My take on the Religion debate

[mbrune04]

Okay so here it is.  My take on the Religion debate that has been going on for a while.  I saw on woman post about how she thought if Christians would spend thier time showing Christ's love and just loving people for who they are and not what they believe then we (Christians) would not be viewed as all hyprocites, etc.  I agree with her.

I think that if Christians would do as the Bible says and love one another.  I mean really show love to others by thier words and actions than we might be able to be heard more.  We would not (hopefully) be viewed as "pests" "bible thumpers" or whatever else names there are for Christians.  I cringed everytime I see an athesist or unbeliever post something and a "christian" says "if you don't believe.....etc....you will go to hell".  I, as a Christian,  hate seeing that!!!!  For one: NOONE knows where you will be when you die.  Yes Christians do believe in heaven and hell but only God knows your heart and only He knows which place you will be after death. 

I have some friends that don't believe the same as I do.  I believe that b/c I didn't bang them over the head with a "YOU NEED JESUS!!!!"  or "YOUR GOING TO HELL B/C YOU DON"T BELIEVE" then we became friends.  Once they were my friends I still didn't say these things to them!!!  I believe in showing love for you whoever you are.  Yes there are some people that I just don't like.  Everyone has those people.  And those people I choose to stay away from.  But to stay away from someone that has a different religion than you is ignorant.  Or to "bang" them over the head with the Bible or verses or Jesus is just going to push them away. 

If you really want to save lost souls, become thier friends for who they really are!!!  Maybe then if religion comes up one day in discussion they will be more open to hearing what you have to say.  Because they see you living it.  Remember: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Oh and something else to remember.  Not everyone is going to agree with you.  If a non-christian don't want to hear what Christians have to say, LEAVE IT AT THAT!!!!!!!!!  Still love them for who they are!! 

I use the term "they" very generally.  That is b/c I can't list every single religion out there.  I speak of anyone who doesn't believe in one God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit.  Who don't believe that Jesus died for our sins and then rose on the third day to save us.  If you think I'm generalizing I do apologize up front.  I certainly don't mean to.  If you have a better term for me to use in place of the word they, by all means please let me know so I can change it.

[Feridust]

Nov. 5, 2007 at 12:51 AM

You make some very good points and I can tell you are a thoughful person. I don't think that all Christian are 'bible thumpers' and I've never had a bad experience with one on CM, yet. :) But honestly I get a little put off by the way some Christians feel that all non-Christians are lost souls, it just sounds condescending. I'm not saying that this is what you are saying though.

I used to be Catholic and we were never taught to feel superior to others or to proselytize so this idea of 'saving' is really foreign to me. Now that I'm eclectic Pagan I'm sure there are many who think I'm 'lost' but if that's the way they feel there's not much I can do to change that. My spirituality is my own and has never been stronger, but I respect the fact that we all have our religious/spiritual path to follow. Sorry I went on so long but thanks for sharing about this.

[sgtreganswife]

Nov. 5, 2007 at 1:10 AM Very well put and sooo true. Definately not up  to us to say where any one is going to go... We are suppose to LOVE ALL people and pray for those that do not believe or have God in their lives.. not smack them and tell them that they are wrong. Great post!! Blessings

[tammyy]

Nov. 6, 2007 at 6:48 PM

I could not have said it better myself.  If all Christians did this then non-Christians would see the love.  God commanded us to love everyone (not just the ones we choose to).  He did not say we have to like them but we do need to pray for them.  Like my parents always told me I should walk the walk if I am going to talk the talk.  I know for one my director at work was not a Christan and several of us that are have shown her so much love an kindness that she ask me what it meant to be saved.  So we talked read the Bible and prayed the rest is up to her.  We are great friends and I love her to death and she knows this so sure I worry about her.(Oh yeah she is my boss too)  For Boss' Day I got her a Bible and she loved it.
Opps sorry I went on, but when I start it is hard to shut me up.