Why are churches so racially segregated?

This happens everywhere with all things. This seems to be one of the greater used excuses. I follow Christ, talk to the Lord, Worship in Church etc etc for me and no one else, so really what does someone elses perception of me and my relationship with the Lord have to do with anything? Not singling you out by no means, please don't take that way.

 

I've always felt that anyone whom pushes religion on someone will only push them away. I tend to have nothing to do with any person or church that does so or thinks they are better than others. Like VITO, is saying, people that think they are better than others because of religion, is a HUGE turn off. I've always looked at myself as a sinner first and foremost that undoubtably needs Christ to help me be the kind of person I would like to be. I fall short of that daily, but keep on keeping on with a good heart and good intentions, knowing I have been saved by grace. I can't imagine living life without having Christ in me though, I would be lost, a mess, etc. My wife and I...if you have ever been around us are far from bible thumping chest beaters, we are just down to earth folks that dont try to be something fake or that we are not and we love the Lord, We are working to raise our boys in the same fashion, giving them a foundation in Christs word and NOT in a "holier than thou" mindset. Nothing more nothing less.

 

It is quite alright, I enjoy the discussion. As far as being separate, well I don't know how else to put it... I am seperate. BUT not because I deserve it. I have been set aside by God, but only through the grace of God because of Jesus Christ. I am not one of those people that thinks everyone is going to heaven, God's word tells me that "no one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ". So many people in this country call themselves Christian, and yet when you ask them why a lot will say, well because my parents were Christian. Well I am here to tell everyone that you don't inherit a relationship with Christ, you just simply have to ask for it yourself and be genuine.

I would encourage you to forget about "religion" and seek a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I have already stated what I think God says about "religion". Fitz put it much better than I ever could.

 

My thoughts as well.

 

So for those of you talking about people pushing religion on others. Where do you draw the line between sharing and pushing?

Jesus called for his followers to share the gospel with the world. How do you do this without being "pushy".

I have struggled with this for a long time, because I feel like I am not sharing enough and yet I don't want to be that "pushy" person. Again, I find truth in Fitz's words that Jesus is the one who changes lives, but Jesus put it on my heart to share Him with everyone. Some people consider this "pushy". So do you consider someone sharing their experience with God as being pushy?

 

I guess I need to ask what is the definition of christian? Is is that the people who call themselves christian, but don't act christian? How do you act christian? How do you become a better christian than others? Is there a better alternative than separating yourself for the betterment of christianity?

I was a part of the catholic church for the first 18 years of my life. I went to a catholic school from 1st-8th grade. I was surrounded by it, so a lot of this makes sense to me, but still confused by some logic. To a "non believer" with no background, it can be very confusing. When you start separating christianity even more, I think you do more harm than good for the group.

 

Its a sad veiw of the depravity of the human heart. We as Christ followers should and are commanded to welcome any and all to church and preach the gospel to any and all. And just because we are christians dosent mean we are perfect. We were all born with the same wicked heart as Hitler or Charles Manson we are just forgiven and try hard to do the right thing not because that is what gets us to heaven but because we want to do the right thing because of the joy that Jesus brings into our lives.

Like some have said people naturally congregate with people they feel comfortable around and sadly that comes down to race a lot of the time. When Adam sinned in the garden of eden he sinned for all of us and from then on all of humanity was born with a very dark and wicked heart that hates God and wants nothing to do with Him. This is where racism and all other "isms" and sins came to be. But luckily God in his almighty soverinty saw that we could not come to Him on our own so He sent Jesus to live a perfect life and to be the vessle that we, dark and deprived humans, can use to come to him and have salvation from our dark and deprived hearts. And hopefully be sanctified from racism and all other sin that we can be counted righteous before Him.

 

Sorry didnt read that before I posted. :p Very well said Fitz!!

 

I didn't mention this, but I'll give my opinion. To me, the difference between sharing and pushing depends on the conversation. "Sharing" is if the other party wants information. "Pushing" is when information is "forced" upon someone without asking. "Pushing" could also be telling them what to do. "You should have your family in a church", for example, I would consider pushing. Its a pretty vague definition for the terms. Its easier to have a situation as an example.

Lets us different terms. If someone posts a question about a the new line of Mathews bows, and you tell them why they should shoot a Bowtech, thats "pushing". Or if you see someone who shoots a Bowtech, and without being asked, you tell them why Mathews is better, thats "pushing", IMO.

I am a curious person. I have had the conversation of religion and beliefs many, many times with both "believers" and "nonbelievers". There are extremes on both sides, but in my experience, one is more open-minded to the other side than the other is.

 

^^^this....and Shed's comments are getting close to what I mentioned about religion being the biggest case of "class envy" around, today.

Good posts.

 

You may be right, but I hope not. Usually my statement is followed up with a conversation, similar to ours now, where I can explain why I think "Christian" has lost it's meaning. If you and I really break it down, when someone says "I am a Christian", what does that really mean? I think it can mean numerous different things. But when I say I am a "follower of Christ" it kind of sets the record straight.

I guess my statement comes from a concern that someone might believe that because they were raised in a "Christian" home that their eternal life is secure, and I just don't believe that is the case. So i guess if my statement makes someone at least think about it then all is not lost.

 

Another great post, stated better than I.

 

I think I pretty much agree with this. And I also agree that being pushy will just push most people away.

One thing to consider, is that being a beliver in Christ I know that without Christ people will be going to hell. I don't wish that upon anyone and if I truly care about my fellow man, wouldn't I try to share the truth with them?

 

I can tell you from my many conversations with both sides, most "nonbelievers" think a christian is a) someone who believes in God, and b) someone who treats others like Jesus did.

Thats it. I can also tell you people don't like being called "non-christian". Its makes it sound like they are against christians, which is not the case for the majority of "non-christians". They simply choose not to have those beliefs. Nothing more, nothing less. Along those same lines, people don't like being told they need to be "saved".

Just a couple tips for those who want to "share" with "nonbelievers".

I think I needed to use a few more ".

 

I believe there is truth in John Calvin's statement that the key to understanding Jesus and christianity is humility.

Humility is NOT...the fear of man. "Fear of man will prove to be a snare but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Proverbs 29:25 If you fear man, you live for the approval of others. Your joy flows depending on their approval ratings of you. Don't live for applause!

Humility IS...the fear of God. Humility is Christ like. Jesus is God and He humbled himself. He came from glory to humility. He left wealth and affluence for poverty and simplicity. He worked a common job for 30 or so years. He did everything as a humble servant. Humility is accepting you place (knowing your place). God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Proverbs 1:7 All of life must be lived out of the fear of the Lord. By fear I mean honor, reverence, appreciate, and treasure God above all else. He is the source of your identity. He is the one you're seeking the approval of.

Humble people are able to live their life differently and enjoy their life gladly.

I (like everyone) deserve Hell everything beyond that is the grace of God. I choose to pursue humility by the grace of God.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

 

The word "truth" really stands out in that statement. How do you know its truth? You have to look at it from your fellow man's perspective. If he doesn't believe hell exist, and you use a word like truth, then you are telling him his beliefs are false, when there is no way of proving one way or another.

Stating things as truth or fact, without proof of either, comes off egotistical. Like I referenced earlier, one side is much more open-minded or willing to accept another's beliefs.

A nonbeliever can understand why someone would choose to believe. In my experience, its is very difficult for a believer to understand why someone doesn't believe.

Don't confuse faith with truth.

 

I would pray. It will not be through your work that others come to Jesus. Rather God will use you to do what He desires. Trust in Him and he will give you the right words...for the right person...in the right situation. Always trust in Him and don't be afraid to ask for guidance or assistance. He is there for all of us all we have to do is listen.

C

 

I am so glad you picked up on that! Do you know how far back the question of "what is truth" goes? When Jesus was put on trial and Jesus stated that the reason he came into the world was to testify to the truth, Pontius Pilate asked that same question..."what is truth?"

I guess it depends on what you consider "proof". Look around us, creation is proof enough for me. But God also gave us his word, the prophecy in His word is also enough for me. I am sorry if that comes across as egotistical, if you knew my heart you would know that it is not meant to be.

I don't confuse them. I have faith because of Truth.

Just because my fellow man believes that hell doesn't exsist doesn't mean that it doesn't. Have you ever had a professor try to tell you that the chair you are sitting in doesn't really exsist? Just because some philosophy says it doesn't exsist, doesn't change the fact that it does and I am indeed sitting in it.

Truth does exsist, and it is a good thing!

 

You are right that I can do nothing without Jesus. But Jesus did not call on us to only pray. He called us to action, but again you are right that we should trust in Him and let him work through us. He is there for all of us, but I would go a step further and say that we have to do more than just listen. We have to respond.

Now this is probably were some people start thinking that I think I am doing all this and I think I am better then them. WRONG, I am a sinner and no better than anyone. But that doesn't change what God has called me to do.

 

Well said!! If all "Christians" could get a grasp of this then the world would change!