Kind of a clarification of my other question.  I think what I am really wanting to know is if you assume that someone who has stopped being a Christian has somehow "missed" something in the Bible.  Do you assume that the person rejects Christianity because of an intellectual reason?  Or do you think the person is spiritually-flawed in some way and willfully blind?\n\nI know the reasons of course.  I am just trying to get a vibe for what others think.  THanks.
138160
I come from a Christian family and grew up in that environment. I explored all areas of religions and spirituality having an open mind. I was not looking to pick a religion or anything. I just have always enjoying learning different perspectives of God, love and wisdom from all of these teachings.\n\nI learnt that Hinduism has a very specific path towards Self-Realization that Christianity did not have. The mantras are very powerful, and I've seen greater positive effects it has on my life. Along with meditation which teaches me how to quiet my mind, so I can listen within and hear God. I just liked the fact that Hinduism recognizes that we have God within and that many Indian sages help guide people finding that source within and re-awaken. Why do you think so many enlightened people are borne of India. I do not find Christian preachers enlightened enough nor close enough to God to be a source of guidiance.\n\nI do believe in the teachings of Jesus. I consider them to be valid. I just don't care for anything else in the Bible to be relevant to my path. Christianity does not give me what I specifically need that Hinduism gives me which is how do I get closer to my Self-Realization.
15015
Yes, I agree. Most Christians are ignorant but most people in general are also. Maybe God has been laying this on your heart not in order to criticize them but for you to look deep inside yourself and see what you can do to help these Christians become less ignorant. (if they are truly Christians). Use your knowledge to help teach others. Sadly you will realize how heartbreaking this chore will be for you, but it sounds like you may already know this. Remember that God knows your heart and the teaching of His truths,wether accepted or not, always bring glory to God.
407596
As a Christian I would like to answer your question by saying...\n\nThere is not justification.  God alone is judge... as well as Savior\n\nYou just can't judge a person by the category they fall under.  Each interpersonal relationship makes a difference, wouldn't you think?\n\nAnd even though I've been called ignorant, despicable, stupid, and a few other negative things today by some folks here on Yahoo Answers (gosh, could that be considered 'being slandered'), I want you to know that I love you all.  \n\nBy the way, I don't think I've ever met any of the folks who have said those negative things about me and other Christians.  I wonder how it is they stamp those labels on my head without ever having met me.  You really ought to get to know me more before you call me those things.  You know... I'm feeling rather JUDGED right now, and not by any Christians.  :)  That's ok though, because Jesus told me not to take up any offenses.
579726
I think i agree with you on this one, Christian should have more loves and understand for this kind of issue, they shouldn't condemn directly without knowing detail or why or give more understanding to the related people so at least they have time to learn or decide what they wish to do for both side.\n\nNo matter we accept or not, the world has changed...It didn't mean we do changed by the world, but we may need to learn how to balance ourselves so we can find the best possible way to help or cares about those that they are "different"!
164689
I'm a Christian, but many times I think if I wasn't I'd be so turned off by how some other Christians behave/act/talk.  In the name of Christ, they do some really outrageous stuff or twist the scriptures to fit their own agenda. Or act SO radically ridiculous  that it is a total turnoff to those who maybe are seeking. It's only a small handful of people, mind you, but those few can really spoil it for those that are genuinely trying to walk day to day and show God's love in every circumstance.  I consider myself a radical Christian, but mellowed by age, and a general sense of not wanting to turn off and offend every person I meet!
615420
I've survived without one.  I am probably a stronger person for it, because I know I don't have that crutch to lean on.  I've seen many people who call themselves Christians behave in a very un-Christian manner because they think they can pray a bit and be forgiven for being horrible.  I don't believe I can be forgiven for mistreating people, being dishonest, self-serving, or bigoted, so I don't behave that way.  If you don't have one, and you don't feel you're missing anything, there is not anything wrong with you because of it.
610212
I've never thought of it that way. I'm in between religious beliefs at the moment, but yours has given me an entirely new perspective on Christianity. Thanks for putting it out there!
67934
Awesome! I respect you, alot, because of this statement. I agree that God should not be brought into alot of things. Alot of these people make such statements blindly as they've yet to receive any ACTUAL experience in the type of situation of which the person you're talking to has gone through, but they feel it necessary to enforce (selfishly, I might add.) that they are a Christian and that by saying this they gain points with God. It doesnt. Why would god want to enstill so much trauma on a person? Common sense doesnt react well with fear, and in this case it is the fear that God is abit shakey about their loyalty to him (Which if they were a true Christian then they would probably come to the conclusion that as long as you build good karma selflessly, then their diety would be happy.).\n\nNow the subject about people preaching their beliefs and then sinning out their asses, I believe you're right. In the Bible, it says that God'll cleanse your sins (NOTE: I am an Athiest and do not believe this, but this is for the sake of argument) but that doesnt mean you should rack up as much negative points while you can. A quote from an AWESOME Scream Christian Band (Hardcore True Christians, mind you.)-\n\n"...Christ is not a Fashion..." - Memphis Will Be Layed To Waste by Norma Jean.
375694
Hi, I am Rational Spirituality,\n\nI have totally given up sin.  But I did not need the bible for that.  My own conscience and the support by My Divine Spirit Guide, Lysseus, were more than enough.\n\nI know far too many people who wave around the bible in all directions, and have their minds and hearts filled with hate.\n\nWhat does make you to believe that bible may be the only way to giving up sin?
372184
Hi Gorgeous,\n\nThis statement is correct to a believer, once they make up their mind to believe, and it should be.  So, believer to believer, this is true, and does not need to be proved.\n\nIt is also true to all of the writers of any of the books in the bible.  It is certain that all of the writers were trying to spiritually discern something about God when they wrote what they wrote.  Thus, everyone one of them believes what they wrote was the truth.  Just like I believe what I am writing right now is the truth, even though someone else may not believe me.  \n\nTo a non-believer, the bible is a book written by people about their thoughts about God.  How does one prove this?  It is impossible, thus, any and all non-believers will be skeptical, and they should be.  The words inerrant word of God are wrong for the bible is a book of faith, not fact.  But, once you have faith, it is like fact.  Thus, if you are skeptical, it is a non-issue, it can never  be proven.  \n\nTo me, the bible is simply a spiritual book, since it was writen by spiritual people.  It is a realistic book, that describes how a human civilization grows and matures, and it includes all the realistic mistakes people and socities make when faith is gone, weak, or strong.  For this reason, you can read it and learn from the mistakes of others.  It is the most realistic spiritual book on earth.  And it is up to each person, to learn from it.  \n\nTo me, the right perspective is:  Leviticus to a new society that was forming is like the rules you have when you are young.  Highly prescriptive, and black and white.  As you mature and are an adult, you make the rules, like in the new testament, when you are born again, and are past the law [of Leviticus], as it is clearly stated.  That is a more correct context and perspective.  However, many Christians do what you did, and it is a mistake and causes great confusion.  \n\nLook how honestly things are included in this spiritual book.  These things truly happened at that point in time, so they were included.  There is no sugar coating.  Some terrible things are described.  Thus, truth is the standard, and not trying to create a holier than thou perception.\n\nIf someone from eastern someplace were to read the constitution of the US and then read a history of the US with slavery and discrimination and war, they would say the constitution is a fraud, for it speaks of rights, and yet does not do what it says it should do.  However, the speaking of rights is the vision that led us down the difficult road to eliminate slavery and to accept diversity.  Were our actions in Manifest Destiny wrong?  Some believe they were wrong.  However, our nation was young and growing and immature, the frontier was up for grabs, and we fought for it, as we fought to eliminate slavery.   Isn't this similar to the history of the bible.  Life is a maturing process and is an ongoing struggle for people and societies.  \n\nMy point is that I am proud to be an American.  And that a non-american can prove that americans are inconsistent, just like non-believers can show the bible and believers are inconsistent.  But that is reality.  When I was young, I was different than I am now, I learned and grew.  Does that mean I am inconsistent with my youth.  Yes, absolutely.  If perfection and consistentcy are the standards then we all have failed.  That is why context and perspective is critical.  \n\nAt least that is the way to have come to see both sides of this issue.\n\nHope this is helps.
323010
AS a person who was a christian but has fallen away. I think that people are angry at SOME Christians (should not be all!!!) Because some people try to shove Christianity down other peoples' throats-- Instead of accepting them how they are and showing them the love of god and just letting their conduct portray gods realness and ability to change ones life! \n\nIf anyone has ever been wronged or offended by a so called "christian" I would like to apologize for them because some people are more concerned about bringing correction than just accepting people with open arms and helping them with any needs or questions they might have.\n\n-----I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN!! I DON'T LIKE TO LABELEd UNDER A RELIGION!!\n\nJUST CALL ME A SERVANT OF GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
285040
I have found some answers to be shockingly intolerant -- particularly when it comes to the Muslim faith, you seem to get a lot of so-called believers spouting off hate-filled nonsense.\n\nBut if you're just talking about people expressing a belief that they sincerely have ... it starts to walk a finer line then, doesn't it? One of the things I find I differ the most with mainstream Christians on is that I don't believe that the Bible is a literal history book. I believe much of it is metaphorical, meant to be read in a way to discern the essence of and ways of God. It is not meant to be read as literally the history of the Earth. I suppose that makes my belief "intolerant" of those who believe in the literal Bible because I refuse to give up what I believe and turn to what they believe. But I am respectful of others' views; I don't tell them they're ignorant. I respectfully present my argument and move on. \n\nSo I think the problem is more a lack of respect than a lack of "tolerance." Tolerance by its very nature really implies giving up your personal views to conform to a whole, which is the antithesis of many people's faith. I also find many folks on here to be quite sanctimonious, which is quite funny to me. I'm no angel, and I can admit it, but I try to live the good life. I wouldn't dream of coming on here and preaching to others in cyberspace how much better I am than them, and I would never presume to know who will and won't be going to a warmer clime when they shuffle off this mortal coil. That's really not for me to decide or even speculate on, yet I see so many Christians "playing God" round here for lack of a better term.  sheesh.
122473
I was baptized as a Christian, and I believed in God during my younger childhood years. But my family has never gone to church since I can remember, and religion now is not at all a part of my life. I don't believe in any religion anymore. I rarely even think or wonder about God, or whether or not there even is one. I might consider myself agnostic, but even that could be going too far because I really have no feelings about religion at all.
659475
Very good question. I believe that its the Christians way to get you to believe in something blindly and accept it just like they do.
93150
I'm not sure where you are coming from, particularly in referene to the "details" given, but it is true that Christianity as portreyed in some of these answers does not seem too relevant to the 21st century.  Makes me wonder how representative of Christians they really are, though; perhaps it is the unusually fanatical ones that spend their time answering every question with a Bible reference, and give us all a bad case of the heebee jeebees.  Frankly, I can't see anyone converting to Christianity because someone wrote "God is angry with you" in one of these answers.  I did actually get that line in an answer once.  Imagine the arrogance to speak for God to that extent!
122991
Every now and again some version of Christianity accuses someone of being the Anti-Christ.  Usually it is someone who stands in their way or causes them grief.  Everyone likes to blame the horrors of the world on someone.  Based on their track record I doubt they'll ever get it right and the real anti-christ has probably had a long fruitfull life and is now retired somehwere where they serve cocktails on the beach.
35901
As I am Jewish, I find a lot of contradictions in Christians. And narrow minded ideals, which is also a contradiction, as Jesus taught the exact OPPOSITE of that sort of behaviour. So forgive me, but you goyim just confuse the hell out of me.