I feel that many of the "Christian" entries on this site seem to be distinctly lacking in grace. Is it any wonder that so many unsaved people don't want to hear us ? It's almost as if our anonimity by using this medium causes us to forget the scripture in 1 Peter 3:15,16. Would we be so rude to someone's face ? Of course, our beliefs and message will offend many, but surely the manner in which we share shouldn't. Comments, please ? PS I don't want to offend, but hopefully challenge the believers out there. Thanks.
2006-09-22 23:10:11 · 17 answers · asked by Carlito 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
*can't spell anonymity - thanks to Purple_Rache
2006-09-23 00:05:44 · update #1
You are right. It is our responsibility as believers to show respect, love, grace and mercy to everyone without exception. As far as anonymity is concerned, anyone can find out who I am from my Yahoo 360 page.
2006-09-23 01:38:12 · answer #1 · answered by waycyber 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Firstly I'll say I'm not a believer, but that isn't going to change my answer to your question. Whilst I don't share your beliefs, I respect you, because you're being unbiased in the asking of your question, and I like that. I hope to be the same in my answer.
I do think it's a shame people (and that's a lot of people, not just believers) use their anonymity here to abuse. I don't particularly agree with questions regarding the sharing of faith, but I know that's something you're supposed to do, let others embrace Christianity. And yes, I guess Yahoo! Answers would be a good place to do this, because people don't *have* to read your question. It's less intrusive than a guy shouting in the street about salvation in God.
What I think though that some Christians have to realise is that, since Christianity is such a huge religion, most non-believers know quite a bit about it (in fact I think quite a lot of them have already had an experience with Christianity), so it's very much a choice not to be of that faith, it's not that we don't have the knowledge.
Hope that helps.
2006-09-22 23:17:59 · answer #2 · answered by Purple_Rache 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, the question is certainly challenging... I feel that grace is given to each of us by the Lord. It's a matter letting this God-given grace shine through you. In a similar way, it is stated in the Bible that HE works in miraculous ways. Think about how God turned Saul into Paul! I believe that if God, by His Spritit prompts us to share things about our faith we should do so because it is our duty! Who knows, the answers you give might actually save a soul.
If you still feel that you or anyone is lacking in the "grace department" you could take the scripture in Mark 11:24 to heart and pray for wisdom, hightend knowledge and grace. GBU
2006-09-22 23:58:20 · answer #3 · answered by Susanne O 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think when Jesus threw over some tables, and bazaar marketing tables with the goods and money on them...He showed alot of Grace.
Sometimes Christianity requires us to rattle the cages, flip the tables, and tell it as it is. All things in Christ, even righteous anger.
To be Christian, is to offend, at times. The Pope recently proved this point for the good of Islam.
Violence and God are not compatible! Holy Jihad is an oxymoron!
Fanatics got mad because they know they are far from truth. Pope simply apologized for THEIR reaction, not for his truthful message.
2006-09-22 23:16:30 · answer #4 · answered by Lives7 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't mind Xtians or other theists using this site - they are entitled to express their views, and we atheists are entitled to go 'ha ha!' But it does hack me off when people can not be bothered to even frame a question - so many times people just make a declarative statement of faith, and think that sticking a question mark at the end makes it appropriate!
2006-09-22 23:31:56 · answer #5 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This site can be used as the modern way of preaching the good news of salvation. Christians are mandated to counsel and to rebuke and bring more souls to God. Since this is an open site, everybody is free to express his points of view but the retinues of Christian values are more often read giving space to readers to contemplate on the values of truth: sinfulness, love, redemption, forgiveness and salvation. The Christian side of arguments is shining on the readers of other faiths
2006-09-22 23:20:04 · answer #6 · answered by camilo r 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
So true!! Well said.
Also being full on about it puts people off as well. Simple messages are so much more affective than full on stuff that non believers will just turn off from.
We have to remember what you sow you reap. Lets sow niceness, caring, love, and the message.
2006-09-22 23:23:39 · answer #7 · answered by Nic 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have to say that once I start reading questions or answers that start preaching to me I just move on. I have nothing against people having a faith - it's their own choice, but I hate having it rammed down my throat. If I felt the need to seek out the help of a higher power, I would go and look for myself rather than relying on some of the rubbish that is spouted on this site in the name of religion!
If you have one, may your god be with you!
2006-09-22 23:15:24 · answer #8 · answered by Fluffy 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes I agree and I have tried to convince other christians of the same thing. Let's pray that those who need to be reached will not be hurt by their attitudes
2006-09-23 03:44:14 · answer #9 · answered by good tree 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the message offends, it's out of our hands. If our manners offends, we are accountable. Keep spreading the word! And keep spreading the Word! :O)
2006-09-22 23:14:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋