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We have no Born Again Christians in Denmark.

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It is (in Danish eyes) a very peculiar way to see the world, so I am fascinated by it.

'’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me!'

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ORIGINAL: rlj

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We have no Born Again Christians in Denmark. It is (in Danish eyes) a very peculiar way to see the world, so I am fascinated by it. Besides – it gets boring to debate with people who all agree with you.

I never realized that but then I don't believe that Denmark (Norway and Sweden also I would think) were ever under the influence of Rome or the Christian church like most of the other European countries were. Your statement took me by surprise until I thought it through some more.

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ORIGINAL: rlj
Did the Orthodox Church make any headway into Finland? Is it considered a Nordic country - I have heard both yes and no. I realize for centuries they had very close ties to Russia.

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ORIGINAL: Anoc

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We have no Born Again Christians in Denmark.

I'm absolutely sure that's not true . They might not call themselves born again Christians because in Europe many people either don't know the term or think that's for Americans only. "Evangelical" is probably better known. The basic ideas are the same: the sinfulness of mankind and the need for repentance through faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the Bible as the authoritative source of faith and practice, and the commitment to share God with others.

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ORIGINAL: Anoc

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It is (in Danish eyes) a very peculiar way to see the world, so I am fascinated by it.

WormHeart, what do Danes find so peculiar? If you have already explained it elsewhere, link me to it.

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Then theres the very heavy-handed rejection of gays.
It is seen as hypocritical to pick out an “easy” sin and then turn to full wrath while ignoring all the rest that ordinary people are dealing with.

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ORIGINAL: WormHeart

Well, of course we have lots of people who are serious about their Christianity.
Theres actually a struggle going on in the National Church between cultural Christianity and “real” Christianity. It’s divided straight down the middle between the two.

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But when we hear the term “Born Again” we think of US Born Agains who have some rather special ideas-

Well, for startes the whole Creationist thing is seen as insane. No offense intended, but it is considered a relic from the dark ages among most Danish Christians.

Then theres the very heavy-handed rejection of gays.
It is seen as hypocritical to pick out an “easy” sin and then turn to full wrath while ignoring all the rest that ordinary people are dealing with.

Then there’s the abortion debate.

Basically it is the impression over here, that Born Again Christians is very conservative, want men to be in charge over women, ignore science, want special rights for Christianity and are generally a bit scary – particular since they wield real political power.

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I know that image is a gross caricature since I have met plenty here who are not at all like that, but if I count up people here who would agree with the above, I don’t think I’d have enough fingers.

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And that is a bit strange.

'’Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out me!'

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Basically it is the impression over here, that Born Again Christians is very conservative, want men to be in charge over women, ignore science, want special rights for Christianity and are generally a bit scary – particular since they wield real political power.

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I know that image is a gross caricature, since I have met plenty here who are not at all like that, but if I count up people here who would agree with the above, I don’t think I’d have enough fingers.

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ORIGINAL: rlj
I'll touch this briefly before I head out. It was only the last 5 or 6 years did I really start to understand what you said is wrong and it was my Pastor who very briefly touched on it since we'd probably have burned him in oil and crucified him upside down had he gone into detail. The biggest problem is the thought of 2 guys together is just totally repugnant to me and many others and gross to think about. I started realizing though that Christ died for all sinners and that in the grand scheme we need to love and accept those types of people and it needs to supercede what we may feel or believe about their lifestyle. We short change the gospel if we only want to see salvation come to those whose sins don't offend us.

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ORIGINAL: Anoc

Thanks for your explanation, it's pretty much what I expected. As a European evangelical Christian I feel with you on some points, especially on what I think is the very unfortunate politicization of some aspects of Christianity in the US. I don't think a topic like homosexuality is something most Christians would have chosen to highlight so publicly, but because it happens to be a hot social issue the responses of Christians have been all over the news - the more "full wrath", the better for sales. Christians should never ever resort to any kind of abuse or even violence, no matter how much we might disagree with something. But I am unapologetic about the right of Christians to express their commitment to the teachings of the Bible in public without having to fear being abused and ridiculed in turn.

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ORIGINAL: Anoc
I myself don't agree with every or even most points on your list, but I'm still easily identifiable as an evangelical, or born again Christian if you like. The real key points for evangelicals are faith in salvation through Jesus Christ, commitment to the Bible and evangelism. Most disagreements I might have with other Christians on social or political issues won't matter as long as we agree on the important points.

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I'd happily admit to being a bit strange at times .

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ORIGINAL: earthless

I want to take a quick moment to publically thank Wormheart for his openness to our questions and for having enough sense to be able to post on a Christian message board and be respectful about it all.

Thank you Wormheart and glad to have you here with us.