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The Dangers Of Christian Criticism - Religion - Nairaland

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The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 11:01am On Aug 06, 2013
[b]Criticism of christians is not a new trend in our world today, it's as old as christianity itself. Most surprising is the fact that most of these criticisms comes from those who profess christianity. From when Jesus Christ himself was on earth to the time of the apostles down to the dark ages, the middle ages, the medieval ages and the crusades of the 15th, 16th to late 18th century all this checkpoints in history are punctuated with one criticism of christians or the other mostly leading to mytredom. With the dawn of democracy and civilisation in the late 18th century and today, it's quite evident that christian criticism has not been vanquished entirely as articles of criticism trend both local and international media on the per second billing. Some even go as far as broadcasting their criticism using videos on youtube, twitter, facebook, blogs and live interviews on TV and radio stations.
Let me take you back through the sand of time, the bible records contained a lot of accounts as far as criticisms of God's people are concerned and I can only give a paltry few examples:
Firstly, Miriam Vs. Moses; Numbers 12:1-10,11,1-15 gives an account of Miriam's criticism against Moses' style of leadership.
Secondly, Elisha Vs Some Children; 2 Kings 2:23 gives an account of some kids who on siting Elisha after healing a bitter river in Jericho were chanting mockery songs concerning his bald head.
Thirdly, Haman Vs. Jews; Esther chapters 3-10 gives an account of one Agagite named Haman who sought to spite the Jews in the days of king Ahasuerus, his main goal was to annihilate the Jews.
Forthly, the famed persecution of christians all around palestine by Saul (who later became Paul an apostle and missionary sent to the Gentiles) in the book of Acts.
There are also lots of accounts on criticisms against Jesus Christ in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; also against the apostles in Acts which are too numerous to mention!
In all these, the question is: What Is God's Response To The Criticism Of HIS People?
Answer: Though there's no law that prescribed a certain punishment for those who criticise God's people, God did give a note of warning in 1 Chronicles 26:22, Psalm 105:15
"Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm"- a very popular quotation but I'm afraid most christians are not scared of this; off course they put themselves in the position of a judge whenever they criticise which makes them feel comfortable and at home while they're at it. Jesus Christ himself wasn't taken aback at the criticism he faced in his hometown when he said in Matthew 13:57 and Mark 6:4 "A prophet is without honour but, in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." In the amplified Bible, "A prophet is not without honour (deference, reverence) except in his (own) country and among his relatives and his own house."
Though God doesn't take criticism/persecutions against His people very slightly (as it is evident from God's response in the examples I enumerated earlier), the criticised christians are aware(in some cases depending on spiritual maturity) that persecution and criticisms should be expected. Only ignorant christians will respond to criticisms in a inappropriate manner. persecution and criticism is a promise, that's why Paul admonished Timothy (by extension, all christian) in 2 Timothy 2:15 that, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
History has thought us (christians) that the most criticised christian is the one that is well grounded in the knowledge of God's word!

DANGER: To many out there (especially fellow christians) who have chosen to make the criticism of christians their profession it's time to take a U-turn, it's better to be for God than to be against Him; (how would you be for One in whom you have not believed and how will you believe if there's no one to enlighten YOU about the dangers therein). Give your heart to Jesus and be Born again!
To be honest, I'll rather criticise an herbalist than criticise a man of God no matter the denomination. I'll rather walk up to a "babalawo" and criticise him for dressing in rags and wearing snail shells than criticise a christian (in who lives the Holy Spirit) for wearing expensive suit and wrist watch or for driving a BMW Xclass. That's the truth. Persin no fit slap Hussain Bolt run nah.. who wan quench?
So, let him that have ears hear O!
Meanwhile, your criticisms are all welcome! God bless you all! grin grin grin[/b]

2 Likes

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 11:16am On Aug 06, 2013
Unbolden this post ,get straight to the point in short few paragraphs. That's when we will comment. You hear!!
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by bigt2(m): 12:06pm On Aug 06, 2013
Havent you commented before? People can be so sacrastic.
@ op, nice writeup!
Mods, fp pls........... Well, i dont think this wish will be granted though. :-/ undecided :/ :\

1 Like

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 10:41pm On Aug 06, 2013
philip.adesola:
Unbolden this post ,get straight to the point in short few paragraphs. That's when we will comment. You hear!!
@bolden 1 That's my style, there's nothing I can do about it! @bolden 2 The point I'm trying to make is quite obvious. If you haven't got it yet please read again! Thanks for droping by anyway! cheesy
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by elnath(m): 7:12pm On Aug 15, 2013
Hahaha. 3 comments, bro. Now, let me help you- four comments. That shows what a trash your write-up is.
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 11:04pm On Aug 15, 2013
elnath: Hahaha. 3 comments, bro. Now, let me help you- four comments. That shows what a trash your write-up is.
You're welcome! I'm sure you learned a thing or two!
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by njuwo(m): 5:02am On Aug 16, 2013
@Op u too much, God continue to sugar ur milk. I wuld hv shouted frnt page tins, bt i tink dis post wuldnt mek fp nw cos of d kind of mods we hv here, bt i believe soon it will, in Jesus name amen.

1 Like

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 7:17am On Aug 16, 2013
Kenny4lyfe:
DANGER: To many out there (especially fellow christians) who have chosen to make the criticism of christians their profession it's time to take a U-turn, it's better to be for God than to be against Him; (how would you be for One in whom you have not believed and how will you believe if there's no one to enlighten YOU about the dangers therein). Give your heart to Jesus and be Born again!
[size=15pt]To be honest, I'll rather criticise an herbalist than criticise a man of God no matter the denomination. I'll rather walk up to a "babalawo" and criticise him for dressing in rags and wearing snail shells than criticise a christian (in who lives the Holy Spirit) for wearing expensive suit and wrist watch or for driving a BMW Xclass.[/size] That's the truth. Persin no fit slap Hussain Bolt run nah.. who wan quench?
So, let him that have ears hear O!
Meanwhile, your criticisms are all welcome! God bless you all! grin grin grin


This is wrong and very hypocritical. Even Paul criticized Peter:


New International Version (NIV)
Galatians 2:12-16

12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.


It is not wrong to criticize anyone, constructively, who has lost sight of the truth of the gospel. Even if that person claims to be a Christian.
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by oiseworld: 8:05pm On Aug 16, 2013
Psm 105:15 Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by mumumugu(m): 8:34pm On Aug 16, 2013
Shut up. What is wrong in being criticised?no one is against critism
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 1:04pm On Aug 17, 2013
striktlymi:


This is [s]wrong and very hypocritical[s]. Even Paul criticized Peter:


New International Version (NIV)
Galatians 2:12-16

12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray[b].

14 [b]When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel,
I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?


15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.


It is not wrong to criticize anyone, "constructively", who has lost sight of the truth of the gospel. Even if that person claims to be a Christian.
[b]@boldened 1: No! My Topic didn't read "Constructive Criticism", Instead it reads "Criticism"; You should know that, Criticism is criticism be it "constructive" or "not"!
@boldened 2: Peter separated himself from the Gentiles for fear of the "circumcision group" (for fear of being persecuted by the circumcision group).
NOTE THAT: Even at this stage of their (Apostles) spiritual growth, some of them are yet to reconcile some of these (New Creation Rules) to their consciousness because of their Jewish background!
That is why, Paul (who was specially called unto the Gentiles) was in the best position to reveal this truth to Peter and others; mind you, this didn't happen in-front of the congregation as we were led to believe by some bible scholars, it happened during a leaders meeting (a inner caucus meeting), which means Peter, though corrected, was never embarrassed neither does he feel under-attack by Paul's words because, He KNEW THAT HE WAS BEING ADMONISHED or RATHER CORRECTED BY THE SAME SPIRIT!
Paul was like; "you're doing exactly the opposite of what we preach bro! How is it then that you still manage to preach to the Gentiles?"
Peter has been doing things on his own terms until it takes Paul by the Spirit to correct such! So, your argument holds no water!
I'm not saying you shouldn't criticise [even] "constructively" but be careful when you do such!
So, there's nothing hypocritical or wrong concerning what I posted here! GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT![/b]

1 Like

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 1:12pm On Aug 17, 2013
Kenny4lyfe:
[b]@boldened 1: No! My Topic didn't read "Constructive Criticism", Instead it reads "Criticism"; You should know that, Criticism is criticism be it "constructive" or "not"!
@boldened 2: Peter separated himself from the Gentiles for fear of the "circumcision group" (for fear of being persecuted by the circumcision group).
NOTE THAT: Even at this stage of their (Apostles) spiritual growth, some of them are yet to reconcile some of these (New Creation Rules) to their consciousness because of their Jewish background!
That is why, Paul (who was specially called unto the Gentiles) was in the best position to reveal this truth to Peter and others; mind you, this didn't happen in-front of the congregation as we were led to believe by some bible scholars, it happened during a leaders meeting (a inner caucus meeting), which means Peter, though corrected, was never embarrassed neither does he feel under-attack by Paul's words because, He KNEW THAT HE WAS BEING ADMONISHED or RATHER CORRECTED BY THE SAME SPIRIT!
Paul was like; "you're doing exactly the opposite of what we preach bro! How is it then that you still manage to preach the Gentiles?"
Peter has been doing things on his own terms until it takes Paul by the Spirit to correct such! So, your argument holds no water!
I'm not saying you shouldn't criticise [even] "constructively" but be careful when you do such!
So, there's nothing hypocritical or wrong concerning what I posted here! GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT![/b]

Your post is VERY hypocritical!!! You can criticize a pagan but not a christian That is the height of hypocrisy.

1 Like

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 1:16pm On Aug 17, 2013
striktlymi:

Your post is VERY hypocritical!!! You can criticize a pagan but not a christian That is the height of hypocrisy.
No, that is the height of This Gospel; That no one comes to the Father but by Jesus Christ!
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 1:18pm On Aug 17, 2013
Kenny4lyfe:
No, that is the height of This Gospel; That no one comes to the Father but by Jesus Christ!

Sorry but the Gospel of Christ does not say we cannot criticize a Christian. Even Christ criticized a number of persons in his time, including his disciples.

2 Likes

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 1:20pm On Aug 17, 2013
we will continue to expose the Fraud that is called Christianity in Nigeria despite the attempts by it's adherents to stop this.

smiley

1 Like

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 1:39pm On Aug 17, 2013
frosbel: we will continue to expose the Fraud that is called Christianity in Nigeria despite the attempts by it's adherents to stop this.

smiley
No one is trying to stop you? Like I said your criticisms are welcome! I'm just doing this to let you know the full weight of what any professed critic is into! Dazzall! grin
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 1:45pm On Aug 17, 2013
Kenny4lyfe:
No one is trying to stop you? Like I said your criticisms are welcome! I'm just doing this to let you know the full weight of what any professed critic is into! Dazzall! grin

There is no implication for the exposing of frauds and crooks parading as Christians.
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 1:48pm On Aug 17, 2013
striktlymi:

Sorry but the Gospel of Christ does not say we cannot criticize a Christian. Even Christ criticized a number of persons in his time, including his disciples.
Jesus never criticise any christian, He only criticise Jews. Christianity wasn't wrought until Jesus died and resurrected!
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 2:08pm On Aug 17, 2013
frosbel:

There is no implication for the exposing of frauds and crooks parading as Christians.
Fraud and Crooks parading as Christians?- Yes! {By their works you shall know them}
Christians in whom lives the Holy Spirit?- You can criticise but at your own risk! {By their works you shall know them also}
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Nobody: 2:15pm On Aug 17, 2013
Kenny4lyfe:
Fraud and Crooks parading as Christians?- Yes! {By their works you shall know them}
Christians in whom lives the Holy Spirit?- You can criticise but at your own risk! {By their works you shall know them also}

"And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." - Romans 11;4

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." - Matthew 7:13


There are still thousands who truly follow Jesus in Nigeria , but you will heardly hear about or of them, they are in the minority.

smiley

1 Like

Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 2:45pm On Aug 17, 2013
frosbel:

"And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." - Romans 11;4

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." - Matthew 7:13


There are still thousands who truly follow Jesus in Nigeria , but you will heardly hear about or of them, they are in the minority.

smiley
indeed narrow is they way that leads to eternal life; that's because it's not generic i.e it not generally acceptable by everyone, not everyone is comfortable with it, it doesn't conform with the tenets of globalisation! That wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction means; it's globally accepted, international best religious practice, everyone is comfortable with it! There are millions who truly follow Jesus Christ in Nigeria and we hear about them everytime; "No one lights a candle and hide it under the bed but puts it on a candle stick"
Re: The Dangers Of Christian Criticism by Kenny4lyfe(m): 2:46pm On Aug 17, 2013
FACT-The true followers of Christ are known always for their works they are never hidden!

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