Christians, I need your help (please only real answers)?

Question

I get so angry at Christianity. I mean, it gives you guys this burden- you feel that we are going to hell and it's up to you to save us. I understand that, and I know many of you have good hearts and really believe that and want to help people like me.

But from my perspective, I will not become a Christian. I used to be one. I'm into naturistic stuff. I really feel strongly about not needing a book to know God. So when evangelicals try to get to me to read their book, I feel a mixture of a lot of emotions.

I feel sad that they feel they have this burden

I feel disrespected since they are a stranger trying to tell me my own belief isn't good enough for God, when I feel it is

I feel angry that the religion includes this intolerance (it does qualify as that, even if you have the best intentions)

I feel sad that me being me, on my spiritual quest, trying my best isn't good enough for the world

Anyway, my question to you is: how can I get along with Christians in general, and make it clear that I'm happy with the way I am while still being a nice fellow human being? I don't like feeling angry, and I'm sure a well meaning person doesn't like having someone angry at them.

Esther, I get angry because they come up to me in the street, and at work, and pretty much everywhere. It would wear on anyone after a while.

Answer 1

dont discuss religion...would be rule number one....i dont follow a religion i do have a relationship with god..it aggravates me to listen to a coworker discuss how i came from bacteria then argue and try to demean everyone Else's opinion...its one thing to believe a certain way..its even OK to discuss it but when you try to push your beliefs off on everyone else..that's when there is a problem and it has to stop..be who you are..and dont worry about others

Answer 2

Wow! Isn't it amazing how many christians totally ignored your real question and tried to "help" you. More strangers telling you your beliefs aren't as good as theirs. What a perfect example of christian "love and acceptance".

I'm so sorry that you feel this way and want you to know you are not alone. I feel exactly as you do. I alternate between being sad and angry as hell at them. The truth is that they just don't get it. Look at their answers! They can not understand how their belief hurts others. They do not get that their "witnessing" is damaging, intolerant and disrespectful. They have been taught that they are the only way to God and they will never give up that belief or need. To get along with christians, if you are not one of them, you must keep your distance. There are a few rare ones in the world that have the ability to be a friend without force feeding you damnation...but they are few and far between. I recently lost yet another christian friend because the religion issue became too strenuous for the friendship to last. She wouldn't stop preaching at me and praying for me. Another one bites the dust. I have decided to stay with my own kind from now on. From what I have seen and experienced, there really is no way to really get along with christians for those of us that do not believe. I simply tell them a firm "no thank you" while looking them in the eyes and walk away.

Your spiritual path is your own and it is far better than 'good enough'. Blessings, Journey

Answer 3

BTW Sorry this is kind of long.

Wow, have you ever read up on transcendentalism? I can understand where you are coming from though I am not in your position. One thing to remember is that all Christians, like all of any religion, are all humans. Some are accepting, while some aren't so much so. You may see more of one group than another in certain churches, but they all have basically the same groups (even though in different concentrations). Not everyone will believe the same thing, whether it is about God, or whether it is about life in general. Some people don't open their minds enough to allow this to happen. Yes we Christians are called on to lead others to follow Christ, but good leaders don't try to force anyone to follow. The best way to show someone a good way is to show that person through action. Show them that the belief as well as the believer is real: that they don't just go door to door proclaiming the good news, but they live it in their lives through acts of charity (even though they don't show themselves in doing charity, many people may notice sometimes anyway). When one person sees another that the first mentioned respects, the the first will follow the second. This is how Christians should be instead of knocking on doors telling what will happen to the "unbeliever."

Answer 4

Well, first off, we don't consider it a burden. It's a joy to tell people about Jesus, and the gift of life that He offers. I'm sorry you've been bombarded, or Bible-beaten. We get pleasure from doing what God wants us to do, and one of the main things He wants us to do is tell everyone about Him. :) That's written in "our" Book, btw, it is called "the Great Commission".

I'm sorry that our intolerance makes you angry. We may be intolerant in that we believe (we KNOW, but you probably don't believe that) what the Truth is and will accept no substitute for that Truth, but a true Christian will never treat someone ugly because of their beliefs. We will love on you as much as we would a brother in Christ (or a fellow believer). Maybe more, because we want you to know the love that dwells within us, and we want you to have it too.

Please don't think that the Christian world is against YOU. One thing we try to follow is "hate the sin, but love the sinner". And by sinners, we include ourselves, of course. We aren't perfect, but we recognize our need to be forgiven. And we recognize the only One who can forgive.

You don't need the Book to know God. But it does help to know who He is, and what He's all about. Then you can really get to know Him and talk to Him.

Sorry to ramble. Hope this helps in some way.

Answer 5

Where on earth do you live to get brow beaten so often? I totally respect others beliefs and I don't mind if they are differnt than my own - as long as you are a peace with yourself and what you believe feels right for you and makes you feel more fulfilled as a person than that is what matters. And don't worry about what is good enough for the world - worry about what is good for you all the rest can burn in hell... so to speak haha.

Answer 6

I am sorry to tell you this. I want to say this in the nicest way possible, but your problem really is not Christians. People say it's Christians, but really it's that they feel convicted by the Word of God. When you go home at night you tussle and cant' find any rest. Why? Because that is God Himself dealing with you. Preaching the gospel is commanded by the Lord Himself. The apostel Paul said, "Woe unto me if I preach not this gospel". Everyone that God has called unto Himself is birthed into Christ through His Word. So everyone who comes to God despite how much they fight it, comes because they heard the gospel preached. I am sorry you feel this way, I have been down the same road myself. I grew up in the church and when I turned 18 I said I hated it and I would never go back again. But I found out that when all hell broke loose in my life, that's the time God was able to get me to sit and listen. And I never saw that side of God and what He told me. All because I was trying to do things my way. The Lord Jesus Christ is the best thing that will ever happen to you. I've did it your way and I have done it God's way. And God's is the best.

Answer 7

I am a Christian, but I feel each person has to find his own path to God. You sound clearly comfortable in your spiritual relationship with him, and he knows your heart, so it doesn't really matter what others think. It's Your life. It's your and God's relationship, and I'm sure "trying your best", is good enough for him. So many of us who think we are good Christians, can't say "we are trying our best". I guess, we are trying, with the best of intentions! '-'

Answer 8

I know this may seem harsh and you may not want to hear it but this is the way I see it.
You are angry at just Christians coming up to you and professing God's word, and you say that you used to be one. This is going to cause your soul to feel like it's tearing up, even if you are now a Naturalist. Because you walked with God for a moment and turned your back, that doesn't mean that He has turned His back on you. Just the opposite, He is sobbing over you - He wants you back. You are just being stubborn enough to say no - deep down you can hear Him, He calling you back.

Answer 9

I am a Christian, but there are times when I do not like the way Christians share their message with others. I've seen the negative reprocussions from it, time and time again. Yes, they have the best intentions, most of them anyway, but the way they approach other people have alot to be desired.

I have found over the years that one cannot "convert" another. To accept Christ is a personal decision. I can only tell people why I believe as I do, and then it is up to them to decide in favor for Christ, or to reject Him. There is no "conversion", but there are "decisions".

I do regret your decision to leave Christ. Personally, I know what you will be missing, and I also know that your current decision is not the correct one. I know that statement might ruffle your feathers, but I speak the truth according to what I believe, and I, like you, am entitled to my beliefs.

When a Christian tells you that your beliefs are not in accordance with the will of God, that is not meant to be spiteful, but they are stating a fact. If you choose to consider that "intolerance", then you are welcome to think that way, but that in no way changes the mind of God. The route that you are pursuing now is not acceptable to God, because what you have chosen replaces Him. And God will not take second place to His creation, or the creation of something by mankind.

Don't feel sad for Christians that they have this "burden", because it is a privilege to serve Christ, it is not painful or laborious. Christians are only doing what Christ commands them to do.

God never once stated that "trying your best" was the way to reach Him. He gave you one way, and one way only. And that is through Christ. You have free will to decide which direction you will go. Either for Christ, or for something else. And in the end, you will be accountable for the decision that you choose.

I don't consider what I believe to be "intolerant". To me, "tolerance" is the first step to "compromise", and I certainly would never do that.

Answer 10

I completely agree with you. I'm not a Christian, I called myself that when I was living with my mother. It was a burden for me too.

I was fairly obedient and never caused destruction. But I saw how the other kids acted outside of church. They cussed, watched R-rated shows, smoke, drink, etc...

But my mother would compare me to them and say that I was the bad child. It hurt me so much being blamed for things I didn't do. While the other children got praises for their false good behavior.

Everytime I would say I'm not a Christian, people would label me, and automatically assume I'm a slut or whore.

But the thing is I was forced into religion and that's why I can't stand it so much. When believers try to convert me to their religion, they are so conspicuous and I get defensive.

I have my own mind and I can choose my own religion!

Answer 11

Just ignore these street venting, so-called Christians. Their motives are selfish (they think that for every one they save, they get a little place in Heaven). They do Christianity more harm than good and they are a bloody nuisance all round. Just tell them you don't talk to strangers. Also, KKingS right. You are only answerable for yourself. You'll not find any of those buggers by your side, putting in a good word for you when it comes to it.