The topic of religion is always an uncomfortable one to deal with. Yes, I know that I live in a country that is primarily Christian, but that does not mean I have to be. This is why I am currently undecided. Out of all the religions, though I am closest to Christianity (being an in-and-out kind of Christian myself), this is the religion that makes me the angriest. It's almost as if someone becomes a Christian, and thinks because they've asked Jesus for their forgiveness that they are free to do whatever they want, because all they have to do is say sorry and BAM, back to heaven for them. Of course this is not true for tons of people, but the fact that it is for so many is very disappointing.
And who are they to bombard me with reasons why I should be converted? Personally, threats of eternal life in the fiery depths do not make me want to listen to them. I've found that Christianity is the least accepting religion around! When I decided I was a Christian, I had no problem with other religions surrounding me, people can believe what they want to believe, and no one should have a problem with their life choice. But me on the other hand, I feel ashamed to say to a total stranger that I don't know if I believe in God. And why should I feel embarrassed or guilty about my own feelings? The answer is: I shouldn't!
I live in a small town in Maine, attend a public high school, and tend to keep to myself most of the time, but I can remember walking down the hallway a year or so ago and seeing multiple fliers posted on the walls saying "Jesus Loves You!" I was outraged! Something inside compelled me to make my own fliers, one that said Buddha loves you, one with Allah, and so on, just to TRY and offend someone. Because to me, the people who posted those fliers were very naive. But of course, since I am shy, not very outgoing, and am ashamed of my "religion" (or lack of one), I did no such thing. After a while, the fliers were torn down (to my surprise), showing me that I was not alone.
I don't want to be misinterpreted here, because I would love to say every religion is right, and maybe that's what I believe. If God was real, would he have allowed these diverse cultures to have spawned and created their own religions? Just to let you know, Christianity is certainly not the only large religion out there. So if this is true, and Christianity is the ONLY way, then I'll be meeting a lot of good people in hell.
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i like your post
you got the fundamental down and right
No one should be degragated or takin' down a level for thier religion.
I am not a religious person but if you would have done the poster thing i would have laughed and been a ton happier.(not to say im not happy) You see the problem is this whole self pride thing that someone has to be right all of the time it's plain outrageous that people can be so narrow minded. i have laid down a similair post and i completely agree with you
P.S. never be ashamed about your view of god or no god either way be proud of everything one can do. So much more to life than religion...
Saint O Nothin' Says
PEACE
I used to be the Christian posting fliers around my school. Now I'm a complete atheist. They'll learn someday. And if they don't? Just be glad that you see the light. That just because someone believes something doesn't make it true, and everyone has the right to their own opinion and shouldn't be force-fed anything. If someone wants to learn about "the other side of the issue" (whether they're a Muslim finding out what Christianity is all about or the other way around), they will seek it out themselves.
Just to be difficult and counter what you said....
Just because someone does not believe in something it does not make it false.
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
well in that persons opinion what people believe is false so in that persons (i only say that person because i forgot thier namey thingy) own reality it's false
though not to say that ones reality is right or not right it all depends on the viewer...
Saint O Nothin' Says
PEACE
And not to argue, but just because you believe one thing, does not mean the other person is wrong either.. But the point I was trying to make is that people need to be more accepting, no matter what they believe.
I find this quote of yours very hard to believe and understand "I've found that Christianity is the least accepting religion around!". Its also a little narrow-minded. If the staement was modified somehow then maybe your right. Their are many faiths out there the believe that death should come, by their hands, to all none believers. If you change away from the religion then you are an enemy. Some beliefs encourage suicide bombing. The pre marriage not virgins still get stoned. Us christians might be annoying, but are more accepting then that.
Also, it is in my understanding that once 'saved' you can not lose your salvation. It is not a back and forth thing. There are hypocrites every where.
I would put up annonymous posters contrary to the ones you saw just to be, well, contrary.
Overall descent post.
Go in peace
~T
All truths are easy to understand once discovered; The point is to discover them ~Galileo
You are absolutely right. I'm proud to be a Christian, but not at all proud to be associated with some others out there, who, as you say, feel that they can do whatever they want once they're saved and then just ask forgiveness.
True Christians, in my opinion, want to be good people and do the right thing, and so they TRY to do so. ALL the time. Not just some of the time. And no one should be put down because of a differing belief, no one should be force-fed anything, and all that.
And what bothers me even more is what I'm going to call the "denominational rift." I attend a Methodist church, and it really bothers me when they talk about the things other denominations do that are different, and use a nearly degrading tone, at that. I just wanna look at them and ask, "Don't you even get the concept of being a Christian?"
Oy...
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
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The Story of Myself