Christians are hateful. Christians are judgmental. Christians are hypocritical. Christians are not Christians. As Christians are viewed in the world, it would appear as if they receive more of a negative connotation than they did fifty years ago. On top of this, it is a fact that the number of affiliated Christians has been declining in the United States over the centuries. It seems that within the society around us, more and more people continue to acquire negative views towards Christianity. Whether this is just because as I grow older, these stances have become more apparent to me, or the fact that the age of the internet, where everyone can more easily express their thoughts, plays a big contributing factor, it remains safe to say that …show more content…
As stated, this goes hand in hand with judgmental. Many Christians are quick to judge others for their flaws, without judging themselves for their own flaws. Some Christians often do very unchristian things, yet judge others for acts that they deem wrong, but do not judge themselves. Expanding further on this, Christians are also hypocritical in the sense that they often say one thing and then do another. I have seen many examples of Christians who say they are against this or that, and then a couple weeks later, you see them doing the exact same things they say they were against. Therefore, I believe many non-Christians hold the belief that Christians think they are often better than everyone else, and as such, are hypocritical and judgmental. To become better Christians, we must recognize our own flaws before pointing out flaws in another person. And when I say point out flaws in another person, I do not mean this in a negative way. Christians should help other people with things they are struggling with, such as drugs, alcoholism, addictions, violence, etc. However, Christians must do so in a nonjudgmental way. By this, I mean that Christians should offer a helping hand to those in need. I believe there is a difference between simply judging someone and “judging” someone in a way to get them back on the right track. The latter is less of a judgment, and more of a “wake up call,” if the person is …show more content…
That is, some Christians put a higher priority on themselves over others. These Christians are those that seek out things that will benefit them and likely will not participate as greatly into things if they get nothing out of it. These are the types of Christians that always want something in return. The ones that will not do something unless there is something in it for them. This is even apparent in many Christian friendships. I feel that some Christians seek “fake” relationships to bring God into someone’s life. That is, they will try to bring God into someone’s life not because they care and want to know more about this person, but because they want to get more converts. Often, they do this without realizing they are doing it. They are so interested in trying to touch God into people’s lives, that they do it the wrong way. I believe for Christians, it is important to build relationships with people not for a self-interested goal of converting someone, but because they genuinely care about this person and desire to help them. Just because someone does not believe the same things you do, does not mean you cannot build a strong relationship with this person. As Christians, it is important that we do not strive towards self-interest in this way. Do not get me wrong, people should have goals that they try to reach to better themselves. However, people should not achieve these goals in a selfish
According to Roccio Martinez, “societies of humans have displayed ritualistic, religious, and oriented behavior. Religion is a species-typical behavior. These behaviors have mechanisms that are strong and motivational enough to drive the species, through faith, reason, and even aha experiences; feelings of awe, which are allowed to us through emotions, due to our human condition, are universal” (n.d). Religion, in general, is something that helps those understand their identity through the god(s) they are worshipping. In Christianity, Christians find their identity through Jesus and the Bible. The Bible also teaches those three things: “to take better care of their bodies as well as the belief that better spiritual health is associated with better physical health. Second, some people take better care of themselves if they worship in congregations that provide better health behavior. Third, people who attend church on a regular basis are more likely to adopt beneficial health behaviors because they are encouraged to do so by their fellow church members” (n.d.). This is good for those who want a good relationship with other churchgoers, but those who do not go to church might think this is a ludicrous idea. I know my sister who is an atheist does not understand why someone would want to have a relationship with someone who is not real. This is a different
The Christian faith focuses on the orientation of the human heart behind human thoughts and actions. Living by faith is a beautiful alternative to the way people think of themselves and the way they live in relation to others in their daily lives (Merrick, 2014). Christians see themselves in terms of God’s profound love for them but not in terms of what they do. The teachings of the Christian faith; nonviolence, non-retaliation, inward integrity, selflessness, and love your neighbor as yourself provide the framework for ethical thinking. Although, adopting belief in Christianity can bring forth confusion in the heart and mind causing agony of learning to sacrifice one’s rightful claims for personal justice for the restoration of another (Merrick, 2014). Unconditional forgiveness is difficult to understand because spiritual forgiveness and actual costly forgiveness is viewed as the same in the gospel. If you do not forgive, then one does not have faith in God’s forgiveness as it really is. Christianity influences a person thinking and behavior developing wisdom which requires faith. The faith that is needed to reorient the heart away from selfishness to selflessness.
Throughout history, standing up for one's rights has been a big part of America’s growth in regards to: women’s rights, segregation, taxation, religion...etc. However, with the expansion of America over the last few hundred years, Americans have gone from respecting others’ point-of-views to being offended when those point-of-views that differ are shared. “We often hear it said that ‘if your religious beliefs work for you, that’s great, but don’t impose them on others’”. Because of this dilemma, words such as; “judgmental”, “hypocritical”, and “intolerant” are all accusations that are placed onto Christians because of their moral standing on subjects that differ from public opinion. More often than not, Americans overlook the positive impact of the public influence of Christians. This concept of intolerance is something that is highly frowned upon in the America that we live in today. Intolerance is defined as, “Not willing to allow or accept something; not willing to allow some people to have equal freedom or other social rights; or unwilling to grant equal freedom of expression, especially in religious matters”. People within America today have confused the concept of being intolerant with keeping someone accountable to their actions, or fighting against a wrong for the betterment of a larger society. As you examine the history of America and see the countless people who have been advocates of the Christian faith, it is apparent that the lines have been blurred between standing up for what you believe in and being intolerant to the viewpoints and opinions of others.
In The DNA of Relationships, there were two things that made me aware of what I had not thought of doing. First, I was aware that I shouldn’t give others the power to control my feelings. The statement stood out to me about how I can focus on the person and take the right steps of personal responsibility to refuse attention of what the person has done. The “not giving anyone the power to control my feelings” statement interacted me that I should give care to those who the person is, rather than what the person had done, that would build up our relationships. From here, I see the concept fitting me into my understanding of my faith and the Gospel in daily living. When I will be open to people that would have problems, I will help the person, but not the problem. Second, I was aware that I couldn’t force the other person to change. The statement stood out to me about how I cannot change people or even their personalities because they are not me
The Christian religions do however present much more of an appealing atmosphere than such other religions which are as large as the Christian. The Christian religion is one of few religions where punishments for sins are not severe. In the Christian religion, even if you have lived a life of sin, so long as you repent in the end, you will be saved and given eternal life. This is not so in other religions. Such religions as Hinduism for instance do not believe this. For everything you do wrong you will be punished. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, if not in this life, then the next. Hindu's also believe that punishing the body is part of the path to salvation. Christianity is nothing like this. Many Christians live in high class society. Christianity is one of the most appealing in that any sins may easily be corrected and that Christians may live comfortable, if not wealthy lives without guilt.
...er that many non-believers find Christianity so hateful instead of a loving, all accepting relationship with God .
In the essay "Worldviews in Conflict," Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcey compare and contrast the ideas of Christianity and the views of today's society. Throughout the essay they provide information about how the changes in society affect views regarding Christianity. Charles Colson and Nancy Pearcy's essay was written to contribute information so others could understand their views about the shifting cultural context and how it affects society's beliefs.
but I believe the problem is not purely rooted in people straying away from Christian ideology, but more so the inability for people of different beliefs to respect and collaborate with each other. So often we hear an idea from a political party that we do not identify with, and so easily shut down that idea or opinion due to the fact that it is different than our own. The reason this is such a big deal is that it is affecting Americans of all different economic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Let me try and illustrate this connection
Christianity’s role in America has rapidly changed over the last decades. Although it is still the most popular religion in the country its power over the people has decreased significantly. However, there are still many misconceptions towards American Christianity and in order to understand the unique nature of this religiously diverse country; one must understand its history and its citizens own views on the matter.
I’ve met many people who say they’re Christians but don’t really exhibit the Christian attitude. They don’t try to have a loving or patient attitude or try to spread God’s word to others. There are some who also don’t go to church. Personally, I think some of these trends have reasons. Some of the “non-dedicated” Christians may still be learning how to properly communicate God’s word. Also, attending church is not required. Faith in God is what truly makes one a Christian. There may be some people who don’t have true faith in God, but, as I said before, we should force feed God onto them. If they truly desire God, then God will go to them.
Ideally, according to the Christian view, Christianity is to believe in Jesus even when he is not visible. In other words, Christians walk by faith and not by sight. Furthermore, Christianity involves consistency of morality which entails features that requires people to be honest and truthful in all areas in life. Overall, the emergence of Christianity was concerned with a spiritual, not earthly kingdom.
First of all, as in any intelligent discussion or argument, each opponent can use the knowledge of the other to put their own claim in understandable terms and analogies. (Tertullian, Apology, ch.21) By gathering facts about the non-Christian culture such as social interactions and entertainment sources, Christians can understand what kind of mind set the non-Christians are in and better explain how Christianity can improve their life. While Christians should build up relationships with other Christians, they should not limit themselves from the entire non-Christian culture because they can use it to understand the world and why God is needed. Looking into ...
Jesus helped many people during his life, and active Christians. try to follow in Jesus footsteps by helping others in their community. Christians who lead contemplative lives would disagree with the statement: Christians should lead active rather than contemplative. lives for several reasons. Firstly they may believe that leading an An active life where you help others can lead you to be big headed about what you have done or lead you to judge others.
After Jesus’ death the Church of the early years saw many increase in followers and it was then that the name “Christians” started becoming more and more common. Though, due in large to the fact that Christianity was not as wide spread, these next few years following held with them many persecutions from those whom did not
One of the pros of going to a Christian college is that it is equipped to provide positive relationships for its st...