Is optimism a Christian Priciple?

Question

and further, is playing the devils advocate a sin?

Answer 1

Many people would tell you yes. But in reality, Christians are charged to look at truth. The "optimism" we are called to see is the idea that, even if things do turn out bad, God is with us, and His "path" is one we can trust. Many Christians have died, and even are still dieing overseas preaching the gospel, Jesus even warned us that this would happen. Telling His disciples they would be killed for His sake isn't very optimistic, what is optimistic, though is that the circumstances of this world can only affect us in this world (as long as we don't let them get the best of us).

As far as playing devil's advocate, I really think it depends. I think momentarily "taking a side" to force someone to think for themself is a good thing. I do think it can be taken to an extreme, though where people are only looking to "go against the flow", as they call it, and only advocate the things that God (or society (in whatever case)) stand against. I think it all comes down to balance.

The Bible says do all things in moderation. I think balance (not between sin and purity, mind you) is key in maintaining a lifestyle that isn't only "religious", it's truth.

Answer 2

Optimism is just a human principle. Some people are optimistic, some aren't.

I guess you have to believe in sin before you can consider the second question. And if you believe in sin, then you probably wouldnt play Devils Advocate.

Answer 3

Hope is a Christian principle. Playing "the devil's advocate" as the expression is used just means to bring out the other side. That is not a sin.

Answer 4

1. Don't think so; rather than optimism the gospel promotes hope.
2. Don't think so; the devil's advocate is in charge of bringing everything under heavy question marks, something that needs to be done.

Answer 5

Jesus must have been optimistic knowing his fate and all. As far as being "devils advocate" I don't think asking questions is a sin at all. I think not questioning is the real sin.

Answer 6

I have never seen so many people obsessing over stuff (hell, homosexuality, biblical texts, prayer in school, evolution and just generally how much evil there is in the world) pointlessly as Christians on this site. Optimism? You are having a laugh!

Answer 7

Faith is a Christian Priciple

Answer 8

Christians see the entirety of humanity as condemned and 2/3 of it as going to hell. This is far from optimism.

And the term "Devil's Advocate" refers to the papal officer who is assigned to debunk any miracles attributed to potential saints, so by its nature, the Devil's Advocate is a church official.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 9

I have never met a christian who is optimistic becuase they are always talking about hell and damnation and sinners and children who are sinners and the end of the world and how we will be better dead so we can go to the promise land and how I must be indepted to a carpetner so no I have never heard of them being optimistic maybe there are people out there who dont talk about hell, damnation, better places than what we already have, children who need to pray for their sins and how love and sex can be deemed as sinful and people who dont have a right to self determination .................I glad you have met these people

Answer 10

In that "..............Man is that he might have Joy", it would seem to be a consistent principle. I would guess that it is not in the phrase, of the second that would be a sin but rather the sin would be determined by the intent of the action would it not?