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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Sat Jan 12th, 2008 02:23 pm |
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| Did anyone happen to see the poll taken yesterday on CNN regarding annoying Christians? I couldn't believe they even had such a poll and sat there discussing it. I believe the question was "Do you find Christians annoying?" or something like that, I'm not sure of the exact wording. The commentators clarified that the people being polled were self-proclaimed non Christians and possibly non church-goers. My problem, or question is, what was the point of this except to launch another scud missal (sp.?) at Christianity. Is this news? Are they fabricating controversy and possibly trying to influence straddling-the-Christian-fence voters?
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mrsbmoo
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| Location: | Virginia USA |
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| First Name: | Becky | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | former Methodist. RCA, Presbyterian, Holiness, Wesleyan... Catholic as of June ... |
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 02:50 am |
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| Can we have a poll of Christians asking if the news media is annoying? How can anybody of any intelligence take a poll like that seriously?
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Wife of Michael(called Moo) and stay at home mom to 5 daughters between 10 months and 17
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Perplexed
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 03:33 am |
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| You know, just once I'd like to see a poll about whether we find poll-takers annoying.
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David W. Emery
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 04:45 am |
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Of course Christians are annoying to society at large. Because Christianity is an indictment of their ungodly ways.
“And because this is the 21st century, and… well, hadn’t they better get with it? And because isn’t just everybody saying that Christianity is a dead superstition? God doesn’t exist anyway, does he? After all, who would believe…?”
Why do you think it impossible to take these people seriously? Isn’t this what they are teaching in the nation’s schools? Isn’t this how new laws come into effect that take away all religious rights? Isn’t this how things were in the Roman empire in those first few centuries? This is a wake-up call.
David
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Intercessor
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 05:31 am |
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David W. Emery wrote:
Why do you think it impossible to take these people seriously? Isn’t this what they are teaching in the nation’s schools? Isn’t this how new laws come into effect that take away all religious rights? Isn’t this how things were in the Roman empire in those first few centuries? This is a wake-up call.
Absolutely. I agree. It isn't hard to imagine a poll in the future--
"How many of you believe America would be better off if we rounded up all the Christians and ---whatever."
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"If our charity is arrested by the difficulties encountered in dealing with our neighbor, . . . our relations with our brethren are not regulated by our love of God, but by our love of self." Divine Intimacy p. 781, Fr. Gabriel, O.C.D.
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Credo Catholic
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| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Jan 13th, 2008 05:34 pm |
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David W. Emery wrote: Of course Christians are annoying to society at large. Because Christianity is an indictment of their ungodly ways.
I think you hit the nail on the head David. People who are living in ungodly ways can't deal with that little remnant of conscience that still lies somewhere down in the bottom of their gut. Better to silence or at least ridicule that little voice.
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brian
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 05:35 am |
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You all have valid points, but if someone polled me and asked if I thought Christians were annoying I would have to think about it. Meaning, there are so many different types of Christians. Sometiems I dfine them by those who did it well. John Paul II. Priests. People who I respect. Other times I think of people (self included) who come off at times as know it alls. Condemning (not the message, but the way we deliver it). Maybe a little too conservative at times or unable to laugh at ourselves. Maybe not open minded or able to love people that are different from us.
I mean, we need to at least be willing to admit that sometimes all of us in some way are probably annoying, and that we want to authentically live the gospel so that when we are persecuted it is a blessed persecution for us because it is really Jesus in us that is bugging them and not our weaknesses, therfore we are sharing in the sufferings of Jesus.
I think that knowing the truth is a dangerous thing sometimes for people who struggle with humility because we may not alsways be as kind or delicate as we ought ot be with that truth. I wish Christians had a reputation for loving all peoples. That we havd more ministries for pregnant women (unwed), homosexuals and trans-genders. That we were aplace that did not compromise on proclaiming truth, but people knew they could trust and rely on us for love and a place to be heard and prayed for.
sometimes Christians are annoying. I know I probably am. And I know I have been made to feel uncomfortable at times by other Christians. Of course this is more a personality thing than the fact that people are Christians, but culturally sometimes I think we do forget how to be salt and light and love our enemies.
But for the most part I agree with you all, that the world will hate us because we are in the light and it exposes darkness and the darkness does not understand it.
But I want to encourage us to be openminded and able to accept some outside criticism and see if any o it actually is our fault.
For instance sometimes I get offended at certain Christian bumper stickers or t-shirts that I think are a bit over the top or judgmental. like "Eternity: smoking or non" Or certain church marquis signs that are mant to be clever but come off as rude. Or Christian media that perhaps is just not the best in quality and maybe a little cliched.
No offense to those who are more into these expressions or whatnot, but they are things that have long made it harder for people who I associate with to consider Christinity, or for me to be open to joining certain groups or churches.
I just do not want to judge as much as I do - Christians or non-Christians. Chritians or not. And I am sorry if I am doing that as I speak.
Brian
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HelenRose
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 09:10 pm |
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Credo Catholic wrote: Did anyone happen to see the poll taken yesterday on CNN regarding annoying Christians? I couldn't believe they even had such a poll and sat there discussing it. I believe the question was "Do you find Christians annoying?" or something like that, I'm not sure of the exact wording. The commentators clarified that the people being polled were self-proclaimed non Christians and possibly non church-goers. My problem, or question is, what was the point of this except to launch another scud missal (sp.?) at Christianity. Is this news? Are they fabricating controversy and possibly trying to influence straddling-the-Christian-fence voters?
No, this is not news and yes, they are fabricating controversy. There are so many important events in this world that need to be discussed and reported on and we have CNN to deal with.
It is so hard to know what really is going on in this world. There are many good things happening as well as horrific events but we can't see a balance in these events because our news media is concerned only with entertainment.
Last edited on Mon Jan 14th, 2008 09:11 pm by HelenRose
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Dave Armstrong
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| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Evangelical "Jesus Freak" (Arminian) / "Lewisian Schaefferite" / Catholic |
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Posted: Mon Jan 14th, 2008 11:11 pm |
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Jesus said we would be hated for His name's sake. If we're too popular with everyone something is wrong.
On the other hand, it is true that Christians can be nauseatingly self-righteous and hypocritical (like the Pharisees) and the world picks this up right quick. So it's good for us to be vigilant in being disliked because our positive message convicts folks (as Jesus' message did, and we know He didn't sin), rather than disliked because we are acting like fools and idiots and holier-than-thou and what-not.
It's a fine line to walk between Christian obedience and being part of the world and not isolated from it, lest we cease to be "salt".
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wisdomseeker
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Posted: Mon Jan 21st, 2008 01:04 am |
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Dave Armstrong wrote:
Jesus said we would be hated for His name's sake. If we're too popular with everyone something is wrong.
On the other hand, it is true that Christians can be nauseatingly self-righteous and hypocritical (like the Pharisees) and the world picks this up right quick. So it's good for us to be vigilant in being disliked because our positive message convicts folks (as Jesus' message did, and we know He didn't sin), rather than disliked because we are acting like fools and idiots and holier-than-thou and what-not.
It's a fine line to walk between Christian obedience and being part of the world and not isolated from it, lest we cease to be "salt".
very well said dave. i complete agree with you as you stated. God bless.
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Talithacumi
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Posted: Mon Jan 21st, 2008 02:42 am |
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brian wrote: ... I mean, we need to at least be willing to admit that sometimes all of us in some way are probably annoying, and that we want to authentically live the gospel so that when we are persecuted it is a blessed persecution for us because it is really Jesus in us that is bugging them and not our weaknesses, therfore we are sharing in the sufferings of Jesus...
sometimes Christians are annoying. I know I probably am. And I know I have been made to feel uncomfortable at times by other Christians. Of course this is more a personality thing than the fact that people are Christians, but culturally sometimes I think we do forget how to be salt and light and love...
But I want to encourage us to be openminded and able to accept some outside criticism and see if any o it actually is our fault.
For instance sometimes I get offended at certain Christian bumper stickers or t-shirts that I think are a bit over the top or judgmental. like "Eternity: smoking or non" Or certain church marquis signs that are mant to be clever but come off as rude. Or Christian media that perhaps is just not the best in quality and maybe a little cliched.
No offense to those who are more into these expressions or whatnot, but they are things that have long made it harder for people who I associate with to consider Christinity, or for me to be open to joining certain groups or churches.
I just do not want to judge as much as I do - Christians or non-Christians. Chritians or not. And I am sorry if I am doing that as I speak.
Brian
Brian,
I know what you mean. I feel the same way. I mean, looking at it from the perspective of those who do not claim to be Christian or who are nominal Christians at best, we who do call ourselves Christians often come across as self-righteous and yes, even weird... "Jesus Freaks", you know? I think it's really kind of hard not to, though, when you're standing up for your beliefs. It's that old "Damned if you do and damned if you don't" thing, you know? Some people will twist whatever you do or say into something annoying or unacceptable simply because they don't want to accept it.
Plus, we are all imperfect. You admitted that you find other Christians annoying sometimes and that you think you probably come across as annoying yourself. I feel that way, too. I find myself getting annoyed by other Christians - other denominations and yes, even other Catholics. If they seem to come across as self-righteous or holier-than-thou I get annoyed. But on the other hand, I'm sure I probably come across that way to others, too. I think part of it is just human nature. If people don't agree with each other they get annoyed with each other. And then there is that something... that certain resistance that we all seem to have - or have had - when it comes to following Jesus. There's just something about Christianity that tends to repulse us in a sense. Kind of like when you've been trapped in the darkness for a long time and you suddenly find yourself in the light. Though deep down you would welcome the light, you don't like the blinding feeling it gives you and you resist it. I think that's kind of what's going on, really... people don't want to step into the light because they're used to the darkness.
I also think that for us humans, our minds are not a vacuum. If we don't understand something, we come up with our own conclusions, and this often results in making fun of, or being annoyed by, that thing which we don't understand. I think it makes people feel like they have power over something when they can poke fun at it or reduce its seriousness or explain it away. And reducing it to the ridiculous somehow gives people a false sense of security, as if they have control over it.
Just my two cents...
JMJ
- Cheri
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“We do not want a Church that will move with the world; we want a Church that will move the world.”
- G.K. Chesterton
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TotusTuus
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Posted: Mon Jan 21st, 2008 03:03 am |
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I don't normally shock easily but I was surprised when I recently stumbled upon a Washington Post sponsored discussion group called "The Secularist's Corner". I mean I know that in spite of claiming objectivity, the Washington Post is imbued with a secularist perspective - but for them to actually provide a forum and a home for Christian haters is a shock.
See for yourself, and tell me if I'm exaggerating:
Click Here
NOTE: Edited to shorten link
Last edited on Mon Jan 21st, 2008 04:05 am by
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TTM!
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BodRod
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Posted: Mon Jan 21st, 2008 08:19 am |
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| I think the problem with Christians is that they are too Christian, if that is possible. We are stuck with dealing in truth, being honest, etc. while the non-christians can do or say anything they want without regard to truth, facts, good of the country, etc. Unfortunately, we are in an era of Christian bashing. Maybe we need another world war to get us back together as a country and back into church as functioning Christians.
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Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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Parodyonlife
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Posted: Mon Jan 21st, 2008 07:12 pm |
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I think being rebuked over and over is annoying so news media get a clue quit bugging us Christians  .
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JillD
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Posted: Mon Jan 21st, 2008 09:03 pm |
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I read the site and some of the comments. Yes, it does seem redundant for any newspaper to provide a special corner for secularists since the whole paper is secular. It's silly. I suspect it will be short-lived. If you get a feel for the joylessness and angst of those who comment, they'll be sick of themselves before long.
Now, annoying Christians? The absolute worst have to be the members of that "church" in Kansas (?) that attend the funerals of fallen soldiers with signs that read things like "Thank God for IED's" and "God Hates Fags." They are a sight more than just "annoying." It makes me sad to see their young children holding the signs, too...
Jill
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"I praise you, for I am wondrously made. Wonderful are our works! You know me right well; my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth." Psalm 139
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Parodyonlife
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Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 01:45 am |
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you'll never catch me touching those signs 
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Credo Catholic
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Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 03:16 am |
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TotusTuus wrote: I don't normally shock easily but I was surprised when I recently stumbled upon a Washington Post sponsored discussion group called "The Secularist's Corner". I mean I know that in spite of claiming objectivity, the Washington Post is imbued with a secularist perspective - but for them to actually provide a forum and a home for Christian haters is a shock.
That was how I felt the day I heard respected journalists talking about the poll concerning how annoying Christians are. I was so shocked and offended, because they were talking about me. As a Christian, those people are openly talking about being annoyed that I am who I am. Now the Washington Post is giving them a voice. We can't display Christianity during Christmas, our children get in trouble if they write a paper at school about a Christian theme, what's going on?
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beachmoss
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Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 04:12 am |
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Credo Catholic wrote: We can't display Christianity during Christmas, our children get in trouble if they write a paper at school about a Christian theme, what's going on?
Thank God I live in the Bible Belt! It's hard to believe things are so rough "out there". My kids go to public school and so far Christianity is well accepted in their school. Actually, I have been quite impressed. In the morning, after the pledge, they have a moment of silence to begin their day. Of course they are not told it's prayer time, but I think it's great they give them that moment.
Last year when my son's class was studying Mexico, one of their art projects was to decorate a paper "poncho." He drew Our Lady of Guadalupe on his. His teacher was so impressed that she took him straight to the principal's office to show it off. The principal even made a photo of him wearing it in her office and gave me a copy! And his poncho was prominintly displayed with all the others.
My kids also attend "Good News Club" after school. It is a Bible study for students operated by a local church that has volunteers come in and teach the kids. This takes place in the school once a week after school. It is well-publicized. They recruit at Back-to-School night and send home flyers the first week.
Maybe there's hope yet. I think many know that the media concentrates on the fringe groups in large, metropolitan markets. And it causes controversy. Perhaps coverage like this poll, the Washington Post column, and other such things are what is needed to stir up the Church Militant and bring us to action!
Beth
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Hidden One
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Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 02:02 am |
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I find most Christians I meet either neutral or annoying. I have no trouble understanding non-Christian attitudes in this respect.
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Robert
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Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 04:41 pm |
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The most annoying Christians are the ones who can quote Hislop, Hunt, Boettner, and Chick at a machine gun rate, but won’t listen for a second to a Catholic quoting the Bible in rebuttal to their drivel.
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Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)
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