Christian Assumptions

We should never assume that people are saved. Jesus never once pushed anything down someone's throat He always meet them at their felt need. And then He spoke in parables to give them stories so that they can relate to what He was talking about. I think that those who push it aren't probably aware of what they are doing, best thing is to always give the person the benefit of the doubt. Never to judge but show Christ in how you behave in their presence and as I tell people if you really have Jesus down on the inside of you it will surely show. You won't have to ask a person if they are saved or not because you will know.

The Devotion Cafe'
http://chosenwoman.wordpress.coom

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint...Isaiah 40:31

I think you are so wrong, so wrong..

DIVA: "It has been my experience that Christians always assume everyone else is also Christian".

BARB: "Really? "That's a very broad brush". "Please subtract me from your tally".

DIVA:"My point is that Jesus didn't teach the word by shoving down people's throats. He taught gently and by example".

BARB:"What a great teacher!"

No matter your concept of God, your faith, religion, spirituality or lack thereof; there's never a wrong time to be a more thoughtful and kinder human being.

READ MY ENTRY: AN UGLY TRUTH on BLOGHER.

Point taken - we have a lot of assumptions we all make every day, guess it is a little more raw when it is faith based.

What about the assumptions people of other religions make about Christians? I've had people assume that because I'm Christian, I'm a republican and hate gays and Muslims. I've had people try to "pull" me to their atheist beliefs, then yell at me, rip on me, and walk off in a huff because they can't convert me. The reason people assume most people in the US are Christian, is because most people in the US are Christian. The same way most people are straight. I assume most people use the internet and I assume most people think Charlie Sheen is nuts. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person. Assumptions, whether right or wrong, are human nature. And everyone, regardless of religion, has done it before, not just Christians.

Liberal oilfield wife. I write, I hula hoop, I craft, and I listen to music you might hate. Unlikely Oil Field Wife ( http://www.unlikelyoilfieldwife.com )

Well I'm agnostic as well and not only would I have let you stay with me, I would've let you take my bed and I would've spent the weekend on the couch. :)

Side note: I usually refer to myself as a secular humanist rather than an agnostic. And I love it when people ask "what's a secular humanist?"

I used to be a Christian and I also resent the assumption that I left the church because I'm mad at God or because I've been hurt by the church. The reality is that I left the church because I fond ME and I discovered a spiritual path which feeds me more fully than the one I grew up in.

Bonnie
The Shape of a Mother ( http://theshapeofamother.com/ )
Zebrabelly ( http://zebrabelly.wordpress.com/ )

I have learned over the years to not worry so much what they say to me as long as people don't preach to me.

In other words, if somebody say's Merry Christmas, I think of a jolly character called Santa as well as family and friends. I Say, "Merry Christmas" and I'm on my way. If they say "Happy Easter" I think of spring and remember Easter egg hunts with my sisters (who were equally and brutally competitive for the chocolate eggs) "Happy Easter" I reply, and move on with my day.

I live in a highly multicultural city whereby many people join in the celebration; whatever the occasion is.

Unfortunately, in my experience, any time assumptions about others have been made or harsh judgements are cast forth I have to say, it is usually been from a person who self identifies as a Christian. Historically, many a citizen has been killed under the assumptions made by Christians and other religious followers. But, that's a whole other post. :)

I am totally with you on this one! A woman in Stop & Shop handing out cheese samples wished me a Happy Easter last month (I'm an atheist) and my reaction was identical to yours. This has been an ongoing battle my entire life. I would NEVER try to impose my beliefs on anyone, yet...well, you know the rest. Thanks for speaking up.

I blog at 'Peep Into My Life'

http://www.chicapeeps.com/discussion/vsblog/

How pathetic that she was not able to walk her talk when you turned to her in your time of need. I'm so sorry to hear that you had to go through that.

Hope things are turning around for you.

I have a friend who is ALWAYS preaching to me and posting comments on Facebook about living like Christ and being a Christian. She constantly posts videos of church messages and songs and she is what I would consider a holy roller.

Four months ago I fell on extremely hard times and was homeless. When I asked her if I could sleep on her floor for the weekend she stammered and said she'd have to think about it and get back to me. I haven't heard from her since....things like that really make me pessimistic and less tolerable to messages about turning to God from people like her.

This is the type of "shoved down my throat" behavior that I was referring to. When I originally wrote this post it was because I was so sick and tired of people telling me to talk to God when I had problems. I never thought anyone would understand where I'm coming from.

I feel like someone who would want me to believe would want me to have a choice and guide gently.

Thanks for the comment and sharing that story!

I am Jewish and so I loved your wonderful story.

As a Jew, I've pretty much gotten used to people wishing me a Merry Christmas. I'm married to a non-Jew so I've actually had a Christmas tree for the last 11 years. I'm kind of an "it is what it is" person in regards to the holiday.

But when it comes to the rest..."the Christian thing to do" and such - I'm so with you. Man that bugs me. As if the rest of us are somehow lacking or defective because we're not saved. That kinds gets under my skin.

Great post. Thanks so much or sharing your thoughts!

I'm with you on this one. What drives me nuts is when I hear the comment following a kind gesture: "That's such a Christian thing to do!"

Excuse me? In this thinking, only nice people are Christians and all Christians are nice - both are false assumptions.

My response is always a vehement: "NO. That is a very human thing to do."

~ClizBiz

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Animal & Wildlife Concerns; Section Editor, LIFE; Proprietor, ClizBiz ( http://www.clizbiz.blogspot.com/ )

I'm with you :) Have you seen this yet? http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/92267/christianist... ( http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/92267/christianist... )

It made me so worried for the kid.

Keira blogs all things food at Around the World Vegan ( http://roundtheworldvegan.wordpress.com ).