Christians are Not popular...Why? (Full Version)

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Cloak -> Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/27/2008 9:14:06 PM)

I was listening to a pastor's sermon when he mentioned that "Christians are NOT popular people nor is Christianity a popular religion..." and it hit home to me.

Why do you think that Christians are NOT popular folks??? [:@] [:)]



funny_girl -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/27/2008 10:10:31 PM)

In some ways they are and in some ways their not!

Sometimes they aren't because they say they are Christians but don't have any fruit to follow and the world can pick up on a phony. Sometimes they aren't because without Jesus they are condemned already. Sometimes it's because they act too 'religious' and square.
It's not popular to do what's right, is it?

They could be popular with other Christians. Jesus was popular. The multitudes followed and searched for him.



TMeeks -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/27/2008 10:16:02 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cloak

I was listening to a pastor's sermon when he mentioned that "Christians are NOT popular people nor is Christianity is a popular religion..." and it hit home to me.

Why do you think that Christians are NOT popular folks??? [:@] [:)]

Jesus is THE LIGHT. And, most of the world cherishes THE DARKNESS. To non-believers the light of Jesus exposes the sins that they do not want to relinguish or do not want to admit that they have.

Furthermore, it is in the human heart to want to achieve eternal life based on their own goodness and works. In doing so they set themselves up as little gods and little gods don't want to bow down to the REAL God.



BibleL7 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 1:48:50 AM)

As Jesus said the world will hate you as it hated Me, for a follower is not greater than his master. We are to be the light and salt of the world. As we shine light on sin that others have they dont like being shown that they are in sin. This doesnt mean we point out their sin and condemn them they will see it on their own when they are around us if we are following Him for the Holy Spirit within us will convict others around us of sin. Nobody wants to admit they are in sin. Everybody wants to go to heaven and hear of the love of God but they dont want to hear of the judgement of God. They want to believe they are basically good and God will not send them to hell, not realizing that they are on their way to hell from birth and only Jesus and His righteousness gets them into heaven. People want all roads to lead to God they dont like us saying Jesus is only way. They dont like to hear about judgement and hell. They dont like people to believe sin is wrong and Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life. They think they should be able to do what they want and that God should accept them their way. They dont want to hear that they are sinners they like only the verse that says judge not lest ye be judged. Nobody wants judgement. The world wants to sin all they want and be accepted for that and loved in it.

Christians on the other hand know they are wrong and that Jesus is the only Way and there is a hell and judgement and we are sinners headed for hell without accepting Jesus. We are not to be of the world though we are in it. We are promised in the Bible to be hated and to have trials and tribulations. We are to rejoice that the world hates us for this is a sign that we are following Him and becoming like Him. We know that we are to turn from sin and the world wants to remain in sin and dont realize the wages of sin is death. Sin for them is fun and we dont partake in it so they dont like us.

Just the opinion of a small town preacher



walkin2e -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 7:11:20 AM)

I'm assuming you mean people of the world who don't think Christians are popular...that's because Satan has blinded their eyes so they can't see the truth.

Reminds me of the time I went to our local coffee shop. I was sitting alone, and behind me were a group of worldly men and women. They were laughing, joking, telling crude stories, and cursing. Finally, I had enough. The Holy Spirit came on me, and I begin to sing, "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so"...Immediately, they all quieted down, and stared at me like I was a nut...but they knew I belonged to Jesus.

Later, I had the honor of praying for some of these folks, and leading a few to Jesus.

walkin2e



Consecrated2God -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 8:07:09 AM)

quote:

As Jesus said the world will hate you as it hated Me, for a follower is not greater than his master.


In this particular culture, I don't think we experience that as often as Christians do and did in other cultures and times. Tolerance is big these days, and I've generally been shown respect for my beliefs. I can't say I've personally experienced religious persecution. Most of the non-Christians I've worked with have not hated me for my beliefs.



iluvatar -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 8:12:46 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Cloak

I was listening to a pastor's sermon when he mentioned that "Christians are NOT popular people nor is Christianity is a popular religion..." and it hit home to me.

Why do you think that Christians are NOT popular folks??? [:@] [:)]


I question the initial premise. Given the number (and in some cases, size) of churches in this country, I'd say it's pretty hard to argue that Christianity isn't popular. Even up here in the liberal northeast, where they may not be as numerous as they are down south, churches (even good ones) are pretty easy to find.

Regarding the popularity of individual Christians, that really depends on the person. In general, typical American church usually attracts people with calmer, more passive personalities rather than the more boisterous, outgoing types who would be considered "popular."

quote:

In this particular culture, I don't think we experience that as often as Christians do and did in other cultures and times. Tolerance is big these days, and I've generally been shown respect for my beliefs. I can't say I've personally experienced religious persecution. Most of the non-Christians I've worked with have not hated me for my beliefs.


I agree. I believe there's a bit of a persecution complex among certain segments of Christianity in this country. Most of the "unpopularity" that's seen/experienced is due, IMO, to our self-induced isolation from the community and culture-at-large, rather than any real hatred towards us and God.

-Dan.



bluestone -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 8:15:12 AM)

Because so many Christians are arrogant, closed mind, and uncaring jerks. The hearts and compassion of ants and the critical thinking skills of fleas.



redeemedsaint -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 8:44:33 AM)

Jesus was not popular during his time on earth also. We are to be a light to the darkness and a lot of people don't like to be exposed because they love the darkness more than the light. That's why people are still being persecuted for their faith today.



JimboFletch -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 8:56:00 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: bluestone

Because so many Christians are arrogant, closed mind, and uncaring jerks. The hearts and compassion of ants and the critical thinking skills of fleas.

I think there is a difference between people that are just plain obnoxious and the offense of the cross. The world generally despises genuine Christians as much as everyone dislikes hypocrites. Nobody should judge the real article by counterfeits.



rcjames -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 10:17:49 AM)

Since the existance and purpose of Christians is to please God and not man; then being popular with the world is not a measure to be concerned with.

Thsnks
RC



HisLamb26 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 10:54:03 AM)

I think perhaps that preacher has a persecution complex. The only Christians I find obnoxious are, well...the obnoxious ones. [8D]



1love1God1way -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 11:26:50 AM)

The world wants to party, and Christians just want to play Yahtzee.



Tinkerbell_ -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 11:31:52 AM)

Yuck. *wrinkling my nose* Yahtzee? You couldn't have picked a better game??

We were never promised an easy road if we followed Him. Popularity is something the world has taught us to strive for. If we're popular we know we're loved. Well, I don't need multitudes of friends to tell me I'm loved. I could be all by myself and still know it; only because I'm never truly alone.



livingdesire -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 1:42:40 PM)

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds so unbelievable.

We are represented by those with the biggest mouth and have a desire to be seen, who more often than not misrepresent Christianity, typically displaying hypocrisies. "Christians" on amazing race who pray to God to help them win a race and cuss at opponents, insane "God Warriors" on wife swap (or whatever show that was) that's being spread all over you tube.

Christians who place priority on law rather than relationship. some how we figure we have to condemn non-Christians for not living according to Christian morals. yeah, that's attractive.

If I weren't already a Christian and knew that it is truth, I would be more inclined toward another religion rather than Christianity. I don't think the secular world has many reasons to love christianity when Christianity disappoints even myself so often.



BlackCapnHarlock -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 2:53:10 PM)

Paul spoke about this in the early chapters of Corinthians that not many noble or many famous folks were Christians at that time.

Look at us now, I think celebritism is the worst thing that can happen to us. Imagine Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian going to church!!!! Not to truly seeek the Lord but to add more hoopla to their already media frenzied lives!!!!

Any body who TRULY lives according to the TRUE DOCTRINE OF JESUS THE CHRIST, won't be popular and won't be liked.

That is what is going on now, I heard a guy on ESPN say about David Robinson, "I didn't enjoy playing with him, he was too churchy, he wanted us to go to bible study, and pray and the like, that's not what the NBA is all about it's supposed to be fun."

What??? So because David R. was about CHRIST and not about beers and babes he wasn't fun? Guess what if you are serious about CHRIST you won't be fun to non Christians either.

I goal shouldn't be popularity, our goal shouldn't be fame, our goal and our lives should be CHRIST centered.

As mentioned already, JESUS spoke about the world hating us, and that is one thing that is true.

When you see an Islamic version of "Dogma" or "The Life of Brian" then that saying will be challenged, until then nothing has challenged Satan and Sinner's hatred of true CHRISTIANS.



Technophile -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 2:59:18 PM)

people dont like christians because they hear us saying too often that you shouldnt do this, or shouldnt do that. if they heard more about the things we SHOULD be doing, then maybe they would like us more.

basically people think we have a "better than you" attitude, and they dont want to be told to stop doing the things they do.



livingdesire -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 3:13:49 PM)

yeah, I dunno. I think Christianity is disliked for a different reason than the new testament church was disliked. I think it goes a little deeper than Christianity being a hard pill to swallow.

I wish that's why were disliked



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/28/2008 9:24:48 PM)

Thanks all for your responses and feedback.

Those of you who said that it is the norm for Christians to be unpopular or unliked got what I meant by my question. Of course I was talking about Authentic, genuine Christians who live out their faith very vividly.

Afterall, let's not forget that the Bible told us somewhere that we would face trials and tribulations....but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Moreover, since they hated Jesus, we as His followers, would be hated likewise.



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/29/2008 7:14:52 AM)

May be this quote explains well why Christians/Christianity is/are such unpopular:

"The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and untried." (G.K. Chesterton)



Dakotasunbeam -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/29/2008 3:01:14 PM)

20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. 24 But woe to you who are rich, For you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you who are full, For you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, For you shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets. --Luke 6:20-26

If men in this world speak well of us we should be afraid. Also, the Bible says that we are to other believers the aroma of life leading to life, but to unbelievers we are the aroma of death leading to death. Hense, if we are not hated, we need to scratch our head and ask ourselves what it is that we are doing wrong. I see too many christians trying to be popular, political, and cool and it makes me wonder. [8|]



Cloak -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/29/2008 3:10:30 PM)

Thanks Dakota for your post in which I sensed great insight. The biblical analysis is Very true and astute. [:)]

Indeed our ways are different from the world's systems. We are not people pleasers, we are honest, humble, money is not our top priority so all these things make us hated to them.



Kat_D -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/30/2008 12:40:17 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way

The world wants to party, and Christians just want to play Yahtzee.


[:D][:D][:D] Good one!!!



Kat_D -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/30/2008 12:46:00 PM)

quote:

Christians are Not popular...Why?


The answer is found here:

18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' -John 15

Let's just hope and pray we will never be popular...and don't forget, we're in good company when we're not!



gaylel1 -> RE: Christians are Not popular...Why? (3/30/2008 12:54:07 PM)

So what we are not popular--the world hated Jesus, so what? We are in the world boys and girls but not of the world and so what if the message is not popular because guess what?
these same people will go to God when crisis comes up and they will question why.



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