Christianity's image taking a turn for the worse

[Bro. Williams]

Most young non-Christians have a negative perception of the religion, and even some Christians agree, study says.


http://www.indiannotion.com/index.php/newslinks/14078?theme=print

 

[carpro]

Could it be that the constant secular indoctrination in public schools and colleges is having an effect?

To young people, sinning is "fun". Being a Christian isn't.

 

[just-want-peace]

Nothing more here than expected, since the media & enetrtainment (HA!) elite constantly depict us thusly.

I would estimate (from what few I've seen) that 95+% of 1) news, 2) sitcom, 3) drama, & 4) general programs never, NEVER allow a positive side of Christianity to be shown. They (Christians) are always depicted as mentally deficient/devious/hypocritical/misguided/bumbling, and/or some other negative aspect.


But did not Jesus say that the world would hate us?

 

[dan e.]

You guys should check out the book that the article's information represents. It is called UnChristian.

Could it be, perhaps, that some within the church have brought this reputation on themselves? I think the answer is a resounding yes. Check out the book...you'd find it interesting.

 

[dan e.]

They (Christians) are always depicted as mentally deficient/devious/hypocritical/misguided/bumbling, and/or some other negative aspect.

Have you ever stopped to think why Christianity is depicted that way?

 

[carpro]

Could it be, perhaps, that some within the church have brought this reputation on themselves? I think the answer is a resounding yes. Check out the book...you'd find it interesting.

Without doubt, what you say is true.

There have been far too many well known evangelists revealed as hypocrites in the last few years. Christianiyy is constantly under attack by Satan all the time with the assistance of our education system and media.

 

[carpro]

Quote:
Originally Posted by just-want-peace
They (Christians) are always depicted as mentally deficient/devious/hypocritical/misguided/bumbling, and/or some other negative aspect.

Have you ever stopped to think why Christianity is depicted that way?

What do you think the reason is?

 

[moondg]

Take a look at some of our debates. What would a non-Christian think about them?

 

[Ps104_33]

Take a look at some of our debates. What would a non-Christian think about them?

That we are passionate about our beliefs?

 

[carpro]

Take a look at some of our debates. What would a non-Christian think about them?

That Christians have strongly held opinions about politics, I would imagine.

If they were predisposed against Christianity, they would try to use it as confirmation of their beliefs. Any port in a storm.

 

[dan e.]

That we are passionate about our beliefs?

Or, depending on who you're listening to, or watching, that we are idiots on how we handle ourselves.

 

[dan e.]

Quote:
Originally Posted by just-want-peace
They (Christians) are always depicted as mentally deficient/devious/hypocritical/misguided/bumbling, and/or some other negative aspect.




What do you think the reason is?

Ted Haggard, Ann Coulter, Pat Robertson, Fred Phelps, and I could list more. These people are extremely different with their own problems that are revealed in the limelight (whether they admit they are problems, or not). My point is, that in our culture....these people are representatives of Christianity. Now...read back through those descriptions listed....does it make a little more sense? This is not even to mention those who are not publically known that portray Jesus in an unbiblical way.

 

[carpro]

Now...read back through those descriptions listed....does it make a little more sense?

Do you really think it's necessary?

Do you think I didn't understand where you were headed?

I just wanted you to state it clearly. Cryptic questions will only take one so far.

Ann Coulter a symbol of Christianity? Puh-leeze.

 

[dan e.]

Ann Coulter a symbol of Christianity? Puh-leeze.

I definitely agree....yet she has been in the news recently proclaiming how she is Christian, followed by her summary of the New Testament as being a "fast track" in comparison to the Old Testament. No matter how foolish we think these people may be, they just may be representatives of "Christianity".

 

[Chessic]

One difficulty I've had when witnessing with educated non-Christians is overcoming the fact that so many people have done so many awful and unbiblical things while claiming to be Christians. And every time I see Christians discussing this, they start throwing out names, damaging reputations and the morale of Christians whether the charges are true or not. Haven't found a solution yet.

 

[2 Timothy2:1-4]

People who do not have a heart for God are going to llok for reasons to stay away. We as Christians do not have difficulties leading people to the Lord. We have no power over that. It is only by the conviction of the Holy Ghost.

 

[dan e.]

One difficulty I've had when witnessing with educated non-Christians is overcoming the fact that so many people have done so many awful and unbiblical things while claiming to be Christians. And every time I see Christians discussing this, they start throwing out names, damaging reputations and the morale of Christians whether the charges are true or not. Haven't found a solution yet.

I understand your point, and I'll go ahead and clarify that I am in no way intending to exclude myself from Christians that have made mistakes, or misrepresented Jesus. That is not my intent. I have blown it time and time again. I use research like in the OP, and the book along with it, as well as my own experiences to examine how I'm behaving, and how the world sees Jesus through me. I definitely ought to be critiqued along with the rest of the family of God.

 

[dan e.]

People who do not have a heart for God are going to llok for reasons to stay away. We as Christians do not have difficulties leading people to the Lord. We have no power over that. It is only by the conviction of the Holy Ghost.

You should pick up the book Barna published from the research findings, "UnChristian". You'd find it interesting.

 

[2 Timothy2:1-4]

You should pick up the book Barna published from the research findings, "UnChristian". You'd find it interesting.

I amy end up reading it. But I do not really care for Barna much.

 

[2 Timothy2:1-4]

I use research like in the OP, and the book along with it, as well as my own experiences to examine how I'm behaving, and how the world sees Jesus through me. I definitely ought to be critiqued along with the rest of the family of God.

One of these times try using scripture for this and be more concerened for how the Savior sees us. Scripture and scripture alone is the true standard.