What Is My Religion?
I was brought up Brethren (a modest, pacifist denomination of Christianity). When I was 12 years old, I felt 'moved' during a church service one Sunday to accept Jesus Christ into my heart. I served my home church in different capacities until moving away for college. After college, I joined a different church, where I taught Sunday School, led youth activities, provided special music, served as Deacon, then as Elder. Now, I am not active in church at all. I still enjoy going on occasion, but I am truly not involved in any sense of the word.
Why? I still pray. I still consider myself a Christian. But, in reality, when I look more closely at what constitutes a 'true Christian', I most certainly do NOT fit the bill.
For example, I believe good people - regardless of their beliefs - will go to Heaven. I don't think they have to have accepted Jesus into their hearts in order to go there. I believe people of all kinds can get into Heaven (heterosexual, homosexual, babies who aren't baptised, babies who are, people who lie, people who cheat, people who love, people who give...). Asking for forgiveness is all we have to do. The 'Golden Rule' of treating others as you would have them treat you is what I try to live by. That, to me, makes people good; it makes them worthy of a peaceful and happy life in eternity.
But, a real Christian believes that only people who as Jesus into their hearts can get into Heaven. Only by asking the Lord for forgivenss of all sins can we move onto that better life after leaving this one. And, that is just one example of why I'm confused over my religion; how what I believe differs from the 'rules' of Christianity.
Furthermore, I find it difficult to understand why some individuals are afraid to question their own belief systems. Isn't that what helps us to grow as individuals and contributing members of society? I challenge you to look at your beliefs and why you believe them. It's okay to question our perceptions - as we experience new things in life, they shape our current and developing belief systems. It's a very powerful thing... embrace it! Question where you came from and where you are going. There's no judgement here. We're all human, and that is what makes us similar. Different beliefs help the world go 'round. Be proud of who you are and what you believe - just be sure you understand why you believe certain things and be proud to stand behind them.
Why? I still pray. I still consider myself a Christian. But, in reality, when I look more closely at what constitutes a 'true Christian', I most certainly do NOT fit the bill.
For example, I believe good people - regardless of their beliefs - will go to Heaven. I don't think they have to have accepted Jesus into their hearts in order to go there. I believe people of all kinds can get into Heaven (heterosexual, homosexual, babies who aren't baptised, babies who are, people who lie, people who cheat, people who love, people who give...). Asking for forgiveness is all we have to do. The 'Golden Rule' of treating others as you would have them treat you is what I try to live by. That, to me, makes people good; it makes them worthy of a peaceful and happy life in eternity.
But, a real Christian believes that only people who as Jesus into their hearts can get into Heaven. Only by asking the Lord for forgivenss of all sins can we move onto that better life after leaving this one. And, that is just one example of why I'm confused over my religion; how what I believe differs from the 'rules' of Christianity.
Furthermore, I find it difficult to understand why some individuals are afraid to question their own belief systems. Isn't that what helps us to grow as individuals and contributing members of society? I challenge you to look at your beliefs and why you believe them. It's okay to question our perceptions - as we experience new things in life, they shape our current and developing belief systems. It's a very powerful thing... embrace it! Question where you came from and where you are going. There's no judgement here. We're all human, and that is what makes us similar. Different beliefs help the world go 'round. Be proud of who you are and what you believe - just be sure you understand why you believe certain things and be proud to stand behind them.
Comments
However - many schools of thought and very intelligent people profess that his teachings and his life go way beyond that and require none of it.
Attendance, tithing, services - over rated. Turn a rock and I am there (God, not Jesus) - that is what I believe Jesus felt - not that he was divine, and not that you had to accept him as your savior - but that you believed.
So I guess I feel as you do - and clearly I question just about everything put in front of me and perhaps you do too now. "Real" Christian - bah. I would wager 90% of "real" Christians would stab you in the back to get ahead.
Ok - getting fired up - I will stop!