It's time to repent

[Ramona]

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

 

[Hnefi]

Not knowing you except through your OP, let me say this: people like you bring honor to that which you stand for, including your faith. You likely will never convert me or those like me even with an attitude such as yours, but at least you gain our respect and remind us that not all christians are insane fundamentalists.

I'm sorry to hear that you've had a rough year, and I hope the next one will be better. Just hang in there and I'm sure you'll come out on top.

 

[Polycarp1]

{{{{{World Friction}}}}} May the almighty Holy Spirit of God hold you in His arms and give you comfort.

"It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast." (Eph. 4:8-9, NIV)

"Each one of you should not think only about himself, but about other people also. Think the same way Jesus Christ thought. He was in every way like God. Yet he did not think that being equal to God was something he must hold on to. He gave this up and became a servant. He was born a baby. And when he was a man, he was humble. He was even willing to die, yes, to die on a cross." (Phil. 2:4-8, WWEV)

"Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, you have done it unto Me." (Jesus in Matt. 25:40)

 

[Ramona]

Thanks Hnefi, and thank you especially, Polycarp. When I read your posts, my faith is restored.

 

[selfinflikted]

WF, I certainly hope that 2008 brings a better time for you.

 

[praying]

{{{Hallie}}}

I know what you mean about faith, though I haven't had the trials you have throughout the year (and you keep an amazing spirit through it all) I too have felt as you do about a Christianity that is more concerned with berating and belittling than building up and building bridges. That isn’t the message of Christ that is the message of religionists.



Here is hoping that 2008 brings goods things your way and may your spirit and faith in Him stay strong.

 

[Rochir]

Happy 2008 to everyone!

 

[sidhe]

((((Hallie))))

You are, as usual, right. May the new year be more peaceful and pleasant than the past for ya.

 

[ChaliceThunder]

{{{{Halz!}}}}

God has lifted you up and given you passion and a voice. This often gives rise to what I like to call "AFGO" (Another Flippin' Growth Opportunity)

The fact that you are still here, still sharing your heart is testament enough to the bright light YOU are!

May 2008 be a year of great blessing to you, and to us all.

 

[platzapS]

Happy 2008! The forces of good will win, I think, if only because they benefit everyone. It is in everyone's long-term benefit to protect civil liberties, the environment, and each other, and to love our fellow inhabitants of the planet. I hope you solve your problems, World Friction. I think you will.

 

[Snowbunny]

hola

i think intentions are everything... on the one hand we know that God has decided some things are sinful and on the other hand we know God has provided salvation and forgiveness for us. in both examples God is the judge... not us, He is the one who decides what is sinful and what is not, who is forgiven and who is not and what happens to the forgiven and what happens to the unforgiven... we do not decide any of these things.

i think some people start off in the best of intentions, warning people about the danger of sin and they try to call them out of sin... but somewhere along the line they become judgmental, demanding that other people are 'bad' and they (the person) are 'good' because the other has committed such and such sins which can be listed out. that is self righteousness and is itself sinful... the truth is that there is not one good person... Jesus said that many times. we are all sinners and we are all required to struggle to overcome sin, and to trust that God's judgment (and not other peoples') is what matters and will be fair beyond fair.

we should not pretend that everybody else is evil and we are good, and we should not forget that sin is real and we must not do it (recognizing that we're probably going to fail).

que Dios te bendiga

 

[tulc]

I'm sorry your year has been so hard WorldFriction! I pray the coming year is filled more with joy and love!
tulc(here, I found a couple of these for you!)

 

[Battie]

((((Hallie))))

I experienced only a little of what you've been through, so you inspire me greatly because even under your burdens your faith remains so strong.

I know what it's like to be afraid of God. I'm trying to understand Christianity's God of love but I'm so used to fearing punishment from Him for things that, as it turns out, are not even my fault. I'm not even sure where my faith will end up at the end of this.

But we all learn joy by loving people. Your call to stop judging and start showing more kindness is something that we all need to be reminded of, no matter what our faith.

Happy New Year!

 

[Criada]

((((Hallie))))
You are an inspiration, sweetie.
Your strength and resilience are remarkable, and your loving spirit is an encouragement to all.
Praying that 2008 is a great year for you.
God bless you.

 

[Maren]

WorldFriction,

I'm sorry you have had such a hard year; I hope 2008 is much better for us all. Thank you for the Christian love you share that appears to be so lacking on this forum.

 

[StarCannon]

Well, I hope 2008 is better for ya. In the mean while, have a mug of Big Red. *offers a big mug of Big Red*

 

[Moriah_Conquering_Wind]

you already know moriah's thoughts on the subject hallie.



p.s. it has no phone coverage up here. we can talk later this week when it gets back home though.

 

[CriticalMassKitten]

Sorry to hear you've had a bad year. :/ I really don't know what you've been through, and thoughts about suicide are never things someone wants to feel. Let's just hope '08 is better.

And, as usual, you bring up good points. In relation to what you said in the OP, it was the crazed people saying I'm going to hell or an abomination(my personal favorite ) is why I just don't choose a religion. Southern Baptist to agnostic is a pretty big switch, but somehow people managed to change that, though in a way I don't mind too much. It's always good to see the people on here show actual Christian love instead of being borderline hateful.

Anyway, here's to 2008!

 

[Cabal]

Worldfriction - 2007 was a similar year for me too. You have my prayers. Let's change the world in '08.

 

[Ringo84]

Hi, World!

I'm genuinely sorry that you have seen nothing but fire and brimstone from certain Christians on this board, who seem to forget that the most important commandment is to "Love thy neighbor as yourself".

I hope that the Christians among us who don't choose to make petty issues out of sexuality or idiocy such as "wars" on holidays will be a better example of Christ than those who are constantly talking about hellfire.

God is so much more than drop-kicking people into hell. It's a shame that people put God in such a box that He can only love people that are quote-unquote "perfect".

Happy New Year, my friend!
Ringo