Stereotypes In Christianity

Wesley expresses as “almost” a faith that is built upon outward things. Outward things, such as good behavior, firm fulfilment of religious duties, knowledgeable doctrines about God, and a true and sincere yearning to serve God. The first thing implied for the “almost Christian,” is “heathen honesty,” he defines this as one who knows that lying is wrong, knowing the difference between justice and injustice, and obeying to the commandments of God. These noble individuals love and serve others by going out of their way to help one that is underprivileged. The second thing implied in being an “almost Christian,” is having a form of godliness. This form of godliness is the outward exterior of being in right relationship with God and Christ. For instance, one with the form of godliness goes beyond the idea of being honest and devoted to justice. One for all intents and purposes need to help others as they are able if one wishes to be an “almost Christian.” Also, those in the form of godliness must avoid excessiveness, seek peace, and honestly seek to help even those who are deemed to be their adversary by speaking against evil to gain a better life. Furthermore, the “almost Christian,” will encourage others to repent of their sin and pursue God. The “almost Christian,” third implied notion, according to Wesley is sincerity,

In the Christian community, every single person plays an important role in making the community as safe and caring as possible. One of the most vital beliefs of a Christian is that we are all equal, so we when we are called to serve and help each other, we should obey. This call, although we may hear it at different times and see it in different ways, the call comes to everyone. We may have different understanding of the call, or we may even conflicting ideas of how to answer this call, but in the end, every single idea is important.

Substance abuse providers that believe spirituality and religion is one in the same, may hold the belief that an individual that is an atheist or agnostic will not have the opportunity to acquire spiritual opportunities when participating in alcohol and addiction programs (Sussman et al., 2013). In addition, these substance abuse providers may believe that when an individual that eliminates alcohol and drug abuse without the intervention of spiritual assistance, such as a Higher Power, they may believe that the individual will not have the capability to achieve and maintain balance within their sobriety and recovery. Sussman et al. (2013) suggests that these substance abuse providers unknowingly engage in a thought process that includes stereotypes. Suggesting that individuals, who engage in spiritual behaviors that do include a Higher Power, are more deserving of achieving sobriety and recovery because they are practicing by being involved with working the 12-step program, thus, making them more righteous in obtaining a blessing from their Higher Power. Noteworthy, the term spirituality is often linked with religion with no specific boundaries out of lack of knowledge. Engaging in a spiritual practice that allows an individual to have a spiritual solution that is higher than them and gives them hope has a significant influence on alcohol and drug abuse. Gedge and Querney (2014) describe discussing spirituality with

As a church we have misappropriated the level of judgement dispensed. We understand that all have sinned and that true discipleship requires accountability and discipline, however, the indubitable level must be delivered in a humble and nonjudgemental manner. We must realize the greatest impact for change is empathy, compassion and action. The only way to ensure the action is effective, one must first hear what the people feel as though their issues are. Next we must remove ourselves from a hypocritical place of judgement so that we can full understand and

The way that you treat, think about, and speak to others should be in a way that is consistent with biblical teachings. In both Matthew and Luke, we are taught that we are to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31). If we wish to be treated fairly, we should treat others fairly. In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us that we should look to him as an example because he looks to Christ as his example. If we try to be as much like Christ in our thoughts and actions, we will treat others kindly, lovingly, and welcoming.

The Christian worldview holds that one is to honor God by serving others. The scriptures in the Bible teach Christians to act out of kindness, to give unto others, and to treat others as they would like to be treated. Acts 20:35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’”

Raymond Carver focuses on one of the critical problems that has been present for ages is that people do not know how to interact with those with disabilities in his short story the “Cathedral.” Stereotypes have led to awkward or lack of communication. Breaking down the barrier between disabilities and the world is necessary to develop an understanding for the other and to “look through their eyes.” In the “Cathedral” the husband breaks down many stereotypes of the blind, overcomes barriers in communication and develops an understanding for his wife’s blind friend, Robert.

The author concludes that Christians are to live faithfully by the values of the bible. As members of society, we are expected to play a critical role in in our community rather than isolating ourselves from those opposed to Christian worldviews. There are ways for Christians to live out their faith, but still remain active parts in the community.

My youth pastor is a young guy that likes to wear snap backs and sneakers. One day he told me about an experience that he had while at the bank. He was leaving the bank and behind him he saw and old man slowing making his was out, even though the old man was far away, my youth pastor waited on him and held the door. The old men judged him by the way he looked and never expected him to do something like that. Stereotypes are when you judge somebody what he/she does or how he/she dresses. Two big stereotypes to me are gender and Christians.

It is in these situations we have to determine our response to righteous living. We must do as Paul instructed the Corinthians and consider the effect of our behavior on our neighbor. Will our actions be a stumbling block to hinder someone from finding salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

Jesus shows Christians that they should take pity on people in need. People are equal in the eyes of God and we shouldn’t discriminate against others, especially when it degrades them and us. We need to help people in need. These are people who live in the developing countries or are in poverty. People who don’t have enough food or water to live and don’t have enough money to produce them.

Christians called to a higher standard and must live the Christian values as we should and know how; none of us is perfect but only trying to perfect the walk that the Lord has commanded us to do.

God expects individuals that call themselves “Christian” to grow spiritually. The Word of God encourages personal examination as a part of the growth process, as found in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” Becoming more Christ-like focuses on how He works in us and not on our work for Him. The Cycle of Works demonstrates that regardless of work we complete, the acceptance of others, the sustainability of our works and the significance it brings, we cannot compete with God’s Cycle of Grace that show us that we are significant in His sight and that brings us sustenance and acceptance

In fact, Emerson goes on to say, when Christians do not conform to the world they “shall be sure to be misunderstood.” When Believers are not living by the world’s ideals they will most likely be shunned by non-Christians. As John says in the Bible, “Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13). Although this may sound morbid, the reward is eternal life in perfect happiness and unity with Christ. We can also use our difference as a light in the world, “so that whoever believes in [God] may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46). Secondly, Emerson says, “What I must do is all that concerns me, not what people think.” (Emerson par. 2). As Christians, we should not care what the world thinks. Solomon gives evidence for this in Proverbs when he writes, “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.” In the end, we should not live according

Christians should teach those as God taught Jesus to love show meekness and humbleness to all people (John 20:21). People of different cultural and ethnic has the right to exercise their beliefs. As a Christian it is ethical to show love to all people of all walks of life (Acts 1:8).