Communication

[hernyaccent]

I have a hard time communicating with many Christians who I personally view as closed minded. I am happy with my life still and don't want them to see things may way or accept me as a person but to respect me. How do I go about getting the respect of Christians without it resulting in personal attacks from either side?

 

[WashedClean]

Do you show Christians respect as well? Even though you disagree with them?

Christians are supposed to turn the other cheek and not retaliate, but if someone attacks our beliefs, our flesh is weak and we often get defensive. If you tell someone (a Christian) that you respectfully disagree with them, they should leave you alone. If they don't, simply say "I respect your beliefs, even if I don't agree, can't you show me the same courtesy"?

I would stay away from the topic if it does nothing but cause you stress.

 

[sportiff04]

I think it's very easy to categorize all Christians as unwavering in their opinions and beliefs. I have found in my own life that I try very hard not to judge other people. Perhaps this is because I have been through times where I haven't been faithful to God. I'm also a firm believer that faith is such a personal thing. There are probably too many different levels of Christians to count. Just because there was one (or maybe more) experience with a person you thought was closed minded doesn't mean all experiences with Christians will be the same. Believe it or not, I know exactly how you feel.

 

[hernyaccent]

Do you show Christians respect as well? Even though you disagree with them?

Christians are supposed to turn the other cheek and not retaliate, but if someone attacks our beliefs, our flesh is weak and we often get defensive. If you tell someone (a Christian) that you respectfully disagree with them, they should leave you alone. If they don't, simply say "I respect your beliefs, even if I don't agree, can't you show me the same courtesy"?

I would stay away from the topic if it does nothing but cause you stress.

The majority of the time yes but there is only so much a person can deal with. I may have said things once or twice that would be considered disrespectful. I have asked them to stop but they dont' listen and still insist I am wrong.

 

[hernyaccent]

I think it's very easy to categorize all Christians as unwavering in their opinions and beliefs. I have found in my own life that I try very hard not to judge other people. Perhaps this is because I have been through times where I haven't been faithful to God. I'm also a firm believer that faith is such a personal thing. There are probably too many different levels of Christians to count. Just because there was one (or maybe more) experience with a person you thought was closed minded doesn't mean all experiences with Christians will be the same. Believe it or not, I know exactly how you feel.

I try not to categorize people based on anything. Glad to know I am not alone.

 

[ysl_75]

I guess sometimes we are just human being...I am not helping and be on which side. All I know God really loves all of us whether we are Christians or not...maybe I out of the topic, if I am please forgive me...

 

[`Lee]

As it's been stated already, we're all only human. I believe that God loves everyone, no matter what they believe. Although I respectfully DO believe in certain things, like accepting Jesus as your personal savious as being the ONLY way to get to heaven, I do respect other's beliefs. hernyaccent, if you need someone to chat with (a christian) feel free to PM me I won't force any beliefs on you or disrespect you in any way, so if you're looking for someone to talk with, PM me at any time and we can talk

Also as stated above, God tells us to turn the other cheek, meaning if our beliefs are attacked, we aren't supposed to retaliate. As we are only human, this is hard. And sometimes, many of us don't have to be attacked or disrespected first. And although we do have our own set of beliefs that we believe are the only true beliefs, we are told by God to witness, not to force or disrespect. Anyhow, getting a little off topic. Praying for you.

God Bless,
Mike

 

[Whitegravity]

Sure we'll meet many close-minded Christians, but I've known more open-minded ones. I suppose it all depends on the person, but I'm glad you don't see them all as "one mind." Hope you have better luck, and explaining your emotions goes a long way. I hope I'm not voilating the forum rules by giving advice here. But that is what I'd do.

BB
~white

 

[TheMainException]

Dude...either they do or they don't...I hate running into cases like this...some Christians...like many people just don't care about the beliefs of others or how they think...it can be really harsh...

 

[Johnnz]

Some Christians are very dogmatic and hard to debate with. This can be simply a maturity thing. Young Christians just haven't had the time to develop mature answers, especially if it is not a simple matter.

Also. many people never develop the personal skills necessary to hold to a position graciously yet firmly. Ask anyone who has worked for a few years about their boss to see what I mean.

I have often debated Christianity. I have found the same things as you, only by non Christians. This is why I see it as a personal skills and maturity issue.

John
NZ

 

[BlackRain]

Some Christians are very dogmatic and hard to debate with. This can be simply a maturity thing. Young Christians just haven't had the time to develop mature answers, especially if it is not a simple matter.

Also. many people never develop the personal skills necessary to hold to a position graciously yet firmly. Ask anyone who has worked for a few years about their boss to see what I mean.

I have often debated Christianity. I have found the same things as you, only by non Christians. This is why I see it as a personal skills and maturity issue.

John
NZ

hmm...i've never really thought of it like that before. the level of maturity really does have a lot to do with it. thanks for posting that.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I have a hard time communicating with many Christians who I personally view as closed minded. I am happy with my life still and don't want them to see things may way or accept me as a person but to respect me. How do I go about getting the respect of Christians without it resulting in personal attacks from either side?

Well, there's no getting around the fact that Christians won't agree with you nor you with them. But if you treat Christians with grace and respect, of course they will do the same. If things get a little dicey, just remember-you believe different things and maybe take a breather.

And it may help to remember that if we're not adhering to what we believe (what you're referring to as closed-minded), then we have nothing to offer you. Because there is no such thing as subjective truth.

 

[hernyaccent]

Well, there's no getting around the fact that Christians won't agree with you nor you with them. But if you treat Christians with grace and respect, of course they will do the same. If things get a little dicey, just remember-you believe different things and maybe take a breather.

And it may help to remember that if we're not adhering to what we believe (what you're referring to as closed-minded), then we have nothing to offer you. Because there is no such thing as subjective truth.

I don't want orthodox and non orthodox Christians to adhere to what I believe. I want them to understand that I have heard their beliefs before and I dont want to be a part of any organized religion. I don't need to be saved before man ( no i dont deny him before man either) .

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I don't want orthodox and non orthodox Christians to adhere to what I believe. I want them to understand that I have heard their beliefs before and I dont want to be a part of any organized religion. I don't need to be saved before man ( no i dont deny him before man either) .

It may be useful to discuss what you use as the source of your beliefs. Because that will help determine not only what religion you are, but also what the Lord would have you do. If you'd like to please Him and have an interest in Christ, then the next step is to know what His will is. Sometimes one of the most difficult things to sort through is the difference between man's will and God's. And that may very well be a reason why you're concerned about organized religion. But then we all struggle with our own will and the Lord's, too.

 

[hernyaccent]

It may be useful to discuss what you use as the source of your beliefs. Because that will help determine not only what religion you are, but also what the Lord would have you do. If you'd like to please Him and have an interest in Christ, then the next step is to know what His will is. Sometimes one of the most difficult things to sort through is the difference between man's will and God's. And that may very well be a reason why you're concerned about organized religion. But then we all struggle with our own will and the Lord's, too.

Organized religion has been to cause of way to many deaths and horrible events for me to be a part of. No religion represents my views.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Well, it's really, really important to distinguish whether or not a religion is of God, wouldn't you say? Since God is God, there's no fighting Him on that fact and what He says will come to pass, good or bad. But if something isn't of God, then why avoid Him because of that?

 

[hernyaccent]

Well, it's really, really important to distinguish whether or not a religion is of God, wouldn't you say? Since God is God, there's no fighting Him on that fact and what He says will come to pass, good or bad. But if something isn't of God, then why avoid Him because of that?

I am not avoiding GOD. I am avoiding christianity and mans doctrine.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I am not avoiding GOD. I am avoiding christianity and mans doctrine.

Well, that's the thing. How do you know what comes from God and what comes from man? If God requires something, then isn't it important to fulfill His will?

 

[hernyaccent]

Well, that's the thing. How do you know what comes from God and what comes from man?

Logically, I don't know what comes from God or man. It's something I will discuss with God upon judgement.

 

[WashedClean]

Organized religion has been to cause of way to many deaths and horrible events for me to be a part of. No religion represents my views.

Same here. I could care less about religion. I have a relationship with God. That's what He wants too!