Christians in R & S: Do you realize that you are unlike the majority of Christians?

Question

The majority of Christians who I encounter (a combination of rural Southern Baptists and inner-city Baptists) in person are totally unable to back up any of their religious beliefs. They can’t even say that the Bible backs them up because they do not know what is in the Bible. If you call Christianity into question, they simply look at you like you are crazy and say they will pray for you. I realize that this is not really a question, but I just wanted to commend the Christians who come into R & S who are at least open-minded enough to acknowledge questions that non-Christians have. I think there is a link between religious open/closed mindedness and intelligence. It is obvious that the R & S group is much more intelligent than the average Christians.

Answer 1

Oh yes Gabe, and I am quite proud of it. My experience has been a lot like yours, but I would say about 60/40 and maybe because I was raised in a non-fundamental church and continue to be associated with one, along with liberal political associations. BTW...I live in the Bible belt.

The Liberal Christian Person
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 2

Lets think about this: Really:

You probably encounter: Oh I am going to say 15 people in a year that are Christians that you actually sit down too talk too about religion.

Unless you are the kind of person who walks into a church full of inner city baptist's, with Kids from a bad neighborhood who would rather be religious then, Oh say, I don't know, Commit murder like most of people in the inner city (I know what an inner city is as well as the majority of southern baptist's are afican americans in the south, because you know thats where I live)

so, like I was saying, Unless you walk in too this church questioning these kids beliefs too turn them back over to the streets that are full of crime, and by that you are responsible for many people's deaths, robberies, and so on...or...

your lieing...


Have a good day!

Answer 3

I don't think you can blame religion for those who are either a) open minded or b) close minded.

I find this same kind of hostility and ignorance in the Vegan/Vegetarian section. The meat eaters feel the need to come in and tell us all we're insane and malnourished.

I will grant you that the Evangelical Baptists to tend towards being extreme in their beliefs. But they are only a small percentage of Christians.

Of the 6 billion people on this planet, 2 billion call themselves Christian. According to Adherents.com

Over 76% of the US population professes to be Christian.

Baptists, like Catholics, are not all one unit. There are many different kinds called "conventions" or "unions".

The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest Baptist religious body, just under one-third of all U.S. Baptists, and about 7% of all U.S. Christians.

So why is it that such a tiny percent of US Christians is so vocal?

Nothing like answering a question with a question, eh?

Answer 4

Many Faiths major on a salvation experience. Then they move to the next person to get "saved" Other religions major more on the Learning experience of the scriptures. Knowing what someone believes and why they believe it. Where does the Bible Justify such a belief. Some people are just "saved" IE...not going to hell Others live what the Bible says and accept the responsibility of being "Christlike" Some are good athletes some just sit in the stands.

Answer 5

The majority of Christians got to church only to discharge their duty to God, and to show off their new outfits! It's also pretty much all the Bible they get all week, spoon fed by their pastors, and even watered down by more modern translations, in order for everyone to get their warm fuzzies. That's why they look at you really funny when you ask them to explain any portion of the Bible, and look like a deer caught in the headlights. They might be able to recite parts of the Lord's prayer (which is actually the Apostle's prayer) and maybe a quick John 3:16 or a short portion of Psalm 23. But defend their faith? Why, that's the pastor's job, donchya know! I'm Southern Baptist, though I live way up in da north country of Wisconsin, so I kinda fit your profile of being a rural S.B. I've been a Sunday school teacher for 16 years, so have to study constantly, which benefits me quite a bit when people ask me questions. My hubby and I are active members of CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) and go to biker swap meets and other places where bikers congregate, wearing our leather and backpatch, and being available to either help them set up their tables, or just to talk. We don't force our Bibles down their throats. Mainly, they watch us, and determine if we're the real deal by the way we talk and act. I've heard the same words out of many of the bikers as what you've stated. They've seen the phony baloney plastic smiles of many wannabe-Christians, and they're turned off by what they see later, when they think no one is watching. Christians, if you're gonna call yourself one, then be one. Otherwise, don't bother. Your witness follows you wherever you go. People ARE watching, and will see and tell others. Being a Christian is more than a Sunday kinda thing. It's not something you put on and take off when it's convenient. If you're gonna be any use to God, then for heaven's sake, study your Bible daily, and find out what your ministry is. You were not saved to sit, but saved to serve. Okay, okay, I'm off my soapbox now. I tend to get very upset with those who claim to have a relationship with the Lord, but don't live it. I too am appreciative of those who come on this forum and answer questions in a straightforward way, not cutting down anyone in the process. When you tear apart someone for voicing their opinion, you're limiting their freedom of speech. Now, I'm not talking about those who purposely plan stuff on here to stir the pot, then sit back and laugh. I answered one question, in a sincere way, only to find out that they were really just having some fun. I guess we have to realize that we're dealing with some very immature and angry people on this site, so we've got to learn to shrug it off. Anyway, just thought I would add my two cents to your very eloquent comment. The thing about adding your two cents is that your often get back change! Have a great day. <*)))><

Answer 6

The Bible tell us:

2Ti 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2Ti 4:4 And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

I come here to tell the Truth, like it or not.

Answer 7

Perhaps we are unlike the "majority of Christians that you encounter" but I doubt very much that we are unlike "the majority of Christians." Christians who are "new to the faith" tend to be the ones who are least knowledgeable but more prone to proselytizing. Give them time to gain a little knowledge and patience.

Answer 8

Do you question religion? I am asking because I think it is very healthy to do so. I think people that follow a religion and do not know why are lost.

Good comment!

Answer 9

I understand your point.
But I have met young atheists who profess to be so because they think the Matrix is a cool movie and some type of real sub-culture. Nothing more to back it up.

Answer 10

i agree - but know there is a large and growing group of us called "emerging/evovling followers" who have a very different view of our faith and how it relates to those around us - we are not striving to make converts, we are seeking to have conversations.

head over to places like:
ginkworld.net
theooze.com
dtour.org
next-wave.org

and you will find people asking questions and truly seeking to find answers that are not "in a box."