Ever since I came upon this quote I have been unable to get it out of my mind. While we as Christians may not be the greatest single cause of atheism, I can't help but wonder how greatly we have contributed.
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Brennan Manning
What do you think about this quote? I am interested to hear your thoughts.
9 comments:
Those are hard words to read!! I fear that there is much truth in them.
I am reading "Inside the Revolution" by Joel Rosenberg right now. It looks at the Islamic Revolution and the history behind it. I am struck by how dedicated the people are who adhere to Islam. They are willing and ready to die for what they believe is right--even when, and especially when, it include killing anyone who in a US or Israeli citizen.
Are we, as followers of Jesus Christ, equally as committed to Him? I fear that the majority of us are found lacking when it comes to commitment. Myself included.
Leah
Wow, this was the exact topic of today's church sermon. Sadly, there is truth in the quote (in my opinion). I know because I have once been one of those who called themselves a "Christian" and then went about living a very un-Christian lifestyle. I talked the talk but didn't walk the walk. How I thank God for his mercy, grace and forgiveness in my life. How I praise Him for being a God of second chances! I praise Him for saving me from the path of destruction I was on and setting me in His right path. He is so good!
Yes, it's true. So many Christians speak of Him, but fail to know Him and share Christ with others. Our lifestyle and attitude are often our greatest testimony. Perhaps if the world saw more of Christ in us, they would be more persuaded of His truth. He is the only Way!
Thank you for this post. Many, many blessings to you.
Andrea
There is sadly, tragically truth in those words. We have to be careful that our walk lines up with our talk and that rather than chasing off people we are drawing them to Christ.
One of the messages I'm working on now has to do with the divisionary tactics of the enemy within the body of Christ and how that HURTS/DAMAGES our witness.
I pray that I/we don't do anything to embarrass the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that we would walk with a spirit of humility and if/when we don't may the HOLY SPIRIT convict us QUICKLY and may we HEED HIS LEADING QUICKLY.
Bless you Cindy. Love ya.
Cindy,
Thank you for this post. As a Christian woman living in today's world it may not be a easy task to take a stand for Christ. Just as Leah said there are so many 'religions' with followers ready and eager to give up their lives. 'We' need to put aside fear and STAND UP FOR OUR SAVIOR! God bless you friend for such a insightful post. Praise the Lord!
Bren
Dear Cindy,
Unfortunately I think the quote holds truth. Your post makes me also think of the number of young people leaving the Body of Christ. I need to pray something I heard Henry Blackaby recommend: "Help me to live before my children authentically with openess and reality that they would choose to serve the God I serve." I believe we can make a difference, with the power of Christ, in our homes.
You have spurred me on again today to love and good deeds.
Cindy,
I think the quote is probably the truth! Not only do non-believers not desire to become Christians when they see Christians.... or at least those who "Profess" to be....sometimes acting worse than lost people! And there have even been times in my Christian early life that I didn't want to "press on toward the mark" because I did not see any of my Christian friends trying to be anything other than selfish and worldly. Thankfully I found some Christian friends who really want to walk the walk and who have been a real encouragement to me. Although....I really should not have to have any encouragement but that of our Saviour and what He did for me!
Wanting to love Him more!
Marilyn
Cindy,
From what I have seen and experienced over the last 15 years of following Christ, I need to say with great sadness, the quote has much truth to it.
A good book to read is "unchristian" by David Kinnaman.
I think this quote is, sadly, quite true....
Beth Moore said something in Session 7 (or 8?) of Esther, that has stuck with me since I heard it. She said that for us as Christians, we think our RELATIONSHIP WITH Christ is what should matter most to the unbelieving world, because it is the most important thing to us, but in reality, what matters more to non-believers is our RESEMBLANCE TO Christ. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard that....
Good post Cindy!
Adrienne
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