Christians, do you hate the phrase "believe in"?
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Anonymous
| Every time I hear the phrase "believe in", in regards to religion, it makes me cringe. I can't help but think about Santa or the Easter Bunny. When I say "I believe in Jesus", it's like I'm admitting there's a possibility I'm believing in something not true. Is there any other way to express my belief? |
Anonymous
| Why is it so distressing to admit that it's possible what you believe is not true? |
Anonymous
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OP, this is interesting and as a Christian, I think I get what you mean. I "believe in" Jesus and the power of the resurrection, etc etc, does not sound strong enough.
How about: I follow Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and I know that to be true. |
Anonymous
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All these are just words, OP. Your true belief is in your heart and your actions. |
Anonymous
+1 It sounds so Sunday school-ish. |
Anonymous
I think that sounds arrogant. The majority of the world does not believe in Jesus, and it's like you're saying you know better than most people. I'd stick with "believe in." |
Anonymous
It only sounds arrogant if you're defensive about the issue and are looking for an argument. Besides, the truth is the truth. That the majority of the world does not "believe" it is irrelevant. |
Anonymous
| I am not a Christian, but most Christians I know do not say "believe in" when referring to their faith. They say "I know" because they are quite certain that they do know the truth. |
Anonymous
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This is an interesting question. I'm not Christian, but the majority of Christians I know talk about their faith in terms of "accepting Jesus Christ as [their] savior". I think a much greater number of people believe that the man who came to be known as "Jesus Christ" lived, but not everyone accepts his teachings, that he was the son of God who died for their sins, or that he was resurrected.
For Christians in particular, I think it would be odd phrasing to say "believe in" Jesus Christ, since it doesn't sufficiently describe what it means to be a Christian (from my own non-Christian understanding anyway). |
Anonymous
"It is right to give Him thanks and praise." |
Anonymous
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I have never heard someone say "I believe in Jesus." Usually it's "I believe the Bible is the word of God" or "I believe Jesus died for my sins" or "I believe Jesus is the son of God." etc...
Personally I am an atheist and avoid saying "I do not believe in God" because that implies an action. And it's not really like that, it's a peaceful absence of faith. |
Anonymous
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No, it doesn't bother me. We say it all the time in the Nicene Creed.
"We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible...." |
Anonymous
yeah -- they'll just burn in hell anyhow. Who cares what they think. |
Anonymous
So, you cringe every time you say the Apostle's Creed? This is one seriously ironic post. |
Anonymous
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pp here. I'm really trying to understand OP. I'm guessing that maybe OP considers herself a Christian but maybe doesn't actually attend services? Because a lot of affirmations contain this phrase.
The Apostle's Creed I believe in God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. |