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Interesting. What defines a Christian? One of the common aspects for our young people is to be able to logically discuss why they follow Jesus Christ. They can'

Interesting. What defines a Christian? One of the common aspects for our young people is to be able to logically discuss why they follow Jesus Christ. They can't rely on their parents or other people as to why they believe. They have to understand for themselves. They need to be able to ask questions and in turn study for themselves all the resources that will support their understanding. Then they have to apply and live by that understanding. I have met many who have had great fervour but no knowledge and understanding and when push comes to shove, they let go. Whereas, there are others who by study and application become fervent and then you have a person that can answer the why of their lives and belief. Seeking a congregation without seeking Him first is a act of futility, you would be better off finding a social club suitable to your interests. Seeking Him first and He will lead you to where He wants you to be. Keep in mind, though you may not believe in Him, He certainly believes in you and is more than willing to show Himself to you if you but willingly seek Him.

humanrebar 9y ago
> Seeking a congregation without seeking Him first is a act of futility... I also see the problem where people become "spiritual" without seeing the need to find a place to belong. Inevitably, when they are their own chief theologian, high priest, counselor, and source of accountability, they have difficulties and make a variety of mistakes. I suspect a lot of the people "losing their religion" in recent decades fall into that category in one way or another. I'm not sure what the label "Catholic" means if you never engage as a Catholic. It becomes a tribal marker, but we have plenty of those in political parties, brand affiliations, nationalist (or cosmopolitan) sentiments, etc.
Fjolsvith 9y ago
For many years I tried to find ways to assure myself that I had found Him. Baptised 3 different times, but never really feeling that something important had happened. Read the bible front to end many times. Had a really sharp bible study leader. I kept challenging him to explain to me how I would know I had been 'saved'. He finally got exasperated and exclaimed, "When you no longer have any doubt about being saved, you're saved!" I stood up and said, "Hallelujah! I'm not saved!!!" From that point on, I knew I could never be saved because of my doubt, and I stopped flagellating myself over Christianity.

humanrebar 9y ago

> Seeking a congregation without seeking Him first is a act of futility... I also see the problem where people become "spiritual" without seeing the need to find a place to belong. Inevitably, when they are their own chief theologian, high priest, counselor, and source of accountability, they have difficulties and make a variety of mistakes. I suspect a lot of the people "losing their religion" in recent decades fall into that category in one way or another. I'm not sure what the label "Catholic" means if you never engage as a Catholic. It becomes a tribal marker, but we have plenty of those in political parties, brand affiliations, nationalist (or cosmopolitan) sentiments, etc.

Fjolsvith 9y ago

For many years I tried to find ways to assure myself that I had found Him. Baptised 3 different times, but never really feeling that something important had happened. Read the bible front to end many times. Had a really sharp bible study leader. I kept challenging him to explain to me how I would know I had been 'saved'. He finally got exasperated and exclaimed, "When you no longer have any doubt about being saved, you're saved!" I stood up and said, "Hallelujah! I'm not saved!!!" From that point on, I knew I could never be saved because of my doubt, and I stopped flagellating myself over Christianity.