NationStates Jolt Archive

Has becoming a true Christian changed your life for the better, has it made you a happier person?

I'm always very suspicious of people who use the term "true christian" it suggests that the user believes that other people may be false christians, which in turn suggests that the user of the term must feel themselves superior, which is not a Christian trait.

I think they mean as opposed to people like me: baptised, done all the relevant sacraments, but only go to church at Christmas and such.

I think they mean as opposed to people like me: baptised, done all the relevant sacraments, but only go to church at Christmas and such.
A true Christian is with Christ all the time and therefore doesn’t need to go to church.
8)

I'm always very suspicious of people who use the term "true christian" it suggests that the user believes that other people may be false christians, which in turn suggests that the user of the term must feel themselves superior, which is not a Christian trait.

Plus, people like the Klu Klux Klan belive that they are "true Christians". Get my point? :?

I am saying they have "Confessed with their mouth, their mind, their soul, and their heart" that Jesus lived and died for our sins, they truly know through reading the bible. Anyways, if you become a true Christian it changes your life from that point on and you should be a joyful person and wanting live for Christ. A person can say they are a Christian but never fully accepted Christ as their saviour, They have head knowledge of Christ not heart knowledge.

Oh, I see .........

No, but leaving christianity did.

If leaving Christianity changed your life for the better then you never were a Christian.

If leaving Christianity changed your life for the better then you never were a Christian.

Damn, his life is just getting better and better. :shock:

Before I was a Christian I was in a deep depression that probably should have resulted in anit-depressant pills and counseling, but now I am a very happy person. My life has changed for the better since being a Christian, I feel happier and empty than I once was doing sinful stuff. I recieve many blessing in my life. I have a girlfriend who should have left me when she found out about the stuff I have done, but she didn't she loves me even more because of it. I also notice a difference in my days that I don't read my bible(doing a daily devotion) and the days that I do. My days go a whole lot smoother when I do my devotion time and pray and I have notice God answering my prayers. So it has changed my life very much.

To Southhaven

You have no idea how happy I am that someone has finally said it to everyone.

Before I was a Christian I was in a deep depression that probably should have resulted in anit-depressant pills and counseling, but now I am a very happy person. My life has changed for the better since being a Christian, I feel happier and empty than I once was doing sinful stuff. I recieve many blessing in my life. I have a girlfriend who should have left me when she found out about the stuff I have done, but she didn't she loves me even more because of it. I also notice a difference in my days that I don't read my bible(doing a daily devotion) and the days that I do. My days go a whole lot smoother when I do my devotion time and pray and I have notice God answering my prayers. So it has changed my life very much.

one of my old high school friends recently developed a cocaine habit, and this post of yours sounds just about the same as what he was telling us all about coke...until he realized the horrible cost of the addiction.

be careful.

Difference between coke and Jesus. Coke screws with your brain. Jesus offers to save your soul and fill your life.

And I voted yes by the way. God is beyond incredible. As are the things He has done for me in my life.

SouthHaven, you ever heard the song, "All of you is more than enought for all of me"? That's not the tiltle of the song but since I don't know what is I figure that will work.

And I agree, it is a pleasure to finally hear someone say all of that.

Yes. Life has changed for the better.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Wise words. :D

I base my faith solidly on Gospel teachings and have come to a realisation of how gracious, merciful, forgiving and loving God is.

It took me some time to come to terms with how to live in Christ everyday and understand his forgiveness. Now that I have that understanding, it brings me great peace in my soul and strength to endure.

Christ is not in a building, he is in my heart. I thank him for guidance he gives me each day.

I voted "no".

First I don't put much stock in verbal confessions. Show me your actions and I'll see where your heart is.

Second, in my case I had to grow up and learn some humility, that I did not understand everything, could not solve every problem, was not in fact my own little God. Then I learned to respect other people and be more appreciative of their good qualities and less critical of their faults.

Having done that it seemed logical to join forces with people I had learned to respect, and support their work. That was my adult commitment to my faith; based on personal experience and an affection for sincere seekers.

I had always admired Jesus and studied the Bible, but without any consistent commitment, until then. So I would say my life changed, and then I became a Christian.

I'm not a christian....

I can honestly say that if I hadn't found God, if I hadn't been literally beaten over the head with him and had people explain in words of one syllable what he'd done for me - on one day alone, I'm talking, forget all the Biblical business, this is one day just a few years ago - then I wouldn't be here telling you this. I'd have ended up in a ditch somewhere, or dead, either way.

Difference between coke and Jesus. Coke screws with your brain. Jesus offers to save your soul and fill your life.

And I voted yes by the way. God is beyond incredible. As are the things He has done for me in my life.

SouthHaven, you ever heard the song, "All of you is more than enought for all of me"? That's not the tiltle of the song but since I don't know what is I figure that will work.

And I agree, it is a pleasure to finally hear someone say all of that.

This is my number one funniest post ever. Hands-down Im keeping this one. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Heh.
A 'true Christian'...I am leery of people who use this term. Brings some imges ot mind, like how various sectd of Christian churches consider themselves 'saved' because they have atoned for their sins.
Odd customs.
But if the question is a true one, if being a Catholic has changed my life?
Nope. Ive been a catholic all my life. I've grown up in a Catholic country, and at the moment, I fight to keep Catholicism important.

I am saying they have "Confessed with their mouth, their mind, their soul, and their heart" that Jesus lived and died for our sins, they truly know through reading the bible. Anyways, if you become a true Christian it changes your life from that point on and you should be a joyful person and wanting live for Christ. A person can say they are a Christian but never fully accepted Christ as their saviour, They have head knowledge of Christ not heart knowledge.

good point, it takes more than a head knowledge of who God is. Even the devil (if you believe in him) believes in God. It's about a relationship.

Before I was a Christian I was in a deep depression that probably should have resulted in anit-depressant pills and counseling, but now I am a very happy person. My life has changed for the better since being a Christian, I feel happier and empty than I once was doing sinful stuff. I recieve many blessing in my life. I have a girlfriend who should have left me when she found out about the stuff I have done, but she didn't she loves me even more because of it. I also notice a difference in my days that I don't read my bible(doing a daily devotion) and the days that I do. My days go a whole lot smoother when I do my devotion time and pray and I have notice God answering my prayers. So it has changed my life very much.

*stand to feet* applauds

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me feel, to hear other Christian on here talk about what God has done in their lives.

Being a Christian has definitely changed my life for the better. Words can’t even express to you, how my life has changed. I wake up everyday, thankful for the chance to love, honor, and praise my savior and Soon Coming King, Jesus Christ. He is the very breath I breathe, the spring in my step, and always the song in my heart. He is the reason I live, the reason I sing, and the reason I give.

He is my Lord, my savior, my peace, my comforter, my joy, my health, my deliverer, my prosperity, my very best friend. And my very favorite thing to do is Worship Him!

I was born into christianity... but I do see my non-christian friends and realize what it has given me. I try hard to never take it for granted... which is why I like doing missionary work... just to see the looks on peoples' faces when they accept the gospel.

Just knowing that there is that light and power and influence in my life... just gives me hope.

People tried to force Christianity on me. Being very stubborn I refused.

So what happened. I'm still stubborn and I think it's a load of crap.

I will however read the bible, and take what lessons I think are prudent from it. Will I stone women in the street for committing adultery? No, because that's stupid.

Personally I'm agnostic, if you want to be Christian, fine, cool, whatever, have fun. If God exists, cool fine whatever, I'll find out later for certain one way or the other. If he's the merciful god and understanding god people claim he is, then he'll look at my life and decide if it was filled with evil or good and make up his own mind. Which is all I've ever asked from anybody.

I don't really think God is about going to church, I think it's about living right and trying to do the right thing. Trying to get everyone to subscribe to a greater good. Some people need that greater good to be Jesus, or Allah, or Krishna, or whatever. I think it's just a principle, live good, and good will befall you.

I've lived my entire life with science, and, as such, it has become difficult to believe in Christ and the such. However, I do strongly agree with the ideals of many religions, such as christianity and buddhism. It is not believing in God that has made me a better person, it is following these ideals that has.

Peace

I voted "no".

First I don't put much stock in verbal confessions. Show me your actions and I'll see where your heart is.

Second, in my case I had to grow up and learn some humility, that I did not understand everything, could not solve every problem, was not in fact my own little God. Then I learned to respect other people and be more appreciative of their good qualities and less critical of their faults.

Having done that it seemed logical to join forces with people I had learned to respect, and support their work. That was my adult commitment to my faith; based on personal experience and an affection for sincere seekers.

I had always admired Jesus and studied the Bible, but without any consistent commitment, until then. So I would say my life changed, and then I became a Christian.

As always I applaude you Collaboration.

Yes! Absolutely! Now I can bomb abortion clinics and it no longer bothers me, for I know I am doing it for the Lord! I also feel so much better about myself, knowing that Jesus has a plan just for me, and that I am truly worth more, than people who don't believe in my Jesus. My opinion matters more. I am always right. How can I not be, Jesus guides me. On Friday nights, instead of partying like I used to before I was saved, now I go and speak the Gospel to the heathens. I knock on their doors and tell them that if they don't believe what I believe - they are going to burn in hell.

There are many things that are important to me:

- making sure gays are made to suffer and never marry

- being completely sexually repressive

- giving all of my money to my church so I can have just that "little bit" extra insurance to meet up with Jesus at the end

- and don't forget, using one book as the basis for my entire existence!

This is a wonderful product:
http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/bibleharness.html

Praise JESUSAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Yes! Absolutely! Now I can bomb abortion clinics and it no longer bothers me, for I know I am doing it for the Lord! I also feel so much better about myself, knowing that Jesus has a plan just for me, and that I am truly worth more, than people who don't believe in my Jesus. My opinion matters more. I am always right. How can I not be, Jesus guides me. On Friday nights, instead of partying like I used to before I was saved, now I go and speak the Gospel to the heathens. I knock on their doors and tell them that if they don't believe what I believe - they are going to burn in hell.

There are many things that are important to me:

- making sure gays are made to suffer and never marry

- being completely sexually repressive

- giving all of my money to my church so I can have just that "little bit" extra insurance to meet up with Jesus at the end

- and don't forget, using one book as the basis for my entire existence!

This is a wonderful product:
http://www.abarnett.demon.co.uk/atheism/bibleharness.html

Praise JESUSAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

What absolute ...

Plus it isn't "using one book " it is using one voice, one truth, how can there be different truths.

Yes! Absolutely! Now I can bomb abortion clinics and it no longer bothers me, for I know I am doing it for the Lord! I also feel so much better about myself, knowing that Jesus has a plan just for me, and that I am truly worth more, than people who don't believe in my Jesus. My opinion matters more. I am always right. How can I not be, Jesus guides me. On Friday nights, instead of partying like I used to before I was saved, now I go and speak the Gospel to the heathens. I knock on their doors and tell them that if they don't believe what I believe - they are going to burn in hell.

There are many things that are important to me:

- making sure gays are made to suffer and never marry

- being completely sexually repressive

- giving all of my money to my church so I can have just that "little bit" extra insurance to meet up with Jesus at the end

- and don't forget, using one book as the basis for my entire existence!

It's not a stereotype without foundation, but it is nonetheless a stereotype which slurs decent minded Christians.

Has becoming a true Christian changed your life for the better, has it made you a happier person? No.

Yes it has.

8)

Jim

I didn't know there was such a thing as a "decent minded christian"?!

Dearest Hatcham! It doesn't matter how noble, tolerant, nice, caring, or whatever a christian is - the fact is inescapable that if you are not one of them you are looked down upon. If not in an ambivalent or hostile manner, then at least in a condescending, paternalistic, and patronizing manner.

When push comes to shove.....they are going to heaven and you are going to hell! That supercedes all pretenses they would put forth as egalitarian and tolerant. It is undeniable! They can say they still love you, etc., but they are as guilty of "classism" as Marx was. Their whole worldview is built on the "saved" or "not saved" - "going to heaven" or "going to hell". You explain to me how any of that is "decent minded"? :x

I didn't know there was such a thing as a "decent minded christian"?!

Dearest Hatcham! It doesn't matter how noble, tolerant, nice, caring, or whatever a christian is - the fact is inescapable that if you are not one of them you are looked down upon. If not in an ambivalent or hostile manner, then at least in a condescending, paternalistic, and patronizing manner.

When push comes to shove.....they are going to heaven and you are going to hell! That supercedes all pretenses they would put forth as egalitarian and tolerant. It is undeniable! They can say they still love you, etc., but they are as guilty of "classism" as Marx was. Their whole worldview is built on the "saved" or "not saved" - "going to heaven" or "going to hell". You explain to me how any of that is "decent minded"? :x

I have never looked down upon a non Christian, nor preached about an elitist God, have openly (and by that I dont just mean this forum, where I have done so) but to the Priest at my parish, criticised the dogma that states non baptised people will go to hell, no matter their good merits in life. My world view is certainly not built upon entering the Kingdom of Heaven as a one up on the lesser heathens (!)

Like I said the stereotype is not unfounded, but it is not universal. I would like to think the the everyday Christian isn't about all those things, I don't deny people like that exist.

Perpetuting the sterotype does nobody favours, not the Christians thats for sure, but not for athiests either who believe the stereotype and become a victim of the own lack of tolerance they denounce Christians for.

Hatcham......the only thing I'm protesting is being told I'm going to hell........ I'm sick of it...........

or conversely,

I'm sick of hearing how "wonderful" Jesus is........ Hey...... If he wants me to believe in him, I recommend he show up at my door and perform some miracles! I'm not denying that being a follwer of some of his philosophies is a great thing. But I could say that about Confucius also, and you don't see people praying to him.........

It is my belief that government should be a completely secular franchise. Humanitarian, and common sensical. AND LIMITED. As long as you aren't murdering, stealing, raping, destroying, or impinging on someone else's free will, they shouldn't give a damn what you do! I'm sick of religion entering the political debate! GOD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BALANCING THE BUDGET! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Ok.......sorry.........got off on a tangent there...................phewwwwwwwwwwwwww! Why can't you christians be more like buddhists you know........ just do your own thing and leave everybody else the hell alone! Why must the majority of you always put your "two cents" in when nobody gives a damn?!

:P

Why must the majority of you always put your "two cents" in when nobody gives a damn?!

Like I said I'm against those Christians who try to force their dogma onto other people. We are in agreement here. They do not however speak for the majority of Christians around the world who quietly go about their lives, keeping their church life seperate from their work lives etc.

:) :)

Well, anyway............. maybe we should kick their asses, and insist they be more like Hatcham? :P :P :P :P :P :P That would be ok with me. :o :o :o :o :o :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

The Christians who do go around saying, "Burn in hell!!" infuriate and sadden me. That is only a small part of Christianity let alone being one that you don't go running around screaming at everyone.

Sadly, the Christans who do cruddy, insane or just plain wrong things in the name of religion are the ones that get noticed.

I am the same way, I have never in my life looked down upon a non-Christian. Looked down implies that you are better than someone and that is a claim I cannot make even for all the things God had done in my life.

The little problems or disagreements in Christian dogmas should not be discussed at large among non-Christans but of course those points which do not matter at all in the long run are the ones most forcefully brought into the debate.

Friendly Humans:
"I don't really think God is about going to church, I think it's about living right and trying to do the right thing. Trying to get everyone to subscribe to a greater good. Some people need that greater good to be Jesus, or Allah, or Krishna, or whatever. I think it's just a principle, live good, and good will befall you."

In some ways I agree with you. God isn't all about going to church. He isn't about beating people over the head with the gospel. and a greater good is not a bad goal is just can't be achieved through anyone else. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." Good works cannot get you into heaven. Being as good as you can will not get you anywhere. God knows I have tried that before.

The big thing is God doesn't ask for a lot. He doesn't ask that you repress youself completely from everything fun and He doesn't ask that you throw people in hell for not believing in Him. All God asks is that you open yourself to the infinity that He offers you. True you can get good thigns out of the teachings of other philosophies and religions, I won't deny that. But eternal life only comes through God and when it comes down to it, I would rather believe in a God that offers me all of everything. What else could be better than that? I know I'm inviting the question :)

I was never Christian, neither in heart or mind, tho I was baptised at birth. I've recently come upon Islam, and I'm really happy I did. Unless you're Ba'hai, you're told that the only way to God is through the faith you choose to follow, and I have a hard time with that. Judgement is reserved for God alone, so be careful when you take it upon yourself to decied what's right and wrong for other people.
I came upon Islam through the woman who is to be my wife, and between the two of them, life's definately looking up. Sadly, "if it bleeds, it leads", and the people who have corrupted Islam are really the only ones who the general public sees. As knowledge is everything, I'd suggest going to a mosque and watching prayer sometime, it's a really cool experience. The people aren't bad either :wink:

I'm a christian, but it hasn't changed my life one way or the other.

I would not call myself christian, but I do believe in the validity of many of the teachings of Jesus.
The "you're going to burn in hell unless you be like me!" stereotype of christianity has a lot of truth behind it. It is not universal however. Many christians I have met do not look down on non-believers, and hold the belief that following god means being good to others in this world.

What I really can't stand are people who hold signs saying "Jesus hates fags" or "Jesus hates abortion doctors" or "Jesus hates such and such group." They're reading the words, but completely missing the message.

According to himself, Jesus does not hate anyone.

I would not call myself christian, but I do believe in the validity of many of the teachings of Jesus.
The "you're going to burn in hell unless you be like me!" stereotype of christianity has a lot of truth behind it. It is not universal however. Many christians I have met do not look down on non-believers, and hold the belief that following god means being good to others in this world.

What I really can't stand are people who hold signs saying "Jesus hates fags" or "Jesus hates abortion doctors" or "Jesus hates such and such group." They're reading the words, but completely missing the message.

According to himself, Jesus does not hate anyone.

Hooray! :D

As for me I'm still in the process of becoming what I consider a true Christian. I'm probably there by most human standards (minus the baptism) but I'm continuing my walk toward perfect belief. I doubt I'll ever achieve it but the journey is what will make me a Christian.

Christianity never did anything positive for me. I went to Catholic school for two years: the hatred and intolerance I experienced there were more than enough to turn me off to religion in general. Now, I'm about to graduate at a new school, but the hypocirtical image of "true christians" still permeates my life. With *very* few exceptions, nearly every "christian" I have talked with relys on bigotry and dogmatism, asserting that I am a terrible person because of my beliefs (I say "nearly every," because, admittingly, there is the rare individual who is not seeking to "convert" me, thereby "saving" me from my "sinful" ways. But they are few and far between.) These past four years have been a real learning experience for me, most of it painful. However, I feel that I've finally discovered my identity and what I believe (I would elaborate, but I'm sure I've offended enough people already!). Maybe there's something else to christianity that I just wasn't fortunate enough to be exposed to...but I highly doubt it.

By the way, I mean no offence; this is based on my personal experience only I recognize that religion is a huge part of many people's lives (I live smack in the middle of the bible belt!). For better or for worse, however, it didn't work for me.

DP

DP

i am not even a christian. i am an hindu.

I am not going to say that being a Christian is EASIER than not following God, or that I don't have problems anymore. I definetely go through bad times, but the thing that helps me get through those bad times is knowing that God is right there with me, even when all I can do is cry, and knowing that He will never leave my side. So in THAT way, my life has been changed for the better then, because now I have hope.

I was born and raised southern baptist. I have since recovered.

Jim

i am not even a christian. i am an hindu.

Do you think Jesus could be an avatar of Krishna?

by 'true christian' do you mean 'born again christian?' because if so, then yes, become a born again christian has very much changed my life for the better. I used to feel like i was just floating around in a meaningless existence, and i really hated the feeling. For me, Christianity gives me a purpose of existence, and a meaning, it gives the world meaning. So far only christianity has given me the direction that i crave, and i have tried other religions as well.

I'm quite happy being a non-christian. In my opinion, the main reason people are happier after joining christianity is because it provides them with 1. guidance and 2. social contact with other christians.

I was born and raised southern baptist. I have since recovered.

Jim

:lol:

Friendly Humans:
"I don't really think God is about going to church, I think it's about living right and trying to do the right thing. Trying to get everyone to subscribe to a greater good. Some people need that greater good to be Jesus, or Allah, or Krishna, or whatever. I think it's just a principle, live good, and good will befall you."

In some ways I agree with you. God isn't all about going to church. He isn't about beating people over the head with the gospel. and a greater good is not a bad goal is just can't be achieved through anyone else. Jesus Himself said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." Good works cannot get you into heaven. Being as good as you can will not get you anywhere. God knows I have tried that before.

The problem is that you assume I'm trying to get into heaven. I'm not, why should I try. For all I know God is a made up construct. Perhaps god doesn't exist. Either way if he did exist what if he required us to exist, what if our perception and belief and pure mental energy are what brought a god into being? You also say that a greater good can't be achieved but thru God. But that line of thinking could be applied to any endeavor and it's really not a healthy outlook.

The big thing is God doesn't ask for a lot. He doesn't ask that you repress youself completely from everything fun and He doesn't ask that you throw people in hell for not believing in Him. All God asks is that you open yourself to the infinity that He offers you. True you can get good thigns out of the teachings of other philosophies and religions, I won't deny that. But eternal life only comes through God and when it comes down to it, I would rather believe in a God that offers me all of everything. What else could be better than that? I know I'm inviting the question :)

This is something I think that confuses a lot of people about agnostics, and we're all differant too so you have to pretty much ask each one their thoughts. It's not that I don't believe that god exists, it's that I don't know. It's not that I don't accept God or Jesus into my heart, it's that God has not decided to grace me with his prescence. My heart and mind are open to everything, I just don't actively seek anything out in religion. If God wants it he can come running up and grace me with his prescence, if not, hey his loss.

by 'true christian' do you mean 'born again christian?' because if so, then yes, become a born again christian has very much changed my life for the better. I used to feel like i was just floating around in a meaningless existence, and i really hated the feeling. For me, Christianity gives me a purpose of existence, and a meaning, it gives the world meaning. So far only christianity has given me the direction that i crave, and i have tried other religions as well.

How does one become a Christian without being "Born Again"? I thought that was the only way.

by 'true christian' do you mean 'born again christian?' because if so, then yes, become a born again christian has very much changed my life for the better. I used to feel like i was just floating around in a meaningless existence, and i really hated the feeling. For me, Christianity gives me a purpose of existence, and a meaning, it gives the world meaning. So far only christianity has given me the direction that i crave, and i have tried other religions as well.

How does one become a Christian without being "Born Again"? I thought that was the only way.

It is. To quote "I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh to the father except by me."

Enerica, what is the reference for that verse, just out of curiousity? (Chapter and verse) Thank you. :)

No, but leaving christianity did.

Yep.

Steve Earle, oddly enough, almost made me want to convert to Islam... with his song about John Walker.

I find that Christianity is too old and is inherently far too complicated and contradictory for anyone to be a true Christian. All religions can be used to justify almost any action. Except perhaps Buddhism. If all governments were composed entirely of voluntary Buddhists, the world would be a better place. :)

There were arguments in my family about whether or not I should have had a birth Christening. My mother's side of the family are Wiccan (that's the way she brought me up) and my father's side are Christian.
In the end I wasn't Christened, but the school I went to held lectures/readings from the Bible. I didn't think this was fair, as there were some kids there who were from other religions.

As for me I'm still in the process of becoming what I consider a true Christian. I'm probably there by most human standards (minus the baptism) but I'm continuing my walk toward perfect belief. I doubt I'll ever achieve it but the journey is what will make me a Christian.

I've been going to church now for the past 4-5 years. It's very interesting, and one day I hope to be a true Christian - mind and heart.

Right now, it's about half-mind. But then again, I'm guessing's it's a lifelong process to truly love God. Nothing ever drastic happened in my life which created a true love for Him, which doesn't help much. It seems I'm nearly the same person as I was pre-saved days - which makes me wonder if I have anything other than head knowledge. But enough foundation is there to be otherwise.

If I didn't confuse everyone there, I could explain further.

Heh.
A 'true Christian'...I am leery of people who use this term. Brings some imges ot mind, like how various sectd of Christian churches consider themselves 'saved' because they have atoned for their sins.
Odd customs.
But if the question is a true one, if being a Catholic has changed my life?
Nope. Ive been a catholic all my life. I've grown up in a Catholic country, and at the moment, I fight to keep Catholicism important.

OK, the Christian category, all the Christians churches: Methodist, Baptist, Presbityrian, etc. The Non-Christian category Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. I don't know where I put Catholics, but believing in a Priest putting holy water on you saves you and saying hailmarries saves you is not a Christain thing and the Bible doesn't profess it(well the holy water is an exception because it did have rituals like that before Christ)

Heh.
A 'true Christian'...I am leery of people who use this term. Brings some imges ot mind, like how various sectd of Christian churches consider themselves 'saved' because they have atoned for their sins.
Odd customs.
But if the question is a true one, if being a Catholic has changed my life?
Nope. Ive been a catholic all my life. I've grown up in a Catholic country, and at the moment, I fight to keep Catholicism important.

OK, the Christian category, all the Christians churches: Methodist, Baptist, Presbityrian, etc. The Non-Christian category Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. I don't know where I put Catholics, but believing in a Priest putting holy water on you saves you and saying hailmarries saves you is not a Christain thing and the Bible doesn't profess it(well the holy water is an exception because it did have rituals like that before Christ)

Oh dear...now you've gone and put your foot in it.

You've just judged who you feel is worthy to be called christian when you should have left that judgment to God.

It was all going so well till you forgot about the log in your own eye.

We are all united under common beliefs. It' not necessary for us to look for what divides us. We should be concentrating on the commonalities that bring us together.

You might contemplate the fact that God has forgiven you for your faults. You should be forgiving others for theirs as he has forgiven you for yours. His grace abounds as its said in the Bible. His grace will allow him to find forgiveness for all the different churches within Christianity. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, does that phrase ring a bell? Don't rush to judge others about their faith. Concentrate on your own faith and your own relationship with God. God will deal with everyone else as he sees fit. It's really not your place to do so.

What is a Christian?

Someone who accepts Christ as their Saviour in the realisation that they have fallen short of the glory of God in their sins and seek to once more come into a harmonious relation with their Creator.

I can break that down into three things.

They believe in God.
They believe we are all sinners.
They believe Christ died for all our sins.

Thats it. The rest is just frills and decorations around this one core belief.

The message of salvation is a simple one. You don't need to be a scholar to understand it. When someone genuinely seeks Christs forgiveness for their sins and sincerley seeks to come into a harmonious relationship with God through Christ's sacrifice. They are Christians. Full stop. No need to get anymore complex. Joe Blow down the corner store can preach God's message because it is that simple.

So lets not go off on some silly tangent of judgement against others for what are matters between God and the individual.

by 'true christian' do you mean 'born again christian?' because if so, then yes, become a born again christian has very much changed my life for the better. I used to feel like i was just floating around in a meaningless existence, and i really hated the feeling. For me, Christianity gives me a purpose of existence, and a meaning, it gives the world meaning. So far only christianity has given me the direction that i crave, and i have tried other religions as well.

How does one become a Christian without being "Born Again"? I thought that was the only way.

Well some people say they are christian just because they grew up in a christian home, they never really made the choice to become christian, they just see themselves as always having been christian.

Heh.
A 'true Christian'...I am leery of people who use this term. Brings some imges ot mind, like how various sectd of Christian churches consider themselves 'saved' because they have atoned for their sins.
Odd customs.
But if the question is a true one, if being a Catholic has changed my life?
Nope. Ive been a catholic all my life. I've grown up in a Catholic country, and at the moment, I fight to keep Catholicism important.

OK, the Christian category, all the Christians churches: Methodist, Baptist, Presbityrian, etc. The Non-Christian category Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. I don't know where I put Catholics, but believing in a Priest putting holy water on you saves you and saying hailmarries saves you is not a Christain thing and the Bible doesn't profess it(well the holy water is an exception because it did have rituals like that before Christ)

Considering that there are over 300 denominations in Christianity, I'd say your "categorizations" are supremely deficient.

Maybe you should wait until you're done with puberty to make a better assessment.

by 'true christian' do you mean 'born again christian?' because if so, then yes, become a born again christian has very much changed my life for the better. I used to feel like i was just floating around in a meaningless existence, and i really hated the feeling. For me, Christianity gives me a purpose of existence, and a meaning, it gives the world meaning. So far only christianity has given me the direction that i crave, and i have tried other religions as well.

How does one become a Christian without being "Born Again"? I thought that was the only way.

Well some people say they are christian just because they grew up in a christian home, they never really made the choice to become christian, they just see themselves as always having been christian.

I see that quite a bit. And well, do you agree if that's a Christian or not?

If you see Christ as savior, believe in him. Wouldn't that be considered as being born again, no matter what demonination you are?

by 'true christian' do you mean 'born again christian?' because if so, then yes, become a born again christian has very much changed my life for the better. I used to feel like i was just floating around in a meaningless existence, and i really hated the feeling. For me, Christianity gives me a purpose of existence, and a meaning, it gives the world meaning. So far only christianity has given me the direction that i crave, and i have tried other religions as well.

How does one become a Christian without being "Born Again"? I thought that was the only way.

It is. To quote "I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh to the father except by me."

It's John 14:6

Well I have to say that becoming a Christian has changed my life beyond belief. To the outsider I probably haven't changed a huge amout, OK so I go to church on a Sunday, I read the Bible every day and I go to the Christian Union at College, but it's the change inside that's outstanded me. I've only been a Christian for 11 weeks but I just feel so overcome by God's love and by the presence of the Holy Spirit - I feel so powerful in the knowledge that Jesus died for me and my sins and I don't think my gratitude for that will ever die down. I know now that God has a plan for my life and I'm prepared to serve him in spreading the Gospel in whatever way he wants me to, I realise there will be tough times ahead but I'm filled with so much passion and excitement about the future and I know that He will never test me beyond what I can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13)
I wasn't consciously searching for God but He obviously wanted to reach out to me and I'm so, so grateful that He did, and that He's placed me in an environment where I'm surrounded by other Christians who can really help me to grow in my faith.

Any Christians about should check out this forum http://s4.invisionfree.com/crevolution/index.php?
it's still fairly new but if we can get a few more members then it should soon start to liven up
God Bless You all
Palan
:D

Oh dear...now you've gone and put your foot in it.

You've just judged who you feel is worthy to be called christian when you should have left that judgment to God.

It was all going so well till you forgot about the log in your own eye.

We are all united under common beliefs. It' not necessary for us to look for what divides us. We should be concentrating on the commonalities that bring us together.

You might contemplate the fact that God has forgiven you for your faults. You should be forgiving others for theirs as he has forgiven you for yours. His grace abounds as its said in the Bible. His grace will allow him to find forgiveness for all the different churches within Christianity. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, does that phrase ring a bell? Don't rush to judge others about their faith. Concentrate on your own faith and your own relationship with God. God will deal with everyone else as he sees fit. It's really not your place to do so.

What is a Christian?

Someone who accepts Christ as their Saviour in the realisation that they have fallen short of the glory of God in their sins and seek to once more come into a harmonious relation with their Creator.

I can break that down into three things.

They believe in God.
They believe we are all sinners.
They believe Christ died for all our sins.

Thats it. The rest is just frills and decorations around this one core belief.

The message of salvation is a simple one. You don't need to be a scholar to understand it. When someone genuinely seeks Christs forgiveness for their sins and sincerley seeks to come into a harmonious relationship with God through Christ's sacrifice. They are Christians. Full stop. No need to get anymore complex. Joe Blow down the corner store can preach God's message because it is that simple.

So lets not go off on some silly tangent of judgement against others for what are matters between God and the individual.


Well said

Heh.
A 'true Christian'...I am leery of people who use this term. Brings some imges ot mind, like how various sectd of Christian churches consider themselves 'saved' because they have atoned for their sins.
Odd customs.
But if the question is a true one, if being a Catholic has changed my life?
Nope. Ive been a catholic all my life. I've grown up in a Catholic country, and at the moment, I fight to keep Catholicism important.

OK, the Christian category, all the Christians churches: Methodist, Baptist, Presbityrian, etc. The Non-Christian category Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. I don't know where I put Catholics, but believing in a Priest putting holy water on you saves you and saying hailmarries saves you is not a Christain thing and the Bible doesn't profess it(well the holy water is an exception because it did have rituals like that before Christ)

Oh dear...now you've gone and put your foot in it.

You've just judged who you feel is worthy to be called christian when you should have left that judgment to God.

It was all going so well till you forgot about the log in your own eye.

We are all united under common beliefs. It' not necessary for us to look for what divides us. We should be concentrating on the commonalities that bring us together.

You might contemplate the fact that God has forgiven you for your faults. You should be forgiving others for theirs as he has forgiven you for yours. His grace abounds as its said in the Bible. His grace will allow him to find forgiveness for all the different churches within Christianity. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, does that phrase ring a bell? Don't rush to judge others about their faith. Concentrate on your own faith and your own relationship with God. God will deal with everyone else as he sees fit. It's really not your place to do so.

What is a Christian?

Someone who accepts Christ as their Saviour in the realisation that they have fallen short of the glory of God in their sins and seek to once more come into a harmonious relation with their Creator.

I can break that down into three things.

They believe in God.
They believe we are all sinners.
They believe Christ died for all our sins.

Thats it. The rest is just frills and decorations around this one core belief.

The message of salvation is a simple one. You don't need to be a scholar to understand it. When someone genuinely seeks Christs forgiveness for their sins and sincerley seeks to come into a harmonious relationship with God through Christ's sacrifice. They are Christians. Full stop. No need to get anymore complex. Joe Blow down the corner store can preach God's message because it is that simple.

So lets not go off on some silly tangent of judgement against others for what are matters between God and the individual.

No, I was not judging who is worthy. Yes I know it doesn't take scholar to understand it, but if you are in a church that puts Mary or some False prophet above Christ, then that really isn't a faith, same as if they do something that bible doesn't say, now that was what I was trying to say, but I wasn't saying that only a special group gets saved.
The Mormon Church and Jehovah witnesses are considered cults by what they teach(don't know what Jehovahs teach, but I do know the Mormonism because I live in the Hear of it all) But remember Satan fits in some of these catagories you classified as a Christian. He knows(believes) what Christ did for us, but he is accepting Christ that is the major difference.

And just for fun, all you people who say "What about good works." Look up Isaiah 63:6

Again, you're at it SouthHaven.

I am a Christian, I am not a church goer because I have yet to find a church that I can believe in.

Your references to things you don't comprehend mark you as a Christian Biggot, and those two words do not sit comfortably with one another.

We all have to find our own way to Jesus, the ways are many because no two of us are the same!

The Catholics, as far as I know, do not place anything or anybody, except God the Father, above Christ.

Every prophet has had those who do not believe his words, that did not make Isiah false.

Judge not lest ye be judged

Again, you're at it SouthHaven.

Judge not lest ye be judged

This is going to be a circular argument - Joccia you are clearly judging South Haven here - and then surely by making this post I'm judging you
Those who accept Christ as their saviour have to accept that our Lord God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the one supreme judge.............hmmmnnn, I've probably argued really poorly there but never mind, hopefully you get my general point, let's stop judging and criticising one another eh?

Again, you're at it SouthHaven.

Judge not lest ye be judged

This is going to be a circular argument - Joccia you are clearly judging South Haven here - and then surely by making this post I'm judging you
Those who accept Christ as their saviour have to accept that our Lord God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the one supreme judge.............hmmmnnn, I've probably argued really poorly there but never mind, hopefully you get my general point, let's stop judging and criticising one another eh?

Well said.
Any way I am a man, I made/make mistakes, always will, but I do know that I am saved. As I said in another post if you were to die today do you know where your eternal resting place is?

Smoke on the Water is a good song.

Smoke on the Water is a good song.

It is indeed - but how is that relevant?

Again, you're at it SouthHaven.

Judge not lest ye be judged

This is going to be a circular argument - Joccia you are clearly judging South Haven here - and then surely by making this post I'm judging you
Those who accept Christ as their saviour have to accept that our Lord God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the one supreme judge.............hmmmnnn, I've probably argued really poorly there but never mind, hopefully you get my general point, let's stop judging and criticising one another eh?

Please enlighten me as to any judgements I made, I merely pointed out to a brother that making disrespectful comments about another's way to Christ is not big or clever. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, but we all have to find Jesus in our own way. I also take on board Christ's words - "I have sheep not of this flock".

Too many times throughout history, Christ's message of love and forgiveness has been eclipsed by religious bigottry, we HAVE to accept that to the Lord, any way is valid, as long as his sheep come to the fold.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, but we all have to find Jesus in our own way. I also take on board Christ's words - "I have sheep not of this flock".


I agree entirely, the way in which we are saved is a very personal thing and although I do go to church I find much more important the discussions I have with my friends and family about my faith and the private Bible study that I do

Again, you're at it SouthHaven.

Judge not lest ye be judged

This is going to be a circular argument - Joccia you are clearly judging South Haven here - and then surely by making this post I'm judging you
Those who accept Christ as their saviour have to accept that our Lord God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit is the one supreme judge.............hmmmnnn, I've probably argued really poorly there but never mind, hopefully you get my general point, let's stop judging and criticising one another eh?

Please enlighten me as to any judgements I made, I merely pointed out to a brother that making disrespectful comments about another's way to Christ is not big or clever. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light, but we all have to find Jesus in our own way. I also take on board Christ's words - "I have sheep not of this flock".

Too many times throughout history, Christ's message of love and forgiveness has been eclipsed by religious bigottry, we HAVE to accept that to the Lord, any way is valid, as long as his sheep come to the fold.

Ah but I was pointing out stuff, but you said I was judging

Ah SouthHaven.

"but if you are in a church that puts Mary or some False prophet above Christ, then that really isn't a faith".

You may deny that the reference to Mary inferred the Catholic Church, in which case I humbly beg your forgiveness and stand corrected...

I am not a Roman/Orthodox Catholic, I do not understand their pre-occupation with saints and ritual or their insistance that man cannot approach God directly, I find their practices conflict with what I believe, but, and it's a big but, I am not a Catholic - so I don't know the reasons behind it all, so I don't call their collective faith false.

To let everyone know I don't have a religion but a relatnioship with Christ, our God.

what the hell is a 'true christian?' whatever...

i was raised in the christian faith (roman catholic denomination) and lived near, shared, and attended events (like christ-centered camp) that were predominated by protestants. the best choice i made in my life was rejecting christianity, renouncing my faith, and abjuring the self-righteously devout from my life. it was like suddenly the clouds parted and i saw the sun, it was wonderful, i was free.

if i had to return to a christian faith i would probably return to roman catholicism, because it was mainly the protestant denomination that i had such irreconcilable conflict with. that said, if someone was to ask me today who is my 'hero' (never had any heros, thought it was stupid) or favorite person i'd love to meet i'd probably say jesus. christianity didn't change my life, but jesus, his message, his outlook and his behavior on life did. he was such a profound teacher, probably the most liberal thinker i know of, strangely enough maybe even to this day, and mindblowingly courageous against the powers that be; he was such a complete rebel, talk about going against the status quo. if there was a life to emulate his would be it, for today he would be castigating the sanctimonious, associating mostly with the outcasts (letting them know that they are loved and there is hope for self-improvement, and more importantly forgiveness), and working for an even more liberal, open, egalitarian, cooperative society than now. he's just really, really cool.... it's just that too many of his followers are not.

Where the hell did this old chestnut come from?