I am a christian but I like to learn about other religions. Why am I a christian? My Dad and Grandma died when I was 6 years old and my aunt bought me this book to explain where they went when they died. I wanted to go there too. Also I find it very hard to understand how everything came into existence without the concept of a Divine creator. It makes  perfect sense to me that there is one living God because if there were many of them, there would be so much confusion about the creation of well...everything \n\n*imagines a bunch of people running around screaming at each other about what all the animals and plants should look like*
212453
I was raised as a Christian, because my Dad is a Lutheran pastor.  I follow the Bible explicitly, but I do study other religions in order to better debate with people.
130094
Interesting idea, but NO! Not at all.\n\n'Christian' is NOT one of the realms of reincarnation. (samsara) the realms are: The realm of Devas(gods); the realm of Asuras (Demigods); the realm of Humans; the realm of Animals; the realm of Hungry Ghosts and the realm of Hell.\n\nI was born into a Christian family and I am a Buddhist. I do not see being born into a Christian home misfortunate or bad in any way. I learned a great deal. \n\nI look at it this way. According to Buddhism, enlightenment is not given or bestowed, it is self realized. If a person is ready to realize the truth, what faith (s)he comes from is irrelevant. (S)He will find enlightenment when (s)he is ready.  \n\nI hope this helps.
506401
I love your question!  Your experiences really hit home with me.  I was raised without religious beliefs when I was very young, but I was raised with spiritual beliefs and was taught about reincarnation, the afterlife, how to read Tarot cards, etc.\n\nWhen I was a teenager I converted to Christianity, and followed that for about five years.  When I was 19 I converted to a pseudo-Christian religion that had its roots in gnosticism and Sabellianism.  I was really into that, and I swore I would never, never leave it, and that I would rather die than denounce it.  I was truly a religious fanatic!\n\nAs I got older, though, I changed.  I stopped seeing the world in black and white, I lost interest in being judgmental, and I decided that where people go when they die is none of my business.  I almost gave up my faith in Jesus because I was so disgusted with religion, but when I thought about my life I realized that a lot of good things have come my way because of God's goodness to me, so I asked God to help me keep my faith.\n\nAfter a couple of years of trying different churches of different denominations, all the while being very skeptical, I have finally found a church where I feel like I belong.  I still have faith in Jesus, but what I don't have is a judging, critical attitude.  I have gained a better understanding of how much God loves all of us, and I like myself a lot better now because I'm not judgmental anymore and because I am more accepting of people, religions of all kind, and life in general.\n\nSo now, at age 40,  I have learned to never say never, to not judge another person, to mind my own business, and to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness that is in every individual.  I also know from my past experiences that my faith will continue to change and hopefully grow.\n\nI could have left church and Christianity altogether, and like I said, I considered it, but I'm glad I didn't.  God helped me become a better person through all of this, and I didn't want to leave God because I know I wouldn't have all the blessings in life I have now and have had in the past if it weren't for Him.\n\nGood luck on your journey, wherever it may take you!
41457
I agree with (pregowtwins) up there and: God. (cheating) This explanation is what everyone eventually resorts to when the other answers fail. Now, before I go any further, I should make clear that I'm not talking about any of the gods defined in various religions. Throughout all of human history, we've been trying to explain existence. But nobody has ever succeeded. And it's likely that nobody ever will. So we create the concept of God, whose only necessary property is being "that which explains existence." \n\nThis doesn't tell us much about god, though. It doesn't mean that any particular religion is correct. It merely defines god as something which answers The Question, because we have not been able to.
309399
Atheist here (agnostic if considered deism and other non interventionist beings)\n\nI don't know why people answer whats' not being asked, if you don't feel like playing, why answer with something else?\n\nWell, if we are talking about the christian god, according to the belief, he already knows what's on my heart.\n\nAnyway, I am atheist because I am being honest with me and everyone around me. To say "I believe in god" would be a lie and I'd be an hypocrite.\n\nIf I have to give explanations to god, all I'd tell is "I honestly didn't believe you existed and I made a mistake", no further explanations needed. I'm sure that I live a moral life and I wouldn't feel like "excusing" me as if I've done something wrong.\n\nBye\n\nEDIT:\nI just saw what you proposed in another question: "People want to ease their conscience of sin by convincing themselves that there is no God."\n\nThat's a false assumption since I doubt you know what are everyone's motivations to do so. Does your religion allow you to judge people without proper knowledge?
658702
I have to agree with you. I have argued with my mother in law on countless occasions about this. Everyone believes in something. I do believe there is a superior existence , I do not, however follow any specific religion. In any religion there is always some kind higher existence. There is no TRUE fact proven (in any religion) on what and or who is right. I find people tend to quote things from the bible but don't actually know what they're talking about. And to those who believe that everyone should have a faith, I do. I believe there is something, or someone who will show us our true religion, everyone, as a whole. I apologize if I have offended anyone. That was not my intention.
205142
Okay, I think I can answer this honestly because I do not practice an "Organized Religion".  \n\nMy heart says we are all the same and we all have the same Creator.  I feel that because our Creator is so vast his children exemplify a mere fraction of what is possible within Him, but it would explain why we come in many shapes and colors.  \n\nI feel that the many religions popped up because many prophets were sent to Earth to teach us.  After the prophet ascended to Heaven people took note and began to practice their teachings and this would explain why we have several different religions.  \n\nI feel we are simply here to serve and help one another and protect the earth.  I feel we must acknowledge our creator and praise him through prayer, giving thanks and by living harmoniously.  It is like you said, faith comes from within and it's home is your heart so I think as long as you acknowledge your higher self and your creator faith will lead you in the direction of the Divine.
335501
Let's begin with the question, "Do you believe in God? Do you believe in a Creator and that you are a creation?" If you do, then you have to believe that God is represented somehow throughout our World and Humanity. \n\nIf you look at World Religions you will see that the God of Abraham which is worshipped by three World Religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) has made his presence known in recorded history for nearly 4200 years and worshipped by 55% of the world's population. \n\nI w'ont argue about the validity of Judaism or Islam. That is not for this discussion. However, I will argue about the validity of Christianity.\n\nAs for the argument that Jesus never existed. The fact that The Roman Military destroyed the city of Jerusalem and all the local records in 72CE might prove it difficult to say whether Jesus existed or not. There is evidence that the disciples of Jesus lived and that they they were willing to sacrifice their lives for this new Religion. this in itself would make one want to pause. Let me ask you, "What would you be willing to die for?"\n\nThe letters of the Apostle Paul were written beginning in 45CE. This is only fifteen years after the crucifixion, not quite a generation removed from the event. Since this was an oral culture (Ours is not), they were very good at remembering; Also, the Gospels were written between 70CE and 96CE. There was very little time lapse between the event and the recording of that event. This would mean that there would be an accurrate retelling of events that occurred in the life of Jesus and the early Church.\n\nThere is also the writings of Josephus and Roman records that refer to the Christian sect that were followers of Jesus that was growing throughout the Roman Empire. It is interesting that Christianity grew from about 3,000 on Pentecost to over half the Roman Empire by the year 320CE and continues to grow to it's current estimated number of 2.2 Billion people today. Also,worldwide today more Christians are martyred for their faith every year than throughout the whole Roman persecution (50CE-330CE). Why would someone be willling to die for something that was not true? \n\nFinally, the issue boils down to this. In all other Religions, people are required to work to achieve that place of honor in their god's eyes. In Christianity, Salvation comes through the person of Jesus Christ, Lord and Saviour. If you believe that Jesus died on the cross in order that your sins may be forgiven and that in His Resurrection, you have been given the gift of Eternal Life in God's Kingdom, your sins are forgvien and Salvation is yours. You are free from the bondage of sin to live a life as a disciple of Jesus.\n\nAre you willing to take this step?\n\nIn answer to your second question, why are there so many denominations, the reason lies in the fact that we are human and because of our humanness we are fallible. Humans see things differently from one another and tend to be disagreeable in areas of emotional concern. This of course plays out in religious belefs. There may be many denominations but only one Church led by the Living Person of Jesus Christ
576524
I too am an atheist for want of a better word - but I suppose most religious types would answer your question by saying that you don't understand what it is to be Omnipotent, your thinking about god in the same way you are man, he doesn't have or need eyes, he is that all encompassing everything, that ethereal shroud engulfing humanity with his loving arms. or some other BS along those lines. Sometimes you really have to give it up to those christian folk, they have a way of weaseling their way out of every argument just by referring to the bible, it's a completely circular logic.
138751
Awesome! You are asking the right questions. It all starts with the questions - if you believe blindly, you will not get very far.  Christ is one of many thousands of ways to God. Did you ever wonder why there is evil in this world if God is all powerful and all-loving?  How come that "god" of Old testament is so different (immature, insecure, cruel) from God that Jesus talks about?  How come that Adam fell asleep in the paradise and never woke up?  Why there are two creation stories in Genesis? Did you notice that Jehova lied to Adam and Eve and the snake told them the truth concerning the fruit of the tree of knowledge?\n\nIf you search, you will find the REAL good news that Jesus taught:\nThere is no hell, there is no sin (just errors that can be corrected), ALL people will be saved, all of us can perform miracles like Jesus did... And God is all love and forgiveness.  Check out mystics in all religions: Sufis in Islam, Zen Buddhists, Kaballah in Judaism, Gnostics in Christianity (highly recommend A Course in Miracles!) \nhttp://acim-search.miraclevision.com/std-second-edition-and-supps/index.html\nand movies like Matrix.  Don't forget about quantum physics - movie "What the bleep do we know?" is a good starter.\nkeep asking these questions!\n\nSlawek
525317
Hi, sweetie. I am a born again Christian. At least I try to be. I am truly sorry that other Christians have not been quite the Christian. In being a Christian, we all have to understand that we are not  perfect and that we can only strive for perfection. \n\nMany people don't believe in God and that is their personal right. As for my right, I would rather believe and be wrong than not believe and be wrong. \n\nWhether you believe or not, just know that Jesus does love you and He died for us all. He was scorned for sitting with the publicans and sinners. He didn't judge you and neither will I.
397917
Dear ES,\n\nThrough the years I've heard so many people say that it isn't fair to people who aren't born in Christian families or in a Christian nation.\n\nThe thing is that nobody is born a Christian, absolutely nobody.  The awesome uncreated Creator didn't have to save a single person because ALL have sinned and fallen short of His glory.  But while we were yet dead in our sins Christ died for the ungodly.\n\nJesus is the only Way to the Father but the Father does NOT have any quotas.  He doesn't want anybody to be eternally separated from Him.\n\nI'm enjoying your questions but I'll eventually get to the links you have provided.  Thank you!
273050
No I don't, I am Christian and I consider it a moral guide with some truths and a good book, but it isn't the end all to end all. I consider myself Christian because I follow many of Christ teachings and lets face it I was raised to be so. Nature vs. nurture, what can I say? Oh and you don't have to follow the Bible to follow what Christ taught, even he was against being ruled by laws.  I love God, not the Bible, if I did I would be a follower of books not of Christ. Ever wonder why Jesus never wrote about himself? Think on that for awhile. Like the bible says we are all Gods. Follow your heart not a book.
234172
If you'r a Christian and a true believer, then what is it thats confusing you. Don't you read the Bible? Where does it say anywhere in the Bible that anyone except Jesus ever came back from the dead to live a new life? No, I do not believe in past lives.
455291
It's interesting because I use the same thought process as you to arrive at a totally different conclusion.  For me it is like, God doesn't fit into my "nice neat little box" so he can't exist.  That might sound close-minded so I'll elaborate.  In my eyes, science is beginning to understand more and more of the world and our origins.  Now when I look at the overwhelming evidence of evolution and even just the happenings around me, I form a general understanding of the world that I am comfortable with.  Now when something enters my world view (God) I have to examine the evidence and tinker with the idea to see if it fits.  The problem with God is, I've seen no evidence and he just plain does not fit.  With science, no matter what your mindset, the evidence is right there for you to see regardless of your bias or what conclusions you draw from it.  Basically, if I saw real evidence of God, I could attempt to rearrange the rules and see if he fits, but I don't believe I should have to break the rules to even see evidence of him.  That makes it sound like the first step to becoming a Christian is to delude yourself.
446833
I can't answer your question fully, but as a Christian I can try to answer some of it.  I can only answer for myself as well.  It's very hard to answer for the majority when everyone has their own take on Christianity and how to act.  I only tell people because I want to see them in heaven and I believe the way is through Jesus Christ.  I don't demand my own way and I respect other's views.  I have a very, very good friend who is an athiest and I respect him and he respects me.  I still talk to him about God and we banter back and forth, but respect each other.  For the majority, I truly believe Christians just want to help others and bring as many people to Christ as possible for the sake of saving them, NOT for their own personal benefits.  You'll get many answers.  This is an age-old question.  I'm not afraid, I just care a lot.  Good luck to finding your answers.
561525
I, even as a christian, do not believe that you NEED to say I am a christian or any other religion to be close to God... actually I hate to admit that I am a christian because belonging to a group like that seems ungodly in and of itself, just because I do not want to put any group above God.  But I do kind of know what you mean because I feel very differently than either of my parents about religion, however, the one thing I have going for myself (and my parents ARE ministers) is that they accept, because that is what God taught.  They like it that I have come to my own understandings, they would never deny me on the free will that God gave.  I do not usually suggest arguing with parents (even though sometimes it is ever so much fun)... but I might suggest that you let your mother know that you are God's creation and not your mothers, although thank her for providing you with life and love along the way. (I know that brings it in to the realm of believing again, but at least you will be challenging her on her terms).  Also, if she brings up the bible in ways that are meant to say you should live like this and this, let her know that that is not your relationship with God, we are all different because God created us that way and you will not slap God in the face by living the way others do because God's plan for you is not the same as your mothers, and for the bible, make sure you let her know that while it is a wonderful teacher, you are not going to put an idol above God, that is idolatry and you have a relationship with God not a book.  Again, I know that is still not getting you out there saying you are a non-believer, but while you consider what it is that you do believe this may help take the heat off of thinking and looking at religion differently than your mother.  God created us each uniquely, your spirituality is not going to be the same as mine, or your mothers.  God gave free will to be used, so yeah for you for using it and thinking instead of following blindly without knowing your relationship with the God you may know.