Quite a few Christians have told me that since I renounced Christianity 5 1/2 years ago, I couldn't possibly have been a "real" Christian, or understood the Bible.
They seem to think that they have the best icecream shop, and once people taste their rocky road, no one will ever go to another icecream shop again.
Sorry guys, but some people just grow to prefer different flavors you don't have. And it doesn't mean they didn't really like your shop to begin with.
2007-04-05 07:26:57 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Let me know how that works out for you in......ummmmm.....let's say about 200 years
2007-04-05 07:37:41 · answer #1 · answered by kenny p 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
The hypocrisy of bad-mouthing someone then excusing it with "God bless" is pretty clear. It seems to be a born-again attitude. I'm born/raised Christian (not "born-again," not trinitarian, either), and although the saying is that it's easier to get forgiveness than permission, I don't think that is quite accurate when it comes to one's relationship with God. He's already given us whatever "permission" He's going to give, and being rude and mean simply aren't ok. The thing is that the born-again Christian mentality is "once saved, always saved".. so whatever they do after their experience of being "saved" doesn't matter. It's already forgiven through no personal effort. The answer that mentioned the "get out of jail" card is pretty accurate. I think the whole movement is just an excuse to pull a holier-than-thou attitude.... "I'm saved and you're not, so I can do whatever I want and I'll still go to heaven!" I don't think they truly understand the concept of repentance and conversion. Both imply a certain amount of personal effort and a change of heart. Continuing to be mean and rude involves no effort or change of heart. To Born-Again Christians- Upon reading what I've written, this answer doesn't sound very nice. I apologize to anyone that this offends. Please remember that God will judge us all- that's not your job. If He sends me to hell for how I believe and where I worship, so be it. It's not your place to judge my relationship with my Father.
2016-05-17 23:36:59 · answer #2 · answered by helena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are not forcing you to do anything. This is a personal choice that you make once in a lifetime. You can either accept Christ, or reject him.
Bonuses if you Accept Him:
Eternity in Heaven when you die, a relationship with your Creator, and a brand new family overflowing with love by other Christians, etc.
Bonuses if you Reject Him:
Eternity in Hell when you die, everlasting torture, not knowing your Creator, at risk to the worldly temptations with out Someone to guide you, etc.
2007-04-06 07:18:37 · answer #3 · answered by ☼SoccerGirl☼ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a great analogy, and I agree.
All the time I get Christians telling me "you were never a Christian, if you were a True Christian you wouldn't have left". I find that very arrogant and judgmental on their part because 9 times out of 10 people who say that are complete strangers to me and know nothing about my life. They don't know how devout or sincere I was in my beliefs, they don't know how much I studied the bible. Even when I try to explain to them my reasons to ultimately leaving Christianity wasn't because I don't believe their God's existence, it was for moral reasons. I do not believe that God as described in the bible (i.e. the one who sends people to hell for having an honest difference of opinion) is the kind of God I'd want to worship.
2007-04-05 10:08:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
There are so many different criteria of what makes someone a Christian. Some say that the only thing you need is faith the size of a mustard seed. Others say you need to follow the Bible to the "T". It's ridiculous. I say, if you consider yourself a Christian, then you are. Simple.
I loved your ice-cream shop analogy. It's so true!
2007-04-05 07:39:32 · answer #5 · answered by Joa5 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I find no fault in your leaving the ice cream shop in search of one that has a flavor more compatible with your taste.
2007-04-05 10:06:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Your experience is just another example of how deluded Christians are. It's really sad that some people never learn to think for themselves.
2007-04-05 07:56:59 · answer #7 · answered by Billybww 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I know. A good friend of mine left Christianity a year ago. It's absolutely disgusting to see how many Christians tell her that she couldn't possibly have been a real Christian.
Scary that they don't even see how arrogant that sounds.
I hope you found the path that feels most comfortable to you.
2007-04-05 07:42:02 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 5⤊ 3⤋
Harmony is harmony; disharmony is the only sin against God*.
*regardless of how you define God, or your neighbor, or yourself.
Jesus said, "If you do not forgive others, your father in Heaven will not forgive you".
That is the clearest verse in the Bible.
smiles, and ditto.
2007-04-05 07:40:56 · answer #9 · answered by MrsOcultyThomas 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The idea that they could lose their "faith" scares the be-jesus out of them. So they have to diminish you and your experiences in order to feel safe.
2007-04-05 10:36:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Matthew 7:13-14
Perhaps the road was too narrow for you?
2007-04-05 07:37:29 · answer #11 · answered by Gui 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋