Do you feel that Christianity is stuck in a rut?

Question

Seems to me that when you mention the word "Christian" anymore, it's synonymous with uptight, prudish, backward-thinking, brainwashed sheep. And/or hypocrite. It's true, we're supposed to be "hated by the world", but not the ENTIRE world! We're supposed to be an undeniable truth that people can't escape from...and that's what causes the hostility. But instead, we're hated because we have become the very things we've preached against. It's no secret that we've all "fallen short", so please, no self-flaggellating statements about "too much porn, too few family values" and such BS. What is it about our way of thinking that keeps us from gaining the respect and admiration of our fellow man? Why are we not inspiring the world, but instead turning it away from God??

" If you want to inspire the world, don't insult the people that live on it.

...Because 3rd world people do not know any better and associate christianity with 1st world, and christians exploit that ignorance." - Fish Eating Dolphin

You hurt yourself with that statement. A rather vast generalization, don't you think?

Fish Eating Dolphin's opinion is a perfect example of the result of the back-a**ward results we have had on others. Maybe the problem is not the message we bear...but in the delivery?? He suggests that science and not God is the answer. I feel that both are ultimately the same...we're just not smart enough to make the connection (although I think that science has become a mere product of human arrogance anymore).

Answer 1

Perhaps because the leaders of many sects follow the teachings of Paul, not Jesus. Half the stuff practiced in most christian churches today have NOTHING at all to do with what Jesus asked people to do.

Answer 2

Here's some thoughts on your question.....

1) Here in the good 'ole USA a lot of people say they are "Christian" but really have never been born again.
.......and you know what they say about how one bad apple spoils the barrel.

2) Guilt. I think a lot off Christians feel guilty because they have not lived up to the standards that they think a Christian should live up to. Therefore...."If I can't be perfect, I am going to make you perfect" (not a good idea)

3) The World hated Jesus (just look at some of the questions that sometimes pop up in here) Why should the Lord's followers expect any better treatment?

4) I heard a Bible teacher a few weeks ago preaching on the cause of church splits. One of the main causes is immature Christians (people who have not matured in Christ). That could be another reason Christians have gotten the PR you spoke of.

I hope that gives you some food for thought............Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Christianity is not stuck in a rut. It's just finally having it's truth's surface. The christian way of thinking is not what is going to earn the respect of your fellow man. Your final question is what hurts you the most.

As a christian, you think it's your mission to inspire the world. To make the world see the work of Jesus through your actions. As a jew, I can't count how many times I've had a christian say to me that "it's okay, if you accept Jesus into your life you can still be saved." How arrogant. It's amazing how much I hate comments like that. If you want to inspire the world, don't insult the people that live on it.

First, the whole idea of the christian religion is a man-made method of mind control. It worked for a couple of thousand years. It was so convincing that people actually travelled from northern europe to Jerusalem and slaughtered any non-white on the way (only white people were christian at one time). Later people were forced to convert to christianity, or be killed...how's that for inspiration? Even today, christians go into 3rd world communities and force them to convert to christianity. Why do I say force? Because 3rd world people do not know any better and associate christianity with 1st world, and christians exploit that ignorance.

People aren't turning away from God, they are finally realizing that science may be more correct than religion. And that if religion has any ground to stand on, it cannot be pagan-based like christianity. If there is a god (and I claim there is not), he/she can only be one. The idea of a holy trinity is such a farce, but I'm sure it was overwhelming to the pagans that the original missionary's were preaching to.

In fact, if there is a God...no religion on this planet could even remotely provide one with enough foundation to assist in explaining his existance.

Christianity is too far-fetched. Judaism is more of a method for teaching people how to live life together, and to the fullest. Islam teaches too much hatred. Budhists are probably pretty close.

Answer 4

Yeah, the media makes Christianity out to be like that. Also recent events have given Christianity a bad rep. Remeber that time that famous preacher from that megachurch was caught having homosexual relations with another man? Also, now with the president, people feel that he bases his judgments too much on what the Bible says on issues like gay marriage and abortion. Christians get more flack for committing a fault, because they expect them to be the goody-two shoes. People like to judge and find fault in others. People would rather hear about controversies moreso than read the good, wholesome stories that go on around the world. We can't force people to see things in our perspective. We can only show them through our daily interactions with them and hopefully change their mind about Christianity.

Answer 5

Yes i agree with you. Christianity was something you were to come together about with fellow christians and show your devotion to the Lord. But now its almost frowned upon as if being a christian is a sin. And yes that is redundant. haha. but idk whenever i mention something about Jesus people get all annoyed and Im like. Well im not trying to shove my beliefs down your throat but we do have freedom of religion and speech. Yes the society is screwed up lately and what seemed right years and years ago is being put down now. But im going to stay strong because when I die or the epocolypse comes Im making it a sure thing that I will have eternal life. Because I know the only way is through Jesus....wow that was corny but i have been distant from the Lord lately and I am blaming no one but myself. But yes i definately do agree with your statement. :] Nice view on things.

Answer 6

There too much bickering going on over the minor details, and pride is arising from it.
The church needs to be in unity. Paul stressed this. It is definitely not.
For my contribution, I am just trying to be a loving, peaceful, caring, generous, obedient, servant of the Lord.
Judgment, intolerance, bigotry, and hate have no place in a Christian environment, sadly it is, and is getting the most air time.

Answer 7

I love your questions and your observation.

Well the history of Christianity and all the sects that have stemmed
from it. However I like to look at Christians in different countries and compare them. Next I like to compare main sects. Look close at Catholics than go look at evangelical followers. I will not say anymore and leave you with your future observations.

Every blossom is in it's roots.
Look at Judaism.

Answer 8

Because most Christians have become the Pharisees that Jesus scolded for "living the letter of the law but not the heart of the law."

The heart of the law is first and foremost non judgement and love.
"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone".

He sat with criminals not to judge, but the love and help.
Far too many of us focus on the dogma instead of the heart of the message, and in that we need to repent and heal the "plank in our own eyes".

Answer 9

It's easy to let others think for you. Following the actual teachings Jesus would approve of would require some sacrifice, and reflection on our lives. Not something the majority of us seem to be willing to do.
Also, you can add scam artist, and predator to the synonyms.

Answer 10

christianity is fundamentally a good religion and it started off near perfect but over the years many people have altered the book and thus peoples beliefs and that has led it into a downward spiral ever since.