ezra
Member
The Dumbing Down of Christianity
https://churchleaders.com/outreach-...dumbing-down-of-christianity-ethan-renoe.html
https://churchleaders.com/outreach-...dumbing-down-of-christianity-ethan-renoe.html
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Not every one is an apologist.I would be interested in Jim Parker s thoughts on this. OzSpen as well. If they feel like making a comment.
It’s an important thread. Imo
Thanks. I would say that we all need to be somewhat versed in apologetics (defending what and why we believe) and there are simple things one can do (for example, asking the right questions).Not every one is an apologist.
And, just as not everyone is capable of being an Olympic athlete, neither is everyone is capable of learning at the PhD level.
But anyone can respond to an aggressive atheist with a simple question like, "Why is it so important to you for me to agree with your beliefs?" or "Is it OK with you if I believe in God?"
But those responses are aimed at just bringing the assault to an end and not to accomplish anything of value.
While not everyone is able to open the scriptures like the apostle Paul (who have more than the equivalent of a ThD today), but everyone can apply the teachings of Jesus to their lives and be a "living gospel" by following the instructions of the Bible.
Like: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."(Mat 5:16)
Or , as St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary use words."
The emphasis on apologetics is, IMO, an error. Consider Paul's words at1Co 2:4-5 "... my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
Paul didn't just preach the Gospel; he demonstrated it daily by his life.
That error is compounded by the false teaching that a Christian doesn't have to do anything other than believe. If I may quote a couple of well worn sayings, "People don't care how much you know; they want to know how much you care." and "Actions speak louder than words."
We are to be imitators of Christ. Everything He did for mankind was based in his love for mankind and His infinite mercy.
Christians aren't called to argue with atheists.
Christians are called to love atheists.
You can argue philosophy and religion til you're blue in the face of til kingdom come, (which ever comes first) but you cannot argue with love in action. It is what it is. (<---- period)
and that's my 2 kopecks.
iakov the fool
I would be interested in Jim Parker s thoughts on this. OzSpen as well. If they feel like making a comment.
It’s an important thread. Imo
We have replaced rich, robust theology in the church with emotional music and constant reminders that “God is love and loves you and He’s your personal Savior and loves your soul…” These words are great at bringing outsiders through the doors (because they’re true by and large) but poor at growing believers into mature witnesses with rich understanding of the deep things of God.
Just as a marriage cannot be sustained by the tumble of infatuation, a life of faith cannot be sustained by passionate emotion. Yes, it may be a wonderful (and necessary) entryway, but without depth of knowledge and understanding, it will be “blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
Papa,
I'll have to respond later. On this Easter Sunday it is time for a shower, shave and breakfast before heading off to church. Then to lunch with caring friends who invited me to their place.
View attachment 5713
Oz
That was a good article.The Dumbing Down of Christianity
https://churchleaders.com/outreach-...dumbing-down-of-christianity-ethan-renoe.html
You've read all 300 versions and found trhis to be true?and most of them water down doctrines or remove them completely.....
Which versions are those?ts because the PRIDE of the THEOLOGIAN concludes that because they have more degrees then a thermometer, this elevates them into a self realized false position of faux-authority to be a BIBLE CORRECTOR, and so, they create one that SUITS their belief system just in time for Easter or Christmas at your local Bible Book Store.
So does your church also feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the stranger, visit the prisoner and the sick or does it support ministries that do so and encourage the congregation to do so?That was a good article.
I keep hearing about these churches, but I've yet to go to one.
Where I attend, we use no musical instruments and only a handful of hymns get me emotional. You will rarely, if ever see an arm raised in praise and on occasion, perhaps 3, may be 4 people might clap to a song.
We have deep bible studies for an hour before church service. When I teach. I hand out homework. Sunday night our preacher digs deeper into his lesson. Wednesday, we have a 15 minute worship, and a 45 mi ute bible study.
I guess the church of Christ isn't as bad as people say.... we get beat on a lot and falsely accused of works based salvation continually.
i am not a big fan of church of Christ .i have listened to several of the ministers in coc .they all say they are the true n.t church.. a person can be coc and be saved that is not my issue. there is nothing wrong with musical instruments clasping shouting what ever be of the spirit. i have yet to attend one of the churches either . but they are there GOD chose through the preaching of the word to save the lost .That was a good article.
I keep hearing about these churches, but I've yet to go to one.
Where I attend, we use no musical instruments and only a handful of hymns get me emotional. You will rarely, if ever see an arm raised in praise and on occasion, perhaps 3, may be 4 people might clap to a song.
We have deep bible studies for an hour before church service. When I teach. I hand out homework. Sunday night our preacher digs deeper into his lesson. Wednesday, we have a 15 minute worship, and a 45 mi ute bible study.
I guess the church of Christ isn't as bad as people say.... we get beat on a lot and falsely accused of works based salvation continually.
Yes, we have a weekly soup kitchen and work closely with the Michigan food bankSo does your church also feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the stranger, visit the prisoner and the sick or does it support ministries that do so and encourage the congregation to do so?
If not, then all the deep Bible studies in the world won't make any difference at the judgment because Jesus isn't going to give us a Bible knowledge exam.
He's going to judge you and me and every other human being that ever lived by our works, not by our Bible knowledge.
Selah
iakov the fool