Mark

On the Social networking site dittytalk.com was the following post by a young man who looked around 14 or 15:

About me:

I am not Christian. I was at one point in my life forced into Baptism, and forced into other positions in my church. I was only a child, and has very little say in what I did. In recent years I contemplated my religion and decided that I did not see any point in Christianity. there are some positive traits of course, but for the most part the religion in overbearing and often hateful toward others. This in memorium of homosexuals, jews, blacks, muslims, and many more groups. I am not saying that a church should accept what they do not believe in, but they have no right to treat many of these people with extreme disrecpect. I am all for respecting people. So I decided if Christians could not be respectful to people, then I could not take part in such a religion.

As for being saved, no I’m not saved nor do I ever plan on doing so. In fact I am a Secular Humanist (Agnostic Atheist), and I endorse Buddhism more than any other religious practice, because of its philosophy of non-violence and religious toleration. Jesus died and lived, he had wonderful philosophies on life. However, I cannot accept that someone would die for my so called sin, I would not let someone suffer for my faults. I would rather suffer eternally than ever wrongfully transfer my “sin� to anyone else.

Lastly, there is nothing wrong with homosexuality. If you disagree, then get over it.

—My love to all of you—

Any comments or thoughts about this young man's post?

__________________
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Thrifty Times

Brother_Atteton

This grieves me greatly to see that this young man has such a "twisted", (if I might use the word) view on christianity. True we might not believe or agree with other ethnic groups practices, but we certainly do not treat them poorly, we try to help them don't we? The only criticism I have ever heard was cast at homosexuals, but even then this was only an incident involving one mans voiced thoughts and beliefs.

When one looks at the death and rise of Christ, one should not look at it in a self condeming mindset full of shame and guilt, but rather should look at it as merciful and a great thing Christ did it so that we might rejoice not weep in sorrow.

Back to the top, when this young man says that he was "Forced" into being baptised etc. I belive that he was not really, but says he was because he himself mostlikely has a grudge against GOD for not giving him what he wanted or helping him when he wanted to be helped which is most common in peoples reasoning for turning from the LORD. This young man finds that he can use this as an excuse and sustaining point for his change of mind and beliefs instead of telling people the real reasons why he has turned, which he is obviously ashamed of.

Just some thoughts, would love to hear what others think about this tragedy.
arrivederci elminos!
AT-AT

MAY DEATH LEAD TO LIFE FOR ALL!

Banarenth

I don't like it, but I have to admit, I've can see where he's coming from. Religion and church leadership were always expected of me because I grew up in the church and my grandfather was often the pastor. It's hard to realized a need for Christ in your life if you've lived that type of life. Those expectations coupled with the self-righteous members (while they are often few, they are a loud minority and do a lot of damage to a baby Christian's walk) along with their intolerance makes it REALLY hard to really see God's love when you grow up in the church. Took me 10 years of running away before I could really see things the way they really were.

Just yesterday I was rehearsing for the service and I came in late. So I forgot to take my hat off. One of the gentlemen who brings his wife walked up to me in the middle of the set and said "Please respect my sanctuary and remove your hat". Now, I didn't PLAN of wearing my hat into church. It wasn't even a disrespectful hat (it was an old fedora). I simply forgot I was wearing it. While I recognize the right of those that are in charge (which he isn't) to simple give me an order, I don't recognize anyone's right to this type of self-righteous behaviour. It's not HIS sanctuary, it's God's. I didn't need to be attacked like this, just reminded. He could have requested, he could have simply motioned to me that I'm still wearing my hat, but he chose to get pompous and rude. Last time I was approached like that, my faith was much weaker and I walked out of a church and did not return to ANY church for 10 years. I was upset for a while, but after breakfast I went back to the music director and explained what happened, and I felt much better about it. Apparently there are other issues going on with this person right now, and I'm not going to hold it against him any longer. But when I think of the damage comments like that can make on a person who is struggling with their identity as a Christian, I'm glad he approached me now and not a year ago...and definitely not someone else.

Mark

Banarenth,

Great post. No doubt many, many young people close their hearts and minds to the gospel due to adults who are more worried about appearances than the heart!

__________________
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Thrifty Times

Liberty

True, but not just of young people. I also left church for quite some time. I've come to the conclusion that I need to keep my focus on Jesus, not on people, and that makes it much easier to stay in a church, where I know I belong. I can't wait to get to the worship services each week, because the Holy Spirit is really working in our congregation.
There are all kinds of reasons people have for leaving a church. I knew one woman who left because the overhead fan was on above her favorite seat. And a man left because someone was sitting in his favorite seat. To me, these are just convenient reasons. I think these people didn't really want to be there in the first place.
I heard one time, that if you find the perfect church, don't join it....because you'll ruin it!

That was said in jest, of course. We all need to belong to a body of believers. Just remember to focus on Jesus!

__________________
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Thank you Jesus!

templaris

it seems like he wasn't really given a choice to choose.

Christ is who e need to find on our own. we have help along the way, but no religion should evr be forced upon anyone, which is probably where his lack of understanding come from. no one took the time to undrstnd him, as a person, so it all back-fired.

Joyful

God never force anyone to follow Him. I don't know where you got that idear. But parents have responsibity (if they are Christians) to bring them up as they should go. Yes, regardless how you are brought up, you still have choce whether you continue on with God or not. Even adults have choice, after they converted to christianity; they can always abandon God and Jesus.

I became Christian 8 years ago. I have four Children, 29 years old, 27, 19 and 16. Since I became Christion Three of them became committed followers of Jesus. and they are so glad that I became believer and they are a happy Christians too.

We had miserable unhappy family but now because of Jesus' teachings we are a big happy family. Of course we had to make a big change in our family lifestyles and only two left from us and Jesus because they do not like His teachings to follow.

We will never stay with God if we don't appreciate Jesus' teachings. My family and I appriciate His teachings grately. Jesus' teachings are blessing instead of burden, my friend.

Mark

Joyful,

It is an individual choice, but Scripture does instruct us not to frustrate our children and to be careful not to be a stumbling block to others. We should not live in fear, but we should be careful to properly represnt the Christ we love!

__________________
Mark Strohm, Jr.
Thrifty Times

Joyful

I am not frustrating my children and they truly appreciate Jesus' teachings. I believe chrildren appreciate Jesus' teachings when their parents are walking closely with Jesus.

mustardseed

I'm glad it is so, Joyful.
I was brought up in a Christian family, and now I know Jesus personally on my own. It is such a wonderful experience!

__________________
God grades on the cross, not the curve.