i'm wondering if any christians can say why it is that they need the constant affirmation, & being told how to live, & that they are basically bad people by nature without it.
if one can have an open dialogue with god, the why the need for outside influence to the magnitude of mind manipulation?
2007-10-11 23:12:06 · 13 answers · asked by brassmunkiee 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The question is why were you doing that.
Short on laughs?
2007-10-11 23:36:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Christians need constant affirmation, & being told how to behave etc, because they're taught that mankind is inherently evil and that, as such, they should be wary of trusting their own judgement on how to behave but rather to rely on the "good word", and the guidance of their trusted religious leaders.
Whereas most Christians may feel that fundamentally they are not really bad people in the first place, they are taught that being a good citizen/person is not in itself enough to get to heaven since god (in his wisdom) reckons that counts for zip, and that all humans are just basically godless beasts with no redeeming features, unlike himself - the sole source of all that is truly good.
Once taking on board the notion that they are nothing or at least pretty worthless without "him", they then spend a lifetime of self-examination and self-recrimination in which they (feel that they) need to be constantly taught how not to stray from the path, since they are constantly reminded that (according to god) deep down they are all sinners doomed to damnation unless they learn and re-learn "the true path" as set down.
As for the second part of your question about the "open dialogue" with god...
Few christians would claim that god directly answers them back. He just plants "answers" in their minds, or gives them "a sign", but nothing concrete enough that they can claim to have received instructions directly from God (unless they're the Pope, or certifiably insane).
2007-10-12 07:21:39 · answer #2 · answered by rockwizz64 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me put it this way... You go to school to learn.... get an education (mind manipulatioon)... Man has laws (ORIGINATED IN THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, by the way) that if you disobey, you will pay the cost... That there, in itself, is mind manipulation... So either way, there's no getting out of it...
I totally agree with the first answerer. Although I disagree with the "being told how to live" etc... Everyone needs friends, or at least someone they can confide in and get advice from... (again mind manipulation) and I'm not just talking about Christians.
I am totally against "mega churches"... and those preachers who think they can dominate their congregation... This is NOT what God was talking about... He was saying that we need to work together to help and encourage each other live a good and healthy lifestyle away from sin... Those pastors will pay the price for teaching false doctrine.
God did give us laws that are totally logical if you study the effect in the differences of obeying or disobeying them... Christian or not.... From what foods we should and should not eat, and what happens when we ill treat each other... or steal or kill etc...
I don't go with the "mind manipulation" either... never have... never will... I will live MY life myself, thank you very much... and very few can give me the advice I would accept. But I do have open dialog with my Father in Heaven, and although I am far from perfect, I strive to do HIS will, which I KNOW will make me a happier, healthier person.
Just my opinion
2007-10-12 06:28:11 · answer #3 · answered by Cica 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If more people realized what they were doing was wrong before they did it there wouldn't be so much need for constant reminders. If you have a good relationship with God, he is constantly pointing out things that should not be done before you do them. That's him and the Holy Spirit trying to lead us down the lighted path of righteous living. GOD BLESS!!
2007-10-12 06:34:56 · answer #4 · answered by Allan C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Wow, did you actually read that question before you posted it? I listen to Christian radio because I like the music and I like the preaching and teaching (that does help me in my walk with the Lord). I watch CSI because I like the drama. I watch the math tutoring on the local access channel that's put on by the Community College because I want to keep my mind sharp. I watch football because I'm an OU fan.
What a dumb question.
2007-10-13 23:47:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
One man's mind manipulation is another man's positive influence.
Many of us enjoy hearing uplifting messages from the word of GOD, Christian music, etc.
Sophomoric bathroom humor can be found many other places if that is your particular cup of tea.
2007-10-12 06:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It makes no difference what life style you live, if there is no form of practice in the way of discipline, a person will not take strides in working toward improvement of life.
By joining into fellowship with common believers (or believers of like faith) we can not only help one another stay accountable to our beliefs, but encourage one another toward growth in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.
2007-10-12 06:23:26 · answer #7 · answered by excelerate 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I cannot tell you what you heard but what I do know is that many people are searching for answers and not only you. So they try to tell what they believe and how they need to live. Many lives get changed when they accept Jesus and why not give it a try. You have nothing to lose but plenty to gain.
2007-10-12 06:20:03 · answer #8 · answered by Wally 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i love hearing Gods word its really better than listening to marilyn manson so i prefer positive messages the guy who shot kids at a tech school in yesterdays news had marilyns shirt on so with that one example 1 person peacefully affirmed that God loves them and they are here for a purpose is also 1n problem solved for society theres an upside to it
2007-10-12 06:19:11 · answer #9 · answered by ladyluck 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Its our sin nature that makes us like to sin. Without the fellowship and discipleship of our fellow believers we will only break Gods heart more and more. Jesus took all our sins to the cross and died so that we might live. Thats a big deal. If we allow ourselves to forget and backslide we are only hindering His kingdom.
2007-10-12 06:16:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
hmmmmmmm
You sound as though your mind is being manipulated by the world..
We're just following instructions handed down to us by the Father God.
I hope you soon get a mind of your own so you can make your own decisions my friend
2007-10-12 06:34:13 · answer #11 · answered by kenny p 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋