Christianity a negative term?

One recent trend common in the Southern Baptist Convention is to leave the title "Baptist" off the names of their churches because studies show it is seen as a negative term. Do you think the term Christianity has been injured by televangelists, fundamentalists, evangelicals, and others who seem to make a mockery of the gospel by their teachings and often strange, unorthodox behavior?

I think many people in America reject Christianity because of the weak-foundation of many of these contemporary departures from the ancient faith. My hypothesis is the more we act like the world in our music, sense of modesty/fashion, lifestyles, use of money, etc. the more we appear ridiculous and hypocritical to non-Christians. This probably has driven more away from Christ than it has gained in their mega-churches, which if true, would lead to severe judgement against them. We know what Christ says about those who cause others to stumble.

I think we need to retrace our steps, so to speak, and embrace the ancient faith, that so many found worth dying for. Where is the Church that Christ established, which was so dynamic it spread throughout the world, becoming the largest faith in the world? I think we are watering down, or just plain distorting the Church to meet our own needs, rather than working to protect it and bring what people really need to them--not cappuccino and rock worship, but a real connection with Christ through the Church He established. WE need to be joined to Christ through the Holy Mystery of communion in the Church.

Basil

I fully agree. It takes a lot of explaining and denunciation in order to help others understand what I mean when I call myself a Christian. In fact, I recall just about a month ago, we had a guest over for dinner, and my father and I spent the entire time trying to explain to him how we are not like the televangelists and evangellyfluffs.

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Yeah, I find I'm not ashamed of Christ, but it's the association with everyone, who, in my opinion, has demeaned the gospel of Christ that embarrasses me. If I were persecuted for Christ that would be fine, but to be associated with these man-made trendy types of "worship" and false teachers is aweful.

It's also true that those outside of Christ may always misunderstand us or be blind to the truth, but most Christians in our country seem to be hated mostly because of the most vocal minority of Christians who are the mega church preachers, etc. We are defined by the worst element among us. I'm sorry to step on any toes, but the consumerism and trend in many modern movements is nothing short of mockery of the true Jesus Christ.

Basil

To tell you the truth, it doesn't matter if the word has negative connotations. I am a Christian.

There a people trying to escape from the fact that christianity is a religion, ehy? Beacsue the word religion allegedly has bad connotetions.

What can be done is to try to change this connotations. This is not achieved by escaping from a name, the problem does not lie with in the language, But to change it all we can do is be good Christians, to act witha burning love inside that can show others the way...

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"Humanity is in urgent need of the witness of free and courageous young people who dare to go against the tide and proclaim with vigour and enthusiasm their personal faith in God, Lord and Saviour."
-Pope John Paul II


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Torino 2006
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I agree. As much as I don't like identifying myself by my denomination, it becomes necessary, because if I just say that I'm Christian, people automatically assume I mean a Baptist megachurch.

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Will I ever NOT say that I am a Christian? No.

But on the other hand, the term "Christian" is not and never has been a proper title. In fact, it was originally used to mock us. Before they gave us the name "christian" in Antioch, we were followers of "the Way". Although it is an almost 2000 year old name, it is not the "original name", for there is no original name for us. So if we decided to stop referring to ourselves as "christians" because "christian" has taken on a completely new definition . . . well, we can deal with that when it comes to that.

__________________
"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."



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I REALLY have to start proof-reading my stuff BEFORE I hit "submit". I had to edit my last post like 4 or 5 times after I submitted it. And they were stupid mistakes, too.

__________________
"Aslan," said Lucy, "you're bigger."
"That is because you are older, little one," answered he.
"Not because you are?"
"I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger."



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People who doubt christianity..are just nothing but chicken mc nugget....just need a sauce to go with it.

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Why do we desire power and love
when love does me wrong?

We seek to be loved,
love others first.

I do that all the time.

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But what happens when this new term sounds 'bad' in peoples ears? Are we supposed to change, again?

No, I really do not think that is a solution. As stated before, the poblem does not lie within the language but within those whose actions makes the term sound bad. And those persons won't disappear wirth a namechange.

__________________
___________________________
"Humanity is in urgent need of the witness of free and courageous young people who dare to go against the tide and proclaim with vigour and enthusiasm their personal faith in God, Lord and Saviour."
-Pope John Paul II


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SWEDEN! Population: 9 million. Medals: 7 gold, 2 silver, 5 brons
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Torino 2006
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