Why does Christianity get a lot of scrutiny?

It's very common to see Christians/Christianity being mocked, questioned and slandered. Whether it be amongst your peers or on mainstream media, without a doubt there'll be a time where you witness an attack on the faith. As a Christian it can be disheartening and leads us to the question "why do we get so much scrutiny?"

There's an array of reasons but let us discuss a few.

Genuine Christians. If we look at numbers, we'll see that the majority of the world identify as Christians. This is most likely because their parents were and so if they had to tick a box on a form they would tick Christian. However, as we've discussed in our previous blogs (What is a Christian? Part 1-3) you'll find that these people that label themselves as Christians are not followers of Christ and so technically are not Christians. Why is this a problem? This means that these individuals live their lives as they please attaching the title Christian to it. Their lifestyles are most likely contrary to the word of God which means whatever they do is being attached to the religion. Imagine they chose to call themselves something else, that would leave far less Christians in the world but the remaining ones (most) would be a far better representations of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:2 

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

Christian examples. This could be someone you know or someone from social media. In life we tend to look up to people. Whether its down to their talent, wisdom, success, we often admire certain people. Being in the limelight as we know means most of your life is available for us to view. With this comes a-lot of judgement, accountability and scepticism. Why is this a problem? If you have a big audience and your actions are contradicting the bible, how will that look for the religion as a whole? Many people watching may have heard about Jesus but will not know about the love of Christ. If your lifestyle is displeasing to the Lord, how will this emulate his light? Instead what we find happens is that Christians get hold to this standard and it repels people to the faith but not from your fame.

1 Peter 4:1

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.

This chapter is titled Living For God and clearly outlines what is and isn't accepted as followers of Christ.

Bad experiences. People leave church after a bad experience with a fellow member or disagree with what the pastor/priest said. If you leave because you don't agree with the teachings, so be it. However, a lot of the time we find that people leave due to altercations, differences or lack of friendships. An example, a new comer attends church and upon arrival is not greeted, not seated and once the service is done finds them self standing alone whilst the rest of the church socialise. Not only is this poor hospitality, but completely contrary to the word of God. We are taught to love however sometimes our actions as Christians do not portray God. The sad part about that is people leave the house of God for reasons that don't bring glory to God.

Jude 1:18

They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

Various denominations. Over the years we are seeing more and more sectors of Christianity. Something that outsiders find misleading. The fact that we have so many different groups brings on questioning as to why Christians can not unify and which denomination is the right one. Over time we may even see more variations to come. As Christian's we should be able to unify in the fact that we believe in Jesus Christ as the messiah.

So why does Christianity get so much scrutiny? Because we have Christians who don't act accordingly and because the church is divided. On top of this Christians are perceived as timid and easy to mock with no repercussions. When inappropriate jokes are made about our Lord we tend to take the Jesus approach (turn cheek, love enemies). Yes Jesus was the lamb, but he was also the lion. We should stand bold to defend our faith. This is not something new, the bible warned us about mockery. See scriptures below.

Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 10:22

22You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

The bible also speaks about making a brother/sister/child stumble hence we must me very mindful as to how we carry ourselves and portray our faith.

Did you know?

Some of us are familiar with the verse;

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10

We understand that this chapter is about idleness and the importance of working (specifically believers).

However, we can also apply this to our spiritual life. Those who are unwilling to work on their walk with God (read the bible, pray, follow Gods teachings) shall not eat from the blessings of God.

This doesn't mean it's transactional, but it does mean that those who fall in line with his will (or are trying to), will taste his rewards.

Why is it so hard to be a Christian nowadays?

If those in the bible struggled with this then what hope do we have in having an easy ride. The bible has never said we wouldn't struggle with this. Instead it gives us many warnings that we will. Ontop of that, being a Christian has never been trendy or cool, but rather it’s looked at as a boring religion.

What struggles are we facing? Life in itself is a struggle, but here are some things in life that can deviate you from walk with Christ.

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Increase of distractions. Being busy with life is probably the most common reason. Family, school, work, gym, social. Combine it all and it does consume most of our time. For some work is a huge distraction from their faith. Having to work weekends or wanting to rest on weekends, worrying about making enough money and so on. For others it maybe relationships, wanting to spend lots of time with your partner or friends.

1 Timothy 6:7-10

For we brought nothing into this world, andit is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Some of them could be unsaved friends. As great as your friendships may be, if you evaluate your relationship who would you find is having more of an influence. Is the Christian more likely to speak to the unbeliever about Christ, or do you find that the Christian is more vulnerable to be put in situations that don’t glorify God? Having friends of a different faith can be challenging. We may feel embarrassed to share our views and we keep our faith to ourselves. Sadly in some cases you’ll find that the influence is so strong that the Christian ends up leaving their walk with Christ.

On the other hand these kind relationships can be a blessing. If we are sharing the gospel and encouraging our friends to come to church or a fellowship, they may begin to ask questions and before you know it they're giving their life to Christ.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Another reason why we may find it hard to be a Christian is because we have a lack of understanding of the word of God. Not truly understanding the word of God leaves a lot of room for assumption. This is why we see a lot of Christians living a life thats contary to the word of God.

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Lastly, there's entertainment. Adam and Eve sinned when they didn't have much around them. Though they didn't have technology, friends etc, they had the serpent facing them head on. In our lives what we find is that the serpent is hiding in our TV shows, internet, social groups and so on. This is why the bible tells us to be watchful because the serpent is not obvious, it disguises itself very seductively hence we must be extremely attentive. Not only this, but we must make bibilcaly consious decisions in our lives.

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

So, what can we do? Trying to surround yourself with more followers of Christ. Having Christian friends is vital. Somone to share your struggles with and confine in. This differs from other friendships as your focus will be Christ. No better common ground. With this you'll find advice will be different. I.e. the Chrisitan friend will encourgae you to refrain from certain things when dating where as the other friend could downplay certain acts and make you feel it's normal.

If you don't have any Chrisitan friends, ask God for some. Try and speak to others at church, engage in fellowships. Don't be the one that's last in and first out. Also, don't narrow your search to someone who is similar to you, give diffrent people a chance. The end goal is a to find a Godly friend, not the most trendy or funny friend.

Focus on your word, the more you read, the more revelation you will have, the less interested you'll be in what's going on around you. If you're struggling with you maths homework you read your maths book right? You're not going to find answers in anything else. Its the same with Gods word. If we struggle to follow him, then we need to spend more time with him. If you find reading difficult, find a buddy to read with or set your self easy tasks (1 verse a week even). Also, try starting with the New Testament. It's an easy read to begin with.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Pray about temptations. Some things you may not want to share with others, and so pray about them. Ask God to help you overcome these tempations, to re-align your desires.

Luke 21:34-36

"But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Lastly, get someone to disciple you. Having accountability can help keep you in the will of God. A true disciple will encourage you, pray with you and genuinely care for your spiritual well being.

Matthew 16:24-26

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

As much as we all struggle, the bible warns us about living a life that doesn't bring Glory to God. So even though we struggle, we must be working towards changing our lives around. Our lives should change to reflect Gods work in us and if our lives have not change, then do we really have God? The bible also makes it clear that living a life according to Gods word is a constant battle. However, by being on your guard and implenting his word, we are able to turn away from making un-Godly choices.

Romans 13:14

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Galations 5:17 

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.