Are such Christians fully aware of their religion and its origins in the Middle-East and the oldest Christian faiths still live in these areas?
Are they aware that other monotheistic religions recognise God and that in Christian faith God, via the Mystery of the Holy Trinity is simultaneously Father, Son (Christ) and Holy Spirit?
Does their frequent assertion that "they (the other) do not know the Lord/Jesus" based on their on poor comprehension of their own religion (as God is Jesus and is the Spirit of Goodness)?
2006-12-23 00:05:50 · 15 answers · asked by Ministry of Camp Revivalism 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
I wished to mend the term "American Christians" TO "Evangelical American Christians". Sorry- my bad.
2006-12-23 20:45:18 · update #1
What it might be is the current evangelical movement. Its members are frighteningly zealous, and it's easy to see why--all the music, media and so forth geared toward them. But that probably also makes them think that the world revolves around them and that anyone who veers off even slightlly is "wrong."
Then there's the idea that a lack of education on some subjects is more Christian. By keeping the followers uneducated, the movement can keep growing and keep raking in the money.
2006-12-23 00:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by Danagasta 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Especially in America - one can not assume that we, as Americans, all think as one. In a democratic society one has the freedom to believe what ever one wants to believe. There are many religions and if you look at American history and its' current population it is a kaleidoscope of immigrants from all over the world - at different stages of generation. America still has a tremendous inflow of refugees / incoming that it sponsor and aids. Everyone is allowed freedom to express. For the people, by the people - we make propositions, vote through the democratic process on how we will behave and not inflict harm on each other as a society. Very much like this site operates. You want to build a Muslim Mosque, Jewish Synagogue, Atheist Temple, Catholic Church, whatever - you are free to do so.
One may have values and beliefs that transcend one religion. Christianity, as you have stated, has a huge history and has taken on many forms of belief, religious expression.
So as a Christian I accept all those expressions but what mosque, synagogue, church, temple do I support? I can have it all spiritually but phsically I am limited in what I can support. I also want to feel comfortable within a group I choose to join for my religious expression.
As a Christian - I support your right to believe whatever you want to believe. Some might try to change you or get angry that you don't believe exactly what they do. Not every Christian's style - many will just live a Christian life and hope others will follow by their example.
As an afterthought: All these questions about beliefs = education.
If one is thoroughly believing in what they believe why are they questioning others beliefs / speculating on assumptions?
If everyone had true faith would there be so much unrest in the world? Is the problem that their faith is based on forcing others to believe what they believe? America = one nation under God. Didn't specificy which perception, religion, doctrine. Under God. Wide open. Maybe they just don't have enough space to spread out and that is the fight...population constraints. Then again we are only humans with human frailties who make mistakes, and falter and don't catch ourselves - domino affect.
2006-12-23 01:21:50 · answer #2 · answered by Quest 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To answer the question from a non-Christian viewpoint: Christianity has changed over the years. I am not sure there is only one way from the original 1st century teaching. It has become a lot more dogmatic since then. Many other religious adherents know this. That is a confusion to them. They also see the peaceful teachings of Christ contradicted. That is why many do not embrace Christianity. And like most people, they usually stick with the religious culture they were raised with or what is common in their land. Many other beliefs contradict their own original teachings also. This is also another reason why there are so many atheist's and agnostics. As to Christianity in this country and others, they are convinced that the Bible is the answer. And I believe the Bible, not 'Christianity', answers all our questions. Thanks for your question. I hope I gave a reasonable answer.
2006-12-23 01:36:05 · answer #3 · answered by mc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question is similar to saying, "what makes Muslims blow up buildings"? It completely oversimplifies an entire religious belief system, and lumps all of the believers of a system into one bucket.
Assuming that all Christians believe the same thing is really misguided, as over 70% of Americans identify themselves as Christians. There are a wide variety of belief systems that fall into that, and many of those belief systems allow for the fact that our religious constructs were developed by men, and are imperfect.
I know there is a power in the world greater than myself, and I believe that there are certain characteristics of that God, but I am not so presumptuous to believe that a particular set of traditions fully and completely explains that Being that exists in a higher plane than I. There are more Christians who see it that way than those who would be judgemental and blind to other's point of view.
2006-12-23 00:55:27 · answer #4 · answered by myopenhandsguy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well as an outsider looking in (a person who has not completely accepted that one particular religion/belief is the one to follow) I can tell you that it is not just the American Christians that believe their religion is the only "right" one. I for one believe that most religious people no matter what origin believe that their religion is right and everyone else's is wrong. That is why you have people who are willing to die for what they believe in. That is why you have people driving planes into government buildings and why there are people committing mass suicides, blowing up churches and abortion clinics, and that is why you have snake handlers. I for one am one to believe at this point in my life that there is no one right religion. I believe that people should be open-minded enough to accept everyone elses points of view and that everyone should be free to worship whomever or whatever they wish to worship with no worries that they will be chastised for it.
2006-12-23 00:14:28 · answer #5 · answered by JNR3078 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why in the world do you think such crap? I could turn your question right around and ask you why are you being so ignorant? Why not ask about any other religion not believing in the Christian Religion? What makes any other religion beliefs better then the other? Your question is ignorant
2006-12-23 00:13:17 · answer #6 · answered by julia4evert 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
American Christians are right, except in one regard. They have it all wrong as well.
What are we left with? Idiotic religions the world over. Every last one of them.
Me? I'll worship God in private, than you. And leave the religions crap on the door scraper before I enter the house.
2006-12-23 00:09:52 · answer #7 · answered by know_it_all_NOT 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question----wish I could answer it. All I know is that American Christians have very ''holier than thou'' attitude.
Just had a thought as to why---------we are mostly isolated in America, and people do not know many people of other religions. They need exposure.
2006-12-23 00:21:39 · answer #8 · answered by Shossi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because American Christians, as I have perceived, have lived their life through Him, in Him, and in glory of the Holy Ghost.
2006-12-23 01:09:40 · answer #9 · answered by wacky_racer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my history studies we learned about a concept called, "Manifest Destiny". That type of thinking seems to be what the Amercian culture was established on.
2006-12-23 00:41:09 · answer #10 · answered by dannyLinear 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋