Is Christianity weakened faster if ‘goes with the times’ or if it stubbornly refuses to change?

Question

Because either way, it’s irrevocably weakened. If it changes along with societal changes and accepts things which previous generations of Christians rejected, like evolution and gay rights for example, then it’s only natural that some Christians will lose respect for the Christian doctrine. On the other hand, if it refuses to change, then it loses popularity because not many people want to be associated with a primitive, bigoted, hate filled doctrine. So when it comes to change, are Christians damned of they do and damned if they don’t?

Answer 1

They are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

When they decided to get in the ring with their invisible sky swooper they signed their destiny to godly madness.
Just as "a lad insane" knows not that he IS insane the fundie thinks he has the moral high ground when the reality is that ether clouds his mind.

Is something good because god commands it, or does god command because it is good?
A catch-22 indeed.

Answer 2

Well, even though I think I understand your point, it does seem to me that you are constructing a false dilemma. Popularity with the culture of the day is not what caused church growth throughout the centuries since Jesus' time here on earth. No, it was living a consistently holy and loving life, like our Savior, that won folks over to the faith, even if it meant that what was popular culturally was antithetical to our beliefs. In fact, the church experienced more growth than ever when in fact this was the case. Take the 1st through the 3rd centuries AD during the Roman Empire, as an example. It was illegal, and lethal, mind you, to even profess being a Christian. It was the time when the emperors Nero through to Diocletian, when Christians were being fed to the lions in Rome's Coliseum that the church experienced the most growth ever! One ancient father of the faith, Justin Martyr, said that it was the bloodshed of God's people that was the actual seed of faith that brought the most growth!

So, church history seems to indicate that even today it would actually benefit the church if it held fast to its beliefs, and not accomodate to any cultural popular views that would be in opposition to traditional ones, if they are of course according to what Jesus taught.

Answer 3

There has to be some of both. Central principles in the Bible are mandates (like love, morality - ie, you can't hate just because the society around you likes to hate, or sleep with a bunch of people because "all your friends are doing it.), while others are cultural and change depending on the circumstance. Like pants for women used to be considered sinful because it's dressing "like a man." But now, it's not "like a man" because jeans, pants, and suits are all made for women. You're dressing like a woman! That changed with times. :-)

Answer 4

We should not think of changing doctrine as a bad thing. As we learn more about God and our spiritual understanding increases, then shouldn't our views and interpretations change? God is God and never changes, but our ability to comprehend God does change. We have to allow our beliefs to reflect this greater understanding.

Answer 5

Christians will never have it easy. We are not here for a popularity contest. You must do as He says, whether people agree or not.

Answer 6

True understanding is never subject to change and the standard of truth is never touched by "popular" thought. Man is never damned, but evil is.

Answer 7

Maybe. They are damnably good at not analyzing things like this.

Answer 8

i don't know let's see the culture of christ has stedily grown without exeption for 2000 years or so ithink we'll make it either way .thanks for asking.

Answer 9

Yeah, fine with me. I would hope that goes for all faiths.

Answer 10

Yes ... that is why it must change and accept that God is worthless.