Christianity as a crutch

[Zymologist]

This thread is me, sharing some random thoughts I've had recently. I don't expect this to be revelatory to any of you. And it isn't false humility, honest. (At least, I don't think it is....)

I've heard the phrase "Christianity is a crutch" or "Christianity is for weaklings," or something similar. It seems to be a somewhat common thought, if not expressed explicitly and frequently. Typically, I'd think it was dumb, ignorant, etc. I've been thinking about it a little differently lately.

I think now, if somebody said to me that Christianity is for the weak, I'd just say, "Well, yeah. That's the whole point." Insofar as a crutch is something that supports you when you cannot support yourself, then Christianity is absolutely a crutch. That's exactly why I'm a Christian. I am selfish, lazy, negligent, lustful, prideful, [fill in the blank], and yes I most definitely need something/someone beyond myself.

I suppose another way to put the spirit of this thread: As I've matured, I've noticed an increasing awareness of my own wretchedness, almost more than I've noticed anything else. Fortunately, there's a cure for that.

[Sparko]

Amen. Jesus is there for all of us weaklings. The whole point of Christianity is that we can't do it ourselves. Bring on the crutches! Heck, make it a wheelchair.

[TheWall]

Christianity is the only religion / kingdom that not only has a heroic place for weaklings but blesses them.

[Cow Poke]

Good reminder.

[One Bad Pig]

Amen. Jesus is there for all of us weaklings. The whole point of Christianity is that we can't do it ourselves. Bring on the crutches! Heck, make it a wheelchair.

Yeah, John Schlitt said something similar on Petra's live recording "Captured in Time and Space".

[JonathanL]

Amen. Jesus is there for all of us weaklings. The whole point of Christianity is that we can't do it ourselves. Bring on the crutches! Heck, make it a wheelchair.

Me too thanks.

[Darth Executor]

As I've matured, I've noticed an increasing awareness of my own wretchedness, almost more than I've noticed anything else.

I've also noticed an increased tendency to self debase oneself in men that I know. I think that's just because testosterone levels drop as you grow older.

[One Bad Pig]

I've also noticed an increased tendency to self debase oneself in men that I know. I think that's just because testosterone levels drop as you grow older.

Ever read The Ladder of Divine Ascent?

[Darth Executor]

Ever read The Ladder of Divine Ascent?

No.

[Zymologist]

I've also noticed an increased tendency to self debase oneself in men that I know. I think that's just because testosterone levels drop as you grow older.

Actually, I'm probably debasing myself less as I get older, although I get how that could sound contradictory and wouldn't make a lot of sense. That has to do with some other issues of mine. You could also say that as I get older, I'm increasingly aware of my need for a savior.

[Sparko]

Yeah, John Schlitt said something similar on Petra's live recording "Captured in Time and Space".

as did Jesus:

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

[Rayado]

"Christianity is a crutch" seems to me to be a misunderstanding of the Gospel. It may well be necessary for some people to personally improve their lives and get cleaned up, but it's not sufficient; someone who has their life in order and whose kids are alright may very well be closer to Hell than the neighborhood drunk or the strumpet on the street corner who is at rock bottom, but too often the implicit message that goes out is "You only need the Gospel if your life is a wreck." Jesus didn't die for us only that we could get our act together and live as model citizens, and it certainly doesn't help that an awful lot of popular American (read: evangelical) Christianity gives that impression.

[Jedidiah]

Rayado, I think you are reading too much into the concept of a crutch. No one suggested that you only need Him if your life is a mess. A good point in spite of this minor difference.

[Zymologist]

"Christianity is a crutch" seems to me to be a misunderstanding of the Gospel. It may well be necessary for some people to personally improve their lives and get cleaned up, but it's not sufficient; someone who has their life in order and whose kids are alright may very well be closer to Hell than the neighborhood drunk or the strumpet on the street corner who is at rock bottom, but too often the implicit message that goes out is "You only need the Gospel if your life is a wreck." Jesus didn't die for us only that we could get our act together and live as model citizens, and it certainly doesn't help that an awful lot of popular American (read: evangelical) Christianity gives that impression.

What I was trying to convey was that "Christianity is a crutch" seems to be intended as offensive, but in reality it's actually quite true--Christianity offers a solution to the problem that every human has (i.e., sin, rejection of God). Viewing it as a crutch seems to be right in line with the humility of recognizing one's need for a savior. It's just not intended that way when it's spoken, AFAICT. An unintentionally accurate characterization, in other words.

[mossrose]

What I was trying to convey was that "Christianity is a crutch" seems to be intended as offensive, but in reality it's actually quite true--Christianity offers a solution to the problem that every human has (i.e., sin, rejection of God). Viewing it as a crutch seems to be right in line with the humility of recognizing one's need for a savior. It's just not intended that way when it's spoken, AFAICT. An unintentionally accurate characterization, in other words.

It is an attempt in the minds of the person speaking it to justify their thinking that they are good enough as they are.

Exactly what you said here.