Okay, I'll take your word for it - tho' not generally the impression one gets this side of the Atlantic! (You mean it used to be worse ???)
Tho' I'd be happy to debate specifics - and reserve the right to point out the fallacies which masquerade as Christianity, while avoiding the temptation to generalise about which areas of America hold to such views!
Hey, I though I was the judgemental one around here
All I'm saying is that all that bristles with Bible verses isn't necessarily Christlike. (Check out His words about those who call him 'Lord'!) Christian is as Christian does.Originally posted by coastie
I can't believe that you are bashing some place that is known globally for it's high population of Christians.
By whose definition!?!Are you a Christian?
Which is why I offered to debate specifics. (Tho' I think this thread already offers one illustration of my concerns). BTW, you do, actually, seem to be responding...generalized attacks to it's character will not be responded to
No. And, frankly, I've no desire to visit anywhere in the States - with the possible exception of the Grand Canyon! Not to pre-judge all Americans (I've actually met some really decent, likeable ones from time to time ) - but, the general image portrayed on TV and movies does little to recommend the overall cuture to me. But perhaps that's largely a matter of personal taste.Have you ever been to California?
All I'm saying is that all that bristles with Bible verses isn't necessarily Christlike. (Check out His words about those who call him 'Lord'!) Christian is as Christian does.
I certainly believe that my sins are forgiven through faith in the sacrifice of Christ, that he has set me apart for good works, and I attempt to find out what he requires of me and to live accordingly. Does that qualify?
If, occasionally, I point out that some 'Christians' have very strange ideas of what Christ is about - distorting the Bible, using it legalistically, taking verses out of context to justify their actions and ignoring principles which go against their personal prejudices, then I suspect I may be in good company. (Ever read Christ's words to the religious Jews?).
Which is why I offered to debate specifics. (Tho' I think this thread already offers one illustration of my concerns). BTW, you do, actually, seem to be responding...
No. And, frankly, I've no desire to visit anywhere in the States - with the possible exception of the Grand Canyon! Not to pre-judge all Americans (I've actually met some really decent, likeable ones from time to time ) - but, the general image portrayed on TV and movies does little to recommend the overall cuture to me. But perhaps that's largely a matter of personal taste.
Quite simply, it's not 'talking the talk' that counts, but 'walking the walk'! There are those who sound very religious, quoting the Bible to defend their actions and stand in judgement over others, yet who fail to demonstrate the spirit of Christ in their ongoing lifestyles - pompous, self-important, self-seeking and totally lacking in charitable feeling for their fellow human beings; some even willing to act dishonestly or imorally when this suits their purposes.Originally posted by coastie
I'm not sure what you are saying here. Could you rephrase please?
Ever heard of the Klu Klux Clan, to take an extreme example? Or prosperity preachers, to take a more commonplace one.Who in the Bible belt did this?
To some extent, but rather more from documentaries and the like. However, with reference to 'churchianity', I'm actually, judging more by exerpts from so-called Christian Televison - something I tend to avoid, as it leaves a bad taste in my mouth!I think that perhaps your ideas are reflections of the attitudes that liberal Hollywood pertrays in their more negative movies.
I'd like to think so; unfortunately the guys that grab the limelight don't do it many favours!This place is probably a lot more simple and less corrupt than you think it is.
As I already said, I'm going more by American preachers' own presentation of themselves; to my mind many of them are their own worst publicists, and don't need the help of the 'liberal media' to bring discredit upon the name of Jesus. (Mind you, I have also come across some very GOOD American preachers, tho' they tend to be less high profile!)You give way too much credit to Television. Judging us by fictional examples is really limiting your scope of resources and in effect narrowing your perceptions of the US.
I'm sorry if that's the impression you get - actually I get the feeling you're a pretty decent sort of guy (for an American ); I do try to judge people individually by what they say and do rather than by the (deserved or undeserved)reputation of their countrymen.I can tell by the tone, that I have already been categorized.
I believe you! Me too, honest!You'd probably like me, I'm a nice guy.
Quite simply, it's not 'talking the talk' that counts, but 'walking the walk'!
Ever heard of the Klu Klux Clan, to take an extreme example? Or prosperity preachers, to take a more commonplace one.
However, with reference to 'churchianity', I'm actually, judging more by exerpts from so-called Christian Televison - something I tend to avoid, as it leaves a bad taste in my mouth!
unfortunately the guys that grab the limelight don't do it many favours!
As I already said, I'm going more by American preachers' own presentation of themselves; to my mind many of them are their own worst publicists, and don't need the help of the 'liberal media' to bring discredit upon the name of Jesus.
(Mind you, I have also come across some very GOOD American preachers, tho' they tend to be less high profile!)
I do try to judge people individually by what they say and do rather than by the (deserved or undeserved)reputation of their countrymen.