Christian
I'm a Christian. When I say that, some people assume things that aren't true.
It seems like a few radical fundamentalists spoil everybody else's reputation.. Most of us are Christians simply because we want to know God. If they actually read their Bibles without filtering them through bigotry, they would realize that "everybody is a sinner" doesn't mean "let's go out and put people down because they're not perfect"--it means "I'm not perfect, either, and that means I'm no better than they are." Apparently, humility goes right out the window when somebody mentions sin... But that is the point at which humility should be the most in evidence!
There are a lot of things Jesus did that modern fundamentalists would think was simply scandalous--he attacked legalism, he socialized with "sinners" and the unpopular people, he ignored racial boundaries, and he completely pardoned a woman who'd been cheating on her husband--possibly one of the most reprehensible things you can do, short of murder. I was raised as a fundamentalist; and the only reason I got out of it was that I started actually reading my Bible... specifically, the New Testament... and realized that the loud, nasty sermons I heard had nothing to do with what Christianity actually is. Yes, it holds you up to a high standard; perfection, in fact; but that standard includes mercy, kindness, and respect for other people.
Regarding proselytizing: It is impossible to convert someone unwillingly. A true conversion must come from the heart. Thus, badgering or forcing someone is not just rude but ineffective... Your best witness is your life, not your words.
It seems like a few radical fundamentalists spoil everybody else's reputation.. Most of us are Christians simply because we want to know God. If they actually read their Bibles without filtering them through bigotry, they would realize that "everybody is a sinner" doesn't mean "let's go out and put people down because they're not perfect"--it means "I'm not perfect, either, and that means I'm no better than they are." Apparently, humility goes right out the window when somebody mentions sin... But that is the point at which humility should be the most in evidence!
There are a lot of things Jesus did that modern fundamentalists would think was simply scandalous--he attacked legalism, he socialized with "sinners" and the unpopular people, he ignored racial boundaries, and he completely pardoned a woman who'd been cheating on her husband--possibly one of the most reprehensible things you can do, short of murder. I was raised as a fundamentalist; and the only reason I got out of it was that I started actually reading my Bible... specifically, the New Testament... and realized that the loud, nasty sermons I heard had nothing to do with what Christianity actually is. Yes, it holds you up to a high standard; perfection, in fact; but that standard includes mercy, kindness, and respect for other people.
Regarding proselytizing: It is impossible to convert someone unwillingly. A true conversion must come from the heart. Thus, badgering or forcing someone is not just rude but ineffective... Your best witness is your life, not your words.