Christians - easy target?
915423
Amen, sister!\nIt soon became obvious the majority(not all) of non -religious Q/A posters are not here in search of the truth/real answers/religious debate...but their motives are strictly  my opinion so I'll keep them to myself\nI used to get extremely annoyed at people for accusing Christians as a whole of being like the few obvious bad apples that are well known...but then God showed me something in the bible to put me at ease\nHe said:\nJohn 15:19-21 \n19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. \n20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. \n21But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.\n\ncomforting to know!\n regarding the accusations people make of Christians trying to "shove" God down the throats of others- my experience is most of us aren't like that. Just talking about God and his love doesn't constitute trying to convert people.  But we all have witnessed a few people who ARE like that...He told me to remind them of this-\n\nMatthew 10:13-15 \n13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. \n14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. \n15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.\n\nThat made me realize what a HUGE responsibility we have to say the right thing when we are talking to others about God! So I pray and ask God to make sure when I speak  of Him only what is true comes out of my mouth!  I am sure He answered me too, because a few times I tried to answer posts and it just wouldn't go through, got erased, disconnected, etc! I love God...He saves me from myself regularly  :-)\n\n\nAs long as we do our part to spread the Word of God, we are doing what is right;their judgement will be on them!- we can't worry about people who REFUSE to hear, time is precious! \nSo I stopped arguing with people on this forum about God..I'll say what I want to say in praise of God, and anyone who doesn't like it can take it up with the Judge\nPEACE\n\np.s. I know what you mean about "we've found something and want everybody to get it too"\nIts such an overwhelmingly good feeling that when you try to describe it to people, its like bluh,bluh,bluh  because there are no adequate words!
452691
Trying to get teenagers interested in anything these days is a difficult task, and I applaud you for trying to introduce them to Christianity.  However, you must know and understand that you can not lead anyone to salvation. You can not save anyone.  You can not bring anyone to God.  All these things are brought about ONLY by the free will God gave them. They must choose.\n\nThat being said, leading by example is the best approach.  Nothing you say will mean anything to these kids if they think you are full of crap (pardon the term).  But it's true, young adults and teenagers are longing for good guidance by adults they can trust.\n\nIt's also important to find ways to establish a relationship with their lives, and the life of a Christian.  Give them some examples of how fear, anxiety, social relations with the opposite sex, the future, etc. are all made clearer and better when you have friends that have shared experiences, and that these experiences have meaning.  Let them know that being a good Christian means being a part of something beautiful and fulfilling.\n\nNever take them for granted.  All their problems are very real, and sometimes devastating (even if you think they are trivial.)  Teenagers have such a strong need to be accepted and understood, and if you just say "trust in God" over and over again, they'll become immune to it.  \n\nStay creative and entertaining.  The attention span of the avergae teen is about 10 seconds, maybe less.  You have to keep them focused. (This will end up being the most difficult part.)\n\nAnyway...good luck, and God Bless.  Don't give up, and trust that The Lord will find his way into the hearts of these kids, and that these kids will want Him there.
1074189
they just probly want you not to follow Jesus but to follow what they believe. I as well am a Christian and i get attacked as well but instead i fight back if they're gonna attack. if not then i dont bother to attack at them.   I agree wit you on lettin everyone believe what they want cause its their life.  Its not their job to change our lives and make us believe in what they believe in.
198365
A wise man once said " keep your eyes on Jesus and do the next right thing" . Its not easy but every choice does count. In my experience I have grown closer to God by letting him fight for me: pray about it.
885655
Simple.\n\nThey forgot the first two lessons in Christianity 101...\n\nHumility and respect for others.\n\nnuf sed.\n\nPeace.
368994
boya, i like the way you think.  i wish more people in this world, christian or no, were so open-minded.\n\nthe answer to your question, as far as i can reckon, comes down to basic nature of humanity.  it's not that most christians are simple-minded, it's because humans in general are sad, insecure, paranoid, greedy, lying, mistrusting, and pathetic little creatures!\n\nand, of course, it's the worst of these that tend to be the loudest...
991439
Some poeple take evangelizing to the next level.  It is not just Christians.  Most religions, even some pagan ones, have sects that push their followers to convert others.
793345
I agree with whoever wrote this article. For too long we as Christians have been contentedly complacent in our belief that since we have accepted God's Plan of Salvation that our work is done. That's not so. Time is so short,and we need to do whatever we can to broadcast the Plan to others,and not keep it to ourselves. I too have been guilty of sitting back and letting someone else do my work for me. As Christians,we each have a work to do,and in whatever way we can,we are to share our faith with others,wether they receive it or not. Fear of rejection or persecution should not be a factor in doing God's Will. I believe the same urgency I feel is felt by other Christians around the world. We see the signs of the times,and it is time to step up to the plate,so to speak,and witness to the world. It is also time to stand up for our rights as Christians and take back what organizations such as the ACLU has taken from us.We have the same rights as others,yet it is our religious rights that are being trampled at every turn. Now is not the time to fear what man can do to us. Now is the time to stand up for what is right and moral regardless of what the world thinks of us.Now is the time to put on the full Armor of God and be the people God has chosen us to be.
400848
Excellent question!!  The basic tenet of Christianity is that a Christian must use Jesus to get to God (and anyone who tells you differently doesn't know the basics of Christianity very well).\n\nIs God so busy that he needs a secretary to screen his calls?
430077
That is a great question!!  I use to hand out bible tracts and witness to people a few years ago.  One thing I noticed was they would often **push** Christianity on people, rather than **offer** it to people.  I had the philosophy of offering it to people, either accept or reject and was always polite. I had a bible tract tossed in my face by a very angry young serviceman that just returned from Iraq, but I understood and wasn't upset, He thought I was an Anti-War protestor.  I witnessed to gays, drunks, homeless, thugs, punks, and many others.  I never condemned anyone to Hell.  The two big mistakes!\nFirst Mistake Christian Witnesses make is being Rude, Scary and or out of place.  Second Mistake is pushing Christianity on People instead of offering it.\nHere are my bad experiances!!\n- A Christian woman about 20 years old comes-up to me and starts witnessing to me and grabbing my arm and has a crazed look in her eyes, demanding I pray with her. I DIDN'T KNOW HER!!!\n- "You're gonna burn in HELL!" - All I did was walk past him!!\nBeing corner by four Christian men all coming at me about the Love of Christ and intimidating me at the same time! I thought I was going to get beat-up!\nI learned what NOT to do from them!
1080108
Even though I admire your efforts, the way you have asked the question, will only make the christians feel insulted and become defensive. Only a very openminded one would read your post and seriously think about what you are saying. Good points, though.
48547
Christians are given lots of contradictory advice in their scripture.  They can pick and choose what to follow and what to disregard depending upon the prevailing politics.  All religion is essentially political in nature- not spiritual.
882697
As Mary Jane pointed out, Christians control the majority--at least in English speaking countries. But more than that, Christians believe that they are God's gift to the world when it comes to giving advice, yet for some inexplicable reason cannot seem to take their own advice.
1002397
Well, if someone has really been a true christian, and loved everyone, and treated everyone as they would want to be, then they have nothing to worry about.\n\nIt's the "christians" who preach hate and bigotry, discrimination and homophobia, and "ours is the only true way" that have some 'splainin' to do . . . and fast . . . .
476225
What I've learned is that many people  expect Christians to BE JESUS,  who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we wouldn't have to. I agree that Christians are perceived as weak.  Even at my church,  people try to push me around, bully me,  snap at me,  gossip about me,  etc.   I'm expected to "turn the other cheek" for another slap.  When I stand up for myself,  they are shocked.  When I defend someone who I see is not being treated with compassion, I am criticized.  That's where the strength comes in - continuing to do what is right under adverse circumstances.  What Christians need to do is show the strength through actions,  no matter what the consequence.  \n\nDo you mean that they perceive Christian faith as a weakness in itself,  that living worldly makes a person stronger?  If so,  walking the Christian path is ridden with battles between us and non-believers.  It's part of the chosen path and can be very frustrating. Our peace comes when we know we've done the right thing under trying circumstances. What others' think is hurtful at times.  Yes,  they try to wear us down to believe as they do.  What's most important and that GOD sees our strength (through our actions) that we receive through HIM.  \n\nAs strong as we are as "sheep among wolves",  we are not superior to the wolves.  God loves them as much as He does the sheep.  We must continue to be as understanding and compassionate of them as possible without allowing ourselves to be abused.  This is also part of the path we chose - to love as God loves (to the best of our human ability) - very challenging,  at times.
405894
:}\nBelieving and practicing Christians have already received more than they deserved from G-d. Most are more interested in how to serve him than what he will bring on Christmas.\n\nI admit there is the prosperity theology movement afoot but then there is always going to be a mixture of error\n\nThe call is to pick up the cross an follow him. I would like to see everyone do that but I would caution them that there is a cost that should be considered. Christians are often called to suffer.
646942
We are called to love NOT retaliate\n\nRom 12:14\nIf people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. 16Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all!\n\n    17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.\n\n    19Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written,\n\n   \n    "I will take vengeance;\n       I will repay those who deserve it,"\n       says the Lord.\n\n    20Instead, do what the Scriptures say:\n       "If your enemies are hungry, feed them.\n    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink,\n       and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you."  21Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.