Why I am bothered by popular/MSM criticism of Christians

[OlderAndWiser]

I was born into a Christian family and I attended church to the age of 16. That's when I left home and moved 350 miles away to begin college. Like many young people, I went through a few decades of not attending church and questioning my Christian beliefs, but I never actually rejected those beliefs. I simply gave them frequent scrutiny.

In 1999, my then-wife decided that she wanted to start attending a church in our neighborhood and we found our way to the Lutheran church.

This is NOT my church but it looks something like this.

Neither of us had been raised in that church or in anything similar (such as the Episcopal or Anglican chrches) but we gave it a try. Twenty years later, that woman and I are divorced and I don't live in the old neghborhood anymore, but I still attend that church.

For Lutherans, reaching out to help others is an important part of our obligation as Christians. I am talking about reaching out to help people, not to preach to them. My church does that in a variety of ways. I will describe two of those programs.

Family Promise is a local program that helps families that are temporarily homeless and trying to reestablish their self-sufficiency.

Together with a number of other churches, we have these families come to our church and spend a week in rooms that have been temporarily transformed into sleeping quarters for them. We feed them three meals every day and provide entertainment in the evenings. During the days, the parents attend job training or rehabilitation and the children attend school or a day care program. After their week with us is completed, they move on to another church that repeats the process of caring for these families. After two to six months, these families "graduate" when the parents establish employment and they have been assisted into their own housing.

Another of our programs is "Birthday for Christ." Every November, social workers with the Department of Children and Families give us the names of 100 children who are in foster care and who will likely receive no presents on Christmas Day.

They give us their first names, ages, and a wish list for each child. Church members select a name and they go shopping to fulfill each child's wishes and needs. The gifts are wrapped and returned to the church a few weeks before Christmas Day, and then routed to the foster homes so there are gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. The gifts do not contain our name and we never meet the children. No one ever says "thank you," but we do it anyway. And we've been doing it for years.

I haven't given you the name or location of my church because we do not do these things for the purpose of calling attention to ourselves. As the Bible says, you should beware those who pray on the street corner drawing attention to themselves! We don't advertise our involvement in these (or other) projects; we simply do it because it is the right thing to do.

I don't think that my church is holier than thou or better than most other churches. I have seen many other Christian churches engage in similar good works, quietly and without credit.

I understand that some people, in the name of "Christianity," do awful things. The Westboro Baptist Church is a well known example.

I can tell you that at least 99% of all Christians believe that people like these are not Christians and they are actually mentally ill or extremely lost souls. Whenever this church does something crazy, it gets attention from the MSM and you hear about the outrageous behaior for a few days. All the while, most Christian churches continue doing their good deeds, unnoticed, unrecognized, unappreciated . . . and we don't care; we'll keep doing good works anyway. But it would be nice if the MSM gave equal coverage to all of the good things done by simple and sincere Christians.

[worldscolide]

My friend I am not Christian, so that has to be taken into account when you read what I have to say next.

It sickens me the way the msm treats Christians. They would have you believing that they are all, racist, blood thirsty, inbred, backward idiots.. When they simply are not. I married into a Christian family. I was treated better, and welcomed as family, before I married my wife, than most I use to identify with.. It's what started me on my path to stepping away from the left.. I cannot be Christian, because the belief in something I cannot see hear, or touch is not something I'm compatible with. And I have met some very bad Christians, but I have met far more and far worse leftists..

[OlderAndWiser]

I appreciate your thoughtful response!

[worldscolide]

Welcome sir!!

[Daniela1982]

That's why they call it faith.
Psalm 19 is one of my favorite Psalms to read, pray, and meditate on. It is full of striking truth and beautiful praises to the Lord. The words of this passage captivate and comfort its readers. The very first verse in Psalm 19 takes our attention.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

This verse is profound, indeed, but what exactly does it mean? King David wrote the powerful words found in this chapter; it contains words that cause our minds to wonder and our hearts to consider what we really come to know about God from this Psalm.

When David wrote the beginning of this Psalm, I can imagine him looking around, admiring the grandiosity of nature – the clear blue sky, the array of colors, and the vast night sky filled with hundreds and hundreds of glistening stars. What David meant in this verse is that the creation of God, the beauty and awe of nature, shows us the work of God and the existence of God. Nature unashamedly proclaims that God is real and He is our Creator.

[Lliam]

I agree. Even though I am not religious, I see churches of various denominations doing similar good works. It warms my heart.
My wife and I used to attend a (nondenominational) Unitarian Universalist congregation until they became "woke", Democrat-style liberals. We engaged in the same programs you mentioned in collaboration with other local denominations like Methodist, Lutheran, and Episcopal in town.

[Massageman]

"Funny how that works, eh Rock," observes Bullwinkle.

We keep plugging along because that's what we do AS Christians. Our Food Pantry used to have a cont. brkfast, and people could "shop" various areas for specific items they needed. Now of course, things are done on a drive-through basis, and while individual items can't be guaranteed, guests do get a decent collection. Despite tighter restrictions by our local town, we are still there every weekend handing out a 20#ish food box with staples and fresh prep, + bread and bagel bag (4-6 packages), + meat bag (5-6 # assorted), + diary/juice item (while they last) , + dessert item (1 large , 2-3 smaller) to anyone who drives by. No sign up, no W-2/1099's to show- pull up empty, leave with food. And even with 30-50 families each getting the above, we STILL have about 10+ crates of "leftovers"- surplus greens, potatoes, apples, eggplant, squash, etc., weekly which we bring to a local horse farm which provides animal interaction for disadvantaged kids and young adults. And at least three of the people who pick-up food regularly get the food for others whom THEY- -in turn- serve in shelters and NOT for themselves. We never know how far away the seeds of love we sow will grow and flourish.

Maybe I've had more than my share of insults and names, or maybe not, but a 7 decade-old hide tends to thicken up.

We know we will pestered by the enemy. pffffhht. Even He said it would happen. He also said He will be there for us. Continue sowing those seeds! Amen!

Refs: 2 Tim 3:12, Mat 10:22, Lu 21:12-19.

[Guy13]

I take solace that nothing has changed from the First Century AD except for speed of delivery of hate in general. The issues within Church such as Legalists, Gnostics, and associated cults, government, atheists, epicurean and stoics within secularized culture etc are already prevalent throughout Christian history. Solving those problems Biblically are also found within the Bible.

[bamesjond0069]

Well i find it surprising how many "Christians" either have not read the Bible or blatantly and obviously ignore the parts they don't like. Funny enough these "Christians" don't just gloss over something important, they basically always do the exact opposite. Thats because they are not Christian but really part of the army of satan.

There is no possible way to read the entirety of the Bible and think God likes male on male gay sex. It is impossible because it is so clearly mentioned so many times. On top of that the Bible warns against things like pride, and other related issues. So any "Christian" who supports a modern idea of lgbt or transgenders for example either has not read the Bible or is part of the army of satan purposely trying to mislead others or is mentally deficient such that they are unable to read something and understand it or they do not believe the Bible contains accurate information which if they dont believe in the Bible means they must be atheist or another religion. There are no other options!

"I can tell you that at least 99% of all Christians believe that people like these are not Christians and they are actually mentally ill or extremely lost souls." I am not familiar with the specifics of the particular church you're talking about but if 99% of "Christians" think something is wrong... its actually irrelevant. Only Gods word is important in determining right and wrong.

So feel free to use your works to feel good about yourself (the Bible address this many times that works will not get you to heaven nor make you a moral person in the eyes of God). Continue to play nice and be more concerned with the social aspects of fitting into your church than following the Bible (addressed as well many times in the Bible). And purposely do the opposite of what the Bible says, its your own life and soul you're throwing away.

If you're confused id highly recommend taking a break from your earthly instructors (priest) and spend the day reading the Bible OT and NT front to back and only after a full read through going back to church to allow earthly influences upon you.

[OlderAndWiser]

I fully understand that good works do not earn your way into Heaven. They are simply what Christians want to do.

Of course all Christians are flawed people. None of us are without sin. As a Christian, I simply continue trying to be a better person every day. I will continue trying. That is all I can do.

[bamesjond0069]

Well this is the difference between sinning and living in sin. Its one thing to make a mistake or struggle with an addiction. Its another to say, i dont care that this is wrong im going to do it anyway and tell other people its ok too even though i know its not. Thats false teaching and living sinfully. It is not the same as just making a mistake or having a weak moment.

[sean1234]

Finally, somone who seems to get it. Many seem to have a set of beliefs and look to the Bible to find where it is almost as if they want the Bible to read them, lol. In the bible, things like Christmas is evil and even more obvious, the sabbath is the 7th day ONLY and any other day is condemned. I mean it's right there. It's creepy that people can't see it, it's creepy that people can't see the fake pandemic.

[sean1234]

Maybe I should have said many people have beliefs that are set and try to read the Bible to somehow find it pointlessly.

[sean1234]

Who said Christmas was a Christian holiday? Personally I feel stupid as a real Christian for celebrating Christmas for all those decades realizing that when you actually READ the Bible, every aspect of Christmas is highly condemned. The Nicolaitans for example, the winter solstice, putting up a tree and decorating it, santa... a idol and not to mention more specifically, celebrating self gratification day Dec 25th , it's not about appeasing your carnal mind, it's about worshiping a 7th day Sabbath every week with the same efforts as people do on Dec 25. No on seems to care, no one seems to read the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:2 Context

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

-this partially describes people who Celebrate Christmas. Hah, look at me, look at my tree, my decorations are better than theirs, I WANT THIS, I WANT THAT!

[sean1234]

I praise Jesus equally the same every day. Do you honor your father and mother only once a year? Then why do you celebrate mothers and fathers day? You either believe in one or the other.

[ChrisMaster69]

A good mytake on Christian values.

i mentioned in another post that one of the things I noticed on joining GaG is just how venomous American Christianity comes across on here, especially in regards to homophobia.

I spent a number of years doing outreach work with homeless people, drug addicts, sex workers (street ones), it was predominantly Methodists, Quakers and CofE, Sikh.

The main thing for most of us, was that we were doing it not because of Christianity or any other religion but because it’s actually the right thing to do.

as we enter 2022, we should be able to help others not because of various religious books etc, but because as civilised people we recognise that a person needs a blanket, needs a hot drink, needs another person to talk to.

That we don’t differentiate because of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, etc, we just help because we can.

humanity needs to do things not because Religion XYZ says it should, humanity needs to do things because they know it’s the right thing to do and not say ‘I’m doing this because I am a xyz’.

Until then we all rely on and recognise the great often unrecognised work carried out by various congregations of various religions.

[DanielBlack1904120]

man that's life for everyone. Being a good Christian doesn't guarantee any kind of reward in THIS life. we live in a world where a few bad people ruin it for a larger group of people. Fact of life. If 99% of Christians don't consider them "christians" OK. What matters is what % of "bad christians". we are at a point in our history where people are making sense of things that in past were just told we had to. Not really that long ago in history a person could call someone a witch & well we know how all that went down. after some time people questioned why did we do that... than they stopped & we got better. on & on that went over time so this is nothing new. The problem with this particular religion is that it has always commanded not only recognition but a say in the command of the world so don't worry about all that. Help people to help people. help kids cause we all should. Believe in your religion & don't let anyone take that from you but UNDERSTAND as your calling them " bad christians" they could very well consider you guys the " bad christians" and truthfully if you think they're bad you should be praying for them which raises a more controversial subject on judgement & forgiveness

[BillyBalls]

I was born and raised Catholic. !6 years of Catholic education including 8 years with the Jesuits (who promote the concept of "Men For Others").
I do not consider consider myself Catholic/Christian because my concept of "what God is" has evolved over the years.
However, the Catholic Church has done more good for the word than any government could.
You mentioned "good works" that Christians do. That is an important thin!!!
The Catholic Church has provided some of the best education ever.
From local parochial grade schools/highschools to major universities.
Think Georgetown and Notre Dame.
As a kid we lived in a city with a shitty public school system which most public systems are.
My father made enough to pay the bills... housing, food, cars, etc. My mother went to work so their kids good get a better education.
So given the good works and education Christians have done much good for the world.
People talk about anti-semitism and Islamaphobia. But you are correct. Christophobia is a real thing.

[Frank_theTank999]

Religion would be fine if they observed boundaries that should be well established, but they cannot help but try and get into our politics and not accept the separation of church and state. Nor can they seem to accept science or other points of view.

Personally I think Christians are too easily offended especially when not everyone accepts their beliefs as fact. Too often they want to portray themselves as victims but in reality they get a great deal of privilege that many others simply do not.

[OlderAndWiser]

1. Separation of church and state means that the government cannot endorse a particular religion. It does not mean that religious institutions cannot express political beliefs.

2. Some religions do involve a degree of fundamentalism but the majority of religions are not like that.

3. I have never represented my religious beliefs as "facts."

4. I see very few privileges extended to religious institutions in the US.

[Jackpot7s]

@Frank_theTank999 what science that? Saying a man can be a woman and a piece of paper on your face can stop a virus that isn't even real?

[Exterminatore]

I think you’re bothered because the left in general tends to villainize Christians and Christianity. Yes, there are wack job versions of Christianity but 99% of us reject these things.


No one is perfect, and no Christian is sinless. They just sin less. What could be wrong with reforming one’s life for the better where they are able to succeed? What could be wrong with good deeds? It seems to me because Christian’s will not endorse homosexuality, transvestitism, transsexuality, abortion, and are in conflict with a litany of other things the left endorses they get villainized. They never have anything negative to say about Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism or any other religion, just Christianity and disdain for Judeao-Christian ethics.

[lightbulb27]

don't know.

MSM focuses on playing the human emotions of fear, murder, shame, guilt,

Church focuses on the emotion of love, peace. No doubt it's a conflict.

MSM should come with a surgeon generals warning expressing the hazard it represents.

[t-8900]

WBC are just a group of people with sub 50 IQs calling themselves Christian. That's just all there is to it. Yes we all get depicted as zealots, prudes, hypocritical, blah, blah, blah. By people who themselves don't allow for open dialogue proving who the real zealots are. We're apparently just misogynists, xenophobes, and all the other crap. Our book gets taken by them and they take individual sentences, completely out of context and all by themselves. Then they twist it to make blanket statements from them. Example: "Sally went out back and killed all the rabbits" "Aha! You see Sally murdered rabbits for pleasure! She was sick in the head!" *Rest of passage continues* "because the rabbits were eating all the food in the community garden during a massive famine" Them: uuuuuuhhhhh *IGNORE*

[Steve1071]

MSM is always going to be critical of Christianity and others. Simple just to ignore them and concentrate on all the people around you who are good friends and family and always try to do the right thing. Merry Christmas 🎄

[OlderAndWiser]

Feliz navidad, dude!

[Lionman95]

I like reading that take though I´m not from the US and don´t know what the problem is. I enjoy reading because I´m also Christian and I appreciate getting new ideas engaging in communities.

[TroyDT2]

It is just like anything else that the MSM or others want to attack. They cherry-pick the worst examples and then broad brush everyone else loosely related. Basically the same mentality that leads to every bigotry out there.

[DaveToo]

Anyone can declare themselves as a "Christian Church", some prime examples would be Jim Jones and similar such fake Christian organizations. True Christian churches do exactly what your church and mine do.

[globetrotter22]

It’s funny that the westboro church ONLY has a little over 100 members and yet the mass media was ALL over them for years like they are a well
organized terrorist threat or something.

[douride2]

News is like that everywhere. Good news for the most part doesn't make headlines like the bad news/crazies do.

[t-8900]

Sadly yes. Tragedy and travesty is what makes money 😩

[Baredog69]

I would have to say because they don't criticize any other religion. Christians are singled out.

[msc545]

Anything you believe strongly in will always be subject to criticism.

[888theGreat]

can't bribe people into being Christians