What about former Christians?

Question

I was once a Christian. . .for the first 25 or so years of my life. I went to church every Sunday, gave money, received communion.

And now I have absolutely nothing against Jesus, but I just don't feel he'll be there for me when I die, and I cannot invest my love in a dead man I've never met (all respect to those who do).

If this is how I feel in my heart, how can anyone say I'm going to be condemned? Faith in these things is not a choice, I really feel it's just where you are at the time.

What do you think?

Yep, Catholic church.

Answer 1

Boy, are you going to get blasted by these Zealots. Look around, listen, read books, and listen to your heart, as it will tell you where to go. No one I know feels exactly like anyone else, so don't get upset when others attack your choices. As long as you feel and know your spirit it doesn't matter. I've been told by many that I'm going to hell because I don't do what they say and the only time I feel bad is when they are genuinly concerned for my welfare; I don't want them to worry. When I tried to clarify some bad information someone was putting out there about how pagans behave, I was called Pagan Scum , told I was going to burn in hell, and they were happy about it. Oh, well, their problem is not mine. Be happy and enjoy your journey, wherever it takes you!
P.S. I know many "former Christians" that are very happy with their changes of heart and one that decided to go back. If God and Jesus are as loving as some claim, then they won't mind if you take an educational detour. If you find another path then it won't be an issue for you, anyway.

Answer 2

I know how you feel. For the first 16 years of my life, I devoted my life to Christ. Even though I knew not everything made sense. I had faith that Jesus was there. Then I grew up and realized that not everything was so black and white

I studied other religions and 5 years later found Wicca. I am now a Happy and somewhat militant Wiccan. Did you ever find another faith or are you a happy Agnostic.

dont let the Christians try to guilt you. They just have a problem with people who leave because it points out the flaws in their faith.

Answer 3

Obviously you never found the truth in the Bible. Sad, considering someone should have been teaching you all those 25 years. To begin with, Jesus is not dead but alive and ruling as king in Heaven by his Father's side. Neither Jesus nor his Father believe in eternal torment--that is just what people told you in an effort to control you all those 25 years. I don't blame you for being disillusioned and I feel certain that neither Jesus nor his Father do either. However--you must realize that it is now your responsibility to find out the truth of what the Bible actually does teach so that you can make an informed decision to either follow Jesus and choose obedience to God or reject him and his guidance. By all means make it an informed decision rather than just a rejection of man made fairy tales!

Answer 4

With all due respect, you know the answer to this.

Being a former Christian, you know how most Christians feel about the bible, Jesus and his teachings. It is not Christians that actually say (I mean they do literally, but are only repeating) that you are to be condemned, but the bible.

If you never believed the bible to be God's word, then that's a different story.

Just a reminder, going to church and tithing and taking communion, doesn't make someone a Christian. I'm sure you know this and only used those as examples.

Not to make any kind of point with it, and only out of my pure curiosity... did you go to Catholic church?

Answer 5

I was also raised Christian and began to question my faith in the religion in my late 20's. Even now, 7 or 8 years later I still occasionally struggle with the ideas that were pounded in during my years in the Church.

For the most part people who "preach" at you mean well. They think they're doing what they're "supposed to". In the same sense, many are so entrenched in the dogma and without the ability to be open-minded that it's impossible to have a conversation that doesn't end in, "Fine, you're going to hell!" They're like sheep...just following the herd, man.

On a side note, it amazes me when Christians complain about persecution and the whole time they're complaining, they're condemning and judging everyone else.

Learn to smile and thank them for their concern. Debate is usually pointless; indeed, you'll be extremely lucky to get them to just understand your choice.

Answer 6

That's makes me feel sad. I wish you would come back, but that's your choice. Know that God loves you now matter what. Jesus is not dead, He lives! If you still have your Bible, you can read Matthew 28:1-10. I hope you know that going to church alone will not get you saved. You have to form a personal relationship w/ GOD. Set aside a time to talk w/ Him. In my church, we say "BREAK YOURSELF." Have you ever heard the term breaking the alabaster box. My pastor used it as a symbol to say bear all w/ GOD. Leave no secrets between God and you. Cry your soul into His lap. I used to feel like that, but I someone told me it's not how you feel it's what you know. Just b/c you feel sad, does that mean you will not try put on a happy face. Satan is attacking b/c he knows his time is short. In the bible it states it was given unto him to make war on the saints. I love you and GOD loves you, too.

Answer 7

First of all, it sounds like you had religion, but not relationship with the Living God. Second, the truth is the truth regardless of how you or i "feel" about it in our hearts.

Here's what the Bible says...

Ezekiel 33 - read it - to sum it up v 14 on says this...
But when I say to the wicked, "you will surely die," and he turns from his sin and practices justice and righteousness...none of his sins that he has committed will be remembered abainst him...he will surely live. v18 - When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, then he shall die in it.

Hebrews 6 is a bit stronger, v 4 says...For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the age to come, and THEN have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Sod of God and put him to OPEN SHAME...

The Grace of God is sufficient for you, and Jesus wants you to turn to Him...He loves you, He IS alive...

In answer to your second paragraph...check out 1 Peter 1:2-12

Answer 8

There is more than one Jesus. The Jesus of the bible is far different than the Jesus that most people worship! Most churches don't teach about the true Jesus. You don't believe me just check out this website & see what they say about the true Jesus! If you find what they say is not true just email me & show me where their wrong. I really think you'll be surprised.

Answer 9

He'll be there for you when you die! Wouldn't you rather live for Christ and know that when you die you'll spend eternity with him? I mean why take the risk? Living in Christ doesn't hurt you or wear you down. So why not keep your faith? Life is just so much better knowing Jesus, you Lord and Savior!

Answer 10

Sounds like you're being true to your own conscience and honest with yourself. If Jesus was real it would not be fair of him to condemn someone if they honestly do not believe. If there is a god who is all-loving, I don't think it would make any sense for such a being to condemn anyone simply for having an honest opinion. You're only human, so why would a higher being judge you for simply being who you are?