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I recently became Christian but I'm having trouble understanding some things. I feel confused and not sure what to think. I would really appreciate some advice!
1) If God loves everyone, then how come only the people who believe in Him are forgiven? And for all those millions of people who die not believing, what happens? What if those "non-believers" were still good hearted, kind people? It doesn't seem fair that anything terrible should happen to them. What does " not being forgiven" actually entail? Does God mention anything of this in the bible?
2) Anyone can call themselves a Christian, or a believer, but does this automatically mean they are forgiven? I would think forgiveness would come from God only if somebody truly feels in their heart what they did was wrong. But I might be wrong. Anyone can call themselves a "Christian" , and I wonder if people who say they are but don't really believe whole-heartedly are still forgiven?
3) If babies are Christened without even understanding what sin is, are they automatically "forgiven"?
4) I don't agree with forcing anybody to believe in something they don't want to believe in. I am the only believer in my family, and others have told me I should try and "convert" them. However, God gave us free will and does not force anything onto us, so why should I be trying to force something onto them against their will? I certainly encourage them to consider church and loooking to God, but i refuse to force anyone to do something they don't want to. I believe God also says do not do unto others what you wouldn't want for yourself. I know I certainly wouldn't want somebody trying to convert me into something i don't believe in.
5) People say Christianity is the " truth". How do you know that? How do you know it's not our own human interpretation that is causing us to think that? Furthmore, every other religion believes their faith is the "truth". You can take one line in the bible, and one person from every religion, and that one line could be interpreted to mean different things by each of those people. I find it sort of intolerant to only think of ourselves as the right ones. For me, i believe it to be the truth because it makes the most sense, but is there only one truth? If others can learn from Christianity, can't we as well learn from other religions? I don't want to put myself up on a pedastle. I am only human.
I don't mean these questions to be rude or disregarding in any way. I am just struggling to understand some things. I understand that as humans, we do not have all the answers. Sometimes things are just the way they are. But if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.
My philosophy is" Encourage but don't preach. Love but don't force." Anyone else agree?>
1) If God loves everyone, then how come only the people who believe in Him are forgiven? And for all those millions of people who die not believing, what happens? What if those "non-believers" were still good hearted, kind people? It doesn't seem fair that anything terrible should happen to them. What does " not being forgiven" actually entail? Does God mention anything of this in the bible?
2) Anyone can call themselves a Christian, or a believer, but does this automatically mean they are forgiven? I would think forgiveness would come from God only if somebody truly feels in their heart what they did was wrong. But I might be wrong. Anyone can call themselves a "Christian" , and I wonder if people who say they are but don't really believe whole-heartedly are still forgiven?
3) If babies are Christened without even understanding what sin is, are they automatically "forgiven"?
4) I don't agree with forcing anybody to believe in something they don't want to believe in. I am the only believer in my family, and others have told me I should try and "convert" them. However, God gave us free will and does not force anything onto us, so why should I be trying to force something onto them against their will? I certainly encourage them to consider church and loooking to God, but i refuse to force anyone to do something they don't want to. I believe God also says do not do unto others what you wouldn't want for yourself. I know I certainly wouldn't want somebody trying to convert me into something i don't believe in.
5) People say Christianity is the " truth". How do you know that? How do you know it's not our own human interpretation that is causing us to think that? Furthmore, every other religion believes their faith is the "truth". You can take one line in the bible, and one person from every religion, and that one line could be interpreted to mean different things by each of those people. I find it sort of intolerant to only think of ourselves as the right ones. For me, i believe it to be the truth because it makes the most sense, but is there only one truth? If others can learn from Christianity, can't we as well learn from other religions? I don't want to put myself up on a pedastle. I am only human.
I don't mean these questions to be rude or disregarding in any way. I am just struggling to understand some things. I understand that as humans, we do not have all the answers. Sometimes things are just the way they are. But if anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it.
My philosophy is" Encourage but don't preach. Love but don't force." Anyone else agree?>