Christian Criticism towards Christian Prayer

Immanuel · #1 12th February 2006, 03:31 PM

I wanted to know what other people thought about this. Here's the situation.

Just recently, I went back to my college to visit people in the Christian club. There was a total of 3 Christian Clubs that shares the office-- IVCF (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, CCF (Chinese Christian Fellowship), KCF (Korean Christian Fellowship).

Well as some people from IVCF were praying, I overheard a comment from a member of CCF. The person said "Why do they pray so long and so loudly. They are so crazy and seem like a cult. My Gosh, is all that crying necessarily. "

I was so shocked when I heard this person say that and also sadden. I really wanted to say something, but I didn't because I did not know the person, but I think I should have. I wanted to ask him "Do you know who you are saying that to when you say those things? It is the Holy Spirit that lives inside of them that you are saying that to. ... When you are sad and in distress and you talk to a friend, don't you cry? Don't you pray? How is your prayer life." I wanted to say those things so bad because I didn't feel he was right in saying those things to people especially when it is another part of the Body of Christ.

I don't know if that has anything to do with the Chinese culture or what. But it really makes me sad. Without a prayer life or a well developed prayer time (quality vs quantity) then there's no point in being a Christian. It's like living in a family. If you don't talk to people in your family what is the point in being apart of that family.

Does anyone feel the same way?

JPPT1974 · #2 16th February 2006, 11:16 PM

Praying for you my friend
God bless you
Sorry about that incident!

whatseekye · #3 17th February 2006, 11:38 PM

No, that is not part of Chinese christianity. I highly recommend a book called Heavenly Man by Brother Yun. From what I recall of reading this true story of christianity in China is that they are very emotional and the praying and preaching tend to go on and on. In fact, brother yun mentioned that when american Christians came and spoke at a meeting in China, the Chinese believers were surprised that they spoke so little.

I think what you saw was just a reflection of the laziness of youth.

Immanuel · #4 18th February 2006, 08:04 AM

Originally Posted by whatseekye

No, that is not part of Chinese christianity. I highly recommend a book called Heavenly Man by Brother Yun. From what I recall of reading this true story of christianity in China is that they are very emotional and the praying and preaching tend to go on and on. In fact, brother yun mentioned that when american Christians came and spoke at a meeting in China, the Chinese believers were surprised that they spoke so little.

I think what you saw was just a reflection of the laziness of youth.

The chinese churches in China are VERY different than the chinese churches here in the US. It is VERY different.

But I think you are right in saying that it's the youths. I am not sure if it's the laziness, but they just think it's weird to cry and speak loud or long when you pray. They don't think it's normal. The older chinese members in the church are more devoted, but still if they did not undergo spiritual attack to come to know Christ, then a lot of them are very cultural more than relational with Jesus Christ.

But thank you though. You are right. The churches in China is just so awesome. They are growing so much that they have to stop evangelizing because they don't have enough leaders to take care of the people. Praise the Lord for it. He's so moving in China.

AngelRider · #5 18th February 2006, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Immanuel

I wanted to know what other people thought about this. Here's the situation.

Just recently, I went back to my college to visit people in the Christian club. There was a total of 3 Christian Clubs that shares the office-- IVCF (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, CCF (Chinese Christian Fellowship), KCF (Korean Christian Fellowship).

Well as some people from IVCF were praying, I overheard a comment from a member of CCF. The person said "Why do they pray so long and so loudly. They are so crazy and seem like a cult. My Gosh, is all that crying necessarily. "

I was so shocked when I heard this person say that and also sadden. I really wanted to say something, but I didn't because I did not know the person, but I think I should have. I wanted to ask him "Do you know who you are saying that to when you say those things? It is the Holy Spirit that lives inside of them that you are saying that to. ... When you are sad and in distress and you talk to a friend, don't you cry? Don't you pray? How is your prayer life." I wanted to say those things so bad because I didn't feel he was right in saying those things to people especially when it is another part of the Body of Christ.

I don't know if that has anything to do with the Chinese culture or what. But it really makes me sad. Without a prayer life or a well developed prayer time (quality vs quantity) then there's no point in being a Christian. It's like living in a family. If you don't talk to people in your family what is the point in being apart of that family.

Does anyone feel the same way?

I think it best to remember prayer is different for all people because then we can spread the love from God more easily. It is not about us anyways but about God and his word

Immanuel · #6 18th February 2006, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by AngelRider

I think it best to remember prayer is different for all people because then we can spread the love from God more easily. It is not about us anyways but about God and his word

Exactly, I totally agree. Prayer is different for all people.

However, I don't think that anyone should be mocked at for praying the way that they do pray.

liveandlove · #7 26th February 2006, 02:53 PM

I am sorry to hear about your experience and yes, it is sad when there is disharmony in the body of Christ. We are one family and called to love one another. Culture in this world divides but the Christian family is supposed to live according to God's ways and not worldly ways.

Maybe the other person who spoke unkindly still has a lot to learn about Christianity. When another Christian acts unkindly it helps me to think that we are all in different levels of spiritual maturity, some have learned a lot and some are still babies in Christ. Look upon them as younger brothers and sisters and pray for them when they act unkindly, and this will help you react as Christ would have us react. May God bless you and increase your love and faith in Him.

mhoward55 · #8 2nd March 2006, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Immanuel

I wanted to know what other people thought about this. Here's the situation.

Just recently, I went back to my college to visit people in the Christian club. There was a total of 3 Christian Clubs that shares the office-- IVCF (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, CCF (Chinese Christian Fellowship), KCF (Korean Christian Fellowship).

Well as some people from IVCF were praying, I overheard a comment from a member of CCF. The person said "Why do they pray so long and so loudly. They are so crazy and seem like a cult. My Gosh, is all that crying necessarily. "

I was so shocked when I heard this person say that and also sadden. I really wanted to say something, but I didn't because I did not know the person, but I think I should have. I wanted to ask him "Do you know who you are saying that to when you say those things? It is the Holy Spirit that lives inside of them that you are saying that to. ... When you are sad and in distress and you talk to a friend, don't you cry? Don't you pray? How is your prayer life." I wanted to say those things so bad because I didn't feel he was right in saying those things to people especially when it is another part of the Body of Christ.

I don't know if that has anything to do with the Chinese culture or what. But it really makes me sad. Without a prayer life or a well developed prayer time (quality vs quantity) then there's no point in being a Christian. It's like living in a family. If you don't talk to people in your family what is the point in being apart of that family.

Does anyone feel the same way?

Lord please help, concerning this problem.
Thank you father,
In the name of Jesus, amen.

We love the lord, and we all express it in different ways, I guess. It does not sound like the individual has as close a relationship maybe, as you do ? You know our heavenly father loves you, and I bet you know he will help you work this out.
mhoward55

Vedant · #9 2nd March 2006, 09:02 AM

Well, I'll be honest, I find some practices and traditions of many different Christians to be foreign, strange, and sometimes outright bizarre. But, if those things help those people, then more power to them. I'm sure some Christians would find my practices to be strange to them as well.

Immanuel · #10 7th March 2006, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by Vedant

Well, I'll be honest, I find some practices and traditions of many different Christians to be foreign, strange, and sometimes outright bizarre. But, if those things help those people, then more power to them. I'm sure some Christians would find my practices to be strange to them as well.

I would love to learn the different ways we pray and worship God. I don't think I would find it weird unless it contradicts what the bible says.

I just brought an afraican worship CD by Israel. hehee. Love trying out new things.