Christians Have an Image Problem

[Yarddog]

"A new study published by Ipsos in partnership with The Episcopal Church as part of its Jesus in America survey shows that Christians in America have a perception problem." The article Christians say Christians are loving. Other people don't, survey says indicates Christians see themselves much more favorably than they are seen by non-Christians.

"People who identified as Christians described Christians as:

1. Giving — 57 percent
2. Compassionate — 56 percent
3. Loving — 55 percent
4. Respectful — 50 percent
5. Friendly — 49 percent
6. Honest — 45 percent
7. Humble — 42 percent
8. Sharing — 42 percent
9. Truthful — 40 percent
10. Judgemental — 19 percent

People identifying with other religions described Christians as:

1. Judgemental — 37 percent
2. Hypocritical — 36 percent
3. Self-righteous — 33 percent
4. Arrogant — 21 percent
5. Friendly — 20 percent
6. Giving — 18 percent
7. Unforgiving — 16 percent
8. Disrespectful — 16 percent
9. Compassionate — 15 percent
10. Loving — 15 percent

People identifying as not religious described Christians as:

1. Hypocritical — 55 percent
2. Judgemental — 54 percent
3. Self-Righteous — 50 percent
4. Arrogant — 36 percent
5. Unforgiving — 23 percent
6. Selfish — 23 percent
7. Disrespectful — 19 percent
8. Giving — 16 percent
9. Friendly — 15 percent
10. Compassionate — 12 percent"

I think this disparity between how we see ourselves and how others see us must pose a barrier to drawing other people to the faith. I think this is worthy of discussion here. Thoughts?

(I wasn't sure the proper place for posting this so I invite Moderator to move it if it fits better elsewhere).

I see many Christians acting these ways as well. Not the majority but there are many out there.

 

[Aaron112]

Not recently but the Puritans maybe? They saw the Church of England was corrupted by Rome and would not resolve the corruption. So they packed up everything and moved to a different country.

..... perhaps yes..... but as you know , I think, the corrupriton in the greedy controllers of government and corporations and (especially?) religion grew in the 'new world' (usa) like weeds, fast and many and powerful, and thus much of history displays that corruption/ destruction/ greed/ since around the time the states were formed.

Throughout history God says in His Word who were blameless, who were faithful ones, and they were never many.

 

[stevevw]

God's Word says His children are light(s) in the world; but the world hates the light because it's actions-deeds-works are evil and they do not want to be exposed. Thus cannot expect the light to turn people to God.

I think light is a good analogy. It sort of encompasses truth but also a position that is transparent. Being willing to subject oneself to the light.

 

[lismore]

This is something to strive for I think:

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Although many believers are mischaracterized as a form of persecution, sadly I have met many professing Christians that it would be unsafe to turn your back on. I know many believers who do not attend services or meetings anymore because of repeated bad experiences, getting them to trust again can be a challenge. God Bless All.

 

[stevevw]

It seems on the internet/in life/media/ it is "easy" to say "fruit(/s) of the spirit" and use that as an argument for or against something/anything.
It seems it is rare though, to see and understand the fruit of the spirit in truth. Something else is wrongly used instead, to seem to represent something good or right without actually even knowing what is good or right with God.

Rare perhaps but the truth can be clearly known even if we cannot fully explain this sometimes. Sometimes its a matter of faith and we cannot fully know the reason for such teachings. Like a child does not understand their parents reasons for teaching them how to be responsible when they growup.

Sometimes it is first submitting in faith that we then know God and His way before we understand.

So really faith and obedience and submission to Gods Will is a big part. That we know we are incapable ourselves and that God is. The embodiment of Christ truth is living the words. This is the good fruit.

In that way no one can have a charge against you as to a falsehood. Just like Jesus and though there were many accusations as Pilot said, he could find no wrong.

 

[timothyu]

Following the Will of God is non destructive. Both good and bad in the world react kindly to good deeds but bad does have a tendency for being exposed as the backwards thinking humans that they are because of it. This of course does not mean the stereotypical criminal element, but even the granny wrapped up in self.

Turn on any news network for an expose’ of this backwards thinking by those who think this is how we are meant to be. Even these will react to a kind gesture but see it as of no use as a way of life, and often as an opportunity to use and abuse. For the most part they have no idea that they are wired backwards.

This is the world outside of the Garden which is the natural habitat, not of God following mankind, but of those who follow their own will (themselves). They were meant to learn the reason for the consequences of their self serving actions, but of course rarely do. Followers of God are indeed lights in the darkness but can never become a power here when the dark sees itself as light also. Even religion succumbed to the darkness and rejoined the world of man. Salvation is an individual thing. It takes a stronger arm than man to control this world in the way it was meant to be.

 

[Aaron112]

Following the Will of God is non destructive.

or perhaps as written also: at the right time and place as God Leads: "destroy the works of darkness" ....

 

[Aaron112]

This is something to strive for I think: Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Although many believers are mischaracterized as a form of persecution, sadly I have met many professing Christians that it would be unsafe to turn your back on. I know many believers who do not attend services or meetings anymore because of repeated bad experiences, getting them to trust again can be a challenge. God Bless All.

A gentle word turneth wrath aside. A hurt believer, a blameless one, hurt by those called "christians" or by "pillars of society", when they meet a truthful honest life-giver, are healed at least somewhat, maybe fully, and delight and rejoice in fellowship in truth in Christ Jesus "for real", not hypocrites.