I am a Christian, who is currently struggling with my faith, for many different reasons. For one, I keep hearing different claims that Jesus never existed, and many others, that seem to contain some truth. My main issue is this...I was a raised a Pentecostal, and I noticed that everything concerning Christianity is about rules, and what everyone is doing wrong. There seems to be so much criticism, and judgment in the church. Why are we as so-called Christians so judgemental of others? Another thing is, if we are supposed to be awaiting the arrival of our Lord and Saviour, then why are so many preachers and teachers, such as Joyce Meyer ( whom I actually really love), Creflo Dollar, and etc. always so overly concerned about prosperity teaching, and living in mansions and having designer clothes, and private jets? Is that what Christianity is about? I thought it was about love and acceptance, and forgiveness, etc. I'm starting to understand why Christianity is under attack. Perspectives?
2007-07-03 16:08:12 · 17 answers · asked by ? 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Everyone is not concerned with being rich. It's just that those who get popular enough to afford to get on television are those who scratch those with itching ears--not necessarily those with the truth. If the focus of the ministry is on being rich, that's a good indication that the ministry is not one that is consistent with New Testament Christianity. It is true that there are many wolves among the sheep and false teachers--the Bible teaches this is and will continue to be so! That's why it's so important that we have the Word in us so that we are not "tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine." It is good to question and seek. Humbly pray and seek God's wisdom and He will show you the right path. God bless you on your journey!
2007-07-03 16:17:00 · answer #1 · answered by KDdid 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wow. You ask a question that I have been dealing with for almost 9 months now. I too, have been struggling a bit, for as I look around at some of my fellow Christians, I am confused and a little ashamed of them. Not my most glorious moments!
All these rules that are now being man made are about as bad as the old days with the Saducees and the Phariases...Gods basic rules are so simple and natural! Leave it to man to complicate things and to Satan to twist the truth a little to the left...
We know that the bible has told us that there would be a time of false teachers/teachings. As good of a heart as Joyce Meyers had (and I have enjoyed her too), it bothers me as well that she is twisting some things around to support what she wants. NOT the whole message, but enough to where it makes one question. And it is not just her, but a whole slew of church leaders...
It is sooo hard to find a bible believing, solid good church that practises what it preaches. Preachers from the pulpit are 'tickling our ears' with what society wants to hear. And I agree with you - too much is focused on wealth and money and accumilation...things are way too complicated anymore. This would not be what Jesus was preaching on...
I really have no answer here, except to say to you, go ahead and question what you have been questioning. God is purifying you, like coal to the lips or metals in the fire!
You are sensing things that make Him weep. This is a good opputunity to dig deeper in His word, and see what He truly says about these things. Then, when you see this other 'false teaching', you will know, that you know, that you know, what God has said (and NOT what man has ordered). By doing that, you will be able to set the record straight with others, one person at a time.
Just, what ever you do, don't loose faith in God. Remember, the path to heaven is narrow - one does not follow the masses - you need to follow your heart and listen to the spirit of God!
Good Luck, and hopefully, someone else will be more elegant with the words and put things forth better than I can!
2007-07-03 23:29:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear, dear Cassandra:
I am a Christian too. Before meeting Jesus I didn´t believe in God. It took me a lot of suffering till I came to the conclusion that He was (and is) the ONLY way. But now I know Him and I love Him.
He is alive, He is real and He is love.
He is the only one that is perfect.
We are not, but we struggle to follow Him.
This persons you cited are going to be in front of the Lord very soon and they will have to answer for their behaviour.
But, Cassandra, they are FEW!
There are many, many others, truly servants of Jesus, that are aware that all these earthly things will pass and that place their treasure in the hands of the Lord Jesus.
Yes! Christianity is about love and acceptance. It is about forgiveness and sharing. It is about being "born in a manger", about giving the other face.
Don´t give up!
Many of these things you observe are strategies of our enemy. Wolves pretending to be lambs.
Don´t look at anybody! Look only at Jesus!
Pray tonight and ask Our Father all these questions. He will be there with you. I will pray for you to although I am so far from you.
God bless you!!!
In time: Cassandra, I just read "Patroclus"´s answer. I found it a very good answer (what does "Patroclus" mean?)
2007-07-03 23:28:48 · answer #3 · answered by Vovó (Grandma) 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are correct, we should be waiting for the rapture of the church and not looking to pack our suitcases with gold which we can't take with.
Pentecostal Churches have a tendency to be very judgemental and that's very sad.
The rapture of the church is the real deal, in spite of some who claim it was invented in the 1800's.
The facts are during the middle ages, aka the dark ages, people didn't know much about the Bible so that doctrine wasn't being preached by anyone in those days.
From the 4th Century until Martin Luther in the 16th Century no one was preaching that we are saved by faith, but that teaching has been in the Bible since Genesis 15:6.
It wasn't Luther's invention, although he might have been one of the first to rediscover it in a thousand years.
The story is told about a fellow who was a big fan of Robert Shuller who died and begged to be allowed to bring four very heavy suitcases into heaven with him.
Recluctantly St. Peter approved it.
Then St. Peter noticed some angels laughing and he ask them, "Why are you guys laughing?"
And one of the angels replied, "We peaked in his suitcases, why does he want to bring four heavy suitcases full of nothing of value here?"
St. Peter asked the angel, "What do you mean nothing of value?"
"Well", replied the angel, "all he had in his bags were paving stones."
If you've studied the Bible I'm sure you know what was in his suitcases.
Pastor Art
2007-07-04 00:10:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My perspective is that you are, quite simply, a true Christian and one of the good guys, and sadly, it's a lonely club. To be fair, my crisis of faith made me lapse as a religious observer, but that doesn't happen to everyone who questions. I know several very devout Christians who keep the basic tenets of Christianity in their daily lives. They treat others with respect and kindness, but are successful people (not rich, but successful in life -- decent jobs, great marriages, etc.) They happen to be Catholic, but I don't think that has much to do with it. There are good Catholics and bad Catholics, good Protestants and bad Protestants, good Jews and bad Jews, good Muslims and bad Muslims, etc. The bottom line is that when too many people become part of an organized religion, it ends up getting corrupted by whoever holds power.
The only thing you can do is remain true to your own faith and your own beliefs. Your relationship with God is what is important. (And remember, this comes from someone who isn't even religious!)
2007-07-03 23:17:52 · answer #5 · answered by daRimini 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was also raised pentecostal (son of a pentecostal preacher, not that matters). I understand your dilemma. I am glad that I was taught that it is better to give then to receive. And I still live by that in my everyday life. I also believe that greed and the love of money is the root of evil (there are many roots to evil but to me greed it top on my list).
I have hit rock bottom (no worse than Job), but my faith in God has seen me through it all. I have sinned (not my sexuality which isn't a sin, just regular sin, lying, cheating etc.) But one thing I still hold onto is that in my time of need God has answered my prayers and has taken me from nothing (financially, physically, emotionally) to something. He does give back ten folds. I am living proof.
Don't loose faith in God because of bad religious experiences. God isn't a religion he/she is a faith. Not everything in the bible is truth. But the message to do good and be good is truth. And like Karma, God will bless those that do good and trust in him. Peace.
2007-07-03 23:22:21 · answer #6 · answered by TRACER ™ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Misplaced priorities.
If you don't prosper they don't prosper.
Isn't Christ's message suppose to be about being in the world not being of it.
If George Bush and his kind were a true Christian he would not be president and rich.
But then Some people interpet it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man to get into heaven as it doesn't say it is impossible.
Quite a loophole there.
2007-07-03 23:11:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christ worked for a living and money the Representative of accomplished work is only as moral as one makes it.
when Christ whipped the money lenders I think the root of it was they put profit over morality and that is the worse thing that can become of money.Also Christ said others would do even greater things yet no one is looking for that ...why?judgment is helpful in light of kindness rather than vengeance or malevolence so admonish with tolerance to correct for good not to diminish good and punish as one would a dog .
forgive transgressions for the sake of a better life with honor not for personal credit and public abuse.
if correction only serves to increase rebellion and more sin what good is it.
peace
2007-07-03 23:23:39 · answer #8 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are getting caught up in "religion"..instead of faith. Believing that Jesus was the savior is a matter of "faith"...even if there is no proof that he was here...I still believe...that is my faith.
Rapture??? I guess, once again if you believe in that, then you do. Actually in the early churches no one believed in that. A minister, Darby, I believe was his name, combined revelations with passages from the book of Daniel and came up with the idea. As far as I know though, there in only one second coming...not one 1/2 way to get the good people and then again to judge...again.
Hope this helps! :)
2007-07-03 23:19:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These rich fellows that your speaking about are probably not even the Lords children. Because if they were they would careless about having riches and valuable things. Or maybe they don't have their priorities straight. Maybe they just gave up on the Lord. REMEMBER: the Lord said that the love of money is the root of all evil.
2007-07-03 23:16:24 · answer #10 · answered by brian w 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋