Negative Perceptions
I think one reason so many people are repelled by Christianity (and why so many Christians have fluctuating faith) is because of skewed interpretations of biblical truths such as, “we live in a wicked and perverse generation.” Non-Christians take this to mean that Christians are putting themselves on a pedestal. However, the correct interpretation of this verse is, of course, that everyone is wicked. Sometimes I think apologetics and discussing evidence of Jesus’ resurrection is hopeless if we do not first focus on the negative perceptions associated with the Christian faith. No matter how likely the resurrection seems to someone, they will not choose to commit their lives to something that seems elitist and segregating. Anybody who considers the evidence for Jesus has no chance of believing it if they have a negative perception of His followers. Apologetics are great, but in order to change negative perceptions, Christians need to first emphasize the fact that the Bible actually does not encourage snobbery.
I would disagree. The evidence is lackluster under a diligent review.
Start with your own beam. If they see it, it could be through you.
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This is so true …….. “Anybody who considers the evidence for Jesus has no chance of believing it if they have a negative perception of His followers.” … and also, I think that the negative perception of followers is the reason that many, many people will never even get as far as reviewing the alleged evidence.
Great Post:)