Assessing why a Black man in America would be a Christian

[BayAreaTodd827]

Have I been bamboozled into believing that the Christian faith is beneficial to me? Why have I chosen to be Christian in a "Christian nation" that historically has sought to deprive my race and gender of freedom and dignity?

I have lived some decades. I have seen people, in the name of Christianity, trample over others for their own self-serving purposes. I have witnessed men, by persuasive oratory, fool others into believing that such oratorical skill somehow makes them an authority and proprietor of truth and righteousness. I have seen this game's inevitable result - lies exposed.

I have observed the game played out time and again. Sometimes it is played by those who enter the Christian faith minded to play. At other times, it is played by those who entered the faith with a sincere passion for God, but at some point they became disillusioned by it all and decide to simply go along with the play-book because this is what the majority seem to be doing - feigning perfection.

With my education and exposure to all of this, isnt it about time that I give up the Christian mantle? After all, I am a pretty-well informed and educated person. I completed undergrad and graduate school, and I've traveled a bit. Again, I also know the games people play (whether I choose to indulge in them or not).

Am I not perpetuating the fraud by endorsing a belief system that is replete with hypocrites and deceivers?

The uncomplicated response to the last question posed is, NO! I stand by Christianity based on its own merit, not based on the actions of people who claim to be followers.

The not so easy related question might be, how, with my knowledge, understanding, and experience, am I going to convince others (particularly someone who has been jaded by what theyve seen by others), to become a Christian?

Another related question is why even bother to try?

In terms of the "why bother" question, it is because I am duty bound as a Christian to promote the Christian faith. This is part of being "faithful". Whether I succeed is outside my control. My love for God and His Son/my savior compels me to try.

It is my position that the Christian faith (based on the scriptural standard contained in what is commonly called the Bible) is the most beneficial for mankind. Bar none. It is beneficial in this life as well as for its promise of eternal life. This applies to me as an African-American and all mankind.

I invite dialogue on the topic. I am not seeking to judge anyone. I readily admit that in my dialogue my aim will be to seek to defend the faith I hold, AND, to encourage whomever might read this to become as I am - A Christian. Feel free to respond publicly or privately. I'll respond in kind.

I look forward to mutually respectful and non-judgmental dialogue.

A prelude to my thoughts...

The apostle Paul communicated a fundamental truth about the expectation and need for every able-bodied person to grow up and make decision in accordance with this growth. In 1 Corinthians 13:11 (King James Version) he says " When I was a child I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things.

In short, while I may have grown up in and around the Christian faith (and of course was influenced by this upbringing) I am not a Christian today simply as a result of that influence. I have lived a life where I have seen and heard many things. The culmination of this has lead me to choosing Jesus Christ. A simple but fully excercised choice.

[2timothy316]

- Why did Jesus mention the earth when he taught his followers to pray "Thy will be done on EARTH"?

Which is a scary thought if God's will is that the Earth is to be destroyed and uninhabitable, is that the same will God has for Heaven?

Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. Matt 6:10.

Maybe this is why so many so-called Christians treat the Earth and it's people so badly. They believe the world is going to be trashed any way so why take care of it? Yet the Bible says that Jehovah will, bring to ruin those ruining the earth. (Revelation 11:18) Why do that if the Earth is to be a waste anyway? What does God care if violence and wars utterly destroy the world? It makes no sense to think the Earth is going to be destroyed yet scripture says God intends to cut off those harming it.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 2 by JehovahsWitness]

The Christian message is a universal one, the God of the bible does not judge people by the colour of their skin. True Christianity should reflect this .

And we all know that it doesn't always.
Some people who profess "True Christianity" are bigots.

Whatarwegonnado?

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 34 by BayAreaTodd827]



[center]

It's really important to know how to separate facts from fiction[/center]

Yes, there are many "justifications" people use. As a person matures he/she should hopefully learn how to distinguish truth from lies. This is not always easy.

It takes practice, but it's a skill that can be learned.
I promote the method "skepticism" for that.

[JehovahsWitness]

You cited the word "for ever" in Psalms 37:29. I maintain my stated position. ... My point is just as Gen 17:13 use of the word "everlasting" does it mean "without end", the same could (and does) apply to Psalms 37:29 use of the word "for ever".

No it does not.

As Tim pointed out in his word study the word used in Psalms 37:29 (Adah) is not the same as the word in Genesis, this word DOES carry the distinct meaning of perpetual without end and is not as open to interpreation. You may "maintain you position" but it's linguistically untenable. If you accept the bible, surely you need to accept the words the bible truths are communicated in even if it challenges your personal theology.

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever ["adah" #Strongs 5710]

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 38 by JehovahsWitness]




[center]Lasting forever doesn't mean forever lasting, apparently.[/center]

You cited the word "for ever" in Psalms 37:29. I maintain my stated position. ... My point is just as Gen 17:13 use of the word "everlasting" does it mean "without end", the same could (and does) apply to Psalms 37:29 use of the word "for ever".

No it does not.

Forever doesn't mean lasting for ever.
Woo.

Real hard to swallow that one.

[Peds nurse]

[Replying to post 1 by BayAreaTodd827]

Hello BayAreaTodd!! I hope you are well!


The history of Christianity isn't always laced with love and grace. Unfortunately, it seems that we don't often learn from the past mistakes of our ancestors, and we continue to mar the name of God with our reckless words and actions. Our decision to know Christ, and to follow Him, has to be based on a personal decision, and not a group effort, for it is personally where we get to know Him. Who knows, maybe that is where Christianity has gone awry. We go along with what sounds good, without really looking into its truth.

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 40 by Peds nurse]



[center]
A pair of quite amazing admissions from a Christian.[/center]

Who knows, maybe that is where Christianity has gone awry. We go along with what sounds good, without really looking into its truth.

Christianity has gone awry, and you go along with what sounds good, without really looking into it's truth.

Wow.

I don't go along with what just sounds good.
I look into stuff to see if they have a hope to be true.

But whataryagonnado?
I'm not a religious person.

____________

Question:

• 
  
  I wonder how religious people establish the truth of their religious beliefs?
  
  

____________

[Peds nurse]

[Replying to post 41 by Blastcat]

OH....I didn't mean that was a GOOD thing, nor did I mean that it is something I do. I was thinking in more general terms.

Sorry for the confusion

[Blastcat]

[Replying to post 41 by Blastcat]

OH....I didn't mean that was a GOOD thing, nor did I mean that it is something I do. I was thinking in more general terms.

Sorry for the confusion

It was mine.
I noticed it after I wrote it... but I didn't feel like editing.


A whole lot of people just ignore me.

So I don't bother to be so.. careful anymore.
Once they show some serious interest, then I try my very best.

I really do try too hard all the time, and then get dinged with a FINAL WARNING.

So.. no more best.



Not unless I have a real good reason to.


As to your comment.. it seems to me that a whole lot of Christians EXCEPT you of course are doing it wrong. Do I understand you correctly that you are doing it well?

[Peds nurse]

[Replying to post 43 by Blastcat]

As to your comment.. it seems to me that a whole lot of Christians EXCEPT you of course are doing it wrong. Do I understand you correctly that you are doing it well?

I would never say that I am the only one doing it right, because I am sure that I get it wrong a lot (which is why I love grace). I was just pointing out that historically Christianity has messed things up...and I wonder if it is partially because people just follow the latest trends, instead of finding out what God's word really says.

So sorry for your unnoticed efforts!