The Bible actually commands Christians to proclaim the Gospel to people (to the world) [Mark 16:15]. But how in the world can a Christian proclaim what the Bible says (i.e.- it says Jesus is the only way [John 14:6,Mark 16:16], all other gods are false[Isa. 45:22], witchcraft is forbidden, etc[5:19-20]) in public without being called a bigot, or being accused of using scriptures to "attack pagans"? Over & over again it seems that when I ask this question to pagans, they mostly say the scripture itself isn't bigoted, but it's bigoted to repeat it. Jesus said He is the only way [Mark 16:16], but when a Christian or monotheist says "Jesus is the only way, there are no other paths, period", we're called bigots (even though we tolerate the existence of other religions!). All Christians are doing is repeating what the Bible says- and we're not doing it to be spiteful- we believe in ONE truth for ALL as the Bible says. I'm tired of pagans resorting to namecalling. What's a Christian to do?
2007-03-02 11:41:45 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hi Mike :) Yes, I do mean pagans, and/or wiccans. And they do have a big problem with it, usually. No matter how nice a Christian expresses their faith. Personally, I never intrude upon people. But for instance, a religious converstation online between many people. Once a Christian speaks of one absolute truth, they start throwing around the "bigot" word.
2007-03-02 11:52:09 · update #1
In today's liberal society, a true Christian really cannot proclaim the Good News without being called a bigot because there are too many forces at work that are directly threatened by the Bible and good moral values. As for what we can do about it, I think it boils down to 1) Continue proclaiming the Gospel (we who know the Truth, know that you are not a bigot.). 2) Live the Gospel and allow others to witness Christ through our actions. (This will show others what TRUE Christians are all about. 3) Pray for strength and endurance to fight the good fight and "finish the race well." And 4) Remember that God is still in control no matter what happens. Remember, the Bible says that as we get closer and closer to the end-times, life will get harder and harder for His Church. God loves us though and we will be taken care of for eternity.
Keep up the good work!!!!
2007-03-02 12:00:20 · answer #1 · answered by Wookie 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a person who was raised as a Christian, I understand. This is your cross to bear. When the religion was young, Christians were persecuted. Worship had to be done in hiding, and there were secret signals, like the touching of the forehead, heart and stomach at the reading of the gospel instead of the sign of the cross. Now Christians are the majority, and are no longer in danger when practicing their faith. With this majority status comes power. Christians often abuse that power to control other people's lives. The biggest current example is the flurry of state constitutional amendments to discriminate against gay people. This is the main reason that I have let go of the faith. I personally don't want to be associated with that manifestation of bigotry. I don't believe that most of what is printed in the Bible is true. How could it be after having gone through generations as a verbal testament, then hand written and translated into Aramaic, then Greek, then Latin, then Old English, then modern English, then revised a few times. Given the power plays that the clergy went through and all of the perversions of doctrine, including the sale of indulgences, the crusades, and ending up with so many silly rules and regulations, I believe that it bears little resemblence to the original teachings of Jesus. Now it is those uf us who are not believers that must fear the tyrrany of the majority who are believers. Remember, faith is believing something that can't be proven. Our currency, our license plates, our court houses include symbols and statements of faith that speak for the whole of society, when in fact many believe that these are false. If Jesus is really there, a whole bunch of Christians will have some 'splanin' to do.
2007-03-02 13:29:46 · answer #2 · answered by fulviabruni 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you are commanded to proclaim the gospel, thats fine.
What makes it wrong is when christians keep coming back time and time again to the same place or same people after those people have said NO they are not interested. That is when it becomes wrong. Thats when christians get called names.
Mark 6 verse 11 is the verse about shaking the dust from your feet and leaving that place if they refuse to listen.
ETA
And christians need to STOP making such absolute statements like this one. This person is not a real christian
Jesus is the only way. There is no other way. Pagans are endangering their soul. The Bible clearly is against witch craft. [...]God will clearly destroy all Pagans.
2007-03-02 15:05:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We can pray. Jesus promised us we would be persecuted, just remember that he was hated first. Good job for witnessing to the lost. You ask what's a christian to do? Pray. As a former hardcore pagan, now born again beliver. Pray. It was the only thing that worked for me. Its the strongest weapon you have against the darkness and believe me. It works. I'm living proof. Also, Jesus didn't just command us to spread the good news he gave us AUTHORITY. Use that God given authority and never stop. Keep it up, sister.
2007-03-02 11:49:51 · answer #4 · answered by Crash 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
What's a Christian to do? Continue with the Great Commission. Jesus said that the world will hate us for what we believe, and it does. I think a lot of Christians forget that we are to proclaim the Gospel, not force it on others. Christianity isn't about forcing anything, but freely giving. I'll keep you in my prayers as you keep walking with God.
2007-03-02 11:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by Deus Luminarium 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Even though I'm not a believer, I can put myself in your place. I remember something in the bible about paul telling someone if someone doesn't want to listen to them about something after a couple of tries to shake the dust from their feet and move on, or something like that. In other words, your 'word' should only be passed to those ready to receive it. To try to pass it on to someone who isn't 'ready' is not only wasting your time, but may push them into a corner to where they are sick of religion, as some people are today.
2007-03-02 11:46:33 · answer #6 · answered by merlin_steele 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you know you have the truth, it shouldn't even matter what they think or say to you, it's a matter of life or death. Even if they don't realize it because they are still living in darkness in the ways of the world, they need to hear the truth so the seed can be planted! That is what God expects of you as a true and faithful servant. You are doing the work for God because you love Him and He loves you. After all, he is your real Father.
2007-03-02 11:56:47 · answer #7 · answered by SLEDGE 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I suppose namecalling is just something you have to deal with. Jesus said following him would be difficult, not easy, and I think that part of spreading the word is accepting the fact that not everyone is going to cheerfully accept it. But you're still doing the right thing by following your heart and trying to help others. You cannot force anyone to believe, but you can always do what you think is right.
2007-03-02 11:49:33 · answer #8 · answered by miakaye 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
"What's a Christian to do?"
Keep in the truth!! If you are not called a bigot, intolerant, hatemonger, etc, by the world...you are definitely doing something wrong. Spread God's truth, despite the evilness of the world and the hate you will receive. They hated Him and they will hate you too. Keep in His truth and He will give you life...
Heb 4:12 -
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2007-03-02 11:49:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Jesus is the only way. There is no other way. Pagans are endangering their soul. The Bible clearly is against witch craft. Suffer not a witch to live is clearly stated in the Holy Bible. the only thing saving witches is the law against killing them. Christians have to leave it in the hands of God now. God will clearly destroy all Pagans. God bless We still pray they may see the light and covert.
2007-03-02 11:56:19 · answer #10 · answered by . 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋