Wade wrote:
I really feel strongly if I presented to these people sarcastic or mocking memes I would NOT have any GOOD opportunity to point them to the only place that there is Hope. Christianity is no joke. We need each others help and prayers in this battle - it seems that is too much to ask.
Faith communities that can’t handle criticism or humor — especially from those who are in or came from it — are either deeply insecure or cult-like.
DKCM is not outreach and “what will the visitors think” type of arguments are not helpful to the life of the community.
Wade wrote:
I really feel strongly if I presented to these people sarcastic or mocking memes I would NOT have any GOOD opportunity to point them to the only place that there is Hope. Christianity is no joke. We need each others help and prayers in this battle - it seems that is too much to ask.
Faith communities that can’t handle criticism or humor — especially from those who are in or came from it — are either deeply insecure or cult-like.
DKCM is not outreach and “what will the visitors think” type of arguments are not helpful to the life of the community.
I am a seeker who was an atheist for over 25 years, so I guess I view things from a different angle.
I don't want to be selfish but I need help and help dealing with so many requests for help - I don't even belong to any church, I have a wife and 6 young children and often sleep little... I don't have time for all this messing around and if DKCM is that important to CA's then I'll just stay away.
Wade wrote:
I really feel strongly if I presented to these people sarcastic or mocking memes I would NOT have any GOOD opportunity to point them to the only place that there is Hope. Christianity is no joke. We need each others help and prayers in this battle - it seems that is too much to ask.
Faith communities that can’t handle criticism or humor — especially from those who are in or came from it — are either deeply insecure or cult-like.
DKCM is not outreach and “what will the visitors think” type of arguments are not helpful to the life of the community.
I am a seeker who was an atheist for over 25 years, so I guess I view things from a different angle.
I don't want to be selfish but I need help and help dealing with so many requests for help - I don't even belong to any church, I have a wife and 6 young children and often sleep little... I don't have time for all this messing around and if DKCM is that important to CA's then I'll just stay away.
I think that’s a legitimate choice and I wish you God’s blessings as you minister to others and find support for yourself. I just find it fascinating that some people seem to feel so threatened by this.
I take offence to this statement. I have not ignored huge issues like sexual abuse, and indeed lost my home church and my reputation due to my stance.
It’s possible to be opposed to use of Internet “memes” and yet also take a stance against things like materialism. And in my experience, liberals are just as likely as conservatives to cover up abuse.
If it helps you any, I wasn't thinking about anybody in particular when I wrote what I did. Thank you for not ignoring sexual abuse. So if what I wrote doesn't fit you, don't wear it. I would really like for what I said to not be true, but I know what I have seen. Of course, there are exceptions to what I said, thank God, but I was speaking generally.
As for pitting conservatives against liberals; I'm not interested and wasn't comparing them in what I wrote. I think those labels could be stuck on the same person at the same time in some situations; it often depends on who is doing the labeling.
ToseekGod wrote:
I get what you're saying and agree to some extent. There is absolutely a great need for loving warm discipleship. However there are people (like me) who are reached on a more intellectual level. Their interest and hearts are grabbed by intellectual stimulation and challenge. DKCM supplies this (though it has slipped over the past couple months).
What's your background?
It's intriguing because until this year there was no CA church near the area I live. And I tell you these mocking memes of others peoples beliefs is not doing any good in leading them closer to Christ. I am working among these people being mocked... If they find you supporters of DKCM I might as well give up.
Wade, can you help me understand what group(s) of people you’re working with that these memes are mocking? Most memes I’ve seen are criticizing valid issues in the church, or are bringing to light the hypocrisy of those who claim to be CA or Kingdom Christian but who support republican candidates like Trump, are overtly or subtly racist, things like that. I haven’t seen a single meme mocking people genuinely struggling at all.
The people I talk to vary drastically... From an abused, drunkard, immoral, ex-military, Anglican man, to people that have been Christians for 20-40 years who have through seminary training and have never regonized that the gospel Jesus taught was the gospel of the kingdom. Some are Calvinists or used to be. Some are atheists. Some are Catholics and have a lot more reverence when it comes to God than to be able stand this stuff. Drug addicts. Seven day adventists. JWs. 8 men I have regular contact with have confided in being suicidal. You name it.
People who are supporting any political candidates, and who are racist -ARE struggling big time. Poking fun at the outward manifestation of a heart problem closes people off from further engagement that could promote dealing with and healing that heart problem. I don't know why this is hard to understand?
Wade wrote:
I really feel strongly if I presented to these people sarcastic or mocking memes I would NOT have any GOOD opportunity to point them to the only place that there is Hope. Christianity is no joke. We need each others help and prayers in this battle - it seems that is too much to ask.
Faith communities that can’t handle criticism or humor — especially from those who are in or came from it — are either deeply insecure or cult-like.
DKCM is not outreach and “what will the visitors think” type of arguments are not helpful to the life of the community.
I am a seeker who was an atheist for over 25 years, so I guess I view things from a different angle.
I don't want to be selfish but I need help and help dealing with so many requests for help - I don't even belong to any church, I have a wife and 6 young children and often sleep little... I don't have time for all this messing around and if DKCM is that important to CA's then I'll just stay away.
And I’m also a former atheist/agnostic who once also greatly enjoyed consuming (and occasionally creating) Internet memes, and my reaction and feeling is identical to Wade.
Perhaps former atheists who become converted to Christianity and a conservative Mennonite faith feel a particular way about this.
Ethnic Mennonites who are moving towards a more mainstream lifestyle seem to feel differently and think these memes are great.
