Do labels help or hinder us?

Question

In reading answers and searching out further information, I have come across a few labels that I find confusing in some respects. I still don't completely understand how a Messianic Jew differs from a Christian, and to me Satanism sounds very much like humanism.

Are you ever confused by what people label themselves?

Are people ever confused by what you label yourself?

Is it necessary to label our faith at all -- do we need it in order to group ourselves, or does it cause more, and increasingly minute schisms within each belief system?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

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Toronto, the prescription on your glasses apparently needs to be updated. I do hope you're not driving with those.

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Answer 1

I think they help. It holds us accountable for what we do, say, etc.

Example:
I have a 'Jesus Fish' on my car. EVERY time I want to 'lash out' or get very angry at a driver, or not let someone cut in front of me, I remember that people can see that fish, and that I need to set a good example for my faith, and not act like everyone else.

Answer 2

I'd say a little bit of both. Labels can be a helpful shorthand as long as they are used in a way that recognizes their inability to completely accurately describe the complex individual, group or thing wearing the label. For example, based on my research of religious beliefs I know that churches bearing the label "Reformed Baptist" or "Sovereign Grace" very closely fit my own beliefs. When moving to a new town this could help me most quickly find a church in which I can feel comfortable. Use of labels in such a manner can indeed be helpful. The problem comes when I fail to recognize that there is great variation within labels and that every label only describes a portion of the person/thing/group and that there is much more that is not being described by the label. In my example, the labels I mentioned do not describe how friendly the people are, how sincere they are, how good of a teacher the pastor is, whether my kids will have good role models in the church--all things that would be important to me in finding a church.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that labels can be a useful shorthand when the person using the label recognizes the shortcomings of labels.

Answer 3

Aren't we all worshipping the same god? Personally, I don't care what your "label" is. If we are worshipping the same god, then that should be enough. I am tired of hearing Christians bash Catholics, or Catholics bash Jews, or whatever the case may be. The fact of the matter is, God would disapprove of the prejudice. He wants all of his children to get along. It's funny how followers of God are to reach out to troubled souls, and they have loads of love to give to the non believers, so that they can show how wonderful Gods love is. Or (the golden rule) "Treat others as you would treat yourself"....but....Why can't they reach out to eachother? Jews to Christians. Cathlics to Baptists. What is the problem here? Constantly pointing your finger and whispering about how someone else is apparently worshipping God "wrong" is about as far out of the bibles teachings as you can get. It's god's business and the individual's business. What would you do if some people pointed their fingers at your relationship with your best friend or father. Told you that you are doing it wrong. Told you that because you didn't say hello to him the right way, or that you ate a certain food with him, then you are doing it wrong. COME ON PEOPLE! Ahhh....I could go on for hours. I think you catch my meaning by all of this.

Oh and Toronto? I'm assuming you are Canadian due to your name.....Please, cut the crap. That picture has been put on yahoo answers so much that nobody cares. It's old news. You are just giving Canadians a bad name. Try having a little respect for others. You'd be amazed at the results.

Answer 4

They hinder us. Forgive me, but even though this is a religious forum, I want to use a political example for a minute. I can't stand political labels like 'liberal' and 'conservative' because as soon as you call yourself one or the other, people IMMEDIATELY make assumptions about where you stand on everything. It's so frustrating when I'm in a debate with someone and they ask that question, because as soon as I answer it, they automatically determine where I stand on every single issue and make all sorts of other judgments. The same can be said with religious labels. If you call yourself an atheist or Christian, people right from the beginning assume things about you that may be totally untrue. In that way, labels certainly don't help, and I really try to avoid using them for that reason. Sorry if that's unrelated to your question but it was the first thing that came to my mind.

Answer 5

Hey Chicky..always enjoy your posts/questions.
I think labels hinder us. I don't introduce myself as a "Christian", I don't try to convert, I don't point fingers at others and say they are a "_____" when it comes to beliefs. My neighbors (we recently moved to a new neighborhood) might figure out I'm a Christian by the small cross that I wear, or the car leaving early Sunday morning. Other than that, we're just neighbors. We teach our children too that others believe in God, others do not. We do not use labels. In regard to our kids, we hope they become well rounded individuals, who appreciate the positive qualities of those they meet. When they have questions, we offer explanations that suit their ages....no negative additions to the descriptions when it comes to beliefs. It's nice too that we live in a fairly diverse area.

Edit....oh Toronto, time for me to use some labels. Chicky is beautiful, and you my friend, are approaching the opposite.

Answer 6

Yes labels does hinder us because it stops the person or other people form seeing the real you. Yes I can be labeled shy and other people will tell me I can't take a major role in the play because of the label that has been put on me. Once I get labeled that way, the person doesn't see that I truly have talent and fit that character they need in the play, but they will try to predict that I might get stagefright. Now tell me: does that help me or hinder me?

Answer 7

I am not ashamed to be a Christian/humanist as I understand I am labeled this. I am not ashamed. I believe the Bible was written to both men and women when referring to man. This helps me to un"group" people including myself and view all as being God's children. Only in the written context that is referring to husband/wife is the Bible speaking to a specific gender and it is clearly defined as to why....marital roles and nothing else. I am aware God created man differently for one purpose however, it is clear the human soul is exempt from gender. Agreeing, of course, with your point on labels as the next could easily misunderstand, due to lack of knowledge, and the solution to that is in your answer - faith is faith when all is said and done.

Satanism sounds very much like humanism - I do not understand this concept.

Answer 8

Unfortunately since we can't all just get along we have to divide ourselves into different groups based on what we believe...

Jews and Christians are completely different... so is Satanism and humanism... read up on those... you will quickly understand the difference and why they need labels

Answer 9

i'm not sure i can answer satanism and humanism,
but i know a messianic Jew, is a Jew who accepts Jesus, and a Christian is a Gentile who accepts Jesus
They are different because a Messianic Jew is part of God's chosen people, and a Christian, is just a Gentile, in the Bible it describes Jews, assending in the Rapture before Gentiles, but ya, the main difference is the fact that Messianic Jews are Jews that accept Jesus and Christians are Gentiles that accept Jesus

Answer 10

To me, it's a major hindrance, especially on here. It wasn't until I hopped on this site that I realized my beliefs that I've held for years and years pretty much make me an atheist. Maybe. Some of the time. I can't even quite label myself properly.