I am a Follower of Jesus Christ .. But I refuse to call myself a Christian ... Here me out

To follow something or someone...you don't have to be in an organised religion and I believe many would agree with this point. I know loads of people who think there is a God out there, if you follow Jesus Christ...you follow him, his teachings but you don't have to do exactly what an organised religion does.

Religion is all about faith. Only what you believe matters and if you stick to it. Organised religions are like laws...they tell you to believe this and believe that but...you should find the path yourself, who to believe, who to worship or even..if you should believe or not.

reply to post by nutzmctaffy


Bravo!! *Clapping my hands proudly* Braaaavo!! It makes me so happy everytime I find "another one" who gets it! I'm with ya all the way. And your avatar caught my attention right away and I could tell it held a deep significance. Only I thought it was Jesus catching a man who was falling exhausted from judging others. Cause of the gavel? Haha... But then, judging others is one of my big pet precede that I have to be careful of because it makes me lose my temper sometimes when I see it happening. It's what tore me apart from my robotical-Christian family. So, in a way, I ought to be thankful for it. :^P Sometimes its hard to draw the line between pain and spiritual growth.

Oh, I call them robotical because robots, like computers, do not think for themselves. They are programmed, and every output is a result of that programming. In a way, we are all programmed since birth. Our parents or other trusted authorities tell us something, and we believe it. Some of us get to an age where we begin to question things and we break free from that programming. Its just a shame we are stuck with all that junk data and wasted years, but its better than being a robot zombie your whole life! It truly is a shame that relationships have to be destroyed because "we don't believe in the right thing". It's like my family is actually afraid to have me around because I must be possessed by Satan for not believing exactly as they do. So I must be filled with evil, and they sure don't want me influencing their kids and showing them you don't have to be a robot. People are always so protective about their kids... I just heard about some rich guy who choked his girlfriend because she gave his life a pizza to eat and it had no vegetables on it. Anyway, if you don't let your kids see any evil (or what you define as evil...) how do you expect them to recognise and thwart it? Or is it that they are afraid their kids, with their fresh unpoisoned minds will come to the conclusion that some things are not so evil after all. Like christian parents who drink alcohol and turn into raging a holes, but will kick their own kid out of the family for smoking pot. Sigh.. ok my rant is over now

Welcome to the block. And watch your back, there are some haters, etc. here. There may be fewer here than glp, but they are more clever, and scheming. But they mainly go after the hard core Christians, but have been known to razz you for simply talking about Jesus. I guess it depends which shift of disinfo agents is on lol just kidding but my guess is you were mostly left alone because this is an introduction thread. I hope your wisdom and line of reasoning will sheild them all away! Just remember, you're not in the little leagues anymore. You can't say certain stuff here, and you will be respected more by not stooping to their level, but maintain your compusure and good cheer. Bah, what am I saying, you already know all this. Go get em tiger!

P.s. BRAAAVO!!! great work! good job! Best intro I've read. But I don't read many... So consider yourself lucky haha jk

reply to post by nutzmctaffy
You might be a quite goofy dancer, but this was all very well said and I agree.

As Christ taught, we shouldn't judge since we all have our own problems to deal with, and we're all sinners so we can't cast the first stone. Paul elaborated well on this in regards to conflict or debate amongst believers when he discussed not putting stumbling blocks in peoples' way in Romans.

Aside from wanting to clarify that we *should* be willing to reprove people when we see them stumbling and try to help them stay on the right path, this is a most excellent post and I tend to feel the same way...I'm not sure how many months it's been since I've gone to service and I can't really identify with a certain denomination, although I'm a strong believer.

Most excellent indeed.

Well met, nutzmctaffy. Take care.

Thank you for sharing your belief. I too feel just as you. I was raised a Catholic and I've always felt uneasy about the whole situation. We were forced into so much just to and drilled to give cash at every mass, told that God can't love someone who lies, etc., the list goes on and on. Forced to go to church on Sunday because you won't get into heaven if you don't go.... Give me a break.

Religion is the ruler of all evil, not the love of God. Religions force, take and demand things. The bible has been written and rewritten to fit into a mold of what "Religion" should be. It's not the direct writings of God. God didn't come down here and pick up a pencil and start writing the bible, it's always been man's interpitation of religion and what it should be.

The bible shouldn't be taken as "the word of God" because of these factors. But, Love is the true "word of God" and how can you go wrong with loving and giving love to everyone. I too, don't believe that God has a check list of things we need to do in order to be loved or granted into heaven. For all we know, when we die, we go live somewhere else in another form of reality.

Everyone has their beliefs, and they shouldn't be forced upon anyone else, because once they do it becomes dirty. It's forced and held without regard of what that person accepts.

Just think what the world would be like if there were no more religions and we all just loved each other for who we are..... Where's John Lennon when you need him... "Love is all you need".

reply to post by nutzmctaffy

I have never quite understood why people have a problem being labeled a christian. By definition its means you are a follower of christ. That is what you are correct op? So why the issue? I read your reasons or your "beef" with it but I really dont find them to be especially valid. What I mean is, sure, there are alot of various branches of it and it can lead to confusion but end of the day a follower of christ is a christian. It would seem to me it would not matter as to the views of the world to a particular label. You only have one thing in your life to concern yourself with and that is your god. The fact it has been twisted by various icons of the faith throughout history is no bearing on who you are.

Christianity and/or religion is not the problem with anything in this world. It is people that use it in ways that are not helpful that is the true problem. A belief in a supreme being wasn't dreamed up by some king in history who thought "hey this would be a cool way to control everyone". Its a desire for something more, a meaning to a persons life outside the mundane.

Basically all I am saying is be proud to be what you are. Your neighbors view of you because you would profess to be a christian is not your concern, your god's view is your concern. In this particular faith, it matters that you ascribe to being a follower of christ. Other peoples shortcomings in history are not your own so I just don't see the reason to not stand up and be called a christian. But of course with almost anything thats just my opinion on it. Btw this opinion is from an atheist.

Originally posted by nutzmctaffy
I am sick of people at church shaking each others hands but AFRAID to reach out the the people who actually need the love of god , I have seen this too many times to count....
...
I would never judge anyone because of their beliefs , in the end it says only god can judge us ..
...
The christian church does not want anyone to learn about other faiths
I find that a huge pile of Bovine Fecal Matter
...
Do you think would Jesus attend a Church that bashes Gays all the time or stand next to the street preacher screaming at you... I don't think so

It seems clear to me that you are what I have come to call a "real Christian", but that's just what I say in my head. Unfortunately, Christianity and religion in general seem to have been usurped by power hungry and hateful people in today's world. I can see nothing good coming from it.

But a personal relationship with God, without all the dogma and discrimination the church seems to thrive on today, is something I can respect, even though my beliefs don't run in that vein.

Welcome to ATS and I hope you have a great time here.

reply to post by Lionhearte


You wrote:

["God clearly said, that all one must do is accept Jesus as the Son of God, love thy neighbor, and love God."]

There's nothing 'clear' about that. That's just your version of it.

reply to post by nutzmctaffy


Very nice OP.

Maybe you'll even come to skip such as....

Quote: ["I will say I Follow Jesus Christ and His teachings anyone that has actually studied what Jesus did makes him stand out from any other " religious" figure ,"]

with its Jesus' superiority and exlusivity complex amongst 'competing' religions.

That would really make you housebroken in the egalitarian camp of non-elitists.

Originally posted by bogomil
reply to post by Lionhearte

 

You wrote:

["God clearly said, that all one must do is accept Jesus as the Son of God, love thy neighbor, and love God."]

There's nothing 'clear' about that. That's just your version of it.

Agreed. There is no clear definitions of "accepting" Jesus. But there are clear parameters of how to get good with God. Matthew clearly spells out that being generous and loving (to the needy) will guarantee a slice of the celestial pie when you punch your ticket.

This is my favorite conformation because it answers that question that each little kid always has of "What about the people on deserted island tribes who never heard of God? Do they go to hell?" You can proudly answer them "No, it doesn't matter if you know about the bible or the western version of God. Just love and be generous and you will know Him"

The fear doctrine that they all spout is what happens when people confuse fear with faith. Most Christians I know don't have faith in God, they have a fear of hell. What a crappy way to live! The laws of God are there whether or not you read about them in some archaic religious texts or attend cult gatherings that try to pass as churches. Only God can judge the heart and he's not a dogmatic entity.

Also agreed.

Christian "religions" seem to continue to pound the strike zone on blind faith through fear tactics. That's clear.

But when phrases such as "the Kingdon of Heaven is Within", "As above, so below", and "I am the Way, the Light", one could interpret, through contemplation/meditation, Jesus' message as seeking God through self-enlightenment.

For me, there is more God beyond the bible.

reply to post by Cuervo


You wrote:

["Agreed. There is no clear definitions of "accepting" Jesus. But there are clear parameters of how to get good with God. Matthew clearly spells out that being generous and loving (to the needy) will guarantee a slice of the celestial pie when you punch your ticket."]

There's a lot of christians who would contest that and claim it 'not true christianity'. And there are some metaphysical systems, which goes beyond this charitable point.

But as a non-theist I wouldn't personally oppose such a type of christianity, but instead accept it in a social context and getting nicely along with it.

Quote: ["The fear doctrine that they all spout is what happens when people confuse fear with faith. Most Christians I know don't have faith in God, they have a fear of hell. What a crappy way to live! The laws of God are there whether or not you read about them in some archaic religious texts or attend cult gatherings that try to pass as churches."]

As a diplomatic gesture, I will ignore the "The laws of God are there" postulated-absolute (i.g. not become very quarrelsome about it), and agree with the rest.

Quote: ["Only God can judge the heart and he's not a dogmatic entity"]

You once more have diplomatic immunity.

What a huge difference from the member here... Wow... thanks for the love ... You know when I posted my views like this on my last " home" I got attacked from every which angle ( which I am actaully quite good and responding to the attacks)

Man ATS is such a better civil place.. I really should have left GLP years ago...

GOd bless all of you thanks for the flags and positive feedback on my first thread HERE

till another time ,

much love

Firecrotch out

Originally posted by bogomil
reply to post by Cuervo

 

You wrote:

["Agreed. There is no clear definitions of "accepting" Jesus. But there are clear parameters of how to get good with God. Matthew clearly spells out that being generous and loving (to the needy) will guarantee a slice of the celestial pie when you punch your ticket."]

There's a lot of christians who would contest that and claim it 'not true christianity'. And there are some metaphysical systems, which goes beyond this charitable point.

But as a non-theist I wouldn't personally oppose such a type of christianity, but instead accept it in a social context and getting nicely along with it.

Quote: ["The fear doctrine that they all spout is what happens when people confuse fear with faith. Most Christians I know don't have faith in God, they have a fear of hell. What a crappy way to live! The laws of God are there whether or not you read about them in some archaic religious texts or attend cult gatherings that try to pass as churches."]

As a diplomatic gesture, I will ignore the "The laws of God are there" postulated-absolute (i.g. not become very quarrelsome about it), and agree with the rest.

Quote: ["Only God can judge the heart and he's not a dogmatic entity"]

You once more have diplomatic immunity.

This little dialog between the two of us is proof that theists and non-theists can work in tandem to create a common value structure. People just need to get over themselves and acknowledge that we all do have a little wiggle room in our beliefs, especially if it means doing great things.

Originally posted by nutzmctaffy
Man ATS is such a better civil place.

ATS isn't always civil. Just don't want you to be taken aback when it happens, because it will happen. Someone will attack your views and use language meant to hurt you. But you're right. The majority here like to remain civil and it's part of the Terms and Conditions of membership. And that's the main reason I'm still here.

reply to post by Benevolent Heretic


I am pretty good at responding to attacks LoL.... I was at GLP for 3 years LoL...

I just showed them the love .... and acknowledge their question or comment and If I could not answer it I would say I couldn't but I always tried to the best of my ability ..

thats how i got such a good rep... Respect

was sooo gunna troll you... but after reading the post i can tell your not the pushy type of religous person, so ill be on my way, good day to you sir

Lol I have gotten at least 7 emails from people from my former base , asking where I am...

one of those being a high up mod

I told all of them

ATS baby ATS

reply to post by DaveNorris


much respect Dave.. ..

thanks .... if you ever have any questions on this subject and want a straight answer with no Fecal Matter attatched..

Hit me Up

Be safe and god bless ya

reply to post by nutzmctaffy


will do, cya

The churches are for the most part way, way, way, .... way, way, way off. They are about 30 minutes of singing and 1 hours of listening per week, a lot of hand shaking, a lot of mini-skirts, jewelry and makeup on the part of the women, and talking business, football and politics on the part of the men - at least here in the South.

I read what the 'church' was and looked around and didn't see it anymore. Its way better than what the Catholics created but still defunct.

If anything they were designed to suppress Christ by focusing all of the energy of the followers inward instead of outward in to the community.