Church?

[bcipam]

Boy that is opening a can of worms! I'm not religious - no excuses just don't think church is necessary in my life. My grandma who was a Mennonite, a great woman and very open minded, once asked me when I was little "Are you a christian? I then asked her what is a "christian" and even though she was from a very fundamental type of church she said "it means treating people like you would like to be treated yourself". My answer then was "yes" and I definitely try to make that a part of my interactions with others so I guess in those terms, I am a "Christian". In other people's definitions, I'm sure I am not!

I know that many people find strength and belief in formal religion and I applaud them for that. I don't like a lot of things that are caused by formal religion so I am really not able to believe in any specific church/religious tenents myself. But, that is why we live in a diverse world so that people can believe anything and everything they want to.

I know this discussion is maybe getting off topic, but as a reponse - a Christian is one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. That doesn't mean if you have not, that you aren't a good person. I know many wonderful people who are good, and gracious and wonderful but have not accepted Jesus. Many philosophies (I grew up as Buddist) have as a core belief "to do unto others...".

Also I know it's hard, but please separate faith from religion. Faith is my belief. It's how the Spirit fills me. Religion is my "church" or how I practice my belief. Religion does have it problems. Again houses of worship are run by people. People set doctrine for religion, so there are flaws. This is why one is encouraged to independently study the Bible in order to gain the skills to discern between the truth and well, lies and deceitful behavior. Yes I know Christian people to have affairs. I know them to lie and cheat and abuse their fellow man. They can be rascist, bigots, just plain jerks but none of this is condoned by the teachings of Christ. We, sadly and pitifully are flawed beings.

I do have the right to judge others and I know this meets the disapproval of some. But if I am unwilling to discern between right and wrong, good and bad, then there is no right/wrong or good/bad, everyone would have the right to act as he pleased. Thankfully Christian values keeps us from legally murdering one another, or stealing or cheating. The one misunderstanding I hear and read most often is that "I don't like religion becasue it forces certain beliefs on me (such as no abortion etc)" A true Christian knows and understands that God would never forced anyone to do what they are not willing to do. He has given us free choice and does not for want to force His love on us. Yes I understand some Churches are very judgmental and would condemn one for their beliefs, but don't judge his all by that Church or that religion.

Again these are just my views. I enjoy hearing how others feel and think. I believe we are all entitled to choose our paths in life...