You are hereBlogs / jbrazin's blog / True Christianity
True Christianity
On my commute home from work today, I was thinking about true Christianity. Being raised in a fundamental Christian religion (Seventh-day Adventism), how many sermons have I heard, books have I read, and lectures I've been given about this subject? While I was growing up, true Christianity was defined by acts, thoughts, belief in a certain set of ideas, and financial devotion, among other things.
To teach me these things, I was taught the Bible very well. I know Jesus Christ's teachings, many of them memorized Bible verses for Sabbath School. His primary message was loving yourself and others. Jesus said that nonbelievers would know who his disciples were by their "fruits" - the produce of their lives. The apostle Paul went further to explain in the book of Galatians that the fruits of the spirit (of being a follower of Christ) are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Chapter 5).
If his teachings describe him as a person, Jesus Christ was someone I think I could really get along with. He enjoyed being with his friends, encouraging others, getting to know people and being himself, being authentic. Too bad he's dead...
In fact, Jesus reminds me most of the people I now know in the Atheist Community of Topeka. Aside from the issues of "faith," atheists are free of judgment, accepting and open to others, loving and giving of their time, moderate and modest. I've not met a judgmental, selfish, or hurtful atheist yet. In fact, my experience so far in life has taught me that the unchurched are far more Christ-like than the churched. Far more.
This week I was talking with a friend who has been on a similar journey as my own: raised in church and now an unbeliever. We compared notes on how our families, friends, and former fellow church members have (or have not) accepted our new religious status of atheism. When discussed from an objective perspective, I was shocked at our unChrist-like "Christian" loved ones. When given the ultimate opportunity to witness to a non-believer, the best reception we as atheists receive is disbelief, embarrassment, censure, and shunning. Coupled with the psychological enslavement to an invisible being that religion is (a subject for a whole other blog), Christians have nothing to offer me as an atheist.
After 30 years of being a Christian and living amongst other Christians, I have never known so many real Christians as I do now - people who do not even believe in Jesus as God; people who do not believe in any god.
Is true Christianity then atheism? I don't know, but Jesus said "By their fruits ye shall know them..."
- jbrazin's blog
- Login or register to post comments
very good publish, i certainly love this web site, carry on it
Trade show promotional products honorable Email archiving rfp august 2010 pdf imaginatively Cash Advance kickback
Spot on with this write-up, I truly suppose this website wants far more consideration. Ill in all probability be again to learn much more, thanks for that info.
Cialis Copulate Cheap generic overnight viagra Bros
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So good to find any individual with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this website is something that is needed on the net, someone with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!
San Diego Houses For Rent roomy Notary Public San Diego shame
I was very pleased to search out this web-site.I needed to thanks in your time for this excellent learn!! I definitely having fun with each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.
Home Improvement overwork Cash penny auctions Excursive Work From Home mile
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait ..
Arthritis Pain Relief Bola Fg2260 royal doulton wedding invitations Estate Anxiety Medication programs
Can I just say what a relief to find somebody who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You positively know easy methods to deliver an issue to gentle and make it important. Extra people must learn this and perceive this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre no more standard since you positively have the gift.
Lip Plump lingulae India Premier League scoopful
I was more than happy to search out this web-site.I needed to thanks in your time for this glorious read!! I undoubtedly enjoying every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
Seo vancouver wa cryptopine Living social address sarcomere
Spot on with this write-up, I truly assume this web site needs way more consideration. Ill probably be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.
Minecraft metroid texture pack myometrium
There may be noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure good points in options also.
Menozac Fiber Idol lash application majorette Breast+actives+weight+gain resound Dietrol dynamograph
I don’t think it’s strictly speaking a bad thing to say that one wants Christianity to be something in particular which reflects that person’s own positive associations with the tradition and which is informed by one’s own reason and morality. In fact, if there must be such things as religions (and for the time being it appears there simply will be), then it would be preferable that those who insist on being religious do so in such a way that is self-conscious of the great extent to which they are creating their religion and not just discovering it.
I myself am a Christian, although I am not on here to share my religion, I am merely curious as to what others have to say about my religion.
Sadly enough, you are very true in the fact that Christians are very judgmental. I myself, being 16, am judgmental. I try my hardest not to be, but I have grown up with friends that are judgmental, which makes it very hard.
There are, however, Christians out there that aren't judgmental at all. My parents have tried the hardest they could to impose a strong belief in Christ within me, and they have succeeded. They have also showed their love and care for everybody- no matter religion, race, or sex- in everything that they do. I am not as good at that as they are, considering, as I said before, the friends I grew up with.
And yes, every Atheist I have met has been very loving towards me and has been a great friend to me.
The last thing I would like to share with you is the fact that my church is trying to make a difference. Our pastor has given us the challenge NOT to be judgmental. And so far, I have seen a drastic change in our congregation. We are much more welcoming to people that come into our church, and we are much more loving to people in public as well.
I just thought I'd leave my thoughts with you.