Talking all religious....

[Lutherrunner]

I'm sorry, but I just can't do it.....is it my midwest, German Lutheran background?.....I mean, I grew up in a little farm town and people had gone to chuch together for 30, 40, 50 years, and all they would do after church was shake hands and say something like: "How ya doin' Floyd? I need to come by and get some eggs."...."That's fine Fritz, I see your corn is knee high already...."yup"....Yup"....."well, we'll be seein ya next week." "OK then"

I get to Texas and everybody is hugging each other and using all kinds of religious talk....."I'll be prayin for ya"...."It was God's will"....."God told us what to do"...and so on.....

I feel really weird going to a church where people raise their hands and talk out and get all gooey.....

Plus, I don't have any religious stickers on my car, you know, like fish or the little Calvin and Hobbes brat on his knees at the cross.....

Am I less religious than these folks?.....:scratch:

[KagomeShuko]

Nope, the outward expressions of religion don't really make a person any more or less religious than the next.

I like religious things, and you'll find a lot of things like bulletin covers and such used as decorations. However, there are plenty of other who I am certain are just as religious as I am and they don't have anything like that.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[sculpturegirl]

Different people express their reverance and love for God in different ways. A lot of it is cultural. People from the north tend to be more reserved, whereas people from the south tend to be more demonstrative.

I personally am not a big fan of Christian bumper stickers. Or Christian cheesiness in general, even though I am faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar more physically demonstrative than your average Lutheran. Curious that I am from the north. :P

[KagomeShuko]

Different people express their reverance and love for God in different ways. A lot of it is cultural. People from the north tend to be more reserved, whereas people from the south tend to be more demonstrative.

I personally am not a big fan of Christian bumper stickers. Or Christian cheesiness in general, even though I am faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar more physically demonstrative than your average Lutheran. Curious that I am from the north. :P
You mean, you aren't one of those Christians from Minnesota that Lost And Found had to write "Baby" for so you could participate :D

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[StarSapphire]

I agree you do not have to show your faith on your sleeves. :)

However, a question was put to me years ago, and it did kind of get to me. It was something like if you were to put on trial today for being a Christian, what would the prosecuting attorney use as evidence? If there is no evidence against you, then you cannot be accused of being a Christian. That did get me thinking. I still do not have any stickers on my car, or get interested in the all touchy-feely-foo foo feelings-mushy stuff in church. Maybe some people get a high on that stuff, but I don't.

[KagomeShuko]

I agree you do not have to show your faith on your sleeves. :)

However, a question was put to me years ago, and it did kind of get to me. It was something like if you were to put on trial today for being a Christian, what would the prosecuting attorney use as evidence? If there is no evidence against you, then you cannot be accused of being a Christian. That did get me thinking. I still do not have any stickers on my car, or get interested in the all touchy-feely-foo foo feelings-mushy stuff in church. Maybe some people get a high on that stuff, but I don't.
Okay, but can't a person who is not a Christian still have all that stuff and even attend church services. Is there evidence that the person is NOT a Christian? That's the other problem with that.

The only evidence one could really have is if a person heard you tell somebody.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Tetzel]

Different people express their reverance and love for God in different ways. A lot of it is cultural. People from the north tend to be more reserved, whereas people from the south tend to be more demonstrative.

I personally am not a big fan of Christian bumper stickers. Or Christian cheesiness in general, even though I am faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar more physically demonstrative than your average Lutheran. Curious that I am from the north. :P
I don't put religious or political paraphanalia on my car either. I don't want to make God or whatever politician I support look bad just because I pull a bad driving maneuver.

[Jim47]

As you can see their are indeed many different types of Christians, thats because God made us all different. I myself and somewhat shy and reserved. You will likely never see me witha bumper sticker because I just don't want them on my car. Now if window stickers were legal and I could find a tasteful one I "might" venture to use one of those.

Some people feel the need to be all friendly like, and others don't. There is nothing wrong with either one, "but" if you are so shy and reserved that you can't greet people, especially visitors, then perhaps you should ask for help? I myself need help with even this as I am quite hard of hearing and social conversation has always been difficult for me. I do O/k sometimes with people when its just one on one, and maybe that would work for you.

My only point is don't be afraid to show your love for Christ but not sharing with others, and I really doubt you have that problem, but some do, I use to be one of them, and now I feel more fullfilled because I can extend a little Christian love to others. Its a good feeling to know that others care about you, and its a good evangelism tool to share your love with others.

[SPALATIN]

You mean, you aren't one of those Christians from Minnesota that Lost And Found had to write "Baby" for so you could participate :D

Stein Auf!
Bridget
Hey, I resemble that remark. ;)

[ByzantineDixie]

As you can see their are indeed many different types of Christians, thats because God made us all different. I myself and somewhat shy and reserved. You will likely never see me witha bumper sticker because I just don't want them on my car. Now if window stickers were legal and I could find a tasteful one I "might" venture to use one of those.
Excellent insight, Jim. We are all different. I am definitely not shy and will engage in a conversation at the first sense of a willing reciprocator. And, if that conversation lasts any length of time, some discussion of Christianity will creep in. I can't help myself. :sorry: I do like to know where people are in their faith and I do like them to know that if they ever want to talk about the Christian faith, I am willing.

The "outer trappings" of Christianity? Sure, I use them...but not on my car either because like Tetzel I think someone who has a fish on their car, for example, should should do their best to obey all the traffic laws (because a good discussion on Law / Gospel does not lend itself well with you in one car and the other guy in another!) and I am not so good with that...not the best driver in the world and have a penchant for speeding. :eek:

In my office, however I keep a number of things visible...mostly for me but I also want folks to know that I am a Christian and open to discussing it.

Some folks think it is best not to display Christian symbols because others will look at your imperfections and think "see, that's how Christians are, hypocrites" and think negatively about Christianity. I think it's quite OK for people to see that I am a sinner and saved only by the grace of God...because nothing works better than Truth!

Peace

Rose

[ChiRho]

I have a Luther Rose tattoo. Does that count?

[Flipper]

I don't know. When I see Christian symbols on bumper stickers and all over someone's office, I think of the "pieces of flair" comments in the movie Office Space.

[ChiRho]

Flipper! I love your signature! Are you soon to be a Libertarian sister?

[CrossWiseMag]

However, a question was put to me years ago, and it did kind of get to me. It was something like if you were to put on trial today for being a Christian, what would the prosecuting attorney use as evidence?

Not to dismiss the entire premise of this question, but it does seem to come from a Reformed perspective. That is, it encourages Christians to look back at themselves to know or to show that they are Christians. I agree we're not to be ashamed of Christ, but this question--and similar questions like it, used by the Reformed all the time to encourage "good works"--shows a basic confusion of Law and Gospel.

A Lutheran who's asked this question might very well answer, "Thank God the prosecuting attorney--God the Father--will not be looking at my life for evidence that I'm a Christian, but at the life of Christ Himself, who washed me in baptism, fed me with His Word, and sustained me in His Holy Supper." When we keep our eyes on Christ and His gifts, we cannot help but show forth the worldly evidence that we are Christian. But asking questions like the one above is not conducive to doing that.

[SPALATIN]

However, a question was put to me years ago, and it did kind of get to me. It was something like if you were to put on trial today for being a Christian, what would the prosecuting attorney use as evidence?

Not to dismiss the entire premise of this question, but it does seem to come from a Reformed perspective. That is, it encourages Christians to look back at themselves to know or to show that they are Christians. I agree we're not to be ashamed of Christ, but this question--and similar questions like it, used by the Reformed all the time to encourage "good works"--shows a basic confusion of Law and Gospel.

A Lutheran who's asked this question might very well answer, "Thank God the prosecuting attorney--God the Father--will not be looking at my life for evidence that I'm a Christian, but at the life of Christ Himself, who washed me in baptism, fed me with His Word, and sustained me in His Holy Supper." When we keep our eyes on Christ and His gifts, we cannot help but show forth the worldly evidence that we are Christian. But asking questions like the one above is not conducive to doing that.
Another question often put out by Reformed is "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

[Lutherrunner]

I'm enjoying the discussion, but you do realize I was being just a bit tounge and cheek....

[ByzantineDixie]

I have a Luther Rose tattoo. Does that count?
:rollseyes: uh...ya! It kinda trumps the whole discussion....;)

:D Rose

[Humble_Paladin]

I have three bumper stickers on my car:

A "Bush/Cheney 2004"
An "I support the IDF" w/Hebrew
and a "je. music and design" for the Christian techno group Joy Electric

To me these stickers share with others some of my beliefs. If the world doesn't fear using the kinds of stickers and messages they use, I'm certainly going to share my feelings right back.

When I get my new car in four weeks the first thing I'm going to do is buy an IXOUS fish for the back. Why? Because I want people to know that I believe in Jesus. Just my thing I guess.

[sculpturegirl]

Some folks think it is best not to display Christian symbols because others will look at your imperfections and think "see, that's how Christians are, hypocrites" and think negatively about Christianity. I think it's quite OK for people to see that I am a sinner and saved only by the grace of God...because nothing works better than Truth!


AMEN, ROSE! :amen:

My father told me about one time when he said something mean and nasty to a co-worker and she replied, implying that he was a hypocrite, "I thought you were suposed to be a Christian." He replied back, "This is exactly why I need Christ's forgiveness. (or something to that effect.) We are not Christians because we are perfect, we are Christians because Christ has saved us! Hooray!

I have to confess that I have a "Vote Libertarian" sticker on my car. Hello ChiRho :wave:

[SPALATIN]

AMEN, ROSE! :amen:

My father told me about one time when he said something mean and nasty to a co-worker and she replied, implying that he was a hypocrite, "I thought you were suposed to be a Christian." He replied back, "This is exactly why I need Christ's forgiveness. (or something to that effect.) We are not Christians because we are perfect, we are Christians because Christ has saved us! Hooray!

I have to confess that I have a "Vote Libertarian" sticker on my car. Hello ChiRho :wave:
20 years ago I lived in Denver, CO. I was going through an identity crisis so to speak and found my identity in my faith. During this time I met some "holy rollers" Some of them would say hallelujah every other word. It was nauseating because I couldn't imagine anyone being that way 24/7/365-6. By the same token it bothers me when I am around the truck driver types who throw in a cuss word just to cuss. At least when ChiRho does it it is for a good reason.;)

[Zoomer]

We had a small fish on our car, but then we were rear-ended and had to have the trunk replaced. Now we have an "ACLU: Enemy of the State" and
"A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel... quote from Robert Frost" bumper stickers on the car. I wonder how long it will be until someone purposely rear ends us.

[Organist]

Plus, I don't have any religious stickers on my car, you know, like fish or the little Calvin and Hobbes brat on his knees at the cross.....

Am I less religious than these folks?.....:scratch:

Whaaaattt??? You don't have Calvin stickers on your car?? That is sooooo unLutheran!!

:eek:

ahemmmm.... well, I don't either! :)

[Organist]

However, a question was put to me years ago, and it did kind of get to me. It was something like if you were to put on trial today for being a Christian, what would the prosecuting attorney use as evidence?

Not to dismiss the entire premise of this question, but it does seem to come from a Reformed perspective. That is, it encourages Christians to look back at themselves to know or to show that they are Christians. I agree we're not to be ashamed of Christ, but this question--and similar questions like it, used by the Reformed all the time to encourage "good works"--shows a basic confusion of Law and Gospel.

A Lutheran who's asked this question might very well answer, "Thank God the prosecuting attorney--God the Father--will not be looking at my life for evidence that I'm a Christian, but at the life of Christ Himself, who washed me in baptism, fed me with His Word, and sustained me in His Holy Supper." When we keep our eyes on Christ and His gifts, we cannot help but show forth the worldly evidence that we are Christian. But asking questions like the one above is not conducive to doing that.

On the other hand, if a person were to be arrested for drunken brawls at the local bar every week-end, or for robbing banks, etc., I don't think that person could be accused of being a Christian. Not from the perspective of a secular world, especially.

[Lutherrunner]

We had a small fish on our car, but then we were rear-ended and had to have the trunk replaced. Now we have an "ACLU: Enemy of the State" and
"A liberal is a man too broadminded to take his own side in a quarrel... quote from Robert Frost" bumper stickers on the car. I wonder how long it will be until someone purposely rear ends us.
Well, you'd better watch out for me then....I'd be tempted!.....;)

[KagomeShuko]

Hey, I resemble that remark. ;)
And your part goes " " and sometime it can go " " *nod* " "

Easy enough, right Scott?

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Lutherrunner]

maybe I should get a bumper sticker?....how 'bout this one?:.....;)

http://www.jesusisaliberal.org/sitebuilder/images/jesus_liberal_bumper_sticker.002-399x102.jpg

[CrossWiseMag]

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Sound liberal to anyone?

[Humble_Paladin]

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Sound liberal to anyone?
Hahaha! ZING! :thumbsup:

[Organist]

Okay, but can't a person who is not a Christian still have all that stuff and even attend church services. Is there evidence that the person is NOT a Christian? That's the other problem with that.

The only evidence one could really have is if a person heard you tell somebody.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

The best (or worst) one would be getting caught witnessing! :preach: