Thank you for all of your honesty regarding yesterday's post. I posted it for various reasons, but mostly because prior to becoming a Christian (I was a self described flaming, liberal, feminist), I really could not stand the hypocrisy of so called "Christians."
As I've grown in my faith, I've seen that we "Christians" have done so much HARM in the name of "Jesus;" It causes me to use the term "Christian" carefully. Not amongst other Christians--because there is a vernacular, an insider language if you will, that is known in Christian culture. However, had we had a conversation prior to my "conversion," and the words sin, repent, damned, hell, savior, king of kings, blood of the lamb, redemption, and so on and so forth were tossed around, I would have kindly flipped you the bird and would have told you to eff off.
After becoming a Christian, I have to admit I was a bit zealous and turned people I love away from me. I was self righteous and judgmental--I became the exact person I used to loathe. To all the people who I hurt, I am SO, SO sorry.
James 1:26 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."
My husband and I started a discussion group in our living room a few weeks ago with total strangers...some call themselves Christians and some don't. It's an open forum...we hope to start a church some day, but not the traditional way. Our thoughts and ideas are a work in progress and I'm excited about what the future holds. This is a topic I will frequent often in the future because it's a daily thing in our household right now...your comments (especially from those of you who do not call yourself Christians) and input are something my husband and I will be discussing as we are in the formative stages of beginning a "church."
Thank you again for your comments and honesty.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
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becoming the type of person we loathe and coming back from it with the ability to reflect and move on is a great thing. i think that's exactly what you're doing here.
ReplyDeleteit's good to be aware.
You should read Crazy Love by Francis Chan. There is a chapter in the book about the Lukewarm Christians and the harm they have done to the term "christians" to non Christians. It's a great book overall.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I'm definitely interested to hear more of your opinion on the subject. The hypocrisy of some Christians is one of the troublesome spots for me.
ReplyDeleteApology accepted.
ReplyDeleteNow go do the good works of the Lord!
The greatest thing that I wish for is personal growth. I am one of those that has shied away from the use of the word "Christian" and have instead become "Spiritual". I completely understand why and where it comes from. I'm happy with that label, for now, because to me, "Christian" is too tainted with the hypocrisies and judgements of men and the confusions of "interpretation".
Thanks for sharing - all of the reasons and your personal story. Wish I lived in WA state. I could use some good solid friends who are truly living it.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Carrie
What Angie said. I saw your post today before seeing the post yesterday, so I didn't read them in order. But I think the fact that you're able to be so self-aware during the whole process is really fantastic.
ReplyDeletealso, the boots are like, 500 bucks. ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteMy dad is a Christian pastor and my whole family is very religious. Except for me. They feel that some day I am going to "come back to the Lord." They feel that if I don't do this, I am going to hell. I think they are wrong and that no just God would send a good person to hell, if there is such a thing. But there's no discussing this with them without it getting very ugly.
ReplyDeleteI try to treat people with love first and tell them with words about my faith later. The quote from Gandhi has always stuck with me: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” I just want to be a reflection of Jesus.
ReplyDelete