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AIBU?

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Original poster

To say that you are not a true Christian

194 replies

MiaMarshmallows · 30/09/2021 22:32

If you do not want to help someone who you claim is important to you? When you know they are struggling emotionally and with health issues?
I know someone like this and it surely goes against all their values?

OP posts:
speakout · 01/10/2021 16:56

coolhwip

I agree- and compassion is not even a reserve of religious people. It is a basic human value- altrustic behaviour is universal, and even observed in animals- elepahnts, wolves, primates..
It is beyond arrogant to claim that compassion is a "christian" value.

MummyJ12 · 01/10/2021 16:59

But it is a Christian value, (sorry if that’s offensive). You absolutely don’t have to be Christian to be compassionate. I didn’t claim that. My point (again) was that some Christians lack it!

Kittii · 01/10/2021 17:01

She's not saying only Christians can be compassionate. She's saying that it is a value of the religion and all Christians should be compassionate.

MummyJ12 · 01/10/2021 17:02

Thanks so much @Kittii 💗

Rannva · 01/10/2021 17:03

What kind of help are you hoping they offer you? You're struggling, OK. Are they good at resolving 'struggles'?

Chances are you need to find professionals like doctors or something, not family members or relatives. No one owes you 'help' and, without training and expertise, they probably cannot do so.

Also you totally left out what it is you're demanding of them. Full-time care? Insistence they babysit your kids 5 days a week? It's hard to really judge when you leave out all the details.

coolhwip · 01/10/2021 17:06

@speakout

coolhwip

I agree- and compassion is not even a reserve of religious people. It is a basic human value- altrustic behaviour is universal, and even observed in animals- elepahnts, wolves, primates..
It is beyond arrogant to claim that compassion is a "christian" value.

Agreed.

@MummyJ12 I know you don't mean to imply only Christians have compassion, but it does seem to me that Christians have almost appropriated those basic human values for their own. I don't think any other religion has done that.

speakout · 01/10/2021 17:10

it does seem to me that Christians have almost appropriated those basic human values for their own. I don't think any other religion has done that.

Just wow!

I am no fan of religion, but I am embarrassed for you.

Balonzette · 01/10/2021 17:20

There's a difference between being compassionate and doing literally whatever every person asks of you.

But can I just say that I am so happy to read the responses on this thread. I was expecting this to be a mocking, insulting, hate-filled thread as most posts mentioning Christianity turn out to be. I'm so happy to read such reasonable and understanding responses that don't just insult Christians and God for the sake of it. I'd felt really alienated by that side of Mumsnet in the past, but this thead has been really encouraging to read.

MummyJ12 · 01/10/2021 17:31

This point has already been made but I think the thing with the OP, is that there’s not enough background on the situation @Balonzette. So we don’t know if the OP is expecting too much, like you put in your post, that they are just not, ‘doing everything asked of them’. Or if it’s something that the OP has a valid point with (and this person that the thread is about is just lacking basic human kindness). I don’t think we’ll find out…..

NotAnotherPylon · 01/10/2021 21:40

@CatsBooksAndCoffee But I still don't understand why it is relevant to mention communism in a conversation specifically about the attributes of Christianity. A couple of posters have referenced the millions of deaths which have happened in the name of Christianity. They still happened, no matter how many deaths were caused by other groups or regimes. It's whataboutery. And irrelevant.

Macnougat · 02/10/2021 12:42

@GeorgiaGirl52

Do anyone who does anything bad can't possibly be a Christian? How convenient.

CatsBooksAndCoffee · 02/10/2021 15:37

[quote NotAnotherPylon]@CatsBooksAndCoffee But I still don't understand why it is relevant to mention communism in a conversation specifically about the attributes of Christianity. A couple of posters have referenced the millions of deaths which have happened in the name of Christianity. They still happened, no matter how many deaths were caused by other groups or regimes. It's whataboutery. And irrelevant.[/quote]
I think her point was that it seems that Christians and Christianity are a soft target for derision. That appears to be very true and I wouldn't call it irrelevant.
I'm quite certain that if it was another religion or ideology then some of the more critical responses on here ( and criticisms elsewhere) would be more measured.
People don't get death threats or the threat of prosecution for criticising Christianity.

Bustersword · 02/10/2021 17:11

Funny, I've seen Muslims on here say that people wouldn't insult Christianity in the way they insult Islam, which I'm guessing is what you're talking about @CatsBooksAndCoffee

ellyeth · 02/10/2021 18:49

If you feel it necessary to defend Christianity, even though this thread seems to be largely centred on a personal issue, ie the OP's annoyance with someone who just happens to be a Christian, I don't see why that should involve having a thinly veiled dig at other religions.

CatsBooksAndCoffee · 03/10/2021 05:33

@Bustersword

Funny, I've seen Muslims on here say that people wouldn't insult Christianity in the way they insult Islam, which I'm guessing is what you're talking about *@CatsBooksAndCoffee*
No, that's not what I was talking about..nor was it a thinly-veiled dig at Muslims. My relatives ( brother-in-law, nieces and nephew) happen to be Muslim. I do stand by my ( and a PP's) assertion that Christians are often a soft target.

.

voldr · 05/10/2021 11:38

No, that's not what I was talking about..nor was it a thinly-veiled dig at Muslims. My relatives ( brother-in-law, nieces and nephew) happen to be Muslim.

Oh please, we all know what you were talking about when saying Christians don't make death threats.

We live in a country where Christianity is the state religion. They're hardly a persecuted minority.

CatsBooksAndCoffee · 06/10/2021 04:57

@voldr

No, that's not what I was talking about..nor was it a thinly-veiled dig at Muslims. My relatives ( brother-in-law, nieces and nephew) happen to be Muslim.

Oh please, we all know what you were talking about when saying Christians don't make death threats.

We live in a country where Christianity is the state religion. They're hardly a persecuted minority.

Firstly, Christians do appear to be an easy target for derision. The fact that there are differences in opinion and beliefs amongst various sects seems to escape the attention of the critics. Secondly, death threats are something that have been/are being experienced by members of various religions around the world. EG: Christians in Sri Lanka,, Uighur Muslims in China, Buddhists in Bangladesh, etc. Do a Google search on death threats and religion if you don't want to take my word for it. . No one group has an exclusive monopoly on being derided, harassed or worse for their beliefs. "We all know"....? Nice that you're the thread spokesperson now. 👍🥺
DoesHePlayTheFiddle · 06/10/2021 06:49

@balloonsintrees

Massive lack of theological understanding there OP - Paul is all about justification by faith and bugger the good works bit....
By grace through faith. Don't forget that bit.

Faith alone doesn't cut it, nor do works. God extends grace to whomever He Wills. The father welcomed home the prodigal son.

Naunet · 06/10/2021 07:49

All religious people pick and choose what parts of their religion they follow. All those Christians having sex before marriage, because THEY decided it was ok - how do they know?! It’s why I can’t take any of it seriously, but each to their own.

Naunet · 06/10/2021 07:51

@MissConductUS

Christian does not equal doormat. It sounds like you're trying to use someone's faith to guilt them into doing something for you.
Sounds very judgemental. I thought it was only gods place to judge others?!
tranquillitybase · 06/10/2021 07:52

Crikey, one of the keenest Christians I know who's at church every week and heavily involved with everything the church does, and contributes financially to said church, is the most evil person I know who treats those closest to her like crap. Being Christian doesn't make you a good person.

speakout · 06/10/2021 08:19

Surely christians are told to put god above everythig, including themselves?

My mother and sister are both severe christians ( different sects)

My mother is taught the acronym JOY as a way of prioritising importance.

J- Jesus
O - others-
Y - yourself.

Meaning you should consider yourself last.

Sounds like doormat indoctrination to me.

mustlovegin · 06/10/2021 08:32

Another religion bashing thread. Also the OP hasn't come back

Naunet · 06/10/2021 08:43

@mustlovegin

Another religion bashing thread. Also the OP hasn't come back
It’s not “bashing” to disagree or not believe.
speakout · 06/10/2021 08:48

It isn't "bashing" to hold religion to account.
Religion has played a huge part in shaping our culture, our patriarchy, giving authorisation to heinous attitudes and practices.
Religion underpins our societ and its evil legacy continues.
We can be an atheist, but we can't escape the greasy fingers of the church.
Of course religion should be held to question.