67 replies to this topic

[ThePortal]

Theportal- To answer your question.. I personally don't think Jesus approves at "Christianity". I couldn't say I follow it, but what else can I call myself? I believe in Jesus, God, and my own moral beiefs and what not.. I just don't agree with christianity and the way it teaches about Jesus. I don't know what you would call someone like me, that is way I use the term "Christian"

Why would you need to call yourself anything?

First it is not only Christianity who follow Jesus teachings. Not that I am saying to change religion. It is only to show that Christain are not the only one.

Further more, I have knowned many people who follow Jesus teachings and believe in God but do not take part in any particular religion. Spirituality is a personnal thing to start with. You relationship with God is yours and yours alone.

Jesus was a very wise man and a teacher. I do not see any need to be part of a religion to listen to is wise words. I for one listen to many such wise teachers and do not follow any religion. What do I call myself, nothing at all    Only a spiritual person who listen to wisdom and love and strive to always be a better person.


The problem is that if you choose to call yourself Christian, then you have to take everything that comes with it, the good and the bad. Same thing if you do not.

If you call yourself Christian, those who do not believe is this religion or no religion will question you and will not be afraid to let you know how they see Christianity and will wonder why you follow such things.

If you dont call yourself Christian, then the Christian will perhaps judge you, tell you that you will go to hell or that you are not a true believer.

Whatever you choose, some will support you, some won't.

But what is really important is your relationship with Jesus and God. What others think is totally irrelevent.

Do what you think is best, stand up to what you believe in and know to be true and dont be afraid of opposition. Wherever you are you will encounter some. Unfortunatly there is no way around that. So better be in a position where you know your true feelings lies  

Good luck and be well

ThePortal

[Good Ol Skeptico]

I just don't think you should judge people if you've never even met them in person...  

[Ashley-Star*Child]

I just don't think you should judge people if you've never even met them in person... 

No, you shouldn't. What comes across from a computer screen isn't the be all and end all of a person.

[Ashley-Star*Child]

In fact, you're not supposed to judge at all. It was written that men were not made for the purpose of judgement. Leave that to God, Jesus, the Irin Qaddism, etc.

[theomegacode]

I too was born and baptized a catholic, but I don't really follow it. I myself (my brother gave the idea) would rather interpret the bible my own way, not the way a certain religion does. My grandma was telling me that when she was in highschool (she went to a catholic school), she asked one of the nuns why they don't teach out of the bible and the nun said that they didn't want the students interpreting it differently.
And about the believing in God and not being christian deal, if you believe in God and that Jesus died for our sins, you are a christian. There's different types of christianity like catholicism, methodist, presbyterian, etc. So you can't say you believe in God and Jesus and say you aren't christian.

[QueenoftheNight]

I disagree. What Portal said has kinda opened my eyes. I love Jesus, I love God.. I listen to Jesus words and teachings. Just because I don't believe in the ways and teachings of the Christian religion.. I can't continue to believe in him? If that is what most Christians believe, Then why would I want to be a part of that group? I get nasty looks and cursed to hell for voicing my opinion in church? I believe everyone gets a chance to go to heaven, not just people who are perfectly "right". I am Spiritual, and I choose to follow my own beliefs and path, not those of others.

[SilverCougar]

I disagree. What Portal said has kinda opened my eyes. I love Jesus, I love God.. I listen to Jesus words and teachings. Just because I don't believe in the ways and teachings of the Christian religion.. I can't continue to believe in him? If that is what most Christians believe, Then why would I want to be a part of that group? I get nasty looks and cursed to hell for voicing my opinion in church? I believe everyone gets a chance to go to heaven, not just people who are perfectly "right". I am Spiritual, and I choose to follow my own beliefs and path, not those of others.

Then it sounds like you're ready to go your own path away... and if God and Jesus is on that path, then it sounds right for you.   You don't need a title or a name.. just your faith.

[stillcrazy]

Then it sounds like you're ready to go your own path away... and if God and Jesus is on that path, then it sounds right for you. You don't need a title or a name.. just your faith.

IMO and to agree a great deal with SC. Religion and Faith are two different things.

I follow the teachings of Christ, I have read the bible and believe it is the inspired word of God. I do not nor will I ever belong to a church. I am not a religious person, but a person of faith.  

I try and not judge people, but alas, I am human and have the same problems with judgement that others do. Much to my own regrets.

Faith and belief is a personal matter, it does not need a priest, rabbi or cleric to tell me what I feel in my heart and soul is right.

Peace to all. And may your God shine down upon you.

[Sir Christopher]

-Post removed by request-

Edited by Sir Christopher, 17 January 2005 - 03:43 AM.

[Ashley-Star*Child]

I disagree. What Portal said has kinda opened my eyes. I love Jesus, I love God.. I listen to Jesus words and teachings. Just because I don't believe in the ways and teachings of the Christian religion.. I can't continue to believe in him? If that is what most Christians believe, Then why would I want to be a part of that group? I get nasty looks and cursed to hell for voicing my opinion in church? I believe everyone gets a chance to go to heaven, not just people who are perfectly "right". I am Spiritual, and I choose to follow my own beliefs and path, not those of others.

Ok, just for the record, I don't follow every rule of Christianity here. Enoch is not a canonized book, and alot of the Christian *rules* are so man-made and Medievil that it can make you squirm. I do however, incorporate some of Judiasm's rules into what I believe because it is the root of Christianity, and the bottom line is, I do believe in God, and Jesus, and Mary, etc, but it's about about the religion. Religion is the system, not the belief.

[Sir Christopher]

-Post removed by request-

Edited by Sir Christopher, 17 January 2005 - 07:52 AM.

[Sir Christopher]

-Post removed by request-

[Potholer]

It is indeed tragic that people judge all of Christianity on the actions of a few. My mum does it. I never realised she was so anti-Christian until I got into a (small) argument with her over the values of being a Christian. I think she judges all of Christianity on the crusades and the many horrible and hypocritical things people have done in the name of the religion. It is the people who do those things, not God (who/whatever God is)

For the first time ever I went to Church yesterday, knowing and understanding what it represents. I have no intention of converting (I'm agnostic) but my friend invited me. And you know what? They were all great. I swear I shook hands with just about everyone there and my friend introduced me to so many people. However awkward it felt to be singing along to hymns that professed one's happiness at choosing the path of Jesus, I still enjoyed myself and it was an interesting experience.

Not only that but afterwards I went back to my friend's house and for an hour and a half I asked them questions about Christianity. I now now what it means to be Christian and really admire them for their beliefs as they in no way tried to convert me but willingly answered all my questions. I respected them and they respected me.

I don't understand how some of you don't consider yourselves Christians. I decided to look up the definition of the word -

As an adjective, "Professing belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus. "
As a noun, "One who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or follows the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus.
One who lives according to the teachings of Jesus."

If you do that, you're a Christian. But then, another friend also said that you must accept the Bible as truth so, I guess I'm not sure.

You all should understand that the denomenations are very different. It's silly, I know, but it's true.

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the rules by which Christians live by outlined in Psalms? Therefore they are inspired by God, not man.





Potholer

[joc]

If you do that, you're a Christian. But then, another friend also said that you must accept the Bible as truth so, I guess I'm not sure.

Most of the disareement concerning that 'truth' is by those who believe it to be true, but disagree on what that 'truth' actually is or means.

You all should understand that the denomenations are very different. It's silly, I know, but it's true.

See above statement.

Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the rules by which Christians live by outlined in Psalms? Therefore they are inspired by God, not man.

There is only one rule:  Forgiveness.  It is what makes a Christian a Christian.  Without forgiveness it is just so much religious hocky.....but then that is already covered in another thread.

[themannamedpatty]

i am only antagonized at the christians that go around calling people a "wanna be goth kid" just for asking about the third antichrist and revealing their birthday

Edited by themannamedpatty, 17 January 2005 - 09:04 PM.