Does Christianity promote individualism in its followers?

Question

Writing a paper on thesis that Christianity does promote, to some level, individualism in its followers. Thus, explaining why the "western" world is highly more individualized then the "eastern" world.

What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

No. cristianity promotes the union between people.

Answer 2

I have not seen any form of individualism in Christianity. I had the misfortune of being raised Fundamental Baptist. There's a part in the Bible that says, "All we like sheep..." And that's exactly the way the majority of Christians behave--blindly following their shepherd without question or comment.

If you want individuality, look into Paganism. We are definitely a varying and colorful bunch. :-)

Answer 3

I don't think that you can successfully argue that Xianity promotes individualism. It tends to foster a group mentality and a lack of objectivity towards church teachings. Even in the areas it encourages like music or art, the subject matter and styles are often limited to what is considered as "acceptable".

Answer 4

Well yes and no. Christians, as far as their faith goes, should be united with fellow believers. It is what Jesus mean when he asked his Father to keep his disciples so that they might be "one". There are certain standards all Christians must live by and that should unite them. On the other hand we have individual personalities, preferences, likes and dislikes and so on. Let me put it to you this way: You work for a unit in a company. That unit is working toward a common goal. Does the fact that you are striving for the same goal mean you must all dress alike, look alike, enjoy the same entertainment, food, vacations?

I hope that helps you.

Answer 5

I think you need to hit the books some more, calling this country individualized is absord considering everyone in this country walks along like sheep to that slaughter and just do as they are told on a daily basis. If this country was individualized then fashion mags,gossip columns,celebrities, tv, and video games would not be running this country and tyelling us the best and most fashionable way to live outr lives. The only reason this country was founded was because a couple groups of people did not want to pay their taxes so they shipped off to a new land it had nothing to do with individuality it had to do with criminal actions and in that case the only individuals in this country are criminial, which is just about right anymore.

Answer 6

Yes, the most important relationship in Christianity is the personal relationship with God -- Abraham renewing the covenant in a sea of pantheism. This personal relationship creates the individuality as the center of "faith" as opposed to "religion" which is the human response (often done badly).

Answer 7

The Bible tells us that each individual has a gifting that will supply a need for the greater good.

1 Corinthians 12:1 ¶ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 ¶ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 ¶ Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

In other words we are all one, but made to help each other for the improvement of the whole community. I would say this is clearly teaching individualism and encouraging us to develop our best character and skill traits. To think and invent and innovate as it will become a blessing for all.

Answer 8

Christianity doesn't keep one from being an individual.We all have different taste and opinions.Our bond is we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Answer 9

...Jesus was so not "stand-out-ish" that He had to be identified when they came and got Him...