Novelist Anne Rice ditches Christianity for Christ..Is this possible? Discuss

[SND411]

God is the one who chooses to open and close a womb. The bible speaks loud and clear against homosexuality.


Quite frankly, before I even read the entire article I knew where it was going. There have been very few times where I have not noted a "diss" to Christianity not be linked to homosexuality in some form or fashion. Remember Carlton Pearson? Same thing... he said that he had too many gay friends to believe that what the bible says is true. Im no prophet, but I believe this issue will be the defining and dividing issue of our current era. Choose this day whom you will serve? Will it be God or man?

Honestly, I find this to be pathetic. Despite prideful leaders (religious or political), racism, sexism, stealing of billions of dollars from the unfortunate, abandoning of children, human trafficking, unbelief....it all comes down to who someone wants to sleep with?

 

[momi]

Honestly, I find this to be pathetic. Despite prideful leaders (religious or political), racism, sexism, stealing of billions of dollars from the unfortunate, abandoning of children, human trafficking, unbelief....it all comes down to who someone wants to sleep with?

Actually it comes down to whether or not you believe the bible or not.

When people find it "pathetic or offensive" they either fall at the feet of the cross or find another "path" to God - even though Jesus Himself said that there is no other path to God except through Him.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

Let me be clear in what I said: Breaking away from the church TO GET closer to God..shutting oneself off from people. period.

That's not a generalization...I'm addressing people who do this specifically. Not those who go off to fast for a while or take a breather. I'm talking about people who don't love people.. No offense taken...

Then I don't follow what you are saying. If someone is trying to get closer to God, then I doubt they are shutting themselves off from people. Sometimes I get a vibe that people think you're only saved if you get Baptized AND you go to church. You don't have to be a regular churchgoer to be saved or have a relationship with God. What is important is that you do work for His Kingdom and I have found that sometimes nonchurch activities achieve that goal much faster or more efficiently.

 

[Laela]

You're correct and that's not the type of person I was referring to. I'm saying for someone to shut themselves off from people to say they're "getting closer to God" as an excuse not so socialize or fellowship with other believers/people, I find this to be selfish. I respect a person who chooses not to go to church ( and it's really between them and God) but don't have anything negative to say about churches or Christianity as a whole. {people who prefer to conduct Holy Ghost-led services at their homes come to mind...there is still assembly and where 2 or 3 are gathered He is in the midst and I believe that}

People who choose not to go to church at all, or tithe or do anything AND blame others for when thing aren't going right in their lives are who I'm referring to....you know the type that says: "See, that's why I don't go to church....blah blah blah" or "It's because of THOSE types of Christians I don't do church...blah blah blah" That stuff is getting tiresome and stale...we shouldn't be looking at "church" (the assembly) as someplace that will do something for us, but we should be looking at it as a place where we can serve. It's all about giving...

I'm not trying to trash talk other Christians; this is mere observation that what someone like this is doing is not right. We're to elevate others not tear them down...

This is the Christian Forum and at times it's mind-boggling to read all this resistance by Christians on tithing, baptism, Bible Study and church going.... these are all things the Bible exhorts and expounds on. People don't come here to Fellowship, worship or encourage one another anymore, they just come here to dump their frustrations and point fingers at other Christians.


That's not good enough... it's actually unacceptable.

Then I don't follow what you are saying. If someone is trying to get closer to God, then I doubt they are shutting themselves off from people. Sometimes I get a vibe that people think you're only saved if you get Baptized AND you go to church. You don't have to be a regular churchgoer to be saved or have a relationship with God. What is important is that you do work for His Kingdom and I have found that sometimes nonchurch activities achieve that goal much faster or more efficiently.

 

[explosiva9]

ITA!!!!!!
Furthermore, instead of pointing, we should be praying and putting them before God so that He can handle it. Bashing, judging, or condemning is never the ans.

You're correct and that's not the type of person I was referring to. I'm saying for someone to shut themselves off from people to say they're "getting closer to God" as an excuse not so socialize or fellowship with other believers/people, I find this to be selfish. I respect a person who chooses not to go to church ( and it's really between them and God) but don't have anything negative to say about churches or Christianity as a whole. {people who prefer to conduct Holy Ghost-led services at their homes come to mind...there is still assembly and where 2 or 3 are gathered He is in the midst and I believe that}

People who choose not to go to church at all, or tithe or do anything AND blame others for when thing aren't going right in their lives are who I'm referring to....you know the type that says: "

See, that's why I don't go to church....blah blah blah" or "It's because of THOSE types of Christians I don't do church...blah blah blah" That stuff is getting tiresome and stale...we shouldn't be looking at "church" (the assembly) as someplace that will do something for us, but we should be looking at it as a place where we can serve. It's all about giving...

I'm not trying to trash talk other Christians; this is mere observation that what someone like this is doing is not right. We're to elevate others not tear them down...

This is the Christian Forum and at times it's mind-boggling to read all this resistance by Christians on tithing, baptism, Bible Study and church going.... these are all things the Bible exhorts and expounds on. People don't come here to Fellowship, worship or encourage one another anymore, they just come here to dump their frustrations and point fingers at other Christians.


That's not good enough... it's actually unacceptable.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

ITA!!!!!!
Furthermore, instead of pointing, we should be praying and putting them before God so that He can handle it. Bashing, judging, or condemning is never the ans.

I understand what you are saying but this has a tone to it that is off-putting. "Putting them before God" sounds like a threat. And it just sounds somewhat judgmental.

 

[Poohbear]

I have been feeling similar to what this lady is saying about ditching Christianity and following Christ. But I'm seeing it in the way of ditching organized religion and believing what man says. I am different in her thoughts because I am not for homosexuality, but I do not look down on homosexual people.

I see a lot of you mentioning unity and the church being the body of Christ. I see a lot of you mentioning people who "break away" just want to be free to sin. But that's not always the case. A lot of churches preach a strict doctrine but don't follow it themselves. For instance, someone could preach about how all homosexuals are going to hell but then they are committing adultery on their wife. And about unity... there's NO unity in Christianity. Look at all the different denominations and debates on certain issues like baptism, trinity, salvation, women preachers, etc.

Or there's a lot of Christians that act like going to church (to a church building with other believers) is the only way to be a part of the body of Christ which isn't necessarily true. You're going to allow your relationship with God to depend on a 1-2 hour church service and/or 1-2 bible study session once week?

And then back to this whole thing about sin... someone posted the scripture "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar"... well isn't this true about ALL self-proclaimed Christians (whether they are considered good or bad)? All Christians claim that they can't stop sinning and will never stop sinning. When you sin, you are NOT keeping His commandments. So therefore, you're lying if you say you know God or love God and you're not following His commandments. Then people make excuses by saying "we have forgiveness and salvation in Jesus." Alot of that stuff makes no sense and I think that's where a lot of confusion comes into play with the Bible and certain beliefs.

 

[sidney]

This is what the word tells us about fellowship, it says forsake not the fellowship.

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 AMPLIFIED

 

[explosiva9]

Actually it's not. Just means that u are presenting them in prayer, not sure if I'm articulating it correctly. It's a better option than bashing them and gossiping about them.

I understand what you are saying but this has a tone to it that is off-putting. "Putting them before God" sounds like a threat. And it just sounds somewhat judgmental.

 

[Poohbear]

This is what the word tells us about fellowship, it says forsake not the fellowship.

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 AMPLIFIED

But why is fellowship with believers only limited to a church building for most Christians???? Then if you don't fellowship with the people that your pastor or church members wants you to fellowship with, you are judged and condemned.

 

[LovingLady]

I understand what you are saying but this has a tone to it that is off-putting. "Putting them before God" sounds like a threat. And it just sounds somewhat judgmental.

Really? I wish more people would put me before God.

 

[explosiva9]

If you visit a church or attend a church that is not feeding your need, you are free to select another church. Ask God for guidance in selecting a church. Let's not assume that all churches are like the one, ten, or thousands of churches that you have visited. Pray and put it before God.

And then back to this whole thing about sin... someone posted the scripture "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar"... well isn't this true about ALL self-proclaimed Christians (whether they are considered good or bad)? All Christians claim that they can't stop sinning and will never stop sinning. When you sin, you are NOT keeping His commandments. So therefore, you're lying if you say you know God or love God and you're not following His commandments. Then people make excuses by saying "we have forgiveness and salvation in Jesus." Alot of that stuff makes no sense and I think that's where a lot of confusion comes into play with the Bible and certain beliefs.

I don't know about this 'ALL' because I have NEVER said that, BUT, I know for a fact that me, on my own, can't stop sinning. But that is the beauty of it. I can stop sinning because of the strength that God provides. It's a daily battle and one I fight with God leading the way. When I say I know God, I'm saying it because I actively seek a relationship with Him on a daily basis and am committed to being obedient to Him and only Him.

The bottom line is that you go to church to fellowship. You go to praise God together. You go to learn and have your spirit edified. 1- No matter who it is, NO human is exempt from an attack from satan. Everyone has their weaknesses and as humans, at times we fill falter. To sit and point a finger at a minister or church member for their mistake is un-Christlike. Whether u go to church or not. We are no one to point fingers at anyone because we would not like it if fingers are pointed at us when we fail. No matter how big or small. Our responsibility, as a family in Christ, is to help them by praying for them. Not acknowledging their faults and saying, " see, and he calls himself a Christian?" NO ONE is exempt from falling flat on their face and making a mistake. 2- If you know of another church members adulterous affairs from other than them, or if you go to a church and know all the business before you get there or learn it before you leave, then YOU were not there for the right reason.... You can't control what another person says or does but you can control your own actions. You are there to worship and fellowship but if someone's idea of fellowshiping is trashing, gossiping, etc., then you have the obligation to correct them nicely and remove yourself from the situation. And if the problem is from the pulpit, as I said, ask God to take you elsewhere and He will. But we definitely have to stop trashing the church, any church, or religion. Change begins with us. Instead of abandoning ship, we should be the example.

To follow Christ is to be obedient. He has outlined what he expects from us in the bible. If the bible seems confusing, pray for discernment. Ask God to help you understand what He is saying in His Word.

 

[explosiva9]

But why is fellowship with believers only limited to a church building for most Christians???? Then if you don't fellowship with the people that your pastor or church members wants you to fellowship with, you are judged and condemned.

It's not limited to that but when you denounce CHRISTIANITY, that's a whole other ball of wax. Many church families began in peoples living rooms and are expanded to facilities because of growth.

The problem is not the building. The problem is when people say that they are no longers Christians but follow Christ because they don't agree with the the requirements outlined in the church or the bible. You can't be a follower of Christ if you are disobedient to what He expects of you.

 

[SND411]

If you visit a church or attend a church that is not feeding your need, you are free to select another church. Ask God for guidance in selecting a church. Let's not assume that all churches are like the one, ten, or thousands of churches that you have visited. Pray and put it before God.




I don't know about this 'ALL' because I have NEVER said that, BUT, I know for a fact that me, on my own, can't stop sinning. But that is the beauty of it. I can stop sinning because of the strength that God provides. It's a daily battle and one I fight with God leading the way. When I say I know God, I'm saying it because I actively seek a relationship with Him on a daily basis and am committed to being obedient to Him and only Him.

The bottom line is that you go to church to fellowship. You go to praise God together. You go to learn and have your spirit edified. 1- No matter who it is, NO human is exempt from an attack from satan. Everyone has their weaknesses and as humans, at times we fill falter. To sit and point a finger at a minister or church member for their mistake is un-Christlike. Whether u go to church or not. We are no one to point fingers at anyone because we would not like it if fingers are pointed at us when we fail. No matter how big or small. Our responsibility, as a family in Christ, is to help them by praying for them. Not acknowledging their faults and saying, " see, and he calls himself a Christian?" NO ONE is exempt from falling flat on their face and making a mistake. 2- If you know of another church members adulterous affairs from other than them, or if you go to a church and know all the business before you get there or learn it before you leave, then YOU were not there for the right reason.... You can't control what another person says or does but you can control your own actions. You are there to worship and fellowship but if someone's idea of fellowshiping is trashing, gossiping, etc., then you have the obligation to correct them nicely and remove yourself from the situation. And if the problem is from the pulpit, as I said, ask God to take you elsewhere and He will. But we definitely have to stop trashing the church, any church, or religion. Change begins with us. Instead of abandoning ship, we should be the example.

To follow Christ is to be obedient. He has outlined what he expects from us in the bible. If the bible seems confusing, pray for discernment. Ask God to help you understand what He is saying in His Word.

Wow. I LOVED your whole post. What you said is true. What ever happened to encouraging one another?

 

[Poohbear]

I don't know about this 'ALL' because I have NEVER said that, BUT, I know for a fact that me, on my own, can't stop sinning.

You just said it ("I can't stop sinning")...

The bottom line is that you go to church to fellowship. You go to praise God together. You go to learn and have your spirit edified. 1- No matter who it is, NO human is exempt from an attack from satan. Everyone has their weaknesses and as humans, at times we fill falter. To sit and point a finger at a minister or church member for their mistake is un-Christlike. Whether u go to church or not. We are no one to point fingers at anyone because we would not like it if fingers are pointed at us when we fail. No matter how big or small. Our responsibility, as a family in Christ, is to help them by praying for them. Not acknowledging their faults and saying, " see, and he calls himself a Christian?" NO ONE is exempt from falling flat on their face and making a mistake. 2- If you know of another church members adulterous affairs from other than them, or if you go to a church and know all the business before you get there or learn it before you leave, then YOU were not there for the right reason.... You can't control what another person says or does but you can control your own actions. You are there to worship and fellowship but if someone's idea of fellowshiping is trashing, gossiping, etc., then you have the obligation to correct them nicely and remove yourself from the situation. And if the problem is from the pulpit, as I said, ask God to take you elsewhere and He will. But we definitely have to stop trashing the church, any church, or religion. Change begins with us. Instead of abandoning ship, we should be the example.

To follow Christ is to be obedient. He has outlined what he expects from us in the bible. If the bible seems confusing, pray for discernment. Ask God to help you understand what He is saying in His Word.

You didn't get what I was trying to say. I'm not against anything you have said above. I'm saying that very thing... why do Christians point fingers at other Christians when they are at odds with God themselves? And I don't go to church to find out people's business. I just hear people's business from my father who is the pastor who gossips. My family and I have told him to stop but he doesn't see it as gossip, he sees it as Christian discussion. I want to be able to attend a church or fellowship with believers without knowing their business in the way my dad has portrayed them. And I know I cannot control another person's sayings or doings, and I don't ever wish to nor try to do that.

 

[Poohbear]

It's not limited to that but when you denounce CHRISTIANITY, that's a whole other ball of wax. Many church families began in peoples living rooms and are expanded to facilities because of growth.

The problem is not the building. The problem is when people say that they are no longers Christians but follow Christ because they don't agree with the the requirements outlined in the church or the bible. You can't be a follower of Christ if you are disobedient to what He expects of you.

When I posted that question about fellowship being limited to the church building, I'm talking about something totally different than what this old white woman has said about denouncing Christianity. I'm talking about people who say things along the lines of "If you don't go to church, you are going to hell" or "If you don't go to church, you're out of the will of God" or "If you don't go to church, you are walking in darkness or living in sin."

For the people that say this, they may not know if that person is actually fellowshipping with believers at home, or throughout the week, in the community, just not in a church building on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights all the time. These people who do not attend church may be sinning less or living more rightly than the very people who attend church every single Sunday and every Wednesday or participate in different ministries.

 

[SND411]

I definitely believe you do not have to belong to a church building to be a part of the Body of Christ. I think fellowship can be experienced in broad ways.

 

[explosiva9]

You just said it ("I can't stop sinning")...

Continue reading......

Basically what I am saying that no one can on their own merit. But they can with the help of God. Am I an active sinner, no, I don't sin for the sake of sinning because I know I am forgiven. But I falter just like you and everyone else.

 

[SND411]

When I posted that question about fellowship being limited to the church building, I'm talking about something totally different than what this old white woman has said about denouncing Christianity. I'm talking about people who say things along the lines of "If you don't go to church, you are going to hell" or "If you don't go to church, you're out of the will of God" or "If you don't go to church, you are walking in darkness or living in sin."

For the people that say this, they may not know if that person is actually fellowshipping with believers at home, or throughout the week, in the community, just not in a church building on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights all the time. These people who do not attend church may be sinning less or living more rightly than the very people who attend church every single Sunday and every Wednesday or participate in different ministries.

Poohbear, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling. At my university, I belong to an on-campus Christian group. I do not like going to any church in that area. I rather fellowship with people in other ways (like house Bible study, volunteering, etc.) But when I tell them this, they accuse me of wanting to fellowship with only a limited amount of members rather than fellowshipping with the WHOLE body of Christ.

But then again, how would that be possible?
Anyone have suggestions/encouragement?

 

[explosiva9]

When I posted that question about fellowship being limited to the church building, I'm talking about something totally different than what this old white woman has said about denouncing Christianity. I'm talking about people who say things along the lines of "If you don't go to church, you are going to hell" or "If you don't go to church, you're out of the will of God" or "If you don't go to church, you are walking in darkness or living in sin."

For the people that say this, they may not know if that person is actually fellowshipping with believers at home, or throughout the week, in the community, just not in a church building on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights all the time. These people who do not attend church may be sinning less or living more rightly than the very people who attend church every single Sunday and every Wednesday or participate in different ministries.

And if they are misguided, don't get mad about it. Don't get offended because you know your walk. Why get upset about it if you know you are walking righteously? If it is directed to you, correct them respectfully and leave it to God.

 

[SND411]

I believe it is possible to stop sinning altogether with God's help. Did not Jesus say nothing is impossible with God?

 

[explosiva9]

You didn't get what I was trying to say. I'm not against anything you have said above. I'm saying that very thing... why do Christians point fingers at other Christians when they are at odds with God themselves? And I don't go to church to find out people's business. I just hear people's business from my father who is the pastor who gossips. My family and I have told him to stop but he doesn't see it as gossip, he sees it as Christian discussion. I want to be able to attend a church or fellowship with believers without knowing their business in the way my dad has portrayed them. And I know I cannot control another person's sayings or doings, and I don't ever wish to nor try to do that.

1- Why ask why? People are people and they will disappoint. One part of human nature is to deny or deflect. They don't want people to focus on them so they deflect and put others out there in the hopes that they won't be discovered. It has nothing to do with being Christian. It's just that how people are. I have seen it in and out of the church.

2- Then go to another church. Ask God to help you find a church where you will be able to interact and praise him without the added mess. And just pray for your father. At this point, only God can show him the error. Now if your father discusses it only with your family, maybe you guys can come together as a prayer group and pray over your church. Ministers, especially Pastors, carry alot on their shoulders. Granted, he should be leaving it at God's feet, but if he is coming to his family, you guys can come together in prayer. Now if he is just gossiping to anyone who would listen, then leave it to God.

 

[nathansgirl1908]

Really? I wish more people would put me before God.

To talk about putting someone before God sounds like bringing a sullen child to a parent for purposes of disciplining them. You can pray for someone but you should be careful that you aren't being self-righteous about your prayers.


And you should be careful about who you ask to pray for you. I definitely don't want everyone praying for me. I don't know what is in their spirit.

 

[explosiva9]

Poohbear, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling. At my university, I belong to an on-campus Christian group. I do not like going to any church in that area. I rather fellowship with people in other ways (like house Bible study, volunteering, etc.) But when I tell them this, they accuse me of wanting to fellowship with only a limited amount of members rather than fellowshipping with the WHOLE body of Christ.

But then again, how would that be possible?
Anyone have suggestions/encouragement?

If you are not comfortable at any of the churches in that area, then you are not comfortable. It's not their place to tell you why you don't feel comfortable. I will advise that you keep looking. I don't know where you go to school and I know that some schools are in the boonies which is the point of on-campus ministries. I went to school in Tampa. I attended a church that I liked but didn't love. But the word was preached and that was all that mattered to me. Put it before God.

 

[SND411]

If you are not comfortable at any of the churches in that area, then you are not comfortable. It's not their place to tell you why you don't feel comfortable. I will advise that you keep looking. I don't know where you go to school and I know that some schools are in the boonies which is the point of on-campus ministries. I went to school in Tampa. I attended a church that I liked but didn't love. But the word was preached and that was all that mattered to me. Put it before God.

I'll keep looking. God has given you a lot of wisdom. I love your posts.

 

[explosiva9]

To talk about putting someone before God sounds like bringing a sullen child to a parent for purposes of disciplining them. You can pray for someone but you should be careful that you aren't being self-righteous about your prayers.


And you should be careful about who you ask to pray for you. I definitely don't want everyone praying for me. I don't know what is in their spirit.

I don't have a problem with people praying to God for me but I am weary of people laying their hands on me.

 

[explosiva9]

I'll keep looking. God has given you a lot of wisdom. I love your posts.

All Glory be to God. I'm just saying what I feel. Thank God and thank you.

 

[Poohbear]

1- Why ask why? People are people and they will disappoint. One part of human nature is to deny or deflect. They don't want people to focus on them so they deflect and put others out there in the hopes that they won't be discovered. It has nothing to do with being Christian. It's just that how people are. I have seen it in and out of the church.

I KNOW! I'm not asking why in the sense of needing an answer. I am asking why to make a point. Regardless, people need to be accountable for their own actions.

 

[Poohbear]

And if they are misguided, don't get mad about it. Don't get offended because you know your walk. Why get upset about it if you know you are walking righteously? If it is directed to you, correct them respectfully and leave it to God.

I don't feel mad or personally attacked or offended by people who say things or think things about people who don't go to church in a church building. I am merely posting my observations and other people's observations of what they have experienced. I'm actually someone that attends church regularly, every Sunday, but I don't look down on people who don't. However, I am looking to break away from just attending church just for the sake of attending out of tradition.

 

[Poohbear]

I believe it is possible to stop sinning altogether with God's help. Did not Jesus say nothing is impossible with God?

This is what I've been leaning toward to believe since the beginning of the year. Not sinning is a life goal of mine. Just the thought of sin is miserable. I also want to get out of this feeling like everything is a sin when I know it's not (ie. not going to church all the time, speeding in your car, etc). Only the things mentioned as clearly wrong against God within the right context of scripture are sins.