The Pros And Cons Of Being A Christian

Within the book You Lost Me by David Kinnaman, the author discusses why young Christians are leaving the church and rethinking faith. He gives us an overview of the trends within the mosaic generation. Through this overview, we as student ministers can better understand the generation in which we are ministering to. With this understanding, we can reach these students and bring them back to their home, that is the Church. In this report, I will discuss the book by chapter and finish with my reflection.

So much of society seems to live his/her life on a sort of self-serving autopilot mode. Rarely does one stop to think how or why he/she is making certain decisions or how these decisions can affect his/her life in the future. Often times, it is not until one has a “string of bad luck” or something tragic happens in one’s life, when he/she will turn to Jesus for help “getting them through this problem” only to return to one’s self-centered ways once his/her life has returned to normal. Living life with a Christian worldview is not something that one can take off a shelf and use when needed and allow it to collect dust on that shelf the rest of the time. This paper will discuss the many parts that make

At least once in your life, you will encounter someone with a different opinion than you. You will hit a wall with ideas. Someone will voice their opinion against what you believe, and it will hurt. Everyone can remember an experience where they felt this, and everyone knows how it feels when your opinion is rejected.

Conflicting perspectives arise when two individuals experience the same situations, events or personalities, but take meaning from these experiences in opposing ways. Because of these contradictory views, we –as the audience – must challenge our assessment of the truth.

One organization that is becoming increasingly popular, is the new youth church. These churches are made up primarily of young adults; those that attend gain a sense of belonging by their family-like structures and “cell groups”. They also dabble with the postmodern and nontraditional ways of worship, to attract outsiders, and they have a strong emphasis on missionary work.

Believe none of what you hear and none of what you see. The majority of what people know about

Throughout our lives, we will come across other individuals whose opinions differ from ours. Whether we decide to shadow their beliefs or stay strong to our own, it is how we handle the situation, as well as what we take from it, that shapes our character. I am now aware that, for the most part, it is best to have your own voice and remain firm to what you believe in instead of changing your views in order to please others just to fit in.

As I read this prompt, I remembered my experience as a co-leader of a Christian cell group called Caregroup. One of the members was not then a full Christian; he was interested in the Christian teachings, but since he was a skeptical person, some teachings did not make sense to him. He had some unresolved questions about the teachings.

Christ is the central person in Christian discipleship. Without Christ, Christianity would not exist and there would be no followers of Christ. To be true followers of Christ, believers must be willing to learn of the ways and teachings of Christ. Christ is central to Christian discipleship because He is the teacher of His disciples. Through the Holy Spirit and Word of God, Jesus Christ calls His disciples to Him and then

The lessons I’ve received from transitioning through the church as a child, youth, and adult member have taught me a number of lessons; patience, reverence, and empathy are all traits I’ve strengthened, and they have undoubtably helped me through my high school career. Taught how to ask thoughtful questions, I’m unashamed of my curiosity. Our faith is not always one of direct answers— even our most devoted

I often asked myself why it's so easy for me to talk about a large number of social issues with my close friends and family, yet when it comes to voicing my opinions to others, I am wary. It seems as though I'm only comfortable with voicing my opinions about controversial social issues to those who also share the same views as I do. Rather than stepping out of my comfort zone to talk about these issues directly to those who oppose my opinions, I retreat to instead reading about the opposing sides. In retrospect, I've noticed that discussing issues with those who agree with you is like “preaching to the choir.” I believe that being involved in an open dialogue with those who have different opinions from my own is a much more effective way to induce progressive thought. In attempting to discover a reason for why this may be the case, I cannot help but think that it is in part due to my upbringing. My mother has always been very reserved when it comes to discussing controversial issues with others. In addition, she would

I’m a Christian evangelical. To my way of thinking, “Christian” and “evangelical” are synonymous, since a Christian should live a life that bears witness with their attitudes, words, and actions to the good news of Jesus.

I have learned that how I feel may not be always accurate, and that how others think of me is certainly subject to inaccuracy. Through this class I have been enlightened to others’ perceptions, that they are not wrong, just different than my own perception. There are many factors that must be considered when talking about one’s perception, Variables with environment, past experiences cultural, and many others. For me, religion plays a factor in the perception from my family that I am outspoken. The childhood religion persuaded for humility and adhering to the coveted commandments, so to question its foundation was unacceptable.

Being an atheist can be difficult. It was my choice to become an atheist but I don’t have any desire to sway others to become atheists, it’s their choice. One of the things that are difficult for me is when the topic of religion is discussed. I understand people are entitled to their own opinions and I don’t think someone who believes in a god is wrong. However, I dislike when stereotype atheist as sinful and wicked people. It’s difficult to defend to others without seeming rude or hostile. Another thing that is difficult for me is when people try to preach their religion to me. I understand some religions teach that their religion is the only truth, and they want everyone around them to embrace it. However, it’s difficult to tell a person you don’t believe in their god without them getting offended and receiving negative comments.

I am confident in my religious beliefs, but I also am careful to listen to others who may have opposing views. I think as a society in general, we all could benefit from hearing ideas that contradict and challenge our worldviews in order to better ourselves and the people around us.