Saturday, October 24, 2009

So Why Do You Believe (or not)?

I need your help! Please read below for a survey I'm doing for a class.


Full disclosure: I am a Christian. I love Jesus and he's absolutely gone on me, which is evidenced by the fact that he died to save me from an eternity of separation from God on account of my own sin. But because I accepted that, I'm guaranteed a spot in Heaven, no matter how well or poorly I finish out this life. (Of course, I hope to do well.)

More Full Disclosure: I am taking a 2-year post-graduate level leadership course through my church, and I'm supposed to be talking about Jesus to some people this quarter. Problem is, most of the people I've "met" lately are online.

So here's my plan. I'm going to put a few questions below, and I'd simply love it if you commented, honestly, with your answers. Christian, Buddist, Athiest, Whatever you call yourself, I would be honored if you would take a few minutes to answer this survey. I will answer all comments via email so please make sure you've got your email set up, especially if you have any interest in engaging me in discussion, asking your own questions, giving me feedback on this survey, whatever. If you would like to send your answers directly to me you may email me at janet_nowlin@hotmail.com.



Thank you in advance!
  1. Do you identify with a specific religious type (Christian, Hindu, etc) and if so, which?
  2. What is the very first thing you think when you see the word "Christian?"
  3. Please list both a positive and a negative effect that you believe Christianity has had on the world.
  4. What does it mean to "be a Christian?"
  5. If you are not a Christian, is there a reason why (grew up in another faith, had a bad experience, etc.)?
  6. If you are a Christian, why are you (it's just what you do, you had a personal experience of God, etc)?
  7. How do you know that someone is a Christian?
  8. Have you ever verbally, out loud, accepted Christ into your heart, admitting that you were a sinner, that He died to save you from the consequences of your sin, and embracing Him as your hope for a new life?
  9. If not, would you like to?


Thank you!!

5 comments:

  1. This was a very long survey, because I'm long winded. So, I just emailed my answers to you. Hope they help!
    If you'd like to stop by my blog I'm at Cake Crumbs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Do you identify with a specific religious type (Christian, Hindu, etc) and if so, which?
    CATHOLIC

    What is the very first thing you think when you see the word "Christian?"
    FAITH

    Please list both a positive and a negative effect that you believe Christianity has had on the world.
    POSITIVE - BRINGS PEOPLE TOGEHTER
    NEGATVIE - BRAIN WASHING

    What does it mean to "be a Christian?"
    If you are not a Christian, is there a reason why (grew up in another faith, had a bad experience, etc.)?
    I DON'T ACTIVELY PRACTICE FAITH

    If you are a Christian, why are you (it's just what you do, you had a personal experience of God, etc)?
    I BELIEVE OUR LIVES ARE PLANNED OUT AND THERE IS A HIGHER POWER OUT HTERE. I BELIEVE MY MOM WAS TAKEN FROM THIS WORLD BY SOMEONE BECAUSE SHE WAS NEEDED SOMEWHERE ELSE.

    How do you know that someone is a Christian?
    I CAN'T TELL

    Have you ever verbally, out loud, accepted Christ into your heart, admitting that you were a sinner, that He died to save you from the consequences of your sin, and embracing Him as your hope for a new life?
    NO

    If not, would you like to?
    NOT AT THIS TIME

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1) The church that I was attending when I was Saved was Southern Baptist, so I tend to lean in that direction.
    2) I think of the members of Grace Baptist, because I have no doubt that they were true Christians.
    3) The good thing about Christianity is that it brings to light all that Christ has done for us. There's nothing bad about Pure Christianity in my opinion, but skewed versions (IE Catholicism, Lutheranism), give true Christianity a bad name.
    4) To be as Christ-like as possible. WWJD.
    5 & 6) I am a Christian because I trust God and His Son, and I trust what He says, what He tells me to do, and what He has planned for me.
    7) Show me your faith without works, and I'll show you my faith BY my works.
    8 & 9) Yep, and God accepted me and Saved me. I wish we could all truly grasp the amazingness of what God did for us, the undeserving.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1) Christian--raised southern baptist, attended an episcopal church in college and fell in love with liturgy. I'm currently avoiding labels. :)
    2)A couple things come to mind: ironically, faith and hypocrisy.
    3) True Christianity has provided millions with the hope of Christ--the life-giving, grace-filled hope that can only come from Him. That is a very positive effect, if you ask me. Negatively, I think that polluted "Christian religion" has made Christianity a laughing stock, something ridiculed and reviiled. When true faith is rejected, that will naturally have a very negative effect.
    4) "To be a Christian" means that you have believed in your heart and confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. Naturally, once you have been justified through faith, the process of santification begins, through which the Holy Spirit begins to shape you into the image of Christ.
    5) N/A
    6) Why am I a Christian? How could I not be? Christ chose me, he died for me, he saved me. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ, and so my faith isn't just something that I do--empty words and motions--my faith in Christ is what sustains me, strengthens me, and indeed gives me life.
    7)Only God can truly know the heart of man, but true faith is revealed by actions. True Christians will desire to be like Christ, and the Spirit in them will bear fruit.
    8) Yes. I was 6, but my belief is as real today as it was 16 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1. Christian
    2. Joy, someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ
    3.Positive-Has helped lead others to Him
    Negative-Christianity has such a huge following, there are those who label themselves Christians that, in my opinion, do NOT follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and are NOT saved.
    4. Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ
    5.i am Christian
    6. My testimony is long... lets just say I finally listened to God
    7. They tell you they are a believer (and act like it!)... I cannot judge anothers heart... but I can discern actions
    8.Yes, Yes, YES!!! Praise the Lord I have been saved!!
    9. I hope someone comes to the Lord through you dear girl!

    ReplyDelete

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