2007-10-12 15:13:35 · 15 answers · asked by Jen 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Funny Kenny:)
2007-10-12 15:45:18 · update #1
Actually yes! Not only can a Christian be cynical, at times they should be.
Cynical is being distrustful of human nature even to the point of contempt.
The fact is that human nature is self-serving (even for the Christian), recognizing that is important. The good news is the love of Jesus changes Christians, not into perfect people, but people who can (imperfectly) show His love -- selfless love.
The facts are that Jesus knew the motives of everyone that he saw and with which he talked. He knew when to question their motives. (The rich young man and pharisees for example.)
We (Christians) can't judge a heart, but we can and should make judgments about the motives of others when their actions don't fit with their words.
But we can also spend much more of our time working to understand others and speaking the truth with gentleness and respect.
2007-10-12 15:46:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The word Cynic, means distrust of others motives.
Cynical means non-believing.
I know for a fact Christians can be bitterly contemptuous (arrogant) of contrasting belief systems of those they're required to live with on this planet of ours.
Is it cynical to deny, or distrust others so called individual "logic," which at times is only verified with documented historical supernatural occurrences?
Yes.
However, I do not think it is cynical for a Person to deny all beliefs that are supernatural, and except the ones which can be inbreed by studying the absolutes of physics.
All creation stories must have a creator and a creation, the closest one can come to understanding the creator is by studying the creation, and not just documented primitive intelligence of it either.
2007-10-12 22:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by Juefawn™ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but the hope and the goal is to become more and more like Christ. If the person continues on the path of spiritual growth, sanctification, or wholeness/holiness he or she will outgrow the cynicism in time. Being a Christian is not about being perfect; it is about being willing to allow God to work with you, via the power of the Holy Spirit and in the company of other believers, to become a better person more and more each day, to learn in time to see the world through the eyes of Christ--aka love, peace, truth, and forgiveness. It's a lifelong process. Some learn faster or slower than others. Hope this helps.
Addenda
A useful quote fr. Marjorie Thompson, an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church (USA):
"It can never be said in our lifetime that we have 'arrived.'"
Principles of Attitudinal Healing (based on A Course in Miracles that help me let go of cynicism and keep the world in perspective:
--We can be love finders instead of fault finders.
--We can choose and direct ourselves to be peaceful inside regardless of what is happening outside.
--We can always perceive ourselves and others as either extending love of giving a call for help.
2007-10-12 22:38:41 · answer #3 · answered by Indi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure, especially the ones who believe in predestination. Talk about a cynical doctrine.
2007-10-12 22:17:11 · answer #4 · answered by Jude & Cristen H 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Any human being with the basics of the language can be cynical. Would they want to be? Probably not.
EDIT: We, as Christians, make mistakes and sometimes say things without thinking. WE ARE NOT GOD. WE cannot be perfect. It happens............
2007-10-12 22:27:22 · answer #5 · answered by missellie 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Of course they can...
You might want to ask "Should a Christian be cynical?"
Instead of listening to touchy feely conventional wisdom, read the Gospels and decide if Jesus was ever cynical.
agapefromnc
Addendum
Three thumbs down. You wonder why the atheist judge us so severely.
OK Let's see what webster says a cynic is...
1 ) a faultfinding captious critic; especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest
OK...was Jesus a cynic..ever...even once.
And if He was, was he motivated by love?
YES. YES.
Please educate youselves and read your Word like it is real. No one likes an ignorant Christian.
agapefromnc
2007-10-12 22:18:51 · answer #6 · answered by harry killwater 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Christians shouldn't be cynical, even though they have good reason to be. (Most people are selfish with selfish motives.) The Bible says "Judge not that ye be not judged."
2007-10-12 22:22:53 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Anyone can be cynical.
2007-10-12 22:16:25 · answer #8 · answered by Justsyd 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only about Christianity.
2007-10-12 22:16:37 · answer #9 · answered by S K 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We are on planet earth where everything is possible,now if we where on Vulcan planet-you know the planet where people have pointed ears-i believe it would have been different.
2007-10-13 04:24:12 · answer #10 · answered by thenetsurfer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋