I believe in God, but hate Christianity. Am I living in sin?

Question

I would like to know how the theologically inclined ones feel about this. I have a sense that there is a higher power, which I call God. I talk to him every day. I believe that he has a plan for me and my life, and that I have the power to fulfill or destroy that plan, based on my choices. You could say that I have a relationship with my God that I am comfortable with. I also live according to the golden rule and do to others as I would have done to me.

On the other hand, I hate Christianity and the religious actions, practices, and beliefs that Christians base their life and decisions on. I don't feel that their way is THE way, and I hate how I am predisposed to damnation by not living their way. I don't like church because it is filled with these people. I hate how any other form of belief and logic is totally discarded as heretic. I hate how there is a Christian industry that sells this belief through literature, tithe, television, and radio. Down with Religion.

Jim R., screw off. I've read your so-called-answers and they aren't answers. You're an angry religious bafoon. I'm sorry if Jesus is all that's on your mind, but I highly doubt he needs you as his watch-dog or avenger, so get a life. Try actually answering a question sometime instead of seeking acceptance through your riducule of those seeking truth. What are you afraid of anyway? Your Jesus being mocked? He's dead. Go back and get those Romans, boy!

Answer 1

The church of God or Christians?

The Bible refers to those who are in Christ Jesus as the church of God (1 Cor.10:32, 1 Cor.1:2, 1 Cor.15:9, Gal.1:13 below). The world refers to us as Christians (Acts 11:26 below).

When we (Jews and Gentiles - 1 Cor.10:32 below) are baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit we are no longer Jews or Gentiles (Eph.2:16 below); we have become a "new" creature (2 Cor.5:17, Gal.6:15 below); we have BECOME individually, as well as collectively, Jesus' living body (Col.1:24 below), the church of God.

The church of God -

1 Cor.10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Cor.1:2 Unto the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above) which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

1 Cor.15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above).

Gal.1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God (1 Cor.10:32 above), and wasted it:.

Col.1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body's sake, which IS the church (1 Cor.10:32, 1 Cor.1:2, 1 Cor.15:9, Gal.I:13 above).


Christians -

Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church (1 Cor.10:32 above), and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.


A New Creature -

2 Cor.5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Gal.6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature (2 Cor.5:17 above).


Neither Jews nor Gentiles -

Eph.2:16 And that he might reconcile BOTH (Jews and Gentiles) unto God in one body (the church of God, 1 Cor.10:32 above) by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:



Pat (ndbpsa ©)

Answer 2

I don't know that you would call me "theologically inclined", but here goes...

True Christianity is a relationship with Christ. Now, I can't "prove" that Christ is the only way to God. I believe, through faith, that the Bible is God's word. It has survived, unchanged, for over 2,000 years. I believe that it is God's letter to us. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." If you want to know Christ and God, search and study the scriptures.

About "church". No church is perfect. Any work God does on this Earth is done inspite of man, not because of them. If you keep your focus on Christ, not man, you will not be let down. If you seek God and ask him to show you the church that he wants you to worship him in, I believe he will do that. It may be through an invitation from a friend or just a feeling that nudges you to a certain place. But, just like someone else, if you don't know him, if you don't have a relationship with him, how can he do that?

Again, John 14:6 says, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

So, if you want to know God - seek Christ. You are not responsible for the "religious actions, practices, and beliefs that Christians base their life and decisions" on. You are responsible for your actions and beliefs. One day, you will face Christ. He will ask you about you - not others.

Answer 3

As you are aware, there are many Christian beliefs. The Catholics, Fundamentalist, Christian Science, Lutheran, Episcopals etc. One thing is certain, they can't agree on how to worship, or what is ment by the scriptures. Then you have all the other religions, all believing that they are right and we are wrong. Good example is the Muslim radical sects who say all non believers are going to hell and they are going to help us get there.
Many, many people who have experienced great trauma, like a car wreck and had flat lined for a time. Tell of a tunnel leading to a heavenly realm where pass-on love ones greet you, and some even see a being like Jesus.
I believe if there is a Loving God he can't be a God who would punish you for all eternity. Think of Saddam Hussein, he wanted to be worshiped in his country, so he had great statues and pictures erected. If you didn't do want he wanted, you could face an acid bath or rape, or any numbers of tortures. Could God be like that? I don't believe you can have a loving God and also one that lets you rot in eternal fire and damnation. I think the punishment for sin was created by man to scare the masses into coming to temple or church. I don' believe you have to declare yourself part of any organized religion to love and believe in God. There are atheist that lead better lives that most of the so-called religious. Just be a good person, and I am sure God won't turn his back on you. But thats just me.

Answer 4

no it is not a sin, a lot of people are not comfortable in the organized religions they are raised with (i'm assuming from personal experience, because i was raised christian, and although there are many other religions that are not my thing, christianity is the only one i ever actually hated) Anyway, don't let others choose somthing this personal for you because it makes them uncomfortable. And don't settle when it comes to religion, if it's not a perfect fit, it is better to do your own thing.


I spent about ten years after abandoning christianity just doing my own thing, figuring out what i believed, and exploring other religions. I converted to judaism (reform) after i had kids because (at least at first) i just wanted to protect my kids from being hauled off by "the church bus" to be indoctrinated with fear and hypocrisy and it was the only thing that didn't conflict with any of my personal beliefs. I never would have felt the need to "make it official" if i had not had children. as the conversion process progressed, I began to enjoy having a jewish identity and studying spiritual things from a jewish perspective, but I still don't think spirituality needs labels to be real.

if you are looking for other spiritual philosophies to look into, try some of the quizes on this website, they will use your answers to suggest religions that might interest you:
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

take care

Answer 5

Although Christianity is a major religion in the US at least even here there are many that feel as you do. If it is not right for you, as it wasn't for me, leave it behind. If you truly don't embrace their beliefs and have your own beliefs on God then it is fine. There are many other paths that are equally valid, no one can really claim the ultimate knowledge of truth and many try use religion for corrupt purposes. Leave it behind if it doesn't work for you, bring you spiritual peace, or enhance you relationship and understanding of the divine.

As for predisposing you to damnation by not agreeing, that can only affect you if you still agree with their beliefs and theology. If you don't believe their theology than you don't have a problem with ditching Christianity. If you do still believe their way is the only way and there is a literal hell waiting for you then you might want to explore other denominations of Christianity. I agree with much of what you said and I chose to walk away completely. I am at spiritual peace as never before but that is my path. You will need to reflect to make your own choice. I wish you peace and happiness.

Answer 6

I am glad that you believe in a God and that He has a plan for us. You seem to be open minded about that. I am glad that you talk to God. I have a question for you. Don't you think God loves his children so that he would create a religion to help his children return to him. You seem confused because there are so many religions and it would be near impossible for you to find out which one you should join on your own. James 1:5 If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God.
If you ask God with a sincere heart to be guided to a religion, He will do it. I guarantee you that the truth will make you more happy than you could possibly be without it (that doesn't mean that it isn't possible to be happy without religion). God loves you and wants you to know the answer. Please don't let pride stop you from knowing the truth.

Answer 7

the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, it rather is asserting that Jesus did His miracles by skill of the skill of the devil. the only unpardonable sin as we talk is that of persevered unbelief. there is not any pardon for a guy or woman who dies in unbelief. John 3:sixteen tells us, "For God so enjoyed the worldwide that he gave his basically begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shouldn't perish yet have everlasting existence." the only difficulty the place somebody could have not any forgiveness is that if he/she isn't between the "whoever believes in Him." The verse asserting that they won't inherit the dominion replaced into written by skill of Paul, who replaced into very opinionated and stated some issues approximately women people that weren't so flattering. Paul stated that girls people could desire to no longer worship in a temple without overlaying their heads and final quiet, etc. (a million Tim 2:9-15). there's a great sort of cultural history interior the Bible, which seems to be hateful yet its the way issues have been on the time. the important element is that Jesus had no longer something to assert approximately people who're gay, Jesus preached approximately each and everything that replaced into necessary mutually as he replaced into right here on the earth.

Answer 8

There are people out there that believe in god and love god but hate religion period. You aren't the only one in the world who feels like that I have seen some people on this forum who are like that as well.

Answer 9

I think you're probaby on the right path. If God exists I believe he would hold atheists in higher esteem than those who unthinkingly adhere to religious dogma.

Answer 10

Christianity is a personal relationship with God not a religion. If you hate Christianity you are simply saying that you hate God.