I am amazed at how many people misunderstand the fundamentals of the Christian faith. The real shock to me is that some of the most confused are persons calling themselves Christian.

For this reason I am not bewildered when non-believers have misconceived the Gospel with fundamentalist Christianity gospel. Nor am I surprised why those who grew up in evangelical homes leave the Church.

This should not be construed as a judgement on anyone, though. We are human and therefore our experiences, our thoughts, and our emotions are inherently subjective subjected to the materialistic nature, not our spiritual nature. I include me rightly when I say “We.”

My plan is to try and paint a clearer picture of the Gospel by exploring some worldviews of what it means to be Christian and sometimes I hope to contrast them with true Christ-like views.

My Credentials

As an introduction, I want to provide my honest credentials. I am not a preacher nor a theologian. I grew up in an independent, fundamentalist Baptist church. I found some of its claims about certain behaviors being sin to be extra-biblical as early as my adolescence. I felt also that some interpretations of biblical passages were inaccurate or incomplete. I wanted to know the will of God and some of what I was hearing seemed in opposition to that purpose.

This encouraged me to listen to, read from, and study other opinions and interpretations as well as a daily practice of not only reading, but prayerfully studying and applying scriptures on my own for all of my adult life beginning in the early 1970’s until today.

Unfortunately, I lacked the maturity and clarity to outwardly question, at least, that’s what I was told if I voiced my misgivings. Out of fear of being unacceptable for leadership and influence, I remained silent. This eventually lead to my resigning to questionable teachings and practicing them and teaching them as truth to others. I no longer wish to be silent and conform to worldly religious beliefs. I am ready to share the blessings of knowing and serving God.

Another fact that I believe gives me some credibility is that often I find myself manipulating scripture and traditions to justify behavior and decision-making that in the past moved me to make and/or break promises and engage in activity that hurt or could have hurt people I love. This attitude was usually spawned by a need to satisfy the carnal desires of my heart. I learned a lot about myself finally years and multiple mistakes and confessions later. I also learned how much love, mercy, and patience God has. I write this so you can know the God of love and mercy and justice and what it can do that fundamentalist mistreatment of the Gospel cannot do to enrich your life.

Observations of people, experiences as an educator, parent, corporate manager, social worker and counselor has helped me understand others as well as myself. Applying practically after extensive study of the scriptures gives me understanding of the focus of the Bible, God’s will in general for our lives, clarity of my and humankind’s vulnerability and potential. The myths I plan to debunk seem to mask the believer’s own weakness by emphasizing others shortcomings and fails to show how a relationship with God helps us all reach our full potential.

Some of the myths I hope to debunk

• Christians are more righteous than non-believers. That’s what non-believers call holier-than-thou attitude.
• The Bible is a rule book. The more you follow the rules, the closer you are to God.
• The Christian purpose on Earth is to save souls.
• The sermon on Sunday is always God’s voice.
• Because I confessed I am a sinner in need of salvation, Jesus is now my Lord and Savior.
• My spirituality is based on how many good deeds I’ve done.

I may add to this list. Some list items may combine to be one post. This is the desire of my heart for now. God may change my mind. I believe both believers and nonbelievers can learn and benefit from these posts.

Categories: Christianity Myths

Tagged as: Expanding knowledge Faith Sprituality

Douglas Knight

I have the rich life full of a sinner wounded by misunderstanding and punishment but blessed by mercy and forgiveness.