Why do many Christians shun fellowship with fellow Christians?
- Thread starter RepentingChristian
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Hard to say. Maybe your approach? Brothers and sisters in Christ are people too with emotions; you can be as polite as you want and still be disrespectful.
"That’s a very valid question and a bit of a paradox, isn’t it?
From what I’ve seen, it usually boils down to a few very 'human' things rather than a lack of faith:
Even serious believers get stage fright. They might be terrified of saying the wrong thing or being judged if they can’t answer any deep theological questions that may put them on the spot. Some believers often get comfortable in their own groups or circles. Breaking out of that to talk to someone new can feel risky or awkward, so they retreat.
You never know what someone is carrying. They might be burnt out, feeling hypocritical, or just lacking the emotional energy for a deep talk that day.
It’s usually more about their own internal barriers than about you. Don't let their 'walls' discourage your openness."
Yea, hard to say. I believe that there are Christians that go to church and once service is over and they've satisfied their weekly obligation, they have no further interest until the following Sunday.
"That’s a very valid question and a bit of a paradox, isn’t it?
From what I’ve seen, it usually boils down to a few very 'human' things rather than a lack of faith:
Even serious believers get stage fright. They might be terrified of saying the wrong thing or being judged if they can’t answer any deep theological questions that may put them on the spot. Some believers often get comfortable in their own groups or circles. Breaking out of that to talk to someone new can feel risky or awkward, so they retreat.
You never know what someone is carrying. They might be burnt out, feeling hypocritical, or just lacking the emotional energy for a deep talk that day.
It’s usually more about their own internal barriers than about you. Don't let their 'walls' discourage your openness."
I enjoy talking about God and sharing the Word. I like to learn from them and share something too.
I now live in south-central Mexico and so my opportunities to meet English-speaking Christians is very limited.
But look at this community. A Google search renders it available to the estimated 2.6 BILLION Christians in the world but how many actually participate in this and similar forums?
I guess it's all in God's hands. If I'm needed God will guide me.
ScottA
Well-Known Member
It's just kinda like politics, and many are leery of the possible conflicts that can arise. For many It's easier to not go there...and just remain friends.
But there are other real dangers too, and having a defense for such can be a good instinct. If people would or could limit interaction with others to just conversation, there would likely be no problem. But people want to impose their own mere "beliefs" on others as a means of self confirmation, preaching what they only "think" they know as gospel truth, which is the definition of many a false teachers.
It is good advice therefore to keep conversations only conversation and light, allowing only God to move things beyond the elementary level.
Lambano
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If Christians act in real life like they do on this forum, I can see why Christians would shy away from discussing their faith with other Christians.
Now that I think about, my decision to emulate John the Baptist might be off-putting. I haven't shaved or showered in years and I frequently snack on insects. Might I be sending the wrong signal?
Yea, I totally get that, but the people I'm describing have made it known emphatically and publicly that they are followers of Christ. I don't understand why someone pounds their chest to announce their discipleship to Jesus but then decline to respond when asked a basic question. I'd never shut up if someone wanted to "pick my brain" about Jesus.
Hi @RepentingChristian
This is something that has bothered me no end. I believe much of it is because many, many churchgoers do NOT know the Word and will even get angry sometimes if you try to broach certain subjects concerning scripture. I do have a few that I do speak with on a regular basis about ALL things pertaining to God, and Godliness. It is a disappointment but then, He did say that only a "few" will make it to the end...and these boards have done me very well over the years.
God bless you in your desire to really, really fellowship!
If you even breathed, even hinted at an interest in the things of God to me or my husband, it'd be hard to get us to shut up!
ScottA
Well-Known Member
Yeah, that's strange...unless you have a reputation that precedes you and they don't want to get you started?
PS95
Well-Known Member
I haven't experienced that from believers. It certainly shouldn't be that way. unless they are stuck on a certain interpretation of a non- salvational issue and you disagree with them- and the insist on it. There are people like that. I worry about them because love for the members should over rule that stuff. If you agree on the heart of the gospel and are living to please the Lord, why shun? That's crazy. We are one body.
Oh no I've never gotten anywhere remotely that deep with Christians whom I have met in person.
PS95
Well-Known Member
I thought you meant on here. Ok well, It's odd- Love should compel them to want to speak about Him and to you.
We are living in a time where love is growing very cold. I would add that to the list..
WE see it everyday- we need to be mindful of that and lovingly admonish others.
Nope. I'm talking about prophesed Christians that I've recently met in person.
PS95
Well-Known Member
I know.. have you asked them? I would. They may have encountered accusatory types and prefer not to go there.
I think having a desire to talk about the Lord is rare and the exception. I do think our words indicate where our heart is. Belief is common but heart change is rare.
No, I have not asked them.
I think most Christians believe but don't want to discuss it. That's ok.
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