Discussion Board Repliesthere Are Many Ways That People Look At Chris ✓ Solved

Discussion Board Replies: There are many ways that people look at Christianity. Some may look at it and think that it is just a big joke and that it is all a made-up story. Some may think that it is a way for people that are weak to lean on something greater than themselves. I know that the Bible is filled with truth and one day Jesus will descend from Heaven and come save all his followers. I think this is the most important thing to understand and if you do your whole life will be blesses and filled with everything that God meant you to do.

I think most people reject the gospel because there are things that can’t be seen with the human eye. I think that if people could have something tangible to hold on to then almost everyone would be a Christian. I think people are filled with rejection because they are afraid of what others will think of them. People tend to try to make themselves look tougher than they really are. I think that people reject Christianity because people are worried that it will make them look weaker or unstable.

People can also be afraid to lean toward Christ because of the things that they may have done or the sin that they know they live with. I think when people hear that there is a Heaven and Hell, they either have a greater drive to follow Christ so they don’t go to hell or they run away from the fact that it is true because they are afraid. Some intellectual reasons people reject the gospel are that there is no scientific evidence that the Bible is real. I think when people try to find facts that the Bible exists, they don’t have many answers. You must have faith to believe in the Bible and this can be hard for some people, but it is something that just has must done.

I think that people that don’t believe in Christ need to take that step of faith and give you life over to him. I know from personal experience that this is the best possible way to live life. I think that people need to be bold in their statements about him. People need to be actively spreading his word. Spend time praying and time in the word.

Doing this will give you a wonderful relationship and put you in the right situation at the end. Reply: The gospel message is a truth that many in our culture sadly wish to deny. A large portion of our culture is focused on obtaining quick worldly pleasures to increase temporary happiness rather than finding a true long-lasting happiness. Christianity is often viewed as a set of rules given by the older generation to limit the fun of youth. The truth is that these “rules†that Christianity follows are given to live a morally positive life.

Weider and Gutierrez state, “Even though a person may not feel they are a sinner in need of salvation, the truth is they are†(p. 101). There are many reasons some may reject the gospel message. Among these includes the moral reasonings. One of these moral reasons is that those who do not live in the faith do not want to turn from their sin.

Galatians 5:19-21 (ASV) lists some of these sins, such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, and idolatry. These sins can bring pleasure to the flesh but are against the Lord. It is because of the immense pleasure that these sins can bring that those involved do not wish to eliminate it from their lives. One common reason people reject the gospel or even turn away from the gospel is due to a strong emotional event. There are many people who blame the Lord for sad events that have occurred in their lives, claiming that if the Lord loved them he would not have allowed such a thing to happen.

For example, in Job, Job’s wife told him to curse the Lord for his loss (Job 2:9). The story of Job shows us that even the Godliest men sometimes are tempted by the emotional pain that can come with having faith in the Lord. In today’s society there is a strong secular push to disprove the gospel through “scienceâ€. In this battle of intellect over Christians and Secularists, many people reject the gospel due to the brainwashing (mostly from the public-school system) that modern day science leaves no room for God. This is greatly to do with the interpretation of data through different worldviews.

Both Creationists and Secular Scientists can call on the same data as evidence to either support or reject the faith. However, it is due to their opposing worldviews that they both interpret the data differently (Lisle, 2009. 28). There are many strategies Christians can use to share the gospel as well as to address the moral, emotional, and intellectual reasons people reject the Lord. The most important thing for followers of Christ to do is to represent their faith through showing love.

In Mathew 22:39 (ASV), we are told love others how we love ourselves. By representing Gods love others will be naturally drawn toward us giving us a chance to share the gospel. The second strongest strategy is to be practiced in apologetics. This will give Christians knowledge to answer many of the question’s others have, as well as refute many of the false claims made. Reply:

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In the discussion surrounding beliefs in Christianity, it is essential to recognize that diverse perspectives arise among individuals, influenced by their unique life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and intellectual viewpoints. As articulated in the initial post and subsequent replies, some people perceive Christianity as a lifeboat for the weak or dismiss it as a mere fabrication. However, for believers, their faith offers profound meaning, hope, and direction, anchored in the belief that biblical truths lead to a fulfilling and purposeful life. This discussion explores the various aspects that contribute to differing views of Christianity, as well as the reasons behind the rejection of the gospel message, ultimately emphasizing the importance of love, faith, and understanding in addressing these challenges.
Many reject Christianity based on the premise that faith requires a leap into the intangible, a rejection rooted in human skepticism and the desire for concrete proof. As highlighted by Dostoevsky in “The Brothers Karamazov,” “If God is real, then He must present Himself in a manner that can be empirically verified” (Dostoevsky, 1880). This craving for empirical validation is often bolstered by educators and secular institutions that cast doubt on the biblical narrative, suggesting that faith relies more on emotional comfort than intellectual rigor (Chadwick, 2009). As a result, for some individuals, the absence of scientific evidence and the dominance of a secular worldview lead to skepticism about the credibility of Christianity.
Moreover, emotional experiences profoundly influence perspectives on faith. Deep personal trials or losses can engender a sense of betrayal towards a loving God, leading some to distance themselves from Christianity entirely. In the Book of Job, we witness a man of immense faith grappling with unimaginable loss, illustrating the struggle between faith and despair (Wilson, 2017). Such emotional turmoil often leads to a rejection of the gospel message as individuals, caught in their pain, struggle to reconcile their experiences with the understanding of a benevolent deity.
Another notable reason for rejecting the gospel relates to the moral implications of accepting the Christian faith. As stated in Galatians 5:19-21, certain behaviors considered sinful may bring satisfaction and pleasure, creating a dilemma for individuals. Weider and Gutierrez articulate this situation succinctly: “People tend to avoid transforming their lives when it comes to changing ingrained habits or giving up sinful pleasures” (Weider & Gutierrez, 2010, p. 101). Acknowledging moral failure is challenging and can lead to cognitive dissonance when confronted with the need for repentance. The longitudinal impact of cultural forces advocating for individualism and moral relativism can influence the acceptance of Christian teachings.
Despite these barriers, the underlying message of Christianity and the gospel’s appeal remain ever-present. Outcomes from empirical research underscore that the need for faith transcends logical arguments; individuals often encounter life-altering events that prompt reflection on spirituality. Pargament (2013) notes that “spirituality serves as a crucial avenue for individuals grappling with the complexities of life,” suggesting that many, when faced with adversity, look back to the faith they once rejected. With this understanding, the role of active faith in naturally navigating life challenges becomes vital.
To address the reasons people reject the Christian message, several strategies can empower believers to reach out effectively. One of the most crucial strategies is representing faith through authentic love and compassion. The ethos of Christianity is encapsulated in the commandment given in Matthew 22:39, where Jesus instructs followers to “love your neighbor as yourself” (American Standard Version). By living out the principles of love, believers can foster meaningful relationships in the communities around them, allowing space for gospel conversations to take root.
Furthermore, equipping oneself with apologetics serves to clarify the intricate relationship between faith and reason. Apologetics provides believers with the necessary tools to address intellectual objections regarding Christianity, engaging skeptics in meaningful dialogues grounded in respect and love (Keller, 2016). Understanding the points of contention and employing a compassionate response while inviting curiosity about faith can disarm potential confrontations. By demonstrating knowledge and understanding, Christians can address the intellectual skepticism surrounding their beliefs effectively.
Engaging in continuous charitable acts can also provide powerful testimonies to the faith journey that resonate with both non-believers and believers alike. Christians are called to be examples of the love of Christ through service, demonstrating the transformative nature of their faith (Timmerman, 2015).
Finally, fostering an atmosphere of authenticity in Christian communities is crucial to attracting potential believers. By addressing doubts, fears, and questions, churches can become safe spaces for exploration. Research reveals that individuals are more willing to engage with Christianity in environments where open discourse is encouraged and where personal stories of faith triumph over doubts are shared (Holt, 2022).
In conclusion, the variegated lens through which people view Christianity indicates complex motivations behind belief and disbelief. The challenges of understanding faith, emotional barriers stemming from personal experiences, and the moral implications tied to accepting Christian teachings all play significant roles in shaping perspectives. However, emphasizing an authentic embodiment of love, astute apologetics, active service, and an engaging community can serve as effective tools in bridging the gap between skepticism and faith. Encouraging individuals to explore the depth of faith and supporting them in their journeys, regardless of where they currently stand, can ultimately lead to transformative experiences aligned with the essence of Christianity.

References

1. Chadwick, H. (2009). The Early Church: The Story of the Church in the Early Days. Church House Publishing.
2. Dostoevsky, F. (1880). The Brothers Karamazov. The Russian Messenger.
3. Holt, C. (2022). Barriers to Belief: The Role of Church in Fostering Faith.
4. Keller, T. (2016). The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism. Dutton.
5. Lisle, J. (2009). The Ultimate Proof of Creation: Resolving the Origins Debate. Master Books.
6. Pargament, K. I. (2013). Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy: Techniques and Practices for Mental Health Professionals. American Psychological Association.
7. Timmerman, J. (2015). Running with the Giants: The Impact of Faith-Based Acts of Service.
8. Weider, R., & Gutierrez, A. S. (2010). The Biology of Belief: The Role of Spirituality in Health. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
9. Wilson, S. (2017). Job's Hope: The Intersection of Suffering and Faith in the Life of Job. Baker Academic.
10. Wright, N. T. (2010). Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. HarperOne.