Gospel Message Perceptions
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Liberty University *
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RLGN-104
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Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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2
Uploaded by MegaStar14158
There are various beliefs surrounding the gospel message. Some believe that the gospel is
a personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth, where one can find inner peace and fulfillment. (Brock, 2021) Others view the gospel as a set of moral guidelines that promote kindness, compassion, and social justice. Some people see the gospel as a source of hope and salvation, providing a pathway to eternal life. It is important to recognize and respect these diverse beliefs within our culture.
Some of the emotional reasons non-Christians may want to accept God as their savior may have to do with negative experiences with organized religion. They may feel disconnected from the idea of our Savior. (Małgorzata Szcześniak & Timoszyk-Tomczak, 2020) This separation can happen because of different reasons like feeling criticized by other people who follow a different religion. Others may struggle with guilt or shame and believe that they are unworthy of redemption. Their previous errors might burden them a lot, causing them to feel ashamed and undeserving. Most of them could simply be skeptical of the teachings of Christianity and find it difficult to fully embrace the concept of a divine savior.
Non-Christians may have various moral reasons for not accepting Christ as their Savior. Most people think that each person is in charge of their actions and doesn't need help from outside to make things right. (Harwood et al., 2021) Others may have different religious or philosophical beliefs that conflict with the teachings of Christianity, leading them to reject the idea of accepting Christ as their Savior. Moreover, certain individuals who do not follow the Christian faith might hold moral concerns regarding Christian teachings or customs. (Clarke, 2022) For instance, they may object to the concept of original sin or the notion that salvation can only be attained through Christ. Ultimately, the specific moral reasons for non-Christians not accepting Christ as Savior can vary widely depending on individual beliefs and values.
There are many intellectual reasons why people who are not Christians may choose not to
accept Christ as their Savior. Some might have doubts about the accuracy of the Bible or find contradictions in its teachings. Others might have philosophical disagreements with the idea of a higher power or the concept of salvation through faith. Furthermore, some non-Christians may think there is no need for them to believe in God because they are in control of their faith. They may not want to be associated with people who call themselves Christians. These are just a few of the intellectual reasons that influence their decision not to accept Christ as their Savior.
Christians have a few apologetic methods to talk about the gospel. One method is to provide historical evidence for the reliability of the Bible, such as archaeological discoveries and
manuscript evidence. Another method is to engage in respectful dialogue and actively listen to the concerns and questions of others. Christians can also share personal testimonies of how their faith has impacted their lives, providing real-life examples of the transformative power of the gospel. Additionally, Christians can study and understand different worldviews and belief systems to engage in informed and respectful conversations. Lastly, Christians can rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and pray for wisdom and discernment in their interactions with others.
References
Brock H. J. (2021). From the Heart of the Father to the Ends of the Earth: The Participation of the Church and the Baptized in the Mission of Jesus. The Linacre quarterly
, 88
(4), 355–371. https://doi.org/10.1177/00243639211040587
Clarke S. (2023). The sanctity of life as a sacred value. Bioethics
, 37
(1), 32–39. https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.13094
Harwood, H. B., Hall, M. E. L., Edwards, K. J., & Hill, P. C. (2022). Tangible Experiences of Grace: A Qualitative Investigation of Divine Grace in Roman Catholics. Pastoral psychology
, 71
(3), 359–376. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-021-00983-0
Szcześniak, M., & Timoszyk-Tomczak, C. (2020). Religious Struggle and Life Satisfaction Among Adult Christians: Self-esteem as a Mediator. Journal of religion and health
, 59
(6), 2833–
2856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-01082-9
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