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Originally posted by valkyrie
So I have a related question after reading these posts -- at what point does one decide that there are just so many things about one's religion that she should part ways with it? How do you choose a religion, then, if you're going to convert?
I guess, and I hope this statement doesn't offend anyone because that is not my intent, I just don't understand why people say they're, say, Catholic for example, but they don't really "follow the rules" so to speak. I know someone who considers herself to be CATHOLIC -- very Catholic. She goes to anti-abortion rallies and goes to church all the time and does all of these things based upon what she perceives to be her duty as a Catholic. However, she is also separated from her husband and has had sex with another guy, while still married. I'm no expert on the Catholic faith, but I'm guessing that's not something that's really promoted. I'm not saying that people should be perfect, but I'm saying that I don't get it.
Wouldn't it make more sense, if you are not going to modify your behavior according to your religious beliefs, to find a faith that agrees at least in large part with your personal beliefs and/or behavior? I hope this makes sense, and again, I hope I don't offend anyone. I just want to understand.
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Those are some good questions. I frequently listen to this guy on the radio, Hank Hanagraff who bills himself "The Bible AnswerMan" he's a conservative Christain who has a call in radio show that pretty good. He does not shy away from the tough questions and backs up everything with scriptures. He says (and I know I am going to do a terrible job at quoting him!) that there should be no question among Christians of the essentials of the faith (although we know their are!) like the Trinity, salvation, etc. Other non essentials like pre tribulation versus post tribulation should be debated, with love. I think it's kinda like with your spouse. Would you divorce your spouse if he constantly left the seat up in the bathroom? I hope not! Conversely, you would probably give it STRONG consideration if he cheated on you or became a drug dealer. bathroom seat = non essential cheating = essential . I think if someone disbelieves the essentials of their faith then it is time to go!
I remain a Christian because I believe in it 100%. The things I am still struggling with, I am trying to learn about. There are some things that I was really uncomfortable with about Christianity and not being "fair", but the more I read and learn and study and pray the more I realize *I* was the one wrong, not the faith. I think it is not a true belief system if it doesn't challenge you in some way to be a different person. If you pick and choose from different religions to line up with what you already think I thin you are making yourself the god, not a Supreme Being.