I consider myself Christian, but I haven't attended church in over a decade. I found that- as a result of distancing myself from organized religion- my sense of Spirituality and connection to Divinity has deepened beyond anything that a ritualistic hierarchy could inspire. There are no socio-political competitions, no hierarchy of people to obey, there is no authority beyond the words of Christ himself. It's been very refreshing to me- if not a tad lonely sometimes.
I have found solace in speaking with others of like-mind and exchanging concepts/ideas/realizations. I have also been able to explore interesting ideologies and philosophies that would ordinarily get you labeled a heretic in most religions...such as studying the tenets of Buddhism and Sikhism. When it comes to the latter, I have found much resonance and a lot in common with my own understanding of Christianity. As previously mentioned, I consider myself Christian, but I say that because I do my best to live in unanimity with the words of Christ himself.
Mind you, I am a sinner in every sense of the word. I drink, curse and fornicate- but I have devoted myself to understanding truth, extending forgiveness (when applicable) and causing harm to no other living thing (unless it is warranted.)
Just a guess - here “Christian” means a member of an organized religion and adhering to their dogma/doctrine, whereas if you look at what little remains of Christ’s words in the bible, he says the kingdom is within us, and wherever two men gather, that is to say, you don’t need to subscribe to the cannibalistic rituals or submit to the pedophilic leadership of The Church to know Christ and his lessons (same with the Buddha and Buddhism but this is probably written for an american audience given the 2nd amendment reference)
I now understand what you mean at first read I misread and got stuck on people knowing his name but choosing not to believe which isn't what you were saying and I apologize.
Everyone will know His name before the end otherwise it isnt the end.
So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
You had me hooked until the end, I do not understand how you can know Christ and choose not to label yourself His.
I consider myself Christian, but I haven't attended church in over a decade. I found that- as a result of distancing myself from organized religion- my sense of Spirituality and connection to Divinity has deepened beyond anything that a ritualistic hierarchy could inspire. There are no socio-political competitions, no hierarchy of people to obey, there is no authority beyond the words of Christ himself. It's been very refreshing to me- if not a tad lonely sometimes.
I have found solace in speaking with others of like-mind and exchanging concepts/ideas/realizations. I have also been able to explore interesting ideologies and philosophies that would ordinarily get you labeled a heretic in most religions...such as studying the tenets of Buddhism and Sikhism. When it comes to the latter, I have found much resonance and a lot in common with my own understanding of Christianity. As previously mentioned, I consider myself Christian, but I say that because I do my best to live in unanimity with the words of Christ himself.
Mind you, I am a sinner in every sense of the word. I drink, curse and fornicate- but I have devoted myself to understanding truth, extending forgiveness (when applicable) and causing harm to no other living thing (unless it is warranted.)
Divinity will judge me, not man.
Me too. Could they explain?
Just a guess - here “Christian” means a member of an organized religion and adhering to their dogma/doctrine, whereas if you look at what little remains of Christ’s words in the bible, he says the kingdom is within us, and wherever two men gather, that is to say, you don’t need to subscribe to the cannibalistic rituals or submit to the pedophilic leadership of The Church to know Christ and his lessons (same with the Buddha and Buddhism but this is probably written for an american audience given the 2nd amendment reference)
Makes more sense.
I now understand what you mean at first read I misread and got stuck on people knowing his name but choosing not to believe which isn't what you were saying and I apologize.
Everyone will know His name before the end otherwise it isnt the end. So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Revelation 1:8 ESV