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I love this quote:
"The problem with Christianity is not that it has been tried and found wanting, but that it has been found difficult, and left untried." -- G. K. Chesterton
Technorati Tags: Musingsapologia – Fri, 06/22/2007 – 10:50
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not for the weak at heart
I read a kid's post on his blog today that said that the Bible is not to be used as a set of rules but should be used more as "guidelines." He said he learned this from his Mom, and he thinks she has the right idea about Christianity.
I disagree with him entirely. I think too often people assume that being a Christian means walking around with glassy eyes loving everyone to the point that you ignore their sins. But it doesn't. Being a Christian means loving someone enough to point out their sins and pray that they overcome them.
I also think that that's what GK Chesterton is implying. Christianity is not a weak person's religion. It's a hardcore religion. It requires and demands a lot from people, and that's why it's so hard to swallow. It's not that the message is hard to grasp or that Jesus didn't make any sense; it's that people just don't want to take responsibility for their shortcomings.
More than a mouthful
idealistacinico,
Welcome to the site, and thanks for the post. You are right on. Christianity is, most definitely, not a poisition for the weak. It takes strength and conviction. Chesterson was pointing out that we are at heart selfish, and want a worldview without absolutes. For, without absolutes, we can not be absolutely wrong, either morally or idealogically. Moreso, people generally don't like other people who teach absolutes, thus the reason Christianity is under such constant attack.
Christianity is not discarded because it is irrational; it is rational. Christianity is discarded because its implications interfere with humanity's desire to be left to our own devices. It's the same mindset as the 5-year-old that envisions running away from home because Mom and Dad gave them a time-out for disobeying them. The kid doesn't realize that Mom and Dad have their best interest at heart.
You made another great point about the misconceptions of Christianity. Sometimes love means telling people they are wrong. Christianity is painted as preachy, and "holier-than-thou". But that isn't the case. True love will talk another away from the ledge. That (should be) is the motivation of the Christian. Christians are just fellow beggars who are telling the others where to get the bread.
Again, I appreciate your post. I look forward to your future input.
God bles you...
t's not of works, It's of faith
I see what I deem as being much error in the discussions of this post. Christianity is not something to be tried. Jesus did not tell people to try it on for size or fit. Jesus said to love, love God, love your neighbor. There is however a parable describing how some one should be prepared for battle before comitting to it, but that does not apply here.
This mother of this child, being in error, seeks to be free from the bondage of the law by attempting to lessen its authority. She is heading in the wrong direction because of the false teaching which abound today. Instead of seeking freedom from the law by lessening its authority, she should instead seek freedom through placing faith in Christ. He is the way to freedom. Being a Christian does mean loving your neighbor, but first and foremost it means loving God. Until you learn to love God, you will never be able to love your neighbor as you should. Love is a relationship, a relationship that takes two people. God loved his children first, now they must love him. But learning to love God takes years just as any relationship where two people are in love with each other. It just gets better with time. The false teaching which abounds in the world today is that they must earn thier salvation and if they commit the least error they are not true children of God. The churches today jude people today as they should, but all together to harsly because they know not the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Christianity is not a hardcore religion at all. It is a forgiving and loving religion. It is intended for the weak and beggarly. For the meak and broken hearted. it demands nothing but faith, and that is placing complete trust and confidence in the woprk that Christ accomplished by His death and ressurrection. It is not a works based salvation that you can earn.
When you discover the true gospel, you fall in love with God and Christ. When that love begin to consume you, you desire nothing but to please God. You learn just how much he loves you and want to love him with all your heart. When this happenes the labor of love is not hard or demanding. It is a pleasure and desire.
You are correct that people don't wnat to take responsibility for thier shortcomings, but that is the purpose of Christ. He took our burden, he paid the price. Now you should be free to take responsibility knowing you do not have to suffer for them. Love Christ for this if for no other reason. Believe in what he has already done for you and you will find that you are not required to do anything in return, this is TRUE GRACE. Then, and only then, will you discover what agape love is all about.
????
I must be honest and voice my confusion. I'm not sure how you inferred all of that from the little that has been said in this thread.
No one said we should "try" Christianity. Just the opposite. The quote is saying that people don't discard Christianity because it is irrational, but because it is too hard for them. I'm not sure how you could infer one way or the other from that.
Oh well...
Peace...
I had not had my coffee yet.
It was the quote you stated that you "just loved":
"...but that it has been found difficult, and left untried."
It was to this that I began my response. It is not difficult and needs not be "tried" when the truth is properly understood.
PS: Could you change the title of my post to "It's not of works, It's of faith", please?.
No problem, I'm on 2 brain cells even after coffee..
I understand your reply. But we must remember that this is an apologetic statement and is referring to unbelievers who refuse the truth and the implications it has on lives and lifestyles. It is a wonderful defense of that truth.
In that light, I do love it.