I have been told many times that I am a good Christian. I am blonde, blue eyed and wear a cowboy hat. People consider me honest, loving, giving and considerate. And they presume my religion. However, when they find out that I am a non-believer they turn their shoulder to me.
I do not admit to my skepticism in real life anymore, especially after 9/11, because of the intolerance I experience. Have you, as a non-believer, found this to be so for you?
2006-09-24 21:19:42 · 15 answers · asked by Mere Mortal 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No good deeds don't make you a christian...They might make you look good but they don't actualy make you a christian. The only way you can become a christian is by asking Jesus into your heart..
2006-09-24 21:35:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've had the same experience. People presume that I'm a Christian because of my actions (I'm honest, helpful, caring) and when I tell them I'm an atheist they (Christians) seem to get a little shocked and they distance themselves. Suddenly I'm not good enough to be around. I've noticed stronger reactions from Catholics than Lutherans, but both groups do this.
I don't feel the need to tell everyone I meet that I'm an atheist, but when religion comes up I don't hesitate to tell people about it. I shouldn't have to hide it. I have nothing to be ashamed of and maybe if they see that atheists can be good people they'll learn a thing or two and stop thinking of us as evil and amoral.
To answer your first question, I guess it's both deeds and belief that make people Christians. You can think the Christian morals are good and choose to follow them without believing in God or thinking of Jesus as your savior, but you wouldn't be a Christian then. Also, people who call themselves Christians but don't really do anything Christians are supposed to do are usually called fakes and some Christians won't think of them as real Christians. Amazingly, they seem to accept it more if somebody believes without doing good than when someone does good without believing.
Good question by the way.
2006-09-25 06:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by undir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nun once told me that its our deeds that make us a christian and not baptism per se. I was zapped to hear that from a christian. I am not a christian (my husband is) and I was happy to hear something so rebellious and open-minded from a catholic nun. So i guess, all we need to be good christians or hindus or muslims is to respect each other's beliefs and stay on the right track.
As for being skeptical, i guess why piss anyone off...just stay clear of any arguments on religion and politics. I sincerely believe that people who need endorsement on their beliefs are the only people who start preaching or arguing about religion. I don't bother to discuss my belief with anyone. It my business and only mine. I respect your belief, i demand respect from you...as simple as that.
By the way, your questions are pretty interesting unlike the madness around. Have a nice day!
2006-09-25 08:04:02 · answer #3 · answered by The Sorceress 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, neither deed nor belief... you have to be a self-righteous hypocrite and also a bigot, then you're a real Christian for sure. Just kidding (well mainly). But really, a real christian is a gnostic, all the others are phonies and they wouldn't recognise christ if he sat on them. Leonardo Da Vinci was a real christian, so was Michelangelo (he said "I didn't create David, he already existed, I only liberated him from the marble"). Most artists are real christians (gnostics). All those who perceive christ as the inner god are christians; all who perceive him as Jesus are phonies and have no idea except what their corrupted church taught them. Real christianity is completely spiritual, 100%, there's no blood sacrifices or Messiahs or bibles or god-men or other such nonsense.
2006-09-25 04:30:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is really both. Things shouldn't be the way they are n your experience, and as a Cristian I apologize to you for that. Frankly I am a Christian and I find the same thing from other Christians and I think that it is mostly because the church is not what it ought to be. Jesus warned that in the last days the church would become "lukewarm" and I think that what we are experienceing is just that falling away from the faith that has been predicted.
2006-09-25 04:29:13 · answer #5 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know the story - Jesus told the people when did you feed me, and clothe me? - get away from me, you never knew me.
Not my faith, not my deeds -some of both, a fair portion of humility, and a lot of Jesus living inside of me. I am a muddy sinner, no different from any other man or woman. I try to do good always, many times I do it for selfish reasons. It is all dirty rags.
Faith in Jesus is also not enough, but it is integral
So it can only be summed up by John 14:15 - If you love me (Jesus), obey my commands.
P.S. good question to get me to think
2006-09-25 04:27:41 · answer #6 · answered by Slave to JC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I have often been thought to be a Christian because of my good manners. Some Christians were intimidated by my lack of beliefs, but sooner or later realize that I am not out to steal their souls. I only debate religion online. People get fairly irate in real life so I do not wish to endanger my life.
With strangers, I usually play along because I do not want to hurt their feelings.
2006-09-25 04:25:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am NOT a christian, so the answer to your question nope I don't think my deeds or actions make me a christian cause I am NOT a christian.
Yes I have found that to be true. People will assume that I am a christian unless I otherwise tell them before they get the chance to assume anything. However when they do that I am always quick to point out to them that I am NOT a Christan.
2006-09-25 04:25:36 · answer #8 · answered by larrys_babygurl_4life 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I struggle to cling to the weakness of the passion,and therefore perhaps have the hope of the hopeless who grovel over mysticism.
It is easy to not believe than otherwise,however this says to me some pretty horrible things,thus I strain to retain my belief.
Even amidst the chaos and hatred so called Christians spew forth.
2006-09-25 04:29:35 · answer #9 · answered by steveshoardhouse 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes! It has happened to me. Some people seem very confused when they realize that I am not a Christian, and some people try to convert me, thinking I'm the perfect candidate. So far....I walk my path and remain true to my own beliefs and no organized religion has trapped me yet.
2006-09-25 04:40:15 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋