A Theme I'm Noticing...

Listening to LGBT, BLM - and well, whatever else is out there, talking and protesting (I must admit, I'm losing track) I got to thinking. I don't know how it is for you, but in my world, whenever I tell someone that I'm a Christian I'm usually met with a wry smile and a raised eyebrow.

They seem to have these predetermined opinions:

"Oh, well he must have some sort of a mental disorder to believe in that guff at his age"

"He's been brainwashed for sure, poor guy."

"29, with a beard, tattoos and a can of craft beer in his hand? Oh, he's definitely trying to be a trend setter."

"Best get away now before he starts trying to indoctrinate me."

"I thought he was cool and handsome, now I'm running the other way."

"He must look down his nose at me, I hate these gospely church people."

They don't ACTUALLY say that, but with the way millennial society has been constructed you'd almost forgive them for thinking it.

No, I wasn't always Christian - my mother is a wiccan if anything and my father is a sceptic at best, but throughout this journey we call life I just happened to evolve into a Christian. It was organic, the growth has been very much gradual - and I feel I made the best decision of my life when I turned to Him.

That does not mean I prescribe to the status quo of the Christian man. We're not all Ned Flanders, we're not all chasing a Proverbs 31 woman, and we're not all nice and polite (if you know me from the forum, then you'll know I'm saltier than a pork scratching). Some of us are just standard people of our generation, who happen to know Jesus.

Anyone with half a brain should know that a black man isn't automatically a criminal; the same should be said for a Christian man not being hymn singing, watery tea drinking, cucumber sandwich eating nerd. (No offence if you're partial to slightly weaker tea and a cucumber sandwich, I'm just trying to create an image in your head.)

I know from crossing the pond that it's different in the States, but in the UK? Especially where I am, it's considered almost twee to have a faith. Maybe YOU don't notice, but I almost feel as if I should be somehow embarrassed to admit to it.

Hazelelponi said:

It's part and parcel of being Christian.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." John 15:18

A servant is never above his master.

As the world gets worldlier, you will be more and more disparaged. ATM, groups are looking for blind followers to help them implement an agenda, since Christians aren't and can't be that, they won't draw close to you and/or will simply walk away from any friendship with you.

Don't worry about it, you have a Christian family..there's no watery tea drinking prerequisite.

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Great post, thank you.

I think John 15:18 is one of my favourite bible quotes actually.

Amittai said:

Hi Reece, I'm in England too, "slightly" older, the beard is something I don't seem to get rid of, I like my tea.

There's huge value in a slily theistic version of agnosticism. Newman advocated degrees of inference (in all matters and not only religion)

Don't be a package dealer. Bear the burdens of the little folks not the baggage of the big ones.

Dad wisely said keep your religion private - and he meant from the church especially!

Sadly, supposedly secular minded people don't do agnosticism properly.

Then Prov 31 10-31 isn't about women- it's about Father's firm!

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Again, another great post.

I guess I can take solace in the fact that I'm ACTUALLY doing a lot right. When you sit down and digest the bible properly, you begin to see the reflection of your own behaviours (this can be - and often is, the good ones too!)

Much appreciated.

public hermit said:

I wonder how much of the blame for preconceived notions is due to cultural Christianity. The "I don't drink, dance, smoke, or date those who do" culture of Christianity sets us up, I think. So, if you dont look a certain way or talk Chriastianese, you don't fit the preconception.

I think this is changing some. I like seeing Christians who don't look the part, but definitely have the heart. I think we're seeing more of that, and will see more. I think Christianity is going through a transition (to borrow a popular idea these days). I especially think younger Christians are becoming more concerned with being like Christ. I don't know if that's a fact, but it seems that way to me. Much of cultural Christianity is being seen for the facade that it is, which is great. More about heart, less about appearance.

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I think a GREAT deal of it is down to cultural trends - which is why I convey empathy for those who are cynical towards Christianity. I feel for them, because LOOK at what they're all missing out on. My strong spiritual bond with God was what allowed me to travel the world alone and experience untold excitement - it's also what enables me to sit in a quiet room NEVER getting bored. And the long country walks? Life changing.

If nothing else, I'll continue to pray that the facade is shattered. I'll do the world no good to keep the veil in place.