The character of Christianity is taking a beating from those (both of the Christian and atheist camps) who seem to think that they can bolster their identity by using mocking aggression toward those not of their same ideals.
That is not a Christian ideal by any means, but some Christians can fall prey to their own human shortcomings, which for some means seeking identity through the belittling of others. It is especially prevalent among the politically minded these days, discrediting another in order to make oneself appear to look good. Clearly a trait learned from the world and not from God, and another downfall of following the governance of man rather than the governance of God.
How is it possible to set one's self apart from another being by both employing the same strategies of trying to make the other look bad? Hard to set a good example by employing the same methods as the 'enemy'. Is this what Jesus taught when speaking of showing love to enemies?
God needs no such game playing to further His goodness and although anything that furthers the knowledge of God's existence is a good thing, pointing fingers at the 'enemy' does nothing to further the identity of Christianity. It instead soils it's reputation even further by those who misuse it in pursuit of self identity and gain.
Atheists may be able to claim ignorance in using these tactics but Christians should know better than acting in worldly ways while claiming to represent God and His Kingdom. We cannot serve opposing ideals both at the same time. Mocking others gains no respect for either side.
© ...timothyu
That is not a Christian ideal by any means, but some Christians can fall prey to their own human shortcomings, which for some means seeking identity through the belittling of others. It is especially prevalent among the politically minded these days, discrediting another in order to make oneself appear to look good. Clearly a trait learned from the world and not from God, and another downfall of following the governance of man rather than the governance of God.
How is it possible to set one's self apart from another being by both employing the same strategies of trying to make the other look bad? Hard to set a good example by employing the same methods as the 'enemy'. Is this what Jesus taught when speaking of showing love to enemies?
God needs no such game playing to further His goodness and although anything that furthers the knowledge of God's existence is a good thing, pointing fingers at the 'enemy' does nothing to further the identity of Christianity. It instead soils it's reputation even further by those who misuse it in pursuit of self identity and gain.
Atheists may be able to claim ignorance in using these tactics but Christians should know better than acting in worldly ways while claiming to represent God and His Kingdom. We cannot serve opposing ideals both at the same time. Mocking others gains no respect for either side.
© ...timothyu
