Apology of a Christian?

Question

I am a Christian, and have been one my entire life. I believe what I believe because it is truth to me. I can't explain or rationalize that, but I cannot refuse what I believe. It breaks my heart, though to see other Christians make condemning statement to others who don't believe. I want to repent on behalf of all Christians for our narrow view of the rest of the world, our condemnation and judgment of people who don't believe what we believe, and our better than thou attitude about knowing truth. These attitudes do not reflect the Character and Person of Jesus that the bible describes. He was accused by the religious folk of hanging around and befriending "sinners, prostitutes, tax collecters", basically the scum of society. He also had lot's of time for regular folk like you and I. I also apologize for my own mistakes in this area. I have not been a perfect representation of who Jesus really was.

Jesus did bring a sword, but it was against the religious leaders, not the unbeliever. I know some people don't understand why I would apologize on behalf of someone else, but I want people to know that my heart burns with anger when I see Jesus misrepresented by someone who claims to be his follower.

Yes, all Christians came from the same place as everyone else. I am not a perfect person. I have struggles, I sin every day. I lost my way in this world more than once. I have hurt people badly. I have lied, cheated, lusted, cursed, hated, and probably even wanted to kill a person or two. Being a Christian means that I have asked for help from Jesus, nothing more.

I do not play games with these issues. Nor is my faith shaken by the beliefs of other people who have no faith in Jesus. My faith is centered on who Christ is, and on that only. Because my faith is not shaken by the beliefs of others, I have no need to prove my faith to anyone.

Answer 1

Amen! John 3:17 - "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

Answer 2

I agree with you. Yes I like to debate the "finer things". But lets get down to the brass tacks of salvation, and forget our differences. Love the sinner, and hate the sin. This is hard for some, but once accomplished, it is for the good. Yes, Jesus came for the sinner (sick). I have some "Christians" sound worse than atheists and others. Sometimes it is a game played to get Christians to "blow up". This shows we are human, but the world is watching and wanting to trip us up.
I pray that we can agree to disagree, being respectful to all.

†Prayer Warrior At Your Request†

Answer 3

I too am a Christian, I agree and I also apologize to everyone if I have done anything to misrepresent my savior or hurt another, I have been praying over this as well because I was hurt by how harsh some of us can be and it is not a positive representation of Christ. I respect and love you for this apology on behalf of all of us and pray others will accept it.

Answer 4

To take a firm stand on God Almighty, Christ Jesus, & the Holy Spirit takes 99.99% (not perfect) faith, loyalty, and love. If someone says I'm wrong, blinded, or ignorant in my belief, I WILL NOT apologize for sticking to my stance. That doesn't make Christians narrow minded. Faith is the beliefs of all things, though not seen. Non believer's want to take the Creation of the Universe and all living things away from God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth. To bend to their whims, is to have a shaky faith. Make your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything in between comes from evil. No "I'm sorry" and "no regrets".

Answer 5

Friend...I understand what pushes a person to get angry when their own belief system is not just under verbal assault from others, but is being horribly maligned by one's own fellow believers.

My prayer is while we may not agree in all we believe, let us continue to disagree with civility, and never stoop to denigrate those who disagree with us. Sadly, this seems to be the response from a small group on both sides of the belief system.

† Travelling Prayer Warrior †

Answer 6

That's the way it should be. We shouldn't waste our time here just to be self righteous like the Pharisees, or judge one another or be like the " enemy" accusing brethren at the throne of God. We should be here to give light and be a blessing to other people not a stumbling block. Help those who seek answers to their spiritual hunger without imposing any belief. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to communicate to everyone in a lowly manner.

Answer 7

Robert Ingersoll, the late great agnostic and renowned antagonist of Christianity, was wise enough to recognize this fact and stated in his famous lectures, "If this religion is true, then there is only one Savior, only one narrow path to life, Christianity cannot live in peace with any other religion." pg473

The reasons why we must answer as well as be prepared to evangelize such people are quite clear. The church must do it because Christ and the apostles commanded her to do so, unpopular though it may be, and to this all true Christians should be unequivocally committed, for no other reason than out of respect for our Lord. Certainly if our mothers, wives, children, or country were attacked and misrepresented, our love for them would compel us to defend them. How much more, then, should love for our Redeemer so motivate us in the defense of Him and His Gospel. pg 477

Answer 8

You are absolutely correct, and I admire your desire to humble yourself as Christ himself did.

Besides...we Christians have to understand that showing a loving attitude toward others with beliefs different from ours allows the Holy Spirit to work within us and reach out to others more effectively. You know the old saying...it's easier to catch flies with honey rather than vinegar...our job is to love our neighbors and treat them with respect while speaking the truth as Jesus did and would if he were walking the earth today.

Answer 9

There is a much larger number of good, decent people in the world of all faiths than what you see represented here. You have no need to apologize for them for you must be responsible for your own actions. I hope many more people read this and can apply it to their own thinking regardless of what belief they are. It truly is not just the Christians that attack but misguided people of every religion. But it is important to remember that there is good and bad everywhere. You will find some amazing people in every faith and some horrible in every one. Don't let the actions of a few angry and scared people skew your opinion of a group

Answer 10

I savour and settle on your apology. whether, it may be great in case you based on the righteous smug ideas of your faith slightly greater. to declare that homosexuality, case in point, is a "sin" asserts that your ideals are "righteous" and that there is something incorrect with people who don't adhere on your ideals. i easily do savour you combating to think of approximately those ideas, behaviors and apologizing. this is actual a flow in the direction of peace. I merely wish there replaced into greater popularity with that peace. All my maximum suitable to you (((seth ))). I wish greater christians could make the non violent efforts you have made.