Super Spiritual People

[redblue22]

Have you had any encounters with Christians who try to make everything a super spiritual subject? Almost like their super spirituality is a weapon they whip out?

Give some examples, how you felt, and how you dealt with them.

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[GQ Chris]

I've seen this frequently in Charismatic/Pentecostal churches.

 

[JackofSpades]

One doesn't need to spend very long time with Charismatic Christians to run into those people. I've met alot of them. Most typical way for encounter is that they come out of nowhere, pick on something superficial and make a huge number of it publicly in most inappropriate situations.

For me it was smoking or my clothing etc. those folks came quite often at me about smoking, telling I should be free of it in name of Jesus and some of them started to spontaneously pray for me in a public place etc. And usually I didn't even know those people or had ever talked to them before. Oh well, good old times! *laughs*

That being said, I've met people who actually have very strong spiritual presence in their life. It's different in nature than "everything is spirits" - neurotic fiddling. First difference is that they act way more naturally and don't get so much caught on details and superficialities. Second difference is that it's usually spiritually inspiring and blessing to just be around them.

And I don't mean that in human sense of them being nice people, they don't even have to be nice or have much in common with myself. It's the sense of spirit that is with them what makes the difference.

 

[redblue22]

sometimes people will start quoting the bible when it is out of place. instead of talking to each other as persons, suddenly one is ignored and responded to with quotes.

another I thought of is trying to play a game or sport. then some person asks how playing the game or sport is for the Lord--as if we're wasting time and should feel bad about it.

spiritual buzzkill.

 

[MehGuy]

My father.

 

[TraciDee]

I'd say I'm a "super spiritual person" honestly...

I believe we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. That is how I approach life. I'm sure it can be strange or maybe even unwelcome to those who don't share my beliefs, but that's just who I am

 

[JackofSpades]

I'd say I'm a "super spiritual person" honestly...

I believe we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. That is how I approach life.

Sounds interesting. Do you see visible world as some sort of illusion and the spirit-stuff as the truely real thing? Or how you see the relationship of spiritual and physical dimensions? I'm curious because there are much open questions for me about that stuff.

I think OP meant people who just can't let it go and act like normal people for a moment?

 

[TraciDee]

Sounds interesting. Do you see visible world as some sort of illusion and the spirit-stuff as the truely real thing? Or how you see the relationship of spiritual and physical dimensions? I'm curious because there are much open questions for me about that stuff.

I think OP meant people who just can't let it go and act like normal people for a moment?

Oh, no- the visible world and our human experience is totally real and valid. But we are not our bodies and we are not our human experience- we are our consciousness. That means that when our bodies die we will still go on in our consciousness in heaven. I don't know if we'll receive a new form or not, and I don't feel like that part matters, but I do believe we are more than flesh.

I understand that's what he meant, but I like to hope that my relationship with God is evident in everything I do- whether I'm discussing Spiritual matters or not. That is what I mean by identifying as super spiritual.

 

[Messy]

I'd say I'm a "super spiritual person" honestly...

I believe we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. That is how I approach life. I'm sure it can be strange or maybe even unwelcome to those who don't share my beliefs, but that's just who I am

Yes we are a spirit and have a soul and a body, that's what I believe.
LOL there was one weird guy once I took to a service and with coffee we were just chatting, a group of people and all of a sudden he says to this woman in his strange voice: We are all spirits. Just the look on her face, so funny.

 

[Messy]

One doesn't need to spend very long time with Charismatic Christians to run into those people. I've met alot of them. Most typical way for encounter is that they come out of nowhere, pick on something superficial and make a huge number of it publicly in most inappropriate situations.

For me it was smoking or my clothing etc. those folks came quite often at me about smoking, telling I should be free of it in name of Jesus and some of them started to spontaneously pray for me in a public place etc. And usually I didn't even know those people or had ever talked to them before. Oh well, good old times! *laughs*

That being said, I've met people who actually have very strong spiritual presence in their life. It's different in nature than "everything is spirits" - neurotic fiddling. First difference is that they act way more naturally and don't get so much caught on details and superficialities. Second difference is that it's usually spiritually inspiring and blessing to just be around them.

And I don't mean that in human sense of them being nice people, they don't even have to be nice or have much in common with myself. It's the sense of spirit that is with them what makes the difference.

Yes, the second caterory is real mature believers, spiritual people, like Paul and they don't have to say it or act weird or brag about it. The ones that do that are super spiritual. In fact it isn't spiritual at all.

 

[JackofSpades]

Oh, no- the visible world and our human experience is totally real and valid. But we are not our bodies and we are not our human experience- we are our consciousness. That means that when our bodies die we will still go on in our consciousness in heaven.

Hmm. Do you mean spirit is same thing as consciousness? But in that case, what about being filled with spirit, like Jesuses disciples were at Pentecost? What that does for consciousness?

I understand that's what he meant, but I like to hope that my relationship with God is evident in everything I do- whether I'm discussing Spiritual matters or not. That is what I mean by identifying as super spiritual.

I see, I probably overinterpreted a bit what you said.

 

[TraciDee]

Hmm. Do you mean spirit is same thing as consciousness? But in that case, what about being filled with spirit, like Jesuses disciples were at Pentecost? What that does for consciousness?

I guess there is a distinction in my language. My Spirit is my soul/consciousness/who I am. The Holy Spirit is God. When someone is filled with the Spirit, I take it to mean filled with the Holy Spirit, or God.

 

[SnowyMacie]

I went to a Christian high school for two years that was full of them, and then was apart of a college ministry that was also full of them. I've learned to just ignore them, but I'm probably the least spiritual Christian on Earth.

 

[mojoboy31]

I'd say I'm a "super spiritual person" honestly...

I believe we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. That is how I approach life. I'm sure it can be strange or maybe even unwelcome to those who don't share my beliefs, but that's just who I am

This. So much this.


What's the CS Lewis Quote?

"We don't have souls, we are souls. We have bodies."

 

[redblue22]

I think one characteristic of the super-spiritual Christian is that they seem to act as if other people are inferior.

 

[iambren]

Ahh the "pious". Or as my exwife used to call them "the saccharin". I once had a brotha ask to pray with him after we had a theological discussions. With our hands clenched he proceeded to pray for ME,MY delusions and how wrong I was. Comical when I look back on it.

Remember the high school days? You had your nerds,hoods,preps,jocks? I think this is all from the sin of pride;the preppies really DO think they are better than others. Not godly,pride is one of the 7.

This carries over to the super-spiritual,those that think they have more of the inside track in life with God. They KNOW Him better,can see and tell of Him more accurately. They are more sinless,seemingly. I don't do well with these types because it's so hard for them to see their need.

 

[anewman1993]

That being said, I've met people who actually have very strong spiritual presence in their life. It's different in nature than "everything is spirits" - neurotic fiddling. First difference is that they act way more naturally and don't get so much caught on details and superficialities. Second difference is that it's usually spiritually inspiring and blessing to just be around them.

I came to this thread ready to start fighting about how pretty much everyone should be super spiritual as a christian. But I think you hit the nail on the head with this lol.

 

[mojoboy31]

I would consider myself a super-spiritual person, but I don't look down on people who disagree with me.

What most people here are describing negatively isn't "super-spiritual", but superficial. Most people I've known who had the holier than thou attitude were just superficial. It was for show. Most "super-spiritual" people I know are that way because they care about people. As Christ called us to when He said: "Love each other as I have loved you."

 

[TraciDee]

I would consider myself a super-spiritual person, but I don't look down on people who disagree with me.

What most people here are describing negatively isn't "super-spiritual", but superficial. Most people I've known who had the holier than thou attitude were just superficial. It was for show. Most "super-spiritual" people I know are that way because they care about people. As Christ called us to when He said: "Love each other as I have loved you."

This all the way!!

If someone is truly filled with the Holy Spirit his/her life will bear the Fruits. Superiority, cruelty, and hypocrisy reveal a pursuit of things of the earth.

Those people that quote verses and live entirely different have a Facebook friendship with God- it's superficial and a false display for the sake of others.

 

[mojoboy31]

This all the way!!

If someone is truly filled with the Holy Spirit his/her life will bear the Fruits. Superiority, cruelty, and hypocrisy reveal a pursuit of things of the earth.

Those people that quote verses and live entirely different have a Facebook friendship with God- it's superficial and a false display for the sake of others.

Facebook friendship with God. Hit the nail right on the head.