I just read this gem: "I don't think it is possible for a real Christian to fall in love with an Atheist." It seems like the list of qualifications for being a "real Christian" keeps growing.
So far according to R&S world a real Christian can not be liberal, a feminist, any orientation but straight and can never under any circumstances question their beliefs, speak out against the president, mention global warming, or fall in love with an atheist.
Anything else I should know?
2007-09-06 07:44:49 · 37 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Skalite: Thanks. I knew I was screwed anyway.
Everyone else: R&S is Religion and Spirituality, the section this question is posted in. It's not that hard to figure out, folks.
2007-09-06 07:50:51 · update #1
I'm really not interested in the definition of a true Christian, I'm quite comfortable in my Christianity even if I don't meet some people's standards. I'm just pointing out how silly it is that the list keeps getting longer.
2007-09-06 07:51:57 · update #2
As a gay and liberal Christian, I choose to let God decide my fate. Jesus created a church with open arms, embracing sinners. Many Christians today do not follow this example. The Bible says many people will call up to Jesus, and Jesus will say that he does not know them.
In many ways, Christianity is a very liberal and radical religion. Unfortunately, many followers don't realize that.
2007-09-06 07:50:27 · answer #1 · answered by brinmat 3 · 6⤊ 2⤋
I asked a question recently asking people if Christians on here would stop using that term. Most didn't agree with me.
I think they thought I was saying there was no such thing as a real Christian, which is not what I meant at all. I meant we need to stop labeling people we don't know and thinking that just because we have a different interpretation or belief about a specific topic, that our Christianity is more valid than theirs.
Some beliefs and actions are incorrect, and people should be informed in a loving manner. Not by name-calling and telling them they're not a "real Christian" That will only antagonize people and push them away.
A Christian can do anything, but that doesn't mean they should. If a "real Christian" is someone who never does anything wrong and has the exact correct belief about every topic, than I have yet to meet anyone who is a "real Christian"
2007-09-06 07:54:16 · answer #2 · answered by melissa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can see some practical problems if a devout Christian is married to an atheist. It's not about being liberal or broad minded.
It would mean that God cannot be spoken of within the house, One cannot have any Bible discussions or prayer meetings. God is someone who would be held secretly, never openly acknowledged. If there are children, they will be affected too.
I've seen this happen far too many times, to completely brush off the fact that it is good to be in a relationship with a person who shares your beliefs. That doesn't make someone a real Christian or not, but honestly if you believed that salvation is through Christ, why wouldn't you want the same for your partner?
2007-09-06 07:55:15 · answer #3 · answered by ann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
>"So far according to R&S world a real Christian can not be liberal, a feminist, any orientation but straight and can never under any circumstances question their beliefs, speak out against the president, mention global warming, or fall in love with an atheist."<
In fact a True Christian may do all of the above... including falling "in love" with and atheist... the only two things that would be strictly against the Word and Will of God would be actin on that "love" and ingaging in a "relationship" or marrage with the atheist...and... continuing homosexual acts after becoming one of The Church...
most all of the True Christian women I have met are very "feminist"... and all strive to be good stewards of God's Earth, So are concerned with the global issues of the invironment... I personaly think GW is a traitor....and I am extreamly "liberal" on many issues...as are most Christians I know... I, and most Christians I know, have many questions regarding The Faith....
Any thing else you want to know?
2007-09-06 07:57:04 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, there is that whole "believing atheists worship Satan" thing... but for the most part, I'd say there are as many standards for being a "real/true Christian" in R&S as there are christians in R&S. Each "christian" is an individual, and each thinks they are a "true christian," even if they think the other christians aren't.
My personal definition, someone that believes Jesus is the only way to Heaven. But then again, I'm an atheist, and we usually tend to look at things a bit differently than most "true christians."
2007-09-06 07:54:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
So, then, what is a real Atheist?
I don't actually believe in using that terminology.
All of us are better at some aspects that we aim to
do and worse at others.
We are simply aspiring to be Christ-like.
Of course, being Christ-like also can mean
different things to different people and it is
a balance between holiness and goodness towards
others. It has to be both and without pride.
We are all aspiring to understand.
That we have a standard is a good thing
and that we are aiming to define that standard
better and better is an even better thing!
Our foundation stays secure, though.
Yes, we are trying to be a good example and
no, we are not all alike in belief (as Christians).
That is human nature. We are all seeking
and learning. What gives us the name of
Christian is following and being humble before
Christ Jesus. Jesus' diciples got it
wrong so many times - even in pretty surprising ways
for sure!
The tip is to know that we all get it wrong in
ways - even atheists.
I don't consider myself to be better than an
atheist. I could be one just as easily for sure.
A revalation was given to me, though, and
I hope the same for everyone. It is important.
The goal really is to be humble so that
you can actually learn and grow.
Wisdom is better than knowledge.
It keeps pride and selfishness in check.
I hope that helped.
2007-09-06 07:58:37 · answer #6 · answered by Nickel-for-your-thoughts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry but I think this is unfair. When you say R & S world you are including me and I think other Christians who have not said these things.
I do understand that there are a number of Christians on this site who seem to have more rules for being a Christian and unfairly judge many. I am also offended by their responses.
We may disagree on some of the things you have mentioned, but that doesn't cause me to question your Christian faith. Being a Christian is simply about believing in Christ. All who share that faith are brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Pastor John
2007-09-06 07:56:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I love the words in the Bible that say, "Everything is permissable--but not everything is beneficial [for Christians]..." (1Corinthians 10:23) The conclusion that I draw from those words are: no one should tell another person what they should or should not be doing for the cause,or in the name of, Christ. Unfortunately, most people who call themselves Christians are very insecure about what they believe about God and why. Just like the schoolyard bully, it is easier to push others down to make you feel better about yourself. And most people that would tell you to avoid an atheist, would do so because they don't know what they believe and certainly could not defend what they believe to an atheist, and would consequently eventually adopt the atheist's beliefs. And heaven forbid that you fall in love with one! It is much easier for religion to just say "Stay away from them" than to help the believer get grounded in a real, solid relationship with God that can stand on its own two feet.
God does have rules for people who desire to be called by his name. They are in the Bible and best sought out (in my very humble opinion) in personal Bible study and carefully selected teachers. And don't be afraid to question them. If they can't give an answer for what they believe, get away from them. People who want to give out a whole bunch of rules for Christians to follow, don't need our attention. Jesus reserved his harshest words for the Pharisees, who were doing exactly that. God be with you...
2007-09-06 08:24:45 · answer #8 · answered by megsmom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Add these to the list to be a true christian:
.Can't/Don't use proof (in present time) for the benefit of finding out whats real in the world you live in.
.Have an incredible fear of hell (which no one can prove exists)
.Always ready to put money in the donation tray (the preacher thinks thats the most important part!)
.Smells bad : ] j/k
You know...if you decide to marry an atheist one of these days...I heard they make some pretty good lovin'. ha
2007-09-06 11:30:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you should know that the ONLY "standard" for being a real/true Christian is for that person to open his/her heart and mind to the love and mercy of the one true God, and accept salvation of his/her eternal soul thru His Son, Jesus.
Everything else is forum fodder. Don't confuse personal opinions with articles of faith.
2007-09-06 07:51:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋