A) one that spends more time judging the wrongs of others without looking in the mirror first?
B) one that quotes everything with scripture?
C) one that spends most of their day reading and praying but not going out into the world to share it?
D) other?
let's be mature adults in our answers, this is a sincere question
2007-10-09 16:51:36 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Friend of mine who happens to be a minister says this: "Don't become so heavenly that you are no earthly good.""
2007-10-09 17:38:04 · answer #1 · answered by Just Tink 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's often easy to judge an "Overly-zealous" Christians in the negative and while that may be in many cases - it is not always true and it is often more difficult to know the more subtle O-Z's than the obnoxious.
They are sometimes new or young believers who have not yet learned what is means to be a true believer.
They may be sincere - but sincerely wrong. An example might be one who quotes Scripture out of context or thinks the way God has gifted them is what all believers should be or do.
They are often those who have their own ideas of what being a "good" Christian is but are inexperienced in Bible knowledge or the workings of the Holy Spirit - much the same as a hospital orderly who gives medical advice simply because they work in a hospital and without the guidance of more knowledgeable doctor.
Others may carry a grudge against a denomination or a pastor and seek "revenge" at the expense of anyone who will listen.
How do we protect ourselves against O-Z Christians or keep from being one ourselves? Read and learn the Scriptures and as you do - learn what they teach about prayer, fellowship and worship (ie: Romans 12:1-2) and then put to practice what you have learned - understanding there are no shortcuts and that being a believer is a life-long process.
As you do these things in humility, obedience and faith - begin looking around you for what god might be showing or telling you.
Thanks. God keep you.
2007-10-10 00:21:19 · answer #2 · answered by trinity.tom333 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Proposition A) and C) show faulty behaviour.
I'd argue they're misguided or askew Christians. From my standpoint, there is no inherent problem for a religious believer to quote from religious texts. I wouldn't say such Christians are over zealous Christians, as zeal implies only passion and enthusiasm. This brings me to another point in coming, I don't believe there is such a thing as an over zealous Christian. Afterall doesn't the Bible say "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."? A lack of passion and love for God, according to Christian doctrine, is not such a good thing. I full-heartedly agree that judgmental Christians, Christians that preach "love, non-judgmental attitudes) and yet are self-righteousness and always berating you with condemnatory moral lectures, do exist. Such Christians are very painful to be around (I know from experience). However I'd say they're the bad apples. They don't exemplify Christianity, the forgiveness, love, and humility mentioned in the Bible, nor "Christlike"ness.
2007-10-10 00:15:53 · answer #3 · answered by fading 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No such thing. Have you ever heard of anyone accusing a baseball fan of being "over zealous?"
The Bible does say that there are those with "a zeal for God but WITHOUT knowledge"...Im assuming that these are the folks you are referring to. These are those that are "religious" to the max, legalistic, judgemental and know nothing of the GRACE of God.
These folks are stuck in trying to establish their OWN righteousness instead of depending on the imputed righteousness of Christ. They dont understand what took place on the Cross, nor do they realize what their NEW identity is in Christ.
Rather than an over zealous Christian, I would call them what Paul calls them. He warns us "NOT TO BE IGNORANT..."
They are UNSTUDIED christians who are attempting to live the Christian life in their flesh...instead of following the truth of Galatians 2:20.
Carnal Christians is the word I would use to describe them. Immature and NOT established in the faith.
Study is the answer to their dilemma...and learning HOW to study according to the Bible in 2 Tim 2:15.
Great question, by the way.
2007-10-10 00:11:31 · answer #4 · answered by goinupru 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
An over zealous Christian is a convoluted dweep who cares nothing about what I believe, whether or not I have a faith or a church and simply wants to shove their own church and their literature down my throat until I strangle on it.
2007-10-10 00:16:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
B and C...minus the "but not going out into the world to share it" bit since I do NOT believe people should be purposely going out and sharing it.
And D, other, would be your usual obsessive type. The type that give the same kind of vibe over religion, god, and Jesus the way a 14-year-old does over a teen star magazine that is full of a certain celebrity they are absolutely obsessed and infatuated with.
THAT is my main interpretation of over zealous. (Except, unlike the teen, they preach at you to obsess over what they obsess.)
2007-10-09 23:59:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
A friend of mine used to warn me not to get too spiritual. I bought it until I read the words of Christ, that the first commandment is to love God with all of your heart, soul and mind. There is no such thing as an over zealous Christian. Pax et caritas.
2007-10-09 23:58:47 · answer #7 · answered by morkie 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I don't really talk to those people so I don't have to deal with them quoting at me all day. I don't like to be judged, but I wouldn't care about that person's opinion of me. And I'm glad they just read and pray rather than sharing it, those guys in the park that yell about Jesus are annoying.
2007-10-09 23:58:34 · answer #8 · answered by just some chick 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
All of the above. Christianity ought to free you from the shackles of religion and put you in an intimate spiritual relationship with God through Christ. When you are "free in Christ" then you should be living a balance life.
2007-10-09 23:56:34 · answer #9 · answered by paulyaranon007 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
umm D) the lady from the switch wives for a week show she hella tried to convert the ppl to christianity and accused them of trying to convert her and said they were horrible people etc
2007-10-09 23:55:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋