What is it saying to you when you hear "I'm not a Christian"? Do you hear "I'm a bad person"?

Question

I just wonder because every now and then I'll read or hear (not here) something where a person has stated "I'm a Christian" or "We're a Christian family" within a comment on something. And it's obvious they are using it as a way of ensuring "we're a good, decent family" as opposed to someone who should not be trusted with their words. Which from this angle kind of insinuates that they are better then the rest of us.

To you is someone saying the opposite, "I'm not a Christian," saying they are bad people?

Answer 1

I will tend to hear that as "I'm open minded," or "I'm not judgmental." I know that not all Christians fit the stereotype, but I've encountered enough of them to be wary whenever someone identifies themself as Christian.

"I'm not a Christian" will tend to put me more at ease.

Answer 2

I can beat that, I remember when I turned 15 (i live in the uk so 16 isn't that big of deal) and all my friends forgot it was my birthday, I didn't say anything as I didn't want to appear rude. Then when I turned 17 this year I was the only person who out of all my friends to not get driving lessons, it makes you feel left out but at the end of the day I'll learn another time won't I? Same with you, be grateful for what you have, only thing is I don't think they should have got all that stuff for your brother and little for you, my family have always kept it the same for all of us every year apart from 18th and 21st. You shouldn't splash that much money when you're not overly rich, today's world it is uncertain of the future.

Answer 3

Well, after a fashion this would be a true statement. But the truth of it is simpler and much more sad. You are a sinful person and facing judgment. The Christian is not better than you merely better off. But with a simple contrite prayer you immediately are equal to any Christian and even the Pope himself.

Christian's should not have to advertise themselves as good and decent it should be par for the course. But, a non Christian, who could be good and decent, is under no restraints and therefore you are open to anything.

When I say I am Christian, which is only when some one asks me, I am only saying that and not insinuating anything. I much rather live my life and let people decide if they see the light of Christ in me. Sadly some people just see me as a good person and not a Godly one.

Answer 4

No, not at all! I know so MANY WONDERFUL people who are not Christians! What I hear when someone says they are not Christian, actually just makes me think of how I didn't have any inner peace and assurance about what would be my Eternal destiny once I left this world, and honestly? My heart cries out in prayer for them to know this same peace that I now have. Do I think less of them as a person? Absolutely not! My sweet husband is not a Christian, and he's the dearest person in the world to me!

Answer 5

Since I'm the one generally saying "I'm not a Christian", let me give it to you from a different perspective. Having grown up in a Christian family, surrounded by mostly Christians, and a handful of Jews, I always feel a pang of trepidation when I explain to people that I'm not a Christian. It's got nothing to do with guilt, I stand by my beliefs, but I know when I say it that 9 times out of 10, I'll get that look. It's that instant suprise, followed by disappointment and sometimes I can almost hear them thinking "Oh, and here I thought she was such a nice girl". Oh well, I don't let it bother me, I still stand up for what I believe in, and I hope that people will accept that regardless of their own beliefs.

Answer 6

good question!

i agree.....many so-called christians gives the impression (many deliberately) that in claiming to be christian that they are indeed good, decent human being who knows better than you non-christian what is best for you. It is ignorance to force their view on some-one else. if you do you are not following Jesus advice when He sent out His twelve disciples to preach to the lost tribes of Israel (mark 6:10-11)

not all who claim to be christians are true christians. Jesus came for ALL MANKIND, no-one is excluded unless you who choose to be excluded All peoples are equal in His eyes. A true christian knows this but many times we fail to show it.

christians know they are sinners just like anyone else be you atheist or non-christian although some christians say once saved their sin is no longer a problem and they can do what they like. therein lies the attitude (my personal opinion) that they are better than others and have the right to force it on someone else even though they have no idea what they talking about.

thankfully it is not christians who will judge a non-christian. God alone is Judge. Praise God!

Answer 7

I'm a Christian but I don't state that to people for my own benefit. People who go around saying "I'm a Christian" are usually saying it because they wan't something. If someone is a true Christian, people will know. You never hear an apple tree telling us that it's an apple tree. We just know. Whether someone's a christian or not, it should be the person and his/her actions, not the beliefs of that person, that tell us whether they can be trusted or not. If someone needs to hide behind their religion instead of being themselves, then they definately can't be trusted.

Answer 8

No! No! No! No! No!

There are many non christians who actually are better people than professing christians when it comes to how the world judges good against bad.

God judges based on his attributes not on ours.

We must be without sin to meet God's standard of judgement.

The only difference between true born again christians and professing christians as well as non believers is:

We have all of our sins past, present, and future forgiven in Christ.

We have the righteousness of God in Christ.

We have eternal life in Christ.

What do you have?

What will you face?

Where will you spend eternity?

These are the questions you should be asking, Not what christians think of you. But what does God think of you?

May this help you under the anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT to seek God in Christ with all your heart before it is too late

Answer 9

I think when most people say "I am a Christian" used within the context your discussing, they are indeed using it as a way to ensure honesty, decency--the 'all-American-family' ideal (heh). But to automatically assume that someone is a horrible person because they don't believe in Christ is narrow-minded and foolish. It's not showing love in the slightest. My boyfriend isn't a Christian, and he's leagues kinder and more honest than some Church-goers I know. Someone saying "I'm not a Christian" means they don't subscribe to a set of spiritual beliefs.

Answer 10

Your question is a good one. Often people miscommunicate by identifying themselves as Christians. In the Biblical sense, Christians are people who are flawed and need help, just like the rest of humanity. However, Christians are those who have realized they can't be good enough on their own and have turned to God through Jesus Christ to change their lives. It doesn't mean they are better people. They are people who have given their lives to God. Unfortunately they sometimes become proud (evidence of their need for God's help) and think they are better. Sometimes, too, the phrase is used to mean that they try to live by a Christian standard, which can sound superior.

Answer 11

I don't often hear people say I'm not a Christian, but I do agree with you, those professing their Christianity do so to invoke some kind of moral superiority. By the same token phrases like, that was not very Christian, evoke just the opposite.