NationStates Jolt Archive

i'd start a poll, but i'm too tired to think of the options, so tell me: what do u think of Christians like myself?

Christians are just people with certain beliefs. Some are nice, some are nasty.

i'd start a poll, but i'm too tired to think of the options, so tell me: what do u think of Christians like myself?
I don't know you, so don't have any opinion. The only thing I could possibly offer is that you seem like an honest chap, openly asking for other people's opinions of you and all.

I know a Christian. Christian Haynes his name is. He's ok.

what do u think of Christians like myself?

What sort of Christian would you be?

For the most part, I like them with butter and salt and maybe a twist of lime. Otherwise, I don't think about them much at all.

Considering that I'm a Christian myself, I'd have to say that I like them.

i'd start a poll, but i'm too tired to think of the options, so tell me: what do u think of Christians like myself?
Christians who do their best to practice the basic tenets of the Christian faith, who have decided to be a Christian as opposed to simply having been raised as one ( whom I call "cultural christians" ), are among the kindest, most compassionate and most generous people on the planet.

Christians who are cultural christians, who aggressively proselatize because they're actually trying to convince themselves their "faith" is true, are among the most obnoxious people on the planet.

Moral: decide what you believe, learn what your faith is truly all about, then go and do thou likewise. :)

I don't really have a definitive answer to the question.
The fanatical ones annoy me, especially if they're hypocritical.
In general, I'm fine with the more "open-minded" ones, though.

Christians who do their best to practice the basic tenets of the Christian faith, who have decided to be a Christian as opposed to simply having been raised as one ( whom I call "cultural christians" ), are among the kindest, most compassionate and most generous people on the planet.

Christians who are cultural christians, who aggressively proselatize because they're actually trying to convince themselves their "faith" is true, are among the most obnoxious people on the planet.

Moral: decide what you believe, learn what your faith is truly all about, then go and do thou likewise. :)

Agreed. However, I'll state that I resent what it has become, as a way of gaining political power/support, by claiming to be one. It's why the Roman Emperor Constantine claimed he was Christian and made it the official religion of Rome..he recognized the growing support and political power of it.

Christians who truly pratice the teaching of Christ are wonderful people. Those who think that they are superior to other people because they are Christians are anything but Christ-like. Interesting to note that Christ never spoke poorly of another religion, even though he must have been aware of there presence. Most specifically that would be the Zorasations in Persia. Something that modern day Christains should try to model.

Agreed. However, I'll state that I resent what it has become, as a way of gaining political power/support, by claiming to be one. It's why the Roman Emperor Constantine claimed he was Christian and made it the official religion of Rome..he recognized the growing support and political power of it.
Most religions have had the same problem. "Conversion by the sword" or by the State is actually no conversion at all. Just as the unexamined faith is actually no "faith" at all.

Being from a Catholic bloodstream, I have to say that many Christians are nice people. Being an Atheist (ooh, that makes funerals akward), I have to say that fundamentalist Christians who try to convert me to their ways are annoying bastards.

You must question your beliefs at least once, because blind devotion to a cause is silly. Especially since you are only devoted to the cause because your parents told you to be.

I've got a few Christian friends. They are pretty cool, not the Jerry Falwell type. I hate those who are always trying to convert people or get their faith codified into law. Hate them with a passion.

I've got a few Christian friends. They are pretty cool, not the Jerry Falwell type. I hate those who are always trying to convert people or get their faith codified into law. Hate them with a passion.

Amen to that. :)

I don't hate Christianity at all. At the very least, it did give us Eva (which is more than can be said for its opposites atheism and Satanism). Many, if not most, of the basic Christian values are quite good. I do have a problem with the whole homophbia and sexuall repression thing that is so popular in Christianity, though.

I don't hate Christianity at all. At the very least, it did give us Eva (which is more than can be said for its opposites atheism and Satanism). Many, if not most, of the basic Christian values are quite good. I do have a problem with the whole homophbia and sexuall repression thing that is so popular in Christianity, though.

That's exactly how I feel.

I think the repressive homophobes are the least "Christian" of all (pretty ironic, seeing as how they're so holier-than-thou), because they tend to ignore Jesus' lessons about acceptance and that only "he who is without sin" can cast the first stone.

Christians who do their best to practice the basic tenets of the Christian faith, who have decided to be a Christian as opposed to simply having been raised as one ( whom I call "cultural christians" ), are among the kindest, most compassionate and most generous people on the planet.

Christians who are cultural christians, who aggressively proselatize because they're actually trying to convince themselves their "faith" is true, are among the most obnoxious people on the planet.

Moral: decide what you believe, learn what your faith is truly all about, then go and do thou likewise. :)
Agreed :) and there are some that were born that decide too ... they are alright chaps too :)

Basicaly be true to yourself honestly and you probably will be a more appealing person to others as well

Christians are just people with certain beliefs. Some are nice, some are nasty.

Seconded.

Agreed :) and there are some that were born that decide too ... they are alright chaps too :)

Basicaly be true to yourself honestly and you probably will be a more appealing person to others as well
I knew there had to be some reason I liked you! :D

Christians who truly pratice the teaching of Christ are wonderful people. Those who think that they are superior to other people because they are Christians are anything but Christ-like. Interesting to note that Christ never spoke poorly of another religion, even though he must have been aware of there presence. Most specifically that would be the Zorasations in Persia. Something that modern day Christains should try to model.

He did say this (though not speaking about any specific religion):

Matthew 7:13-14

The Narrow and Wide Gates
13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

---------

and

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

I'm sick of hearing about Christianity, to be honest, so what I think of individual Christians is entirely dependant on how much they talk about it.

The only problem I have with christians is the way they think their religion is the only real or true religion. Other than that I am rather fond of them.

...Christians who keep their beliefs to themselves and don't try to force them on other people are alright. But the moment Christians try to force their views onto everyone else (namely gay marriages, prayer in school, ect.) then I absolutely loathe those that are doing it. It doesn't mean all Christians are bad, just like not all Iraqis are terrorists, it just means that those who try to implement their faith on everyone else are bad/unjust/stupid.

[QUOTE=Letila]I don't hate Christianity at all. At the very least, it did give us Eva (which is more than can be said for its opposites atheism and Satanism). [QUOTE]

I don't think you can define atheism as being the 'opposite' of Christianity. That would imply, etymologically, that atheism was a belief system which followed tenets contrasting absolutely to those of Christianity.

And me personally, I like Christians. I just couldn't eat a whole one.

Christians are OK. :)

Churchians are NOT OK. ;)

My opinion of Christians is generally positive.

First of all I can't judge I don't know you and I tend to evaluate people as a whole, not shards of them like their faith.

Secondly I agree that people who follow the laws of christianity or guidelines and adhere to them for their own sake are are great folks(the ones I know).

People who try to convert me at any cast aggavate me to no end however, and sometimes the "freshly converted" are really the worst, they seem to feel like now that they have come into a new faith that they have to get as many people as possible to join up like they did.

If anyone cares I'm a type of Taoist, I don't go to temples or anything like that I believe in certain things and I follow the rules, I never try to force my own faith unto others.Nor do I have any wish of doing so I like being spiritual by myself.

Christians are good, loving, honorable people. I have no problem with Christians in the least. They are some of the most moral and dignified people in the world.

Church-going people are to be disliked. By joining a church you have been accepted into a cult. You do what they say, you give them money, and then you feel good about it afterward. If you go to church I have little to no respect for your beliefs, because they are being fed to you by some old man in a 10,000 dollar robe.

...Christians who keep their beliefs to themselves and don't try to force them on other people are alright.

to be a christian you must evangelise; so surely those that "keep their beliefs to themselves" are not really legitimate christians.

to be a christian you must evangelise; so surely those that "keep their beliefs to themselves" are not really legitimate christians.

And to be a trully best possible christian you musn't judge others lest ye be judged yourself.Right?

And if someone tells you that they are not interested you have no right to keep forcing them, you can try but don't get angry when you get turned down. And remember true freedom of the individual is when the freedoms of that individual do not tread over the freedoms of another individual.

And this is not a criticism of you I'm just saying that if people trully want your faith leave an open door, an open ear and an open heart and they will come by themselves.

Christians are good, loving, honorable people. I have no problem with Christians in the least. They are some of the most moral and dignified people in the world.

Church-going people are to be disliked. By joining a church you have been accepted into a cult. You do what they say, you give them money, and then you feel good about it afterward. If you go to church I have little to no respect for your beliefs, because they are being fed to you by some old man in a 10,000 dollar robe.


it is also required in the Bible that groups of Christians meet together and worship, thus forming a 'church', by not going to church surely they are pandering to trends and not being true to their faith.

And to be a trully best possible christian you musn't judge others lest ye be judged yourself. And if someone tells you that they are not interested you have no right to keep forcing them, you can try but don't get angry when you get turned down.

agreed, one of the key points in christianity and in many ways the saving grace is that you musnt judge. so no matter whether people you know are doing things you know are a sin eg homosexuality, sex before marriage etc. you are required to form no opinion of them and do nothing about it. otherwise there would be christian fundamentalist terrorists.

agreed, one of the key points in christianity and in many ways the saving grace is that you musnt judge. so no matter whether people you know are doing things you know are a sin eg homosexuality, sex before marriage etc. you are required to form no opinion of them and do nothing about it. otherwise there would be christian fundamentalist terrorists.


You sir are quite open minded very refreshing, allas if only more "christians" followed your example some will blindly accuse, preach(I don't think a christian who is not a priest isn't allowed to preach the faith, please correct me if I am wrong!) and generally judge the crap out of anything or anyone.

And like I said before if I say no and please leave me in peace and they persist ,I have a really hard time not getting angry.

Where would we be without Christians? Most of the greatest scientific discoveries were made by Christians.

Ah, so people here like Christians so long as they don't act like Christians...

I don't like the mean ones. The nice ones are ok, though.

I am an obnoxious Christian. But I'm not obnoxious because I'm a Christian, but I'm obnoxious because I'm obnoxious. Obnoxious-ity does not always come with faith.

Where would we be without Christians? Most of the greatest scientific discoveries were made by Christians.

...many of whom were subsequently ejected from the Church or prosecuted for going against Church dogma.

Also, if they hadn't been Christian, they still probably would have made the same discoveries.

It all depends..on their personality, possibly some beliefs, but since I am one they normally don't bother me..
Unless they are the ones who go around waving signs saying that all sinners are goin' to h^!!
they really annoy me

to be a christian you must evangelise; so surely those that "keep their beliefs to themselves" are not really legitimate christians.

Yes, but there is more than one way to do that. The best way, and the way most consistent with Christ teachings in his Sermon on the Mount, is simply to lead by example. I don't agree philosophically with the idea of casual sex, for instance, so I don't do it. If you were to ask me about it, I would tell you, and give you philosophical and theological reasons why. I wouldn't forcibly put you in a chastity belt, though. Few Christians follow this rule though, preferring the concept of leading by bludgeon, or using the coercive power of society or the state to enforce their doctrine. This method goes against everything that Christianity from Augustine's time on stood for, and in reality borders on not even being Christian anymore; it's really all about human desire for control and domination of others.

The hardest part about being a Christian in my view is that I have to be associated with those quasi-Christians.

Conservative Christains made America turn against me. I am an agnostic man.
See my anger (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=8958288#post8958288)

As for the liberal "Jesus love all, have a flower" types, I love them.

Yes, but there is more than one way to do that. The best way, and the way most consistent with Christ teachings in his Sermon on the Mount, is simply to lead by example. I don't agree philosophically with the idea of casual sex, for instance, so I don't do it. If you were to ask me about it, I would tell you, and give you philosophical and theological reasons why. I wouldn't forcibly put you in a chastity belt, though. Few Christians follow this rule though, preferring the concept of leading by bludgeon, or using the coercive power of society or the state to enforce their doctrine. This method goes against everything that Christianity from Augustine's time on stood for, and in reality borders on not even being Christian anymore; it's really all about human desire for control and domination of others.

The hardest part about being a Christian in my view is that I have to be associated with those quasi-Christians.

Hear Hear.

Ah, so people here like Christians so long as they don't act like Christians...

Yeah I was thinking the same exact thing!

About the "not judging"... we are not to judge people's motives for doing things, but we are to discerningly appraise the fruits of all men, which will lead us to know their spiritual state. We are commanded in the Scriptures "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil 2:4, ESV)" Not saying that we are to busy bodies; in fact, we are told to avoid men like that. But the one verse that everyone quotes --"judge not that ye be not judged"--must be taken in context as well as with the true meaning of the original language.

And about not sharing our beliefs with the rest of the world... well I hate to tell you this, but that's also commanded. It says later on in the same passage that I just quoted from "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10-11, ESV)" Jesus Christ Himself commands us "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matt 28:19-20, ESV)"

So you see, those Christians that you don't like, who want you to see the truth of the Bible, and who "judge" you by telling you that you are a sinner in need of the Saviour, those are the only ones who are truly Christian, for they are obeying their Lord's desires.
I agree that some try to force their beliefs on others, and that is not right. The Bible does tell us to "Strive for peace with all men..." but that verse continues "...and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Heb 12:14, ESV)" Some care more about the number of conversions they witness; that is not right. The Christian following the desires of the Lord cares about the person, that they will not be hindered from seeing the true Gospel that alone can give hope. Which brings me to my next point.

Only by finding the true problem can a true solution be given and true hope be found. All other answers to men's problems are short of the truth. Disorders? Disabilities? Call them what they generally are, the effects of sin upon mankind. By calling it sin, that opens the door to finding salvation--if you are not a sinner then why would you need salvation? What good would a Savior then do you? But we have a Savior, and we have one for a reason: we are all sinners. The Bible clearly establishes that fact. Thus if we accept that we are sinners, we can then accept the gift of our Savior, eternal life in Heaven and freedom from the bondage to sin. And through that we can find true hope. For if we have not hope then what is the purpose of living? Nothing else can satisfy. And that is why we must share our faith with others, so that they can know this true hope and peace that we have.

i think that im a christian, but it just dosen't seem to catch. however, i think that how i believe is right.




cows rule!

Ah, so people here like Christians so long as they don't act like Christians...
Wrong, we like Christians as long as the don't act like theocrats.

agreed, one of the key points in christianity and in many ways the saving grace is that you musnt judge. so no matter whether people you know are doing things you know are a sin eg homosexuality, sex before marriage etc. you are required to form no opinion of them and do nothing about it. otherwise there would be christian fundamentalist terrorists.

That is half true. Forming no opinion of your own will lead you to be swayed away from solid Christian teaching. The key to it, as Xenophobialand said, is to become a model.

i'd start a poll, but i'm too tired to think of the options, so tell me: what do u think of Christians like myself?


I've never met you how can I know what I think about you?

Yeah I was thinking the same exact thing!

About the "not judging"... we are not to judge people's motives for doing things, but we are to discerningly appraise the fruits of all men, which will lead us to know their spiritual state. We are commanded in the Scriptures "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Phil 2:4, ESV)" Not saying that we are to busy bodies; in fact, we are told to avoid men like that. But the one verse that everyone quotes --"judge not that ye be not judged"--must be taken in context as well as with the true meaning of the original language.

And about not sharing our beliefs with the rest of the world... well I hate to tell you this, but that's also commanded. It says later on in the same passage that I just quoted from "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10-11, ESV)" Jesus Christ Himself commands us "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (Matt 28:19-20, ESV)"

So you see, those Christians that you don't like, who want you to see the truth of the Bible, and who "judge" you by telling you that you are a sinner in need of the Saviour, those are the only ones who are truly Christian, for they are obeying their Lord's desires.
I agree that some try to force their beliefs on others, and that is not right. The Bible does tell us to "Strive for peace with all men..." but that verse continues "...and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Heb 12:14, ESV)" Some care more about the number of conversions they witness; that is not right. The Christian following the desires of the Lord cares about the person, that they will not be hindered from seeing the true Gospel that alone can give hope. Which brings me to my next point.

Only by finding the true problem can a true solution be given and true hope be found. All other answers to men's problems are short of the truth. Disorders? Disabilities? Call them what they generally are, the effects of sin upon mankind. By calling it sin, that opens the door to finding salvation--if you are not a sinner then why would you need salvation? What good would a Savior then do you? But we have a Savior, and we have one for a reason: we are all sinners. The Bible clearly establishes that fact. Thus if we accept that we are sinners, we can then accept the gift of our Savior, eternal life in Heaven and freedom from the bondage to sin. And through that we can find true hope. For if we have not hope then what is the purpose of living? Nothing else can satisfy. And that is why we must share our faith with others, so that they can know this true hope and peace that we have.

*thunderous applause*

Well said.

Wrong, we like Christians as long as the don't act like theocrats.

How do you mean?