What Takes More Faith????

[Tired_Old_Man 1]

I sometimes think people call themselves 'Christian' because that is the basic tenets they profess or because their families have always claimed a belief in God/Jesus. This is not really being a 'Christian' and people get it confused.

I can understand how a strong believer of one faith can judge that theirs is right and another is wrong, even though I don't like those kinds of judgements. However, what I don't understand is how people of the same faith can judge each other like it appears that you're doing.

People have made immediate assumptions about things I've posted that have been way off base and I don't want to do this to you here. That's why I'm checking. Do you really mean this?

I think we have much that we agree upon, but if you will allow me to play "Devil's advocate", let me pose a question.

Suppose you knew a person who said he had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and he prayed, went to church and gave to charities as good Christians should do, but he was also committing crimes, including killing, lying continually, breaking every rule with no remorse and said that he would always continue those way;, would you consider him a Christian?

Before you answer: Yes, I know that we are all sinners, but when I sin, I feel sorry for it and ask for forgiveness, while the person I am describing is so arrogant as to think that because he uses Jesus in his prayers and claims Jesus as his personal savior, he is immune to the requirement of following the teachings of our Lord.

Granted whether you consider him a Christian or not, it will be left for those above us to decide his eternal fate, but I would still like to hear your opinion and/or anyone else's.

[Tired_Old_Man 1]

Make a Right onto Believeth Blvd.

Keep straight and go through the Green Light, which is Jesus Christ.

There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled Water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight.

You are on the King's Highway - Heaven-bound.

Keep going for three miles:

One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Spirit

Then exit off onto Grace Blvd.

From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane. Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road.

As you go on your way,

Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave.

Also, avoid SIN STREET because it is a DEAD END.

Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Avenue.

Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd.

However, you have to go down Long-Suffering Lane, Persecution Blvd. and Trial and Tribulation Ave.

But that's all right, because VICTORY Street is straight ahead!

[gadgetlady 4]

As to Christianity and Paganism, read this: http://www.about-jesus.org/paganism.htm

It's way too long for me to post it all here.

[Devana 0]

I think we have much that we agree upon, but if you will allow me to play "Devil's advocate", let me pose a question.

Suppose you knew a person who said he had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and he prayed, went to church and gave to charities as good Christians should do, but he was also committing crimes, including killing, lying continually, breaking every rule with no remorse and said that he would always continue those way;, would you consider him a Christian?

Before you answer: Yes, I know that we are all sinners, but when I sin, I feel sorry for it and ask for forgiveness, while the person I am describing is so arrogant as to think that because he uses Jesus in his prayers and claims Jesus as his personal savior, he is immune to the requirement of following the teachings of our Lord.

Granted whether you consider him a Christian or not, it will be left for those above us to decide his eternal fate, but I would still like to hear your opinion and/or anyone else's.

OK, I've started to reply twice so far. First was yes, then no, however, now I'll say yes, I would consider him Christian, although perhaps a flawed and hypocritical one, because he says he is. I believe we are all works in progress and who knows what lessons are in store for him or what his personal relationship with Jesus consists of. If Jesus has a personal relationship with him, what does he have in mind for him? Just because he doesn't appear to be what other Christians think he should be doesn't necessarily mean that they have an insight into his own spiritual journey and possible struggle.

I feel alright about judging his actions but not about the quality of his professed faith.

[Devana 0]

Please don't take offense. It's most sincerely not meant to be offensive.

I know leatha, I'm not easily offended anyway.

[Victoriana 10]

I am sure glad that the decision as to weather or not the man in TOM s post is a Christian or not isnt dependant on us here, as the word says that God looks upon the heart and it is man that looks on the ourward appearances.

However, the word also says that we shall know them by thier fruit, so to me this guy is iether skitzo, or he just had a veeerrrrryyyy recent conversion to a personal relationship with Jesus and needed more santification!!!

As for me, I was raised a Christian, fell into disbelief for many reasons, then in hardship I returned to believing, but it was more a wanting to believe that I believed.

Then I made a decision to believe even if I didnt totally understand things and then miracle upon mircale came forth, and I dont mean small stuff either.

I will never be able to NOT believe. It is just too real.