into their way of thinking, not gods way. Unfortunately, these idiots are at the top of their professions and DO dictate to a fervent audience, who hang on their every word. That's the reason i stay away.

It's directed at those who talk about how strong they are in their faith then turn around a sleep with their neighbors wife...I see this type of hypocritical behavior over and over and over....I could not and would not direct anything toward you or anyone else unless I saw it with my own eyes or heard it with my own ears...

Well agreed to certain extent...however, transgressions or "sins" are human nature and may not always be construed as lack of belief. A Christian who is always good let's say but prays that he and his family and loved ones spend a long life here instead of going to heaven to be with Jesus as soon as possible is just as much a hypocrite as the adulterer. Why would any good Christian want their children to be here instead of with Jesus in such a wonderful place as heaven?

A good Christian will tell you they "want to be here" in order to better serve their God...They will tell you that is God's will...As a good Christian, you should know this Red...

Good try Leigh I know what excuse they will try to give but if you are telling me that if your child or father or someone close to you is gravely sick in a hospital you will be praying that God makes them better so they can serve God? Or is the real truth that you don't want them to die? In the end...I think most Christians HOPE there really is a heaven but would rather wait as long as possible until they HAVE to find out...that is not real faith or belief.
As I said there are exceptions, Christians that won't have transfusions, take medications, go to doctors etc who really have faith and belief in God's will so to speak.

Well Red, I think you are absolutely right...and actually you are saying what I am saying...Most Christians are raging hypocrites....

As if you have encountered or know about most Christians.

Judge not that ye be not judged...Matthew 7:1-3 King James Version...A perfect example of hypocritical "Christian" behavior...You no nothing of me David....But I won't hold my breath for an apology...

First of all, you are misinterpreting the verse that you quoted.
Second, I didn't judge you. I simply questioned how you would know what most Christians are like.

Typical BS....Next time use a question mark.....