Christianity, The Church and Detractors

I describe myself as one who identifies with the Church, although in Christian circles I am regarded as a ‘backslider’. I guess time will tell if I am indeed a ‘backslider’.

I have been doing some reflection on how the Church and some Christians interact with critics of Christianity, Christians and the Church.

It seems to me that just as the Bible teaches that the first step to achieving God’s forgiveness is confession of sins, ‘if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9), the Church and Christians must be prepared to acknowledge (confess) the shortcomings of Christians and the Church when they are highlighted by detractors.

It is my experience that conversations with detractors tend to proceed much better when you are prepared to acknowledge the truths in their arguments.

Some Christians too often make the mistake of ‘circling the wagons’ when confronted with actions and speech of professors of the faith which are diametrically opposite to the tenets of the religion.

I suppose the fear is any acknowledgement of shortcomings will dilute the effectiveness and influence of Christianity and the Church.

 I recommend acknowledgement of ‘unchristian’ behaviour and embrace of opportunities to show the difference between what was done or said and what the religion teaches.

Christianity, like all religions, professions, trades, organisations and groups, is populated by individuals of all stripes. Some are born again, some are pretenders, some are perverts seeking shelter and opportunities in the church and some seek opportunities for leadership they could not aspire to in the secular world.

With this mix of persons and personalities, it is almost inevitable some will conduct themselves contrary to the teachings of Jesus, the Christ and His apostles.  When this happens, the Church should move with alacrity to acknowledge, confront and deal with the issues in the manner prescribed in the Bible.

 Clearly this does not include cover-ups and sweeping matters ‘under the carpet’. When the law of the land is broken, perpetrators must be handed over to the authorities to face the consequences of their actions.

While the actions and lifestyles of Christians play an extremely important role in spreading the Gospel, they can never replace the teachings of Jesus Christ, His apostles and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Christians may (will?) sometimes fail but the Gospel of Jesus Christ will never fail!