When people think of Christians they think of characters like Ned Flanders from the Simpson’s. They may even associate religion with old people. Whomever you picture when religion is mentioned is not as important as to why you picture these people.
Stereotypically speaking, many people who are openly Christian are the elderly. You have to remember that the elderly are generally more open about everything. Have you ever had a conversation with a complete stranger who was a senior citizen? Somehow the subject of political conspiracies or bowel movements seems to always come up. I know this is a bit extreme, but the elderly are more open about their beliefs.
The Ned Flanders-like people you know come across as goofs. They are the people that sing “Amazing Grace” as they are carting a wheelbarrow full of mulch in the hot sun. The reason they appear this way is that their hearts are so consumed with love for Christ that in everything they do they try to bring glory to God. Although, I have to admit sometimes it is difficult to resist the temptation to make a joke or two.
There are many different personality types who are religious. There are young and old, funny and nerdy. Just as there are all different types of non-religious people. The Bible does not state that there is only one type of person that can believe in Christ. There are many different people in the Bible itself, from fisherman to kings. Solomon was believed to be one of the wisest men ever, also religious. Samson was a Hercules-like character that portrayed the ultimate jock and he too was religious.
The Bible itself is filled with stories of deceit, murder, prostitution and anything else you can imagine. Reading the Bible is a lot like watching cable TV. Christians may appear boring to you because of the stereotypes that surround us. For the most part we are just like everyone else. The difference is that we try to glorify God and to resist the temptations that we face. We know that by having a stronger relationship with God we are able to accomplish this easier and achieve eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the real world, there are many following Christ who are not "goofs" or tools. Many non-denominational churches are fighting such stereotypes, replacing the organ with a live band. There are churches covering taboo topics, such as gay marriage or sex outside of marriage. Just like Seacoast Church, right here in the Low Country.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters are opening up their Christian views. Danny White, a Christian martial artist, created www.AnointedFighter.com. This is a community for discussions about MMA and Christianity.
There are thousands of other examples displaying Christians are not boring and are in fact just like everyone else. Are there any great Christian sites or communities you want to share the readers? Just leave them in the comment section below.
Please, continue reading this series. Next Week: Are you an awful person? Would the church burn to the ground if you entered it? Also, feel free to subscribe to my postings by clicking the link right above this article. As always feel free to follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/joeylaw) or email me at inspiretomorrow@gmail.com.
Comments
Which sect of christianity are we talking about here because there is only one real sect isn't there? All the wrong sects come across as goofy right? Perhapse what is also contributing to the poor image of christians are things like: The earth is between 6-10k years old, the science of evolutionary biology has a rival (pseudo)science called intelligent design that all children must be taught in public schools, the "end-times" are at hand, this is a "christian nation"! shouted by intolerant yet good christians. Thanking god when things go well but when they don't it's "gods" will, teaching children if they do not become christian they are going to hell. That as well as the other forms of child abuse are why christians come across as more than just boring.
Dave, I appreciate the candid feedback. The truth is most Christians are not the outspoken type. People at your office or neighbors who seem to be content with life, are often Christians. Ask them and they will share...not preach. Unfortunately, there are those who ruin the image Christ created. Please, don't confuse scientific theories as facts. No one can prove how we got here. Evolution is a theory. When I was in the seventh grade the earth was 5 billion years old. In eighth it was 8 billion years old. Evidentally, it took me a long time to get out of 7th. The truth is the theory changed. Just like the earth was flat until the theory changed. One thing that has remained true is the story of Christ over 2,000 years it has not changed. Really evolution is a system of beliefs of how we got here. It is a religion. It can't be proved. Don't believe me look at carbon dating research over the past 20 years and see the drastic changes. No one has all the answers. Thanks again.
To everyone, if you share Dave's thoughts you are not alone. Many people have good intentions but give the wrong message. Christianity comes down to two principles. Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Christians are those who believe Jesus died for our sins and rose again. Nothing more, nothing less. Nobody knows for sure what happens when we die. I ask that you open your heart and tune out all those morons who have tried the "you'll burn in hell" approach and research this topic on your own. It is your decision, don't blame others for your beliefs or non-beliefs.
Joe, I cannot resist this. I'm sorry to say you are within the range of the stereotypical christian discussed here. Your religious sect is the only real one. Your right, all others are wrong. I like how you said "no one can prove how we got here". That's right, not even your religion. You will dismiss scientific theory as inaccurate while clinging to the delusion that your bible is not only the inerrant word of god, but that it hasn't changed at all in 2,000 years! Which bible? There are many to choose from. The one thing the bible isn't is unchanged. Jesus (if he actually existed) was among many "messiahs" of the time and their stories parallel each other. I could go on and on with this.
I've paid attention to science all my life and during that time the earth has always been estimated to be around 4.5 billion years old. So is your earth's age measured in billions or thousands? Evolution is a FACT filled theory. It is only a theory in the same way there is a theory of electricity a
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and gravity. I hope you believe in those. It is not a religion because a religion requires "beliefs" and "faith" in something that is unknowable, untestable. Evolutionary biology relies on evidence. We only know what we know. If scientists don't know something, they eagerly admit it.
I know the "your going to burn in hell!" is uncomfortable and perhapse embarrassing for you. The fact remains that if my 7 y.o. daughter doesn't become christian at some point in her life she's going to hell. You are forced to believe this! This idea is immoral and tantamount to child abuse.
The point of your comments I agree with are: "nobody can prove", "no one knows" and "research this topic on your own". Very unlike a christian to say such things :-) A question for you. Why do you think christianity has split into so many sects over time? I thought the bible was inerrant.
Dave, you are borderline comical here. Has anyone said to your 7 year old daughter that if she doesn't believe in God she is ging to hell? I grew up in a church and never heard that said. I have never hear anyone say that except atheists arguing the fact they don't want to hear about Christianity. If someone said that to me as a believer, I would probably tell them to get a life. Good try. Schools don't force religion on children, in fact, it is quite the opposite. Unless you go to a private school and then that is your own doing there. I never once heard another option about our beginnings except evolution. Creationism is something I discovered on my own through my own research. To me that is child abuse, I was only given one side of the story by people afraid to admit there are two sides to a story and they could be wrong. The same is true for the Civil War...in the North we are taught it was all over slavery, the South was taught state's rights.
By your definition you are also in the stereotypical range. You say your beliefs are the only right ones and all else are wrong. Of course, I stand behind my beliefs as you do you, as per this dialogue. If you choose to believe you came from a Big Bang, great. I choose to believe I was designed by a creator. I have seen the good works of Christianity done throughout the world in terms of mission trips. Something drives these people to leave their families and go to live in 3rd world conditions to share this love with people in terms of medicine, glasses, clothing, etc. Our church is always taking trips to these places and doing the same thing in our community. Recently, dentists volunteered theit time and resources to see people who couldn't afford healthcare. How many agnostic dentists do this? This love is why I believe, I have seen God at work...that is my proof. No one has ever found that missing link. I am tired of the short typing space allowed and will post a longer answer soon
My science answer is an article by me here titled: Evolution Is a religion. Enjoy.
I didn't realize I would have so much to say to all that...and this is only the tip of the iceberg.
My rebuttal is going to be direct to save space. I'm not angry:-)
1.It doesn't matter if anyone said it to my daughter,your religion teaches it.
2.Creationism has no scientific foundation no evidence that hasn't already been discredited. It is wish thinking.
3.I don't have beliefs. Either something is or it isn't. If a scientific theory is incomplete it is made known to all.
4.Even the pope has acknowledged that the big bang theory is credible.
5.Mission trips are 1st of all to convert. People leave to gain favor with god,helping people comes second. Mother theresa in her letters proclaimed her non-belief at the end.
6.I am an atheist and I do good. Don't dare tell me the only people who do good are christians.
7.There are many many "missing links" that aren't missing in the fossil record. Have you ever bothered to try and find that out for yourself? There are more books out there besides the bible.
You don't want to answer my previous questions, fine. Are you willing to let me
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in on what it was that made you so sure your religion and god is the right one? What was the experience(s) you had that so convinced you? If you don't want to tell me, ask yourself if it would be enough to convince anyone besides yourself.
I will read your other article and I wish you nothing but the best!
Emotion cannot be conveyed through words accurately. At no point was I angry or even close. This is fun for me. Keep being honest, you can't hurt my feelings. I have been in the military for 11 years and my skin is pretty thick.
1. Many people do good. Not just Christians.
2. Mother Theresa proclaimed her non-belief...proof needed there. The Catholic church wouldn't have made her a saint.
3. I'm not Catholic...the Pope is not a scientist. His oppinions honestly mean nothing to me. No offence to any Catholics...they just don't. My preacher believes things I don't.
4. Christians don't teach you goto hell. Sure that is doctrinal belief., but I want nothing to do with a church that relies on scare tactics. I believe: Christ died and rose again for my sins. His birth created a new covenant where we could no longer earn our way to Heaven through sacrifices. Belief in Him dying for sin is the only prerequisite. Witnessing His love is all someon needs to do. You believe or you don't.
I became a Christian because I explored many of the other religions and their beliefs. Atheism was never even an option, I can't fathom there not being a higher being of some sort. Even if the Big Bang is right, where did that initial mass come from? All of the other religions had very solid concepts and were grounded on love and harmony, but there was still something missing. Why would 11 men (Jesus disciples) be willing to die miserable deaths if it was all a lie? How could one nut job, seed the greatest mass of followers ever? The more I explored, the more I realized Christ was Lord. I accepted Him and am slowly maturing in my faith.
How can you believe there is no God? Never understood that theory.
Dave, I am beginning to grow fond of you. You say Christians impose their will on others through missions. Ironic enough, I learned evolution was the only option in high school. Never were we told this was a theory based on some facts and other points couldn’t be proven. There is a learning law called the law of primacy. When you are taught something for the first time it is what you believe until overwhelming proof suggests otherwise. When your 7 yr old daughter is taught we evolved from ape-like creatures, it becomes fact until she is convinced otherwise. Thanks for helping to clarify that.
I am not sure why your bird doesn’t fly. Why hasn’t evolution eradicated it as being un-fit?
Dave, you are a wise and brilliant man. I wish more people were as educated as yourself with simple common-sense guiding them.
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