I was introduced to spirituality at a young age by my mother. We would attend church on Sundays and sometimes Wednesday. We attended The Church of God In Christ. A synopsis of thier beliefs can be found here. http://www.cogic.org/believe.htm
I left my mothers home at age 12 and went to stay with my Father. I would spend a lot of time with my Grandmother whho is Jehovahs Whitness. Click here to see thier beliefs http://www.watchtower.org/beliefs_and_activities.htm
I, also in my younger years went to Catolic Church, Budist Temple and Spirtual Enlightenment courses.
Needless to say with such a varied Bible teaching and religous backgound I now do not attend Church or Kingdom Hall, but I do have strong religious beliefs. Is this so wrong? Why am I shuned by other Christians? Can't I just have my faith and belief and that be enough to get me into "Heaven" or "Pardise" And if no, why not.
2006-08-11 10:02:05 · 16 answers · asked by buford_bargain_hunter 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm an ex JW, so I can relate at least a little.
This is only my opinion...You have become what I call a Convenient Christian. You accept and understand the good moral concepts of religion and most important, believe in the reward, but you see the hypocrisy of the system. So you hope there is a good god who will sort this whole mess out someday. You believe being a good person is the most important thing and on that count you're absolutely right.
You are one step away from Agnostic and two from Atheist. Some go farther, some stay where they are.
I wish you success
2006-08-11 10:21:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That certainly is a complex and unfortunate situation.
The short answer to your first question is that as long as you profess belief in- and follow the teachings of Jesus, you can call yourself a Christian. You just (probably) can't call yourself a JW, Catholic, etc.
Your last questions are a bit more complex. For one thing, there are so many denominations out there, that I almost find it hard to believe that one doesn't already have pretty much the same set of beliefs that you do, anyway! :) My point is, for every church you choose not to attend, you are implying (especially in the minds of that group of Christians) that you reject some core belief of theirs. Furthermore, by 'rejecting' ALL churches in this way, you are suggesting that not only are they all lacking in some way, but that YOU, in your brief lifetime, have discerned a greater truth than ALL the churches with ALL their hundreds - thousands of years of tradition, study, discernment, and doctrinal development. Surely you can see that, when examined form that angle, your position has a distinct arrogance about it, does it not?
While I certainly would make an effort to not 'shun' you, I freely admit that I would be a bit skeptical about your enlightenment. Still, I've gathered that you are hardly the only one in that position; so I guess that if you really feel that strongly about it. just keep living the best you can; though I'd certainly recommend that you also be open to finding a faith community for the other support and benefits they offer. God bless!
2006-08-11 10:27:04 · answer #2 · answered by M Huegerich 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can be a christia and not go to church... mean honestly do you seek a relationship with god? the bible does say that you should have some sort of spiritual leader thouhg... every one needs a spiritual leader... even the pastor of a church... our pastor at our church is under the authority of pastor cesar castellanos in bogata columbia... people think that going to church makes a christian... it isnt true...excuse the over used term but going to church every week makes you no more of a christian than sitting in a garage makes you a car...
if you dont go to church and want to but havent found a church you can really be intothat is one thing....but i do wonder... if you are so set on christianity how is it that you also follow other religions i mean oe of the commandments is that you should have no other gods right?i am not trying to condemn you... i am just trying to get some more details as to answer your question better
well i will pray that everything works out for you, that you continue growing in God and your walk of faith, and that you become completely clear in your walk and gain Godly wisdom.
2006-08-11 10:17:25 · answer #3 · answered by jesusismysavior90 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that the Budhist Temple and Spiritual Enlightenment courses were too much- and nothing to do with Christianity!
However, I personally believe that if you believe that Jesus died for YOU and YOUR SINS and ask for forgiveness then you can call yourself a true Christian, without needed to be part of a denomination.
You might find it helpful to go to a church/ group in which you feel part of a family, where you learn more about God and feel comfortable.
God bless!
2006-08-11 10:10:19 · answer #4 · answered by sarahstar111 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow. You have been tossed around in a sea of conflicting ideas. I been tossed around too when I was younger. Just get to know the Bible and read the Gospel of John.
You can't earn your way into heaven. Even our righteous deeds are like filthy rags before the Lord. Isaiah 64:6.
You must simply bow your head and accept what Jesus did for you and agree to follow Him the rest of your life. To be a Christian means to follow Christ.
It matters not what others think of you... what matters is that you are straight with the Lord and have peace with God.
2006-08-11 10:10:22 · answer #5 · answered by ddead_alive 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trust me....church is very necessary. You will feel and know a billion times more. If you find a good church with a good preacher, God will give you the message you need. Not too mention the wonderful people you will meet by going. Trust me, I thought the same as you and I now attend regularly....never been more blessed and my relationship with God is a billion times better.
2006-08-11 10:10:46 · answer #6 · answered by AUDREY H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be a Christian by definition is to believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you do not have to go to church to believe that, I was once an avid Church goer even worked at the church but I got real tired of all the backbiting . I am just as Christian as any church going Christian.
2006-08-11 10:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by connie h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can but the Bible teaches us that we should act as the body of Christ, something kinda hard to do on your own. Also I'm sure youve hearn the proverb " As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another"
Theres another verse about a man walking alone, if he falls he's stuck but if he has a brother with him who can help him up...
Finding a Christian community to be a part of is good for you and help you on your spiritual journey.
2006-08-11 10:08:44 · answer #8 · answered by TLJaguar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be a Christian is to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and to know in your heart that He died for the forgiveness of your sins and God Raised him from the Dead. If you believe this then you are a Christian.
2006-08-11 10:25:25 · answer #9 · answered by Hannah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like you have a massive amount of spiritual confusion to unwind. God determines the rules for entering heaven, we do not.
He has said that we need to believe in and confess Christ as savior and Lord of our lives then he would let us into heaven.
If you want more from God you got give him more of yourself and your time. JW, Budhists, Catholics do not have the truth of which I speak. Without this truth as the cornerstone of your life you are lost.
2006-08-11 10:12:01 · answer #10 · answered by Archer Christifori 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋