I am sick of people trying to "save" me! Why can't they see that I am at peace with myself and leave me alone? I was a Christian for 23 years but never felt whole. Since finding Wicca I feel like I am complete. Shouldn't that be enough for people?
2007-04-01 06:53:15 · 18 answers · asked by ? 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, as far as Christians who are consistent to the bible are concerned. *Everyone* who isn't a Christian needs to be saved. Irrespective of how comfortable they might be with what they believe, or how carefully they have considered the issues.
And mark101112 follows a standard doctrine by maintaining that anyone who falls away "can't have been a real Christian."
Seen from the inside it's a ressurance for believers. Seen from the outside it's a denial of human experience.
I was a real, sincere, Christian by any measure of faith, experience and behaviour you would care to use.
Now I am not. Why then should any Christian be sure that is what they will always be?
The evidence is against it, unless you cling to the "never were" defence, which always works because it's a post-event prediction!
2007-04-01 07:30:17 · answer #1 · answered by Pedestal 42 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it should be enough for people. Unfortunately, many Christians treat a statement of belief other than their own (including other forms of Christianity) as essentially having a sign that says you need to be saved. You shouldn't feel the need to hide your religion, but you also might just avoid bringing up the subject with people who you aren't sure will understand. Some Christians will accept your religion, but most will not because it is part of their theology to try to save anyone who has not accepted Jesus. If the subject comes up and they try to convert you, just give them the old "religion and politics are two things I don't talk about" line.
2007-04-01 14:04:24 · answer #2 · answered by Technopygmalion 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Should that be enough? Yes and no. (Although it's nice to see that the intolerance and brushing off has already hit this thread. You know, just like Jesus would do.)
I too am Wiccan. I too have many people, since I work with the public, that try to "save" me once they find out more about me. I too have a Christian background and never found fulfillment in the organized religions that according to the bible Jesus referred to in a less than flattering manner.
On the other hand, if done in a kind, loving, and (here's the kicker that gets most of them) non-judgmental manner, I respect that person. No, I really don't want to hear it anymore. I've had my fill of the current mythology of higher power. On the other hand, at least those who do it in the right manner and respect me as an individual (much like Jesus, whoops again for many of the "righteous" these days) are trying to do what they say they believe, and I take it as a compliment that they're concerned about me, no matter how misguided I believe them to be. The "real" ones even return my favor of listening by hearing my beliefs, and respectfully say they think I'm wrong, hope for my sake that they themselves are wrong, but that they're not changing their beliefs. They then go the next step and accept that I'm not changing mine either and we go on with our lives. (Obviously these last few steps are MUCH harder than I give them credit for, or everyone would have them down.)
I try to judge (yes, I said it!) a person by their own rules. If they say they're a christian, and truly act like the bible says Jesus would act, I respect them and it's all good. Jesus would never, according to any version of the bible I've seen, persist in nagging or harassing a person to convert, nor about their own beliefs. He'd state his opinion and if it wasn't received, respectfully go on his way, dusting off his sandals as he went.
2007-04-01 14:11:31 · answer #3 · answered by big_orange_penguin 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's just the way it is. Christians are taught to spread their gospels to the whole world and try to convert people to their religion. Don't feel bad they do it to everybody. It can be kind of annoying especially since some tend to get all up in your face and personal space. There's not much that can be done about it. They will simply cry out that they are being oppressed and persecuted even though they make up the majority of America. I agree with you though that people should just live and let live. Unfortunately they will not agree with what I am saying.
2007-04-01 14:06:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes, yes it should.
These people have no respect.
Do not understand the meaning of the word no.
They cannot seem to grasp that we may have an understanding...knowledge regarding their message and need to get on with our own path. It invites hurt.
Always have to have a superior sounding come back and arrow to shoot at our hearts.
Foregive them, they know not what they do.
They are trained to do this, their minds are not their own.
Peace dear sister.
2007-04-01 14:19:37 · answer #5 · answered by Jamie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly some people don't seem to appreciate that there is not a single one of us here on Y!A that could not find a Bible, church or someone to talk to about 'being saved' if we wished.
Nor that most of us have been offered the opportunity so many times that it has become a tad boring now.
They just don't seem to 'get' it.
.
2007-04-01 14:04:38 · answer #6 · answered by Nobody 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
people cannot save you... i was what i 'thought' was a christian for 30 years... until i realized my church didnt teach the whole truth about being in a relationship with Jesus and accepting him and turning over my life. that is when the 'hole' in my heart was made whole!
if they want to 'share their faith' it is one thing... but only you could make that decision and no one, no matter how hard they try, will be able to 'save you'... only one way that can happen.
2007-04-01 14:02:47 · answer #7 · answered by livinintheword † 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Dear Butterfly
Thanks for sharing that with US! Once a person is A Real Christian [John 3:3-to- & John 7:37-38 & Ephesians 1:13] You cannot "Not Be A Christian any More!"
(1John 2:19) They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: = = but they went out, = = that they might be made manifest = = that they were not all = = of us.
Thanks, RR
2007-04-01 13:59:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
If you truly believed (aboslutely no doubts, 100% sure, you had been told say)...that your mother, say, would burn in hell for eternity unless she stopped eating meat. you'd tell her to stop eating meat, right?
These people truly believe that you will burn in hell for eternity unless you give up wicca and they are trying to help you. You don't have to be angry when someone shows you this kindness, but you don't have to accept it either.
Just let go of your anger.
2007-04-01 14:04:43 · answer #9 · answered by pinkfudge27 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i'm pagan, have been for many years, and no, some people just won't stop trying to save you, but they only do it because they care, don't take it so hard. if you don't like it, don't advertise your faith. i am very private about my beliefs so it doesn't really happen to me much.
i'm glad you've found something that you believe in, but when you're so defensive about your faith, it makes people think you may be insecure with it, and that's when they'll try their hardest to save you!
2007-04-01 14:09:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋