Yes, but Christianity never fits the
rules.
You have to give time for the other
'beliefs' but
Bibles are banned in school.
Christmas vacation is now Winter break.
No prayer in school.
etc.
That's because there is no other name
by which men can obtain salvation.
Christ is hated by the world.
Religions are no threat.
I guess the reason Christianity is so frowned above in what you wrote is because it's a threat to non-Christians. It's a real threat to them. Though I was in oblivion before Christ, in general I see people are afraid of what we will do, if certain people get power, to stop abortion,etc. They are afraid they will lose their freedom. So they are scared, and they have a right to be scared, because there is a veil over their eyes. We will always be a threat to non christians, because of Christ. Also, we will always be hated because of Christ. So while all things Christian seem to be taken away, it is not to be unexpected, God said we will face many things. He never asked for a Christian world, but came to change hearts. Yes, others scream for rights of their faiths, while things we have are taken away, while Christ is removed, but really if we show them Christ though us, is how we'll reach them anyway.
I would say, before we expect respect, we as "Christians" need to stop condemning other groups just because they are not perfect, and quite ignoring people for their sexuality, religiosity, or political affliation. In other words, I think we all need to...
STOP JUDGING LEST WE BE JUDGED!!!
I mean, telling people their faith si the faith of the "anti-Christ" isn't exactly how to make friends. Further, rallying against an ALREADY discriminated population is even worse. Who cares if people are gay/Islam/Atheist/whatever, they are STILL people.
We look like a band of marching hypocrites in the eyes of everyone but ourselves! If we cannot learn this basic thing, how can we ever expect to be taken seriously?
I would say. But I can always be wrong.
I agree with what you are saying here. On CF instead of reaching out many times, we see bashing. However, I don't think that's going to change much really. People are going to be judgemental aren't going to change, unless they look inside their own dark hearts and realize how indeed dark it is, wherein we don't let Christ in certain areas. But it's also a protection to those that are judgemental. If they changed their colors it's a threat to what they stand for and believe in. It rocks ones faith when the truth they've known is shown to be different.
I don't mean to put down pastors at all, but many sheep don't know but what is fed to them. Public Christian radio determines what the battles will be, or popular Christina books determine what Christians are going seek after next. I see the differnce, as I lived in Ohio, where I had Christian radio, and now for 10 years, in Mass. I have none, and have no clue what the church in general is doing. I've heard about the purpose driven life book, but you know what I mean.
I always think, if Christians could just be real, be themselves we could reach others better. Say, it, yes, my heart is dark and desperately wicked. Even tho Christ gave me a new heart, all that I consciously or unconsiously have not given over is darkness.
The ones that are most offensive are those who look at outward sins of others, and dont' see the inward sins of their own. Jesus called it white washing or such.
Again, being on Cf for a time, I don't see this changing. There will always be this battle going on, this clashing because each group feels it needs to do whatever.
In one thread titled, why are Christians so defensive. All the thread really means in essence is, how come when I point out others sins to them, do they get so mad. It's a pride thread, yet veiled in self-rightousness. don't know why they don't see it, I have'nt the courage to point it out.
You aren't wrong at all. You are right, and that's why there are so many problems on CF. But this is how it will always be for we all grow differently, have different teachers, some legalists, some liberalists.
I like the verse that says If I be raised I will draw all men to myself.
To me, that's not just about the resurrection. It's about if Christ is raised in church, people will come. See, they want to teach how to be a better spouse, how to fight this battle, how to fight that battle, how to raise your kids, but if they preached Christ, their would be heart changes.
It's not bad to preach the other, but the churches that are most effective always preach Christ in every sermon whether on the ot or nt, they show how it is applied with Christ, and how it will apply in our lives. I suppose I don't like topical real life stuff. A struggling husband and wife may get some healing from a service about the wife submitting and the man being spiritual leader, but if Christ were preached instead, the inside of the woman and man would change, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Oh I've gone and written a book.
