RE: What are the Characteristics of a NT Christian?
April 8, 2017 at 3:46 am
(This post was last modified: April 8, 2017 at 3:47 am by GrandizerII.)
(April 5, 2017 at 9:12 am)SteveII Wrote: I see time after time objections lodged against Christians where it is clear that the writer does not know what they are talking about. Many of you argue about a caricature of Christianity to strengthen your arguments or justification in your mind that you are right. Other times, you fail to distinguish the actions of a person from what a Christian is. I think some clarification and discussion is in order.
What Christians are called to be (all based in the NT):
1. Has an undiluted devotion to Jesus.
2. Pursues a biblically informed view of the world.
3. Is intentional and disciplined in seeking God's direction.
4. Worships, and with a spirit of continuous repentance.
5. Builds healthy human relationships.
6. Knows how to engage the larger world.
7. Senses a personal "call" and unique competencies.
8. Is merciful and generous to those who are weaker.
9. Appreciates that suffering is part of faithfulness to Jesus.
10. Is eager and ready to express the content of his faith.
11. Overflows with thankfulness.
12. Has a passion for reconciliation.
Above list from http://www.christianitytoday.com/pastors...stian.html
1. Doesn't sound psychologically healthy but whatever.
2. No, that would lead to all sorts of false conclusions.
3. I don't know if any Christian actually knows what God's direction is.
4. I don't see anything psychologically healthy about that.
5. That's nice, as long as we really mean healthy human relationships.
6. Um, ok.
7. Um, ok, again.
8. Lovely words, but the actions are what count, not words.
9. What folly!
10. As long as the other person is receptive to what you have to say. Otherwise, don't be a nuisance. A lot of us consider the content of your faith to be bullshit and so not worth listening to.
11. I wouldn't recommend you overflow with thankfulness. Be appreciative of what other people do for you, but don't push it too far to the point that it gets annoying to many people.
12. Only with people I want to reconcile with, and only if they are open to the idea!!! Consideration of other people's rights to privacy and autonomy (and security) is important!
