Is it hard to be a Christian?

Question

When you study history and see that almost everything in your religion is borrowed from more ancient beliefs. It must be really disheartening.

Answer 1

I'm not trying to sound pretentious or self-involved here, but its hard being a Christian in the middle of a bunch of right-wing fundamentalists. I have to admit, Christians have it damn good in this country ... but fundies always suggest that we're being persecuted. And when I mention that we actually do have it good, and maybe we should be grateful for God's blessings, I'm looked at as if I'm crazy.

When I make the suggestion that I don't believe that intelligent design should be taught or that children should be led in prayer in public school, I'm informed that if I was a real Christian, I would know that there are lost souls out there that need to be converted -- even though I know that forcing religion down people's throats is no way to get them saved.

When I don't say that non-Christians are not going to Hell, because I don't believe in Hell ... I'm lukewarm and I'm a hypocrite. Even though there is nothing to suggest the existence of a fiery Hell and that my loving God would condemn anyone to it, and the largest denomination of Protestants in the world (Eastern Orthodox) agree with my opinion.

Its hard to be a Christian who actually puts more thought into my beliefs then simply what I read and what I'm told. Other Christians don't understand this.

Answer 2

There is always the battle of sin in the Christian's life.....it is a daily battle but the Christian that is truly dedicated to Christ learns how to turn the battles over to Christ......through Bible study and prayer, the Lord teaches the Christian how to live. As far as borrowing ancient beliefs, Christians base their beliefs upon the teaches of the Old and New Testament, if you call those ancient beliefs.

Answer 3

I'll have 2 agree w/ whomever it was that said you can't confuse Christianity and Christendom. Christianity, as Jesus taught it, is a simple set of principles which are all based on loving God and your fellowman as well as accepting Jesus as your personal Savior on the basis of his ransom sacrifice. Christendom is full of concepts that were borrowed from more ancient beliefs, more specifically ones which ultimately originated in ancient Babylon (check the book of Revelation for Babylon the Great references and note the relevance). If someone realizes that what he is being taught in his church/place of worship does not harmonize with what is set forth in the Scriptures, he should search for something that does. The only hard part about being a true Christian is accepting that you're going to be in the minority as long as other "Christians" don't realize that you're on the right track and they aren't . . . and even then, remember that Jesus himself was very unpopular for spreading the truth - it got him executed.

Answer 4

Ah, but if God created the heaven and earth, what was first? And who did those ancient beliefs worship?
So, no it's not disheartening. It's interesting. As interesting as reading how ignorant some people are about religion.

Answer 5

It is sometimes very difficult to follow the teachings of Christ, especially when someone says or does something that is offensive to you. Your first reaction is to "strike back". As you probably know, this is not taught by Christ. Sometimes you have to ignore attacks by others and just walk away.
All religions hold a certain amount of truth. It isn't disheartening for me to be a Christian.

Answer 6

To be a Christian means to be always walking, going with your time, country, traditions, language, etc. I think it's hard to do it 'cause that is the longer road. But for that is the most gratifying one. A Christian couldn't stop in a year, in a time, on one idea only, 'cause the word of God we don't know from where it comes and where it goes. Today is here and tomorrow 'quien sabe'.... So, it's better being always in movement to be ready opening our doors when He passes. Ciao.

Answer 7

Christianity begins in Genesis 1:1 at the beginning so how can it be borrowed? I think you need to read the book before you start criticizing it. It makes you look quite foolish!

Answer 8

No. Why do Christians have to study history if the one book gives them everything they need to know? Nothing really matters if they just follow god.

Answer 9

No dear, we are disciples of Christ. He existed long before anything else did. He was God, is God and always shall be God. The very first promise of "Christianity" was given to mankind in Genesis 3:15. That is way before any other "religion."

Answer 10

You don't have a true concept of Biblical Christianity. It stems from Jesus Christ, and nothing else is like it at all.

Is it hard to be a Christian? It's the most FREEING experience of my life!