It's time to repent

[Omnichaotic]

2008 is just about here, and I don't know about y'all, but I can't get rid of 2007 fast enough. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but with more downs than ups. In all honesty, this has been the worst year of my life.

However, it's taught me a lot of things. I've been on the receiving end of the hellfire preaching. I've lived in fear of an angry, vindictive, petty god. I've been the one struggling to pay the utility bill whilst the church was installing a new stained glass window. I've been suicidal and I've hurt myself.

I see so much vitriol on this board toward LGBTs, non-Christians (Muslims and nontheists especially), liberals...the list goes on. So much fire for God, but it isn't the fire that this world needs. I spent most of this year hiding from Christ because I did not want to be associated with this Christianity. I see such anger and such bile toward strangers here. It makes me sad and it almost makes me ashamed of this little plus-sign icon by my username.

This world is in danger, but it's not because of sex or liberals or non-Christian religion that I say this. The most imminent threat to Christianity are Christians who concern themselves first with laws, and only much later with Christ. Not teh Ghey Agenda or the War on Christmas or what have you.

Constant fire-and-brimstone preaching only drives people away from Christ. I can't even begin to tell y'all how many times I've literally gotten sick over some of the stuff I've read here. If you want people to come to Christ, you must BE his Light to others. You must show the same compassion and kindness to others that He has shown us.

I don't expect to change any minds here, but this is something that has bothered me ever since I came to this board. But reading CF has taught me just how much Christians need Christ.

For He is merciful and forgiveness awaits.

Happy new year,
your WF

I agree with this completely , and with what everyone else has said.

Despite anything you may have been going through, you have always come across as an incredibly caring and loving person.

I believe you are a true follower of Christ. Even if at times you may not feel like you are, it doesn't really matter, because of the Love that is so evident in all your interactions with others. Christ shines through you, and you are an inspiration for a lot of people, whether you realize it or not.

I've had times myself recently where I have seriously begun to doubt a lot of things that I believe, but it's people like you who remind me that Christ is alive, and that His Light is a force more powerful than anything else. People like you remind me of the innate goodness of humanity, the ability that all people have to show compassion toward each other, and restore my hope.

I hope you have a much better year in 2008.