Five Common Misconceptions about Christians
Below are five common misconceptions or misunderstandings about Christians. There are more, but these seem to be the key falsehoods.
1. Christians think they are better than everybody else.
Just the opposite is true. In fact, in order to become a born again Christian, one must admit that he or she is a sinner who deserves to go to hell, and who is totally incapable of doing anything worthy of gaining heaven. A Christian understands that he/she is a depraved, wicked individual at heart, and no better than a Hitler or a Stalin, and who, under the right circumstances, could and would commit any atrocity ever known to man.
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Psalm 10:4
Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. Psalm 119:155
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9
2. Christians think they are going to heaven because they are better than everybody else.
Christians do know (there is no "doubt" about it) they are going to heaven, but not because they are better than everybody else. They know they are going to heaven because their penalty for their sins was paid for on the cross by Jesus Christ. They have believed on (i.e.: put their trust in) Jesus Christ, and He bought them a place in heaven.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:13
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise. Luke 23:43
3. Christians are judgmental because they think [fill in the blank] is a sin.
No. Christians point out sin not because of what they think, but because God says it is sin. We are supposed to point out sin and warn about God’s judgment as well as to tell others about the wonderful news that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins and will give us a place in heaven if we’ll believe in and follow Him.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Ezekiel 3:18
4. Christians are always damning other people to hell.
Christians have no power to damn anyone. We are to warn about hell though, because it is a real place. (see Ezekiel 3:18 above) . And as a side note, God does not damn anyone to hell either. He sent His Son into the world to save us all from hell. It’s not about being “good” or “bad”. None of us are good enough to go to heaven. We all make a decision in life on where we will spend eternity. It’s about accepting or rejecting Christ.
For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17
He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
5. Christians never have any fun
Not only do Christians have fun, but we have peace. No non-believer has true peace.
… for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee. Psalm 5:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
For God giveth to a man that is good in His sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy… Ecclesiastes 2:26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace... Galatians 5:22-23
My advice to non believers:
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. Psalm 2:12
Labels: Doctrine, Personal Observations/Stories, Scripture
thoughts from Ms.Green @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007
14 Comments:
Ms. Green, this one is a keeper! I'm going to link to this in my Weekly Roundup. These misconceptions come up all the time, and came up several times just this week.
I'm glad that you are aware of what people think of Christians. All your explainations were wrong for one simple reason: it's exactly the same explanation given by filthy mullahs justifing their religion and way of life.
Can you prove all the stuff you wrote? (remember, you wanted a 'proof' for global warming!) :)
"All your explainations were wrong for one simple reason: it's exactly the same explanation given by filthy mullahs justifing their religion and way of life."
American, if you wanted to have a serious discussion about why I believe what I believe and why you don't, it would be one thing. But when you make statements like this, it shows that you don't really know much about either religion- Islam or Christianity. The two are diametrically opposed, and I fail to see any logic in saying that what I said in response to the misconceptions is anything that would ever be said by an Islamic leader.
As for proving the "stuff" I wrote- I quoted Scripture. I can prove that it is Scripture - just get a KJV and look it up.
American,
"it's exactly the same explanation given by filthy mullahs justifing
their religion and way of life."
Exactly huh? Exactly? Oh my. Slap me around and call me Susan, but I'm pretty sure that there has never been a single mullah ever in the history of terrestrial existence who has ever uttered the words "Jesus Christ is the way to salvation." Do you "exactly" know one who has? Do you know one who "exactly" regularly credits Old and New Testaments of the Bible to " exactly" reference his beliefs?
Hmm. I guess it just depends on one's definition of "exactly". What's yours, by the way?
...And I second Ms. Green's remarks. And third them.
Amen, Ms Green. Nicely said.
Ms.Green - You say Islam and Christianity are "diametrically opposed". Can I politely ask you if you ever had studied Islam to make such a statement? Remember, Christianity came from the same region. Jesus wasn't a white man, it was a person from today's palestaine. AGain, how did you make such a statement when both Islam and Christianity are religions with a concept of God, hell and heaven???
Captain Sassypants - I'm sure you are smarter than your post indicates. The word 'exactly' referred to "we-are-right-and-you-are-all wrong" attitude shown by any religious fundamentalists.
Can I politely ask you if you ever had studied Islam to make such a statement?
Yes I have.
AGain, how did you make such a statement when both Islam and Christianity are religions with a concept of God, hell and heaven???
Because their "concepts" are totally different.
Captain Sassypants - I'm sure you are smarter than your post indicates. The word 'exactly' referred to "we-are-right-and-you-are-all wrong" attitude shown by any religious fundamentalists.
I don't think Sassypants' intelligence is in question here. He/she responded to exactly what you said and the way you said it. You should have worded your comment differently if you wanted to refer to an attitude rather than to what you referred to, which were my explanations.
I'm curious. If you don't like anything that is said here, and can't agree with anything, why do you keep coming back? I assure you, you are not going to change my mind on anything I've posted here. My convictions and beliefs are quite grounded.
I'm not asking you to leave, just wondering why you stay.
As for Jesus being a white man, whatever gave you the idea that I think that? I've never posted anything to that effect. Think you've got me confused with someone else.
Ms. Green,
Came here via Neil's blog and have read your fine comments at ELAshley's blogs. You've nailed it pretty well with these five points. I've been accused of damning people to hell a time or two myself. It's a good thing for humanity that I don't possess that power.
Ok - So, you have 'studied' Islam to come to this conclusion?? In that case, probably you should have given exact details justifying your conclusion (Hope you don't cherrypick things now!!)
The real purpose of any religion is to make its followers a 'better' human beings. Not engage in this frenzy of superiority over other religion. In fact, it shows the failure of a religion hijacked by ego-centril religious maniacs.
As to your questions on my regular visits to this blog: Here are the reasons if you care to read:
I visit blogs/sites of all different views (republican/democrat/atheist/believers/fundamentalists/environmentalists...list goes on). The idea is to know all different views in this world.( See, I'm very open minded). Because, whether we like it or not, we are all living this world together at the same time. So, we better know who we are living with. In my view, understanding eachother is the first step towards becoming a better human being.
No - I'm no way trying to 'change' you!! But, I wuld continue to voice my opinion everytime I see something that's wrong.
By the way, I've already said once before. Despite our disagreements on religion (amongst other things), I have great respect towards you like any other human being. I truly appreciate you answering my posts though they are 'diametriccaly opposed' to yours. That's precisely the kind of 'open mind' and 'patience' that we need to make this a better world.
Peace.
Ok - So, you have 'studied' Islam to come to this conclusion?? In that case, probably you should have given exact details justifying your conclusion (Hope you don't cherrypick things now!!)
I don't feel inclined to explain why Islam and Christianity are opposed - I did not bring up the subject. You did. I posted on misconceptions about Christianity.
I've written about Islam in detail the past. Don't feel compelled to do so at the moment.
The real purpose of any religion is to make its followers a 'better' human beings.
With hundreds of religions and probably hundreds or thousands more variations of those religions, how can you seriously make such a statement?
Does Wicca seek to make its followers "better human beings"?
How about the Church of Satan?
Voodoo?
Atheism?
These are all religions.
And no, all "religions" are not created equal. Some are superior to others. However, I don't follow a religion. I follow a Person.
You are welcome to keep posting, but I don't have time to comment on every statement or question you post, because many of them are just obviously not thought through before you post them. No offense.
By the way, I agree that understanding each other is important - but understanding each other doesn't make us better human beings. It just makes us more knowledgeable. What we do with that knowledge determines what type of human beings we are.
American,
Sorry friend, but my intelligence has nothing to do with your misstatement involving the word “exactly”. Nice attempt at diversion though. Words mean something. If one doesn’t mean what you want it to (i.e. exactly), then don’t use it. It’s called vocabulary. Sorry for the sarcasm, but a sarcastic statement often deserves a sarcastic response. Don’t you think?
Truth, by definition, excludes anything that is untrue. The existence of multiple and contradictory “truths” (or versions of the truth) is impossible. A true statement, by definition, excludes all other conflicting statements. Any person who claims that a statement is true, therefore critically assumes that all statements conflicting with the “true” one are false. Therefore, when each of two or more individuals proclaims his own idea to be true, and each person’s idea conflicts with that of the other(s), then someone(s) must be wrong. This is the way by which there exist diametrical conflicts between Christian and Muslim doctrines. Christians claim one thing is true; Muslims claim something completely different is true. The only major doctrinal similarity between the two religions is that they are both monotheistic worldviews.
I’ve never observed Ms. Green “cherrypicking” on this web page. Can you give an example of her doing so?
In what ways are Christianity and Islam doctrinally similar? Where/how/why is the Bible wrong? If Biblical Christianity is false, what is true?
I want to give you opportunity to provide explanation and basis (empirical, rational, etc.) for your assertions because I’m interested in hearing them (and I assume I am not alone) and because I know that you want to be understood.
Truth.
Ms.Green,
Snice you are not 'inclined' to explain your stand, I would not ask you anymore. Honestly, I didn't expect anything better from you. No offense!
Captain Sassypants,
There is nothing really we can debate since you lower the standards everytime you post!
Wow…I "lower the standards"…Is that really your "response" to my questions? I mean, I asked very straight forward questions in unambiguous terms in hopes that you might actually explain a few of the claims that you so passionately punctuate. Where does the passion come from? Why do you believe what you believe?
Truly, what gets lower with each post is my expectation that you will post an actual response. So far, all I’ve gotten is ad hominem excrement. Blather. By your non sequitur comments, you make yourself out to be a dialectical troglodyte. Why do this when you’ve been given ample opportunity and multiple requests to prove yourself otherwise? I’m lowering the standards?!
Thus far, our dialogue hasn’t even closely resembled a "debate." In a debate, when you make a statement, you have to support it. When a point has been validated, those opposing provide a validated counterpoint. If a person expects to ever be taken seriously in any discussion, he/she must provide sound rational points and counterpoints. And you chide Ms. Green for not explaining her stand? Did you read what you just typed? The record of this list of comments shows that you rarely if ever explain your own stand. You just state it, then sling mud. Clearly, if there is a reason that "there is nothing really we can debate", as you say, it is because you refuse to provide any explanation for the claims that you make. I’d like to know why you believe what you believe, but you refuse to add that to the discussion. Instead, you seem only able to add insult. If you disagree with something tell me why. Support and validate your stand, please.
I wish to calmly return to the questions I posted previously, so that you may prove me wrong about you. I’d like you to make me eat my words. I’m genuinely interested in your answers to these questions, which are based on claims that you have made on this comment board:
What things, specifically, is Ms. Green cherry picking?
In what ways are Christianity and Islam doctrinally similar?
Where/how/why is the Bible wrong?
If Biblical Christianity is false, what is true?
I’m betting that you won’t answer them. I’m betting you’ll just sling more ad hominem mud. Please prove me wrong.
OK Sassypants - you clearly had lowered the standards by acting 'dumb'!!
Well, glad to see you getting more serious. That's a good sign.
Let me get to your questions without engaging in personal insults (To that extent, I'm a better person though I don't follow your God!!).
1) What things, specifically, is Ms. Green cherry picking?
Take a look at her post on Nov 23rd (the rape victim getting punished). She ends the post with a sarcastic statement - "Islam - religion of peace".
Now, no sane person would support what they practice in Saudi Arabia. But, when you try to 'cherrypick' an incident and paint the religion as bad, you have to be extra careful. How would you feel if someone paints the whole christianity as a 'religion of sexual deviants' by referring to catholic priest scandals/Warren Jeffs/Ted Haggard???? Every region/society in this planet has certain unique characteristics. There are regions known for unstable families and hyper sexual behaviors, there are regions known for extreme corruption, there are regions known for extreme violence/dictatorships. You can't ignore those facts and accuse a religion for all the bad things. In other words, I wouldn’t blame Christianity for Africa’s poverty or western world’s moral bankruptcy. I wouldn’t blame Islam for middle eastern ‘religious fanatic’ societies. I wouldn’t blame Buddhism for southeast asia’s political turmoil. These are far more complicated than simple blame game.
2) In what ways are Christianity and Islam doctrinally similar?
Simple – Both are religions. Both have a concept of a ‘God’ and believe that their God is the only god and non-believer will go to hell! Oh, yea – both have a concept of hell. Both religions have subgroups within them. These subgroups try to disapprove each other. Both religions have good people and bad people. Both religions have fundamentalists. In other words, these religions comprise of everything that a religion stands for….God, good values, bad values, morals, hell, heaven, intolerance, priests, house of worship…etc. You get it now?
3) Where/how/why is the Bible wrong? If Biblical Christianity is false, what is true?
I combined your last two questions into one since they pretty much sound the same. Well, first of all, I don’t think I ever said ‘Bible’ is entirely wrong. Like any other religion, it also teaches good values like love and respect. On the other hand, like any other religion, it teaches intolerance, the concept of God and superstitions! Religions are wrong when they start promoting the concept of ‘God’, Hell and Heaven. (By the way, I would love to see you ‘prove’ any of these things!!) Religions are wrong when they teach their followers that ‘other religions’ are all false! Because, all religions are false!!
Sorry, sassy pants if you thought I was a Muslim trying to peddle my religion over Christianity!! Sorry if I disappointed you that extent! I’ve answered your questions and let’s see your responses!! And, sorry again that I proved you wrong again!!
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