No Longer a Christian (Jesus, Earth, Kingdom, beliefs, follower)

[lousyskater]

that article is basically the way i have felt about christianity in general. i've never understood why people call themselves christian when they don't follow Christs ideals and way of life. of course i'm an atheist, so i don't believe Christ was the son of god, but i don't doubt that he was a very good person.

[jewscout]

That was an extremely insightful article. Two thumbs way up Rex. Keep up the good work.

[robtex]

there are so many different churches to Christianty its hard to say what is a christian today. i would love to hear in the christian section what makes up a christian ....what core beliefs are neccessary. i live with fundamentalists, work with them, shop with them speak with them. Very little hate when they are by themselves. Very undealistic. It is hard to explain. Most are pretty laid back more concerned about their kids their jobs and their cars. Somehow you put them in a church and whammo you get zealots who want to rule the world. I don't go to their churches so I don't know what is said but in the back of my mind I think it is a small minority within certain churches that move these mountains by motivating others who are more or less not as emotional or compelled on these issues. I would have to confess in the same breath that my theory is based on ignorance since I don't go to chruches or study the religion. The only thing that leads me to this conclusion is that I talk to right wing christians every day and they just don' wear abortion, anti-gay, anti muslim ideals on their sleeves. anybody got insight on this?

[Rex]

Just re-bumping this up for those that haven't seen it.

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by robtex

there are so many different churches to Christianty its hard to say what is a christian today. i would love to hear in the christian section what makes up a christian ....what core beliefs are neccessary. i live with fundamentalists, work with them, shop with them speak with them. Very little hate when they are by themselves. Very undealistic. It is hard to explain. Most are pretty laid back more concerned about their kids their jobs and their cars. Somehow you put them in a church and whammo you get zealots who want to rule the world. I don't go to their churches so I don't know what is said but in the back of my mind I think it is a small minority within certain churches that move these mountains by motivating others who are more or less not as emotional or compelled on these issues. I would have to confess in the same breath that my theory is based on ignorance since I don't go to chruches or study the religion. The only thing that leads me to this conclusion is that I talk to right wing christians every day and they just don' wear abortion, anti-gay, anti muslim ideals on their sleeves. anybody got insight on this?

Sociologists have long known of studies that demonstrate people become more extreme in their opinions in groups than they do as individuals. That is, groups lead to extremism.

[huajiro]

The writer has a done an excellent job of explaining exactly why I am not a Christian.

[robtex]

I wish Karen Cobb well on her new spirtual journey. I have confidence that this new path to personal enlightment will be a fullfilling one for her.

[fromthe heart]

First ..thanks Rex for bumping this thread up...I would have probably missed it otherwise.


Second...I'm a christian...I'm not sure how to reply to some of what has been said. I like to see everyone get as much out of life as possible without harm to others. I don't quite understand a few things...God thrust His people into war for lands He said was for them...Jesus said love thy neighbor as thyself...and some say God and Jesus are one...HOW? I don't understand our place in wars...I won't claim to. What then should we have done when terrorists came here to our free land where all is welcome and wanted to kill as many of us as possible? Should we tell the families of 9-11 that we are just going to turn the other cheek? How do you think that would feel...Sorry folks your loved ones are gone I'm sorry and leave it at that? I don't condone war...I don't think we should have gone into Iraq...Do I think we should hunt Osama to the ends of the earth...YES. I think he should be brought to justice for what he and his followers did to the thousands here in this country. So what is the right way to handle it all? If you are a christian and you see the need for taking action you are a horrible christian...if you aren't a christian and take the same action well hey consider the source??? I think most of what is wrong isn't a religious deal...it's a humanity deal. We are all responsible for our own personal actions...I will stand before God to answer for all that I have done in my life that was wrong...will I hang my head in shame for it YEP!!! I don't know what is right or wrong in war...I do know what's right in treating another as myself...love your neighbor deal...I do...and sometimes it's really hard. It hurts my feelings as a christian to hear that we as christians have this blight when I don't feel it's just us!

Third...wicked in numbers...That is so true...if it's said inside a group of people not just christians it's like a feeding frenzy on whatever...Is it because no one wants to admit they have a mind of their own or they are afraid of being cast out of this precious circle they are in. I don't follow a croud...I follow my heart...I feel with my heart for everyone and everything. I know when I'm doing wrong and when I'm doing right...don't we all...so this is not just a christian deal. IS IT???

[Scuba Pete]

You know...

I agree with a lot she says.

However, I wasn't converted to a "religion", but to the world's biggest pacifist.

I didn't stop calling myself an "American" because of Dubya (though it was a close call there).

I didn't stop calling myself a "Democrat" because of Clinton (though it was a close call there too).

I didn't stop calling myself a "Christian" because of all the hypocrites (like even me).

The truth has never relied on a plurality to exist.

Matthew 7:20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 "Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Learn to be fruit inspectors my friends. No matter how many and how loudly the pigs may proclaim to be otherwise, they are NOT ducks, and they simply can NOT fly.

[_salam_]

Originally Posted by Hope

Thank you for saying that, Fyre. I think we tend to focus on the hypocrisy of Christians more than the hypocrisy in other religions because Chrisitanity is so wide-spread and visible; but the fact remains that there are hypocrites in probably every religion. It's not just a 'Christian' failing...

True.