NationStates Jolt Archive

Whats your view of a "typical" christian----were more normal than you think

Are you asking us to stereotype you?

Very well...

If you want someone to generalize and stereotype you lot, I give you this:

I think the typical christian:

Has several questions that go unanswered by his/her faith, but choose to ignore that logic loop-hole, in favor of the comfort and stability of belonging.

Is convinced that his/her faith is the one and only, and considers themselves slighty better than those who do not share that faith.

Is convinced that everyone would be far better off, if the country they live in, changed its laws to suit thier faiths. (IE, abortion, decency laws, euthanasia etc)

Are basically good people, who allow themselves to become wrapped up in a misguided belief system, out of a want for security and community, and convince themselves that the impossible is commonplace.

You forgot: has not read the Bible and knows very little about the history of his/her religion. This always continues to amaze me.

Interesting question. I kind of want to see other people’s perspective on how they feel about average Christian. But of course we are all different and individual and don't all fit into one category.

Anyhow all the Christians I know (mostly from my perish) are kind and supportive and most are of the older generation. Has this is sort of a sensitive subject I'm sorry If I offended anyone.

Statistically speeking the avarage christian lives in either Africa or Asia and speeks a non-European language.

Ohh the typical Christian huh!?! So what we talking aboutnCatholic, C of E, Mormon? what?

Has several questions that go unanswered by his/her faith, but choose to ignore that logic loop-hole, in favor of the comfort and stability of belonging.


Would you care to make a thread about what you think is misguided about it. I would love to hear more.

Would you care to make a thread about what you think is misguided about it. I would love to hear more.

Most Christian refuse to answer the whole omni-potent questions, you know the questions like "Could god create a rock so heavy that not even he could lift it?"

Personally I just think he can't defy the laws of his own logic so I just say he can't create a rock so heavy that he can't lift. Subject to debate, but like you said It deserve a second thread.

Would you care to make a thread about what you think is misguided about it. I would love to hear more.

Right now my time is short, but later tonight, if you still wish, i would be happy to.

For now, I can sum it up by saying much of what I feel to be misguided about it, is the focus on christ's divinity, and ressurection, and not his message.

What do I mean?

Most christians feel the important thing about Jesus, was his death, by wich, humanity was "forgiven of its sins, and redeemed, in the eyes of God, and can now enter Heaven."

They concentrate on the act of "accepting Jesus as thier personal saviour", but seldom pay any attention to what he taught.

Jesus went on about peace, love, and understanding, and how these are the most important aspects of being a person, and yet, Christianity does not focus on these things, and instead, focuses on its figurehead, and his death and ressurection.

In other words....it does not "practice what it preaches."

I have issues with that.

Whats your view of a "typical" christian----were more normal than you thinkThere's no such thing as a "typical Christian".

Ohh the typical Christian huh!?! So what we talking aboutnCatholic, C of E, Mormon? what?
Say anything bad about Catholics and a Cruasde will be sitting at your capital, you heretic!

There's no such thing as a "typical Christian".
Indeed. I am not a typical Catholic.

I think in trying to define what a "typical Christian" is, it's heading down the path to what a "true Christian" is, and then you start getting into "no true Scotsman" arguments.

Not a good idea.

Say anything bad about Catholics and a Cruasde will be sitting at your capital, you heretic!

Catholic views of contraception are outdated, their Popes seem to be getting less tolerant, and their views on homosexuality are vastly outdated and idiotic.

Now then, where's my Crusade? Could I request the Third One please? I'd love to met Richard the Lionheart...

Whats your view of a "typical" christian----were more normal than you think
why would you want to be normal?

As a Christian I have been called to be set apart, I am not supposed to fit in, why would you want to?

Claims the Bible is literally true, though if pressed, will confess that many parts should be taken figuratively.

A creationist, though usually acccepts some ideas of evolution, if only as figures of speech, and not necessarily a young earth creationist.

Disregards most of the Old Testament laws except those regarding sexuality, which are regularly cited in debates on ethics.

Laments the lack of religion on public institutions and believes the government should "be more open" to Christianity and give it a greater rôle.

Consistantly votes Republican. Sometimes sympathizes with more rightist parties, but not extreme enough to ever take them seriously.

"Typical" isn't a word I like to use with regard to classifying people. True, religion can promote a certain conformity, but in something as personal as faith, people all have their own path.

I <3 Stereotypes!

why would you want to be normal?

As a Christian I have been called to be set apart, I am not supposed to fit in, why would you want to?


There you go, that's a typical Christian, smug superiority ;)

In all seriousness though, I thought the thing with faith was not to be differant, but to be as God intended. So then all those that do not have faith are the differant ones huh?

Statistically speeking the avarage christian lives in either Africa or Asia and speeks a non-European language.
Yup, what he said.
According to my personal experience, the typical christian is a non-practising catholic.

There you go, that's a typical Christian, smug superiority ;)
:D

In all seriousness though, I thought the thing with faith was not to be differant, but to be as God intended. So then all those that do not have faith are the differant ones huh?
my point is that being as God intended is abnormal in the world today, so that by being normal you are not being what God wants, so if you are a Christian and you want to be doing what God wants from you then fitting in to a world that is not what God wants shouldn't be your goal.

(okay none of that made any sense, please disregard)

Catholic views of contraception are outdated, their Popes seem to be getting less tolerant, and their views on homosexuality are vastly outdated and idiotic.

Now then, where's my Crusade? Could I request the Third One please? I'd love to met Richard the Lionheart...
Perhaps but it's hard to be up to date in such a large organisation ruled by mostly older people, the pope was choosen to only be around for a short time, next time I expect a non-European pope probably more liberal then Benedict.
The views on homosexuality is that it's just a sin, I don't think that's right but at least it's better then more exetreme beliefs.

Right now my time is short, but later tonight, if you still wish, i would be happy to.

For now, I can sum it up by saying much of what I feel to be misguided about it, is the focus on christ's divinity, and ressurection, and not his message.

What do I mean?

Most christians feel the important thing about Jesus, was his death, by wich, humanity was "forgiven of its sins, and redeemed, in the eyes of God, and can now enter Heaven."

They concentrate on the act of "accepting Jesus as thier personal saviour", but seldom pay any attention to what he taught.

Jesus went on about peace, love, and understanding, and how these are the most important aspects of being a person, and yet, Christianity does not focus on these things, and instead, focuses on its figurehead, and his death and ressurection.

In other words....it does not "practice what it preaches."

I have issues with that.

I think that depends on the type of christian and their level (eg. ordinary christian or vicar (or priest, if you believe (wrongly or rightly - I aint saying which) that catholicism is part of christianity). I have met christians who seem to ignore what the bible says about Jesus's teachings, and I have also met christians who try to follow what the bible says about Jesus's teachings.

I went on a journey once (see blog in my signature and scroll down to "Be Happy..." - has a picture of a stag in it) and whenever I asked for help at a church (usually from the vicar/priest etc.), with just one exception, I was given some kind of assistance.

Just as there's no such thing as a typical muslim (you've seen the differences between moderates and extremists haven't you?), no such thing as a typical vegan, no such thing as a typical vegetarian, and no such thing as a typical meat-eater, there's no such thing as a typical christian.

Whats your view of a "typical" christian----were more normal than you think

I'm the typical christian. :D

The Book of Exodus, Chapter 20

Verse 5. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Verse 17. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Humans cannot be jealous, and yet God can? The Christian God is a hypocrite, and yet the Christians tend to find ways to deny that. Most Christians I have met are narrow-minded and try to mask the bad things about their religion, and put the good things on pedestals. However, their religion is their choice, and there is nothing wrong with that. For the most part, Christians are good people, at least the ones I have met. That is more than I can say about myself. I will not say that Christianity is a bad religion; but I will say that I disagree with many, many parts of it.

Perhaps but it's hard to be up to date in such a large organisation ruled by mostly older people, the pope was choosen to only be around for a short time, next time I expect a non-European pope probably more liberal then Benedict.
The views on homosexuality is that it's just a sin, I don't think that's right but at least it's better then more exetreme beliefs.

I think and fear the opposite will happen.

Verse 17. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

But it's such a nice ass. :p

Here comes the voice of reason. Yeah, I'm feeling that arrogant.

People have already stated that there are no typical christians. Hell, there really isn't a typical anything. All ima say on the subject, is this. And it applies to any religion. Religion is a great thing...I don't believe in it...but I see the potential it has to make people better. Where things went wrong...is people got ahold of it. Kinda ironic, really. As soon as you try to apply organization to something that is meant to be intimate to the individual, crap's gonna go sour. This is why I like Martin Luther so much. (The German, not the black guys, no racism implied there.) He basically badmouthed the Catholic Church and told em' they were stupid. He also stated that the bible should be writtin in vernacular and people should interpret it how they wish.
Essentially, he said that religion is meant for the individual, not a group. The words religion and typical just shouldn't be in the same sentance.

http://www.stomptokyo.com/img-m5/space-monster-f.jpg

Or something like that.

The 'typical Christian'?
In a global sense, is a poor third world farmer, with conservative views on social issues and left-wing politics.
In a British sense is an aging Anglican, who goes to church every now and then out of an obscure sense of guilt.
In the sense of my own experience, is a young evangelical brought up in the faith, only just beginning to question some of the less logical aspects, and a good place for careful planting of questions, as they're open-minded enough to consider different answers.

I think and fear the opposite will happen.Why go for the short term pope last year then?

Typical Christian( southern evanegal): hates gays, feminism, abortion, charity is less important than stem cells or gay marriage. Generally insane and denies logic or rational thought. Just a few things I thought of.

The 'typical Christian'?
In a global sense, is a poor third world farmer, with conservative views on social issues and left-wing politics.

Don't you mean right-wing? Right-wing is conservative.

No, I mean left wing. Left wing views on wealth redistribution, and social justice. Conservative on moral issues like contraception, abortion and homosexuality.

As in I was trying to point out a split between social and moral issues.

That is the likely make-up of the next Pope, who I believe will be from Africa or South America.

I see.

Here comes the voice of reason. Yeah, I'm feeling that arrogant.

People have already stated that there are no typical christians. Hell, there really isn't a typical anything. All ima say on the subject, is this. And it applies to any religion. Religion is a great thing...I don't believe in it...but I see the potential it has to make people better. Where things went wrong...is people got ahold of it. Kinda ironic, really. As soon as you try to apply organization to something that is meant to be intimate to the individual, crap's gonna go sour. This is why I like Martin Luther so much. (The German, not the black guys, no racism implied there.) He basically badmouthed the Catholic Church and told em' they were stupid. He also stated that the bible should be writtin in vernacular and people should interpret it how they wish.
Essentially, he said that religion is meant for the individual, not a group. The words religion and typical just shouldn't be in the same sentance.
The reason I don't like martin Luther is because of his through faith alone dealy, the RCC did need that to happen though.

No, I mean left wing. Left wing views on wealth redistribution, and social justice. Conservative on moral issues like contraception, abortion and homosexuality.

As in I was trying to point out a split between social and moral issues.

That is the likely make-up of the next Pope, who I believe will be from Africa or South America.
So basically the exact opposite of a US libertarian

Interesting question. I kind of want to see other people’s perspective on how they feel about average Christian. But of course we are all different and individual and don't all fit into one category.

Anyhow all the Christians I know (mostly from my perish) are kind and supportive and most are of the older generation. Has this is sort of a sensitive subject I'm sorry If I offended anyone.


I'm sorry, I'm very anal about spelling. "Perish" means, essentially to die or to end, to go away. "Parish" with an "A" is what you meant. It is a church congregation, etc.

As to the thread, I believe that Christians are good at heart, but like someone said earlier, they are very misguided and are sucked in by a very flawed and intolerant belief system.

Luther was a nasty little man, who brought a century of conflict on Europe (up until 1648 in some senses) and believed that he saw the Devil in person on a regular basis.

He was used as a stalking horse by princes eager for more secular power, and cared little for the ordinary people, as shown in his tirade against the peasants who revolted in Germany.

Apart from that, nothing wrong with him.

And, UN Abassadorship, yep. Basically. Which since I myself have libertarian, humanist instincts, I find most troubling.

....or priest, if you believe (wrongly or rightly - I aint saying which) that catholicism is part of christianity

er...

Sorry, is this humour?

Eh, I missed that first go round. What with Catholicism being the largest Christian denomination, I don't get it either. No matter what you think of their doctrine or their behaviour, they are Christian.

The Book of Exodus, Chapter 20

Verse 5. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Verse 17. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Humans cannot be jealous, and yet God can? The Christian God is a hypocrite, and yet the Christians tend to find ways to deny that. Most Christians I have met are narrow-minded and try to mask the bad things about their religion, and put the good things on pedestals. However, their religion is their choice, and there is nothing wrong with that. For the most part, Christians are good people, at least the ones I have met. That is more than I can say about myself. I will not say that Christianity is a bad religion; but I will say that I disagree with many, many parts of it.

Yes. The Old Testament is seen as the development of spirituality. It was not written down in an easy to follow manual and so it developed through the millenia. If you are Christian (in the non-American sense) this is seen as providing the background for Jesus.

Could you explain to me the difference in American and non-American senses of "Christian"?

Could you explain to me the difference in American and non-American senses of "Christian"?

I would like to go further and apologise for my phrasing. It seems there is an image in much of the USA of godhatingfags and being anti evolution being a representation of Christianity. I realise that is not generally an American thing and I retract the statement.

Sorry.

typical christian is someone that most people dont realize is a christian. in other words the average christian doesnt carry a bible with them every where they go. they dont immediatly group together for a pray circle, they dont bomb abortion clinics.

the average christian is not well known for 2 reasons, 1 the unaverage christians make a complete fool of themself and make a bad image for others, 2 the average christian ussually doesnt go around advertising that they are christian.

I was raised Episcopalian...the typical Christian for me LOVES women's and gay's rights (the episopal church was the first sect of Christianity to have a female bishop, now it's the first to have an openly gay one) may or may not celebrate Passover with the closest synagogue (I don't know if it's a new thing, or if growing up my parents were never interested but last time I went the church had a sign-up sheet for "Christians who wish to celebrate as Jesus would have") and is openly accepting of just about anyone, including lil' old visiting athiest me.

Whats your view of a "typical" christian----were more normal than you think

Typical Christians are average, normal human beings. It's the extremists and the nutcases that worry me...

Since about five minutes after its formation, Christianity has been dealing with division. At this point asking what a "typical" christian is is about as useful as trying to identify a "typical" assortment of Skittles in a bag.

I've never met a typical Christian. But speaking as a Born Again christian all I can say is a real Christian is the person God created him to be. He acts the way God intended him to act. If they are a real Christian, they study their Bible and correct people with misconceptions about Christ, Faith and God. They don't thump Bibles or proselytize every chance they get, but they don't mince words when it comes to salvation either.

No typical Christains, maybe Archetypical.

In the US the typical Christian seems to be some one who is apathetic to christian theology or dogma but labels himself/herself one because it is the cultural norm. Apatheticism is the fastest growing religion.

In the US the typical Christian seems to be some one who is apathetic to christian theology or dogma but labels himself/herself one because it is the cultural norm. Apatheticism is the fastest growing religion.

Waffles are the typical Apathetics. =)

Very well...

If you want someone to generalize and stereotype you lot, I give you this:

I think the typical christian:

Has several questions that go unanswered by his/her faith, but choose to ignore that logic loop-hole, in favor of the comfort and stability of belonging.

Is convinced that his/her faith is the one and only, and considers themselves slighty better than those who do not share that faith.

Is convinced that everyone would be far better off, if the country they live in, changed its laws to suit thier faiths. (IE, abortion, decency laws, euthanasia etc)

Are basically good people, who allow themselves to become wrapped up in a misguided belief system, out of a want for security and community, and convince themselves that the impossible is commonplace.

what s/he said

Waffles are the typical Apathetics. =)
What's this about aesthetics?

Waffles are the typical Apathetics. =)
Which has lead to undue popularity of pancakes.


...I'm trying use the word apathy in all my post.

Whats your view of a "typical" christian----were more normal than you think

Normality is not such an admirable quality, in my opinion. Hive mind, flock of sheep, ignorant, deluded, need for belonging, overly defensive, easily offended, thinly veiled smugness, self-justified irrationality encouraged by fellow believers.

I think it remains to be said that while some Christians are all these mean spirited things you call them. Most are considerably less crazy. Yes there are those with hive mind complexes, but church politics can be just as Byzantine as Constantinople’s. I did like the flock of sheep comparison because after all isn’t Jesus supposed to be the Shepherd? ;). Anyways, I don’t think there really is a stereotype Christian, because every Christian is in reality very, very different from the next. Granted to some they might not seem like big differences, but hey every snowflake’s the same as well, cold, wet and white. I mean, consider Baptists with that extreme liveliness to the somewhat more ritualized Catholicism. Christian’s vary drasticaly in their beliefs, especially if you consider Mormons, Universalists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians.


Oh it should be said that if God was truly all powerful, he would be able to lift the rock that was so heavy he could not lift it. Think about it, were like a bunch of circles standing around arguing about the fourth dimension, there are just some things that Humans won’t every be able to know.

The typical US "Christian" is neither hot nor cold. It's more a social and cultural thing.

The typical "Born Again" "Christian" is hot but doesn't have a clue what the Bible says. Only what their preacher says it says, and what they want to believe it says. They pick and choose laws and "literal" interpretations. They want religion for the power it gives them. Their leaders want power for the political influence it gives them. They pretend to have love but never demonstrate it to the weak. They are almost exactly like the Pharasees in the NT. They are proud of their ability to be more Christian as the Pharasees were proud to be more Jewish. They will be Christian even if it means giving up love and tolerance taught by both Jesus and Paul. Both Jesus and Paul loved and understood those of other beliefs. Fundamentalist think they have so much truth there is no more truth to discover. Jesus said, "In my father's house are many rooms..." They say they are "conservative" but Jesus was liberal. Yet they claim to follow Jesus more than others. They have a desire to make Caesar follow them rather than giving to Caesar those things that belong to the government.

This could go on forever, so I'll quit now.

Anyways, I don’t think there really is a stereotype Christian, because every Christian is in reality very, very different from the next. Granted to some they might not seem like big differences, but hey every snowflake’s the same as well, cold, wet and white. I mean, consider Baptists with that extreme liveliness to the somewhat more ritualized Catholicism. Christian’s vary drasticaly in their beliefs, especially if you consider Mormons, Universalists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians.

They may belong to different denominations, but those denominations encourage their members to conform. Individuality is not something you find very often in organized religion. Their followers are told what to think, what to believe, what to do, what not to do.

The typical US "Christian" is neither hot nor cold. It's more a social and cultural thing.

The typical "Born Again" "Christian" is hot but doesn't have a clue what the Bible says. Only what their preacher says it says, and what they want to believe it says. They pick and choose laws and "literal" interpretations. They want religion for the power it gives them. Their leaders want power for the political influence it gives them. They pretend to have love but never demonstrate it to the weak. They are almost exactly like the Pharasees in the NT. They are proud of their ability to be more Christian as the Pharasees were proud to be more Jewish. They will be Christian even if it means giving up love and tolerance taught by both Jesus and Paul. Both Jesus and Paul loved and understood those of other beliefs. Fundamentalist think they have so much truth there is no more truth to discover. Jesus said, "In my father's house are many rooms..." They say they are "conservative" but Jesus was liberal. Yet they claim to follow Jesus more than others. They have a desire to make Caesar follow them rather than giving to Caesar those things that belong to the government.

This could go on forever, so I'll quit now.

that's mildly offensive.

I am a born again evangelical Christian and that doesn't sound like me, nor anyone I know that are also born again evangelical Christians. I think you watch too much TV.

Organizations that do not encourage dissent do not prosper. Though I will admit your point that in organized religion you don’t very often find individuality, but is that the problem of the religion or of the people?

That being said I think it all depends on the type of church, not every church is an overbearing, brimstone making machine. Some actually have nice little garden’s too ;). But as I said Christian’s due differ you just have to be willing to look for it.

Right now my time is short, but later tonight, if you still wish, i would be happy to.

For now, I can sum it up by saying much of what I feel to be misguided about it, is the focus on christ's divinity, and ressurection, and not his message.

What do I mean?

Most christians feel the important thing about Jesus, was his death, by wich, humanity was "forgiven of its sins, and redeemed, in the eyes of God, and can now enter Heaven."

They concentrate on the act of "accepting Jesus as thier personal saviour", but seldom pay any attention to what he taught.

Jesus went on about peace, love, and understanding, and how these are the most important aspects of being a person, and yet, Christianity does not focus on these things, and instead, focuses on its figurehead, and his death and ressurection.

In other words....it does not "practice what it preaches."

I have issues with that.

I think your more thinking of the public face of Christianity as opposed to the actual people.

I'm not sure how you would conduct to support the view that most Christians are like this but still I'm open to hearing more.

[QUOTE=Nvoak] I did like the flock of sheep comparison because after all isn’t Jesus supposed to be the Shepherd? ;). QUOTE]

Jesus is somewhat special in the sense that he is the only person who can be both the Lamb and the Shepard at the same time.

[QUOTE=Nvoak] I did like the flock of sheep comparison because after all isn’t Jesus supposed to be the Shepherd? ;). QUOTE]

Jesus is somewhat special in the sense that he is the only person who can be both the Lamb and the Shepard at the same time.

A super intelligent lamb could act as a shepherd for the other lambs.

hmmm i always thought a TYPICAL american christian was something like this

considers himself a member of whatever sect his parent belonged to, even if he never goes to church

attends church less than a dozen times a year, never thinks of religion outside of church and when in church usually is only thinking about how long it will be until it ends so he can watch sports on TV.

owns a bible but cant say just where it might be right now. in any case he hasnt opened it in years.

assumes that he will go to heaven but doesnt really think about it all that hard anyway

isnt it that way everywhere?

LOL! American....possible.

Eh, I missed that first go round. What with Catholicism being the largest Christian denomination, I don't get it either. No matter what you think of their doctrine or their behaviour, they are Christian.

Some people (this includes both christians and catholics) disagree that catholics are christians. This is in England anyway. And it doesn't seem to be the biggest denomination over here - I've seen a lot more non-catholic churches (they just seem to call themselves christian churches I think) than catholic ones

Some people (this includes both christians and catholics) disagree that catholics are christians. This is in England anyway. And it doesn't seem to be the biggest denomination over here - I've seen a lot more non-catholic churches (they just seem to call themselves christian churches I think) than catholic ones
its not the biggest denomination in the US either, but it is the biggest christian denomination in the world

by far

edit:
oh i was wrong, catholicism IS the biggest christian denomination in the US with about 26%, the baptist, who i thought were #1 turn out to have 16%

First, are you talking about typical or stereotypical? I don't know any typical Christians. Some annoy me by trying to force me to their way of thinking - I avoid them. Some annoy me by their ignorance of their own faith - I avoid them. Some genuinely believe, aren't ignorant, and don't try to convert anyone, they aren't fundamentalists, I have many friends in this group.

typical christian is someone that most people dont realize is a christian. in other words the average christian doesnt carry a bible with them every where they go. they dont immediatly group together for a pray circle, they dont bomb abortion clinics.

the average christian is not well known for 2 reasons, 1 the unaverage christians make a complete fool of themself and make a bad image for others, 2 the average christian ussually doesnt go around advertising that they are christian.
I'm leaning this way for a real Christian, if not a typical Christian. A real Christian need not tell anyone s/he is a Christian. The actions are so caring and so loving that everyone knows without words being spoken.

Then there are typical Christians............

that's mildly offensive.

I am a born again evangelical Christian and that doesn't sound like me, nor anyone I know that are also born again evangelical Christians. I think you watch too much TV.
Read the other posts by other posters.......Truth hurts when you see it through the eyes of those on the outside.