People use term "Christian" to get reputation perks

[M30USA]

I've seen it all too much. It's now popular for someone to call themselves "Christian" because they know it will bestow upon them the trust and good respect of others--for business purposes or to save face.

 

What is ironic is that Christ warned that his true disciples will be HATED by the world.

 

So I'm puzzled by 2 things:

 

1) Why would someone actually manipulate people by calling themselves a "Christian"?

 

2) Why has this term come to be RESPECTED by a god-hating world?

 

Something fishy is going on? Do you smell it?

[CarrieT]

 

2) Why has this term come to be RESPECTED by a god-hating world?

 

 

I would love to see some examples of this...

 

I am not a Christian by any stretch - but neither am I "god-hating."

 

I wonder if - in your religious zeal - you don't ascribe attributes to non-Christians that is really indifference?

[Mme. Chaucer]

I've seen it all too much. It's now popular for someone to call themselves "Christian" because they know it will bestow upon them the trust and good respect of others--for business purposes or to save face.

 

What is ironic is that Christ warned that his true disciples will be HATED by the world.

 

So I'm puzzled by 2 things:

 

1) Why would someone actually manipulate people by calling themselves a "Christian"?

 

2) Why has this term come to be RESPECTED by a god-hating world?

 

Something fishy is going on? Do you smell it?

 

Honestly, I see you doing this all the time with your posting style here.

 

You use your own self anointed Christianity to promote yourself.

 

You try to spark a debate where your entire point is to refute / disregard / disrespect any point of view which is different from yours. Why? Because you consider yourself the ultimate authority on what God "thinks" and wants, and upon the true meaning of all scripture. Because you are a "Christian." Much more so than anybody else. You tout this pridefully. And you believe you should be accorded special respect because of your own idea of your Christianity.

 

And, now you're even putting down the whole world as "God hating" from your position as the very most TRUE "Christian."

 

I bet the very people you're criticizing here are doing the exact same thing that you are.

[Robert Z]

When I first started in the business I'm in now, my first boss said something to me that has turned out to be great advice.

 

When someone tells you they're Christian, hang onto your wallet! It is a ploy to get your guard down.

 

Time and time again I have found this to be true. In fact those who have gone out of way to make their Christianess apparent have been some of the worst and most dishonest customers that I've had to deal with.

[M30USA]

When I first started in the business I'm in now, my first boss said something to me that has turned out to be great advice.

 

When someone tells you they're Christian, hang onto your wallet! It is a ploy to get your guard down.

 

Time and time again I have found this to be true. In fact those who have gone out of way to make their Christianess apparent have been some of the worst and most dishonest customers that I've had to deal with.

 

Bingo!

 

Robert Z nails it again!

 

As for other posters' comments, I don't have "my own" version of Christianity. I have the Bible and base EVERYTHING on that. If my views differ from mainstream Christianity, I can say factually and without hubris that its because mainstream Christianity is merely a culture based on superficial morality and people's own experiences over the authority of Scripture.

 

Again, I ask you the question...which group of society hated Jesus the most and to which group did Jesus have the harshest words for? The religious. Specifically the Pharisees. If you look up the Pharisees and their views, I promise you would be SHOCKED at how they resemble modern Christians.

[Emilia]

When I first started in the business I'm in now, my first boss said something to me that has turned out to be great advice.

 

When someone tells you they're Christian, hang onto your wallet! It is a ploy to get your guard down.

 

Time and time again I have found this to be true. In fact those who have gone out of way to make their Christianess apparent have been some of the worst and most dishonest customers that I've had to deal with.

It used to be Jews for stereotypes now it's Christians :laugh: How the world has changed :laugh::bunny:

[CarrieT]

Also, from the thread title, what are the supposed "perks" the OP is referring to?

[Mme. Chaucer]

Bingo!

 

Robert Z nails it again!

 

But YOU consider YOURSELF to be a Christian! Who are you trying to bilk?

 

As for other posters' comments, I don't have "my own" version of Christianity. I have the Bible and base EVERYTHING on that. If my views differ from mainstream Christianity, I can say factually and without hubris that its because mainstream Christianity is merely a culture based on superficial morality and people's own experiences over the authority of Scripture.

 

Yup. That's what they all say. And I'm not being facetious, either. You speak exactly the same words as any other religious zealot, whether Christian or other.

 

And you are extremely full of self importance in ALL you post. Can you not see this? If you can't I sort of have concern for your emotional well being. Even the above quoted post is brimming with it.

 

You know … every single last one of the dangerous so - called "Christian" cult leaders spoke the identical way that you do. Not to say you're leading anyone. But you might want to take a look at it.

 

Somehow I doubt you will.

 

Again, I ask you the question...which group of society hated Jesus the most and to which group did Jesus have the harshest words for? The religious. Specifically the Pharisees. If you look up the Pharisees and their views, I promise you would be SHOCKED at how they resemble modern Christians.

 

My advice to you is to try to heal your own life and maybe help others rather than casting aspersions on large groups of people from your (self appointed) high seat of Biblical scholarliness. Which you seem to use as a tool for self - aggrandizement. Not Christian at all. Oh, wait. You hate Christians, and are now speaking for Jesus / God's hatred for Christians as well.

 

No hubris?

[Mme. Chaucer]

Also, from the thread title, what are the supposed "perks" the OP is referring to?

 

Streets paved with gold and tax exemptions?

[M30USA]

Sorry if I sound self-important. But just about every disciple did, also. Especially Paul when he spoke in front of the Romans. I understand why you can't tell the difference between knowledge of truth and hubris, but there is one.

[M30USA]

Streets paved with gold and tax exemptions?

 

More like what Robert Z said: people call themselves "Christian" and then expect increased trust and letting of guard down by others--often, unfortunately, for the sake of getting an edge in business deals. I've seen it firsthand, up close and personal.

Edited May 28, 2013 by M30USA

[CarrieT]

Sorry if I sound self-important. But just about every disciple did, also.

 

Ohmyfrigg'ngod.... You are comparing yourself to disciples?!?!?

 

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Mme. Chaucer]

Ohmyfrigg'ngod.... You are comparing yourself to disciples?!?!?

 

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

But he's not self-important, though. NO hubris whatsoever here.

 

OP - do you think you may have a future as a cult leader? Your ideas seem in place, but you may have to work on your charisma ...

[Mme. Chaucer]

I understand why you can't tell the difference between knowledge of truth and hubris, but there is one.

 

The two are not mutually exclusive. But bragging nonstop about ones "knowledge of truth" (whether it's actually the truth or delusional is immaterial here), and comparing it very favorably to others' pathetic capacity to understand "truth" - HUBRIS.

[KathyM]

I think it's certainly true that some people use the term "Christian" to manipulate others. I've seen it IRL. The guys on OLD sites who claim to be a Christian in order to be trusted by the women, when in fact they are actually just players who are being manipulative. My sister ran into many of those types when she did OLD. I've seen people use the term "Christian" in promoting their business. I think a lot of politicians put on the Christian cape when they want to impress voters or constituants. Some people use it to garner trust or get their foot in the door, so to speak. Unfortunately, there are many people who use that label for personal gain, rather than as a true description of their belief system or their real life.

[M30USA]

The two are not mutually exclusive. But bragging nonstop about ones "knowledge of truth" (whether it's actually the truth or delusional is immaterial here), and comparing it very favorably to others' pathetic capacity to understand "truth" - HUBRIS.

 

Do I brag? Or do I merely respond to criticism after quoting or explaining Scripture?

 

And even if I were bragging...

 

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23, 24 NIV)

Edited May 28, 2013 by M30USA

[M30USA]

I think it's certainly true that some people use the term "Christian" to manipulate others. I've seen it IRL. The guys on OLD sites who claim to be a Christian in order to be trusted by the women, when in fact they are actually just players who are being manipulative. My sister ran into many of those types when she did OLD. I've seen people use the term "Christian" in promoting their business. I think a lot of politicians put on the Christian cape when they want to impress voters or constituants. Some people use it to garner trust or get their foot in the door, so to speak. Unfortunately, there are many people who use that label for personal gain, rather than as a true description of their belief system or their real life.

 

Thank you, Kathy, for that insight. And thank you for staying on topic.

 

Here's are 2 verses which apply to this topic:

 

...and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. (1 Timothy 6:5 NIV)

 

Also...

 

Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. (2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV)

 

(Is that last verse "self important" and full of "hubris", or is it merely spoken with authority and awareness of truth?)

Edited May 28, 2013 by M30USA

[CarrieT]

]

(Is that last verse "self important" and full of "hubris", or is it merely spoken with authority and awareness of truth?)

 

You use it with hubris.

[M30USA]

You use it with hubris.

 

Okay, so we are making progress. Are you saying the second verse in my last post is not written with hubris?

[pureinheart]

I've seen it all too much. It's now popular for someone to call themselves "Christian" because they know it will bestow upon them the trust and good respect of others--for business purposes or to save face.

 

What is ironic is that Christ warned that his true disciples will be HATED by the world.

 

So I'm puzzled by 2 things:

 

1) Why would someone actually manipulate people by calling themselves a "Christian"?

 

2) Why has this term come to be RESPECTED by a god-hating world?

 

Something fishy is going on? Do you smell it?

 

This is what has been throwing me off. It's one of those rose colored glasses experiences that is shocking when the glasses come off.

 

I seriously thought that everyone that called themselves "Christian", or used the name of "God" in a possitive manor, was of God.

 

In the US it used to give the impression of one who is honest. It was somewhat popular at one time.

 

Those who have not made up their minds tend to go with the flow per se, meaning whatever is popular.

 

Actually M30, if you go to other countries, Christianity isn't respected. There is a movement going on right now in which many are getting saved, but you don't hear much about it due to the need to keep it under wraps.

[CarrieT]

Okay, so we are making progress. Are you saying the second verse in my last post is not written with hubris?

 

No, I am saying that YOU are using quotes from a book in a hubristic fashion.

[M30USA]

No, I am saying that YOU are using quotes from a book in a hubristic fashion.

 

See, I just disagree. I honestly don't think you know me that well. I am usually just so focused on subjects that I don't care about the personal sides--whether good or bad. Usually when I receive criticism it's for being robotic in my thinking, not usually for being arrogant.

[pureinheart]

When I first started in the business I'm in now, my first boss said something to me that has turned out to be great advice.

 

When someone tells you they're Christian, hang onto your wallet! It is a ploy to get your guard down.

 

Time and time again I have found this to be true. In fact those who have gone out of way to make their Christianess apparent have been some of the worst and most dishonest customers that I've had to deal with.

 

IME, Christian means doormat, or an easy mark. In my world the Bible is true to form when it states that you (you in general) will be hated because of Me.

 

Bold- I would agree with you and would be leary.

[M30USA]

IME, Christian means doormat, or an easy mark. In my world the Bible is true to form when it states that you (you in general) will be hated because of Me.

 

Bold- I would agree with you and would be leary.

 

I think it's entirely consistent with 1 John 2:15 and James 4:4 to conclude that, if you claim to be a Christian and find that society--at large--approves of you and likes you, then you might need to start examining your status as Christian.

 

False religion is loved by the world. Truth, according to Scripture, is not. Why? Because we are born in sin and merely seek after what is natural and inborn. This applies to myself as well. I daily have to accept the fact that "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak".

Edited May 28, 2013 by M30USA

[DannyMason]

Ohmyfrigg'ngod.... You are comparing yourself to disciples?!?!?

 

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

Disciple just means "student", Carrie. It's literally the Latin word for student with the nominative suffix chopped off and an E tagged on the end. He's not necessarily being grandiose here.