Badfish

Okey Dokey.

The deconversions happen because people cannot accept the lifestyle that comes with being a Christian, Christianity is not an anarchist free for all, it is a relationship with the creator and with that comes many forms of self sacrifice.

But when somone starts using scripture for ther own personal interpretation (twisting, heresy, hearsay, etc) or completely discounts it, then they can be a fuzzy warm christian, in spite of the fact that their lifestyle or whatever doesn't coincide with the bible's message and sometimes is directly contradictive to it.

When people realize that God will administer wrath and judgement on humanity for their lack of repentance or whatever, then God is mean and immoral and one can no longer accept that a God would be like this, plus the fact that there is no empirical evidence (or very little), or not a physically visible sign of God, people give it up.

I would say this is the major reason IMO.

I have been totally mistreated by fellow Christians to the point of trying to disassociate myself from Christianity, but in my case it didn't work, I realized it would take a lot more than any fallible human.

livius drusus

Interesting perspective. I think it's worth splitting into its own GRD thread. Can I interest you in some upper fora discussion on the topic?

seebs

Ahh, yes. For instance, many so-called "Christians" engage in unacceptable behaviors. Some married people have sex simply for pleasure. Some of them listen to *heavy metal*. Some women wear pants, can you *imagine* that? The Bible preaches against that, too.

Only, that's not the kind of thing that matters - or at least, I don't *think* it is. Maybe other people do.

The point is, no one except God knows which of these views is *right*.

Ahh, like the way many people deny the plain teaching of the Real Presence in the Eucharist?

None of us are in any position to say "these people are sincere, these other people aren't". The only reasonable conclusion is that the other folks, who disagree with you, are still doing their best, just like you are.

Ditto!

Badfish

Well, maybe, but I'm kinda pooped tonight, how about tommorow? I am typed out.

Badfish

Well, we agree on something. Hey that's like the 3rd time! In a year no less!

On your first 2 points, well that is a deeper discussion. But suffice it to say, we are to do our best to repent and emulate Christ, and you know that. WWJD. Don't think Jesus didn't get mean and administer and inspire some wrathful scripture, because he did, and you know it.

And most of all, I am not perfect, never claimed to be, I like to Rock. :boohoo: <-------Hey this guy is not rockin'....

christ-on-a-stick

I am sort of confused by this - is liking to "Rock" a sign of imperfection? Do you consider it a sin? Just curious...

livius drusus

This is a spinoff of the Christian Forums Outcasts thread in MD. After a traumatic thread splitting experience best left undescribed, I am moving this to GRD and hitting the sack.

Badfish

No not outright, but anything that takes too much of your time away from God is.

I like Heavy Metal, I like bands like Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, stuff like that. So it probably is a sin, as it doesn't glorify God. So this would be considered a vice, and it probably doesn't further my walk with Christ.

Although I think Iron Maiden does give credit to God in some songs. I guess like any other band.

Goodnight livius. Thanks. Later

Bree

What is the recommended time to spend on God, each day? I hear this statement bandied about by lots of Christians but I've never been able to figure out what they mean by it.

Does this mean everything that doesn't further your walk with Christ is a vice? Have you ever stopped to think how much of your life is spent not furthering this walk? For example, is watching your favourite TV programme furthering your walk? How about the time spent learning at school? Your job? Or does "witnessing" during those times count, as well?

I take it you're a fan of Josh McDowell?

Amie

Hello my friend
I really admire your faith and I agree. I have been there as well. I am sort of fed up with organized religion but I still maintain my belief in God. I love God and I pray everyday. If other Christians are being jerks, so be it. that won't affect my faith. My faith comes from within. I don't base it on other peoples actions.
I am trying to understand why someone would renounce a God belief based on some negative actions of Christians. Would an atheist become a believer because of some frustrations from some asshole atheists? I don't think so.
I guess I would have to be in that situation to *really* understand...