[MOVED] What do you think of my friends/families view of America?

[CounselorForChrist]

So you probably know what this topic is about already going by the fact its Oct 31st. SO I will ignore the debate over today because each side has made up their mind. Instead I want to bring up somethings I have been told by many from other countries. Including my wifes country.

My wife asked me if I was going out to celebrate today's holiday. I told her no and why. She was happy to hear it. I've been asked in the recent weeks by a few of her family and friends. And in some of our groups people are discussing it too and also arguing back and forth about it. While they are glad to hear I don't do it I am hearing the same general statement. Summed up below in english:

"When we look at america we are very confused. So much of what they do doesn't make sense to us as christians. But yet they send missionaries over to us to tell us about christianity. But I (we) think they need missionaries from our countries to teach them about being christian more. "

Sometimes it is hard for me to answer their questions about America because I feel embarrassed. I say this because I have my own logs in my eyes such as watching tv shows like The Walked Dead. Or play games like GTA (Well I used to, not anymore though). I have told them not all christians are like that here. I use myself as an example (even if a flawed one). They don't disagree that they aren't perfect either of course.

So I have some questions. Do you think they are correct? How much so? I've over the last 3 years or so stopped telling people what country I am from and instead just say I am one of Gods children. Do you think this is a good or bad idea? I feel its a safe idea so people don't ask me 100 questions about american christianity.

PLEASE don't turn this into a subject about if todays event is right or wrong. This topic is not about that but instead about foreigners and america. If this topic derails I'll just shut it down.

 

[GenetoJean]

From your post, I can tell they don't agree with us but not how they disagree.

 

[Spunkn]

It's true that in a lot of ways America makes Christianity look bad. It makes Christianity seem like hypocrites and very lazy. (not true of everyone of course)

Having said that, I don't think you have to back down from saying you are an American either. Show people you are different than the "typical" American, and that the sterotypes are not true.

If anything, by telling someone you are American and then showing them you are different can be a powerful testimony.

 

[CounselorForChrist]

Well I don't want to bring up certain things they disagree on simply because it will cause arguments. Today's holiday is one such thing they are confused as to why we celebrate. Some other things are they don't understand how we could be into gambling or say things like "good luck" when luck is a man made concept and we should not say such things. Or how we watch and play what we do then go out and preach to them about not doing anything immoral and not filling our minds with garbade (essentially).

My mother in law talked to me because she has very strong views against american christians. She was glad I wasn't 100% like most american christians.

 

[GenetoJean]

Well I don't want to bring up certain things they disagree on simply because it will cause arguments. Today's holiday is one such thing they are confused as to why we celebrate. Some other things are they don't understand how we could be into gambling or say things like "good luck" when luck is a man made concept and we should not say such things. Or how we watch and play what we do then go out and preach to them about not doing anything immoral and not filling our minds with garbade (essentially).

My mother in law talked to me because she has very strong views against american christians. She was glad I wasn't 100% like most american christians.

Ok, I think I am on the same page now. Are there large amount of non-Christians where your family and in-laws are? Also, there are several types of Christians here in America.

 

[Vladyslaus Kyivarius]

Should I stop telling that I am from Ukraine?

 

[GenetoJean]

Not at all. I don't see a reason for you to stop.

 

[GenetoJean]

I want to add that an example of missionary gone overboard is my parents Baptist Church from North Louisiana sends missionaries to south Louisiana to convert the Catholics.

 

[CounselorForChrist]

Ok, I think I am on the same page now. Are there large amount of non-Christians where your family and in-laws are? Also, there are several types of Christians here in America.

Well her country is 85% catholic, 10% christian and the other 4% is muslim with only 1% being varied (buddhist, atheist...etc). Shes part of that 10% thats christian, her family is mostly christian with some distant family being catholic. The ones that were catholic didn't understand catholics here. Yeah I did tell her america is a mixing pot of faiths, races...etc including christians. I don't think they 100% understand that since they don't have denominations really. NOt like we do.

 

[GenetoJean]

I can imagine it is hard to understand. Compared to most countries our national identity and culture has only been building a very short time.

 

[seashale76]

"When we look at america we are very confused. So much of what they do doesn't make sense to us as christians. But yet they send missionaries over to us to tell us about christianity. But I (we) think they need missionaries from our countries to teach them about being christian more. "

I totally agree. Americans tend to make their own God and call it Christian more often than not. More than half of the whacked out beliefs that have appeared under the Christian label have done so in America- which then tries to import that mess to the rest of the world. We likely need missionaries more than anyone else.

 

[CounselorForChrist]

"When we look at america we are very confused. So much of what they do doesn't make sense to us as christians. But yet they send missionaries over to us to tell us about christianity. But I (we) think they need missionaries from our countries to teach them about being christian more. "

I totally agree. Americans tend to make their own God and call it Christian more often than not. More than half of the whacked out beliefs that have appeared under the Christian label have done so in America- which then tries to import that mess to the rest of the world. We likely need missionaries more than anyone else.

Thanks. I was expecting more backlash. People tend to think I hate America because I bring up this stuff. But I don't hate this country. I may be a little embarrassed sometimes to the outsiders looking in at american christians. But I still love it here. I guess we are so used to american views that we never look at our country from somewhere else and their views as christians (or in general).

Well my wifes sister wants to come to america to do some work. She wasn't sure where to start. I told her honestly it will be hard to do if she wants to convince another christian to change because people can be stubborn here depending on their beliefs. I even told her recent polls show less people are calling themselves christian and/or don't want to be one now because of other christians here. So sad.

 

[GenetoJean]

Thanks. I was expecting more backlash. People tend to think I hate America because I bring up this stuff. But I don't hate this country. I may be a little embarrassed sometimes to the outsiders looking in at american christians. But I still love it here. I guess we are so used to american views that we never look at our country from somewhere else and their views as christians (or in general).

Well my wifes sister wants to come to america to do some work. She wasn't sure where to start. I told her honestly it will be hard to do if she wants to convince another christian to change because people can be stubborn here depending on their beliefs. I even told her recent polls show less people are calling themselves christian and/or don't want to be one now because of other christians here. So sad.

But arent places like you describe the places that need missionaries the most?

 

[seeingeyes]

Do you think to foreigners have the right view of american christianity?
Yes they are 100% correct. We are no longer what we use to be.
They are mostly correct, we have changed alot.
They are partially correct, we are having issues, but its not that bad.
They are not correct. We are fine.
Other....

I don't really understand the poll. It seems to imply that American used to be 'more Christian', and now it isn't. But I don't believe in the 'good old days'.

Were we 'more Christian' in the 60's, when in order to be 'somebody', you had to get shot by a loony? Were we 'more Christian' in the 40's when being black meant finding another restroom so as not to upset the white guys? Were we 'more Christian' in the 20's, when gangsterism ran rampant? Were we more Christian last century when being black, or Irish, or Jewish made you just a wee bit less than human? Or what about the century before, when we were systematically wiping out the Natives for our own financial gain?

When exactly was this nation the exemplar of 'Christian values'? Tell me that, and I'll be able to answer the poll.

 

[CounselorForChrist]

But arent places like you describe the places that need missionaries the most?

Oh no I want her to come here. I just want her to realize american christians can sometimes be prideful about how perfect they are as christians (for lack of better words).

I don't really understand the poll. It seems to imply that American used to be 'more Christian', and now it isn't. But I don't believe in the 'good old days'............ When exactly was this nation the exemplar of 'Christian values'? Tell me that, and I'll be able to answer the poll.

Well its hard to list everything that I think has changed. But in my 30+ years of life it seems the country overall is changing and christinas to some degree don't care to much and even join in. Whether its same sex marriage or the kind of movies/tv shows we watch. It just seems like more and more christians are accepting of it.

I remember when the show Simpsons came out. Most christians though it was terrible and it blew their mind it was on TV. Now alot of those christians watch it and hate newer animated shows like Family Guy. Or in some cases they even watch shows like Family Guy. Its like we are sacrificing our christian values more and more to accept what the world is throwing at us.

And of course I don't mean all christians are this way. Just saying things have changed alot with a good portion of christians. I can tell you watching tv in my wifes country felt safe. Nothing like what we have here. SHows about morals, love, compassion...etc. There are a few on their cable that are sort of like ours. But its mostly just stuff that is pretty innocent.

Like I said I still love this country but when foreigners are shocked about we can be here it sort of leaves me speechless other then to say "Yeah, things are different here!". To be fair alot of it as pointed out early has to do with different denominations. Some of what they see comes from certain half-gospel preachers. So they naturally think some christians believe that stuff.

 

[David Sylvian]

I thinking judging yourself for watching the Walking Dead is not healthy at all.

 

[David Sylvian]

Honestly, I don't know how foreigners think of Christians in America. I think there is the loud and overly vocal minority that are very, very "I AM A CHRISTIAN", then you have most of the rest of the population that are actually very Jesus like, liberal, merciful in judgment, loving, and don't think they know what every sentence of Revelation actually means.

 

[CounselorForChrist]

I thinking judging yourself for watching the Walking Dead is not healthy at all.

Well I don't judge myself. I more of listen to what I feel God is saying I should do. Which is why I stopped watching Game of Thrones. Made me to uncomfortable after awhile. I don't feel that with the Walking Dead but I do feel my wife would not be comfortable with it (although that is an assumption).

I think there is the loud and overly vocal minority that are very, very "I AM A CHRISTIAN", then you have most of the rest of the population that are actually very Jesus like, liberal, merciful in judgment, loving, and don't think they know what every sentence of Revelation actually means

Yeah that is true. The bad apples in any group tend to stick out the most and cause the good apples to look bad by default. Which I do explain to people.

 

[David Sylvian]

Well I don't judge myself. I more of listen to what I feel God is saying I should do. Which is why I stopped watching Game of Thrones. Made me to uncomfortable after awhile. I don't feel that with the Walking Dead but I do feel my wife would not be comfortable with it (although that is an assumption).


Yeah that is true. The bad apples in any group tend to stick out the most and cause the good apples to look bad by default. Which I do explain to people.

It usually just depends on what you can accept from God and with your own conscience, I find with God.

Haven't checked out Game of Thrones my own self, but prefer some of the popular and more weird fare out there which I actually see as secretly spiritual. I don't throw that around highly churched Christians, obviously, because it would be too challenging for them.

I do think romantic love is an important thing to understand, God is love, after all. But it is also important to keep your self in control. It makes for better friendships, better romance, as well, and better sex (frankly). (That is having heard the show has a lot of sex in it.)

 

[Albion]

Just stop apologizing to such uninformed people for this country that is one of the most religious countries in the world and certainly the most generous. Maybe in time, it'll dawn on you.