Can you be a "good Christian" and still be curious about elements of your religion such as we've explored here? Does one have to believe every element and nuance of a religion to consider themselves a follower of it?

What do you think?



Now is the time to make real the promises of Democracy.

Does it ever bother you to get no replies? I would answer, but I'm sure you'd get tired of seeing my hand pop up each time you ask a question.

quote:

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Originally posted by MBM:
Can you be a "good Christian" and still be curious about elements of your religion such as we've explored here? Does one have to believe every element and nuance of a religion to consider themselves a follower of it?

What do you think?



Now is the time to make real the promises of Democracy.

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One of my all time favorite quotes that relates to this matter comes from Garrison Keller who talks about the need to “give up my good Christian life, and follow Christ."

I consider myself a disciple of Christ, but I know that many Christians may have a serious problem with how I articulate and live out my faith. I believe my God is big enough to withstand questions and investigation. I believe that I am faithful in this because, as James Cone stressed during his concluding remarks at the state of the Black Church conference this past February, we are to love the Lord with our hearts, soul, and MINDS.

Finally, what does it mean to say every nuance and element of a religion? As defined by who? For most religions, consensus with respect to orthodoxy is a dubious and debatable concept. For example, orthodoxy in Christianity asserts the doctrine of the Trinity. Ask your average Christian to articulate the doctrine, and they well almost assuredly commit one of the numerous historical heresies associated with the the concept.

God has told you, O man and woman, what is good; and what does the SOVEREIGN ONE require of you but to do justice, and to be compassionate, and to walk humbly with your God?

How are we defining Christian here? If we are defining Christian as someone who follows the example of Christ, there are only a few of them. If we are defining it as someone who goes to church on Sundays and professes to practice religion, there are certainly quite a few of those.
I have become disillusioned with the way Christianity is practiced today. I personally think that in its present form it is a farce designed to keep people oppressed, especially African diasporic people.

Our people have made the mistake of confusing the methods with the objectives. As long as we agree on objectives, we should never fall out with each other just because we believe in different methods, or tactics, or strategy. We have to keep in mind at all times that we are not fighting for separation. We are fighting for recognition as free humans in this society
Malcolm X, 1965

How is it possible to say so much, and end up having said almost nothing at all? Neither of you even answered the question. You just made token replies concerning your opinions. Yssys is disallusioned, kresge is a disciple of christ and not afraid to ask questions.

But neither of you answered the question: can you be 'religious', and still be curious about other 'religions', without forsaking your own?

MBM said 'christian', but the general application here is 'religious believer'. He could have asked the same thing about a 'good Muslim' and not change the perspective.

MBM, they must have thought this question was from me.

Isaiah 1;2-3
"Hear, O heavens, and listen, O earth; for the LORD has spoken: I reared up children and brought them up, but they have rebelled agaist me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know, My people do not understand."

quote:

Originally posted by MBM:
Can you be a "good Christian" and still be curious about elements of your religion such as we've explored here? Does one have to believe every element and nuance of a religion to consider themselves a follower of it?

What do you think?

At the current church that I attend, a good portion of the congregation make an effort to learn about other religions and concepts. The pastor preaches against ignorance and encourages questioning. He stresses that a Christian cannot allow him/herself to be unaware, and that exposing oneself just to one mindset can be dangerous to one's faith. I think the reason I feel at home there is because I too think that a true Christian wouldn't and shouldn't be afraid of other concepts and that ignorance can lead to one's loss of faith quicker than exploration.

With the second part of your question, I agree with Kresge.

Can you be a "good Christian" and still be curious about elements of your religion such as we've explored here? Absolutely

Does one have to believe every element and nuance of a religion to consider themselves a follower of it? Nope

quote:

Originally posted by MBM:
Can you be a "good Christian" and still be curious about elements of your religion such as we've explored here? Does one have to believe every element and nuance of a religion to consider themselves a follower of it?

What do you think?

That depends upon what one believes a "Good Christian" consists of...

I believe that you can follow Christ's principles without following every last law to the letter...and really, the premise of a Christ frees one from having to follow every nuance of The Law.

This is the ideal behind the "freedom" we have in Christ.

We are told that everything is permissable, but not everything is beneficial...so really, it is a matter of discernment regarding what activities and/or beliefs are beneficial to ones spiritual self.

"WIAW!"

As usual good post Shaya