non-christian=bad person?

[anoraky]

I grew up in Pentecostal church. I have to admit that though I was once a Christian that I was never really into it. As I got older, I found it harder to believe in the things I was taught. I now consider myself agnostic because I don't have any definite belief or disbelief. So that's my religious background, onto my problem. I live in a place where most people go to church and it's kind of expected. My family is mostly religious or at least conservative (I'm pretty liberal). My two best friends are also conservative Christians. However, I haven't told any of these people that I'm no longer a Christian. Based on comments many of them have made about non-Christians, I feel like they would think I was a bad person for not having that belief. Often they'll say things that offend me without realizing it, but I'm too afraid to be honest about it. Is it wrong for me to assume that they'll think negatively about me? I'm tired of pretending that I'm something I'm not.

 

[cabbitgrrrl]

Why would being a non-christian be a bad thing? All of the people who aren't christians that I've met are often better people than some christians that i've met.

 

[anoraky]

Well, I don't think I'm a bad person, I just think that Christians will think I am...

 

[cabbitgrrrl]

Well, I don't think I'm a bad person, I just think that Christians will think I am...

same here, just as they did back when they murdered all of my ancient sisters, just like good christian folk

 

[Loki]

Some will, some won't. What matters is what you know is true of yourself. Are you a bad person? Being non-christian doesn't make one good or bad.

My position in the theological spectrum is nebulous at best, but fwiw, I don't think you're a bad person.

 

[nadroj1985]

No one is a "bad" person, and anyone who tells you otherwise needs to think again.

But, to the point, I think you should tell your friends what your stance is. It's usually worth it to be yourself, especially with your friends, who are supposed to love you for who you are, and not who they want you to be.

 

[Blessed-one]

Based on comments many of them have made about non-Christians, I feel like they would think I was a bad person for not having that belief. Often they'll say things that offend me without realizing it, but I'm too afraid to be honest about it. Is it wrong for me to assume that they'll think negatively about me? I'm tired of pretending that I'm something I'm not.

'bad' or 'sin'?

the only 'bad' thing that an atheist does, is to sin against God for not acknowledging Him as his Father, which is considered 'sin' in God's eyes.

but you mean 'bad' by being a 'bad' person.. truth to say, christians aren't any better, for everyone (christian or not) is a sinner. Everyone is susceptible to doing bad things, like lying, cheating, conflicting moral values, hurting others.. all in mild, middle, or extreme form.

christians are only different in that we accept God's grace and strive to keep His commands, but as each person is on different spiritual level and because we all have human nature.. we backslide.

Backslide, hopefully to get up and try again, and that's the core of a christian road. Of course, that getting up bit involves leaning on His strength.

christians should never think they're better than others, for truly, we are not. We are only... lucky, for we have a second chance.

your family should be able to forgive and continue to show you love whether you turn atheist or not.

 

[The_White]

If Christian=good person and non-christian=bad person we are all in a lot of trouble because the whole view of religion will be turned upside down because if you reverse it you get (x=y AND y=x)
good person=christian
bad person=non-christian
and if we look at that then a lot of 'christians' becone 'non-christians' and vica-verca.

just as they did back when they murdered all of my ancient sisters, just like good christian folk

Heh I used to date a Wickan(Wikkan?(I have no idea how to spell)) she was a GREAT person, still is to the best of my knowledge (don't see her as often as I would like). I guess I am not a 'good christian folk' oh well.

 

[Acquired Tastes]

No, I don't think all non-Christians are "bad people". I personally know some very kind non-Christians. There are also what I would call "bad" Christians - such as people who blow up abortion clinics, or who advocate such behavior.

My advice would be to open up to your family and friends and tell them the truth. You will feel much better if you do, and I'm sure they will continue to love you, as well as pray for you.

You will be in my prayers.

 

[mpshiel]

It looks like this will be a double test - one for your family and one for you.

The one for your family is: do they love you enough to accept and allow you to be who you are or are the so worried about what others feel or see that they would rather you pretend to be something you are not

The one for you is: can you maintain a higher ground standard if people try to shame or guilt you into pretending you believe something you don't.

I personally think you should go for it because it will be a good learning expereince for everyone, hopefully.

 

[TheMainException]

Stop pretending, pretending isn't good for anyone...be who you are...sit them down and talk to them and tell them how you feel, let them know it all.

I don't think that there is anything but salvation that is different between a nonchristian and a christian. There are some really awesome nonchristians out there and there are some really horrid "christians" out there. i don't think you are a bad person if you aren't a christian, but let me tell you, it will really rock their world when you tell them that you aren't a christian anymore...they will be shocked terribly, and they may say and do things that will turn you from God even more. Continue to seek out answers, don't sit and be content without faith in something...search for every answer that you can't find, don't sit and wait for the answers to come running to you...they hide, they never seek...

 

[UMP]

I grew up in Pentecostal church. I have to admit that though I was once a Christian that I was never really into it. As I got older, I found it harder to believe in the things I was taught. I now consider myself agnostic because I don't have any definite belief or disbelief. So that's my religious background, onto my problem. I live in a place where most people go to church and it's kind of expected. My family is mostly religious or at least conservative (I'm pretty liberal). My two best friends are also conservative Christians. However, I haven't told any of these people that I'm no longer a Christian. Based on comments many of them have made about non-Christians, I feel like they would think I was a bad person for not having that belief. Often they'll say things that offend me without realizing it, but I'm too afraid to be honest about it. Is it wrong for me to assume that they'll think negatively about me? I'm tired of pretending that I'm something I'm not.

Are you a bad person? Am I a bad person? Is all humanity bad?
Yes, all bad. Just in case you don't agree, here is what God thinks of man.

Romans 3: 10-18 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
And the way of peace have they not known:
There is no fear of God before their eyes."

 

[anoraky]

Heh, well, I don't really know what to make of that last post there.

But anyway, thanks for the responses. I feel a bit reassured. I'm still pretty terrified at the idea of telling my friends and family that I'm not a Christian, but I think I should at least be able to stand up for myself when someone says something that offends me (even outside of the religious context). I'm sure most of them have picked up on the fact that I'm liberal at least. I think it would be important for me to let them know that I have no problem with them having their beliefs, but I would like them to consider that the things they say without thinking might be hurtful to me (or someone else). I guess if they're assuming I'm still a Christian that they wouldn't know I'd take offense.

Thanks for the encouragement

 

[UMP]

Heh, well, I don't really know what to make of that last post there.

But anyway, thanks for the responses. I feel a bit reassured. I'm still pretty terrified at the idea of telling my friends and family that I'm not a Christian, but I think I should at least be able to stand up for myself when someone says something that offends me (even outside of the religious context). I'm sure most of them have picked up on the fact that I'm liberal at least. I think it would be important for me to let them know that I have no problem with them having their beliefs, but I would like them to consider that the things they say without thinking might be hurtful to me (or someone else). I guess if they're assuming I'm still a Christian that they wouldn't know I'd take offense.

Thanks for the encouragement

Remember these words:
Mark 2:17
"When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
If you see yourself as an unworthy scumbag sinner, as I do (i.e. a bad person)
That's who Jesus Christ came to save.

 

[Angus]

of course not. im not a christian and many lable me as a loyal and fun friend. All of which think im good.

 

[anoraky]

If you see yourself as an unworthy scumbag sinner, as I do (i.e. a bad person)

No, I don't see myself that way. I see myself as a fallible human being who sometimes makes mistakes, but tries her best to treat others well and make good decisions. I'm not really interested in a belief system that teaches you that you're worthless because you're human. If that somehow inspires you to do your best then more power to you, but that's not going to work for me.

 

[UMP]

No, I don't see myself that way. I see myself as a fallible human being who sometimes makes mistakes, but tries her best to treat others well and make good decisions. I'm not really interested in a belief system that teaches you that you're worthless because you're human. If that somehow inspires you to do your best then more power to you, but that's not going to work for me.

That's not what the bible teaches. Again, this is what God thinks of man. Like it or not, it's the truth.

Romams 3:
10] As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
[11] There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
[12] They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
[13] Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
[14] Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
[15] Their feet are swift to shed blood:
[16] Destruction and misery are in their ways:
[17] And the way of peace have they not known:
[18] There is no fear of God before their eyes.
[19] Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Jesus Christ came to call sinners to repentence, not the righteous.

Matthew 9:13
"But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

 

[UMP]

of course not. im not a christian and many lable me as a loyal and fun friend. All of which think im good.

Christian or not, our righteousness is as fithy rags.
The only righteousness or good a man has is through Christ working through him. By himself, man is nothing but a dead sinner.

Isaiah 64:
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

Phil 2:13
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

 

[Faithful nonbeliever]

That is not helpful to the topic at hand. You are just stating your opinion, find something constructive to say.

Anoraky, don't listen to people like UMP, if they want to degrade themselves let them. You must feel free to be truthful to yourself and family. They can either accept it, or not. It will be up to them, hopefully they are big enough to deal with it.
Good luck,

 

[UMP]

That is not helpful to the topic at hand. You are just stating your opinion, find something constructive to say.

Anoraky, don't listen to people like UMP, if they want to degrade themselves let them. You must feel free to be truthful to yourself and family. They can either accept it, or not. It will be up to them, hopefully they are big enough to deal with it.
Good luck,

I'm simply quoting the Bible, God's word. There is NOTHING in this world MORE constructive than the Bible.
Sometimes the Truth hurts.

Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing a
sunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."