Christianity should not be so strict

[xxSuPeRMaNxx007]

Christianity should not be too strict. Well, at least compared to Buddism and Hinduism, it has appears more strict.

There are many rules in Christianity. I am not saying these rules should not be applied, but more so, they should not be overstressed

When Christianity first came in to China, no one can really accept it. Taoist principles like honoring the dead ancestors were rejected by Christian missionaries. Where as Buddism was able to accept and adapt the culture of Taoism. Even today most of China, India, etc are not composed of mainly Christains. As well in Japan, Shintoism is mixed with Buddism, where as Christianity could not do such a thing. Henceforth there is only 1 percent of population in Japan that are Christians. I dont not deny that the fumie did kill many Christians, but one has to ask why was the fumie aimed mainly at Christains. it was because Buddishm and Shintoism were joined, but Christianity was still considered a Western influence.

People who concentrate on the rules of Christianity will never be able to spread the gospel. If you impose Christianity as a list of rules and orders, people will reject this form of Religion. People will see Christianity as a Western ideal.

Furthermore, if you impose God as one who punsihes and rewards, no one will want to believe in Him.

People wish to join a religion to relieve their suffering and to find hope. Jesus came down to earth to help peopl. Notice how he didnt ask the sick if they were Christians before He healed them. Nor did He go around critisizing individuals for their actions. In fact, Jesus criticized those who criticized others. Jesus was a being of understanding and love. He accepted all, even the outcast. He didnt care if they were believers of God or believers of something else.

I feel that Christians should not aim at mainly spreading the gospel, but should aim at helping people. For example, when a Hindu is trying to carry a dead friend to the river ganges for redemptions, A christian should not scorn him and say " God never said in the Bible that a river can give redemption. Repent and thou shall be saved!" Then you are no better than the priest that Jesus scorned. instead you should help him carry the body to the river ganges. Only then can people view Christainity not as a religion of pride and rigid Western Cultural rules, but as a universial benefit to all

 

[Leah]

I understand what you're saying here. However, I will say that God never promised Christianity (or life, period) would be a walk in the park, either. Perhaps that's the problem with alot of people in the world today. They look for a religion that's easy for them and will fit into their lifestyle (or in laymen's terms, still wanting to be the lord of their own lives) based on what he/she does, thinks, and says; rather than looking for HIM, exclusively, deny him/herself, (and mind you, many people still struggle with this and I used to be one of them just a few weeks ago) take up their cross and follow Him ONLY. Jesus Christ is the only living and true God. All other gods are dead and obsolete. And besides, His ways are NOT burdensome, but man's are. Once you give yourself to Him completely, life is so much sweeter and nicer. You can have peace even in the midst of this chaotic world (and I should know cuz He gave it to me, even me). See what I mean?


Just something to think about.

 

[Monica02]

A Christian is required to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A person can reflect the love of Christ in his actions by helping people, but still the Gospel is paramount. Jesus does heal and forgive, but he also expects us to not sin. Christianity is not about what you or I would like it to be, it is about serving God and doing HIS will, not ours.

 

[Leah]

A Christian is required to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A person can reflect the love of Christ in his actions by helping people, but still the Gospel is paramount. Jesus does heal and forgive, but he also expects us to not sin. Christianity is not about what you or I would like it to be, it is about serving God and doing HIS will, not ours.

Tell it!

See, the key words are: HIS will, NOT ours. And I would also like to add that Christianity isn't even about how you feel, but about what you DO and WHO you do it for (which hopefully it's all for God).

 

[cg1970]

I understand what you're saying here. However, I will say that God never promised Christianity (or life, period) would be a walk in the park, either. Perhaps that's the problem with alot of people in the world today. They look for a religion that's easy for them and will fit into their lifestyle (or in laymen's terms, still wanting to be the lord of their own lives) based on what he/she does, thinks, and says; rather than looking for HIM, exclusively, deny him/herself, (and mind you, many people still struggle with this and I used to be one of them just a few weeks ago) take up their cross and follow Him ONLY. Jesus Christ is the only living and true God. All other gods are dead and obsolete. And besides, His ways are NOT burdensome, but man's are. Once you give yourself to Him completely, life is so much sweeter and nicer. You can have peace even in the midst of this chaotic world (and I should know cuz He gave it to me, even me). See what I mean?


Just something to think about.

Christianity IS a walk in the park. The problem is that people overcomplicate it. It is really extremely simple. What does God want from us? 1. Love God (That includes trust, obedience and faith). 2. Love each other. (If you love someone, you will not sin against them and you will be there to help them). 3. Grow spiritually (Get to know and be more like God). 4. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

It doesn't get much simpler than that.

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

Christ himself said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). I think I'll take His side on this one.

 

[Lynn73]

I feel that Christians should not aim at mainly spreading the gospel, but should aim at helping people.

I can't agree with this. The last thing Jesus did before leaving and returning to heaven was to give the Great Commission which is "to go unto all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." If we don't do this we're disobeying Christ. Of course, we should help people and seek Holy Spirit guidance in how we reach them for Christ but the most important thing IS to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. No one can come to the Father but through Him, this is His direct statement. Your assertion that we shouldn't aim at mainly spreading the gospel goes directly against the Great Commission imho. We should to both, spread the gospel and help people. And we're helping them by spreading the gospel because without Christ they're lost.

 

[Jamza]

Truth can't be altered for convinience; Jesus gave commands, and those who love him and call themselves Christian will want to follow. Yes, it can be tough, but we have infinite support through prayer; and we can be the salt of the earth, speading the gospel by our loving actions, endless joy, and total beauty of our relationship with God.

 

[Lynn73]

Amen to that very first statement. Truth is what it is and we can't alter it because people don't like it.

 

[Prophet01]

christianity is so very simple, it is entirely focused on the love of Jesus Christ who is God.

Christ calls mankind to follow his example of loving others - no easy task

but our saving grace is infact christ himself and his love for us, this real true divine love that exists grants us forgivness when we fail if we simply desire it and ask for it, it is so awesomly powerful it defeats our sin and our death and strenghens us in our weaknesses.

Our mission is hard, even impossible but it is made possible by the divine power of love granted to us in the sacraments, so what may seem imposible to us is not imposible for Christ who is God, he does all the impossible work for us, we simply have to trust and try to love as much as he did.

 

[HolyGuardianAngels]

Christianity should not be too strict. Well, at least compared to Buddism and Hinduism, it has appears more strict.

There are many rules in Christianity. I am not saying these rules should not be applied, but more so, they should not be overstressed

When Christianity first came in to China, no one can really accept it. Taoist principles like honoring the dead ancestors were rejected by Christian missionaries. Where as Buddism was able to accept and adapt the culture of Taoism. Even today most of China, India, etc are not composed of mainly Christains. As well in Japan, Shintoism is mixed with Buddism, where as Christianity could not do such a thing. Henceforth there is only 1 percent of population in Japan that are Christians. I dont not deny that the fumie did kill many Christians, but one has to ask why was the fumie aimed mainly at Christains. it was because Buddishm and Shintoism were joined, but Christianity was still considered a Western influence.

People who concentrate on the rules of Christianity will never be able to spread the gospel. If you impose Christianity as a list of rules and orders, people will reject this form of Religion. People will see Christianity as a Western ideal.

Furthermore, if you impose God as one who punsihes and rewards, no one will want to believe in Him.

People wish to join a religion to relieve their suffering and to find hope. Jesus came down to earth to help peopl. Notice how he didnt ask the sick if they were Christians before He healed them. Nor did He go around critisizing individuals for their actions. In fact, Jesus criticized those who criticized others. Jesus was a being of understanding and love. He accepted all, even the outcast. He didnt care if they were believers of God or believers of something else.

I feel that Christians should not aim at mainly spreading the gospel, but should aim at helping people. For example, when a Hindu is trying to carry a dead friend to the river ganges for redemptions, A christian should not scorn him and say " God never said in the Bible that a river can give redemption. Repent and thou shall be saved!" Then you are no better than the priest that Jesus scorned. instead you should help him carry the body to the river ganges. Only then can people view Christainity not as a religion of pride and rigid Western Cultural rules, but as a universial benefit to all

Personally, I just LOVE the word "STRICT"...

We all agree, Catholics/Christians ,walk, the STRAIGHT and NARROW path... This is the True path to Heaven...

• And if I helped carry your friend to the Ganges for redemption... Would I not then be showing "support" for this belief...There is a saying: If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; but, if you teach a man HOW to fish you feed him for life... Well, I like to say:... It is better to GIVE a man a fish.. because, some people will NEVER get the hang of fishing!! ~I would rather like to explain, about the WATERS of Baptism and Jesus, as the WATER of life, Who quenches our thirst forever...

Good Christian Men, Rejoice!!
God Bless

 

[cg1970]

Christ himself said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). I think I'll take His side on this one.

Yes, and that is OBEDIENCE.

 

[Paleoconservatarian]

Yes, and that is OBEDIENCE.

I was responding to Superman, not to you. We are to obey Christ's commands. Rules.

 

[Leah]

Christianity IS a walk in the park. The problem is that people overcomplicate it. It is really extremely simple. What does God want from us? 1. Love God (That includes trust, obedience and faith). 2. Love each other. (If you love someone, you will not sin against them and you will be there to help them). 3. Grow spiritually (Get to know and be more like God). 4. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Again, when I said 'walk in the park', that was meant for those who still call themselves doing God's will, and yet being the lord of their own lives (or running their own show). Unfortunately, stubborness and pride play huge roles in true christianity for some people because they still haven't figured out that giving ALL of yourself to Him is all it takes, which makes life easier. See what I'm sayin?

 

[Tonks]

Agreed with pretty much all. The burden is on the sinner to conform not the other way around. While ultimately you'll be glad you've led a Christian life do not confuse rewards in the next life with ease in this one.

As for China et al - the first centuries of the Church were continual battles against paganism and the Jewish response. Just because it may take several hundred years does not mean that it is not a battle worth fighting.

 

[SPALATIN]

Christianity should not be too strict. Well, at least compared to Buddism and Hinduism, it has appears more strict.

There are many rules in Christianity. I am not saying these rules should not be applied, but more so, they should not be overstressed

When Christianity first came in to China, no one can really accept it. Taoist principles like honoring the dead ancestors were rejected by Christian missionaries. Where as Buddism was able to accept and adapt the culture of Taoism. Even today most of China, India, etc are not composed of mainly Christains. As well in Japan, Shintoism is mixed with Buddism, where as Christianity could not do such a thing. Henceforth there is only 1 percent of population in Japan that are Christians. I dont not deny that the fumie did kill many Christians, but one has to ask why was the fumie aimed mainly at Christains. it was because Buddishm and Shintoism were joined, but Christianity was still considered a Western influence.

People who concentrate on the rules of Christianity will never be able to spread the gospel. If you impose Christianity as a list of rules and orders, people will reject this form of Religion. People will see Christianity as a Western ideal.

Furthermore, if you impose God as one who punsihes and rewards, no one will want to believe in Him.

People wish to join a religion to relieve their suffering and to find hope. Jesus came down to earth to help peopl. Notice how he didnt ask the sick if they were Christians before He healed them. Nor did He go around critisizing individuals for their actions. In fact, Jesus criticized those who criticized others. Jesus was a being of understanding and love. He accepted all, even the outcast. He didnt care if they were believers of God or believers of something else.

I feel that Christians should not aim at mainly spreading the gospel, but should aim at helping people. For example, when a Hindu is trying to carry a dead friend to the river ganges for redemptions, A christian should not scorn him and say " God never said in the Bible that a river can give redemption. Repent and thou shall be saved!" Then you are no better than the priest that Jesus scorned. instead you should help him carry the body to the river ganges. Only then can people view Christainity not as a religion of pride and rigid Western Cultural rules, but as a universial benefit to all

A couple of things. Christianity is only possible because of Christ and his work on the cross. He gave us his Gospel to share and with the help of the Holy Spirit that is our mission. We are to go and share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all nations (young, old, black, white, thin and fat) baptizing them in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sometimes we have to also preach the law which is the strict part of the faith, but the law is to be used to show those who need his Gospel that they are sinners and need what Christ did on the cross for them.

The Law when ministered, needs to be balanced properly with the message of the Gospel. Some people need to hear more law than others. Regardless though the Gospel needs to be shared. Only the word of God can bring people to repentence. All we do is share the news and let God do the rest.

 

[Yusuf Evans]

Go to www.bryanturner.org. You'll be able to pull up resources to better understand our role in this world as Christians. All of mankind will be judged by the 10 Commandments when we die. Our job here on earth as Christians is to try to get people to accept the payment of Christ's death and his shed blood, and repent. Matt 28:16-20 is our marching orders.


Brother-in-Christ,

Jerry

 

[Bittabit]

Semantics people....

Yes we are told to tell everyone....but we are NOT told to cram it down their throats. I see this so much and it is a turn off! We ARE told to love and help each other believer or non-believer.

If you treat others with loving kindness they will want to know what makes you different! They will see Christ IN you and they will ask you. Yes you can say what you believe and you can speak of the Lord in everyday conversation.

So many people criticize and condemn in the name of spreading the gospel. Don't confuse the commandment to spread the word with condemnation of others. We can preach Christ's salvation without judgement and with love.

Constantly telling people they are sinners is of no help...constantly loving them and showing and telling them how you are able to acheive such unconditional love (a rare thing in this world) will speak volumes.

JMHO

 

[moicherie]

Perhaps Christianity got a bad press due to the negative associations of the past - colonialism, racism, slavery. empire building etc. I have a theory that once the Europeans 'hijacked' Christianity the rot set in. But God is still in control I like to the think the good things done in God's name outweighs the bad....

 

[Yusuf Evans]

Semantics people....

Yes we are told to tell everyone....but we are NOT told to cram it down their throats. I see this so much and it is a turn off! We ARE told to love and help each other believer or non-believer.

If you treat others with loving kindness they will want to know what makes you different! They will see Christ IN you and they will ask you. Yes you can say what you believe and you can speak of the Lord in everyday conversation.

So many people criticize and condemn in the name of spreading the gospel. Don't confuse the commandment to spread the word with condemnation of others. We can preach Christ's salvation without judgement and with love.

Constantly telling people they are sinners is of no help...constantly loving them and showing and telling them how you are able to acheive such unconditional love (a rare thing in this world) will speak volumes.

JMHO

Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam can make someone feel unconditional love also, and change their lives in a positive way, but that's not what makes our faith different from them. What makes our faith(that's right faith, not religion.) different, is that we are giving of the Gift of Salvation freely to others. No, we don't need to sugarcoat anything, nor do we condemn the unbeliever. We treat them as equals, same as you would your brother(s) and or sister(s). Let them know you care about their eternal salvation and remind them of the Truth. If it needs to be a fire and brimstone message to get it across, then so be it. I don't remember seeing Paul holding back when spreading the Gospel, and James sure doesn't believe in Political Correctness either.

Brother-in-Christ,

Jerry