Michael Louviere - Designer, Developer, Creator! » Blog Archive

January 17, 2007

Why is Christianity so misunderstood?

There was a time in history where structure and fundamentals in everyday life was considered a valuable trait and a respectable way of living. The world has always and still today possesses only the inability of being able to separate itself from its own desires and cravings. James teaches that this is “the source of conflicts” among us in chapter 4 of his book. I would even speculate there is safety in saying that this relates to all man not solely Christian people, though in the context of James’s writings he was speaking specifically to Christians.

In this day Christianity is much so looked at by the outside world as somewhat of a corrupted political stance, or even a mystical, undocumented set of beliefs and practices. Christianity dates back some 2000 years and is well documented, though a level of mysticism in Christianity is visible in certain sects and movements in modern practice. May it be heard that this in itself plays no role in Christianity as established by Christ in the Holy Bible. Some Christians teach that the Bible resembles some sort of a romance novel speaking and teaching highly on the topic of love, some teach that it is about Jerusalem and the Jewish Temple and some teach that the scriptures reveal God and His glory as a self created deity. The bible covers multiple topics including the aforementioned, ultimately God reveals Himself in the scriptures in multiple ways, they all play relevance in their respective contexts.

Christians are often looked at by the outside world with an expectation of being “pure” and “without error”. If a person titled a Christian commits a humanistic error, unbelievers of Christianity often place that error in a category of excuses and reasoning of why Christianity in itself is of error. Christianity is knowledge, understanding, belief and trust in the teachings and entity of Jesus Christ. The bible teaches nothing of perfection brought about or within a human that accepts the teachings in scripture to be of truth and without error. Christianity as a practice is identified in the scriptures as an understanding of humanity in need of a savior and that of which is Christ. There is also an underlying difference between Christianity and Christian Salvation. Christianity is solely a title one gives to themselves to identify with Christ and his teachings in the Holy Scriptures. Christian Salvation is brought about solely by Christ as a means of removing the elect from God’s wrath and eternal damnation thus bringing about sanctification, this act is not brought about by ones own accord as man/woman but solely by the sovereignty of God. Paul teaches this in the second chapter of Ephesians and throughout Romans.

True Christian practices throughout history have been at the expense of criticism, persecution, division and even death. Many men like Luther, Calvin and Edwards experienced some of the prominent examples of this in history. It is visible in their writings, sermons and is well documented in history books and Christian literature. The divisions in Christianity have become so far and widespread that the “Christ” taught amongst the divided has become almost two separate deities. One of which is a Christ chosen by man/woman of which possesses the free-will to do so (choose), and the other a Christ of self-creation in full control of the universe that allows all that is to be, to be solely because it is in His will. Christians themselves have yet to possess the ability to fully comprehend the sovereignty of God, therefore the unbelieving, uneducated would have an even more difficult experience doing so, being that the knowledge of God by man/woman comes only through the Holy Scriptures and as a result of God’s will.

The role of the Holy Spirit is to bring remembrance to Christians all things taught by Christ and to keep true believers directed towards the scriptures that reside in the inspired word of God. It is written that on behalf of the disciple, Christ goes to the Father and asks for a helper to be given forever. Christ Himself taught this and it is documented in chapter 14 in the book of John. Some Christian divisions or sects would suggest a level of human command over the Holy Spirit. This is a valid contributor to the visible level of mysticism identified as a Biblically unsupported practice.

So why is Christianity so misunderstood in the world as we know it? Atheists would suggest it is because there is no God or deity in full control and creation of the universe. If this answer is looked at carefully, it is the right answer given from an Atheistic belief system. Christianity IS misunderstood by the world because the world doesn’t believe in and has failed to place their faith in a deity, predominantly a specific one, the one spoken of in the Holy Bible which is Christ. Christianity is also confused by the outside world because of the visible divisional practices and the inconsistency of Christian theology amongst the division. What needs to be done in this situation if the person is truly interested in proper Christian education and practices would be to study the scriptures! There is underlying truth in the fact that there are sects of people labeling themselves Christians, yet their practices are not defined, documented or supported by the Holy Bible. This is not a topic Christ failed to speak on, this is something He warns of in the scriptures covering false prophets and false teachings throughout the New Testament. Unfortunately, it tends to be these groups/sects that the worldly media runs towards when they decide they would like to be educated on Christianity or represent Christianity in a topical story. It is also unfortunate that some unbelievers and or atheists choose to receive, believe and teach the Christian Theology presented by this same media, yet these same unbelievers and Atheists deny the truth of the Bible. Christ taught that he was to be crucified on the cross in order to fulfill scripture and in turn provide salvation to some of humanity from their own sin and ultimately God’s wrath. Christianity is misunderstood not only because it says it would become this way in scripture, but ultimately because God wills it so.

Jared White

You say in your post:

“The divisions in Christianity have become so far and widespread that the “Christ” taught amongst the divided has become almost two separate deities. One of which is a Christ chosen by man/woman of which possesses the free-will to do so (choose), and the other a Christ of self-creation in full control of the universe that allows all that is to be, to be solely because it is in His will.”

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems you’re identifying with the second depiction of Christ and rejecting the first one. That would make sense since you side with the theological heritage of Calvin and reject modern Charismatic theology.

I think your first depiction is much more accurate. I believe Jesus came to save the whole world. The entire world. Everyone. I believe it’s God’s will for everyone to be saved. Does that mean that everyone will be saved? No, of course not. God’s will was for the Israelites to leave Egypt and follow God’s direct leadership, but did that happen? Not exactly. God’s will was for the Jews in the first-century A.D. to come to Christ and then spread the Gospel throughout the world. Did that happen? Not in the way James, Peter, and Paul would have liked.

I find it very dangerous to place too much emphasis on a cartoon vision of God dictating everything from on high, while ignoring the delicate balance between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. I think the Bible shows over and over and over again that God actually chooses to limit Himself or alter His behavior according to the actions of His people. He doesn’t do this because He has to, He does this because He wants to.

God works within people and through people to further His kingdom, and we can hinder that progress or help that progress as time goes on. If God can capriciously do anything He wants at anytime, including direct the advance of the Kingdom and the gift of Salvation, then what is our role in life? Do you know you were given the Keys of Authority over all the earth and all the principalities of darkness? Did you know that you were given Power from the Holy Spirit to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons? Did you know you were given the gift of prophecy and discernment of the spirit realm? Did you know you can access Heaven’s resources here on planet Earth? Don’t believe me? It’s what Jesus, Peter, James, John, Paul, and others wrote about and what was expected by prophets throughout the entire Old Testament.

The real irony in all of this is that by removing all Power and Authority from believers via the Holy Spirit in your theology, you’re actually limiting God and removing his supernatural ability to work miracles in the world today. I humbly submit to you to consider this: on Judgement Day, when God asks you what you did to spread the Kingdom on Heaven on earth, will you point to the people who believed in all that the Holy Spirit is capable of and say that they were the ones who were wrong?

Comment by Jared White — January 19, 2007 @ 1:14 am

Michael

Jared:

Correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems you’re identifying with the second depiction of Christ and rejecting the first one. That would make sense since you side with the theological heritage of Calvin and reject modern Charismatic theology.

I want to make sure we stick to the topic at hand and not slide off the deep end, but I will answer your question in humility as much as possible.

I do reject the first depiction of Christ being that I do not side with or support what could more accurately be title “Free-Will” theism. It is defined in the texts in relation to salvation that it is not of ourselves but solely through Faith. The act of choosing is a result of one self. In reality, I side with the theological perspective of Christ which is taught in the Holy Bible. Not of any man particularly, Although there were and continue to be others that also believe the teachings of Christ.

I think your first depiction is much more accurate. I believe Jesus came to save the whole world. The entire world. Everyone. I believe it’s God’s will for everyone to be saved.

What does one really say to this? I guess we must define first where we develop our beliefs from. Since my post was on the topic of Christianity, I will presume you are in fact Christian, and develop and evolve your beliefs from the Holy Bible.

I would like to prevent my posts topic from turning into a “Arminian” VS “Calvinistic” debate, But once again I will reply to your comment.

“I believe Jesus came to save the whole world.”

- I would actually be so blunt to ask you to support this with Biblical text!

I have yet to find where Jesus speaks that he is to die for all of man that ever lived. He does make it clear that he died for the sins of those whom put their Faith in Him. Hence: “This is the covenant in my blood which I pour out for many for the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28). And: “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11)”. Clearly not all of man that ever lived is a Sheep, Most of which is actually titled to be a “Wolf” (the devour of sheep) as according to scripture. Not to mention John 10:15, John 15:13, Mark 14:12, Luke 20:20, 1 John 3:16 and Many others.

The bible clearly defines that not all WILL be saved. Claiming that it is in God’s will for all to be saved not only clearly contrasts with Scripture, but it also suggests that God’s will consists of error being that not all will be saved. The Exegesis on the topic of Salvation is clearly defined that it is for those whom place their faith in Christ Jesus not limited to any specific nation. As it has been said before on my site and I quote from a fellow commenter: “After all if Jesus died for every single sin of every single sinner that ever lived, they all should go to heaven. Even unbelievers should go to heaven since unbelief is a sin.”. There is much error in the theological perspective of universal atonement.

I find it very dangerous to place too much emphasis on a cartoon vision of God dictating everything from on high, while ignoring the delicate balance between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will.

I suppose in lies ones own idea on what a “cartoon” version of God is, if it is the God that is written and revealed in the Scriptures then call me Donald Duck.

The topic of man’s Free-Will has yet to be something scholars have a grasp of completely. I would suggest a certain level of danger in creating a depiction of God that is commanded about by Man himself on accordance or account of his “Free-Will”.

God actually chooses to limit Himself or alter His behavior according to the actions of His people. He doesn’t do this because He has to, He does this because He wants to.

I believe God doesn’t change His plans or react on the actions of His people. I Believe all that is to be, is to be because it has already been identified as being in His will through predestination. The apostles taught on the topic of “predestination” in the books of Acts, Romans, Corinthians and Ephesians Some examples of Scripture would be: Acts 4:28, Romans 8:30, 1 Corinthians 2:7, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:11. A “salvation” specific example would be Romans 8:29-30: “(29) For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; (30) and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified”. Suggesting otherwise describes a God that didn’t know what was to come and suddenly alters his Will to fit the actions of man. Sounds again like a description not of a God, but of some sort of Deity possessing lack of control and knowledge of all that has taken place in the past, as well as all that is to come in the future. Not to speak of a God in contrast to the one revealed in scripture.

God works within people and through people to further His kingdom, and we can hinder that progress or help that progress as time goes on.

I agree and disagree at the same time, Crazy huh?

I agree that God works within people to further His kingdom.

I disagree completely that man has the ability to hinder his progress in doing so. Suggesting this actually suggests that God relies on Man himself to fulfill Gods own Will, It suggests that God really isn’t a God at all much more a Deity that has some sort of affliction with the game of Chess, and ultimately must answer to another higher deity that DOES have the authority over the entire universe.

then what is our role in life?

Ultimately I would suggest going to scripture when asked this question, however, It has been said by numerous Historical Theologians, In accordance with Scripture: “The life of a believer should be a life of repentance” I do stand in agreement with them. The role in life is a life of recognition of who God is, and Who we are as Man which is Sinners, repentance is a necessity of life as we know it on earth, and a requirement of a life to come with Christ.

The real irony in all of this is that by removing all Power and Authority from believers via the Holy Spirit in your theology, you’re actually limiting God and removing his supernatural ability to work miracles in the world today.

Again, I am presuming that you are a Christian and that what you believe, practice and teach relies solely on the Scriptures in the Holy Bible.

“by removing all Power and Authority from believers via the Holy Spirit in your theology, you’re actually limiting God”

Once again, Suggesting that God relies on Man to fulfill his will suggest that God lacks the ability to be any kind of God at all. I would say with or without Man, God is STILL God, And His Will be done on Earth as it IS in Heaven! I would also be as blunt to say that God is in full control of the universe not on account of His creation of Man.

you point to the people who believed in all that the Holy Spirit is capable of and say that they were the ones who were wrong?

I point to the ones that believed in all that the Holy Spirit is capable of according to Scripture, and what Christ defines the Role of the Spirit to be! I would restrain from pointing fingers at the people who believe what the role of the Spirit to be on account of their own humanistic understanding. For we are ALL naturally rebellious to God as Man.

When it comes down to it, I say I really point to No One, I believe I will be too busy singing songs of praise at the feet of Jesus according to Scripture.

I would be more than happy to answer any questions for anyone via E-mail or my Contact page. I would ask that all posts stick to their relevant topics.

I appreciate all whom contribute to bringing to light Biblical truth.

Thank you and Lord Bless!

Comment by Michael — January 19, 2007 @ 11:43 am

Alex

It’s misunderstood because hundreds of millions of people profess to be Christians, while they act in thousands of different ways.

There are so many sects that have splintered off Christianity that most anyone that hasn’t spent a good deal of time researching its origins will have no idea which sect is right or wrong or for what reasons.

The net effect is that non Christians and even Christians themselves have no idea what the word applies to, or rather what it originally applied to.

Comment by Alex — January 30, 2007 @ 4:43 pm

Michael

Hello Alex and welcome to the conversation!

There are so many sects that have splintered off Christianity that most anyone that hasn’t spent a good deal of time researching its origins will have no idea which sect is right or wrong or for what reasons.

I agree, that’s why I am a strong believer and supporter of the study of the History of Christianity itself. Even after in-depth studies it might not become so easy to tell what sects complete and accurately portray Christianity, But it does make it pretty easy to identify those that DO NOT portray true Christianity. Also there are divisions that DO believe the Christianity that the Bible speaks of, they just place their focus on different aspects, as any denomination cannot practice Christianity as a whole with perfection.

The net effect is that non Christians and even Christians themselves have no idea what the word applies to, or rather what it originally applied to.

I agree that non-Christians have no idea what the word applies to. I believe TRUE Christians usually have a good idea of what the word applies to. This comes through studying of the scriptures, systematic theology and Scriptural exegesis.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing more from you!

Comment by Michael — January 30, 2007 @ 10:00 pm