Recently, a study was conducted in the United States to determine whether Christianity is viewed in a positive light or a negative light to the general public. Sadly, this random telephone survey found that 33% of people see Christianity as more of a negative influence in our society than a positive one- and this is including polls taken by believers and non-believers. I was completely stunned when I read this! How could anyone, especially Christians, believe Christiany to be a negative influence on society? I then proceeded to read more of the article, and it said Christianity is often viewed negatively because of the violence or hatred Christians demsonstrate in the name of Jesus Christ. The article then proceeds to talk about some more of the negative and positive views Americans have on Christianity.
As a Christian, this was extremely hard for me to read. It is very disheartening to hear about people viewing Christianity negatively. As belivers, we are supposed to demonstrate Christ's love, and to hear that 33% of Americans- including believers and non-believers- view it as a negative contribution to the world was heartbreaking. Psalm 40:10 says "I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love or your faithfulness from the great assembly." God's greatest commandment is love! Christians are vessels, and we should be portraying love not hate to others. I include myself because I know I am not the perfect example of Christianity; however, this article was a wake-up call to me, and my hope is that many Christians will have a similar response to this article.
Good article. Sadly today I think many Christians get on their own adgenda of judgement of sin and condemning others instead of first demonstrating God's love towards others. It shows a lot how you react to others problems, and as a Christian counselor we have the greatest duty to show love, compassion, and God's grace.
ReplyDeleteWe need to assess ourselves, know our faults and take steps in fixing or getting help for them before we can say we want to help others. If we don't do this, a lot of the time we say we are helping other, what we are doing is being an hypocrite and condemning them. This is why Christians have such a bad rep in today's world.
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ReplyDeletePeolpe's opinion must not define our relationship with God. As a christian, the important thing is your stand in faith, and how you are able to impact lives positively. Once you operate from position of love, then leave the rest for God. Opinion polls have no direct correlation with God's assessment of your work. God is the only just Judge. Ignore the poll and focus on how you can be a better christian.
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