Would you call me "a Christian"?

Question

I view the Book Of Genesis as an allegory. I think God created the world, but the science of evolution shows us his handiwork.

I am for same sex marriage, and for the ordination of gays and lesbians. I came to this conclusion after much thought and prayer, realising that all are sinners, all fall short of perfection. Homosexuals do not choose to be the way they are. There are many comandments in the Old Testament that no one follows, so maybe teachings regarding sexuality are no different.

I am pro-life

When I say The Apostles Creed, I believe every word. Jesus Christ's ressurection was a physical one. I believe in all the miracles Jesus performed. He was born of a virgin. And I believe that Christ will return one day.

Given some of these views that I hold which are certainly the subject of great contravery these days, would you still call me a Christian?

Ooops! I forgot to add one more thing. I am not convinved that all non-Christians go to Hell.

I believe there IS a Hell.

But I don't think that every non-nominal Christian will spend eternity there. Does a Jewish baby who dies at age 10 months go to Hell? No!

What about a developmentally challanged muslim person? No.

I like to think that my Lord Jesus will come back one day and all shall recognize Him and have a chance for salvation.

I just think there must be incidents where non-Christians CAN have salvation. I cannot articulate how this might happen, and I am not even completely sure, but nonetheless its what I feel.

Answer 1

"When I say The Apostles Creed, I believe every word. Jesus Christ's ressurection was a physical one. I believe in all the miracles Jesus performed. He was born of a virgin. And I believe that Christ will return one day."

That part makes you a christian. The rest of it makes you a really cool one. Welcome to my contacts list.

Answer 2

The question to ask is not do I consider you a Christian, the question is do you believe you are one? There are steps , I believe in becoming a Christian. 1. Hearing God's Word (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:17, Romans 3:23). 2. Believe the Word of God (John 8:24) 3.Repent (Luke 13:3). 4. Confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord (Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:10, Acts 8:37). 5.Get Baptized (1Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16, Galations 3:27). 6. Remain Faithful, live for Jesus (Revelation 2:10, Luke 9:62). That means denying your flesh which is what "homosexuals", who by the way do choose their lifestyles, must do in order to be called up to Heaven when Christ arrives. Yes it is true that we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), however we musn't just wallow in our pit. We must try our best to be like Christ. When we fall, we MUST get up and keep going. Let's not forget the teachings of Christ in the New Testament about homosexuality (Romans 1:18-34, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). In each time that He speaks on it, He speaks about it being wrong. Yes, in the Old Testament, they do disregard a lot of Rules given by God. If you notice, the Israelites took 40 years going around in a circle until they got to their Promised Land. So while it is easy to just say "they did it in the Old Testament", the New Testament tells that we are to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). Make no mistake, the ways of the world are the wiles of the devil. The devil is the only one that will make you question your Christianity and you are the only one who can stand firm in it. God bless you and I am praying for your faith. You will need it in these end times. By the way, if those "non-Christians" are not in a faithful walk with God or have not done these steps of Salvation or have denied Jesus, they WILL NOT go to Heaven. Jesus is not coming back to save those who have not done His work in the Lord, no matter how much good they have done in the world. Without Him, they are doing it in vain, unfortunately. Stay strong in the Lord!

Answer 3

On homosexuality... God loves me unconditionally regardless, If your soul and spirit feel secure without any guilt then it is right for you ( that person) If there is a tinge of guilt or doubt then you know deep within that it's wrong. That is why we have a conscious soul that god provided us separate from free will and mental games. the word "Christian" means you believe in Christ and his existence and purpose while He was here, so with that you are a Christian to me. My brother is gay and if I can love him why wouldn't my father the Lord? Am I to love someone who can't love more than me? I am not pro homosexuality but I will not judge les't I be judged. You cannot know love unless you hate. As with everything good there is or can be bad. Why am I poor another rich? Is that fair? He (Jesus does not say when he will return) (there are many mansions) We just may keep coming back until we get it right. Also I do believe in Hell for only those who consciously and willingly devote themselves to it and willfully denounce God. He forgives all!!!and understands each of us . Forgiveness is his, and just to add a statement of how much I believe, I believe that even some serial killers go to heaven. Weep for you're children... mental illness, abuse ,inherited. God Bless you

Answer 4

Yes, and a very informed believer in most areas.

However, regarding same sex sexual behavior, you unfortunately aren't, like a very large minority of us Christians. Yes, those with same sex attractions don't initially choose their inclinations, but neither do alcoholics, as well as many of us who suffer from some other disorder! Yet, we attempt to encourage alcoholics and others who suffer from their respective disorder to abstain from their disorder's behavioral symptoms. So, why not GLBT folks? Contrary to what you were most likely taught, they can be accountable, especially by the power of the Holy Spirit, and find freedom and some form of change, if not total or significant.

The APAs did not take homosexuality off the books as a disorder due to reasons around science. It was purely due to sociopolitical pressure. Science has shown clearly through identical twin studies, that it is not something with which one is born (see #1 notation). And, ironically, the authors of this study are gay! In addition, there is a very good qualitative study that was done 1999 that indicates clearly that those who are motivated, and find the help needed, can experience a total change of their sxual orientation, a significant shift and/or functioning satisfactorily in an heterosexual relationship (see #2 notation). Like those who were subjects in this study, I have left a gay lifestyle and after years of growth I now happily function heterosexually. A few other studies show that human sexual orientation tends to shift towards heterosexuality as maturity occurs. There was a mega study that indicated that 25% of 12 year old boys felt that they were gay, then later at age 16 only 12% considered themselves gay, then 8% at 18, and less than 4% between the ages of 21 and 25. (see notation #3)

Then there's of course the NT scriptures of which I'm sure that you aware. But, did you know that the Apostle Paul was a witness to this change in many in the Corinthian church through their faith (1 Corinthians 6:11)? I'm wondering if the reason why you're having difficulty with this is because of your evolutionary view of our origins, which includes, of course, our sexuality? It's not tenable to believe that God transforms us (makes us a new creation) sexually, or any other way as well, if you don't believe that He directly and pro-actively formed (created) the world. An evolutionary view, even a theological one at that, can only recognize an evolving process through the survival of the fittest. Homosexuals in this regard are seen as those who won't breed, and certainly won't change, so that the more dominant genes from particular heterosexual males (i.e., alpha men) get passed on to their posterity.

Answer 5

A true Christian is someone who believes the gospel and has trusted in Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior for the remission of all sin.

The tree is also known by its fruit. And some of what you have said goes against the Word of God. However, I will not hand down a yes or no. You need to be convinced in your own mind regarding your particular doctrinal views.

Answer 6

No.
First of all Christians are no longer sinner, they might not have transformed their mind yet but they are a new creation in Christ Jesus:
(2 Cor 5:17 KJV) Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, besides Him there is no other way:
(John 14:6 KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Any sex outside of marriage between one man and one woman is sin.
(Rom 1:28 KJV) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Jesus died on the Cross to make us free from the bondage of sin and death. We have power in Christ Jesus not to sin. God still does not approve of lifestyles of sin of any type.

Answer 7

If everyone was headed toward a cliff in order to jump off, would you follow them? If others don't follow the commands found in the Bible, then it's okay for you not to follow them also, that's what you're saying. That's not how God thinks.

Matthew 7:13,14 - "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it."

Answer 8

Whether or not people consider you a Christian, you sound like a genuinely good person at heart. That's more than some people can say about themselves. Don't let others sway the way that you believe. After all, I believe in the Bible, but I also believe that it can be interpreted different by everyone that reads it.

Answer 9

As I understand it (as a non-Christian, mind you), Christianity is, at it's core, the beief that one must embrace Jesus as the one true manifestation of god in order to attain eternal life in Heaven (the alternative, for non-believers like me is an eternity of torture in Hell).
So, by my definition, if you believe that then you're a Christian. All the other arbitrary and nonsensical rules seem to vary from sect to sect, so who am I to say you're not a Christian because you reject some of them?

Answer 10

1 st. Corinthians 15 : 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not : for some have not the knowledge of God : I speak this to your shame.