10 Things I Will Never Get About Christians
I guess this should be qualified with the fact that I am, in fact, a Christian.
So, I guess I am talking about myself here, too.
I think it should also be said that the subjects I am addressing here are largely WESTERN, FIRST WORLD topics. Many of my brothers and sisters in other cultures would not relate to any of these issues.
Also, while my thoughts, concerns, and questions are indeed sincere I cannot deny some level of snarky-ness.
Feel free to be snarky back…but, please be sincere in your snarky-ness. In fact, I would love to read your OWN lists!
I will probably regret this later. Here I go.
- Christians and Tipping
For a brief time in my life I waited tables in college. I cannot tell you how embarrassed I was when groups would come in after church. They were often the most demanding and the worst tippers. People, if you cannot afford to tip when you go out to eat you should stay at home. Period. Tipping is part of our society’s way of paying for servers. Servers are paid less than minimum wage by the restaurant business. I am sorry if you do not agree with the system. It isn’t changing any time soon.
Lobby your congressmen about it. Otherwise your lack of tipping is a passive-aggressive stance against protocol.
Tipping also goes beyond the restaurant business. Your valets, your hairdresser…even just a small amount…tipping is the cultural norm for showing appreciation. A sincere “thank you” is NOT enough in these situations. A sincere “thank you” coupled with a few dollars communicates generosity and appreciation. Not doing so gives you a reputation for being ignorant at best and stingy at worst.
However, since the person is likely NOT to remember your name unless it is someone you see on a regular basis…what they WILL remember is WHO you represent.
The reputation that gets tarnished: the organization with whom you arrived, the company they know you work for…the church they know you attend.
Christians…the ones who are supposed to be generous and pay the worker what is his/her due (1 Timothy 5:18)…why do you not tip well…or at all? I will never understand this.
2. Christians and Global Warming
I am always a little surprised and taken aback when Christians are so vehemently against the idea of global warming. Often these Christians will make fun of people who try to show evidence or concern for the state of our planet. I try to figure out if their arguments are biblical. All I can come up with is that Romans 8:22 seems to agree with the fact that the whole earth IS groaning for the redemption of Christ…that the sin of humanity even impacts our physical earth. Our consumption, our greed…these are manifested in the “groans” or our world.
If you don’t agree with global warming…that’s fine. I hope you are right. I have no need to ridicule you or argue with you. I just don’t get the passionate mockery of those who do. I just don’t understand how the idea of global warming threatens your Christian ideologies. I know it doesn’t mine. In fact, the groanings of our earth only confirm what I know about my faith: we are desperate for a returning Savior.
3. Christians and the Presidency
I plead NO political persuasion unless apathy is a new political party. There are many things I do not care for in presidents (and other political figures) present and past. At the same time I am APPALLED at the remarks Christians make about the leader of our country. Disagreement is one thing…mockery and disrespect is something else altogether. I think we look like fools. We end up proving right those who have called us bigots and narrow-minded. Please, please, please, let’s not act like the world. The world slanders presidents they disagree with mocking them and blowing things out of proportion. Can we not show them another way? Can we not be an example of grace and wisdom expressed in love and resolve even if in disagreement…rather than slander and hate?
4. Christians and Television
So while you all are mocking global warming and making fun of the President you seem content to allow you and your children to watch just about anything on TV. I don’t get this. I don’t get how you can have such high (albeit confusing to me) standards on some issues, but sit and support (by watching) the Bachelor. What the heck?
You also are dumbfounded about why your children talk sarcastically and hatefully to you after they have spent three hours watching shows like Modern Family and iCarly.
Ummm….
5. Christians and Feminism
Ok, I can kind of get Christians and their distaste for and fear of militant, burn your bra, kind of feminism. Kind of. But the abhorrence, rage response? No way. I get the fear that feminism elevates women over men and leads to a host of other problems. However, here’s the thing: in the strictest definition of feminism…Jesus was just that. He cared and showed deference for the marginalized. He lifted women up to a place in society they had never been. He encouraged them to learn (Mary at his feet), spoke directly to them (woman at the well), defended them in public (Mary Magdalene), and allowed them past the men straight to His feet (the woman and the alabaster box). When men were constantly trying to put women in their place, Jesus rebuked this idea (Matthew 26:10) and the men who voiced it.
Wikipedia defines feminism as “a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing, and defending equal political, economic, and social rights for women.”
What is so wrong with that?
I imagine that God looks down on women who have been beaten and abused and relegated for centuries and, even if He doesn’t agree with how everything gets played out, I am guessing He gets their anger. I am guessing He sees the intense hurt.
Women’s issues ARE Jesus issues.
6. Christians and Abortion
Maybe it is because I have had four pregnancies now. Maybe it is because in ultrasounds I have seen the eyes open at 16 weeks and the heartbeat thumping at 8 weeks. For whatever reason I have a very difficult time understanding the support of abortion by a Christian.
I have had friends and clients who have had abortions. I have never experienced anything but concern and love for them as they navigated the murky and painful waters of grief after such a decision…whatever their resulting beliefs are about it.
I just struggle with the idea of nonchalantly approving or suggesting the choice from a christian perspective. It is a significant act in the life of the mother and the child.
And, when you have seen the ultrasound…that is what you see…a child.
7. Christians and Pretty
Ok, so I probably need to narrow this one down to SOUTHERN Christians. For a group that claims to believe that “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting” (Proverbs 31:30) we are obsessed with looks…especially in girls. It is the first thing (maybe the only thing) we compliment. “Wow, she is pretty!” “She sure is cute!”
We perpetuate the idea that all that matters…all that truly matters…is what is seen on the outside.
Do me a favor…tell my daughters they are pretty…but, will you also compliment their kindness and minds, too? Read more here.
Marmee from Little Women said it best:
“If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that someday you might find yourself believing that’s all that you really are. Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind: Your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage. These are the things I cherish so in you. I so wish I could give my girls a more just world. But I know you’ll make it a better place.”
8. Christians and the old earth/new earth debate
Similar to global warming, I also do not get the need for Christians to have a new earth. Maybe the earth is 6,000 years old. Maybe not. Maybe a day in Genesis represents an “age” rather than an exact 24 hour period…as in “back in the day…”. I really don’t know. Honestly? I don’t care. I took a class in college called “Science and the Bible”. I had two different professors who were both devout Christians and had completely different takes on this issue. One was “new earth” and one was “old earth”. I benefitted spiritually from their healthy debates. When I left that class I left with an appreciation for God’s word as well as science…not a need to defend either side. Can we really know? What does one or the other threaten? What are we so afraid of? Is God not big enough to still be God in either of these scenarios?
As a therapist I know that strong reactions, slander, and mockery usually conceal and protect a multitude of insecurities, questions, and doubts. It hurts my heart when I see Christians making fun of anyone who entertains a new earth OR an old earth stance. I know that there must be a lot of fear and questions underneath.
9. Christians and homosexuality as the worst sin
Do I think homosexual acts are sin? Yes. You can read my general thoughts on the subject here. Do I think it is the worst sin?
Proverbs 6:16-19 tell us:
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
I think that if some Christians spent as much time eliminating these things that the Lord hates that we would be in a very different place as a church.
10. Christians and Snobbery
James chapter 2 makes it clear. Deference and partiality to the rich or to those in high position has no place in the Christian church.
So there you have it. Some things that continue to make me go: “Huh? Wha?” I am sure each person could come up with their own list based on your own opinions and your own experiences. Again, I would love to read YOUR list!
I agree with you completely! These things all need to be said.
Thanks for the affirmation…and for reading!
I don’t know if this is snarky or not, but back when my wife and I attended a church (we don’t go now for a lot of very involved reasons), I discovered that it’s just about the most “politically correct” environment I know. If you ask the wrong question, if you say something even slightly “off script”, or if you don’t know all of the “Christian-ese” terms (we were “new Christians” at the time and weren’t raised in the church, so things like “slain in the Spirit” were completely foreign terms to us), you were definitely “out”.
I am glad you said “A church,” and no “The church.” Often people go to a chruch and have a bad experience then say the church, meaning all churches, are like this. It simply is not true. All chruches have their own personalty and that even changes over time. It does take time to effect the culture in a church. If you beleive this is the place God has sent you then get invlolved and work lovingly toward change. Many times when we find something problematic in a church it is God’s way of showing how we can be a help to others there. That church may be very much in need of the direction you can give them when you are led by HIs spirit.
Don, that is a very kind, thoughtful, and measured response. Thank you.
Interestingly enough, you are speaking very much along the lines of what I have been considering lately. It would take too long to explain everything that has happened that leads me to this point, but I have been thinking about reconnecting with a church on some level. It’s a little intimidating, since I haven’t worshipped in a formal church setting for so long, but you’re right. As an individual, I may have some small part to contribute to a Christian faith community.
My wife has embraced her Judaism in recent years and she has let me know that church attendence isn’t an option for her at this point. The only question that remains is where I belong in the body of believers.
I love these. As a fellow Christian, I have made some of my own observations, one of which I will write about shortly, regarding Christians who complain. This article was very eye-opening and truly does speak volumes. If we as Christians are to represent Christ, we’re not doing so well, and I think we’re only pleasing ourselves. To be a Christian, we are asked to leave everything behind and follow our Lord. That means not being so dependent on ourselves. I think pride has such a hold on so many of us, that we really can’t uplift Him because it would take the eyes off of us. What a sorry bunch of hypocrites. And the world is quick to point that out. It’s hard to stand out and exemplify Christ with so many phonies. We really need to seek God and continue to bear fruit. If the world will know we are Christians by our love, we could definitely do a better job of showing it! Thanks for writing this.
Grace, I love how you express these ideas here. Thank you for reading and for adding your thoughts.
beautifully argued, and i absolutely could not agree more…ten out of ten.
Randy, thank you for reading, for taking time to comment, and for the affirmation!
Oh my gosh, Emily! This is so awesome! You are so right about how the “craziness” gives ALL Christians AND therefore, JESUS, truly bad rep. I love your comments about old earth vs new earth. When my kids were little, talking aobut dinosaurs, etc. & asking me about the earth being created in 7 days, my answers were along the lines of your comments. I always said “who knows HOW/WHEN He did it & what difference does it REALLY make in the long run because the important thing is to know He did it & doesn’t need to explain to us how or how long.”
On my list would be Westboro Baptist Church….among any others like them.
As Ghandi supposedly said “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians.” That’s a very sad commentary. One to really take to heart and look deep into ourselves to make sure of our own actions & thoughts. Thanks, Emily!
Chrystal, Ghandi’s comment certainly is a sad commentary. Thanks for bringing that to the conversation here. Yes, we all can be guilty of swerving into shallow waters. The Christian journey, lived in authenticity, requires a willingness to be self-reflective and open to feedback…from the Lord AND other Christians. I pray I am able to have the grace to really hear that kind of feedback.
I agree with you on many things on your list. But honestly, I feel that the issue of old earth/new earth is extremely important. I don’t mock anyone for believing one way or the other. But I do feel like it is important to know weather the Bible tells the truth or not. The way I see it the Bible advocates a young earth. If the earth is not young then the Bible is wrong and therefor we should not waste our time with it. Genesis is the foundation of the Bible and salvation, without it our faith is worthless.
Of course there can be different opinions about it, but I truly believe that it is an important topic.
Hi, Rachel!
I think it is about interpretation. The professor I had that talked about an old earth had biblical and theological reasons to interpret the word “day” in a different way than a literal 24 hours. This interpretation is not about saying that the bible is any less true. He is an evangelical, Christ following believer. I have just heard from both sides a respect for the authority of scripture. I wonder if your thoughts here represent the general fear of hearing the other side. My goodness…if I thought that one side of this issue meant that the bible was not true and we should not waste our time with it that would indeed be concerning! I just don’t hear the evangelical proponents of the old earth in this way. I get how they interpret that word “day” differently. There are other places in the bible where the word “day” is used to mean a period of time. For example, I might say: “Back in the day when I went to elementary school.” Well that word day in that context means a span of seven years! I am not lying or a liar when I use it that way. The Hebrew language uses that word in that way, too, at times.
I am not saying I know the answer to this question. I don’t really take one side over the other. I just get both sides. I can understand the new earth stance, too.
As always thanks for these thoughts! I appreciate the dialogue and opportunity to clarify some of these ideas.
May God bless you!
Actually when you look in the context it states a morning and evening counted as the day, so we see what God meant,not a long period of time. ” And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Gen 1:5. The text is pretty clear.
Thomas, thank for pointing this out. As I state in my post, I don’t lean one way or the other. My issue is our heart and attitude toward one another in the dialogue. You make a great point here!
I agree fully with you, however I would like to make comment about personal apperances. And abortion. As a cristian I believe we should dress and look our best, I don’t mean expensive clothes and make-up, I maen be clean, wear cloths that reflect your belief. When you buy cloths, be it at a store, or goodwill, no matter the price, select cloths that are modest and depicts you as a christian and your respect for the Church you go to. Many say all I have to wear is Jeans, the reason that is all they have to wear is because that is all they buy. A pair of slacks can be bought just as cheap as a pair of jeans. I have seen people come in from working in the yard and wash their hands and go to church, not becuse they are a new christian and haven’t got other cloths, but because they say their church is causal and it is acceptable to dress that way. It doesn’t matter what the church allows you to wear, what matters is do you look like a christian that loves the Lord and repects the house of worship, when you walk down the street can some one point you out and say there goes a Christian. Do you act like a Christian or is the new styes or your old Jeans more important. I try to live by, Let your light so shine that others may See your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.I want to look and act like a Christian.
As for abortion, I do not believe in aboetion, but I do not believe laws should be based on religious beliefs, be it my belief or some other religious belief. Because of people fighting to force their beliefs on the schools and government is the reason we are loosing a lot of rights as a Christian. People that do not believe in prayer or in God, are reducing our rights to pray and speak of the Lord in public places. If we force our beliefs on others, they will in turn force theirs on us. Laws should be made for the benifit and the rights of everyone no matter their reliegouse belief.
Janette, thanks for sharing! I can understand these ideas for sure! I certainly am not advocating for less than proper hygiene and self-care. I just want other things to be noticed in girls, too! I also understand the desire to have laws that allow for choice. I never mentioned the law of the land or government policy in my post. I specified the idea of Christians having no problem offering it as an option themselves with the operative phrase there being “no problem”. Thanks again!
The post was fun… and AWESOME! I agree with everything you said. While I am not a believer in human-made global warming (I know, I know) and I consider myself an incredibly conservative person politically, I am alarmed and concerned at the politicization and Americanization of the church (in America). This would definitely be on my list. The correlation that is made between the Republican (or Tea) Party and being Christian is truly amazing. And correlating being an American with being a Christ-follower is disturbing. I have seen so many folks compare the valor and sacrifice of brave military personnel with the sacrifice of Jesus. Wha? Really? I am extremely patriotic and I love my country, but this love does not compare to Jesus and our calling to reach ALL THE WORLD for Christ. Sadly, there are many that think that you cannot be a Christian if you are not carrying a Bible in one hand, an American flag in the other, with a portable US Constitution in one back pocket and your membership card to the Republican Party in the other. I just don’t get it. Why fight for freedom (in the world’s standards), trying to convince everyone else in the world to adopt our philosophy, only to be BOUND by judgemental spirits, bitterness, hatred and lack of compassion? Perhaps we need a refresher of “in the world, but not of the world.” We definitely seem to have lost our moral compass, but I’m afraid it is not in the way so many think. JMHO
Great post.
Thanks, Brian! I never say what I believe regarding Global Warming! I really do not know. I just get tired of people making fun of each other in a hateful, you-must-not-be-a-christian-if-you-believe-this, kind of way. I think we are on the same page with this stuff…especially knowing you and Kelly like I do! Jon listened to one of your sermons the other night that was posted on facebook. I was listening, too. I was so impressed. So proud.
If telling the truth = “snarky,” “Snark on sister!” Awesome Post.
Aw, thanks, Cheryl! I appreciate that!
Right on!! Miss you!!
Thanks, Lisa! I miss you, too!
I agree on all these points! I used to be a server as well and can relate to that one-I disliked working the Sunday lunch shift. “Southern pretty” made me laugh only because I usually say a different term and that might be because I’m from the North. We use ‘high maintenance’. That was snarky perhaps! I think I’m guilty of the TV portion. While I don’t ever let my kids watch those shows with me, I do laugh at shows like Modern Family. These made me think though on how I’m perceived as a Christian. Thanks for the list, I can’t think of anything else to add!
Megen, thanks for these words! I think we are all guilty of the TV part sometimes. I can’t say I have never watched an episode of the Bachelor!
So good. And also? Thank you for reminding me of Marmee’s words. I was just having a discussion with my daughter about that today. Beautiful timing
Aw, Cheryl…those are good words, aren’t they? You have one blessed little girl with you as a her mother.
I appreciate the “Christians and Pretty” bit. A soap box of mine actually.
Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks, for reading and commenting, Jessica. I am not surprised. Your strength, character, and beauty inside and out make it obvious that this is a priority for you!
Em, I love this! The tipping part crackes me up, as the restaurant I manage has brought up the idea of opening on Sundays. All of my servers said one of two things ” if that happens I will quit” or “being closed on Sundays was the reasoni wanted to work here”. But more than the lack of or bad tipping, was the way I heard the servers were treated by the church crowds at previous places. That saddened me.
On the old vs new earth, ii had the same class at Lee. I remember one professor saying “do I believe in the big bang theory? Sure. God said ‘bang’ and the earth was formed” basically, he was saying that however science prove the earth was formed he BELIEVED his God made it happen.
And can we add cliques to Southern pretty? I remember comparing our youth group to a country club/wrong side of the tracks scenario when I was sixteen. That went over well.. but it just seemed to me that at church all the worldly things that divided should disappear and we should have been united in our faith. Love this post.
Christa, I am, unfortunately, not surprised that people threaten to quit. Sad.
I love these thoughts you shared. Thank you!
Both my sons are tippers — Christians are THE WORST!! I hate when the give a tract as their ‘tip’. What a bad witness. I get most of the rest of the stuff. I struggle with the scorn and mockery on either side of issues. What does this accomplish? Is it Christ-like? Not! I’ll have to consider a list of my own. Definately have to keep the tipping… one. Christians are so rude! They often think (or act like they think) they deserve special consideration for their faith. May it never be! God tells us to be servants not those expecting others to serve us! Angie
Hi Emily.
I have just found this blog from a link on another and I would dearly like to comment on this post, point by point.
1 I agree wholeheartedly
2 In the UK, the main climate change organisation is more like a cult than a scientific research establishment, with information being found to have been falsified or withheld when it did not agree with the conclusions that were wanted. I see this as bearing false witness.
3 All political parties try to impress on their followers that they have a monopoly on good and their opponents have a monopoly on evil. It just is not true. On my only visit to the US, I was impressed that everyone, whether they had voted for im or not, saw the president as “their” president, which was such a refreshing channge from in the UK.
4 Agreed. I think Sheila Gregoire summed it up when she suggested that Christian parents need to limit their children’s input from other sources so that the children can get enough Christian input.
5 I have no problem with treating everyone as important. what i do not like is the way in which it now seems that the husband is always se the oppressor. For example, a neighbour was married to a woman who had her first child to her first husband, and this was her second marriage. Child was 16 and he (the child) spat in his step-father’s face, head-butted the step-father and split step-father’s nose oipen. Police arrived at a report of domestic violence and arrested step-father. In another case, a friend was subject to domestic violence from his wife. The police literally laughed at him when he reported it and refused to take a note and give him a crime number. In too many cases there are women who are now oppressing men and we need to get a balance. I will not mention the no-fault rules for divorce which simply get me angry.
6 Agreed, but we also need to act to ensure that we can offer support to any young woman who has a child because she has been “pumped and dumped” rather than leave her to the tender mercies of those apparently sympathetic organisations that tell her abortion is the answer.
7 Again, we need to increase the amount of Christian input for children as they grow up so that they will have the right set of values.
8 There are far more important arguments to engage.
9 Agreed. But even worse is when a senior pastor ina church starts trying to get the church to agree that homosexual activity is not incompatible with Scripture and splits the church unnecessarily over this issue.
10 Agreed. And I would expand it so that we condemn the job hierarchy that exists in the minds of some Christians is also condemned. There is no reason why a Nurse is more valuable than a tailor. Both do a job that adds value to the community in which they live.
As I have looked over your list, the one thing that comes to mind is that in our culture today, we can make a list about the church like this, but can we point out sin in the world like this and still call the people who don’t know the Lord to come to Him, or would that be offensive or judgmental. It appears that the church might have become the target of the world and believers together, I just can’t see how poking at Christ’s bride helps His cause.
When I think about the condition of the church I remember two things:
1. No matter how immature a believer is, if He’s saved when the Lord comes back He’s going with Him.
2. Just like Noah and the Ark, it might have stunk inside, but what was going on outside was killing people.
Blessings to you
Thomas, I certainly appreciate your heart here! I also think that just as Jesus held the religious people of His day accountable if we are afraid of feedback and “iron sharpening iron” kind of accountability we are in a scary place as a church. After I wrote this I had a dear friend call me on my use of “heck” in the post. I never use that in my every day speech. Those kinds of Christian slang words ate on HER list!
I was thankful for her sweet and appropriate feedback.
I hear what your saying Emily, but the question still stands, would we do a list like this for the world, or those who openly defy Jesus and His teachings? Second,if this is accountability where is the direction and exhortation from the scriptures? “Afraid of feedback”, some probably are but I don’t see a clear point in the post, besides poking.
Jesus rebuked the religious officials who were wrong,and opposed to Him. What did He do for those in sin, or confused, like the woman at the well or the rich young ruler, or his own disciples? Again in our culture, the church has become the focal point where the world and even believers are seemingly launching accusations.
Nothing but blessings…
Actually I think Jesus did a lot of poking. And, Thomas, I really think we are on the same page here. In most of these my main issue is Christians who are at each other over certain issues rather than about loving each other and the world. I think some of these things need to be said. And in regards to biblical exhortation what here is unbiblical? My stance on abortion? My stance on respecting those on authority? My stance on paying the worker his/her due? My stance on homosexuality? My stance on favoritism? If you disagree with any of these positions I have no problem with the dialogue. I am concerned about how Christians treat one another over these issues and represent one another in the world. Jesus is clear in John 17…our ability to work together, respect one another, and our love for one another is how the world will know. I stand by my post: we aren’t doing the best job in some of these areas. I include myself here, too.
Thank you for engaging the thoughts on the post! I truly appreciate that!
Emily,
It’s clear you misunderstood me. But the question still stands, would you do a list like this for the world, or those who openly defy Jesus and His teachings? That’s my point.
I’m not sure what I said that implied that you were not biblical, but that wasn’t my intent. I saw the list read through it, and on my heart came that one point/question I mentioned above.
Appreciate the dialogue and nothing but blessings to you and yours
Hi, Thomas! I just responded to you and answered your question but I don’t think I did it the right way so you may not see it unless you go to the post again!
And, while I am willing to write the post you ask for I think we would have to take 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 into consideration.
he has trouble seenig so*instead you can get him really warm houseslippers for when hes walking around. elderly people tend to get cold easily. maybe ugg ones or tempurpedic (if your not putting a price tag on him =D ). merry christmas and good luck!
Hi, Thomas,
What I “hear” in your question is a true love for the church and a fear that we are attacking the church rather than judging the world. I really appreciate your love and protection for the church. The Lord loves his Bride for sure. You are line with His love for Her, the Bride of Christ.
To answer your question: sure. I would have no problem with that.
I think your question is a little out of place for me because it seems to me from scripture that there is a place to speak out to the world and a place to speak out to the church…even in challenges.
I have also found that when those in the world see that we can acknowledge our weaknesses it is refreshing for them. We spend so much time defending ourselves rather than being able to say: “You know what? We don’t get everything right!”
Our defensiveness and unwillingness to be honest about our “blemishes” (Ephesians 5:27) leaves a bad taste in the world’s mouth. I want to be an example of honesty and vulnerability…a place where those who need to change can see that we aren’t afraid of change and being purified by His love either.
I have had clients who have been hurt severely by the church and one of the great honors of my work is to be able to acknowledge the blemishes of the Bride…to acknowledge the pain, to say: “You know what…that wasn’t right. That was wrong. I am so sorry.”
I have seen some powerful healing work take place when a person is able to experience this kind of honesty. Out of this honesty discipleship and moving forward can take place. I have sen people come back to the church when that kind of honesty is experienced. What an overwhelmingly amazing thing that is! My heart overflows with His goodness in the midst of their pain.
And, from the comments, public and private, I got after writing this, I believe it has done more good than harm.
I sat on it for a month. I read it to my husband. I did not post it in a hurry, in reactivity, or rashly.
I “hear” your question and I think I “hear” the concern and heart behind it. I am not naive. I knew that it would rub some people “wrong”. It is probably the most vulnerable and scary post I have made for that reason.
So, again, to answer your question: yes. And?
First, I’m not fearful or rubbed wrong. In my first comment I mentioned what I believe to be a current state of our culture, that’s all. As you know don’t write an article on my behalf, but if you see my point then good, at least we’re able to see where each other is coming from.
As for the verse from Corinthians, I actually wrote an article about that so I’m well aware of that, I’m not asking you to judge the world, to say ten things you don’t understand about the “world” would not be judging anyone, that’s far from ruling over affairs as Paul had to within the Corinthian church, and way far from condemnation.
Jesus in His time trying teaching people said something that I think we look over as we evangelize and deal with a world that finds so many reasons to turn away from the God we serve. This is what He said,
“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, And you did not dance; We mourned to you, And you did not lament.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” (Mat 11:16-19 NKJV)
I see your heart as well, thank you for the patient dialogue. May God richly bless your writing efforts, and all your service to and for Him.
Jonathan,
Awesome post! Very well said…and very well respected. Each point was great and true. Thanks for this!
Hey Stewart,
Actually, Emily wrote that one, but I loved it too!
Thanks for reading!
Jonathan