"There ought to be a term that would designate those who actually follow the teachings of Jesus, since the word 'Christian' has been largely divorced from those teachings, and so polluted by fundamentalists that it has come to connote their polar opposite: intolerance, vindictive hatred, and bigotry." -- Philip Stater
In my experince, there are really very few Christians who really know a thing about Christianity. For the most part, I like those who do, they're intelligent, thought provolking and honest. I may not agree, but generaly they can at least present a reasonable argument.
What should we call them?
Honestly, Christians.. what happened to the Calvins and the Martin Luthers? Where did the thinking Christians go and why is there so much dogmatic non-sense replacing them?
I don't have a problem with Christianity, I have a problem with how often your responses to me seem like the theological version of blowing rasberries.
2006-12-30 14:57:53 · 25 answers · asked by socialdeevolution 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I just only capitalize the C if I am talking about a true follower--guy above me gets a small "c''
2006-12-30 15:01:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
i'm a christian and i would like to think i'm not intolerant, vindictive or bigoted. In fact there are many Christians and atheists that I know who are none of those things. Sadly, there are so many people out there who claim to be christians and spout off and don't live their faith. they have no idea what the Word really says and they take Scripture out of context. It says in the Word to be wise as serpants and harmless as doves, but I don't think many christians have read that part! I have so much still to learn about my faith and the BIble. I can honestly say that I was one of those "ignorant Christians" and now I'm trying to listen and learn and think before I speak. It is funny, though. When I get on this board and ask a question of an atheist I feel like they're blowing raspberries at me! lol! Also, I really believe if people(atheists and religious) would lighten up and have more of a sense of humor, maybe we'd have more productive dialogue. I appreciate you question.
2006-12-30 15:48:17 · answer #2 · answered by 4 Shades of Blue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of Christian denominations which still seek truth and think in the terms in which you describe. The Presbyterians, Methodist, Disciples of Christ, some Lutherans, etc. If you are looking for a label, most churches frown on the concept of liberal, but will talk about their theology as pursuing the social-gospel issues.
2006-12-30 15:04:27 · answer #3 · answered by rogueknight17 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, there is a Scripture in the Bible, and I don't recall what it is, but it tells Christians not to argue among themselves. Doing so will only divide and prevent us from fulfilling God's purpose. Yes, I know people that wear crosses on their necks and say they are Christians, yet are having pre-marital sex and drinking. Humans always find some way to corrupt a good thing, we've done it with our planet and with Christianity. But if we call ourselves different names, yet believe in the same God, our dis-unity is going against God, pleasing Satan, and confusing unbelievers. Those that don't do fully believe in God and all that he has to say, shouldn't be calling themselves Christians. They can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? Christianity shouldn't be a costume to wear to please society, it is a decision to live your life for God and according to His Word. That shouldn't be taken lightly and I am pleased that you recognized that.
2006-12-30 15:05:51 · answer #4 · answered by Walking Contradiction 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have religion which is usually just for show, Christians truly care. They don't care what you wear to church, they know that everyone sins, even them, sometimes more than nonchristians. Religionists like to legalize everything, like, women have to wear dresses to church or if you smoke you will go to hell. They think they are perfect. They turn people off from christianity which in my case is my whole life. I love Jesus. He loves me and he forgives. That is what people need to worry about, not the legalists stuff.
2006-12-30 15:04:31 · answer #5 · answered by suzy-Q 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
well for me as Christian I would say it's the hardest job to do to live our life according to Jesus's way.. but I have to agree with you that there are other ppl that use Christian name but act like a fool.
So I usually just call them people who wears Christian mask..
honestly as much as I have to love them (as Jesus teach us to forgive n love others) I don't like the way they destroy Christian name because of their act..
I can't even convinced my brother to Christianity because of those people...
oh well I can't judge them coz I'm not the judges.. Jesus is.. so all we can do is just live our life according to what Jesus want.. Amen!!!
2006-12-30 15:51:26 · answer #6 · answered by duffy_dev 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a Born Again Christian. I am not one of those so called "christians" who tollerate the sins of this world or allow my spiritual eyes to get adjusted to the sins of this world by way of tollerating them. I don't judge the sinners, I just let the word of God stand in judgement of them.
I repent of my sins daily and work at changing the weak parts of me that cause me to fall short of God's glory. I myself have a long way to go in my walk with the Lord, but together with Him, I shall be lead to the winner's circle with Him. Praise the Lord!!
God has His own word for those so called christians who lay claim to that title but do not walk the walk. It is called a reprobate.
Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
He also refers to them as false prophets...
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
2006-12-30 15:06:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. I wouldn't call myself a Christian because that word has come to have the connotation of intolerance, uncaring, knowing everything, unreasonable, war-mongering, hatred, and heaven knows what else.
2006-12-30 15:03:25 · answer #8 · answered by homo erectus 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Jesus never called his foloowers Christians. That term came much later. He called his followers "my friends".
I don't call myself a Christian, because I'm not. However, I am a friend of Jesus.
2006-12-30 15:01:24 · answer #9 · answered by Joni DaNerd 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think "we" ought to call "them" anything at all. It is up to the individual to identify himself according to his belief in cases of religious philosophy. Naming anyone or any group is the business of the individual and the group itself.
<><><> r u randy? <><><>
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2006-12-30 15:05:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋