i'm confused. (Jesus Christ, priests, moral, reject, exodus)

[ekym]

i think i might be converting to christianity. i have found new reasons to belive in jesus christ and his teachings, but i'm not sure i belive in God in the same way.
Do i need to belive in God (God as "human form")to be christian?
i do i need to follow ALL of the comandments?
can somone tell me?
...

[Seyorni]

I think you can accept or reject anything you want as long as Jesus is, in some respect, central to your faith. Of course, you may end up the sole representative of your denomination....
While specific Christian denominations usually have official dogmas which must be accepted, I don't know of any universally accepted "offocial" definition of "Christian."

I think our friend Michel has an interesting approach to this problem. As I understand it, he reveres the teachings of Jesusbut retains a degree of skepticism regarding the miracles, Divine Judge, right hand of God stuff (correct me if I've got this wrong, Michel).

[ekym]

i belive the miricles to an extent. but not particually that God himself is in the form of a human.

[ekym]

can anyone else offer their guidence?

[Phil Osophy]

So-called atheist vicars and priests were a hot topic in the UK media some years ago, and to some extent they remain so. This BBC web page gives a good idea of what it was all about:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/393479.stm

Exactly how much of the Christian doctrine you can discount, if any, and still remain a Christian, is clearly a mater of opinion. However, it is difficult to see how you can be a Christian without a belief in such fundamental things as a personal God and the need to obey all the commandments.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Seyorni

I think you can accept or reject anything you want as long as Jesus is, in some respect, central to your faith. Of course, you may end up the sole representative of your denomination....
While specific Christian denominations usually have official dogmas which must be accepted, I don't know of any universally accepted "offocial" definition of "Christian."

I think our friend Michel has an interesting approach to this problem. As I understand it, he reveres the teachings of Jesusbut retains a degree of skepticism regarding the miracles, Divine Judge, right hand of God stuff (correct me if I've got this wrong, Michel).

You're basically right Seyorni, thanks! It would take a long explanation to describe exactly what I believe in (because I am so awkward in what I believe in and how I interpret it), but, surprisingly enough, I have had chats with Victor (who is a devout Roman catholic, and who I think epitomises all the virtues of his faith) - and we have come to the conclusion that we have much in common.

Originally Posted by ekym

i think i might be converting to christianity. i have found new reasons to belive in jesus christ and his teachings, but i'm not sure i belive in God in the same way.
Do i need to belive in God (God as "human form")to be christian?
i do i need to follow ALL of the comandments?
can somone tell me?
...

I don't think I ought to give you advice - for the above reasons; the only answer I can give you is that I believe that we ought to follow the ten Commandments.......

As should non believers (as far as I am concerned), if you 'remove' the purely religiously orientated; most of them are the basis of any good Moral system.

[ChristineES]

Most Christians believe that Jesus was God in human form. There are a few denominations who don't believe this(Jehovah's Witnesses is one). If you follow Jesus, you must also follow his teachings and commandments, which are in the New Testament. I personally follow the Ten Commandments also which are in the book of Exodus as well, there are some Christians who don't believe that Christians are bound by these.
Finding the right denomination for you may be difficult, so just look around until you find the right one.

[Dream Angel]

Firstly can I suggest you move this thread to one of the religious forums. Maybe comparative religion? You may get more response and help there.

Im still looking myself so cant really help you. Different people have different ideas about what a "Christian" is. Some believe it is pure faith in Jesus Christ as our saviour. Other feel that it is the belief in the Trinity (personally I dont believe in that). Others believe it is following the teachings of Jesus Christ which would include the 10 commandments. Although I find the "Honour thy mother and father" one hard myself! but generally they are good for believers and non belivers alike!

May I ask, what are you reasons now for believing in Jesus Christ?

The other thing to think about, is without a God there is no Jesus. as the centre of christianity is that Jesus was the SON OF GOD, so the two sort of come hand in hand!
At the end of the day, its important to believe what you want to believe, dont put things into a box. But if you want to be part of a congregation or church it may be more difficult - unless of course you start your own.

Goodluck!

[Random]

You don't have to be a Christian or indulge any Abrahamic religion to believe in GOD.

You do not have to believe GOD takes human avatars, whether they be Krishna or Christ...

You personal relationship with Deity is or must become totally conceptual, subjective, intimate and selfless in terms of desire. Therein the mystery can reveal itself to you.

You need no labels, titles or groups to have this, as none of them can give it to you.

Be @ one with God, Nature, Brahma or whatever you wish to call it in your own spiritual evolution.

But most of all, be happy and well.

peace and blessings,
Random

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by ekym

i belive the miricles to an extent. but not particually that God himself is in the form of a human.

I have met many a Christian whose concept of the One God is not of a "person" (a personal god). You would certainly not be alone in that.