A Tolerable Christian? Ya Don’t Say?

12 Responses for "A Tolerable Christian? Ya Don’t Say?"

1. writerdd May 13th, 2008 at 9:29 am 1

   Sounds like the Amish to me.

2. Sara May 13th, 2008 at 10:59 am 2

   My thoughts exactly, writerdd.

3. The Integral May 13th, 2008 at 12:08 pm 3

   Yep that defines the way I try to be……

   I’m Christian. Actually, we are Christians. There are two other personalities besides myself sharing a body. Some people would say they are just demons……however, that is far from the truth. We’re all autistic, having grown up in a decidedly non-autistic world, and we figure that three minds are better than one in terms of trying to comprehend what the heck is going on at any point in time.

   The Integral of athenivanidx

4. Bill Cecchini May 13th, 2008 at 12:40 pm 4

   Interesting observations, ladies.

5. hoverFrog May 13th, 2008 at 1:31 pm 5

   What no parties?

6. Jason May 13th, 2008 at 1:38 pm 6

   Bill:
   I believe that this scripture points to our role in working to the glory of God. I don’t think this is a call for Christians to “shut up” and let our actions do the talking, but instead, I think it stresses the importance and role of our labor.

   In order to avoid any contradictions with other scriptures (ex: Rom. 10:14), which plainly tells us that we are called and commissioned to speak the word to those who don’t know, I believe it is important that we read the surrounding verses in order to pull this passage into its appropriate context.

   In my opinion, it is plain to see that these verses are telling us to work to the glory of God. Don’t be a free loader or a burden on society by expecting a “free lunch” at someone else’s expense. Instead know that you are called by God to not only work, but to do it to His glory.

   Here’s Piper’s take on (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12) for what it’s worth:

   “So what is the difference between a human being at work and a beaver at work? Or for that matter, a bee, or a hummingbird? They work hard; they subdue their surroundings and shape them into beautiful structures that serve good purposes. The difference is that humans are morally self-conscious and make choices about their work on the basis of motives which may or may not honor God.

   No beaver or bee or hummingbird consciously relies on God. No beaver ponders the divine pattern of order and beauty and makes a moral choice to pursue excellence because God is excellent. No beaver reflects on the purpose of his existence and consciously chooses to glorify his Maker by relying on him. But humans have all these potentials because we are created in God’s image. When God commissions us to subdue the earth—to shape it and use it—he doesn’t mean, do it like a beaver. He means, do it like a human, a morally self-conscious person who is responsible to choose his proper destiny. When he sends us forth to work in his image, to be sure, our ditches are to be dug straight, our pipe fittings are not to leak, our cabinet corners should be flush, our surgical incisions should be clean, our typing sharp and accurate, our meals nutritious and attractive, because God is a God of order and beauty and competence. But cats are clean, and ants are industrious, and spiders produce orderly and beautiful works. Therefore, the essence of our work as humans must be that it is done in conscious reliance on God’s power, as a conscious quest of God’s pattern of excellence, and in deliberate pursuit of God’s glory.”

7. Jason May 13th, 2008 at 2:09 pm 7

   Bill:

   I forgot to post these verses as well, which shed light on why I made the assessment that I did about the verses you were talking about:

   2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

8. Kristina May 14th, 2008 at 4:04 am 8

   Trying everyday man. Some days better than others. And when I screw up on those days, I try to be quick to apologize and move on.

9. Kristina May 14th, 2008 at 9:12 am 9

   also, the Amish are Christian

10. Drakim May 14th, 2008 at 2:49 pm 10

    Definitely. I’ve never had a Christian prove his/her religion in a logical argument, simply because Christianity comes down to faith and not evidence.

    And secondly, emotional appeals are too weak and easy. It’s also not a very respectable thing, such as trying to convert somebody right after they have suffered a great loss and is weak.

    But, living as an example, would be the best thing I can imagine as a pro-Christianity argument. Well, short of a live miracle, but those tends to come only when God wants them, and he never wants them when there are sceptical people around. D:

11. Sara May 15th, 2008 at 2:19 pm 11

    also, the Amish are Christian

    Yes. All Amish are Christians, but not all Christians are Amish. Bill’s 4-step translation of the 1 Thessalonians verse sounds specifically Amish.

12. Kristina May 16th, 2008 at 8:38 am 12

    “Yes. All Amish are Christians, but not all Christians are Amish. Bill’s 4-step translation of the 1 Thessalonians verse sounds specifically Amish.”

    mm Why do you say that? Christians can (and do) live quiet lives without giving up things like electricity. There are just not talked about in the media or anywhere else for that matter.