"You're only a Christian because you were raised as one."

[Kat7897]

This is something that's told to me quite a bit, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore it. How do I reply to this? Why is this clinging to my mind? Am I a Christian only because I was raised in the right part of the world. Granted, my parents views on God and mine are hot and cold, but we still believe in The Bible. What do you guys respond with when this is thrown up? Should I let this bother me..? I'm confused, and I'm seeking answers. I'm confident in what I know. I'm not doubting, but then again.. Am I doubting if this bothers me?

 

[David_1]

I'm pretty sure if you were born in 500BC Egypt you wouldn't be a Christian.

Just accept it, and move on.

I personally have no problem with your understanding of Christianity being more sophisticated than the average follower who has never examined their faith.

Be as wise as serpents, as Jesus said.

 

[Kat7897]

Is it that easy to simply "just accept it?" Perhaps that's what is wrong with me, but I just can't accept things.. My brain isn't much like that. Sadly.

 

[Animus]

I disagree with David, and I think it is fundamental that you, at the age you are at, begin the transition from having a child-like faith to an adult faith. A child-like faith is fine for children, the songs, the children's simplification of the bible, but it's a lot of soft soap, it is a very different thing from the full faith, and I think at some point everyone who has been raised Christian has to make the transition. It is here that some people tend to leave the faith. The child-faith doesn't have any reason to be Christian aside from "because I was raised this way", which is why there are two options, find out if you really believe it on your own, or else walk away. By this, I mean that you should start to look into the apologetics (reasoned arguments) of Christianity.

 

[Kat7897]

I in no way have been around the "soft faith." I've studied topics from baptism all the way to Revelation. Heard arguments about everything in between. I'm really into science, and I've looked at things like that. I'm confident that I can argue the bible as correct. It's just the thought "If I were in Saudi Arabia would I be trying to defend Islam?" that gets me.

 

[Animus]

Well for 16 I must say I am pleasantly surprised. There are plenty of people that are raised in other religions or raised atheist that later become Christians. And if that is your concern, why don't you look into Islam? You must at least partly believe still that you have a bias towards Christianity, not merely because it is true, but in part because your parents raised you this way. The only way you can know for sure that you would end up a Christian regardless of your upbringing (if that is what you are trying to achieve) is to critically look at every faith with an open mind. However, I think if you are really certain that Christianity is true, you should just be thankful that God saved you the work and pain of learning it in some other, more difficult way.

 

[Kat7897]

I'm a tad more God fearing than most teenagers I suppose. I've looked into Islam quite a bit. It's still something that I look into from time to time because I have a friend who's a Muslim. Someone I'm trying to have look into things. You're right. I need to start looking at the people who've left other religions and transitioned to Christianity. It seems as if I'm getting caught up on silly little things, or perhaps I'm just not putting my faith where it needs to be. It takes time and studying I suppose. Thank you, for talking to me. You seem rational. It's not often I meet another person that says things such as "look at every faith with an open mind." It's refreshing in some ways.

 

[ji]

This is something that's told to me quite a bit, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore it. How do I reply to this? Why is this clinging to my mind? Am I a Christian only because I was raised in the right part of the world. Granted, my parents views on God and mine are hot and cold, but we still believe in The Bible. What do you guys respond with when this is thrown up? Should I let this bother me..? I'm confused, and I'm seeking answers. I'm confident in what I know. I'm not doubting, but then again.. Am I doubting if this bothers me?

If its bothering you then definitely God is speaking to you.It's called a mission call.Not every one feels this way.What you need is a personal encounter with God.That will clear your doubt and make your faith firm in Christ.No one else can help there.Wait upon the Lord to get answers from him.Not pastor,no fellow believers nor other Christian friends can help there.True Wisdom comes from the Lord God.
Also nothing to worry about it but be Glad that among so many happy going merry-go-round church people who thinks 'me and my family', God has seen you and is calling you to spend Eternity with him in Heaven after your purpose on earth ends.Rejoice!
God Bless.

 

[ji]

I in no way have been around the "soft faith." I've studied topics from baptism all the way to Revelation. Heard arguments about everything in between. I'm really into science, and I've looked at things like that. I'm confident that I can argue the bible as correct. It's just the thought "If I were in Saudi Arabia would I be trying to defend Islam?" that gets me.

Forget richard dawkins,christopher hitchens(most probably in hell if he didn't repent till death which could have granted God's mercy) and don't put your trust in today's science which will get you nowhere.
But put your trust in the Lord.Science or no man has walked in front of your path suffering the problems that you are going to face till the end of your journey on earth,but JESUS.And I am glad you have the zeal for God.Heaven is more glad for your zeal to Godly matters.

 

[ji]

I'm pretty sure if you were born in 500BC Egypt you wouldn't be a Christian.

Just accept it, and move on.

I personally have no problem with your understanding of Christianity being more sophisticated than the average follower who has never examined their faith.

Be as wise as serpents, as Jesus said.

Merely accepting what has been passed through the tradition doesn't make a person Christian.Its personal experience that makes a person Christian.And that personal experience is with the Almighty God.That's what makes Christianity special.It's not a delusion.
Funniest thing is we will be more afraid if God starts showing supernatural things when we show an interest to follow him.And the things which God makes us see will amazing at the same time shocking.More shocking than what devil does to harm a person.But when God interacts a person does not faint but grow more stronger in him because God is Love and His Love strengthens us in our weakness.
There is a difference between Christianity and religions of 500 B.C.There was no God in any of those religions.Christianity is not merely accepting and move on.Its making a stand for Jesus who dies for you and me.It's different.He is not uncle Jesus.It's the Lord God Christ-the anointed one.
God Bless..

 

[ji]

I disagree with David, and I think it is fundamental that you, at the age you are at, begin the transition from having a child-like faith to an adult faith. A child-like faith is fine for children, the songs, the children's simplification of the bible, but it's a lot of soft soap, it is a very different thing from the full faith, and I think at some point everyone who has been raised Christian has to make the transition. It is here that some people tend to leave the faith. The child-faith doesn't have any reason to be Christian aside from "because I was raised this way", which is why there are two options, find out if you really believe it on your own, or else walk away. By this, I mean that you should start to look into the apologetics (reasoned arguments) of Christianity.

Yes,you are absolutely right.
Also just not apologetics but with a sincere heart to seek God one must pray to God for guidance.Because Jesus is alive!Otherwise we will become so engaged in debates and arguments but never grow in Christ.
God Bless

 

[David_1]

There is a difference between Christianity and religions of 500 B.C.There was no God in any of those religions.

You ever read...... I dunno... the Old Testament?

Or even when Paul discusses the altar to the 'unknown God' in Greece?

 

[Animus]

Forget richard dawkins,christopher hitchens(most probably in hell if he didn't repent till death which could have granted God's mercy) and don't put your trust in today's science which will get you nowhere.
But put your trust in the Lord.Science or no man has walked in front of your path suffering the problems that you are going to face till the end of your journey on earth,but JESUS.And I am glad you have the zeal for God.Heaven is more glad for your zeal to Godly matters.

While you might have the right sentiment I don't think there is any sense in abandoning science or reason. If true, then Christianity has no reason to fear either of these things, as science is the study of nature, which God created, and all of our reasoning ability comes from God; he did not give it to us without a purpose. Trust in the Lord should lead us to be skeptical of claims that are contradictory to scripture, but not ignorant of them. Forgetting about Dawkin's will not make him go away, and it will not strengthen your faith any more than closing your eyes will save you from getting hit by an oncoming train. I agree that science is not a thing to put your faith in, because it is the human study of nature, and we know for a fact that it has not always been an accurate study. If I've over addressed these things in this response I apologize, I might not be arguing you so much as I am arguing those that think Christian's should merely shut their eyes and plug their ears, because I believe this is the opposite of what God wants.

 

[jimmydiggs]

This is something that's told to me quite a bit, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore it. How do I reply to this? Why is this clinging to my mind? Am I a Christian only because I was raised in the right part of the world. Granted, my parents views on God and mine are hot and cold, but we still believe in The Bible. What do you guys respond with when this is thrown up? Should I let this bother me..? I'm confused, and I'm seeking answers. I'm confident in what I know. I'm not doubting, but then again.. Am I doubting if this bothers me?

It's called the Genetic Fallacy.

COPY PASTA:


Description of Genetic Fallacy



A Genetic Fallacy is a line of "reasoning" in which a perceived defect in the
origin of a claim or thing is taken to be evidence that discredits the claim or
thing itself. It is also a line of reasoning in which the origin of a claim or
thing is taken to be evidence for the claim or thing. This sort of "reasoning"
has the following form:

1. The origin of a claim or thing is presented.
2. The claim is true(or false) or the thing is supported (or discredited).

It is clear that sort of "reasoning" is fallacious. For example: "Bill claims
that 1+1=2. However, my parents brought me up to believe that 1+1=254, so Bill
must be wrong."

It should be noted that there are some cases in which the origin of a claim
is relevant to the truth or falsity of the claim. For example, a claim that
comes from a reliable expert is likely to be true (provided it is in her area of
expertise).
Examples of Genetic Fallacy

1. "The current Chancellor of Germany was in the Hitler Youth at age 3. With
   that sort of background, his so called 'reform' plan must be a facist program."
2. "I was brought up to believe in God, and my parents told me God exists, so
   He must."
3. "Sure, the media claims that Senator Bedfellow was taking kickbacks. But we
   all know about the media's credibility, don't we."

Source:
Fallacy: Genetic Fallacy


Both sides of the coin are genetic fallacies.

Either the, God exists because my parents brougnt me up to believe, and the "you only believe because..." route.

 

[David_1]

Is it that easy to simply "just accept it?" Perhaps that's what is wrong with me, but I just can't accept things.. My brain isn't much like that. Sadly.

If you stay a believer, then you will come to accept many things as not being perfect about scripture of God.

For example you could debate your way all the way to Atheist over the conflicts between Gospel accounts, or simply accept it for what it is.

You are certainly free to examine the origins, history and scriptures of all kinds of religions and cultures in human history. University has courses on Anthropology, history, religious studies, philosophy etc etc.

Christians used to be known for their scholarship, hence why the first universities were built by Christians, and the classics of Ancient Western literature were saved by the Catholics monks in Ireland, whilst all these books were burned in Europe during the Dark Ages.

My point is, Fundamentalism or literal thinking is only a recent invention, and the vast majority of Christians today and throughout all Christian history were not afraid of conflicting knowledge.

Faith is a matter of spirit, not the head. imho.

 

[ji]

Is it that easy to simply "just accept it?" Perhaps that's what is wrong with me, but I just can't accept things.. My brain isn't much like that. Sadly.

As long as we have worldly knowledge inside us God cannot fill us with Heavenly knowledge.Apostle Paul after coming to Christ understood this very well and he realized that all his education and worldly knowledge should be discarded to fill himself with God's knowledge.It's a process.Not a fast transition.Lean on Christ,he will change you in time.It's a good thing if something pricks you regarding Godly matters that makes you feel you are not good enough.That is purposefully meant.Because god knows we aren't good enough.Just go to the foot of the cross no matter what your situation is.A broken heart he will not cast away.In the long run you will realize when we make a step to get close to God,God will make more steps to come close to you. Because more than us he is eager to come to us as he longs to be with us who were away from him because of our curse in Adam.And in no time,without even your realization when you walk humbly submitting yourself to God with repentance Heaven will walk with you.

 

[Animus]

Yes,you are absolutely right.
Also just not apologetics but with a sincere heart to seek God one must pray to God for guidance.Because Jesus is alive!Otherwise we will become so engaged in debates and arguments but never grow in Christ.
God Bless

As I guessed my response to you is somewhat misplaced, but I'll leave it as is, don't take it personally. I agree that it's important not to get so caught up into the intellectualism of it all that we neglect the spiritual aspects. A balance is good, but I think certain people need more intellectualism by nature than others, and certain people need more spiritualism than others, but everyone should have both.

 

[biscuit]

This is something that's told to me quite a bit, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore it. How do I reply to this? Why is this clinging to my mind? Am I a Christian only because I was raised in the right part of the world. Granted, my parents views on God and mine are hot and cold, but we still believe in The Bible. What do you guys respond with when this is thrown up? Should I let this bother me..? I'm confused, and I'm seeking answers. I'm confident in what I know. I'm not doubting, but then again.. Am I doubting if this bothers me?[/QUOTE

You are a Christian because you love Jesus Christ with "all of your heart, soul & mind" and everything else is secondary. Your first love should always be to the Lord.

 

[kingerik]

This is something that's told to me quite a bit, and it's getting harder and harder to ignore it. How do I reply to this? Why is this clinging to my mind? Am I a Christian only because I was raised in the right part of the world. Granted, my parents views on God and mine are hot and cold, but we still believe in The Bible. What do you guys respond with when this is thrown up? Should I let this bother me..? I'm confused, and I'm seeking answers. I'm confident in what I know. I'm not doubting, but then again.. Am I doubting if this bothers me?

My Grandfather is a Pastor, and My Mother preaches and is an assistant pastor...I have gotten this a lot.

"I bet you do that because your mom would never let you allow it"

Born in family of Christians...DID NOT make me one...It just kept me in path toward my own understanding of God and I am thankful that I was allowed to grow in this kind of environment... Anyway. my advice too you. Refute that theory, and tell them your own story.
I was raised in a Christian environment, I was not raised a Christian...However, I'll tell you how I became a Christian... Tell them that.

 

[kayem77]

I've heard people say that before, and honestly, it has no relevance. Most of us probably know certain things just because someone told us or because we were brought up in a certain spot on the globe. Does that make it less true? No, unless of course, the claim is proved to be wrong. When I was little I was taught adultery,lying, and murder were wrong. As I grew up, I was able to rationalize for myself those beliefs and confirmed them.

Living in a place where truth is welcome is a blessing, not a curse. Plus, millions of people fro different backgrounds have converted to Christianity (including myself, I was a Catholic born and raised in Mexico).