Are Christians pessimists that need to believe the world is evil in order to validate their beliefs?

Question

The "fallen world" is a big theme for you folks. I see the world as haven gotten better in my lifetime of 55 yrs.
yes we have crime and lots of problems, but polio, the scourge of my youth has been eradicated as have many childhood diseases, the draft was abolished, Communism has been beaten in Russia and a black woman is the US Sec of State, etc.,etc. Why the pessimism from christians.? A world advancing toward greater sophistication not in your dogma?
The world is not perfect but it has been getting better since the mythical fall from grace thanks to advances in science and secular government.

Answer 1

yes

christians are stupid and weak so they have to believe in a fairy tale.....

"religion is the opiate of the masses"

Answer 2

Since when is the "fallen world theme" monopolized by Christianity? We've never claimed it! Since when do you have to be a Christian to observe the obvious?

When the "Andrea Yateses" of the world can brutally kill their own children and not suffer unanimous condemnation from society; when men are no longer even expected to be a part of child rearing and the family unit, much less fathers, its easy to see there's a problem here. These are not just Christian issues, these are real world issues for everybody. We are creating far more problems in our world than we are solving!

It just so happens that these Christians you hate so much may have some solutions to some of these problems. In fact, if you ratchet down your hate knob a little, you might realize that the application of different perspectives (including Christian perspectives) is probably the best way to approach ANY problem.

Our country is divided enough as it is. It doesn't need anti-Christian bigotry dividing it further!

Answer 3

If you don't think that the world is evil, or "fallen", then you must not watch the news much.

Getting better? Don't we still have wars, murders, disease and poverty? The 20th century has seem some of the most horrific genocides in history (In your 55 years, you must have noticed that). Not just horrific in quality, but also in the shear number of them (most people do not pay attention to the genocides that have taken place outside of Europe, such as in Africa & Asia). And there seems to be no end in sight.

Communism has been replaced with radical Islamic terrorism. Which is worse? At least the USSR could be held in check by the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) -- suicide bombers, on the other hand, don't mind killing themselves if they can take you with them.

And Polio has simply been replaced by AIDs. Is that an improvement?

All of mankind's "progress" has simply given us the ability to kill each other more efficiently. Our technology may have improved (better medicine, TVs, etc.), but explain to me how mankind has improved. We still act like barbarians.

Answer 4

No my beliefs don't have to be validated ...but let me ask you this....is the world so good that we can allow our children to watch anything anytime on TV with out supervision?....are .our streets safe to walk down like they were in the 50"s?..our children are not safe in their own yards ...fear should not have to be a part of their lives.......was aids around in the 50's ?.......have the morals of a Nation fallen? ...Yes they have....technology has advanced and morale character has declined...we are becoming desensitized to the crime and sexual content put into every thing we see from billboards to TV ...you see things now that never would have been allowed just 30 years ago.....Moral decay is rampant in society and you think it is better because we have advanced in technology......rape and molestation of our children and abuse on our children has gone through the roof.....drugs are out of control...suicide rates are astronomical and you say we are better off now.....I would rather have less technology and a more moral society than have what we have now.......our elderly are neglected ...it is awful ..and you are pleased with this advance in out society........I am sickened.....

Answer 5

Not all Christians take this view. But the ones who do I think need to believe in an evil entity to validate their 'sinful' behavior more then their beliefs. These, not all, Christians can't take responsibility for their own actions and feel they must place the blame on somewhere/one else.

Answer 6

i don't know, there sure is a lot of icky stuff going on in the world. that said, your question is rather circular. further, the belief in evil being in us all is actually a great source of humility.

as to pissimism, i'm a christian & am incredibly optimistic (a little too much probably),so i'm proof that certainly not all christians are pessimists. though i'm sure some are.

Answer 7

okay. that makes as much sense as a soup sandwich.

it is by God's grace and wisdom that advances have been made.

evil has never had more publicity and greater reach than now. i am not pessimistic. God'sgrace will save and redeem. Jesus loves you.

Answer 8

Are atheists pessimists in need of believing that Christians are pessimists, in order to validate their views of Christians, Christianity and the Christian religion?

See, it cuts both ways.

To your question, my thought is: No.
There is a difference between pessimism and being realistic.
Do thine eyes deceive thee?

Answer 9

Have you looked at all the wars going on right now? The 3rd world countries? Look and tell me if the world is getting better.

Answer 10

Pessimists? Have you taken a look around? Isn't it depressing? What makes you think we have to be pessimist to think it's terrible?

Or does your view of the world end at the borders of the U.S.?

Answer 11

No. I would say most christians believe that the world contains evil, as well as good.