Why put yourself down like that?

Question

I recently went to a youth group gathering with one of my friends (last sunday) when he invited me. They did the standard routine: pray to god, sing some songs, etc etc. And I was quite enjoying the free chicken they were giving out when I started to realize that the only thing the pastor would say to the ceiling (I'm supposing it was directed at God) was "Lord, I know we're all sinners here and don't deserve your love........" and then go off about how we always ".....lose our way....." It got me thinking, why is it that Christians put themselves down so much? I know the whole Adam and Eve story, so no explaining to me WHY we're sinners, but why is it that Christians only look at the evil in us all? Sometimes I'm a pessimist too, but Jesus Christ (no pun intended)! Why not take into consideration the GOOD we do, as human beings? Is this some form of modesty Christians present to show off to God? I realize there's evil in the world, but there is good as well. Please explain.

Answer 1

The problem is that the entire Judeo-Christian belief system is based on the idea of atonement, the idea that we are all inferior in god's sight and must spend our earthly existence compensating for all that we lack. According to them, we owe it to god to put ourselves down in the name of repentance, I suppose, because he was generous enough to create us.

As far as taking the good people do into consideration, that would be considered prideful (and, lest we forget, pride is a sin), since all good comes from god, not man. Any good thing is considered to be the result of god's good graces, as opposed to any efforts man might make. Hence, taking credit for good things would be pointless. Be thankful for them, yes, but direct that thanks towards the sky.

I could go on with reasons for the above behavior in a book's worth of psycho-babble about inferiority complexes, masochistic tendencies, and the ingrained sense of guilt religion tends to indoctrinate, among many other things, but I'll refrain.

And just to clarify, I personally am an open atheist (meaning, I don't adamantly believe or disbelieve in the existence of a god....I require legitimate proof before coming to any conclusions), and I don't have anything against Christianity. I do, however, find it sad when people become consumed with what they consider to be their own shortcomings and flaws, when, in reality, those shortcomings and flaws are what makes them human. Trying to better yourself is one thing, but punishing yourself for simply being the way you were born is quite another.

If there is a god, and if I ever had the opportunity to ask him/her/it a question, I would question why he created man at all, considering he knew the consequenses and all the suffering that would entail. Hmm. I think I might ask my own question about that on here and see what folks have to say.....

Answer 2

Yes, good observation, about humans. Keeping ourselves down. Probably related to the tower of Babel, where we got so proud of ourselves we lost control, and GOD reminded us who we are (rather effectively).
But humans do a lot of good, but when we are bad - we are very very bad. It's moderation, we can't keep level we rush to the extremes, get burned, then relevel for awhile. Then off to another extreme.
Also, on a planet scale of humanity being good, sorry, humans are stuck in bad. As little groups in small places there is good. It's 2006 (for some) and we are no where near getting along with each other. There are hungry people, people need medicine, clothes, shelter; as a group humanity has a long way to go before planetary chest pounding of pride.
We have no common concern for each other on a planetary level. YET! We will, I hope.

Answer 3

It is an old way of preaching -- fire and brimstone to scare hell into you and get you down to the alter. It scared me away for 15 years. Neither can I listen to a preacher that yells at me.

Today there are more Good News churches. You can visit mine online or on television. I attend Victory Christian Center in Tulsa. Christianity is about Good News, not bad. Billy Joe Dougherty will impress you.

To answer your question though, your good works will not get you into heaven. Certainly those will count for you when or if you do get to heaven, but first and foremost, a preacher is concerned with getting you there.

I've compiled quite a bit of information that started out as a search for truth, and ended in a search for purpose and meaning. I would like for you to read the "Essay" at the website listed below:

http://members.cox.net/b2fnow/Articles%20-%20Contents.htm

It has very little to do with religion and everything to do with spirituality, truth, and purpose in our lives.

You can even leave comments, questions, and/or rebuttals there on the Discussion Board, or send me an email.

Answer 4

I believe that it's because they are acknowledging that someone actually died for them. I mean how many times does a person die for you? It has always been like a fairy tale story for me, the story of Jesus dying on the cross. But when the reality hits you and you realize that this man was TORTURED and KILLED to save your hide. All you can say is omG, there is no way I could have done that for a person I hardly even know. Although, it is true that Christians sometimes overlook the things that are good in their life.

Answer 5

There's this Bible verse that says something like, "Verily the snivelers shall be comforted and the grovelers shall enjoy prime seats at the heavenly banquet and the whiners shall get at least two virgins." You gotta be humble if you are going to get into heaven.
You probably have a problem of not obsessing on death too. You gotta obsess on death and life after death. That will brighten your optimistic day.

Answer 6

It is part of the religion. The Bible is quite pessisimistic about human nature...as am I.

I have a natural distrust of humanity because it is humanity that is responsible for every evil perpetrated on this planet.

I never put my faith in humanity because the returns are constantly and utterly disappointing...It is a futile endeavor at best.

Answer 7

Isa. 64:6
Eph 2:8-9
Rom. Chapters 3-8

Answer 8

Thats just part of the control mechanism. Go to an A.A. meeting sometime. Same thing.

Make someone feel like they aren't worthy.
Make them think they're getting something they don't deserve.

Hooks people every time...
-SD-

Answer 9

Would we still sin if god made a better world?

Answer 10

we are all sinners and can never earn salvation we must remember that accepting that is 1/2 way to receaving it