I have been struggling with my faith for about a year now. I have so many issues with Christianity, including my believe that the Bible is NOT error-proof, my doubts about some of the far-fetched stories of the Bible (i.e. Virgin birth, Ressurections, etc.), and especially other Christians (I do not like or trust other Christians because I believe that many of them(although not all, certainly) are hypocritical, judgemental, and naive (that is to say, they have never researched what they claim to believe is true...they are just being spoon-fed beliefs and then purge them out again to others)). The purpose of this question is not to digress into rantings, however. The point is to ask this: Does it really matter if I choose to be a Christian despite my doubts and my loathing for many other pseudoChristians? Christianity's principles cannot be tested, and therefore cannot be empirically proven OR disproven, so why not just take a shot in the dark and believe it? To be continued...
2007-01-30 15:16:01 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
After reading all of this, the only thing I hear is that you have always based your Christianity on other Christians instead of on a relationship with God for your own salvation. Take a look back at what St. Paul said in Philippians 3. Then do yourself a favor and stop trying to live focusing on other human failure, build a relationship with God.
2007-01-30 15:27:48 · answer #1 · answered by Heaven's Messenger 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
That's one of the reasons I ultimately left Christianity. It eventually got to the point where I just couldn't call myself a Christian any more because I didn't believe in its core beliefs. The bible is mythology and there's nothing wrong with mythology just as long as you do not take it literally. There are many other religions to choose from well. If you are thinking about leaving Christianity, check out http://www.Ex-Christian.net
The reason not to just take a shot in the darkness is that if you turn out to be wrong. Pascal's Wager is hopelessly flawed. This is the way I see it, if you live your life and try to make the world a better place: If there really are no Gods then you have lost nothing. You'll be remembered by your loved ones for all the joy you brought into their lives. If there are Gods then surely they are benevolent and will judge you based on how you lived your life not what you believed.
2007-01-30 16:33:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The truth is there are many who claim to be Christians, but really aren't. Only God knows the heart, and while some say they are saved, they truly have not surrendered their pride and will and are not following God's will. How can you tell if a Christian is genuine and mature in the faith? A true and mature Christian reads the Bible, and draws strength from it, as often as possible, usually on a daily basis, reading and meditating on it. A true Christian cares for others, and will put the needs of others, and God, before his/her own needs. A true Christian grows in Spiritual matters and discernment, being able to act boldly and strongly in matters of righteousness. A true Christian does not assert his/her own opinions around with pride and a sense of piety, but instead speaks from the Word of God with conviction, and does not boast of himself or herself.
Sometimes, even those who really do follow Christ will not meet all these guidelines, because as long as we are on this world, we are subject to falling to fleshly desires. But God gives us a clean heart that desires to do His will, and thus do what is right, so for the most part, a real Christian will live up to the standards of righteous living that God calls for.
God hates hypocrisy, much more than you or I do, so don't judge people just by their claims, but by their words and actions. If you're doubting whether the Christian way is the Truth, try watching a sermon (free) at www.intouch.org by Charles Stanley, or www.onepalce.com and listen to John MacArthur/Grace to You (under featured ministries) - also free to download or stream. Those are godly men who are good examples of what it means to be a Christian, without hypocrisy.
2007-01-30 15:38:17 · answer #3 · answered by Crono 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can really relate to what you're saying. i used to believe the Bible was error proof and just never questioned anything to do with christianity, if I didn't like another christian , i just thought it must be something wrong with me. Now, I don't think so anymore. I also feel really disappointed about so much prayer that is unanswered and I wonder about the whole concept now. I don't know, I just keep believing because the gospel makes sense, I do believe we need a sacrifice for sin. But i don't have any emotion connected with it anymore. good question.
2007-01-30 15:23:57 · answer #4 · answered by Annmaree 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well, I'm not Christian, but I think it is definitely good to question your beliefs, find the flaws, and resolve them. It will make you stronger in your faith and more knowledgeable in your religion.
I don't think it is right, however, to judge a religion by its followers. If you love what is in the Bible and believe it to be correct, you are Christian, no matter what other "Christians" are doing or are not doing.
Don't worry - it is good that you are a seeker. God always guides those who want to be guided.
2007-01-30 15:26:43 · answer #5 · answered by Smiley 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
My existence has been, for the most area, a captivating coastline washed by potential of wave upon wave of excitement. I have suffered some very tremendous tragedy in my existence yet no longer after any particular tremendous happiness. certainly if that were the trend i might want to say that i change into lengthy over due.
2016-10-17 04:17:25 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are other religions besides christianity, dont limit yourself to christianity or else. http://www.exchristian.net http://www.religioustolerance.org to learn about other religions out there.
to the statement:
don't think it is right, however, to judge a religion by its followers.
BY YOUR FRUITS YOU SHALL KNOW THEM its in the bible, dont deny it!
i deconverted after many personal experiences, and personal reasearch about the religion, and the things christians did to non christians, even the things christians do to other christians (if christianity is so loving and tolerant, then why do they hate christians of other sects?) its a bloody sad past and id reccomend the dark side of christian history by helen ellerbe, another three is the book your church doesnt want you to read by tim leedon(the 700 club tried to ban it, it has to be special ordered), Why im not a christian by Bertrand Russel, and Ten things I learned wrong from a conservative church by John Killinger. i get my spirituality from places other than the religion/relationship with Jesus. Only then was i truly free.
2007-01-30 15:21:58 · answer #7 · answered by ihatechristiansegyptiangoddess 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Faith is a big part of Christianity. God is not confined to any book,even the bible. Can a servant be greater then his master? Can the bible be greater then God? The Holy Ghost will guide you through it all. It is not all 100% correct. There are mistranslations, metaphor taken literal.
But the Gospel is the good news the rest is commentary. for example we do not burn or stone people any more right?
2007-01-30 15:26:42 · answer #8 · answered by Mijoecha 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I recommend that you find a good bible teaching church and get into bible study. There is a verse, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God". You will have a shaky faith, indeed, if you do not come to discover that you can trust the bible as God's word. If you are unsure about that....what foundation will you have? How can you know what to believe, and what not to believe? Don't worry, God can handle all your questions and doubts, but you have to put the time in....find a good bible study and keep at it. You will receive the answers you are looking for.
2007-01-30 15:22:24 · answer #9 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 4⤋
You sound about as Christian as an atheist.
2007-01-30 15:29:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋