I'm not a Christian, but recently I have been wondering about this. Is there anything in the bible that says it isn't ok?
When Jesus is taken away, he tells Peter that he will deny knowing him three times before morning. Peter does deny Jesus because he is scared, but Jesus doesn't seem to hold it against him.
In the bible it says to love Jesus and your neighbour, but does it say anywhere that you have to tell people that this is what you are doing? Because if it doesn't, a lot of martyrs probably died for no good reason.
If I knew someone who was getting picked on because they were a Christian, I'd tell them just to deny it. I think Jesus would understand!
Any thoughts, anybody?
2007-10-29 04:58:26 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Matthew 10:33...if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father (paraphrase).
2 Timothy 2:12 ... If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.
The way I see it, getting picked on is a fact of life. Some people pick on other people for all sorts of thing...the way they look, the way they dress, the way they talk, their car, their job, their parents' job, whatever...denying Jesus doesn't stop you from getting picked on...it may change who is doing the picking and what they are picking on, but it won't solve the problem.
If getting picked on is the only thing a person has to suffer for following Jesus, that person should be grateful. All but one of Jesus' disciples gave their life for following his instructions to spread the word to all nations.
2007-10-29 05:19:26 · answer #1 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Peter repented of his sin of denial and was forgiven by Jesus.So yes pretending you are not a Christian is a sin and in fact is evidence that you may not be a true Christian at all. If someone , say a radical muslim or hindu, put the sword to your throat and said," Deny Jesus or die" and you deny Jesus so you can live . And then what if the man holding the sword said "too bad I'm gonna kill you anyway" and does kill you, then where will you be ? You will not have time to repent
like Peter did. This is why it is imperative that Christians purpose in their minds, souls and hearts that if that day comes they will say" What?. You are threatening me with heaven?, I will not deny Jesus , Go ahead cut off my head" I would count it an honor to die for Christ this way..... And the truth is , many are dieing , imprisoned and tortured right today for Christ's sake in China,Indonesia, Iraq, Sudan, Viet Nam , Pakistan, India, Gaza, the West Bank, Syria , Saudi Arabia and etc. Come to Christ
2007-10-29 05:14:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Tattie, this is a good question!
Much of what's written in the New Testament was written to or about specific individuals. Jesus told Peter, for example, that he would deny Him, which came true. And Jesus later forgave him and set him up to head the Jerusalem Church.
However, Jesus sends a clearly different message to those who would "save their lives" by denying Him.
It's not a matter of different rules for different people, it's a matter of particular circumstances dictating what's proper and what's not.
Bottom line, Christians are not only to expect, but also endure, persecution by others. In the final analysis, the "others" are truly not persecuting US, per se, but Jesus Himself. And He will have the final say on THAT.
2007-10-29 05:08:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Deny you are a Christian, just to keep people from picking on you. Never. You don't need to be excepted by the Devils clan. There has to be people around with enough backbone to defend you in front of these bullies. They can't all be bullies and cowards. Or are you the only man around, that has enough guts to stand up for your beliefs? If you really feel threatned then just walk away when the subject comes up. No need to argue with them, that is probably what they want.
2007-10-29 05:21:02 · answer #4 · answered by Brenda M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not ok. First of all it would be lying, but more importantly if you did that you would be basically putting yourself above Jesus. Lying about Jesus to save your own skin.
Peter was sorry for denying Jesus. Jesus didn't need to condemn him. After the resurrection he asked Peter three times "Do you love me?" Every time he answered "Yes". At first Peter couldn't figure out why he kept asking that. Then it clicked. He had denied Jesus three times, so Jesus was giving him three opportunities to make up for it. It was his way of saying all is forgiven.
2007-10-29 05:05:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm christian and have been picked for it several times but that doesnt mean I deny being a christian.
As long as you can be collaborative and willing to hear to others perspectives, it doesnt go to extremes like getting killed unless you live in an extremist country/place. I've had good and bad times in being a christian.
If you are a christian, and deny it to save yourselves from being picked, then it implies you dont have faith in your own religion.I guess, that applies to any religion one belongs to.
2007-10-29 05:14:43 · answer #6 · answered by jason 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Submitted by Terry (United States), Jun 8, 2004 at 14:55
For a Christian to take this cowards way out, to deny being a Christian, to swear allegiance to another diety .... means you are NOT a Christian.
There are those in Vietnam right now dying because they do not deny they are Christian. Those are real martyrs.
2007-10-29 05:03:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
If someone was pretending they weren't a Christian because they were worried about getting picked on. I guess they would be feeling embarraced, ashamed of their religion and worried about what other people will think, which is sad that someone would feel that way. They shouldn't care what other people think. If people are gonna pick on their beliefs and judge them instead of getting to know them fro their personality, then these people aren't very good friends.
2007-10-29 05:09:00 · answer #8 · answered by xoɟ ʍous 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Im not a christian but I dont think Jesus would think its OK to lie.
After all, he got crucified for admitting he was a christian, he could have lied and lived but didnt and I think he would have wanted his followers to do as he did.
2007-10-29 22:24:24 · answer #9 · answered by Catwhiskers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does depend on the circumstance. If your life may be endangered, or the lives of your family, then yes, do not disclose your faith in God. If it is possible you are in an unsafe situation and your welfare will be jeopardized, then the same applies. Just do the works, do not speak. However, if you are merely being picked on by words, and there is no danger of bodily harm, then stand firm. Others will see your strength and may even convert.
2007-10-29 05:10:04 · answer #10 · answered by Leopardlady 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋