Is Christianity the easiest religion to believe?

Someone has said—correctly, we believe—that Christianity is the easiest religion in the world to believe, and it is also the most difficult religion in the world to believe. It is the easiest because God has done everything for us that needs to be done, and it is impossible to add to the work of Christ.

Are there alternatives to Christianity?

Here are just a few alternatives core to Christianity providing an intriguing counter-cultural viewpoint: In an age where sex is anything you want it to be, Christianity teaches that sex is sacred and that we value the who far more than the what, which changes the what and the how.

How can Christians help people out of poverty?

As Christians, we need to support an institutional structure that rewards that and allows people to bring themselves out of poverty. This doesn’t mean we don’t help them; it means we help them in a way that really allows them to flourish.

What is Christianity really about?

But Christianity is about freedom, redemption, grace and empowerment instead of domineering fear. Instead of domineering over others and seeking worldly power, Jesus humbly and selflessly served, resulting in His own death—if only we could do the same.

What happens when you tell a nation that their righteousness is like filthy rags and they deserve to burn?

When you tell an entire nation that their righteousness is like filthy rags and they deserve to burn in Hell you’re going to create a nation of self-loathing people. You won’t have the time or motivation to fulfill your potential if you spend your days loathing yourself. And since people tend to treat others the same way they treat themselves, they’re probably going to treat others worse than they deserve.

What are some examples of scientific breakthroughs?

For example, a monk named Gregor Mendel proved the existence of genetically inheritable traits. However, Christianity has a long history of stifling scientific thought.

What does the Bible say about blind faith?

The bible teaches that blind faith is virtuous and doubt is evil. Every atrocity committed in history was done by people with blind faith in an ideology. Blind faith is a recipe for exploitation and oppression.

Who is Travis Haan?

Travis Haan is the editor of The Wise Sloth blog. The Wise Sloth contains editorial, philosophical, instructional, inspirational and satirical posts in the form of essays, lists, comics, and fiction, which tend to be irreverent, humorous and controversial.

Is the death penalty strong enough to dissuade people?

If you firmly believe that the threat of the death penalty is strong enough to dissuade people from breaking the law then you had better believe that the promise of unconditional release and immunity is strong enough to entice people to break the law. Christian doctrine creates an environment that encourages (or at least excuses) inhumane behavior by removing the perception of consequence for those who believe.

Who ordered Christians to spread the Gospel?

The Apostle Paul ordered Christians to spread the Gospel until everyone in the world believed in Christianity. Christian missionaries have a good track record of converting entire societies to the point that Christianity became merged with those society’s governments. It happened in Rome, Germany, The United States of America and many other places. All of those governments created laws that oppressed and punished people who didn’t live by Christianity’s archaic, vague ethical code.

Why is Christianity misused?

Christianity is often misused to avoid risks — as a form of escapism. We hide away in churches, pretend pain and suffering and evil doesn’t exist, and then wait for God to give us 100 percent confirmation by going through the long and drawn out process of validating a “call” from God.

Is Christianity diverse?

Christianity is as diverse as the people that represent it. There are countless denominations, churches, and communities that each practice different traditions, belief different doctrines, hold to various theologies, and live out their faith in numerous ways.

Is the Bible the ultimate answer book?

There’s a misconception that the Bible is the Ultimate Answer Book and Christianity is a divine encyclopedia presenting the solutions to life’s biggest questions. In reality, the Christian faith is about a relationship with Christ instead of an academic collection of right or wrong doctrines.

How to keep being ineffective at reaching unchurched people?

If you want to keep being ineffective at reaching unchurched people, keep judging them.

What happens if you are oblivious to the culture around you?

What happens if you’re oblivious to the culture around you? If you’re indifferent to the culture, it should be no surprise that the culture is indifferent to you. This approach produces irrelevance. If you’re indifferent to the culture, it should be no surprise that the culture is indifferent to you. Click To Tweet.

What does it mean when a government doesn’t embrace the church’s values?

Having a government that doesn’t embrace the church’s values line for line actually puts Christians in some great company —the company of the earliest followers of Jesus. Jesus spent zero time asking the government to change during his ministry.

What is the church uniquely positioned to offer?

But (…think about this…) the church is uniquely positioned to offer a radically beautiful alternative to the culture in so many key issues, like our sexuality, how we handle our money, what we do with our bodies, and in basic disciplines like confession and self-control.

Why don’t churches grow?

Not knowing how to reach the culture is a major reason churches don’t grow.

Why is mainstream music important?

Whether you use mainstream music in your service or not, having music that sounds like music people today listen to helps people today feel comfortable and engaged.

When you adapt your music and your communication style to make your church accessible to the unchurched, do you?

When you adapt your music and your communication style to make your church accessible to the unchurched, you don’t necessarily water down a thing ( at least you don’t have to…we don’t). You simply make what you’re sharing accessible and understandable.

Why is Christianity used as an excuse?

Christianity has often been used as an excuse to do many horrific things. It’s used to rationalize religious violence, abuse, corruption, ignorance, bigotry, racism, injustice, inequality, sexism, hypocrisy and a litany of other evils—all under the guise of “God told me to do this” or “The Bible says this.”. 8.

What is litany of services?

A litany of services, classes, sermons, retreats, bible studies, prayer groups and conferences provide a comfortable way to feel productive and meaningful—even if we’re not. Many use Christianity to rationalize that they’re making a difference in the world when in reality they’re just safely—and comfortably—immersing themselves within their own religious activities without taking any real risks or making any real sacrifices.

What is Christianity filled with?

Christianity is filled with opportunities to tithe, donate, fundraise, support missionaries and give to various causes and ministries. Unfortunately, instead of feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless and helping those less fortunate, many take advantage of these platforms in order to increase their own personal wealth—selfishly getting rich off of the generosity of others.

Why is Christianity important?

Some see Christianity as a way to escape from reality, to hide from their problems, ignore conflict and flee from the harsh realities of the world around them. But Christianity was never meant to be a carefree way to avoid stress, pain and suffering. Instead, it’s about embracing truth—no matter how ugly it may be.

What does it mean to be a Christian?

To be a Christian is to be transparent and truthful and vulnerable and brutally honest —it’s not pretending to be someone you aren’t. Overall, there are many ways we can mistreat Christianity and commit horrible acts in the name of God. It’s easy to manipulate our faith in order to satisfy our own agendas.

What did Jesus do instead of domineering over others?

Instead of domineering over others and seeking worldly power, Jesus humbly and selflessly served, resulting in His own death —if only we could do the same.

How do people misuse Christianity?

Here are a few ways people misuse Christianity: 1. As a Form of Escapism. Some see Christianity as a way to escape from reality, to hide from their problems, ignore conflict and flee from the harsh realities of the world around them.

Why do we have to keep in mind that we do bear God’s image?

We have to keep in mind that because we do bear God’s image, in helping the poor we respect the dignity of each individual person. We get it wrong sometimes when we go out and try to help the poor by making them dependent.

How can we help the poor?

Create Opportunities. The best way to help the poor is to create opportunities for them to work and express their own creativity. That is where economics comes in, by providing jobs for people so they can sustain their families over the long-term. That is the optimal way to do it.

What colloquium brought conservatives and libertarians together?

I had the pleasure of attending the Intercollegiate Studies Institute colloquium on “The Humane Economy,” which brought together conservatives and libertarians…

Why do Christians need to support institutional structures?

As Christians, we need to support an institutional structure that rewards that and allows people to bring themselves out of poverty.

Who does IFWE work with?

IFWE works with a lot of theologians and economics professors at colleges and universities across the country. When we talk with them, we notice that a lot of the same questions from students keep popping up, regardless of the school.

Who is Tremper Longman?

– Tremper Longman, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies at Westmont College.

Who is Kathryn Feliciano?

Kathryn Feliciano. Kathryn Feliciano is the ministry coordinator at Restoration Church in Washington, DC, where she leads the women’s and children’s ministries and handles various administrative responsibilities. She previously served as the manager of academic initiatives for the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics.