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Outdated Beliefs

I grew up as a Christian being comfortable with my faith knowing that Christianity is the

largest religion in the world. But despite it being popular religion it does not appeal to everyone.

When I was in middle school I told someone that I would be leaving to go to church. And they

said “Ew,” it was just one word but it stuck with me. I was thinking why would they say that? I

thought that the way I acted was how they perceived Christians. As a kid, everything in my view

was a lot more positive because I wasn’t aware of the world around me. My humor and behavior,

when I was younger were acceptable because I was a kid, I was really stupid. As time changed I

grew and learned to improve myself to become at least a decent person. Grew up as a Christian

but some of the reputations of Christianity aren’t portrayed as the best. Believing that

Christianity is outdated since it's existed for 2000 years. And negative experiences with

Christians where they felt they were being judged. The most common criticism of Christianity is

its oppression of women, condemnation of homosexuality, and colonialism. Refusing to adapt to

modern times can make Christianity seem outdated. But I believe Christianity is not as bad as

people portray it as it’s only the reputation garnered because of using Christianity to justify their

hatred. In reality, Christianity is used as a guide to a fulfilling life. It provides a set of rules to

follow to improve yourself, not something used to please a god to make sure you end up in

heaven after you die. I’ve been told that it’s better to do good deeds for yourself than to please a

divine deity in the sky. And Jesus is a nice guy. Someone who died for your sins and will love

you no matter what despite all the mistakes in your life no matter how terrible your actions are is

insane. And that part is what made Christianity appealing to me, but to others, Christianity seems

outdated to the modern world. Are its methods and teachings outdated? Or by adapting

Christianity to the modern world will it stray from its original teaching? These two questions

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bring me to my senior project question, should Christianity adapt to the modern world to be

relevant?

I think it is essential to understand both sides of the argument about whether Christianity

should adapt to the modern world. The argument for Christianity's adaptation to the modern

world is that many people are looking for a purpose in a rapidly changing world and may be

drawn to religions that offer relevant and practical guidance to meet these challenges. And to do

that, they need to be relevant and appeal to a modern audience. But as Christianity adapts to

modern times, we lose some moral principles in the process. Andrea Scott, Adaptation could

compromise the integrity of belief and can lead to moral relativism. I agree that Christianity

should adapt to the modern world, but it is important to stay true to its traditional roots. And to

understand what Christianity has done to adapt to the modern world.

In the 20th century, the rise of science, secularism, and globalization led many Christians

to question traditional beliefs and practices and seek new ways of interacting with the world.

This led to new Christian movements such as Liberation Theology, which emphasized social

justice and political activism, and the Charismatic movement, which emphasized personal

spiritual experience and the gift of the Holy Spirit. In recent years, Christianity has continued to

adapt and change according to contemporary challenges and opportunities. One of the most

important developments was the growth of Christianity in the Global South, especially in Africa,

Asia, and Latin America. By 2020, fully two-thirds of all Christians were in the Global South

and only one-third in the Global North. By 2050, we expect that 77 percent of all Christians will

live in the Global South." (CCUSA) This has led to the emergence of new forms of Christianity

that integrate traditional beliefs and practices with local cultures and traditions. Another

important adaptation was the response of the church to issues such as climate change, social

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inequality, and globalization. Many Christians understood the need to deal with these problems

and decided to include social and environmental problems in their religious practices. To stay

current, Christianity in recent years has tried to engage socially with its faith. They were

involved in social justice movements and this took many forms including philanthropy,

advocacy, and political activism. "The Episcopal Church continues to partner with the Poor

Campaign to advocate truth and social change in systems of racism, poverty, ecological

destruction, and the war economy. The Episcopal Church fully embodies the gospel through this

important partnership with the Poor campaign of the Jesus Movement. (CCUSA) One of the

most important ways Christianity is socially committed to its faith is through charity. Many

churches and Christian organizations run food banks, homeless shelters, and other charitable

programs. "The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve those in need, to promote justice in

social structures, and to invite the whole Church and other people of goodwill to do the same."

(GQ) Christian organizations also run foreign aid and development programs that address issues

such as access to clean water, health, and education. Christianity is also socially committed to its

faith through influence and political activism. Many churches and Christian organizations have

been involved in social justice and human rights. These movements included the civil rights

movement, the anti-apartheid movement, and more recently the movements for LGBTQ rights

and environmental justice. "Forms of such justice include social encyclopedias published by the

Roman Catholic Church, the Social Gospel of American Protestant churches, and the role of

black churches in the civil rights movement. This will be complemented by Christian

involvement in environmental law, including the World Council of Churches, the Evangelical

Environmental Network, and now Pope Francis. (Claremont) Christian organizations also

support policies that are consistent with their values, such as policies that address poverty and

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inequality. In addition, Christianity is socially committed to its faith through pastoral care.

"Christian denominations use this term for more specific aspects of the priesthood, such as

counseling and visitation. The basic idea behind 'pastoral care' is that priests should care.

Pastoral care involves providing emotional and spiritual support to individuals and communities

in times of crisis or difficulties.

Although Christianity has done its best to adapt to modern times, it still has a bad

reputation for controversial teachings and practices. Some people may object to Christian

teachings on issues such as sexuality, gender roles, and abortion that they feel are outdated or

oppressive. The actions of certain Christian groups, such as those who protest at funerals or

engage in hate speech, can also influence negative perceptions of religion. "10. in March 2006,

the WBC picketed the funeral of Matthew Snyder, a Marine who died serving in Iraq. WBC

members held signs reading 'Thank God for dead soldiers and 'You're going to hell.'" (Wenger) In

addition, the actions of certain high-profile Christians, such as televangelists or politicians who

use Christianity to justify discriminatory policies, can influence negative perceptions of the

religion. “Religious freedom has been weaponized so frequently in civil liberties debates because

of the cultural and constitutional weight it carries. Such appeals have the potential to reshape

cultural and religious worlds: to make a group’s political convictions and cultural practices

appear more “religious,” or more central to their religion than they otherwise might have been.”

(Episcopal) When Christianity is used as a tool for self-gain or to excuse destructive behaviors, it

can create the impression that the religion is evil or misguided. Especially in politics where

Christianity is used as a tool to manipulate the crowd in their favor. According to my interview

with Scott Martin, “I feel like it was more of like a president that wasn't a Christian sort of trying

to kind of manipulate the base and you know it's not Christianity” Pastor Scott was referring to

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Donald Trump, the 45th U.S. president, being a non-denominational Christian. That he only says

that to appeal to the republican which consists mostly of Christians. Even Mike Pence, the 48th

U.S. Vice President suggest that Donald Trump’s not that much of a Christian. “I once invited

President Trump to Bible study,” Pence said in his speech. He liked the passages about the

smiting and perishing of their enemies. As he put it, ‘Ya know, Mike, there’s some really good

stuff in here.” (Kilgore) Not being a Christian but announcing to America can affect the

reputation of Christianity and put them in a bad light. This can lead to people questioning the

validity of Christianity as a whole. Sadly, some people defame Christianity since this may harm

both the religion's reputation and how its adherents are seen.

While Christianity is the most revelation religion in America and also is the largest

religion in the world. “Christianity is the largest, with more than two billion followers.

Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and is approximately 2,000 years

old.” (Vaughan) But there are still others that do not find Christianity appealing and believe that

it is outdated. Like atheists and agnostics that do not believe in the existence of god. Those who

do not agree with the teaching of Christianity, like the concept of original sin or the idea of

exclusive salvation through Christ. Members of the LGBTQ+ community. Some members of the

LGBTQ+ community may view Christianity as outdated because of traditional Christian

teaching on homosexuality and gender identity. Some scientists view Christianity as outdated

because scientific discoveries and advancements have made certain religions and practices

irrelevant. And those who had negative experiences with Christians, such as being mistreated or

feeling judged by Christians. When I asked Scott Martin about those who perceive Christianity

in bad light he said, “Christians aren't doing their job.” I asked the same question to Andrea

Martin and she said, “I think the reason why the world sees Christianity as harsh sometimes or is

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something it is difficult to follow is again, not because of God, not because of Jesus, not because

of the Holy Spirit but just because people who are not truly following God's Way and then they

call themselves Christians is that and that's just like at work and sometimes that can harm the

reputation of a workplace” I understand that

For instance, recent years have already seen considerable changes within the Catholic

Church, the biggest Christian group. The Vatican has made efforts to update its teachings, such

as its position on matters like same-sex marriage and the place of women in the Church. Pope

Francis has stressed the significance of providing LGBT people with respect and compassion.

Combating their outdated beliefs and gender roles the Vatican has included establishing a

commission to study the possibility of ordaining women as deacons.

Christianity plays a significant role in the lives of millions of people around the world.

Religion offers consolation and direction to those who seek it, and it has a rich literary, musical,

and artistic history that still inspires people today. Some may argue that Christianity is outdated,

it is a religion that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its followers. It

remains a vital and relevant part of the lives of millions of people around the world, and its

teachings continue to provide comfort, guidance, and inspiration to those who seek it.

The reason why so many are Christians nowadays is that Christianity gives a guide to

individuals to explore their spirituality and progress in their own life. People find comfort in their

faith to utilize it to handle life obstacles. Christianity is also important for the sense of

community and connection it provides. Churches often offer a place for people to come together,

share their experiences, and support one another. Christianity's moral teachings may also give

people a set of ethical guidelines to guide their decision-making. “Christian ethics is led by

God’s revelation in Scripture above other systems of thinking as it aims to love God and

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neighbor in every moral and ethical issue.” (Wenger) The teachings of Jesus and the Bible

emphasize love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice, and many Christians use these principles

to guide their actions and decisions. Additionally, compassion and service are highly valued in

Christianity. To combat poverty, provide healthcare, and advance social justice, many Christians

are actively engaged in charitable work and community service. Christian service is distinct from

community service because we want to emulate Jesus and God's love through our deeds. As we

serve others, we must do it to impart to them God's spirit, compassion, attitude, and humility.

(Westboro) This dedication to assisting others is an essential component of the Christian religion

and has benefited many individuals and communities all over the world.

Understanding how churches have attempted to adapt to modern times and how

Christianity has changed over time. I think that Christianity needs to change to fit the times.

During my interview with Andrea Scott, she believed that “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and

forever. That’s what the bible said so really the lord has just stayed true there hasn't been an adaptation

because god word is timeless and is not bound by time.” That the teaching of god can exist for eternity

and that the only things that change are humans. It's the job of the christian to adapt to the times to share

their faith with others. Many individuals look to conventional religious institutions for spiritual

guidance and purpose in their lives, yet they often do not. This is especially true for younger

generations, who frequently have doubts about established hierarchies and seek out more

welcoming neighborhoods. Christianity must be prepared to modify its doctrines and practices to

fit the requirements of modern audiences if it is to continue to be relevant to these people. Others

contend that for Religion to stay relevant and meaningful to modern audiences, it must change

with the times. They argued that since the time of Christ, the world has undergone significant

change, necessitating a new interpretation of the Bible's teachings. Moreover, they think that

many of the old Christian doctrines and practices need to be modified or abandoned to be viable

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in contemporary culture. Several topics that were formerly taboo or contentious, including

same-sex marriage and transgender rights, have gained acceptance. Christians may not agree

with all of these changes, but it's crucial to understand that just as the world is continually

changing, so too must the Church. Christians may show that they are a relevant and

forward-thinking force in society by adjusting to contemporary views rather than coming off as

outdated or backward. People from all over the world may now communicate with one another

and express their opinions and beliefs thanks to the development of social media and the internet.

As a result, Christians have a rare chance to reach a larger audience than ever before with their

message. Christians may contact individuals they may not have been able to previously by

adjusting to current communication techniques, such as social media, and so communicate their

message of love, hope, and salvation to a large audience worldwide.

As the world evolves and new ideas and practices emerge, Christianity needs to adapt and

evolve alongside it. However, this does not mean that the fundamental principles and values of

the faith should be compromised or abandoned. Rather, the process of adaptation should be

approached with careful consideration and discernment, ensuring that new ideas and practices

are consistent with the teachings of Christianity. Incorporating new ideas and practices while

maintaining the integrity of the faith requires a delicate balance between tradition and modernity.

Christians must remain true to the core principles of Christianity while also being open-minded

to new perspectives and viewpoints. This can be a challenging task, as it requires both a deep

understanding of Christian theology and an awareness of the cultural and societal changes taking

place in the world. Ultimately, each Christian must decide for themselves how they want to

interpret and practice their faith in the modern world. This decision should be made with careful

consideration of the teachings of Christianity and an awareness of the cultural and societal

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context in which they live. By approaching the process of adaptation with an open mind and a

commitment to staying true to the principles of Christianity, Christians can create a faith that is

both relevant and meaningful in the modern world.

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Work Cited

Books:

Scholarship @ Claremont | Claremont Colleges Research.

https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1151&context=pomona_theses.

Electronic Sources:

Kilgore, Ed. “Now He Tells Us: Pence Suggests Trump Is Not Much of a Christian.”

Intelligencer, 17 Mar. 2023,

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/03/mike-pence-suggests-donald-trump-is-not-a-real-christi

an.html.0major%20religions,is%20approximately%202%2C000%20years%20old.

Vaughan, Dan. “What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?” Encyclopædia

Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

https://www.britannica.com/story/what-is-the-most-widely-practiced-religion-in-the-worl

d#:~:text=Of%20the%20world's%2

Wenger, Tisa. “Perspective | Discriminating in the Name of Religion? Segregationists and

Slaveholders Did It, Too.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 28 Oct. 2021,

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/made-by-history/wp/2017/12/05/discriminating-i

n-the-name-of-religion-segregationists-and-slaveholders-did-it-too/.

West, Steven D. “Christian Ethics.” The Gospel Coalition,

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/christian-ethics/.

Catholic Charities USA, https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.

GotQuestions.org. “Home.” GotQuestions.org, 7 Dec. 2011,

https://www.gotquestions.org/pastoral-care.html.

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“Social Justice and Advocacy Engagement.” The Episcopal Church, 29 Aug. 2022,

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/social-justice-advocacy-engagement/.

“Trinity.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trinity-Christianity.

“Westboro Baptist Church.” Southern Poverty Law Center,

https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/westboro-baptist-church.

Work Consulted:

Martin, Scott. Youth Pastor, 2073 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Personal

interview. 29 March 2023.

Andrea, Scott. Youth Pastor, 2073 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Personal

interview. 23 April 2023.

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