Evangelicals and prostitutes: [Have liberals succeeded in making them one and the same?]

The Atlantic Monthly. Boston: Jul/Aug 2003. Vol. 292, Iss. 1; pg. 40 ^ | Jul/Aug 2003 issue | Barna Research Ltd

[elenchus]

A recent survey by the Barna Research Group-which provides "information and analysis regarding cultural trends and the Christian Church"-asked "adults who do not consider themselves to be Christian" to give their impressions of the following categories of people: born-again Christians, Democrats, evangelical Christians, lawyers, lesbians, military officers, ministers, movie and TV performers, prostitutes, real-estate agents, and Republicans. Non-Christians, it turns out, have a low regard for evangelical Christians, whom they view less favorably than all the above-mentioned groups except one: prostitutes. The survey did not, however, reveal a general anti-Christian bias among the non-Christian population: ministers and born-again Christians ranked at the top of the favorability list, below only military officers. Real-estate agents did surprisingly well, ranking just under Democrats and higher than movie and TV performers, lawyers, Republicans, and lesbians. The study concludes that prejudice against evangelicals may reflect ignorance radier than actual dislike: few of the respondents were able to identify any difference between born-again and evangelical Christians, despite their considerably less favorable view of the latter.

[Sidebar] -"Surprisingly Few Adults Outside of Christianity Have Positive Views of Christians," Barna Research Group For links to the reports and documents discussed in these pages visit www.theatlantic.com/issues/2003/07/primarysources.htm

[Chancellor Palpatine]

I suspect that it isn't just the televangelists, but also perceptions that arise from the goals and apparent wealth of mega churches with memberships measured in the several thousands. In the minds of many (and I will say that I include myself in this number), there is a certain reek that comes when a pastor lives very well while delegating all but the highest strata of weddings, funerals and sick calls to assistants.

[normy]

"but on the other hand it's a fact of life they need to raise money to continue their ministries."

That is exactly my point, if you must beg or use theatrics to raise money then I would ask God if he ordained my ministry. Jesus ministry flourished because he demonstrated real power, he was approved of God with signs and wonders. When he and Peter needed tax money he caught it out of a fishes mouth. If God cannot support your ministry I would say you dont have a ministry but a self help,money making organisation.

[mediawatcher44]

Are these the same"Evangelicals" who are paying to fly in 10,000 or so Somali Bantus into this country? Real nice,I guess this makes them feel better,or that they are doing the "Lords work".Hey Evangelicial Christians!,stop flying in planeloads of foreign nationals who will contribute nothing to this country but disease,crime and an increased burden on the social welfare network.Maybe people might like you better then....

[Spirited]

'"Evangelicals and prostitutes"

Brought to mind that guy's fund raising appeal:
"Send me $5 million or the Lord is calling me home"'

This post brought to mind:

"Romans 14:4
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."

Whatever you choose to believe or to say is, in the long term, significant only to yourself because you are the only one who will give an account for it ultimately. Judas found this out experiencially.

[John Beresford Tipton]

"Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?"

Hey, I'm not judgging him.
Perhaps he's a hooker with a heart of gold?

[Acolyte]

I think most non-Christians think that evangelical christians are televangelists. And, to this Christian's eye, televangelists are on the same level of Dante's Inferno as telemarketers and spammers.

[Roughneck]

The cowardly, unbelieving, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars end up in the lake of fire. I think that includes the Democrats.


And I think that is called discernment (sp?) my friend!

[Onelifetogive]

This doesn't make any sense - they dislike "evangelical Christians" but like "born-again" Christians?

Makes perfect sense. Certain people are simpletons. People are told to dislike "evangelicals." Simpletons do as they are told. If the media starts telling them to dislike "born-again" Christians, simpletons will go along with this, as well.

[DannyTN]

We should care what the hell-bound think, if only to try to better convince them where they are headed in hopes that some might change course.

Especially if it's due to some liberal anti-Christian PR campaign that we might be able to counter.

[tiamat]

John Beresford Tipton wrote:

I said the title reminded me of Oral Roberts who said "send me $ 5 million or the Lord will call me home"

*******************************

Oral "holding himself hostage" that was was a major turn-off. However it WAS funny! Sort of like that scene in Blazing Saddles where the guy pretends to hold himself hostage !

Saw a bumper sticker years ago that said "Save your money! Send Oral home! "

Tia

[Roughneck]

We should care what the hell-bound think, if only to try to better convince them where they are headed in hopes that some might change course.
Especially if it's due to some liberal anti-Christian PR campaign that we might be able to counter.


I disagree. Caring about what the hell-bound think is what has caused the decay. Christians must understand that we are not to throw our pearls before swine.

Satan can disguise himself. We should all be aware that God calls us to preach by EXAMPLE (how we live), the unsaved must hear the knock themselves.

[DannyTN]

I don't mean to imply that we should lower our standard based on what the hell-bound think. Only that we should consider the possibility of countering anti-Christian campaigns. We should live by example. God calls us to both be a living example and to share the good news. There is nothing wrong with countering slander with the truth and negative connotations with positive ones.

[Roughneck]

***There is nothing wrong with countering slander with the truth and negative connotations with positive ones.***

Absolutely! I guess I agreed w/you more than I thought. You see, I believe that actively bible-thumping, preaching to those with closed ears is a big waste of time - time that would be better spent on the above.

[DannyTN]

"You see, I believe that actively bible-thumping, preaching to those with closed ears is a big waste of time - time that would be better spent on the above. "

I don't dissagree, but how do you know that their ears won't be opened? Outside of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit to direct you when and when not to speak, there is no way to know.

And if you make that judgement yourself instead of relying on the Holy Spirit, then you are in danger of committing the same sin Jonah committed when he didn't want to preach God's mercies to Ninevah, because he didn't think Ninevah deserved it.

And if there is only one person with open ears in a multitude of closed ears, wouldn't you "thump" for the one, if the Spirit led you?

[Roughneck]

And if you make that judgement yourself instead of relying on the Holy Spirit,

I see what you think I'm saying. Peter himself persecuted christians in the worst way, and yet he was saved and the rock of Christ's church as well!

I believe most who are christians know it a long time before they are ever "saved". (". .My sheep know the shepards voice . ." kind of thing). I knew I was a christian while still in grade school!

God knew/knows who are His before they are born. . .Grace saves,faith can not even happen without the Grace of God first. Those who are to become believers, will hear the knock, will seek out the truth. God can lead others to actively preach to those persons or there would be no mission field I suspect.

So, it is not a human making judgements about people being christian-ready when I speak of bible-thumping, but rather discernment to know the voice of God when HE tells you there is someone He wants you to give His word to.

I've seen a bunch of preaching done just so the "preacher" can hear his own voice and be glorified by "people". Or preaching done because someone does not like another persons behaviour. I believe God frowns on such things.

Me? well, I'm not good at preaching, so going out to "bible-thump" out of a sense of duty or obligation would be the wrong thing to do. But if I hear God or feel Him move me to, I've been known to talk with someone who is searching.

The general population or someone who just wants to argue or fight about small things, particular ways showing beliefe, etc.. I just leave 'em alone knowing the best action for another's salvation is PRAYER ALONE!

[DannyTN]

"but rather discernment to know the voice of God when HE tells you there is someone He wants you to give His word to."

I think we are on the same page. It just sounded overly generalized to me the way you first put it.