This is True No Matter What Your Faith
I had lofty goals when I began writing and publishing my blog three years ago. I would tell as many people as possible about how I confessed my sins to the Lord. I wrote articles about my sins to friends and people I didn’t even know. I told stories about my journey as a Christian.
Nothing too fancy I don’t think. Just everyday issues, that as a Christian, I faced in the workplace or just generally out in the world. I did these things as a witness, to testify to how my life had changed for the better. The lofty goal part was to bring more people to God. Lord knows our world needs better and less evil, which translates to more God and less Satan.
Instead, I found that social media is a brutal place for the faithful.
There is some clarification needed when I talk about social media. Many of us do profess our faith from our personal accounts on social media. This is good because it shows our friends and relatives that we are Christians (or your faith & religion).
We all have our tight little circles, and we comment and “like” each other’s posts. It’s all good, mostly safe, and it’s very rare to hear a disparaging word. It’s when we move outside the little box that we see and hear from the enormous social media community, Known as: “the world”.
Some social media sites allow you to “promote” an article or your post. For very few bucks you can reach thousands of people. This was wonderful news to me because that was my goal. I would witness as many people as possible. This would put my message out “in the world” But I was a bit naive.
First of all, if anything about faith is mentioned in the title, the article will only be read by people of faith. Everyone else will either scroll right on by or based on the title, make derogatory, sometimes filthy remarks about me, Christians or any other religions, or even worse about God.
It’s no wonder that many Christians make little, timid, or no attempt to reach out or talk about their faith in “the world”.
The Lord has led me to post around 80 faith-based articles so far. My previous article was written simply about preparing for hard times. I also read it in church as a devotional. However, since it had the word “Christians” in the title, and it was posted “in the world” the article attracted the most hatred towards God I have seen to date. I try to have a conversation with all those who comment, even the hateful, but some are just too vile. (And vile is putting it mildly).
I talk about it because this is part of my journey, and it is most likely the same journey of anyone who professes to be a Christian and professes it out in “the world”. Jesus told his disciples that he was sending them as lambs into a pack of wolves.
I’ll admit it, that’s about what it feels like right now at the moment of this writing. It’s one of those times when I wonder, “why the heck am I putting myself through this?” And it makes me understand why Christians sometimes “hide out” in church.
Why Am I Writing About This?
One of the more civil commenters on the article about being prepared, “Bob” asked me:
“Am I wrong, but it seems to me that evangelical Christians don’t care that we are destroying our planet?“
He continued: “it doesn’t matter to you people because you believe heaven is coming to those who (believe) and the health of this world doesn’t matter to you.”
How would you respond to that? Well, I thought about this a minute (actually probably 3 or 4 minutes) which is a lifetime on the internet before responding to Bob this way:
I think there is some truth to what you are saying, “Bob”. I don’t know if I’ll say this right, but I get the feeling there are some Christians that are tired and seem to have given up and believe the world (man) is far too gone to worry about anymore. Christians also feel under attack like never before and are just ready to move on. Christians are certainly not perfect and they still make mistakes and sin. I disagree wholeheartedly with that way of thinking because God named the man as the caretaker of the earth, animals, and all his creations.
(Now that’s not worded exactly as I would have liked, but it’s the best I could do at the moment.)
You see, Bob unknowingly struck a nerve with me. Although he was talking about the environment, his last statement: “like it doesn’t matter because Heaven is coming to those who (believe) and the health of the world doesn’t matter” Well honestly, that was pretty much how I was feeling.
I think I was about ready to “hide out in church”. I was sick of hearing criticism and verbal abuse. It would be glorious to just attend church every time the doors opened, read and study the Bible, listen to sermons, leave the hateful sinful world outside, and just enjoy the rest of my life. This would be my “mike drop” moment.
But Then I think Of The Apostle Paul
Why did I suddenly think of Paul out of the clear blue? At the times when I am disgusted, tired, and want to give up, The Holy Spirit shows up.
Paul wrote most of the New Testament with words breathed by God. From these words was written that he worked harder and served more prison sentences than anyone else for his faith.
He was beaten times without a number. He faced death again and again. He was beaten the regulation thirty-nine stripes by the Jews five times. He was beaten with rods three times, and stoned once. During his evangelical travels, he was shipwrecked three times and spent twenty-four hours in the open sea.
He was in constant danger from rivers, floods, bandits, pagans, and even his own countrymen. Paul experienced: exhaustion, pain, long vigils, hunger, and thirst, starvation, cold, and lack of clothing.”
He endured all these things defending his faith and spreading the gospel.
So, when I am called a fool for believing a mythical book such as the Bible, I need to remember it’s just words attacking me, not 37 lashes. When I am being told Christians are liars, and hypocrites, and should all be eradicated, I am not actually being beaten with wooden rods, it’s just words.
And even when a man who professed to be God wrote to me and threatened me, at least he didn’t mention any stones would be involved.
I’m not ready to live in a small box and hide away inside the church just yet.
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February 22, 2023 at 8:04 pm
Dennis, I am not religious, and I usually bypass religious posts, but I would never speak to anyone in a hateful way on their post. Ethics are very important to me, and I live with that old Golden Rule professed by every religion. I am sorry that you have been subjected to abuse. You must have a very bad opinion of non-religious people! I assure you that most of us are thoughtful, decent, caring people who respect the rights of others and appreciate the same respect for themselves. <3
February 22, 2023 at 9:45 pm
Thanks for reading Cheryl. Oh no I don’t have any bad feelings about any other beliefs or people who don’t profess any faith. I do understand why some people of faith just get tired of defending their faith and I don’t judge them either. I just do my best to be an example. Sometimes I fail, but I keep trying. Have a wonderful day!
February 22, 2023 at 9:22 pm
If your spiritual gift is writing then do that. Some will get a blessing, some will scroll on, some will troll. There is zero point in engaging in a troll or oppositional individual. You are falling into their trap and will not change them. Delete and move on. Let those that get a blessing and want to hear read your words. You are encouraging more than you realize.
February 22, 2023 at 9:48 pm
Sherry, thanks for taking the time to read and especially for your kind words!
February 22, 2023 at 9:35 pm
“’I’m not ready to live in a small box and hide away inside the church just yet.”. . .
Neither was the One who was mocked, beaten, and persecuted to death Dennis.
Stay the course brother. He brings unseen “…beauty for ashes…”, and in the midst of the ridicule you’re receiving you are making a difference for Him.
Be blessed!
February 22, 2023 at 9:49 pm
Very true Fred! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
February 22, 2023 at 9:58 pm
It’s true Dennis, social media can be a challenging and even brutal place for people of faith. However, I admire your courage and determination to continue to share your experiences and message despite the negative reactions you receive.
I appreciate your response to “Bob” and his question about evangelical Christians and the environment. It’s understandable that there may be times when you feel tired or want to give up, but I’m glad you remembered the example of the Apostle Paul. His unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the gospel despite persecution and hardship is an inspiration to us all.
I encourage you to continue to share your message of hope and faith, even in the face of opposition.
– Michael
February 23, 2023 at 4:45 am
Thank you, Michael very much for your thoughtful comments. I have learned that there’s no substitute for Bible study. The more we are educated, the better we can answer questions from non-believers and also the faithful. I am slow but it is amazing how the Holy Spirit comes quickly in my time of need.
February 23, 2023 at 9:56 am
You’re welcome, Dennis! Bible study is indeed an important aspect of Christian faith, and it’s great to see that you have recognized its value in your own life. It’s always amazing to experience the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom in our lives! Keep up the good work!
February 23, 2023 at 1:20 am
There are many former Christians who were broken by their experiences in different churches, and they never healed from that, so their anger and pain get vented out onto someone who is conveniently in front of them.
I was one of the broken people. Both my daughter and I have severe health issues, I was a single mother not making much money, and unfortunately people like me were seen as “not pleasing to God” for if we were, apparently God would bless us. The viewpoint of the 2 evangelical churches I attended followed this thought trajectory, and I found out, they weren’t isolated in their lines of thinking.
I was told by church leaders they believed that by breaking people down, they could build them back up “in God’s image”, so they justified breaking people. The problem with this is only the people without mental health issues will be able to be recontituted. The rest of us who suffered from depression and anxiety only experienced our mental health issues getting magnified.
Here’s where it gets dicey. They people who were broken down and who then experienced worsening depression and anxieties, were then told that they obviously had a lack of faith, or God would have healed them. I was told that. I was also told I must have many undisclosed sins for God to be “punishing” me the way I was with the health and financial issues.
This is devastating to people who do have faith and who are doing their very best to live a life pleasing to God. I know, because this is what I experienced. I was brought so low, that I started to think I didn’t deserve to walk on the earth or to breathe the air. No matter how pure I led my life, no matter how much I dedicated my life and thoughts to God, no matter how I tried to exemplify Christ living in me, the fact that the outward appearanceseemed to show that God wasn’t pleased with me made all the inner work invisible.
I was so broken that I planned my exit from this earth. I was brought to the point of feeling worthless, like garbage. I’d spend time in the bathroom at church, crying with the other broken people.
Many people did leave the churches, broken, disillusioned that they’d never be considered good enough. They felt the deep shame that had been instilled in them by that whole process. There really aren’t places for people to go to heal, and the trust has been forever broken, for if “God’s people” can treat others, their neighbors with such distain, be so unloving towards them, then why would they expect help from anywhere else?
Unfortunately, I have seen terrible hatefulness being publicly displayed towards non-Christians, that it leaves a horrible taste in my mouth, for if this hatefulness is what it means to be a Christian, I want no part of that.
The backlash you see against churches is against the hate, and the hypocricy that is displayed by too many churches, church leaders and church members. If churches were following Christ and God, in my mind they would be showing love towards one another and their neighbors, and those of us who have left aren’t seeing that.
In my posts I speak about healing. I speak about love. I try to show the steps one needs to take for healing to take place. I struggle with Christians and churches who only show love to themselves, and only for certain people withing their congregations.
If you’re interested in going out on social media, know that the broken, unhealed people still struggle with their pain and anger that hasn’t being acknowledged, nor do I ever exect it to be. The angry comments you receive come from a place of unhealed pain.
February 23, 2023 at 5:14 am
Tamara I am so sorry, but I know exactly what you are talking about. I was saved at 15 years old and then soon had some really bad experiences in churches including the fact that I always blamed the church for my parents having a very bad divorce. I left the church for many years. When my wife died, I cursed God and called Him every dirty word I knew, and I know a lot of them! I, my daughter, and son in law went through several churches until we found one that just felt right as soon as we came in. There are no perfect churches. Paul wrote many letters correcting churches from prison. John wrote to the 7 churches pointing out their shortcomings from a cave where he was imprisoned. The problem with churches is man, not God. We are all broken, sinners, and make mistakes. Our church turns nobody away and helps ANYONE needing help. We are extremely active in our community and support many charity organizations. We are also diverse and non-judgmental. Is it perfect? Of course not. If you still believe please, please don’t give up on Jesus. He is always waiting and will always be there for you. Nowhere does it say you MUST go to church in order to receive the gift of eternal life, you just have to believe and trust in Him. But if you keep searching you will find a church that will welcome and cherish you being there (it won’t be perfect) but we find strength together. I love you as a Christian and God loves you. Contact me any time. Dennis
February 23, 2023 at 6:45 am
I thank you for your supportive words. I keep my beliefs, but I do not feel any need to seek out a church. I have attended as other people’s guest since then, but I find myself still easily triggered into a panic attack, so I need to leave. The problems I speak of are real and the numbers of people who have been spiritually and emotionally broken by different churches is quite large indeed. Until they fi d healing, they will continue to experience their pain.
February 23, 2023 at 10:44 pm
Tamara, I do have some understanding of your pain. I wish you all the best and hope you can find healing and peace.
February 23, 2023 at 4:24 am
I first would like to thank you for your post and for sharing how it is. In the closing years of our lives this anti-Christian language is becoming more noticeable as we my husband and I, now worship at home with Word and Worship. We had discovered as we aged even inside the church rising up of more militant attitudes and societal intrusions that meant the TRUTH in the Word was being dismantled , We were being classified as ‘Too old to understand the issues,” Life has taught me that when you have discovered THE WAY for you personally to follow…….it defies age, race or gender and lives from a ‘born-again’ perspective live to simply LOVE and improve and help those around us when we travel. Writing is a powerful tool. May your Pen ever speak brother, My completed Memoir Shafts of Gold is my personal journey of discovery. It is about hills and valleys and the wonderful people who encouraged. IT also tells a bit of false seeking where I encountered evil and the dark side, God gave me the ability to write this Memoir so as Long as I live I personally will not sell it but freely give it as my insignificant but ongoing testimony to LIFE and seeking. Never stop writing and posting. The media can be a useful tool and also a tool for spreading hate. Light does penetrate darkness. Keep penning that which HELPS.
February 23, 2023 at 5:21 am
Faye Thank you for the kind words. I feel I know you after seeing your wonderful comments on several of my posts. I can tell that you are a person full of faith, Spirit, and practice your faith in your every action. I am sure you know that nowhere does the Bible tell us that we must attend church and I respect your decision to choose your own way to worship. God bless you and your family. Love Dennis.
February 23, 2023 at 9:28 pm
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Dennis. It’s unfortunate to hear that your efforts to share your faith on social media have resulted in negative comments and hateful responses. However, it’s important to remember that the world can be a harsh place, and the anonymity of social media can bring out the worst in people.
Remember that your message may reach someone who needs to hear it, and the impact you make could be immeasurable.
February 23, 2023 at 10:52 pm
Thank you, Ritish. I will continue writing (It’s my love) and share some good and wonderful things right away and in the future. This article has touched some here and some who contact me in other ways.
February 26, 2023 at 5:01 pm
Social media are like that, Dennis. I’ve been in this place before.
Sometimes people praise you and sometimes are just too mean. They don’t what you’ve been through.
But it’s good to hear you’ve overcome this. Just keep doing what you love and what you believe. And never afraid of sharing your thoughts. I would also like to thank such platforms who offer support and space to people who want to write and love sharing their thoughts.
February 26, 2023 at 5:54 pm
Thank you, Shubham, very much for your insight, encouragement, and wisdom. Also thank you for reading the article and taking time out of your day to comment.