Why the Christian Urge to Criticize

[thegospelgeek]

It seems that every Christian I talk to is against everything. If you mention a preacher, they are quick to point out any chinks in the armor. Mention a singing group and they tell me how worldly they are and they only sing for poularity or money. Mention a denomination and hear about the false doctrines. It doesn't matter if it is someone in the public eye or just someone local, very few will 'measure up'.

Is this a positive or negative?

What causes this?

Do you see it in your area or is it local for my part of the country?

How can we as Christians break this pattern?

 

[Palatka51]

If someone is pricking at our comfort zone we are quick to be critical instead of searching out our flaws.

It is easier to see the speck than it is to see the beam.

The problem as I see it is this generation of the Church is largely unrepentant. There is a chastening hand coming and then your worries about how critical Christians are will be over.

 

[corndogggy]

I think that in this day and age with seeing so many highly thought of leaders stumble in the media that people are automatically trained to think that everyone who preaches to them is the "do as I say, not as I do" type, and automatically begin to look for things to support this notion.

 

[Samuel Owen]

There is a big difference between Discernment, and Criticism. We are instructed by the scriptures to use discernment, to identify the correct from the incorrect.
Criticism can evolve from several different places, maybe we have been mislead by some false teaching, automatically we criticize all teachers. Possibly we have been hurt by a fellow believer, we automatically criticize all other believers.

Criticism is from the flesh, and is worldly. Discernment is from the Spirit, and is Godly. But as long as we are in the flesh, we can always find something else of the flesh to disagree with. If you are looking for that which is perfect, don’t look for it in people, look for it in Christ Jesus.

 

[ReformedBaptist]

It wouldn't surprise me that you would see this mostly just in America.

There is much to be concerned about in this country regarding the true Christian faith. And you are probably seeing a lot of Christians just discontented with things, who may not even fully understand why.

The reality is, I believe, is many congregations have moved toward a philosophy of growth in trying to attract unbelievers, and have made many changes to their churches to do so. They have shortened their sermons, added more entertainment, changed the content of the message, et.

The true Christian will begin to wander from this. We hear the voice of our Shepherd. If the church begins to water down the gospel or stop preaching it, then we don't hear Christ in the meeting. And we will not follow the voice of another.

When churches stick to the Bible, and preach its doctrine, then Christians are built up in Christ.

 

[Samuel Owen]

It wouldn't surprise me that you would see this mostly just in America.

There is much to be concerned about in this country regarding the true Christian faith. And you are probably seeing a lot of Christians just discontented with things, who may not even fully understand why.

The reality is, I believe, is many congregations have moved toward a philosophy of growth in trying to attract unbelievers, and have made many changes to their churches to do so. They have shortened their sermons, added more entertainment, changed the content of the message, et.

The true Christian will begin to wander from this. We hear the voice of our Shepherd. If the church begins to water down the gospel or stop preaching it, then we don't hear Christ in the meeting. And we will not follow the voice of another.

When churches stick to the Bible, and preach its doctrine, then Christians are built up in Christ.

I agree :thumbs:

 

[EdSutton]

It wouldn't surprise me that you would see this mostly just in America.

There is much to be concerned about in this country regarding the true Christian faith.And you are probably seeing a lot of Christians just discontented with things, who may not even fully understand why.

The reality is, I believe, is many congregations have moved toward a philosophy of growth in trying to attract unbelievers,and have made many changes to their churches to do so. They have shortened their sermons, added more entertainment, changed the content of the message, et. (sic)

The true Christian will begin to wander from this. We hear the voice of our Shepherd. If the church begins to water down the gospel or stop preaching it, then we don't hear Christ in the meeting. And we will not follow the voice of another.

When churches stick to the Bible, and preach its doctrine, then Christians are built up in Christ.

I wonder if this might be a good place to point out that 'the most powerful sermon' ever preached, was a total of 8 words (when translated into English), preached from a street corner, by the most obnoxious bigot, who was the most out of fellowship, 'Baptist' preacher in history, who never wanted to even preach, in the first place, but only did so, to save his own neck, and then was so unhappy that God did not destroy those to whom he had preached, he would have actually preferred that God had struck him dead, rather than live to see the salvation of any such heathens, as those?

Ed

 

[thegospelgeek]

I wonder if this might be a good place to point out that 'the most powerful sermon' ever preached, was a total of 8 words (when translated into English), preached from a street corner, by the most obnoxious bigot, who was the most out of fellowship, 'Baptist' preacher in history, who never wanted to even preach, in the first place, but only did so, to save his own neck, and then was so unhappy that God actually did not destroy those to whom he had preached, that he would have actually preferred that God had strike him dead, than living to see the salvation of any such heathens?

Ed

I believe Ed speaketh of our friend Noah?

 

[ReformedBaptist]

I wonder if this might be a good place to point out that 'the most powerful sermon' ever preached, was a total of 8 words (when translated into English), preached from a street corner, by the most obnoxious bigot, who was the most out of fellowship, 'Baptist' preacher in history, who never wanted to even preach, in the first place, but only did so, to save his own neck, and then was so unhappy that God actually did not destroy those to whom he had preached, that he would have actually preferred that God had strike him dead, than living to see the salvation of any such heathens?

Ed

It is as good of place as any, but not a reply to my reply. In other words, it doesn't address what I replied. Just because Jonah preached, perhaps, a short sermon, doesn't mean that the preachers are doing today is justified. lol

I don't think Jonah was trying to attract the sinners, do you?

 

[ReformedBaptist]

I believe Ed speaketh of our friend Noah?

No, ed is trying to justify the garbage that goes on in modern churches and is draggin' poor Jonah into it. :laugh:

 

[ShotGunWillie]

I wonder if this might be a good place to point out that 'the most powerful sermon' ever preached, was a total of 8 words (when translated into English), preached from a street corner, by the most obnoxious bigot, who was the most out of fellowship, 'Baptist' preacher in history, who never wanted to even preach, in the first place, but only did so, to save his own neck, and then was so unhappy that God did not destroy those to whom he had preached, he would have actually preferred that God had struck him dead, rather than live to see the salvation of any such heathens, as those?

Ed

opinion?

Perhaps those who point out the errors of others are "watchmen" who are pointing out the wolves who are trying to feed on the flock.

 

[thegospelgeek]

Does anyone think a bit of jealousy comes into play? If a church is bigger than mine, it must be preaching a watered down message or luring people in with doughnuts and coffee.

I can't believe they have an egg hunt over at that church!

(Fill in the name of any well know author or preacher) is just out for his own agenda of world domination.

That (any singing group or style) is just a bunch of worldly egocentric artist more interested in putting on a show that speading the gospel.

God can only use people who dress like me, talk like me, act like me, and think like me. In fact God can only use me!

</rant>

 

[thegospelgeek]

No, ed is trying to justify the garbage that goes on in modern churches and is draggin' poor Jonah into it. :laugh:

Perfect example of what I'm talking about.

"Garbage going on in modern churches". Sure there is a lot of grabage. There are a lot of false doctrines. But just to assume a modern church is garbage is what's driving me nuts. There was garbage in the church in Paul's day to. It's not new. But to just assume it's garbage without knowing is stupid.

For example, on another thread about Max Lucado, someone makes the statement that he doesn't beleive in the trinity. Another responds that his website clearly states a beleif in the trinity. The first person states that ML beleives in Water baptism as a means of salvation. Once again, his web site clearly states that there is no salvation in the baptism. Facts don't matter. If someone is well know or poular, it HAS to be wrong.

Mention RW and you get a war from either side.

If you talk about CCM, people say it's wrong. Talk about anything and it's wrong. God can use someone with hair longer than mine to reach people. God can use someone with hair shorter than mine to reach people. Beleive it or not, RW has born again believers in his church. he also has hypocrits, deceived, and just plain old non beleivers. If you have very many in any church, you do to.

 

[ShotGunWillie]

Perfect example of what I'm talking about.

"Garbage going on in modern churches". Sure there is a lot of grabage. There are a lot of false doctrines. But just to assume a modern church is garbage is what's driving me nuts. There was garbage in the church in Paul's day to. It's not new. But to just assume it's garbage without knowing is stupid.

For example, on another thread about Max Lucado, someone makes the statement that he doesn't beleive in the trinity. Another responds that his website clearly states a beleif in the trinity. The first person states that ML beleives in Water baptism as a means of salvation. Once again, his web site clearly states that there is no salvation in the baptism. Facts don't matter. If someone is well know or poular, it HAS to be wrong.

Mention RW and you get a war from either side.

If you talk about CCM, people say it's wrong. Talk about anything and it's wrong. God can use someone with hair longer than mine to reach people. God can use someone with hair shorter than mine to reach people. Beleive it or not, RW has born again believers in his church. he also has hypocrits, deceived, and just plain old non beleivers. If you have very many in any church, you do to.

The only beef I have with Max is when he is talking to Hermie or Wormie and gets all cheesy sounding. I know its a kids video, but come on.

We only allow Christians to attend our church, its a rule, we give everyone a test before they can join. Here is a sample piece:

Are you a Christian? Yes_____ No _____

Do you like DC Talk? Yes_____ No______

Is Rick Warren "America's Pastor"? Yes_______ No______

Do you lift your hands up during "worship" time? Yes______ No_______

Do you like doughnuts? Yes______ No_________

 

[JustChristian]

The only beef I have with Max is when he is talking to Hermie or Wormie and gets all cheesy sounding. I know its a kids video, but come on.

We only allow Christians to attend our church, its a rule, we give everyone a test before they can join. Here is a sample piece:

Are you a Christian? Yes_____ No _____

Do you like DC Talk? Yes_____ No______

Is Rick Warren "America's Pastor"? Yes_______ No______

Do you lift your hands up during "worship" time? Yes______ No_______

Do you like doughnuts? Yes______ No_________

Are you kidding? The only pertinent question I see is the first one. I would add one on discipleship.

 

[sag38]

Funny!

I would add,

How do your like your pews. Padded________ Un-Padded_______

 

[sag38]

After all, only a godly person would prefer an un-padded pew.

 

[thegospelgeek]

The only beef I have with Max is when he is talking to Hermie or Wormie and gets all cheesy sounding. I know its a kids video, but come on.

We only allow Christians to attend our church, its a rule, we give everyone a test before they can join. Here is a sample piece:

Are you a Christian? Yes_____ No _____

Do you like DC Talk? Yes_____ No______

Is Rick Warren "America's Pastor"? Yes_______ No______

Do you lift your hands up during "worship" time? Yes______ No_______

Do you like doughnuts? Yes______ No_________

I love the test, but what answers are you looking for

 

[ReformedBaptist]

Are you kidding? The only pertinent question I see is the first one. I would add one on discipleship.

The only important question is the last one. They just need to add fried chicken. :laugh:

 

[saturneptune]

The above reasons for criticism are good thoughts. The only one I would add, and it seems rampant in posts sometimes, is that Christians equate their opinion of a certain Biblical doctrine as Biblical truth, especially on issues that are nonessential to salvation or open to interpretation. When you get two posters that think their Biblical opinion is the same as Biblical truth, criticism starts.