Liberal Christanity practiced like Eastern Religions

[Matthewj1985]

As some of you may know a good number of what we consider "eastern religions" don't really stack up as religions at all. They are more guidelines on how to live. I was raised Christian and my wife still is a Christian. We don't have kids but both of us want kids within the next 5 years. Religion has always been a big point of contention for us and I have agreed to raise kids in the Christian faith.

Again, my wife is a very liberal Christian, mostly because she was raised in the church and is not very knowledgeable about scripture. Honestly because of some of the views she holds I don't think many on this site would even consider her a Christian, most of a diest.

Anyways, my question is, do you think it is ok to practice Christianity like an eastern religion. Of course I would leave out all the hating and kill parts but as a whole I like the teachings of Jesus. I am not big on his divinity but I like his message.

 

[Braunwyn]

As some of you may know a good number of what we consider "eastern religions" don't really stack up as religions at all.

I think that may be the case when some westerners practice eastern religions. They are religions in their own right. I work with a number of Hindus and they take their religion/beliefs very seriously. But, I think I know what you mean.

 

[cantata]

As some of you may know a good number of what we consider "eastern religions" don't really stack up as religions at all. They are more guidelines on how to live.

Um, no offence, dude, but have you any idea how much your Western bias is on show here?

 

[Beanieboy]

Anyways, my question is, do you think it is ok to practice Christianity like an eastern religion. Of course I would leave out all the hating and kill parts but as a whole I like the teachings of Jesus. I am not big on his divinity but I like his message.

Let me put it this way.
I once lived in Minneapolis. There was a Tea Shop run by people from Nepal, who had the Tea Shop for many generations. The girl walked around, and often tended to people, see if they needed anything. She explained to me that in Hinduism, one is to treat others like a god, and be a servant for them. If someone needs to be left alone, she leaves them alone. If someone needs companionship or conversation, she offers conversation. She believes that it is one's duty to share the self.

Contrast that to Western Christianity. In a nation of 75% Christians, do you feel that 2/3 love their neighbor as themselves, or have a me first attitude. I asked her what the biggest difference was between our countries, and she said, "We go to work, come home, eat dinner, and then go talk with our neighbors. You go to work, come home, lock the door, eat dinner and watch TV. I don't understand it. It's so selfish not to share yourself, but your privacy is more important than connecting with others. And then people come to my shop, and talk about how lonely they feel, and act surprised."

 

[Funny Fundie]

As some of you may know a good number of what we consider "eastern religions" don't really stack up as religions at all. They are more guidelines on how to live. I was raised Christian and my wife still is a Christian. We don't have kids but both of us want kids within the next 5 years. Religion has always been a big point of contention for us and I have agreed to raise kids in the Christian faith.

Again, my wife is a very liberal Christian, mostly because she was raised in the church and is not very knowledgeable about scripture. Honestly because of some of the views she holds I don't think many on this site would even consider her a Christian, most of a diest.

Anyways, my question is, do you think it is ok to practice Christianity like an eastern religion. Of course I would leave out all the hating and kill parts but as a whole I like the teachings of Jesus. I am not big on his divinity but I like his message.

This is funny and I admit refreshing to see: a humanist who actually likes Jesus message of love, faith and longsuffering. <staff edit>

 

[QuakerOats]

This is funny and I admit refreshing to see: a humanist who actually likes Jesus message of love, faith and longsuffering. Usually you guys are into the perversion, killing, paganism, drug-using, adultery/fornication thing.

Actually, it's really not that uncommon. There are plenty of humanists who admire Jesus' message. In fact, there are humanists who are also Christians, or vice versa.

 

[Funny Fundie]

Actually, it's really not that uncommon. There are plenty of humanists who admire Jesus' message. In fact, there are humanists who are also Christians, or vice versa.

Well God bless them/us!

 

[QuakerOats]

Indeed, FF. I think Jesus' message of 'love thy neighbour,' and 'do unto others,' etc., echos the very nature of humanism; affirming the dignity and worth of all people.