John's Beliefs

[AR15]

What do you all think were John's religious beliefs? That he was simply a non-church going Christian, or that he believed in God without the guidelines of any specific religion (simply a theist)? Or perhaps something else entirely? I think it's left vague enough for different interpretations to be allowed.

I personally think that John was the latter. To have differing beliefs within the family itself, but to still have them easily overcome makes the family seem even more accepting, The all inclusive religious outlook the show has is one of my favourite things about the show. I especially liked the sermon at the end of The Beginning when the minister is saying something about Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Agnostics and Atheists all be accepted or something like that (does anybody have the exact quote?). But I've gone off on a tangent! Back to the main subject, what do you all think of John's beliefs?

[childfree23]

I think John Sr. is a Christian man who does not like to be preached at or shouted at. He is secure enough in his faith to know what he believes and be able to "worship" as he chooses and on his own terms.

Although I'm Reform Jewish, I feel the same way, that I'm secure enough in my faith to know what I believe and be able to worship as I choose and on on my own terms.

Debby

[goodnight]

Although, I have heard that in reality, Southern Baptists would not be that leniant. I could be wrong.

[childfree23]

Goodnight, I think it all depends on the individual and the preacher. John Sr. has always been strong-willed and sort of rebellious. He is the type who doesn't let anyone tell him what to think or what to do. As he said in The Revival, "I'll not be shouted at." I also think that various preachers at the Baptist Church knew enough to "choose their battles" and not nag John Sr. about coming to church -- but don't think they didn't try!

But I do agree with you -- that Southern Baptists would *not* be that lenient -- and that wouldn't change a thing about John Sr.

Debby

[davidm]

Southern Baptists in those days were very much like fundamentalists today. I think John was turned off by the constant hell fire preaching. As I look at old photos of churches and the congregations I never see anyone smiling. It all seemed so strict and legalistic. I think that's what turn John away from organized Christianity.

[kimmy77]

I always thought John was like my Dad. He is a very Godly man but just doesn't go to church for his own reasons. I'm a born and raised Southern Baptist and my church is not like the one potrayed on the show. I agree with what davidm said.

[Marilyn]

I won't be shouted at either. God is love and His Word is love, meant to be spoken gently and with love. I think John believed in God but didn't think it was necessary to go to a church and mingle with other Christians. He definitely displayed all of the Christian values as laid out by the bible.

[River]

I personally believe actions speak louder than words and John's actions spoke for him. He was well repsected by members of the community and lived a good life. (He may have committed some sins, but nothing too outrageous.) Too many people go to church on Sunday and then forget what they learned on Sunday during the other days of the week.

[puglover]

John lived out christian beliefs better than most it seemed that went to church all the time. He seemed to have less problems with racial attitudes, forgiveness, and stuff that was the true measure of a man who has faith. I do wish he would have went more, as I wonder at times if it did send a wrong message and I would have liked him to have been baptized as that would have in my mind, given assent to faith in Jesus Christ.

[davidm]

Remember when John-Boy had to preach the sermon as the Rev and his new bride went on their honeymoon? John-Boy saw so much hypocrisy among those that were in the church; the backbiting, slander, rumormongers, etc. He preached about it, in a polite way, so the folks would get the message. This is what John saw too much of and didn't feel comfortable being in their midst. Remember how he stood up for the good Rev when he got drunk off the Recipe, and the missionary wanted to throw him by the wayside? This is what turns a lot of folks away from attending church.

[Marilyn]

Davidm, that was a good sermon and even a lesson for me!

River, those people are called Sunday Christians, Monday sinners. There's lots of that kind out there.

[Deleted]

I personally believe actions speak louder than words and John's actions spoke for him. He was well repsected by members of the community and lived a good life.

and he could be an atheist and exhibit this type of behavior. Religion has noting to d with being a good person, but I don't think John was and atheist.

[childfree23]

I don't think John Sr. was an atheist, either. Otherwise, he wouldn't have "asked the blessing" before each meal. He was truly a man of his word.

Debby

[JeriJet]

I think John definitely believed in God,.... But I'm not sure how he felt about Jesus -- he never mentions him. And that's okay.....

[Marilyn]

John talked about God once in awhile with JB and Livy. Livy always said "the Lord". I don't think she ever said God or Jesus. Most Christians believe in the trinity, so God would mean Jesus, vice versa.