What would constitute a proper reason to become a Christian?

Van · Mar 26, 2010

No, it would be a hypocritical exercise in self-delusion.

While we can have an understanding of proper behavior, we also have an understanding that we act in ways that are inappropriate to our own standards. Thus to seek "the righteousness of God" where our behavior is perfect as God is perfect without the humility to beg for mercy because of our wretchedness seems double minded.

ebia · Mar 26, 2010

What would constitute a proper reason to become a Christian?

If one can make the baptismal vows with integrity.

tansy · Mar 26, 2010

It depends what you mean by 'becoming a Christian'

William777 · Mar 26, 2010

Justified?

I guess that depends on who is the one deciding "just". No one expects to be justified in a court room by breaking the law. However, I am sure the defendant felt his actions were justified in some manner but the plaintiff and the judge would not.

Positive?

Positive as in progress or pleasure? I suppose it could make a person feel better and improve his attitude a bit... However, it would not change his outlook or improve his thoughtfulness.

But, I would add... at least this individual is being honest and perhaps this honesty could be the catalyst to bring him down the road to justification....maybe.

My 2 Cents, Best of Wishes
-W

Florentine · Mar 26, 2010

suzybeezy · Mar 26, 2010

Honestly, I think its a beginning and while everything may not be "proper" in the beginning, God can and will continue to develop you. Let's face it, I don't think any Christian can say we're 100% proper - we're all works in progress. But I think you take a first step, even if its not for the right reasons, God will use it to further His will in your life.

rejectreality · Mar 27, 2010

I'm sorry, but I'd have to say no.

However, your post is very sad to me. Do you live somewhere that not being a Christian means you're an outcast of some kind? If so, I really question whether or not you live around Christians. I say this truthfully: A Christian does not shun, ignore, or turn away from anybody. A Christian is called to love his/her neighbors as him/herself. Nowhere, in any translation of the bible, does it say 'Love thy neighbor, so long as they are also believers, as thyself.'

Please don't mistake my words though. I would love to see you become a Christian for reasons of faith and personal salvation; loving the Lord because He has revealed Himself to you. In short, following Christ for the right reasons; not for social appearance.

But, I am not an authority on the subject. Take what I say with a good deal of salt. A question though, if you don't mind: What 'core doctrines' are you referring to? I only ask because, as per my own walk, the only 'doctrine' I have is the bible.

God bless

Sketcher · Mar 27, 2010

It wouldn't be real. You'd only be fooling yourself and other people. Identifying as a Christian on this earth is less than worthless if you're not a true believer, since you won't be getting into Heaven. I can think of no more of a dangerous and tragic false sense of security than that.

coathanger007 · Mar 27, 2010

Well, if we take the marriage analogy, can one take the marriage vow and leave out important parts of it? It would become a sham marriage. Research properly the core doctrines you are opposed to and ask the Lord to guide you to Him.

childofGod31 · Mar 27, 2010

Florentine said:
If one was to become a Christian for communal and/or social reasons while not believing in many of the core doctrines of the faith and being opposed or indifferent to several of the ethical positions that Christianity takes, would such an action be positive or "justified"?

One should become a Christian for one reason only: one seeks God.

Most doctrines are man made and have no life in them. Social reasons for joining Christianity would make you simply join a club. You will never find God this way. If you want to join a club, go right ahead. Why not?

But if you seek life, if you seek God, if there is a void in your heart that longs to find God, THEN you should join Christianity. Then you will find it.

A Christian should be the one who follows Christ. Very very few Christians follow Christ (do as He did). Most Christians join for religious reasons and social reasons. So if that's your reason, you will be in good company.

But one does not have to join anything to seek God. One has to simply start talking to God in his/her thoughts, read the Bible and wait for God to respond. He responds through various things: songs, verses, movies, nature, and sometimes through your thoughts and feelings (although it might be hard to hear Him this way for some).

This is what Christianity should be about. But it's not at the moment.

I wrote the difference between Christian religion and Christian faith here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7448799-4/#post54360803

ebia · Mar 27, 2010

Now we've got all that out of the way, it needs to be added that there is nothing wrong with joining the community simply because the community is attractive and seeing where that leads. Just don't pretend to be something you aren't or to believe something you don't. And don't get baptised or take communion.

Emmy · Mar 27, 2010

Dear Florentine. We are all different, and I can only give you my reason. I was looking for something other than meaningless daily existance. I grew up without Religion, and was lucky to have a neighbour, who was a devout Christian. She, and the whole family, were kind, considerate, seemed to be without envy or malice to other people in general, always helpful and more often than not, smiling and pleasant. The more I came to know them, the more I tried to become just like them. After a time they asked me to join them in church, and I realised that Christians had something I wanted too. I would say it is Love for God, and love for others. After many years being a soldier for Christ, ( Salvation-Army,) I would say that love is a proper reason to become a Christian, selfless love, and forgiveness for all we know and meet. I know we are not perfect yet, but we are trying. Jesus our Leader, is the best Teacher I know, Florentine. I say this with love and blessed assurance. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

What would constitute a proper reason to become a Christian?

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