Why are so many Asian Christians not so concerned about theology?

Question

I have found this phenomenon interesting. You go to a typical Asian church (Chinese, Japanese, or Korean) and the majority of the people don't care about important theological issues. The Bible studies are usually just "fellowship" hangouts where they just discuss their weekday troubles or gossip about the latest news. I find that many Asian Christians just want to use church as a country club or a place they can just feel comfortable. A place not to worship God, but just to feel a sense of community. I disagree with this way of doing things. However, people who call me judgmental are usually the ones who don't want to repent and change their ways to conform to Scripture. They just want to persist in their disobedience to God. We are called to judge fellow Christians who are disobedient to the Word. Why don't so many people see that?

Answer 1

Dear Helper 725,

As a Youth/College Pastor at a Chinese Church (previously i served 11 years as a bible study teacher at a Korean church), in any group of people you'll discover that people have differences. We are instructed in the Scriptures to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. And in that respect i really agree with you that more and more as the end days approach, we are seeing people who turn away from God because they are not well grounded in the word of God. As the parable of the sower shows- there are those who the worries of the world, etc. causes them to walk from their faith- and yes it is true that they do need to make their lives right with God.

That being said i want to remind you of a couple of Bible verses:

**Ephesians 5:25-29: Husbands, love your wives, just as christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word, that He might present it ot Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and yet wihtout blemihs. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself, For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.

In this passage Jesus compares His love and relationship with the church of that of a husband and wife. He notices blemishes in the church just like a husband may notice his wife is not perfect, but he doesn't "pound her over the head" he (v.26) washes her with the word of God- he (v.29) nourishes and still cherishes her. And remember that this is the attitude that we ought to have as we see things in the church that need to change. We need to love with the love of Christ. Also want to remind you that Romans tells us that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance. And lastly that Luke tells us that we will be judged by the same standards as we would grant forgiveness to others. Mercy triumphs over judgment bro. Judgment is up to God, we are to be fruit inspectors and most certainly to advise people when they are going down the wrong road-- but how we do it every bit as important that we do it.

You sound a little frustrated, and i think that the things that you observe are valid bro, but God has shown you these things so you can be a part of fixing it - to His glory, and not to put down Christian churches. Remember the church is the bride of Christ- he nourishes and cherishes it-- do you nourish and cherish your brothers and sisters in the Lord even though they are far from perfect? Jesus does, and we should imitate Jesus if we call ourselves Christians. The purpose of studying theology is to love God with our mind and to grow closer to him with our hearts so that we can passionately share God's word with those who need it.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 2

If a person uses the church only as a hangout with fellow christians or those that claim to be...it is because they are following a religion..not a personal relationship with God/Jesus. Or if they are not concerned about specific "Church's" doctrine, perhaps it is because they do realize that the personal relationship is the most important thing. Could be either way.

Answer 3

Nobody sees and interprets the world in the exact same way. Jesus called the Apostles and you to learn a new way of life...not to pass sentence on others.....he will do that for you. If you are so mission oriented then become a priest or a minister. If you value the honesty and logic of my say in this matter then you will not grade me badly. Peace to all sentient beings.

Answer 4

Why is theology important? can it help you get a better deal on a car or find a better restaurant for your daughter's wedding? Maybe they should just go hang at Starbucks or the country club on a Sunday morning. Personally, I suspect the 10 minutes of the sermon a week is about enough real theology time for most people.

Or maybe you do the theology when you're sitting in the pew listening to somebody and maybe on the drive home later. Meanwhile, when you're standing around the buffet line or coffee urn you schmooze - which is not at all about theology.

Answer 5

I wouldn't say this if I were you. probably because not everyone is comfortable in a church where they are racially outnumbered. generally, churches tend to attract the demographic of the pastor or the founding members; if they're strictly African members, then cocaisians may feel uncomfortable coming. people tend to like being closer to their race, or the race they act like. just an observation of something that needs to change

Answer 6

a million. The Adam/Eve/Snake/Tree/Sin tale isn't unique to the biblical introduction tale. there is, although, exciting symbology in contact. to maintain goddess worshippers in line, woman had to be portrayed with the aid of fact the vulnerable one; the snake is seen as sacred and a healer in historical religions, so it, too, had to be vilified. 2. sure, notably plenty, except you rationalized each little thing. See #a million. 3. it particularly is a secret? Re "further information": difficult questions can contain thinking outdoors the container. it is risky for Christians. Preposterous is interior the strategies of the non-strategies-controlled beholder. The Giver/Taker-away tale basically works while there are enforcers. hence.... faith.

Answer 7

Perhaps they feel that you concentrate on the unimportant issues too, They are probably closer to the truth than you realise.

You sound like a typical narrow minded holier than thou wannabe christian to me

Answer 8

I think that is probably a shallow interpretation based on race.

Answer 9

i dont judge others too much wnhen not asked....comeon...theyre happy leave them be