Would you become a Christian if the following things changed?

Question

First of all, I'm a Pagan, let's just start with that so there's no confusion, okay?

Now...

- Females can become Priestesses, which have equal status to priests
- Good people who aren't Christian can get into Heaven
- Abortions are alright in certain cases (like if the baby would die if born, or baby and mother would die if it was born, etc)
- Gays can marry
- Priests can have relationships/marry

So, would this make you hop onto the Christian boat? Or would it make you appreciate Christianity more, at the very least? Would anything else need to change?

Again, I'm Pagan. But I'm curious.

Wow. How'd I get thumbs down? It was a hypothetical question, and it pissed off or offended people, apparently.

My bad. Sorry.

Answer 1

Christianity isn't about what others are allowed or not allowed to do. It's about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. So NO it wouldn't change anything for me.

But thank God your list is frowned upon amongst fellow Christians!

Answer 2

I'm already Christian (Catholic specifically), so you're not addressing me, but I wanted to add some thoughts.

Would that still be Christianity? I mean, we're changing a lot of the tenets of faith, here in the hypothetical example.

1) Women equal to men as priests, I think an argument can be made for that, and some denominations ordain women.
2) Being "good" gets you into Heaven? No, that's not sufficient, that negates the entirety of Jesus' sacrifice. By what standard is one "good"? Anyway, salvation is a matter of grace, with which one complies through faith and lives through works. Being good without having a reason is useless from a salvific perspective.
3) The abortion question involves a radical change in the perspective of life. Abortion is prohibited because it is viewed as the termination of life, which is held to be a sacred gift. At the same time, I have to add that some theologians see an ectopic pregnancy (implantation of the fetus outside the uterus, or a comparable condition that causes grave injury to the mother and child) not as a pregnancy but as a disease, and so it is not really abortion because there is no realistic opportunity for successful birth. The vagueness - "certain cases" - gives me pause on this one.
4) Here's the tough thing with gay marriage - homosexual relationships are forbidden, or at least the activity inherent is. From multiple passages in Scripture, Christianity (in general) derives that heterosexual marriage is a part of the divine plan, but not homosexual marriage. I know that's not a popular notion in some segments of society, but that is what is written.
5) Married priests? This is the least problematic - there's much precedent, although Catholicism uniquely prohibits marriage among clergy. Someone told me this had to do with a historical perspective, from when priests were also inheritors of land from their fathers, land which was to be donated to the Church as part of the vow of poverty, but would subsequently be redistributed to any children the priest would have, if he married. Today, such a concern doesn't exist. There's a priest in our diocese whose aunt left him a home in Florida. He donated it to his order, but if he was married I don't think there'd be a problem with his family owning it.

Just a thought for you, friend Pagan.

Answer 3

Some of the things on your list I've heard of in some churches so far. I think there are women Preists out there somewhere. And I've heard, although few and far between, there are some churches that allows homosexuals into thier congregations. That's not like letting them marry no, but it's a nice step forward for them.

This would not change much for me no. I suppose it would make me respect them a little more. Still it's the judgemental people that would keep me away. Those who think thier way is the right way and the ONLY way. People who shun others who stop going to thier church (as has happened to my sister). People who look down upon a church member just for dating someone who believed in the Book of Mormon (as has happened to my friend). It's really disgusting how some church goers can act toward their fellow man.

I am not a Christian. I am not a Pagan. I am not a Budist. I am not an Athiest. I feel like, once I pick one single religion then I'm saying the others are wrong. At the least I'm saying that one is more right than any other. I close doors that should be left swinging open, ready for new ideas and thoughts to come in for tea.

So no, while some of these things would make them seem a bit more open minded, it would still not be enough to make me label myself "Christian".

Answer 4

Actually,

The first christians in the first century did have female Deconess' and other highly placed females. In fact, almost 75-80% of Christianity in that time period was female so there was little choice in the matter : )

The Earth is supposed to be the habitation of mankind, not heaven. Remember the Scripture about, "and a little boy shall lead them, and a Lion and the Lamb will lie down in peace." And there are dozens of scriptures saying that the Earth and Moon will NEVER cease to exist! Why would God WASTE 6 (6) Creative days making something he would just toss aside? It boggles the mind, when he could have made Heaven in 1 day and be done with it!

Abortions - How do we as humans know what plans god has for aborted fetuses. Christians claim they are unborn lives. If so, why would God NOT promise the resurrection to them also, they being the most innocent of all of us?

The Apostle Paul warns that one of the indentifying feature of the apostasy that was to come would be enforced celibacy, "forbidding to marry." (1 Timothy 4:1, 3) Some of the apostles WERE MARRIED. (1 Corinthians 9:5; Luke 4:38) Paul in setting forth the qualifications for overseers and ministerial servants in the Christian congregation, says that these men (if married) should have only ONE WIFE. (1 Timothy 3:1, 2, 12; Titus 1:5, 6).

Gays don't NEED anyone's approval to marry except the States. So, basically, nothing has to change like you think it does. Gays should be able to marry, NOT BECAUSE its a "religious right," ITS NOT. Marriage has nothing to do with religion, besides the fact that people CHOOSE TO BE MARRIED BY THIER PREISTS OR MINISTERS. The STATE and FEDERAL Government are the ones who give out Marriage Benefits!!! Not the churches. All the benefits are done by the government, that's why equality IN MARRIAGE is so important! Because it IS a governmental right!

Answer 5

You are basing this on the Catholic faith?

1. Why would you want someone who does not believe in you to live in your home?

2. Priests can marry, and did in the Old Testament...and should be, per the bible.

The other things on the list...priestesses...have to ask God about that one, God has the right to make up His mind about what he wants/does not want in that regard. I believe that was all a part of the curse in the garden of eden...that man will rule over the woman. Abortions do happen, even naturally in those situations...but, most of the time you do not hear people squawking about that kind of situation...the people who use it as birth control however...hmmm. Gays getting married... God said...man and woman, he created the one for the other...that is what He says is good. Would you build a car to use gas, then put water in it? Come on...think about it.

And, no...I do not think people would change if those things changed...they would find some other excuse not to change. Period.

Answer 6

you ought to get Tim out of your concepts long adequate to settle on in case you pick for to dedicate your existence to Christ. You suggested which you're cleansing up your existence with the aid of fact of latest impacts on your existence, so as that ought that should assist you compromise on which way you pick for to pass, yet make optimistic the dedication is to Jesus as your Lord, no longer Tim. Thank the Lord which you haven't any longer without warning met a Jim Jones or his like. they could use your naivety to convey you right into a cult. stay faraway from eco-friendly kool-help from unusual adult men, and God Bless You. P.S. The enlightened persons on indexed under are telling you actual, come as you're. His Blood paid the fee, and you will settle for a sparkling coronary heart, and He does the cleansing up!

Answer 7

1) The Holy Spirit is given to both male & female and the Bible has women preachers, Junias in Romans was an Apostle that Paul named, so not a problem. 2) It's not a Christians place to judge salvation matters, it's God's, so not a problem, 3) although I don't personally support abortion, again, it's not my place to judge, 4) I have many gay friends who are very loving and sincere and it doesn't matter to me, and 5) Paul simply stated that it was better not to get married to better serve God, but being celibant was not a commandment for being a minister/servant of God. Many will think my position is too liberal, but I have personally moved past that former mindset. So, no, it doesn't change my opinion of Christianity.

Answer 8

In several Christian religions women are ordained.

Most Christian religions make an exception for abortion, if the mothers life is in danger.

I don't know, but some people believe that many Catholic priests are gay.

Most Christian religions do allow their priests, clergy, ministers, deacons, etc. to marry. The Catholic Church is an exception here.

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

> Good people who aren't Christian can get into Heaven

...if that's in there, then why would it matter? Why would people suddenly jump ship, if the big stick that normal gets used ("non-Christians are going to burn in Hell") up and disappears?

Personally, I don't think it would change my mind - I have some fundamental disagreements that would have to be taken care of first.

Answer 10

Female priestesses would be counter the actions of Jesus Christ.

Good people who aren't Christian can get into heaven. God's mercy endures forever. God is not bound by the rules He established for humanity. Yet, He did distinctly establish the path to heaven, so if you know the path, my advice is to go with what Jesus Christ said.

Abortion is murder. Let us be aware that the death of one member of our community, the entire community loses. Extreme cases have always been acceptable even in the Catholic Tradition ie mother and child both will die etc. However, to determine for God who should be allowed a chance for Life is sinful. My older brother was born in 1949 and predicted to die within days due to his disabilities. This physician and his staff have ALL died, my brother at 57 years old is alive and a vital part of our large family. He is normal intellectually, and a retire sheriff dispatcher who won many awards saving the lives of fellow officers and victims.

Homosexuality acts are sinful. It is about biology, Godly love, and what Jesus Christ taught. The acts are sinful.

Priest will not marry because Jesus Christ was not married. Christ was celibate.

To violate the basic principles of Christ and Christianity then assume the name of the leader in which you do not wish to follow or believe is a lie.

I am Roman Catholic.

Answer 11

Then, what would, might I ask, be the point of Christianity? To deny the teachings of the Bible isn't Christian, so I guess you have created a new religion.

The rules about priests, however, are nowhere found in the New Testament.

Who would deem if people were "good"? God? He's already given his terms to enter into heaven, just accept Jesus. Changing that would change all of Christianity. It wouldn't exist anymore.