I know that they only thing that matter is that they have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.  But for some reason I tell them they need to read their Bible and go to church every Sunday.  Even though I know that stuff doesn't matter.  We are each given certain gifts and abilities to use for God.  And each person is a different part of the body.  So why do I feel justified in telling other Christians what God wants them to do.
214603
because they also have to grow as a christian, how can they use there talents for god, if they don't fully comprehend what they believe? and secondly being save does give you a place in heaven, but if you are a true believer, would that really satisfy you spiritually?
411442
i think you are rite, in away, i know consciously i do things for God. before i was a christian i did things because i had to, or someone was going to be mad....now, its a bit different, i do things for others, because God wants me to and because of the new love i have now, for other people....God put that there though.and, yes, i do hope for the blessings of God. and I'm sure at times/and times to come i will want some acknowledgment...but ill take a deep breath and remember why I'm doing what I'm doing...and ask God for forgiveness..... thank you for the good question.  God bless you
125792
I was raised to fear and respect the God I serve. Some people don't. I find it rather disrespectful, but not everyone serves the God I serve. So just like how we put our God in proper case, and their god in lower case, they do it to us. Us disregarding their beliefs is not different from them disregarding ours. You cannot push your beliefs on others (speaking generally of course). So, for me and you its like, "How can they stand to do that?" but for others, its like nothing. take care to look at it through their eyes also. Lastly, in spite of the way we refer to our God in writing does not make it any easier or us any more divine in our walk of Christianity, nor does our intolerance of others make us any better. It actually makes us a bit worse. Live how He wants you to live and show others your joy through the life you lead in Him. And don't get to Holy to laugh. I feel that will persuade others more than anything. much luv and stay safe.\n\nAngel
152343
The Bible tells us that God demands us to be bold in our faith. So it may seem crazy to someone who doesn't know the word of God. Most people don't like to hear what the lord says, because it means they would have give up their hedonistic lifestyles. Sometimes the truth cannot be accepted because it would mean giving up on what the world sees as important, and realizing what is.People think christians are mean and stuffy, but you can't change the word of God to make people feel comfortable. You have to read the bible for yourself and meditate on what He wants and not what the rest of the world tells you is right and fair.
81747
This is one of the basic reasons why Christianity just doesn't feel right at all to me.  I don't need to stroke the ego of some jealous petty needy freak, I have better things to do with my time.
111274
I am a Christian already... I just feel Christ presence and I have faith in Him. I read the Bible and pray to God constantly and helps me strengthen my faith in Him. I also listen to Him.. listen to God and contemplating in His words really helps alot... Christ did something so wonderful to me... He saved me from ALL my unrighteousness... but not just ME but to you also...to all of us... and the good news is Christ is coming again to take us to heaven and would give us a new earth and a new life where there will be no more tears and no more failures and heartaches.. that's how wonderful to have Jesus in your life...
522067
A few reasons.  \n\nChristians claim to have all the answers.  This is very tempting for someone who's feeling lost.  \n\nThey also promise forgiveness and absolution of sin.  Tempting for someone who has done something bad, who KNOWS they have done something bad, and for whatever reason cannot forgive themselves and cannot get forgiveness from whoever it is they wronged.\n\nChristians also have a special little clique.  When you belong, you feel as though you're part of something bigger, and something special.  It's a good feeling.\n\nThis last bit sounds cruel, but it's true.  They indoctrinate their children.  They're taught from a very young age that Christianity is THE ONLY way, and everyone else goes to hell.  They brainwash their children with fear and promise of reward.  Sad, but true.
89912
I do too, i go to church every Sunday and i listen to christian music. my number one goal this year is to read the whole bible, and I'm doing good so far. i know not to many people love God or believe in him. good bye and wish we good luck on reading the bible. ill be praying for more and more people to come to  love God. I'm glad you love him.
337128
Thanks for asking. I never get to talk about this.\n\nI am an active member of the United Church of Christ. I am Christian but I have little in common with the "Christians" that seem to be all over yahoo answers. The Christian "right" that spends so much of their time telling everyone how well they know the mind of God. (Another rant for another time, sorry)\nI believe that each person has their own relationship with God and therefore there own interpretation of his word. Sometimes reading the Bible is like reading a letter from God to me. Sometimes it's like reading a history book. I am to make my own choices about God's will for my life and do what I understand to be the right thing. There is no one to interpret for me. There is no one that will tell me what the rules are. Some churches are very clear on what to do and what not to do. What to believe and what not to believe. We don't have that. It's up to the individual to seek their own path. I sit in Worship with all kinds of people each week. Our Pastor is a woman, Our women’s fellowship leader is a very conservative person who teaches History at the local high school and voted for Bush. Our Sunday school teacher is a devoted Democrat and pro-choice advocate. I am somewhere in the middle. Each day must change. Each encounter with God brings new understanding and new questions. Most of us don't believe in hell and some of us believe in re-incarnation. The only "rule" is to be kind and helpful to your neighbor. Charity in all things. We are gay, straight, liberal, conservative, married and living together. Making room for everyone and working together can be a real challenge. Listening to God for myself and going the way he leads ME is harder than most people think.
378625
Do you notice that Jesus first tells the man that all he need do is keep the commandments?  But the man carries on, feeling that it won't be enough for some reason (even though Jesus just said it would)?  He feels he's still lacking.  Jesus tells him what he must do 'to be perfect'.  Not what he must do to gain eternal life.  I don't know about you, but, I have too many other people in my life to take care of to be 'perfect'.  Even as much as I admire Jesus.
196292
Good Question, although you got a little lost in your typing there. \n\nI have to agree with your premise though. All in all, I think, and remember this is just my opinion, that you're on the right track. I think it's how a person lives and treats him/her self and others, that really matters. \nIf God really wants everyone to be one religion or another, there has to be some wiggle room in the end for those who just didn't know the difference or who were simply confused over the enormity of it all. \nPersonally I'm a God fearing Agnostic. Meaning I believe in God, but I don't believe in any one specific religious view of God. I know my actions towards others is a reflection of Gods' plan and if I'm cruel then I'm doing evil. \nIf I help someone out of my own kindness then I'm doing God's work.\nI don't believe God watches each of us individually, that's why He gave us free will. \nWe as individuals must look inward to find peace, love and goodness. Each of us must reach that place to pull out the goodness and extend it to our neighbors.
74255
I think it's a matter of choice.  We Christians choose to turn any question and give an answer that will somehow reflect our belief in Christ.  Your choice is to read the answers and decide whether or not you like the answer.  What you choose will not offend us; but we believe that every action that every single person in this world makes, is written in a big book in Heaven.  And we want to make every opportunity count by telling people about God in one way/shape/form or another.  If you want to be preached at, go to church.  We are simply giving our God and Bible based opinions.
230770
The Bible tells us that we need to attend church so we can worship God with other believers and be taught His Word for our spiritual growth (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25). Church is the place where believers can love one another (1 John 4:12), encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13), “spur” one another (Hebrews 10:24), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), instruct one another (Romans 15:14), honor one another (Romans 12:10), and be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32).\n\nWhen a person trusts Jesus Christ for salvation, he or she is made a member of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). For a church body to function properly, all of its "body parts" need to be present (1 Corinthians 12:14-20). Likewise, a believer will never reach full spiritual maturity without the assistance and encouragement of other believers (1 Corinthians 12:21-26). For these reasons, church attendance, participation, and fellowship should be regular aspects of a believer's life. Weekly church attendance is not required for believers, but someone who has trusted Christ should have a desire to worship God, be taught His Word, and fellowship with other believers.
77655
Unfortunately, those who pray these types of prayers were not told the truth.  They follow what the priests say rather than follow the Word of God.  Then again, it is the people's responsibility to open their Bible and to read for themselves.\n\nRegarding David_in_Milwaukee's post.\n\nFirst of all, that's just it!  Because people are "over" the Bible verses, they think they can justify what they do and say it is God's will or plan.\n\nNo matter what we do in life, we need God's word.  We need Bible verses.  It's just unfortunate that Christians go outside God's teachings.\n\nAnd bottom line...it matters what we pray.  It matters how we pray.  And like you said, it's the "Our father" prayer.  I agree 100%.  But my question to you is, do you complete the entire prayer or do you say portions of it over and over again?\n\nAnd last but not least, the purpose of prayer is to have a RELATIONSHIP with our Creator.  He knows the desire of our hearts.  He knows our thoughts.  He even knows the number of hairs on our heads!  God wants us to be able to come to Him with all the aspects of our lives.\n\nGod Bless Everyone!
355431
I am a Christian, and on our behalf I 'm sorry for all those who pushed beleifs on you or judged you.\n\nIts not the CHrsitian values that they practiced.\n\nWe should respect and listen to your views with maturity and love, the same way a Chrsitian would want to be heard.\n\nThank you all\n\nDavid
592130
Hello bc_munkee.. :)\n\nI used to be an atheist..so I can understand where you are coming from..\n\nThere was a time I used to feel and think the same way..but ever since Jesus came into my life..I want to help others..feed the hungry..clothe the needy..visit the sick and also those in prison..\n\nWe all should care about others and if that seems wrong to some..then so be it..For I am happy knowing that if I can help, even if it is in just some small way..\n\nIt does not matter what faith someone may be, even if they have none..My hearts desire is just want to help to try and stop poverty, suffering, hatred, hunger, greed..\n\nIs it so wrong, to bring a ray of sunshine into someones life.. :)\n\nIn Jesus Most Precious Name..\nWith Love..In Christ..
195458
I completely agree with you.  I am the same way.  I believe and I even pray, but I don't think I should have to go to church to prove anything to anyone else.  What you know and feel in your heart is all that matters.