Can a person believe in Christ without joining the fan club?
830959
I think you can. First century Christianity is nothing like the overbloated monster that has become "Churchianity" as we know it today. To have a relationship with the Christ without the extra baggage would be very personal and probably a heck of a lot more fulfilling than joining the fan club.
134026
If she was a born-again believer then yes. If not, no. You don't get to heaven by works only by God. John 14:6, Ephesians 2:8,9
93006
I've studied many religions but belong to none.  It is not that I believe in God.  I know God exists.  I experienced God directly when I was seventeen years old.  I believe that would make me a spiritual person.\n\nYet we have to remember that in creating this "I'm spiritual so I don't need religion" attitude we have neglected one thing: community.  We are social animals, and thousands of years of working in groups has changed us, not forever, but sufficiently that becoming a lone creature again would be a hard path, taking centuries.  For thousands of years man has thrived in groups that gather and do activities in common. For some, work meets some of this need, but everyone finds some hidden need met by ritualistic gatherings.  Have you ever watched some of the people at a football game?  Body paint, costumes, rituals, chanting, even 'priests' leading the crowd in the chanting.\nDo we need to outgrow this?  Perhaps, but until then, it never hurts to visit an occaisional temple, church, gathering, etc.  Might find that it isn't so much primative as it is comforting and socially uplifting.
991887
Ask the different way round.\n\nBelieving (in any religion) is easy, you don't have to think.\n\nActually thinking prevents believing. And I prefer to think for myself. :-)
806044
Well said, and thank you. You might have a point. I'd like to think that one doesn't have to have no faith, to have manners, intellect, and a sense of humor. But If you've ever noticed someone who is deeply religious, they are always trying to convert you, or convince you otherwise. Whereas I've never tried to push my belief on anyone. In fact, If it wasn't for people, mostly coworkers, trying to ask for donations, or just asking me questions about my faith, they would never know that I'm not a religious person. But based on that one principal, now they keep there distance...Goddamn hypocrites!!
552451
I believe it is human nature to assume that someone who defies what you believe in, doesn't know what they're talking about. That doesn't make this assumption true however. I am a Christian and I know there are many people out there that are well versed in Christianity, even if they do not share the belief. Some of them probably even know more about it than I do. I know about other religions as well. I think it is important to know about and the different faiths and non-faiths of the world.
390789
I cannot prove it to be false because I have had a personal experience with the Lord Jesus Christ (see my question: "Have I met Jesus?" to read my testimony). I could not deny His existence as a result. \n\nSome people will say they have a "blind faith" which I also believe but Jesus is not afraid for us to want evidence - in fact He tells us to "Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). He also tells us to: "Prove all things…" (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV).  Believers and non believers are simply doing what Jesus tells us!  Christians should never be disgruntled when someone asks us to if prove God or Jesus does or does not exist!  \n\nSee also: http://www.tomorrowsworld.org/cgi-bin/tw/tw-mag.cgi?category=Magazine36&item=1115662606 for 7 further proofs if you wish.
492489
You are right not to believe in God.... because you haven't experienced God in your heart yet..... and imo, it's pretty ridiculous to believe without proof! \n\nDirect experience is the only thing that can leave us doubtless, and transform us. And blind faith is not faith! Don't look to others to answer your questions about God, faith.... and the hypocrisy of religious Christianity. Look within your heart: ONLY there you will find the answers: in truth, Love, goodness and (ime) God. \n\nYour heart knows what is from Love and what isn't: Trust it!!
954797
No, you do not have to convert. And chances are that there are a few churches around. So you probably could if you felt like it.\n\nDon't drink the Kool-aid.
132536
Yes, I think so.  Christians have learned to be "tolerant" of homosexuality, especially if they can imagine a person is actually celebate, whatever their inclination.  But atheism has no such parallel "inactive" position.  As to closet atheists, I think that is a huge number, especially when we include people who get around it by refusing to examine their own beliefs, or even their own definition of the word "believe."  People can recite the creed and go to church and avoid having to answer the question about what they REALLY believe.
693021
absolutely he can and he does. I think sometimes He can exist better without religion. Some people get so wrapped up in religion that they forget God. They get wrapped up in memorized prayers and chants that they forget to just talk to God. They get tied up with their rituals that they are too busy for worshipping Christ. The best church (without regard to religion) is the church that does not allow you to lose focus- usually a smaller church. Thanks for your question.
883391
someone who is not christian
915407
i am christian, and would not try to convert him so that he would not be tortured.\n\ni am not responsible for Louie's beliefs.  He is.
487114
People don't believe in God because they haven't experienced God in their lives. Once you pray and make Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of your life and you grow in your relationship with Him, then you will truly experience God in your life. Trust me, I have. If Orthodox are Christians, then their relationship with God is real. All true believers who are Christians know in their heart that Jesus Christ is real and He is not fake. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. All of the other religions I will agree are fake.
764624
I believe there are people who have had a spiritual experience who brought them to the God of their understanding, and there are those who haven't. Some who haven't just go to church and say they believe because it's the polite thing to do. Others who practice their religion (any religion) do it because they've had a personal experience that they can't prove to no one but themselves. They can't prove it to a non-believer any more than a non-believer can prove to them that the believer's experience was B.S. \n\nSo it's a draw.
571330
if you are not willing to listen to Christ then are you not also close minded? it is quite intersting that the most close minded people are the ones that are "open" minded.
1004394
Christian  believing in Christ