Leaving christianity, a bit of my story

[Lucifer]

Well, alright, you can get one, but please don't disappoint my trust. Here are some of the reasons that I was a Christian:

1. I repented from my sins, very often, very sincerely.
2. I did my best to live a good life, to get rid of my sins and live according to gods will.
3. I actually believed in Jesus and that he had died for me sins, and I have accepted that.
4. I was baptized when I was 12, this was a very sincere choice at the time.
5. I dedicated my life to living for God, often requiring personal sacrifices. I was not ashamed of the gospel and spread it actively and I gave away my time and my money for his purpose.

I could give more, but I think this is enough for now.

I don't want to poop on GC's line of questioning or steal his thunder, but I see.. A lot of "I's" in your account of what made you Christian..

No wonder your faith faultered when ever you stopped applying yourself.

Let me ask you.. Did you ever once ask God for proof or some sign/wonder to let you know He was really there?

Have you considered that your lost faith is an answer to that prayer?

As a 'christian' I'm sure you have heard of the wise and foolish builders. What if.. The "house" you built was your faith your religion/religious beliefs, and your prayer for 'proof' was actually a prayer for God to send the wind and the rain to test the house you built.

Undoubtedly your house collapsed as you did not build on a proper 'foundation.' Your 'foundation of "I's" failed and so your faith came down around you. Giving you an opportunity to rebuild.

In short no matter how well meaning your intentions were in your childhood efforts God (as in the God of the bible and not your religion/version of Christianity) could not directly support your view of him thus removing any foundation to your system of belief. So when properly tested your faith failed. just like the man who built his house on the sand. Giving you the opportunity to rebuild on the rock.

Can you imagine how strong your faith would be if you absolutly knew God was real and had your back? That is a faith or belief built on the rock. Which is possible, but you have to do and learn to see things God's way, and not your own/filter it through religion.

Just something to think about...

Wow you base all that analysis of my personality and my faith because I wrote one post in the first person? I can't take you serious. This is why I don't like answering this question, you can always expect to get replies like this one.

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If someone says they are a Christian, then they're a Christian.

Anyone who thinks they have the authority to tell people otherwise is way above their station.

Anyone's own opinion on exactly what Christianity should be is a drop in the ocean of ideas.

Somewhat ironic that I'm prepared to stick up for people's religious status more than some religious people are for each other.

Actually, that is not true. I'm not saying that Lucifer was not a Christian (it seems he was), but being a Christian has a very specific definition and if you do not meet that definition, your self-identification is simply wrong. Many self-described Christians mean they believe in God and some amount of the NT as true. That description would apply to every angel (fallen or not) --even Satan.

Thanks for taking me serious and believing me when I say I was a Christian. That is very rare, I really appreciate that.

Just to be clear (I think you did get that): I did not just believe in God and the bible, I also dedicated my life to God, repenting of my sins and everything, like I wrote. I did go to great lengths to follow Jesus. Because of having this priority, I made sacrifices in my career and personal life that I now regret making, because I feel like it was a big lie and a waste of time, and I feel betrayed because of that. This is why I become very angry when someone (especially someone who does not know me at all) dares to tell me that I was not really a christian. It is arrogant and very disrespectful. Not very loving and Jesus-like.

So thanks again for not doing that.