directed at you Illiad, because it seems we basically agree - that the insistance of these people that they are Christian does not make it so.
I had a conversation with someone once which included the following dialogue. To put this in context, he wasn't being literal, he was merely trying to illustrate the point that anything can be forgiven if one has a truly repentant heart. But my answer to him was also relevant, so I'm posting both is statement and my response.
He said, "I'm a Christian. I could kill a thousand people, but as long as I have Christ in my heart, I'm still saved."
To which I replied, "Yes, but if you truly have Christ in your heart, you won't kill anyone in the first place."
And I guess that's my point here. These people who claim to be Christian, but do evil things, do not truly have Christ in their hearts. And despite their claims, despite their insistance, despite anything they say, they are not Christians.
Mother Theresa was a Christian. One of the best of us. I would venture a guess that many people are Christian who don't realize it. And by that, I mean their hearts are filled with humility and love for their fellow man, and their actions reflect this. Even if they don't believe in God or Christ, they are still doing what Christ would want them to do, and in my Christian belief, I believe that God makes note of that.
Christianity is a holistic philosophy, not merely a statement. If I had a newborn child in my arms and insisted that he was 64 years old, would that make it so? No. Nothing I could say would make that a true statement.
Even though my point is not directed at you, Illiad, I greatly appreciate your comments and your insight. You are helping me understand this better, and what your comments seem well grounded and well considered. Any further comments you have, I'd be happy to read them. |
