Any Christian cyclist out there? - Page 4

sure, because as we all know, the ancient greeks & romans were such great guys that all the surrounding countries gladly gave up their lands so they could be included in the cultural benefits.

Steve, you seem like a great guy. I am sure all your Aussie Mates are proud that you are representing their country.

As for the reason I started this thread to begin with, it has nothing to do with starting a debate. I have already stated my reasons for wanting to share my faith.

Clearly you are the want that enjoys throwing out bombs just to get a response. Well, you got one more, hope you go find another way to get your jollies.

The same way I feel when someone rides up on Shimano. They may be faithless and ignorant, but they have a right to be. As a true believer, I can only do my best to set a good example. Alright, so that's at least half satire. I would at least try to find out where the guy was coming from before making any kind of judgment. People who make loud, knee-jerk judgements based on a one word label like "Christian" or "Athiest" show their lack of character by doing so. I'll never understand how some people can be so personally offended by the thought of someone else trying to spread a positive message.

Einstein may have had some brilliant insights into physics, but his personal life was a wreck. You don't see people reading St. Augustine in an attempt to understand quantum mechanics.

artmichalek,

Good points! I too wonder the same. - "I'll never understand how some people can be so personally offended by the thought of someone else trying to spread a positive message."

I would understand the outrage better if I was going door to door disturbing some of you at your house or something along those lines. It is just a shirt. If you see me in it and are interested in knowing more about it, then ask me about it. If not, then don't. Either way, let's get a good ride in.

Well, just so you know... not everyone considers your message to be positive (yes, even those who are fully aware what the message is), and some consider it to be a sign of exclusionary elitism.

Religion is one of the most divisive issues in the world today (maybe in all of history). You shouldn't be surprised that your jersey is seen by some as a division sign.

<group hug>

Fair enough, but any symbol is bound to have negative connotations to someone. The fact that some people might see it as an endorsement of illicit EPO use is no reason for anyone to not wear a Discovery jersey. (I'm not saying he did it or even that I believe he did. It's just a good example where there's no concrete proof either way.) What it means to the wearer is all that really matters.

"<group hug>" - Funny!

Yes, it is divisive, but in my mind too important to ignore. I will take the persecution in hopes of reaching and encouraging some with a positive message. It seems like the least I could do for someone that suffered far worse than I can ever imagine.

It seems to me that if more Christian's would take a stand in some way instead of cowering in the closet so as not to offend anyone, the world would be a better place.

Matthew 6:5-6: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men....when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret...."


So even Christians may not see your display in the way that you are intending.

__________________

That quote from Matthew speaks only to the personal relationship that Christ seeks with each of us. For sure, that is the most important because without that, we have nothing and certainly don't have anything to go and share with anyone else.

Check out what else Scripture Says

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19, 20).

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

"I tell you the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).

"He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you" (John 16:14).

This may be true, yet the verse you cite does not apply to the context of the original thread. ........maybe you could cite the great comission, that would apply IMO........... but darn it, that would just prove his position, and we would never want to use scripture to that end would we?

I belong to the church of George Carlin.

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2003 Gary Fisher Zebrano (standard gearing)
Comfort commuter with drop and aero bars.
Think of a Buick.

1974 Schwinn Traveler Fixed Gear Conversion (42x13)

Think of some medieval torture element that goes fast

Wheelist, show me the bike!!!!!!!

Being a Christian, I'd be proud to wear a Christian jersey. It'd be the same to me as wearing my school jersey (well if we had one I guess), wearing a bikerchick jersey, or a cookie monster jersey. (mmm cookies!!) They are all just labels; part of who I am. None of those parts define me entirely.

I'm aware that there are people out there who are offended or scared of Christianity, or just plain don't believe it. But I don't live my life to cater to other people. And if someone wants to judge me solely on what jersey I wear, then I really can't believe I'm missing out by not being approached by that person.

As far as the Christian riding clubs go, I think it's awesome. One of my campus ministry groups has a few people who bike that I go with sometimes. We'd never turn away anyone who wanted to ride with us, but at the same time, we enjoy riding together because as Christians, as college students, as people living in the same locale, we share a lot of things. Is it any different to like to ride with Christians than it is choosing which "non-Christians" you ride with? (by that I just mean that every picks who they ride with. You make a decision to ride or not to ride with people. There have been groups I have ridden with that I disliked, or specific people that I wasn't really thrilled to ride with. So what is the difference? Ultimately you try to ride with people who you enjoy riding with; either because you enjoy their company, the competition of riding with them, or both.

I couldn't have said it better myself!

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Diana

http://playsinmud.blogspot.com

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO - What a Ride!

And your point is? I was seriously trying to avoid this thread, and to avoid posting in it. I have no problem with Christians who want to spread their faith. I have a brother like that whom I love very dearly. I only hope that when they receive a message of disinterest or offence, that the "deliverer" (no offence intended, I just can't think of another word...its bedtime for me) relent from his preaching...this would save alot of useless hostility. My brother, knowing I am an agnostic, once got me a bible for Christmas. I cannot even tell you where it is today. Did I like the gift...no. Did I appreciate the thought behind it...yes, but I also told him that I would like him to be my brother, as in sibling, and not my minister.

What does being an American have to do with being a Christian? We are not perfect as a nation, but I believe there is no such thing.

Just my 2 cents,

Peace,

Brian

__________________
"Don't think, feeeeeeeeeeeeel....
It is like a finger, pointing away
to the moon......
Don't concentrate on the finger,
or you'll miss all that Heavenly glory."

Bruce Lee
"Enter The Dragon"

Admirable thoughts, but in this world I think it is prudent not to go around offending people...it could get you hurt. There is a severe lack of thick skin out there.

__________________
"Don't think, feeeeeeeeeeeeel....
It is like a finger, pointing away
to the moon......
Don't concentrate on the finger,
or you'll miss all that Heavenly glory."

Bruce Lee
"Enter The Dragon"