I'm back, and one question.

[Axiom1322]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian. Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

 

[Hetta]

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

Why did you pretend to be a Christian? Just curious.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian. Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

If they are equally devout then it doesn't matter how it got there. One of may have been born that way, but she or he has chosen to continue on that path, kwim? Many are raised in faith but then leave it, but those that stay most choose to stay - if that's any clearer.

 

[bling]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian. Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

You need to make a commitment.
You are just not "born" a Christian.

 

[aiki]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

At the heart of Christianity there is the person of Christ. It is to him, first of all, that CHristians are joined. Don't let confusion about denominations or religions keep you from him. As Jesus said,

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes unto the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian.

Absolutely it matters!

Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

Niether way is acceptable to God. Christianity is about knowing, and loving, and following Jesus Christ. Any Bible reading, or prayer, or church attendance must flow out of love for him. Love for the Saviour is the bedrock, the fountainhead, of a Christian's religious activity - or it ought to be. Any other motivation for being a Christian is unacceptable to God. Duty, fear, guilt, self-righteousness, pride - all of these God rejects as reasons for walking with Him.

Selah.

 

[Faulty]

Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

One believes what they read, and desires for their sins to be forgiven and to be reconciled to their Creator. The other does not.

 

[South Bound]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian.

Funny you should mention that. Your phrase "join a religion" struck me as a huge red flag.

One does not "join" Christianity, so much as he responds to the act of God in saving him.

Becoming a Christian is not merely choosing a religion, but following the next step after salvation.

Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

First, I'm not trying to split hairs, but neither is "better than the other". Both are sinners.

Second, I was the second man in your scenario. In the South, where I was raised, Christianity has a very strong cultural influence. So much so that even non-Christians are impacted by it. They know the teachings, know the lingo, know the hymns, may attend church, etc. But many of them are not saved. They just do it because it's the cultural norm. Not only did I grow up in church, but my grandparents founded the church I grew up in. I was an acolyte, sang in the choir, and was there every time the doors were open. My uncle was the sexton and I was his assistant. (If you don't know what a sexton is, it's kind of like an engineer would be on a ship. He kind of runs the place. Or, to make it seem cooler than it is, if you've ever seen Ghost Rider, Sam Elliot's character was that church's sexton.)

But I was still as lost as I could be and if I had died, in spite of all of my outward religiosity, I still would have gone straight to Hell.

Third, you don't say why the first man "chose that path".

 

[parsley]

I had a similar "religion" reaction --faith is more fluid and connective. Religion turns into politics and economics and social control.

I landed on this thread right after reading anarticle on Dubai working towards being the center of Islamic finance. Religion + finance. People's faith can get used by those who want to pool resources and bring it into a power structure.

Dubai Seeks to Become Islamic Economic Hub - NYTimes.com

So while I know that's not what you intended to say, it might have some relation to how you ended up in the subculture before. Parents want to make sure their kids are raised within the faith they have grown to treasure, and to feel comfortable within that culture. Parents know the kids will later make decisions for themselves, but want to provide a taste of what they value before that happens.

Abstract thought develops around adolescence, so there are some things about faith that we aren't ready to grasp when younger. You were probably in a nurturing environment, with generally friendly people who didn't steal from you or beat you... so it served a beneficial purpose.

A little guilt or regret for not living it out earnestly seems to have led you to a more authentic search for truth and sincerity. Now when you approach organizations, start looking for what you believe should be in them. Do you want people who will pray for each other... feel free to debate or not debate at all... want a more flexible acceptance of varying beliefs?

Since you are standing at a broader vantage point, consider connecting with people that way too, like you are on the forum. Find temporary supports that will offer faith-based learning and reflection, without narrow doctrinal constraints. Then as you refine it, you will feel more authentic in your approach to God and man.

Back to your question -- it depends on the heart of the person. Abraham's faith counted for him toward righteousness. He walked with God, listened and talked to God.

Were there temples in Canaan or Ur or Egypt during his lifetime? Probably not-- outdoor altars were recorded. No congregations, just family and friends. No Bible, no Torah, just memories passed along. Was he purer for that, or deprived for that? It depends on what he did with what he had.

"Possessing something greater" -- that's in the eyes of the beholder. Look back on the experiences you treasure -- they were not necessarily in a formal pattern. A trip to Disney should be a great moment, but maybe the kiss someone gave before leaving for the trip was the greater moment.

 

[Jerico Miles]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian. Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

Being a real Christian is about having an intimate relationship with Father God.

Being a Christian is not solely about reading the bible everyday and going to church every Sunday. That'll help you grow faster in your understanding of God, but don't hold yourself back from becoming a Christian thinking that's what being a Christian is all about.

It's not your works (going to church or reading the bible) that draws you closer to God, it's your love for Him that makes the relationship work and pleases Him. And you can't love Him unless you give Him the chance to show you His love first by becoming a Christian through Jesus. Than, go and seek Him and it'll happen.

Put your Faith in Him and He'll clear your mind of all confusion. But seek Him first.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)
But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TffkAILd6EU#t=144

 

[bdavison]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian. Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

The first mistake is thinking that reading the Bible or going to church makes you a Christian. Christ makes you a Christian. Without Christ as their savior, what either of them is doing is for naught and both will suffer the same punishment...and eternity away from God.

God's redemption plan is for us to believe in His Son. It's a free gift, not a reward for our actions.

 

[TheJust]

Hello. It's been a while. But, I think I'll start posting again.

I've determined that my mind is too clouded and confused to join any religion yet. The stress of pretending to be a Christian for years really makes that religion a hard choice, so that makes me biased.

I was wondering if it mattered to why you wanted to become a Christian. Lets say that you have two people. Both read the Bible regularly and go to church every Sunday. Both equally devout. But one does that because they chose that path, and the other does it because that's how they were raised that way and don't see any other way to live. Is one way better than the other? Does one person possess something greater than the other?

Why do you feel have to choose anything but God itself? Neither posses something greater than the other, all possess God or rather God possesses them. There is no difference God does not have favorites. Faith is the measure you can use, but do not place your faith in anything but God himself. Why go to a big pointy building to search for him when God is everywhere at all times? Do not look for God where he is not or you will never find him. You would not go to the desert to find trees, so why travel anywhere but within your own heart to find God?

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13