Am I a non-christian?

[PorcelainHeart]

I believe pets have souls atleast they can love and all kinds of stuff. I heard many stories on how pets help people. Bulldog, if your trying to help me, please do it with kindness. I'm very sentive person and I get hurt easy. If you need to tell me something please don't be so rough. If you have a problem with my beliefs, please ignore what I say then. I'm not really forcing you into my beliefs. You seem to question me alot,and I'm a new christians and I don't have the answers to everything.


And bulldog, I don't believe anything is 100%, we are not wise to think we know the whole truth.

 

[Bulldog]

Please don't misunderstand me. It's not that whether you believe that animals have souls is very important, it's really not. But it reveals how you come to your beliefs/conclusions.

 

[Bulldog]

And bulldog, I don't believe anything is 100%, we are not wise to think we know the whole truth.

No one believes that the bible contains every little truth and fact, or the "whole truth." When one says that the Bible is 100%, what one means is that it is our final authoirty and does not contain any errors (except for things like minor scribal errors, of course).

 

[WalksWithChrist]

Christians aren't pick-and-choosers.

Hate to disagree, but my experience tells me that, yes most Christians are indeed pick-and-choosers. Especially when it comes to rules/laws from the OT. I've seen evidence of this in person and on CF more times than I can count!

 

[Davis]

The thing is, I do read some of the bible. I just feel like learning about different beliefs and questioning things. I'm not going against the bible, I just truly want to learn more there is then the bible. I want to be open minded to other things. I was thinking all these after the post. I'm not talking about witchcraft I'm not into that stuff. I'm talking about discovering what beliefs make me happy. Everyone believes different even if they are a christian. Most christians can't believe that I want to question the bible and believe beyond it.
I been praying about all of this though.


thanks for the help.

One thing I do want to stress and I learned it myself the hard way.
Being a christian isnt about what makes us happy. Its about submitting ourself to the Lord and His ways. Trying to have a Christ-like attitude. Worshiping Him and giving Him praise. Conforming to His standards and letting him use us and us not fighting back. Its all about Him like Max Lucado says, its not about us at all. I hope this helps sister. Amen.

 

[Davis]

God is working on me to be a better person, he is taking my lust of women away from me and showing me the light. I think he knows I have alot to work out, but he hasn't given up hope on me.

Amen!!!! Keep on trusting Him. Submitting to Him can do only one thing and thats strengthen your relationship with Him. In return your eyes will be opened everyday to something new. Awesome it is.

 

[Davis]

I believe pets have souls atleast they can love and all kinds of stuff. I heard many stories on how pets help people. Bulldog, if your trying to help me, please do it with kindness. I'm very sentive person and I get hurt easy. If you need to tell me something please don't be so rough. If you have a problem with my beliefs, please ignore what I say then. I'm not really forcing you into my beliefs. You seem to question me alot,and I'm a new christians and I don't have the answers to everything.


And bulldog, I don't believe anything is 100%, we are not wise to think we know the whole truth.

I agree I think we can all learn something about preaching someone the truth in a kind way. I myself can do a better job at that at times. Again, our attitudes should be the same as Christ. We as christians need to use more compassion. We need to start caring more and stop trying to act like know it alls. Not singling anyone out here because I find myself not being humble when I THINK I know all the answers and thats so far from the truth. No one knows all the answers.....except God.

 

[e=mv^2]

The belief that pets have a soul or that they do not have a soul is not critical to salvation. On issues that scripture is silent we should also be silent. It simply is not something to get excited about.


Again - stop worrying and trust God. Don't get bent over some comment by a jerk on the internet.

 

[Peguero]

We as true believers in god do not judge others.

Before you say I don't believed in the bible 100%, I must asked you. Have you ever read the entired bible? Please be true to yourself.

 

[Davis]

The belief that pets have a soul or that they do not have a soul is not critical to salvation. On issues that scripture is silent we should also be silent. It simply is not something to get excited about.


Again - stop worrying and trust God. Don't get bent over some comment by a jerk on the internet.

Amen. It means nothing in the long run.

 

[dvd_holc]

Hate to disagree, but my experience tells me that, yes most Christians are indeed pick-and-choosers. Especially when it comes to rules/laws from the OT. I've seen evidence of this in person and on CF more times than I can count!

I have to disagree on your disagreement. Though Christians seem to pick and choose what we all believe, I don't feel it very bibical. There are certain people that have rated each verse in the gospels on a scale to rate if Jesus actually could have said X. They have reduced the beautiful bible to well...a possibility.

God is the ultimate judge who has distinguished what is good and evil. Because he is the ultimate authority, there is a ultimate good and evil beyond humans perceptions. I wish I could totally remove myself from myself so that I can fully engage the bible; however, I do try to learn of the historical culture surronding the bible. I believe he have to understand what is going on to fully know the bible.

Then the living the God's purpose. Through Jesus we were set free to live the best possible life. Don't be burdened by another other person's yoke. Live to the fullness of the law. Always be prayful to know God's will for you. Live to good. God does not vindicate each person as we go along. But instead live to him. He does guide us. Be at peace because he comes in a wishper.

 

[dvd_holc]

Hey BlueImpulse,

Do you change your picture? I thought it was something different...

To all....God restores people to his purpose not our interpation of his purpose.

 

[Scholar in training]

I'm very clueless right now, I'm told I'm not a true christian for my beliefs.
here they are

1. I don't believe the bible is 100%

Believing in inerrancy is not a required Christian belief. It depends on what exactly you believe and do not believe. More on that below.

2. I don't believe in the rapture.

Neither do I.

3. I believe in Jesus and GOD

Do you believe in the dogma of the Trinity as stated in the creeds, that Jesus is God the Son, the uncreated Wisdom of God, the Messiah? Do you believe that Jesus experienced a literal, physical resurrection, that he has two natures, and is fully God and fully Man?

4. I believe in ghost

Do you mean "ghosts" in general? I don't think this makes a difference in relation to your salvation, as long as you aren't trying to "contact" the dead or ghosts.

5. I believe in recarntion

I don't, and I believe belief in reincarnation has problems of its own, but this may not affect your salvation depending on how far you take the belief of reincarnation.

6. I don't believe in condeming people

Depends on what you mean. Rebukes can be of use - Jesus rebuked the Pharisees when they were acting hypocritical, but with the purpose of leading them to the way they should act.

 

[Letalis]

Hate to disagree, but my experience tells me that, yes most Christians are indeed pick-and-choosers.

That says something about the authenticity of their faith, doesn't it?

 

[WalksWithChrist]

That says something about the authenticity of their faith, doesn't it?

Hmm...I wouldn't say so. Most people that do this that I've seen don't do it willfully, but mostly because of "social norms" taught in Church. But I won't go to much into that here...a bit off topic. Or maybe it isn't! Hmm...


Always remember it isn't up to us to determine other people's faith. We use our gifts of love and teaching to help each other, not draw lines.

 

[Letalis]

Hmm...I wouldn't say so. Most people that do this that I've seen don't do it willfully, but mostly because of "social norms" taught in Church. But I won't go to much into that here...a bit off topic. Or maybe it isn't! Hmm...

Then they aren't pick-and-choosers.

Always remember it isn't up to us to determine other people's faith. We use our gifts of love and teaching to help each other, not draw lines.

1Corinthians 5:12-13 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."

It would be unchristian and unloving not to judge.

 

[United]

I'm very clueless right now, I'm told I'm not a true christian for my beliefs.

here they are



1. I don't believe the bible is 100%

2. I don't believe in the rapture.

3. I believe in Jesus and GOD

4. I believe in ghost

5. I believe in recarntion

6. I don't believe in condeming people

7. I don't believe anyone goes to hell but the truly wicked

8. I believe the only sin is hurting others or yourself

9. I believe animals have souls.

10. I'm starting to prefer girls over boys(and people think I'm doom to hell for that.)

11.I'm a harry Potter fan(most christians think it's anti GOD)

but some christians say my beliefs are so unbibical that I'm not a christian.





Am I truly not a christian?

I don't like labels put on me, or people condeming me to their beliefs. Condeming to be a true christian as stir me away from the belief a little.

Hi There Marmaladegirl22,

What counts most of all is your relationship with Jesus - which you obviously have. First focus on this relationship, & give yourself some time to think & research on the other things.

Don’t worry about others perception of your Christianity. It is always important to listen & weigh things up, but don’t let it distort your knowledge of him. I have learnt that the message of Jesus should not be judged by the careless words of other Christians.

PS - I don't mind watching Harry Potter myself, but I do think the Lord of the Rings series is best!

 

[SolomonVII]

I'm very clueless right now, I'm told I'm not a true christian for my beliefs.
here they are

1. I don't believe the bible is 100%

The Catholic understanding of the bible does not entail a need to belief in it as necessarily a correct depiction of history or science, but instead the emphasis is on it inerrancy in regard to the intepretation that the Church gives to it.

2. I don't believe in the rapture.

Nor do Catholics.

3. I believe in Jesus and GOD

Indispensable for anyone who would call themselves Christians.

4. I believe in ghost<s>

I've hear differing opinions By Christians regarding the nature of ghosts, or in regard to their very existence.
Wheter this is a correct, or an incorrect belief, however, it need not be a grounds for someone to be denied a belief in Christ.

5. I believe in reincarnation

Reincarnation is an interesting topic with respect to early Christians. There was some early Christian belief in reincarnation, that without a definitive statment in the Gospel of John, a few of the synoptic gospels may seem to suggest that John the Baptist was the reincarnation of Elijah.

Certainly, this is not the orthodox Christian belief, though, and it is time, had more to do with the gnostic members of the Christian community.

6. I don't believe in condeming people

Indeed.

7. I don't believe anyone goes to hell but the truly wicked.

Tthere are some Christian universalists, who even believe that all will eventually be saved. (this by the way, goes against the policy of CF in regards to posting in Christian-only sections)
It is well within the range of Catholic belief to pray that the population of hell may ultimately be 0.

8. I believe the only sin is hurting others or yourself

Sin above all is a breach in our relationship with God. The fruits of sin are the harming of ourselves and other that becomes inevitable when we become out of step with the only One who is all-good.
The wages of sin being the ultimate hurt, death, is indeed a very Biblical idea.

9. I believe animals have souls.

I know of nowhere in the bible where a definitive statment is made either way.

10. I'm starting to prefer girls over boys(and people think I'm doom to hell for that.)

I prefer girls over boys too.

11.I'm a Harry Potter fan(most christians think it's anti GOD)

Maybe most of the Christians you know think it is anti-God, but most of the Christians I know do not think so.

The only thing that I will add is that an obsession with the occult can on occasion become very unhealthy. The norm though, is that fantasy is fun,and reading books is a good way to spend some of your leisure time.

but some christians say my beliefs are so unbibical that I'm not a christian.

Well, some Christians say the same about my beliefs, but that does not make it true.

Am I truly not a christian?

Well, your beliefs most likely do not always fall on the side of orthodox Christianity. But there is a wide range of Christian belief here at CF, and your views, while undoubtedly more liberal than mine,are certainly nowhere outside the range of what Christianity has become.

Speaking as a Catholic only, I perhaps should not have been so flippant about the question of sexual orientation, for the Catholic Church certainly does make definite statments against sexual behavior that may not fulfill a procreative function. (Link to some of my opinions on that subject, Post 60).

Even so, in spite of the fact that you may or may not have a propensity to sin in that direction, even the idea that you are a sinner does in now way negate your being a Christian. (If that were the case it would be the population of Heaven that would be approaching 0).

 

[dezzie1180]

I'm very clueless right now, I'm told I'm not a true christian for my beliefs.
here they are

1. I don't believe the bible is 100%
2. I don't believe in the rapture.
3. I believe in Jesus and GOD
4. I believe in ghost
5. I believe in recarntion
6. I don't believe in condeming people
7. I don't believe anyone goes to hell but the truly wicked
8. I believe the only sin is hurting others or yourself
9. I believe animals have souls.
10. I'm starting to prefer girls over boys(and people think I'm doom to hell for that.)
11.I'm a harry Potter fan(most christians think it's anti GOD)
but some christians say my beliefs are so unbibical that I'm not a christian.


Am I truly not a christian?

Well your beliefs don't add up to a Christian. From the beliefs you've listed I would say you are not a Christian. Nearly all the beliefs you've posted are non-Christian. I suggest that you seek God more dilligently in prayer, because you seem to be a very confused young lady. I will keep you in my prayers.

 

[BigNorsk]

Belief in God is what saves, but belief isn't just head knowledge. Satan personally knows God, they have talked to each other even. But Satan doesn't put his faith, his trust in God, he puts it in himself. So your statement that you believe in Jesus and God could mean that you are a Christian but, depending exactly on what you mean about it, might not.

Now if true belief or faith is more than just an aknowledgement that God exists, then the question is, how do you come to know what is God's will. There is general revelation, seeing the creator through the creation. It is where people get a lot of their ethics and morals without a direct revelation from God. The major problem that happens if that is all people use is that they almost invariably end up worshipping the creation and not the creator. They end up making their own religion.

Then there is the Bible. God speaking through the prophets and apostles, special people to bring his message to the world. Now people again can get hung up here. You get people who again fall into worshipping the creation and not the creator. I would put forward that the King James Only people often fall into this. People can get so hung up on their interpretation that they lose sight of God's big picture. Now I would caution against getting so hung up the other way. It is true that some words and especially numbers in the Bible probably are incorrect at this point. It might be a bit uncertain if some incident had 700 or 7000 people involved. But it is much more certain that the incident did indeed happen. And if you take the real foundational things. That there is one God in three persons, that Jesus is true God and true man, born of a virgin, who came to earth and lived a perfect life, who died for us on a cross, was buried yet came back and lives yet and today he lives and reigns in heaven.

Those things are very certain.

So don't lose sight of the forest for the trees. Step back a little.

Your beliefs are kind of just a mish-mash taken from here and there, a bit like a hindu might say Christianity is true, but so is Buddism and so on.

There are indeed things that conflict both with what we have revealed in the Bible and indeed with each other in your beliefs.

One things to learn is that sin doesn't cause a Christian to lose his salvation, we don't pop in and out of the saved column with each and every sin. But a life of open opposition to God keeps one from having a good relationship with him. If someday you are a mother, there will come a time when your child will look right at you, and knowing what they are doing is wrong, and knowing that you don't approve of what they are doing, they will look right at you and do it anyway. At that moment, you will know a little what it is to be God.

I would encourage you to keep studying, when you are looking at something, an important thing to keep in mind is, what is the foundation, on what basis is that thought to be true. You will find with time that some things really don't have a foundation, while you will find that others have a greater foundation than you ever realized to start with.

For instance, concerning the trustworthiness of the Bible. Look up textual criticism, the texts were spread over a distance quite quickly and in each place there were people who held them in high regard, they wouldn't have given them up, even at the threat of their lives. So who could have gotten all those manuscripts changed? The answer is noone. That is the basis of manuscript families. We see some things introduced or dropped in each family of manuscripts, there was a mistake made that was diligently copied to the children of that manuscript, yet the other families give witness to the original. We are really getting pretty close in time to the originals in the New Testament (did you know a lot of the earliest fragments are actually taken from mummies?) and we also have writings where the Bible is quoted and so on. If you study it, you will find that believing that the New Testament is way off, is indeed rediculous. There is no basis for it, other than people form an opinion without studying the question first.

The Old Testament, we of course are further off from the originals, yet even there the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal how stable it is and there is the amazing oral tradition of the Hebrew people. How anyone could transmit something accurately in a language of all capital consonants, no vowels, no spacing, no punctuation (there was punctuation added later) is so amazing as to be totally unbelievable. Yet the evidence is overwhelming that that is indeed what was done.

Now back to for a moment the question of whether you are saved or not. If as you study these things, Christianity seems just so much foolishness to you, then indeed, you are probably not saved. The Bible itself teaches that the unsaved will not understand.

God has revealed these to us by the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the things of a man except the man's spirit within him? So too, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things that are freely given to us by God. And we speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is understood by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to advise him? But we have the mind of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 2:10-16 NET)

So you will know, all believers receive the help of the Holy Spirit. Some so submit that they are completely changed in the wink of an eye. Others rebel and take much longer, but things that didn't make sense will start to fall in place. And you will know with a faith that surpasses all understanding that what you read in the Bible is indeed the truth.

Don't get too hung up on what others say, there is indeed conflict. If someone is saying that you have to believe exactly like them to be saved you are probably dealing with someone in a cult and not a Christian.

May God Bless,
Marv