July 28, 2012
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What Spiritual Topic is Important to You?
People approach their faith in different ways. I find the "why" people believe what they believe an extremely fascinating topic. When one takes the time to actively listen vice preparing their mind for the next rebuke or rebuttal, one discovers very interesting facets about a person and people in general.
For instance, I look at the daily Bible verse on BibleGateway and Our Daily Bread as a morning focus. Our Daily Bread also has a topical search engine. In their sidebar, they show which topics have been searched most frequently. Notice what is LARGEST and smallest in their picture:
Christlikeness, Savior, trials, love for, and obedience rank among the most searched.
Hope, missions, and wisdom are among the least searched.
I find that people seek information for two general reasons.
The first is to find information that supports what they already believe. I'd give that about 80% in what I've seen in most people. (Just look at a bookshelf or computer search history, and you'll see.) I find that people tend to avoid reading or hearing information that challenges them, spiritually, politically, or personally.
The second reason is to find an answer to a question. Generally, this type comes from students and a very few people who are lifelong truth-searchers.
IF I am correct, then I'd say that most of the high-search topics above illustrate topics Christians believe they already have together and are looking for confirmation, while the smaller ones are the ones represent qualities most don't want to look at.
Comments (7)
I didn't realize that 'Christlikeness' was a word much less a popular one...
I believe many that turn to faith do so because empirical evidence hasn't really worked or the evidence supports the idea of faith in a higher being. So those at this particular page may not be doing so because of ignorance but because they are looking for strength for their convictions. A crutch if you may. And possibly an easy answer as you say...
@HereLiesNelsontheGreat - I think you have some excellent points.
What people believe tends to be based on a mix of what they've experienced and what they've been told. I find that everyone has "faith" in something (person, thing, process, idea).
Those with weaker faith (most people, I believe), look for crutches ("proof") to support their viewpoint. Those with a strong faith look for challenges to what they believe (a minority), to test if their faith is well founded. If so, they seek another challenge, if not, they alter their point-of-view and then challenge that. In time, their well-tested faith becomes a rock of wisdom and hope.
I guess I'm just different. I love a challenge.
I do start a search generally supporting my ideas, but love to trail off to the 'other side' and hear other points of view.
I don't like to just have a good argument, I'd much rather understand where people come from.
I think it would be a little odd to start a search or study based on something that you have no interest in. And generally one is looking to prove something or other when they study. right?
@xXrEMmUsXx - I don't think most people are interested in hearing where someone else is coming from, except to reaffirm how their beliefs are the "right one." Pick any controversial topic: gay marriage, ordained women, birth control, creationism. You will note that most people have a defined opinion and read material that supports their opinion on this subject of interest. So - it's not so much that most people aren't interested in the subject, they aren't interested in hearing opposing points of view.
I like that you seek to "understand" others. It's far more rare a quality than you may realize.
If you had made the statement "IF I am correct, then I'd say that most of the high-search topics above illustrate topics Christians believe they already have together and are looking for confirmation," About 4-5 yrs ago, I would have agreed with you. But working in the Bible dept. of a large Christian retailer I can tell you that there is a serious trend in my customers.
Most have heard so much "stuff" about what to believe and what God says that they have had their fill and now what to know what God REALLY says. And they want to hear it from Him. They want a Bible in words they can understand and are as accurate to the original texts as possible. Which is usually NOT a KJV.
Which tells me that the trust level in the pulpit is an all time low (probably from too much bad preaching & bad media hype!)
When you stop to think about it, though, that is a Good thing. People are beginning to seek a real relationship with God. They're not just depending on their Pastor for the things that God needs to bring into their lives.
I think most good pastors would agree that they are a guide to God not a replacement for Him!
There are those that have strong believes in place and voice that loudly. They search for reaffirming scripture, But... I would guess that is because somewhere inside they want to make sure they really have it right and that they are not just parroting what they have been taught.
After all who wants to look like an idiot shooting off at the mouth when they are trying to make a stand for their faith?
@KateeLee1 - I really like your points.
i always start by making sure I am right by studying what I 'think' is right before speaking about it. that doesn't mean I just want to prove something to people, but I want to prove it to myself.
I also like the points about seeking GOD, a real relationship.
@BookMark61 - This is where most people need to change. It is sometimes much better to listen than be heard. If you are only willing to teach and not be taught... shame on you (not you really, but whomever).
Of course, I didn't figure this out until about age 25 =] so... immaturity is to blame for a lot of this.
Comments are closed.