Not a christian, but really confused and sort of missing God?

[sellingsell]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

 

[WarEagle]

I don't think Christianity is for you.

 

[sellingsell]

I don't think Christianity is for you.

Why do you say that?

 

[Romanseight2005]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

real christianity is all about your relationship with Jesus Christ, aka God. Remember that the people you meet who are christians are still human, and some of them will be pharisees. Open your Bible and ask God to speak to you. We don't stop sinning so we can have a relationship with God. We love Him because He first loved us, and died for us while we were yet sinners. When we know His love, then we desire to walk in obedience to Him, in response to His love.

 

[WarEagle]

Why do you say that?

From your own admission, you love your sin more than you love Christ.

You also seem to have a gross misunderstanding of what Christianity is, as if it's just something you can pick up and put down like trying on a pair of shoes.

It isn't something you try for a while and then quit when you decide you don't like it anymore.

When you're born again, you die to your sin and are raised to new life in Christ. You're given a new nature.

What you're saying is that, not only haven't you died to your old nature and taken on a new nature, you seem to be perfectly happy in your sin.

That's a decision you have to make and God will certainly allow you to have the freedom to serve sin if that's what you want, but you can't serve Christ and sin at the same time.

When you come to the place where the sin that you now say you love so much horrifies you because you see how black your heart is in comparison to God's holiness, get back to me and I'll tell you how to be a Christian.

 

[WarEagle]

For the record, you're right. J.K. Rowling has said that the Harry Potter books do have undertones of Christian themes.

However, when you examine the books in light of the Bible, you see that they're not based on Christianity, but based on her misunderstanding of Christianity.

 

[Criada]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

You know, God doesn't expect you to sort everything out before you can be a Christian...
He loves you - an enormous amount. Enough to be tortured and killed for you.
And He wants to have a relationship with you.
And yes, He may want some of the things you believe or do to change...but that comes later!
Because none of us can stop sinning without the Holy Spirit.
So - you need to stop concentrating on the peripheral issues, and look at Jesus.
And decide - are you willing to accept what He has done for you. And are you willing to change those things He wants you to change? Because if you make Him your Lord, obedience is an issue. But He will guide you in that.
Many of the things you mention are not a problem in my opinion - but you need to hear from Him for yourself.
And to do that, you need to be willing to put Him first. Because Christianity is not about 'warm fuzzies'. It's not about 'feeling good'. It is about having an ongoing relationship with the creator of the universe. And it is about sacrifice, and love, and obedience. And it is the most awesome, wonderful thing you can do wwith your life.
But it *has* to be wholehearted.


God bless you - I will be praying for you.
God loves you more than anyone ever has, and ever will! But He never forces anyone to come to Him.

 

[tapero]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

Hi, Concentrate on a relationship with Jesus and let all the other things go. I'm glad your getting help for cutting, that's awesome.

When I came to Christ, I can't think of one thing I didn't do, well one or two. So, many to most of us have been there and God changes us from the inside out, not the outside in.

He says clean the inside of the cup and the outside will be clean too.

Jesus loves you, right where you're at. Keep your eyes off christians and look at Christ. Christians will always disappoint you as we fail and some are just not nice. Christians are like anyone else, all with different personalities, no different than non christians but many times get lumped into one and as I wouldn't do that with non christians as no two people are alike.

Please pm me if you'd like to talk more. I won't judge you, but will talk with you as I would any friend, and I would love to be your friend.

Hugs and keep up the good work.

God bless,
tapero

 

[Theophorus]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

Your describing evangelical and conservative Christianity.

You could be PCUSA, or ECUSA, or United Church of Christ, or even..shudders... Eastern Orthodox.

 

[footprints1973]

My 2 cents...

the feeling you have of "missing God" is very real. I've felt it myself.I had a "God-shaped hole" in my soul that I filled with the overuse of alcohol and other addictions. I detached myself from God but He was always there waiting for me with Love.

I think your awareness that something is "missing" is a sign of God's grace in your life.

As for Harry Potter and what other Christians believe is right or wrong, I wouldn't worry about that too much right now. Some people get hung up on the littlest things instead of focusing on what Chirstinaity is about. Christianity is about following Jesus. It is about LOVE. Ask Jesus into your heart. He's knows were not perfect (NOBODY IS). But He loves always. He will show you the way if you let Him.

Just my humble advice...
Laura

 

[OldChurchGuy]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

What about God do you miss? The belief that God exists? The idea of God's love? What?

Regarding the seeming idiocy of some Christians, understand we all have different theologies about God. Some people have a more "rigid" theology which does not easily lend itself to accepting alternative viewpoints. Are these people correct in having such a comparatively rigid theology? I don't know.

I haven't read the Harry Potter series (one of the last few thousand people in North America as near as I can tell) but don't see where her theology would differ that much from Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) or C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia) both of which are set in far off fictional lands.

Sincerely,

OldChurchGuy

 

[salida]

sellingsell-

When once received Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior they also should receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit changes us daily to transform us to be more and more like Christ. So, our thoughts change and how we look at the world changes by praying, reading the Word(Bible) daily. We die daily to Christ.

You say you don't "agree" with christianity? Did you ever receive the Holy Spirit? Its a change of heart first - then a change of mind second.

 

[MrFreshdew]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

just talk to Jesus -let Him know everything-pour out your heart--and read His word,sink your teeth into it till u get something out of it
Luke 9:56 For the son of man did not come to destroy men's lives but 2 save them

 

[Catherineanne]

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

There is no obligation on any Christian to think all other Christians are as wise as owls. Some of us are, indeed, idiots. Maybe even most of us. *

You seem to be confusing believing in Christians with believing in God and in Christ. The two are very different indeed. I would suggest that you think very carefully about who you are in relation to God, and if you want to continue your relationship, find a church which reflects your spirituality, and your beliefs.

Christianity is a very broad church, and I am certain you will find a home, if you look long enough and with the same honesty you show in your post.

I wish you well.

*point of clarification for my Christian sibling who reported this post, and suggested I am flaming all Christians in it. You might like to refer to I Corinthians and consider whether Paul is flaming all Christians by saying that our wisdom is foolishness to the world.

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. I Corinthians 3 v 18, 19.

This is not the right place to put this comment, but I am not given access to the report thread, so I have no alternative.

 

[hlaltimus]

So, I stopped being a christian because there was SO much that I didn't agree with. I agree with Abortion (sometimes, mostly its wrong, but its really situational), homosexuality, and premarital sex, I swear like a sailor, smoke, smoke weed, drink, sometimes do harder drugs (coke, and really want to try meth at least once, xtc) I'm really depressed, I have been self injuring for almost five years.

And I really have no intention of quitting any of those things (although, I'm getting help for SI and depression) or changing my opinions. I didn't when I was a christian, either.

I'm also a liberal, into animal rights, against the death penalty.

I'm just going to come out and say it: A lot of christians that I've talked to, or talked to online are idiots. (Harry Potter is based off of Christianity, the author said so herself!) Crazy prejudiced, they don't even want to talk to me sometimes after they find out I'm agnostic. I personally, wouldn't want to be a called a christian, because of the stigma around it that was caused by imbeciles who think that everything is black and white, and have probably never even picked up the bible. I don't want to be thought of like that.

But right now, I sort of miss God. Like, that feeling of belonging with him. But I don't even know if that was real, or if he was real. So I'm just really confused right now, wanting some advice.

Hi sellingsell, You don't know what your missing. I also personally know what you mean when you said that you, "sort of miss God". If you had a soul as big as the Grand Canyon and filled it up with everything that you currently value, (everything except the Lord that is,) and then you took a giant leap out onto your amassment of this, that and every pleasure other than Christ, you would still have an immense hole of emptiness and dissatisfaction as though there were never anything in it at all. We are all descendents of Adam and Adam was originally intended by the Creator to be a living house of God, and Adam's fall never did change this for him, our forefathers, us, or our children. It is a prerequisite, designed, necessity that you just can't get around...We were made for Him and inheriting the Taj Mahal loaded up with gold and goodies wouldn't make you lastingly happy without knowing this Creator. Be it in a palace or a thatched hut: If the limitless Lord who created you is living with and in you, a satsifaction, peace, joy and love will flood your being that will forever ruin you for all of those "things" that formerly held your attraction. You are now something like a captured eagle that is seeking it's happiness with everything other than what it was really meant to be: Soaring in the heavenlies. Give Him a try, but do it upon His terms because the old adage is surely true in our redemption: "Beggars can't be choosers." We have no inherent right to grab His mercy away from Him, but we can ask Him to bestow it upon us unmeritoriously by His grace alone through faith. Come to him as an undeserving beggar with no other hope in you other than a hope in Him and then expect Him to fill your inner void up to the brim and overflowing with an invisible life from above that time, death and eternity cannot ever expend. This life is yours for the taking, and it is all available to you in Christ Jesus, the One who spoke a universe into being from out of a vacumn solely by His omnipotent word. If this, THIS Being is indwelling you, you will be stepping out of a confined cage and into a new, delightful, limitless realm which even eternity cannot fathom. Just do it.

 

[Aibrean]

sellingsell-

When once received Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior they also should receive the Holy Spirit.

There could be some theological debate over this exact point of "when we receive the Holy Spirit" so I wouldn't use it in addressing a non-Christian/lost Christian from a substantive point.

If you feel like you miss God, then most likely it's the Holy Spirit trying to pull you back. I think the real issue here is if you "came back", does that really make you a Christian or were you ever really "one". The Lutheran stance is we are never "once saved, always saved" and we CAN fall. We also believe that while works are not needed to gain salvation (only faith), works are a result of our faith. Sin separates us from God and when you don't think you are doing wrong and are not repentant, it doesn't fix the problem. The Bible clearly states some things that you yourself find no fault with.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear.

Galatians 5:13-26

13You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

You know what God feels like...why throw Him away for stuff that won't matter when you are dead?

 

[TexasSky]

Christ is love in its purest form. He spent the entire time of His earthly ministry admonishing people to stop being so judgemental and hard hearted toward others. He taught love. He taught forgiveness. He taught mercy.

Many modern Christians are really modern Pharisees. Christ warned us of them when He said that some day people would cry out "Lord, Lord," and He'll say, "I knew you not." They'll say they taught in His name, and He will remind them that they did not feed Him when He was hungry, and did not clothe them when He was poor.

A lot of Christians, and a lot more people who are pretend Christians, spend all of their time trying to tear others down. Trying to point out a splinter in someone else's eye instead of the mote in their own.

They are actually doing the opposite of what Christ told them to do.

The bible says that the greatest commandment is to Love God, and the second greatest is to love one another.

The bible says that all the law hinges on love, and that if you don't have love, you have broken all the law.

Christ does not expect you to change, and then love Him. That is impossible.

Christ does not say, "stop sinning and I'll love you."

God loved us, "while we were yet sinners", so much that He sent His son to die for us.

Never said, "He loved us after we repented."

I hope that you will step away from toxic-Christians and toxic-dogma, and instead, get a good bible and read the words of Christ Himself. The words that so often are written in red in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Christianity is about a relationship with Christ, and what Christ teaches matters far more than what any human follower of Christ teaches.

Believe me, it grieves Christ far more that you would turn from Him than having an abortion would grieve Him.

And being the cause of someone turning from Christ is a grevious sin in the eyes of God, according to God's word.

 

[Aibrean]

But he DID say, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments."