What do moderate Christians now think about the new threatening language used by Christians to non christians -most recently the new and improved rapture stuff?
Do they think it is a hard sell and attention seeking - and it shows that christianity is getting desperate and using the fire and brimstone stuff more- and do they worry about the effect it might have on young children and the vulnerable - who are exposed to this new "fear revival" that kind of petered out a bit - but now is back with bells on?
2007-03-06 03:36:48 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Amazing is it not that when the parish funds slow down how fast the fear mongering begins, It's an absolute travesty that religions get away with today.
2007-03-06 03:47:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
The rapture is an event that has been grossly overused, mostly by evangelical Christians (the Christian Right). I am a devout Catholic Christian with many Evangelical friends. This issue has always caused debate among us.
There is nothing but the vaguest reference to a 'rapture' in the Bible. You can find this vague reference in the Book of Revelation. I emphasize the word VAGUE because it's puzzling to me how a group whose premise is 'sola scriptura' can take the idea of the rapture and run with it. The very premise of the rapture as we know it today was only formulated 100 years ago!
Jesus will come again to claim His children. We are not to know the time. This is VERY clear in the Bible. There is no meniton, however, of the believers just disappearing at the blink of an eye, with the remaining poor saps being given 7 years of tribulation to become believers. THAT is a fairly recent concept, popularized by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins in their 'Left Behind' series.
Seek Jesus and you will find Him. Live your life with love for your neighbor and love for God in you heart, and be not afraid! THAT is the message that Jesus conveys to us. Leave the fire and brimstone to Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Benny Hinn, et al.
2007-03-06 11:51:31 · answer #2 · answered by irish_giant 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Good thing about this is that it was mentioned in the Bible before Christ died on the cross to have followers who are called christians. All the rapture, brimstone and so on was said long ago and there were children who grew up to be udults and they also taught about it too. So this is not to scare but to make you aware that one day you too will pass on like your forefathers who were once at your age.
2007-03-06 11:44:47 · answer #3 · answered by Dr Yahoo 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Can I explain it like this, Christians (and I am one) believe that unless a person is born again they will not see the kingdom of God but will spend eternity in hell, whether you choose to believe it or not is up to you but Christians do believe it.
So on the assumption that this is what Christians truly and completely believe then they would not care much for their fellow man if they did not warn others of the future to come.
I would not be much of a Christian if I saw someone walking blindly towards a cliff and sat quietly watching while he/she fell off.
Also most Christians that I know would believe that we are in the last of the last days and the rapture is something which will occur in the not too terribly distant future (although no one knows exactly when) , again if Christians believe that it's all about to be wrapped up then they will certainly tell others.
As I said you may not believe in God, but this is the motivation, or at least should be, behind every Christian sharing about Jesus.
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To Irish Giant have a read at Luke 17:30-35 which describes the rapture pretty clearly and not in a vague way.
"It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot's wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left."
Also 1 Thess 4:16,17.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Seems pretty clear to me.
JB
2007-03-06 11:51:31 · answer #4 · answered by J B 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I was scared with the fire and brimstone stuff when I was a kid. I am 29 now so exactly when did it change? It seems to be in a cycle just like everything else..
2007-03-06 11:40:29 · answer #5 · answered by Army Wife 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not entirely sure what you mean. Where have you been to listen to this "fire and brimstone" stuff ?
To accentuate the old testament is a little daft. Should only ever be taken as an analogy surely.
2007-03-06 11:42:19 · answer #6 · answered by brianthesnailuk2002 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The way was strayed from long ago. Jesus did not try to persuade at all...he just spoke. By how you live and the truth you speak...that will persuade more than trying pursuasion techniques.
Jesus acquired follows by not trying to change others.
~ Eric Putkonen
2007-03-06 11:51:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO..it's only scary to those who are lost and don't know where they are going.Christians aren't getting desperate.Where have you been?This has always been around and Christians are only looking out for the best interest of others. You need to pay attention.
2007-03-06 11:46:21 · answer #8 · answered by Jy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
New and improved?
I used to hear that pre-1988 . i was told in 1980 that in 1988 the rapture will come ... mainly from pat robertsons books lol.
Of course they preached fire and brimstone then.
How is it new and improved?
Yes its sad..its all desperate stuff.
2007-03-06 11:42:21 · answer #9 · answered by Triskelion 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have no idea what you are talking about ..."new and improved rapture stuff?"
I'm Catholic...maybe that hasn't made it to our area yet. Of course we don't believe in the rapture anyway.
2007-03-06 11:43:29 · answer #10 · answered by Misty 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋