Just finished picking the best answer for another question where we were talking about the fact that there are no more than a handful of what we might call "real", or "good", Christians here.
Now I know this question is going to be plastered with advice from those who call themselves "christian". But I think we're keen enough to know the real from the unreal.
I'd like to thank the real ones for remaining amongst us, not only for their thoughfulness and compassion, but also as a graceful counterpoint to the hatred and bigotry that too easily flows from others who may claim that faith with their mouth, but not their hearts.
To those few: you give hope and meaning to your religion, not the other way around. I firmly believe that.
Love and Peace to you.
2007-07-26 02:29:41 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
those good people need our love and support each day on here ....
they are often hated amongst their own kind due to their love for humanity
they probably get more hate mail than we do from those of their own faith
(((((((((HUGS))))))))))) to them all and please dont change xx
2007-07-26 02:34:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
Hello friend! I am a what you would call a "real" Christian, I suppose. I believe being a Christian means following the teachings of Christ (Judge not lest ye be judged, love your neighbor, love your ENEMIES and pray for people who mistreat you, give to others - especially the poor and widowed, and live a life of service).
I would say that a true Christian wouldn't want to be celebrated for doing what his/her Lord taught to do. We believe our reward is in doing the act, for loving people is surely more gratifying than hating.
Perhaps the best thing that you can do is to recognize that many people blindly follow many faiths, especially if they are raised in the faith, without truely understanding what the religion teaches. It isn't just Christians that make this error, though in the US they get the most publicity. Many true Christians are greived when compared to abortion clinic bombers and anti-gay protesters. That is not what real Christians do. If you can recognize that, then we would all be very happy.
Have a blessed weekend!
2007-07-26 09:40:15 · answer #2 · answered by robinwagner22 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Fantastic question and observations!
Whenever I post a question to Christians, and I do so a lot, if I get a reasonable, non-vitriolic, well thought out response that actually considers my words and doesn't dismiss me outright for what I am, I ACKNOWLEDGE them with a personal email when possible, and with an added detail to the question noting how great this person is!
These are the people for whom I keep posting. Sometimes it feels like a needle in a haystack, but when you find one...ah........it's great!
BB,
Lady Morgana )0(
2007-07-26 22:35:02 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Morgana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By persistently thanking them when they post a decent response or respectful question, and explicitly pointing out that they've done so.
I also think that it wouldn't hurt if we'd stop denigrating faith. The Christians who believe in gods on the basis of faith are wrong, of course, but we're all wrong about lots of things. It's not the faith-filled ones that cause the problems - it's the arrogant ignoramuses who claim to have evidence or even proof of the existence of their gods.
It also wouldn't hurt to point out (as Pangel does) that they're in a more difficult position than we are. I can post here as an atheist knowing that my position is at least reasonably well represented by mature and thoughtful co-atheists. If you're a decent, mature Christian, though, you're bravely struggling through a moral swamp created by your co-Christians. That's gotta be really difficult, and the decent ones deserve our respect for making the effort.
2007-07-26 09:33:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
Yay Rachel K and Debra M!!!!!
Debra M is the epitome of love and compassion. I have never met or known anyone like her.
Rachel K is perhaps the most knowledgeable and open-minded Christian I have ever known (well, sort of known lol).
Those are the 2 that most stick out in my head but I'm sure there are many more.
Lovely question, by the way. A very nice gesture.
2007-07-26 09:43:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well that sounds good. (although I confess stalking christians for the fun of it sometimes). I´ll always respect someone honest enough to be willing to discuss one´s motives and beliefs if they show originality of thought. What I DETEST, is regurgitated, predigested, parrot words.
All hail the thinkers!
2007-07-26 09:33:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
by thanking them for remaining sane and tolerant and open-minded.
hopefully this will encourage more of these to emerge from hiding, and discourage the others somehow, the bigots and racists etc, though they are so demented and tunnel-visioned, i expect we will see them here for a long time yet!
blessed be
2007-07-26 09:36:49 · answer #7 · answered by hedgewitch 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you there. While I wish that there were other belief systems that these people would adopt as a substrate for their goodness, a truly good person is that way regardless of the malign influence of religion.
CD
2007-07-26 09:35:08 · answer #8 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Hey Robert! Good to see you!!! I'm still hanging but not asking so much anymore.I am however learning to pray more and more as I read YA everyday.
God Bless you friend
Love and peace to you too
2007-07-26 09:37:11 · answer #9 · answered by Christal 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Let us celebrate by dancing naked in the streets praising the lord all the while (and don't forget to post the vid to youtube)
2007-07-26 09:36:23 · answer #10 · answered by bonzo the tap dancing chimp 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
*hugs* What a wonderful sentiment. I really agree. Thanks guys! You're a shining light for peace, tolereance and real Christian love! Woo-hoo!
2007-07-26 09:34:38 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋