by B. Nathaniel Sullivan
an article originally published by Always Ready Ministries
Some people have made transformational changes in one department of human learning or in one aspect of human life, and their names are forever enshrined in the annals of human history. But Jesus Christ, the greatest man who ever lived, has changed virtually every aspect of human life—and most people don’t know it.
—D. James Kennedy1—
We live in a world in which Christians often are misunderstood—and hated. This should not surprise us, for Jesus warned His disciples that faithfully following Him would land them in hot water as far as the world is concerned. Therefore, Christians who rely on the Holy Spirit seek to live out their Christianity will face some very stiff resistance.
Misunderstanding Christianity
Of course, we as Christians are not perfect—not by a long shot. Among many Christians some of the time, and among some Christians much of the time, sins such as hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and pride rear their ugly heads. Believers need to confront these sins and repent of them, to be sure. It’s a big problem when Christians misrepresent their faith and their perfect Savior, Jesus Christ.
On the other hand, it also is a problem when non-Christians misunderstand believers who consistently live out the tenets of their faith in their daily lives. Mark it down! Christians can be accused of hypocrisy, judgmentalism, pride, as well as a wide array of other sins—when they actually are innocent. Here’s why. The world perceives Christians to be guilty as it evaluates them and their actions in terms of their own worldview. As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:12,14:
Now we [believers] have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God.…But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.
While wholly affirming all Paul said, I would hasten to add that unbelievers’ misconceptions about Christianity also result from their not knowing the truth about Jesus’ life and ministry, and the overall positive influence Jesus’ followers have had on the world through the centuries.
Society’s Treatment of Women Is One Area Jesus Transformed
Take, for example, society’s treatment of women. Jesus’ actions and attitudes toward women truly were revolutionary. Taking Jesus’ example and the teachings of Scripture seriously, Christianity has served to elevate women in societies and cultures throughout history. It’s true that that those who’ve claimed to be Christ’s followers have not always lived out or faithfully taught what the Bible says about this issue—but this is the fault of imperfect and finite human beings, not God or the ideals He has forth in His Word.
Even if the world does not understand what the Bible says about the sexes, including the Scripture’s emphasis on women’s worth, we as Christians ought to. Indeed, we must! As believers, we need to understand this subject not just because we’re Christ’s followers, but also because ideas relating to sexuality are hot button issues in our culture today. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the culture exerts enormous pressure on institutions in society, including the church.
Many—Christians among them—believe that that as a movement, feminism has elevated women in society. Many of these same people also believe the church and Christianity disparage women. Some believers, therefore, ask, Does feminism have a place in the modern evangelical church? They naturally look to feminism as a resource that could help the church treat women with greater dignity and respect. These folks don’t just misunderstand biblical teachings; they misunderstand feminism as well, and perhaps through no fault of their own. Keep in mind the fact that men and women are equal in value and worth does not mean they are identical.
Next time, Kennedy Harless, a student at Cedarville University, will dive into this topic. She’ll highlight seven biblical teachings that shed light on how we should think and act regarding this issue, and she’ll make observations that will shed much needed light on the path Christians must take.
Stay tuned!
B. Nathaniel Sullivan is the Senior Editor at Always Ready Ministries. Visit his website at www.wordfoundations.com.
January 7, 2019
Access other articles published by Always Ready Ministries here.
Notes:
1D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus Had Never Been Born? (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 1.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Copyright 2019 by B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.