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"Ten Ways Christians Tend to Fail at Being Christian"

1) (they have) Too much money.

2) Too confident God thinks we're all that and a leather-bound gift Bible. I'd like to humbly suggest that we spend a little more time wondering how we displease God and a little less time being confident that we do.

3) Too quick to believe that we know what God really means by what he says in the Bible. The Bible is an extremely complex, multi-leveled work. We're sometimes too quick to assume that we grasp its every meaning.

4) Too action-oriented. We Christians could stand to spend less time acting in the name of God, and more time reflecting on the (ever subtle) majesty of God.

5) Too invasive of others generally. It is my personal, humble opinion that anyone seeking to mix church and state has failed to understand the nature and role of either. Being founded upon the principle that all men are created equal and deserving of equal protection under the law is what makes the American system of democracy such a gift to mankind. Attempting to mix the inherently exclusionary imperatives of a particular religion into the resolutely inclusive system of the American constitutional form of government is to work against everything that America stands for. Religion is a personal, subjective affair for the individual; politics and public policy is an impersonal, objective affair for everyone.

6) Too invasive of others personally. We Christians are too often too eager to get up into the faces of others about their personal religious beliefs. If you believe in the reality of hell, then wanting to save non-Christians from going there is a worthy sentiment, of course. But the bottom line is it's absolutely impossible to talk someone who isn't a Christian into becoming one; in fact, more than anything else it's likely to push the non-Christian further from God.

7) Too quick to abandon logic. When talking to others about our faith, we Christians too often resort to a language and line of reasoning that leaves good ol' fashion logic sitting on the ground behind us, waving a sad good-bye. "It's true because the Bible says it's true" is, for instance, an assertion that can't help but leave the non-Christian unimpressed, since it's so manifestly illogical.

8) Too fixated on homosexuality. Can we Christians stop already with the gay and lesbian fixation? I know many of us understand our stance on the matter to be unassailably Biblical. I know a great many of us are deeply concerned about the "homosexual agenda." I know. We all know. Maybe Christians could just give that issue a rest for a while. It's not like gay and lesbian people are going anywhere.

9) Too insular. When I became a Christian, one of the things that most amazed me about Christians is the degree to which they tend to hang out only with other Christians. We should stop doing that. How are we supposed to share Christ's love with non-Christians (which we're forever saying we want to do) when we barely know any non-Christians?

10) Too uneducated about Christianity. Generally speaking (which of course is the most offensive way to speak about any group of people), Christians tend to embarrass themselves by knowing so little about either the Bible or the history of Christianity.
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"9) Too insular. When I became a Christian, one of the things that most amazed me about Christians is the degree to which they tend to hang out only with other Christians. We should stop doing that. How are we supposed to share Christ's love with non-Christians (which we're forever saying we want to do) when we barely know any non-Christians?"

We are supposed to the share the Gospel. However, if you walk through a garbage dump long enough, you're going to get garbage on your feet. Before you know it, you might get mistaken for garbage yourself. Basically, spend time with non-Christians, sharing the Gospel by word and example. Just don't spend too much time. You could let your guard down. It's easy to do. I've done it and learned from it. Your walk has to be strong.
quote:
Originally posted by teyates:
Getting advice on how to be a good Christian from the Huffington Post, is like trying to take dieting advice from Fat Albert. It might be a good read and give you a lugh, but it is a textbook defintion of hypocrisy.

Hi Teyates,

How right you are! Sofa finds the Ann Coulter of the Far Liberal Left -- who just happens to live in SAN FRANCISCO and writes for Huffington Post.

Need we say more?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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quote:
Originally posted by Sofa King:
quote:
Originally posted by Tomme73:
We are supposed to the share the Gospel.

Yeah, but with a loving, patient heart. Not by banging them over the head with the bible until they cry uncle.

Not only will that NOT work, it only drives people away from the Word.

Hi Sofa,

Even though that happened to you -- you can still come back to the Word -- and God. He will still welcome you.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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quote:
Originally posted by O No!:
Teyates, read number 5 again. Believe it or not, there are PLENTY of Liberal Christians. Besides, politics are of the world, not of God. I don't believe for one minute that He cares WHO you vote for.


You are so right - the big turn off for me are "Christians" who try to tell people how to vote. Liberal is not a dirty word. Jesus was a liberal!
quote:
Originally posted by O No!:
Teyates, read number 5 again. Believe it or not, there are PLENTY of Liberal Christians. Besides, politics are of the world, not of God. I don't believe for one minute that He cares WHO you vote for.

Hi O,

Unfortunately, you are right. There is definitely an overabundance of folks who follow Liberal Theology teachings. But, as long as they, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ -- believe and receive His "free gift" of salvation -- they are my Christian brothers and sisters. And, we will all walk together in heaven one day -- even though they worry minute by minute if they are saved or have lost their salvtion.

But, when you say, "I don't believe for one minute that He cares WHO you vote for" -- I believe you are wrong.

I believe that God cares about EVERYTHING we do -- good and bad.

But, I think that Teyates was referring to the fact that the author, Shore, lives in San Francisco and writes for Huffington Post, which is liberal. And, the way that Shore denigrates Christians -- I, too, wonder if he only wears a Christian hat to keep his head warm.

Not all who call themselves Christian -- are Christian. Look at how many churches have the word Christ in their name -- and are far from being Christian churches.

So, like Teyates, I, too, take this man's writings to be from one who dislikes Christians -- or from one who is just trying to get attention by being cutesy. That is why I called him the Ann Coulter of the Far Left Liberal crowd.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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quote:
Originally posted by StarryNight:
You are so right - the big turn off for me are "Christians" who try to tell people how to vote. Liberal is not a dirty word. Jesus was a liberal!

Hi Night,

Will you please elaborate on this statement -- Jesus was a liberal! -- a wee bit more.

Thank you and God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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I am so sick and tired of people saying you have to be conservative, or a Conservative to be a Christian.
There are plenty of liberal Christians. The two are NOT mutually exclusive.
Now,Bill, before you call me a liberal, you should know that i am as conservative as they come. But I am objective enough to know that all Christians are not conservative. You are not.
Separation of Church and State needed!!!!!!
Keep church out of politics, keep politics out of church!
quote:
Originally posted by Tomme73:
"9)

We are supposed to the share the Gospel. However, if you walk through a garbage dump long enough, you're going to get garbage on your feet. Before you know it, you might get mistaken for garbage yourself. Basically, spend time with non-Christians, sharing the Gospel by word and example. Just don't spend too much time. You could let your guard down. It's easy to do. I've done it and learned from it. Your walk has to be strong.


Yes, that is exactly how Jesus would do it. Roll Eyes
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Gray:

Will you please elaborate on this statement -- Jesus was a liberal! -- a wee bit more.

Bill


Jesus was a socially liberal Jew from the Middle East. He was a champion for peace, the less fortunate and social justice. Conservatives today are all against health care - what in the world for? Oh yeah, their own money! Would Jesus approve? I don't think so.

Other issues, like war, gun toting, discriminating, appeal greatly to the conservatives. Would Jesus approve? Again, I doubt it.
quote:
Originally posted by StarryNight:
quote:
Originally posted by Bill Gray:
Will you please elaborate on this statement -- Jesus was a liberal! -- a wee bit more.

Jesus was a socially liberal Jew from the Middle East. He was a champion for peace, the less fortunate and social justice. Conservatives today are all against health care - what in the world for? Oh yeah, their own money! Would Jesus approve? I don't think so.

Other issues, like war, gun toting, discriminating, appeal greatly to the conservatives. Would Jesus approve? Again, I doubt it.

Okay, Night,

You have given us the Liberal Left's "Mantra."

Now, can you give us any Biblical proof of your statement that "Jesus was a Liberal"?

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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I think you can find that sentiment in the Beatitudes...
In Matthew, the following is a summary of the beatitudes listed. Blessed are:


The poor (or poor in spirit), theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mourners (those who are weeping), they shall be comforted (or ye shall laugh).
Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (or the hungry), they shall be filled (or satisfied).
People persecuted for righteousness, (or followers of the Sons of Man), theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The meek shall inherit the earth.
The merciful will obtain mercy.
The pure of heart will see God.
The peacemakers will be called the children of God

However, I do think that Jesus was also a modern day conservative. He embodied the best of both "parties". (ie conservative value of life) Neither "left" or "right" but fair and just, merciful and stern.
Go figure, I guess He was, and is, simply perfect.
quote:
Originally posted by vplee123:
I think you can find that sentiment in the Beatitudes...
In Matthew, the following is a summary of the beatitudes listed. owever, I do think that Jesus was also a modern day conservative. He embodied the best of both "parties". (ie conservative value of life) Neither "left" or "right" but fair and just, merciful and stern.
Go figure, I guess He was, and is, simply perfect.

THANK YOU, STARRYNIGHT! BY THE WAY, DO YOU HAVE TWO NAMES NOW?

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quote:
Originally posted by Bill Gray:
quote:
Originally posted by Sofa King:
quote:
Originally posted by Tomme73:
We are supposed to the share the Gospel.

Yeah, but with a loving, patient heart. Not by banging them over the head with the bible until they cry uncle.

Not only will that NOT work, it only drives people away from the Word.

Hi Sofa,

Even though that happened to you -- you can still come back to the Word -- and God. He will still welcome you.


Not even you could turn me away from God, Bill. But the fence sitters? Not so much. What in the hell do you think people will say to your constant, "Believe what I say or else!" message? You are infected with PRIDE, Bill. I pray the Lord will give you a dose of humility to bring you back to earth before it is too late.

Yes, Bill, Jesus was the epitome of a modern day liberal. He championed programs for the poor. He was a pacifist. He believed in taking care of the earth. He didn't have one single word to say about homosexuality but surely would have preached acceptance in order to bring them into the fold, too. He, as I, would frown upon the modern day "success theology," country club atmosphere and exclusivity of most churches today.

Jesus was a pluralist Liberal who taught that one need not conform to strict and orthodox views of God, religion, and life. He rejected greed, violence, the glorification of power, the amassing of wealth without social balance, and the personal judging of others, their
lifestyles and beliefs.

Over and over again, He taught us to believe in and live a spiritual and ethical life based in our essential, inherent goodness. What Jesus
promoted was succinct set of spiritual principals and a way of life based upon the of love, compassion, tolerance, and a strong belief in the importance in giving and of generosity to those in need.

In short, he was the antithesis of everything you stand for, sir. You have no compassion, are intolerant of anything or anyone who disagrees with you and you shun and berate those who are most in need of Jesus' love. You are an enemy of Christ.

In fact, I can't think of anything that would label Him as a modern day conservative. Can you?
quote:
Originally posted by O No!:
Teyates, read number 5 again. Believe it or not, there are PLENTY of Liberal Christians. Besides, politics are of the world, not of God. I don't believe for one minute that He cares WHO you vote for.

I have to disagree with you. God does care about who you vote for. He does not want to see Christians, whose walk is supposed to be determined by their beliefs and his commandments, to totally disregard a candidate who supports activity which is abominable to the kingdom of God. A candidate who openly supports the persecution of Christians? one who openly supports homosexuality? abortion?
You do not think that God looks upon these actions with disdain?
I beg to differ. God never failed to either bless or chastise Isreal for their actions in the Old Testament. Entire generations bore the wrath of god for actions taken by their forefathers. The same thing can and will happen here.
How's this, Bill? Jesus supported socialism - his bread and fish were everybody's bread and fish. He supported universal health care - never charged for healing anyone, and took all comers. He was very anti-establishment - upset the Philistines in their temple. And he always brought the wine.

Really, Bill. Trying to politicize religion and turn Jesus into a political creature - have you no shame?
quote:
Originally posted by CrustyMac:
How's this, Bill? Jesus supported socialism - his bread and fish were everybody's bread and fish. He supported universal health care - never charged for healing anyone, and took all comers. He was very anti-establishment - upset the Philistines in their temple. And he always brought the wine.

Really, Bill. Trying to politicize religion and turn Jesus into a political creature - have you no shame?

Hi Crusty,

Just to make sure we are on the same page -- it is spelled B I B L E. And, it is that book laying on your coffee table -- or under the dust on a book shelf.

Now, just to get our facts straight. It was not the Philistines in the temple; it was the Pharisees -- and probably some Sadducees.

And, when someone suggested that Jesus was a Liberal -- they were speaking of Liberal Theology -- not Liberal Politicians.

Really, Crusty, you should stay up with the discussions.

But, it is nice to see you wake up once in a while.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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quote:
Originally posted by vplee123:
I think you can find that sentiment in the Beatitudes...
In Matthew, the following is a summary of the beatitudes listed. owever, I do think that Jesus was also a modern day conservative. He embodied the best of both "parties". (ie conservative value of life) Neither "left" or "right" but fair and just, merciful and stern.
Go figure, I guess He was, and is, simply perfect.

THANK YOU, STARRYNIGHT! BY THE WAY, DO YOU HAVE TWO NAMES NOW?


No, Bill. Just one. You should know your audience a bit better.
The remnants of the nose ring-led "Conservative Christians" have a very distorted view of Christianity. It is all a scam. The AFA, the FRC, the leftovers of the Christian Coalitions and Moral Majorities have had their day, been weighed and found lacking.

They are lucky to have kept tax exemption for as long as the have/had.

Disgusting, putrid, venal and ridiculous manifestations as a form of Republican no tax no regulation purity, just as Jesus wanted!

As Voltaire said, "Crush the evil thing."

Can one picture Archbishop of Canterbury out teabagging in the streets of Lambeth or Canterbury? The Bishop of Rome gave up on politics with the Concordat with Mussolini. The last time this was tried was the take over of the Protestant Church of Germany by Hitler and the veto power the Soviets had over Patriarchs in Moscow.

Cromwell would be proud! As would Mary I Tudor.

Away with the millions in direct mailings and TV advertising, radio programs, and drapes on the breasts of Justice in the DOJ.

The day I can imagine Francis teabagging, I will eat my hat.

Our Lord's Kingdom is not of this world, but in it. Do we not corporately pray that we may be one as Christ and His Church are one? We might as well set up a new Shibboleth for the true Rapture Ready to have safe passage against the evil liturgists and Radical Peace Churches. Maybe "Gary North sent me" as passsword?
quote:
And, when someone suggested that Jesus was a Liberal -- they were speaking of Liberal Theology -- not Liberal Politicians.



Oh hell no.

What *I* stated and what you responded to with a book was my statement that "Jesus was a liberal."

You even defended that statement by proclaiming that he was a war monger instead of a pacifist as I claimed (which was just too stupid to respond to).

Bill, why not just admit you might be wrong? Wouldn't that be easier than just dodging until people get sick of you?
quote:
Originally posted by Sofa King:
quote:
And, when someone suggested that Jesus was a Liberal -- they were speaking of Liberal Theology -- not Liberal Politicians.

What *I* stated and what you responded to with a book was my statement that "Jesus was a liberal."

You even defended that statement by proclaiming that he was a war monger instead of a pacifist as I claimed (which was just too stupid to respond to).

Bill, why not just admit you might be wrong? Wouldn't that be easier than just dodging until people get sick of you?

Hi Sofa,

One easy way to answer the question: "Is Jesus Christ a follower of the Liberal Theology?" -- is to give us Scripture verses or passages which prove this.

And, please make sure the the verse you quote is not further clarified elsewhere in the Bible. You see, the Bible explains the Bible; it is the best Bible commentary we can find.

So, when you quote the Bible -- be sure to check for other passages or verses which either support your interpretation -- or that, possibly, deny your interpretation.

I will wait for your Biblical answer.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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