[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

210.0. "Assertiveness" by LJOHUB::NSMITH (rises up with eagle wings) Wed Apr 10 1991 13:54

    This note to discuss, make observations, and comment on the topic
    of assertiveness within the context of Christian faith and practice.
    
    Nancy
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
210.1To start:LJOHUB::NSMITHrises up with eagle wingsWed Apr 10 1991 13:5713
    It seems fitting to have a string on assertiveness follow one on
    submission.  I believe that Christian teaching often emphasizes 
    submission (or more specifically, passiveness) in inter-personal
    relationships to the exclusion of the equally-valid and equally-needed
    trait of assertiveness.
    
    Such emphasis on the one at the expense of the other cripples and
    distorts the Christian message, IMO, and prevents many Christians and
    churches from having an effective witness.
    
    Nancy
    
    
210.2ATSE::FLAHERTYA K'in(dred) SpiritWed Apr 10 1991 14:5816
Wow Nancy, this is a timely topic for me.  Dr and I were just discussing via 
mail, how does a Christian be assertive over money matters.  I don't think
Donald will mind if I reprint part of his message here:


	There is a time for sowing and a time for reaping.  
	A time for acceptance and a time for assertion.  And
	A time for the wind to break the wainscot where the field mouse 
		trots and to 
	Shake the tattered arras woven with the silent motto.*  


*Ecclesiastes and TS Eliot, more or less


Ro (and Dr)
210.3:^)WMOIS::REINKEHello, I'm the Dr!Wed Apr 10 1991 16:011
    
210.4Jesus, an example of assertivenessCSC32::J_CHRISTIEUncomplacent PeaceWed Apr 10 1991 23:206
    Jesus certainly did not lack assertiveness.
    
    Neither did Jesus dominate people, nor did he impose his will upon others.
    
    Peace,
    Richard
210.5Assertiveness .ne. aggressivenessLJOHUB::NSMITHrises up with eagle wingsThu Apr 11 1991 00:1315
    re: .4,
    
    Was Jesus passive?  Too often we think of passiveness and assertiveness
    as opposite ends of a spectrum, when it's really passivess and
    *aggressiveness* as the two ends.  
    
    Assertiveness is neither aggressiveness nor competition.
    
    We had special classes in our church this winter on assertiveness, or,
    as the leader titled it, "Dealing with Differences."  I plan to share 
    from that class later on.  
    
    Meanwhile, more thoughts?
    
    Nancy
210.6CSC32::J_CHRISTIEUncomplacent PeaceThu Apr 11 1991 00:4510
Note 210.5
    
>    Was Jesus passive?

	I would not describe Jesus as passive.  However, I do believe that
Jesus deliberately aligned his will with Divine will, particularly at
difficult times:  "Not my will, but Thine."

Peace,
Richard
210.7Assert His WillCSC32::LECOMPTEI married my sister in MontanaThu Apr 11 1991 07:048
    
    	People often mistake assertiveness for domination.  Assertiveness
    is a VERY important part of being a christian.  Especially when it
    comes to preaching the gospel.  Jesus said to 'COMPELL' them to come.
    We need to be assertive as christians, but we need to make sure that 
    we are assertive when it comes to Gods' will not ours.  
    
    								_ed-