Christians, if you could clear up one misperception about being a Christian...?

Question

I'm amazed sometimes at some of the misperceptions about what it's like to be a Christian, especially on the Religion and Spirituality forum.

Think about some of the responses that others have written about Christianity, and how sometimes you wonder where those statements come from. So, here's your opportunity...if you could correct one misperception that non-Christians have about what being a Christian really is like, what would it be???

Answer 1

I would like to correct those stereotypes about how most of us are "religious freaks" or that our second job is to shove our beliefs down non-believers' throats. Not ALL Christians are like that. We try to be the best we can be in offering a hand to those in dire need of spiritual awakening. Or in other words, to those in distress but when we do help, we're not trying to convert you. Just sharing the light of Jesus Christ.

Answer 2

I would like for non-Christians to understand that nobody has a monopoly on the name "Christian;" any group can believe just a small part of the Bible and use that name. I am not part of the many religions that use the name Christian; I am only part of the ones that actually experience the new birth, John 3:1-7, and the joy and peace of the Holy Ghost, Romans 8:9, Romans 14:17, Titus 3:5, and make a conscious effort to follow the teachings of Jesus and his apostles.

For Christians, I would like to clear up misconceptions about the Bible teaching concerning the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Bible does not say "God in three persons," not one single time. These are three ways the same God is manifest to us, not different people.

Answer 3

Well, you have already stated that there were 'misperceptions'. (Did you mean misconceptions?)

What are the one's that you are aware of. I don't know where to go with what it is that you are talking about.

What I percieve, having to do with the second half of the 'question' is what exactly makes a Christian a Christian?

A Christian is a Christian because he or she trusts God through Jesus Christ. And we get our text from the Bible on what to trust Him with. The Christian will endure the problems in life and continue to look to God for all things needed.

All the stuff about being 'good' and all the don'ts that people want to bring into Christianity is not what makes them a Christian. It might be evidence of them being a Christian, but an Athiest can do a 'good' thing, and a Satanist can give to someone in need, but a Christian is the only one that points to Jesus Christ when they want someone to know where the religious 'center' of the universe is.

Answer 4

The idea that all Christians are fundamentalists or endorse their views. I know it's cheating,but here's one other - the runner-up - and that's the old bit that "most wars have been because of Christianity". There were no shortages of wars before Christianity,and even suggesting religion in general ignores the real motives - often cloaked in religious justification,but certainly rarely motivated by genuine religious reasons. The Crusades,for example - a crude exploitation of religiosity for purely political-economic purposes.

Answer 5

I would explain the history of the Christian church from the beginning so that people would understand that some of the branches of the Christian church that developed later have come up with some ideas that were not that way in the beginning. I would tell them that the basic teaching of the Christian faith is that Jesus was the Messiah of the Jews, and that he died and was resurrected. We believe that He sent His Spirit to the Church and that His Spirit (called the Holy Spirit) is with the church and with each member of the church. I would explain that what the Christian church believes is summed up in the Nicene creed. I would tell them that as a group we argue over many points of theology and that some denominations come very close to heresy. I would tell them that some groups mean well but do not understand the teaching of Christ. I would tell them that they are not going to hell, that God loves them just as they are and wants them to return to Him so that He can be in a loving relationship with them.

Answer 6

I would change the misinterpretation that all Christians are Bible-beaters... I hate it when people take ten steps back when they find out I'm a Christian! And sometimes when I read the responses on here, I feel like maybe they're right to feel that way: there really are a lot of Bible-beaters out there... But at the same time, it IS possible to be Christian AND open-minded. One of my friends was amazed that I didn't immediately tell her she was going to go to hell when she told me she was Hindu, just because I wear my crucifix every day!

Answer 7

I don't like that non-Christians think all Christians are fundamentalists who are always preaching and are not accepting of different ideas. There are many people like that, but there are also many Christians who are open-minded, caring, accepting and non-judgemental. But because we are not out there judging people, it is often assumed that we don't exist. I am a Christian, but I respect people of other religions and do not try to force my opinions on them. There are lots of wonderful people out there who are Christians. We are just overshadowed by the others who are out there making us look bad.

Answer 8

Of many missed perceptions, one in particular is that it is
a religion of historical principals. The bible and Gods words spoken are present and very much here and now, any one who reads the bible and has read of Faith and of the miracles and the healing as well as the persecution and all these things are same this day and every day as it was at the time it was written. It is Omni-Present. Another misperception
about christianity to the young believer or someone who has recently come to Christ is that it is all roses (Fun, peaceful,
vibrant with exceeding food , wealth and riches). Jesus said that this they do to me the same and more will they do unto you; Paul rejoiced in his persecution as it to him meant he was worthy of following after Christ. We were given Power
of Faith and Authority of Jesus Name to overcome and rule over this world. (Read what Jesus Christ said pertaining to
our Faith. (The misperception here is that people think that
Faith is what church you attend or doctrine you follow after.
But I tell you this There is but one Doctrine and it is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ (BOOK OF ACTS); and to everyone
is given THE MEASURE OF FAITH. Faith is real, it is just as much a part of you as the lifes blood that flows in your vains.

Answer 9

Not all Christians are alike or believe the same things. Not even close. There are so many different "Christian" religions and varying philosophies amongst even the same Christian religions that a huge diversity of beliefs and ideas has evolved.

Answer 10

That we hate everyone. I am sooooo sick of people in the media and elsewhere saying that Christians hate gay people and are haters. Just because I disagree with someone (which I have every right in this country to do), just because I believe that committing certain sexual acts is wrong doesn't mean that I hate people. Why is it that Buddhists, Muslims, Wiccans, and everyone but Christians are allowed to have their beliefs and points of view without being called a hater. Why isn't tolerance a two way street? I am sooooooo sick of people screaming that we should have tolerance for gays, witches, etc, etc, and yet these same people demonstrate no tolerance themselves of a religion more than 2,000 years old. They preach tolerance, but they don't practice it. I'm just as entitled to my beliefs as they are to theirs! They are the haters. I give money to charities, I've volunteered at soup kitchens, I've bought christmas presents for kids whose parents are in jail and helped to build playgrounds with my own two hands. I've engaged in many acts of love and try to do so everyday. And I pray for my acquaintances who are gay because I CARE and I don't want them to go to hell. If I didn't care then I wouldn't say anything to them and would just let them do what they want and be damned. But I don't get all up in their faces and scream, either. There are some Christians who behave badly and give the rest of us a bad name, but it's not the majority.