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| An entire island inhabited by Christians? An all-Christian society? |
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Thank you, FIG777, for inspiring this topic!
Would it be possible for Christians to move to an uninhabited island to form their own society?
...Should they?
With the displeasure many followers of Christ express over our world today, the idea would perhaps sound tempting. But there's also the mission to consider: "proclaim the gospel to all nations".
And there's the concern about division. With the numerous churches and denominations, who's to say that everyone would still be on the same page? If even our churches are divided, would it really be any different from the division we still face today?
Then there's perhaps the scenario of war or tragedy; if, say, an enemy who hated Christianity were to take the opportunity to eradicate all citizens located in one place; would this make Christians an easier target? A more frequent target?
Or perhaps I'm overthinking it. Either way, this topic could leave room for plenty of speculation.
Would it be possible for Christians to move to an uninhabited island to form their own society?
...Should they?
With the displeasure many followers of Christ express over our world today, the idea would perhaps sound tempting. But there's also the mission to consider: "proclaim the gospel to all nations".
And there's the concern about division. With the numerous churches and denominations, who's to say that everyone would still be on the same page? If even our churches are divided, would it really be any different from the division we still face today?
Then there's perhaps the scenario of war or tragedy; if, say, an enemy who hated Christianity were to take the opportunity to eradicate all citizens located in one place; would this make Christians an easier target? A more frequent target?
Or perhaps I'm overthinking it. Either way, this topic could leave room for plenty of speculation.
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Curious Questions to Consider:
Could Christians move to an uninhabited island to form their own society? Should they?
If they did, how well do you think it would work?
What kinds of issues could arise from this change?
Would crime and division still be an issue?
Would evangelism still be possible? Would the approach to this mission change drastically? Would it be more or less effective?
Could Christians move to an uninhabited island to form their own society? Should they?
If they did, how well do you think it would work?
What kinds of issues could arise from this change?
Would crime and division still be an issue?
Would evangelism still be possible? Would the approach to this mission change drastically? Would it be more or less effective?
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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding society. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding society. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.
God bless and thanks for sharing!
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Author's Notes:
Credit goes to FIG777 for inspiring me to write about this topic.
Cover image courtesy of Daniel Jurin.
(Written on June 09, 2019.)
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First thought; we are to be in the world (but not of it). How does complete a separation enable this??
ReplyDeleteFleecy, this is a good topic. I believe that a truly Christian society may not be possible.
ReplyDelete1. Challenges of defining Christian: Disciples were called Christians by society in Antioch for the first time (Acts 11:26). The society probably witnessed a distinct conduct by the disciples. Now in our age, we could have following three options to identify Christians
A. Non-Christian society identifies
B. Self identification
C. Church elders identify based on some set of rules
Lets see each case separately.
2. Non-christian society identifies: Suppose there is a section of society that doesn't identify itself as Christian. Such a society:
A. might not have any knowledge of what it entails to be a Christian.
B. even if it knows the characteristics of Jesus, it may not chose to identify
C. might rely on some non-christian arbiter. Who will identify or elect such a set of arbiter? - Christians or non-Christians
i. why would Christians identify non-Christians arbiters
ii. why would non-Christians be concerned with identification of Christians
It seems that this option is impractical in today's post modern world
3. Self identification: If self identification is the process, then anyone can identify himself as a Christian. Even, Hitler, Mussolini and Muhammad can claim and qualify as a Christian. This is no different from current situation but the thought of good chances to harm Christians may actually inspire some to make false claim more probable then the current society where Christians are not segregated. This option is also not good.
4. Church elders identify based on some set of rules: Today's church elder may identify Christians based on some rules. This is not plausible. For example a Christian who claims to be a Christian must produce a certificate of baptism. But such a certificate of Baptism may not be with him because he doesn't already live in the island. Alternatively, if he still has certificate of baptism, the it means that there were Christians who did not live in the island. This means one Christian is moving to a Christian island A, from a Christian island B. If we look closely, Christians island A and B are nothing but local churches or two different denominations. This is no different from current world.
So the best Christian world which is possible at this time is this world which God has given to us in His sovereign wisdom.
Thank you for reading!
I think God would wants us to live in our neighbourhoods and spread the Gospel there. I don't think He wants us to isolate ourselves.
ReplyDeleteAs long as we remember we are in the world but not of the world, that is enough to accomplish our task of spreading His Word.