I don't think that contemporary Christianity does a great job preparing believers to confront or face the reality of deep freely chosen evil. When we discover the enemy in ourselves or the hidden traitor we end up more easily crushed. The evil of another then infects us and pulls us down as well. Really a challenge to deal with.
I don't think that contemporary Christianity does a great job preparing believers to confront or face the reality of deep freely chosen evil. When we discover the enemy in ourselves or the hidden traitor we end up more easily crushed. The evil of another then infects us and pulls us down as well. Really a challenge to deal with.
I am always amazed at the sheer number of Christians who are surprised that temptation is actually... tempting. That evil doesn't come looking hideous and disgusting but... tempting. That they're actually going to have to fight moral battles within themselves... their whole lives. That being good and kind and patient, etc., is sometimes the last thing you want to be.
I blame it on the prosperity gospel, myself - the commonly preached heresy that Jesus is Santa Claus as a young man, and God is Santa Claus that just wants us all to be healthy, wealthy, and enjoying ourselves.
I don't think that contemporary Christianity does a great job preparing believers to confront or face the reality of deep freely chosen evil. When we discover the enemy in ourselves or the hidden traitor we end up more easily crushed. The evil of another then infects us and pulls us down as well. Really a challenge to deal with.
Agreed.
I am always amazed at the sheer number of Christians who are surprised that temptation is actually... tempting. That evil doesn't come looking hideous and disgusting but... tempting. That they're actually going to have to fight moral battles within themselves... their whole lives. That being good and kind and patient, etc., is sometimes the last thing you want to be.
I blame it on the prosperity gospel, myself - the commonly preached heresy that Jesus is Santa Claus as a young man, and God is Santa Claus that just wants us all to be healthy, wealthy, and enjoying ourselves.