To Christian crowd...?

Question

I am a Christian myself, but something has been bothering me a/b this site and my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I sit here and read some of the questions some of you write to non-believers or your answers to some non-believers questions and, the way you come across as "holier than thou" and basically answer w/ smart comments is no way to further God's kingdom. Our goal is to spread the word of God in a loving and God like way, but when other brothers and sisters are putting down non-believers for their beliefs rather than showing them how much God loves them and how God can bless them in life if they just ask him to live in their heart and to repent for their sins. Why do we feel it necessary to put on the front like a "holier than thou" attitude when we are sinners just the same as non-believers. We are their light guys we want to show them how they can shine not put them out!?

Answer 1

Dear Pretty Girl in Pink

The Question that you ask is an extremely important one in this day and age and in the context of "Yahoo Answers!" I not only agree that there are problems that need to be solved, but also want to spell out some things that we can use to get our point across in a style that is both humble yet powerful.
The process is not complicated, but it can be powerful if used correctly

I usually do not answer questions that are what I call Christian bashing. You can usually spot them. Their questions often run something like this. "Why do those narrow minded Christians...?" They are only looking for support in their Christian bashing. I would suppose that they do not even read answers that come from believers. These are what I refer to as modern day railers. (a railer is somebody that not only rejects something but does it an a hauty and sarcastic manner.) As I said I seldom answer those types of questions.

When I first became a member of "Yahoo Answers", I looked at questions that had already been resolved. By looking at both the question and then the "Best Answer" I was able to see what the relationship between the "Asker" and the "Best Answer" was. Knowing this relationship has helped me to select the questions that I answer.

Now for each railer out there, there are others that are sincerely looking for answers. How do I respond to these? First I pray that God will give me wisdom. Then I look at their personal information. Often the names will give a clue. If the name is something like "A true Seeker", I believe that there is a better probably that they are open to the wonder of the Christian message than if their name is something like "I love the devil". Next I try to analyze the Question that they are asking. What are they seeking? A knowledge of what Christianity is all about? Some information about the trinity? The role of the Holy Spirit, or a host of other things. Their comments are also very important.

Next I look at the answers that have already been given. If the question has been answered in a way that is acceptable, (maybe not perfect in my opinion but acceptable) I do not answer. Why confuse some body that is seeking to know God better? Let me give an example. Your question. I looked at each response and I saw that the great majority agreed with you, but that is as far as it went. In your question and note I sensed that you wanted more than just having people agreeing with you. That is why I am I am writing.

When I answer a question I always start by the salutation "Dear______. This lets people know that you are trying to connect with them on a personal level.
Next I let people know that their question is important. If it is a question on the Trinity, I might respond like this: "Your question has been debated by theologians for two thousand years". An answer like that makes them feel important. Second I try to show them that what I am going to say is not going to be trivial. Again if we are looking at the Trinity, I usually say something like: We are going to get into some very deep waters here so be prepared.

If you look at the first paragraph, you will see that I used this technique in answer to your question.

There are several things that I do not do. The first is to not quote Scripture, unless I really need to. (I think that this makes unbelievers feel stupid about the Bible.) I try to put the essentials of the Gospel in my own words. I do not try to ram the Gospel down their throats. Remember they can stop reading at any time. Always try to lead them to ask "What's next?" I do not try to "Save" them. That is God's job not mine. My job is to help the Asker to ask more questions about God. I do not try to give them too much information. Either they will stop reading or they will get confused. Finally I do not give links to other websites. Why? No other person thinks exactly like you. Sending them to another link will only confuse them. (In addition, if the organization ever asks for money, that will be a turn off.)

One of the things I do is to make sure that I check spelling.

When I am finished I wish them God's blessings and then end with my first name. Again this is a subtle way to say we are each equals

I hope this helps

God bless

Bryan

Answer 2

You just helped me. I answered a question and after reading what you wrote CONVICTION i tell ya. I don't try to be " holier than thou" I guess I have a hard time understanding how people can not want to live for Jesus. Don't get me wrong, I screw up all the time but my spirit knows better. Thank you and I will be more loveing when answering questions.

Answer 3

You, My dear, are absolutely correct as to what your goal as a Christian should be. To answer your question, there are just lots of Folks out there that aren't as far along on their path as you are.

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that people want to throw their opinion out there right away, and don't think it through first. Its a natural human tendency to strive towards your own point of good. It takes an experienced and "awake" person to remember the humility aspect of things and put others' needs out there first....in this case by setting a good example as you have pointed out...

Remember ....it take all kinds to make the world go round....Life is a grand cycle and there is a place for every kind of person in it, even though I don't necessarily care for certain, "types" myself.

Answer 4

I am a Christian too. But I do not go to church anymore, just for the reasons you state. So basically the people in the Christian Religion have ruined going to church for me. It really sucks that they act that way. It really makes me question the religion itself. I think most Christians that I have met are not out to please God like they should, they are out to make themselves look better than other people, and they are trying to impress people not God. What is that all about?? I take my family to church and I feel such a pressure like we are all being judged by the people there and they all click together, and if you aren't rich or whatever they look down on you, which is totally against God. No one can judge anyone but God, and Christian people are forgetting this. I feel that I am more like Jesus than all of these people who go to church every sunday and put on their show, because I am ridiculed like he was, but I keep taking all of the crap and being a good person to people anyways. I teach my children the Ten Commandments and I do not have to go to church and feel the unbearable discomfort I feel every time I go there.

Answer 5

Agreed +2

Answer 6

I think you are seeing this behavior because a general oppression of Christians is becoming more and more prevalent in our society. 100 years ago you would have been considered a little odd if you were not a Christian. Today, being a Christian can pretty much guarantee you that you will draw scorn from others. I think in the face of this growing oppression, Christians are becoming more defensive of their faith.

I am not saying this justifies their behavior, only that it is understandable. You are absolutely correct in pointing out the flaw in this behavior, and I hope the believers out their will keep it in mind. I'll try to!

Answer 7

Amen sister thank you for pointing this out. We are to love and encourage one another. There is a difference between speaking your mind and undermining someone. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. IT is by the grace of God that any of us can stand. God convicted me of acting "holier than thou" when I needed to forgive those who hurt me. Thank you for your honesty and God bless you.

Answer 8

Have you heard the phrase, "different strokes for different folks"

That would apply here. We all have different gifts. There is also many unbelievers who will not respond or respect someone who keeps throwing flowers when asked a question. Not to say this is not needed or advised. I just think people want you to be real and be honest. Some people can only hear you when you are at a level they respect. This does not diminsh the love or power of God in me.

Answer 9

I totally agree with you. Sometimes I feel that avid Christians think that they are oh-so-holy and the approach that they use on non-believers (eg telling them that they will go to hell if they don't believe in Christianity) reflects us Christians badly. There is very little that we can do because it is next to impossible to tell them that they are not so holy after all. Just use your own way to approach non-believers and that hopefully you can be a good example to the rest

Answer 10

Most so called Christians on this site probably never read the bible, or a good, accurate translation, and believe what asshole TV and Radio preachers tell them. It's funny how often Christians misquote or misuse the bible, not just on this site, but everywhere. Seriously, people need to study this stuff if they are going to pretend to be the mouth piece for Jesus, and learn to think on their own, without believing everything corrupt preachers tell them.