Types of Christians….what type are you?

[Jim B]

LOL does not thing but indicate that I am laughing at you.

Which is an inadequate and childish response. It shows the depth of your thinking.

 

[Grailhunter]

Which is an inadequate and childish response. It shows the depth of your thinking.

LOL

 

[Jim B]

LOL

Which is again an inadequate and childish response. It further shows the depth of your thinking -- shallow.

 

[Windmillcharge]

but the truth is there, every word

How can there be truth in a strawman argument?

You have said that people who believe the bible is true cannot use any form of modern technology.

People have believed the bible is true for centuaries and have used tecchnology not available to the first centuary world.

Have people correctly interpreted or understood or apply biblical teaching?

Well like today no they haven't.
Everu cultre has its blind spots its cultral influence that distorts how the bible is applied.

You for example are a christian minister ( thats what I think you said ) for many bible beliving Christians that is a no no. Yet you understand the bible to say you can do that.
Who is right?


Christianity is not about technology, it does deeply affect our view of science, but it is really concerned with whether we are saved and following Jesus.

 

[Jim B]

Grailhunter has set himself up as the authority on Christianity. And he responds to my posts with "LOL". That should tell you all you need to know about him.

 

[Grailhunter]

How can there be truth in a strawman argument?

You have said that people who believe the bible is true cannot use any form of modern technology.

People have believed the bible is true for centuaries and have used tecchnology not available to the first centuary world.

Have people correctly interpreted or understood or apply biblical teaching?

Well like today no they haven't.
Everu cultre has its blind spots its cultral influence that distorts how the bible is applied.

You for example are a christian minister ( thats what I think you said ) for many bible beliving Christians that is a no no. Yet you understand the bible to say you can do that.
Who is right?


Christianity is not about technology, it does deeply affect our view of science, but it is really concerned with whether we are saved and following Jesus.

Yes there is a certain amount satire in what I as saying.
Believing that theologically the Bible is true, is one thing.....
Believing the world is flat is another....
Saying the world is flat but knowing it is not is another....

Saying things just to make yourself look good is another.....

Talking to someone in Australia on a Smart Phone about believing science is all bunk about evolution and the age of the universe, while they watch a football game coming from a satellite 20,000 miles in space and cooking popcorn in a microwave oven. May seem normal to a lot of people and they would not notice the irony in that. We live in a age where people can just run their mouths with no connection to really....I just try to see the humor in it.

Practice what they preach.....what is hypocrisy? What is lip serves?
There is no reason for Christianity to exist as a fantasy reality.
And this whole topic has an unseen target audience. The young people are starting not to buy into the fantasies of Christians. God is real. Christianity is real. science is real and history is real.....Belief, Truth, Facts....we should always strive tor the truth and leave the fantasies to the fiction writers.

 

[Alfredthefifth]

I'll bite,

I am a Christian that has had to this point in life a life long study of Martin Luther and his teachings. I had to step away from a Lutheran Sect to reach this I am a student of Martin Luther but simply a Christian, that appreciates that Luther's worst nightmare was having a church named for him.

The church I am coming to despise is THE CHURCH OF APPEARANCE! This church can be any demonination. This church is full of judgment, judging everyone and everything by appearances. I know of several churches that went bankrupt building a building glorious enough to be THEIR CHURCH building! Asking "Isn't the bible the purpose, the draw to worship enough?" Got everything excet Jesus as an answer, IT WAS ALL ABOUT APPEARANCE! These same churches heaped derision on what is now a beautiful and healthy church, BECAUSE WHO WOULD WORSHIP IN THAT BARN! Yes this church having grown to the pointof needing more room started with a simple metal building and worshipped in at as they stayed away from huge debt while finishing the building. I would have to point this building out to even long time residents of the area because it is a simple yet beautiful church and strong in the word, Everything built around a simple metal shell but full of God's love!

For any church goer, I well ask, DOES YOUR CHURCH HONESTLY WELCOME EVERYONE? I ask this because 11 out of 14 churches I have experienced do not welcome everyone. There may be a few welcoming people but the majority are actually asking " who are you what do you want!".

The 15th church I know is divided into cliques that while trying to look like sweetness and light are at open war with one another. The pastors here are forced to bow to whichever way the wind blows. That is when one clique is the most powerful the pastor has to teach what they want. Then the next clique takes over and they tell the pastor what to teach.

I attend on as regular a basis that I can three churches of different demoninations. Time I allowed myself is what decides which church this Sunday. These church's have two things in common strong in the word and honestly open and welcoming of all. There is a third thing that gets overlooked, that is their extra ministries are not budget items because if it is a needed ministry it will thrive! "We loose more opportunities be committeeing ministries to death and propping up a dead end ministry through the budget and budgeting process was killing us.

Can I agree wholly with the thread starter?
There are church's that hold to truths at odds with Jesus, I have been burnt so yes. In that way I have to agree.

Al

 

[Jim B]

I'll bite,

I am a Christian that has had to this point in life a life long study of Martin Luther and his teachings. I had to step away from a Lutheran Sect to reach this I am a student of Martin Luther but simply a Christian, that appreciates that Luther's worst nightmare was having a church named for him.

The church I am coming to despise is THE CHURCH OF APPEARANCE! This church can be any demonination. This church is full of judgment, judging everyone and everything by appearances. I know of several churches that went bankrupt building a building glorious enough to be THEIR CHURCH building! Asking "Isn't the bible the purpose, the draw to worship enough?" Got everything excet Jesus as an answer, IT WAS ALL ABOUT APPEARANCE! These same churches heaped derision on what is now a beautiful and healthy church, BECAUSE WHO WOULD WORSHIP IN THAT BARN! Yes this church having grown to the pointof needing more room started with a simple metal building and worshipped in at as they stayed away from huge debt while finishing the building. I would have to point this building out to even long time residents of the area because it is a simple yet beautiful church and strong in the word, Everything built around a simple metal shell but full of God's love!

For any church goer, I well ask, DOES YOUR CHURCH HONESTLY WELCOME EVERYONE? I ask this because 11 out of 14 churches I have experienced do not welcome everyone. There may be a few welcoming people but the majority are actually asking " who are you what do you want!".

The 15th church I know is divided into cliques that while trying to look like sweetness and light are at open war with one another. The pastors here are forced to bow to whichever way the wind blows. That is when one clique is the most powerful the pastor has to teach what they want. Then the next clique takes over and they tell the pastor what to teach.

I attend on as regular a basis that I can three churches of different demoninations. Time I allowed myself is what decides which church this Sunday. These church's have two things in common strong in the word and honestly open and welcoming of all. There is a third thing that gets overlooked, that is their extra ministries are not budget items because if it is a needed ministry it will thrive! "We loose more opportunities be committeeing ministries to death and propping up a dead end ministry through the budget and budgeting process was killing us.

Can I agree wholly with the thread starter?
There are church's that hold to truths at odds with Jesus, I have been burnt so yes. In that way I have to agree.

Al

The earliest churches were simply meeting places, often in people's homes. Solomon's temple -- the glory of Israel -- was destroyed, as Jesus predicted. To me, it is tragic that congregations and denominations try to glorify themselves by building expensive, ornate structures.

 

[Grailhunter]

I'll bite,

I am a Christian that has had to this point in life a life long study of Martin Luther and his teachings. I had to step away from a Lutheran Sect to reach this I am a student of Martin Luther but simply a Christian, that appreciates that Luther's worst nightmare was having a church named for him.

The church I am coming to despise is THE CHURCH OF APPEARANCE! This church can be any demonination. This church is full of judgment, judging everyone and everything by appearances. I know of several churches that went bankrupt building a building glorious enough to be THEIR CHURCH building! Asking "Isn't the bible the purpose, the draw to worship enough?" Got everything excet Jesus as an answer, IT WAS ALL ABOUT APPEARANCE! These same churches heaped derision on what is now a beautiful and healthy church, BECAUSE WHO WOULD WORSHIP IN THAT BARN! Yes this church having grown to the pointof needing more room started with a simple metal building and worshipped in at as they stayed away from huge debt while finishing the building. I would have to point this building out to even long time residents of the area because it is a simple yet beautiful church and strong in the word, Everything built around a simple metal shell but full of God's love!

For any church goer, I well ask, DOES YOUR CHURCH HONESTLY WELCOME EVERYONE? I ask this because 11 out of 14 churches I have experienced do not welcome everyone. There may be a few welcoming people but the majority are actually asking " who are you what do you want!".

The 15th church I know is divided into cliques that while trying to look like sweetness and light are at open war with one another. The pastors here are forced to bow to whichever way the wind blows. That is when one clique is the most powerful the pastor has to teach what they want. Then the next clique takes over and they tell the pastor what to teach.

I attend on as regular a basis that I can three churches of different demoninations. Time I allowed myself is what decides which church this Sunday. These church's have two things in common strong in the word and honestly open and welcoming of all. There is a third thing that gets overlooked, that is their extra ministries are not budget items because if it is a needed ministry it will thrive! "We loose more opportunities be committeeing ministries to death and propping up a dead end ministry through the budget and budgeting process was killing us.

Can I agree wholly with the thread starter?
There are church's that hold to truths at odds with Jesus, I have been burnt so yes. In that way I have to agree.

Al

Good post.
It is another topic....a good topic.
Had an older preacher that preached at one the Bethel country churches that I go to. Good looking and well mannered and stately and a deep voice like Randy Travis and could sing and play the guitar. Because of this he was in demand for weddings and funerals.
After a wedding the reception was held down by the river....and as we enjoyed fried chicken and corn on the cob we got to talking.
and we got on this topic of churches being like a business and because of that the preachers were controlled by the congregation. In these scenarios a lot of clicks develop and a lot of gossiping and preachers have to preach what the congregation expect to hear.

He said, that was the reason he decided to look for a little church and did not accept pay for his ministry. And then he laughed and said, but I do make some money on these weddings and receptions and a lot of good food and fellowship. Then he said something I agreed with, he thought it was a good idea for the preacher to attend the receptions so things did not get out of hand....and get everybody home safely.

His church was over a hundred years old didn't even have electricity....it had a historical landmark telling of the story of the settlers that first came into the area.....The out-houses were a little modern.

I also go to pretty big mega churches and they are good....they have a lot to offer....child care....teen cafes....gym....individual Sunday school rooms divided up by age groups. But big churches can have their own problems.

 

[Jim B]

Good post.
It is another topic....a good topic.
Had an older preacher that preached at one the Bethel country churches that I go to. Good looking and well mannered and stately and a deep voice like Randy Travis and could sing and play the guitar. Because of this he was in demand for weddings and funerals.
After a wedding the reception was held down by the river....and as we enjoyed fried chicken and corn on the cob we got to talking.
and we got on this topic of churches being like a business and because of that the preachers were controlled by the congregation. In these scenarios a lot of clicks develop and a lot of gossiping and preachers have to preach what the congregation expect to hear.

He said, that was the reason he decided to look for a little church and did not accept pay for his ministry. And then he laughed and said, but I do make some money on these weddings and receptions and a lot of good food and fellowship. Then he said something I agreed with, he thought it was a good idea for the preacher to attend the receptions so things did not get out of hand....and get everybody home safely.

His church was over a hundred years old didn't even have electricity....it had a historical landmark telling of the story of the settlers that first came into the area.....The out-houses were a little modern.

I also go to pretty big mega churches and they are good....they have a lot to offer....child care....teen cafes....gym....individual Sunday school rooms divided up by age groups. But big churches can have their own problems.

So if Bethel County is in Pennsylvania, it's no wonder that you write the stuff that you do. Stop judging the body of Christ by the Amish and Mennonite sects.

 

[Grailhunter]

So if Bethel County is in Pennsylvania, it's no wonder that you write the stuff that you do. Stop judging the body of Christ by the Amish and Mennonite sects.

LOL Country not county....it is Missouri.
And nothing I posted was really about the Amish and or the Mennonites.
All I was saying is that if you think science is all bunk, you need to apply that to your life....say one thing and do another?
If ya going to talk the talk....walk the walk.

 

[heartwashed]

LOL does not thing but indicate that I am laughing at you.

It indicates that you are afraid of him.

 

[Grailhunter]

It indicates that you are afraid of him.

LOL Big belly roll laugh!
Thank you for that.

 

[Dropship]

Types of Christians….what type are you?

I'm the non-denom Jesus-focussed type..
Jesus said:-"You have one teacher, me" (Matthew 23:10)
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2)

 

[Grailhunter]

I'm the non-denom Jesus-focussed type..
Jesus said:-"You have one teacher, me" (Matthew 23:10)
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2)

As far as the topic at hand, I am not sure how that fits in.
Non-denominational is fine and Jesus focused is great.
An in-depth analysis of Christ can shed some light on the rest of the New Testament.
What is his character? And why?
Some scholars call Him the secret messiah. Why? Because when He would perform miracles, sometimes He would tell them not to tell other people. And it appears that He was conducting a separate ministry to the Samaritans through the woman at the well. Now the reason that the Apostle could not accomplish this, is another story.

So again studying Christ....his words and his character....and why did He do the things He did...is the scope and concept for the rest of the New Testament.

 

[Philip James]

Christians have developed a distain for religious education

Just because I was given poor catechisis does not excuse my own failure ti investigate my faith..

Religious education built Christendom and the western culture that followed.. The state removing 'religious' from education was the beginning of the end of western civilization..

Pax et Bonum

 

[Alfredthefifth]

The earliest churches were simply meeting places, often in people's homes. Solomon's temple -- the glory of Israel -- was destroyed, as Jesus predicted. To me, it is tragic that congregations and denominations try to glorify themselves by building expensive, ornate structures.

In some older Bibles I find that when God gave Moses the plans for the Tent temple that Isreal used while traveling in the wilderness.

This will be the temple forever more to remind my children that they are travelers traveling to a better place.

I find that passage in the Bible I was given 55 years ago and used in Bible study class in the parochial school. When I was wanting to use the passage in the discussion about my church needing "A BETTER CHURCH!" The new bibles that the pastor that was pushing this, didn’t have the verse.

Solomon's temple didn’t stand a generation, The temple that Jesus said was going to be destroyed was Harrods temple built long after Isreal returned from the Babylonian captivity.


Al

 

[Alfredthefifth]

Good post.
It is another topic....a good topic.
Had an older preacher that preached at one the Bethel country churches that I go to. Good looking and well mannered and stately and a deep voice like Randy Travis and could sing and play the guitar. Because of this he was in demand for weddings and funerals.
After a wedding the reception was held down by the river....and as we enjoyed fried chicken and corn on the cob we got to talking.
and we got on this topic of churches being like a business and because of that the preachers were controlled by the congregation. In these scenarios a lot of clicks develop and a lot of gossiping and preachers have to preach what the congregation expect to hear.

He said, that was the reason he decided to look for a little church and did not accept pay for his ministry. And then he laughed and said, but I do make some money on these weddings and receptions and a lot of good food and fellowship. Then he said something I agreed with, he thought it was a good idea for the preacher to attend the receptions so things did not get out of hand....and get everybody home safely.

His church was over a hundred years old didn't even have electricity....it had a historical landmark telling of the story of the settlers that first came into the area.....The out-houses were a little modern.

I also go to pretty big mega churches and they are good....they have a lot to offer....child care....teen cafes....gym....individual Sunday school rooms divided up by age groups. But big churches can have their own problems.

I will submit that while using different headings and or starting points ,
That it is all the same subject. Different starting points but all are grow from the same root.

Al

 

[Jay Ross]

^^^ Thread question heading.

Would not the majority of so called "Christians" fit into the Misguided Category, even if they feel that they may belong to another more normalised category with many friends.

 

[Phoneman777]

Besides the denominations….Catholic….Eastern Orthodox….. Protestant….I am sure there is more and even non-denominational and stand alones that do not attend church, and each interprets the Bible many many ways. But the Bible Only people are mostly in the Protestant denominations.

Now first before I go on I need to say I am multi-denominational or you could say I am non-denominational and attend several types of churches.

I do attend Catholic Churches but 98% of the time I attend Protestant churches and of them I prefer the Holy Ghost churches. And most of them consider themselves Bible Only.

Now I contend that there are two major types or concepts in regard to Bible Only. Beliefs, Truths, Facts

The first type….the True Bible Only’s are as the term implies….they only believe what is in the Bible and conduct their lives in accordance to biblical beliefs only. The true Bible only’s….their beliefs were more or less set in stone thousands of years ago. Only is the keyword.

And this can be very difficult living in the modern age.

This type of Bible Only’s do not consider science as real or correct.

Because of what the Bible says, they must believe that the world is flat and stars can fall to earth. That the earth is fixed, stationary on a foundation of pillars and the sun and moon and universe revolves around the earth.

And diseases are caused by the devil or demons. Mental illnesses are caused by demons and probably women that are affected with bad cases of PMS are caused by demons. And they do not pay much attention to documented history. If they do not believe this, and conduct themselves accordingly they are not true Bible only.

Because of their distain for science, if they get ill they do not call an ambulance or go to a doctor or hospital. But instead will pray and read the Bible. Maybe some home remedies.

They do not own a vehicle or a tractor, they ride horses and use horse drawn equipment.

Because of their distain or unbelief in science. They have none in their life. Their houses are built with saws and axes and hammers. They do not have electricity in there houses, then of course no electrical appliances or equipment. No A/C, no refrigerators, no TV. Running water comes from a hand pump of some sort. They light their homes with candles and lamps. And probably entering into a building that had electricity would probably be considered corrupting themselves some how. So of course their churches would not have any of these either.

In accordance with the Bible they can have polygamous marriages and have concubines and can sell their daughters into concubinage. Because the Bible defines these relationships and regulates them and never states a moratorium on these relationships or actions, they are technically still legitimate relationships. They do not have to have wedding ceremonies because the Bible does not require a wedding ceremony to be married.....so optional. The concept of lord and master over their wives is firmly in place and the submissiveness of the wives are required….. the status of females in their religious society and the church are considered subordinates ….no teaching or preaching in church and no authority over any man. All I can say is....Ladies do not marry into this! If you do, ask them how many wives they have.

Odds are, some in this group do not know that there were two distinct groups of Christians in the biblical era....Jewish-Christians and Gentile-Christians....so some in this group will be attempting to mix Christianity and Judaism to varying degrees.

They are pacifists.

Sunday as the Christian day of worship would probably be debatable.

Some in this group do not believe in modern miracles, believing that miracles only occurred during the biblical era.

Would voting be considered “of the world?”

I am thinking this would fit somewhat a long the lines of Amish.

The other type could be called Partially Bible Only.

In a lot of ways it would be hard to define this category because it would be up to the individuals to juggle all that is now.

They can pick and choose what part of science they want to agree with. Maybe some of the science that is around them or in their house. They can drive cars and trucks and use computers, tablets, Smart Phones, use the airlines to take trips. This group can enjoy all the modern realities and conveniences afforded to them because of science. But still claim that parts of science are bunk or even a deception.

They may or may not use doctors or medical facilities, dental, psychiatrists, etc. But still there is no reason that they cannot be doctors themselves.

They may go to schools and colleges. Education can be important to them.

They have monogamous relationships and have various beliefs regarding sex and believe wedding ceremonies are required to be married and require a wedding ceremony before making love. And most will believe it came from the Bible and do not know that it was actually the Protestants that first required wedding ceremonies to be married. And this is because many in this group do not pay a lot of attention to history.

The concept of lord and master over the wives can be part of their beliefs so the submissiveness of their wives maybe required…..it is not a firm belief but is mostly held that a woman’s status in society and the church are subordinate….no teaching or preaching in church and no authority over any man. And then there are still grey areas in their beliefs. But the phrase, "A woman should know her place"….comes from these last two groups. So ladies, before you marry one of these guys, ask were your place is.

Some in this group do not believe in modern miracles, believing that miracles only occurred during the biblical era. Then again some in this group believe modern miracles and some in this group believe in the works of the Holy Spirit and tongues to deliver messages and guidance and healing.

On the down side, most of the cults and false religions fall in this group. The Calvinists….OSAS….the Jehovah’s Witnesses???

The next type I will call Dynamic Christianity.

They are not Bible only and do not believe that Christianity is a static religion....hence the name dynamic. They believe that God continued to interact with Christians and continued to communicate beliefs that were additions and corrections to the Bible and believe that the miracles and visitations continued on throughout history. They believe that Churches have the authority to administrate. Introduce new rules and sacraments…..The requirement for wedding ceremonies and vows by the Protestant churches is an example. Of course the Catholics got carried away! But I do agree with them making marriage a sacrament.

On this point they believe the Holy Spirit can deliver personal revelations in tongues and ministry to those that are hurting and need direction.

This group can embrace science and history and do not believe it contradicts the Bible because the Bible was written at the level that the people of the time periods would understand. Trying to explain Quantum science and the universe to Adam and Eve would have probably went over their heads.

As a whole they are going to see the end of slavery and the women’s rights movement as driven by the Holy Spirit. And lord and mastering over your wife is considered abuse. And female authority in the church is a wonderful thing.

This group also believes in monogamous relationships and wedding ceremonies and vows. They have a more positive attitude towards romantic love and sex….Still it is hard to put firm dividing lines between the categories on sex. Is sex inherently corrupting or is sex a blessing of God that should be approached with all seriousness, love, and mutual respect? All three of these categories actually profess a belief that the wedding should occur before sex. How often that happens is anybody’s guess. Even though the Bible Only's do have weddings, it would be considered extrabiblical because there is no requirement for wedding in the Bible....marriages were formed by the union.

This group can enjoy all the modern realities and conveniences afforded to them because of science. Which includes modern medical facilities.

All three categories believe in the basic concepts of sins and moralities. All three categories my have a ton of man-made sins imbedded in them.

All three beliefs are valid. That is why I keep saying Beliefs, Truths, Facts.

On Judgment Day could Yeshua condemn you for believing and doing what the Bible said? I think not.

In a nutshell, Catholics teach salvation is not rooted in the substitutionary death of Jesus, but was granted by God to the pope and delegated to the priesthood for dissemination only to good Catholics, and that tradition demands total surrender of our entire will to the authority of the Pope.

Non-denominational churches teach a watered down, usually OSAS false Gospel where doctrine and resolution of doctrinal differences are not prioritized, but "experience" and "gifts" and sensationalism are exalted as the utmost importance.

Protestantism identifies the Papacy as "Antichrist" and that salvation is 100% based on grace through faith in the death of Jesus for our sins, and exalts Biblical truth as paramount and human reasoning which contradicts Scripture - including "tradition" - as worthless. It's the only consistent faith.