The other day, I saw a post from someone, asking what religion others claimed. I began to type "I am a Christian," because that is what I've claimed to be my whole life. And as I typed, I slowly realized that I don't exactly identify as a Christian anymore.
Christian is defined as a person who has received Christian baptism or is a believer in Jesus Christ and his teachings.
I believe in Jesus. I believe He was our Savior, I believe He died on the cross for everyone's sins. I believe that He would want all of us to love one another. I was baptized on March 10, 2013. By that definition, I am a Christian, but sometimes, I really refuse to claim that label. Why? I am not only for gay marriage, I am a gay rights activist. I am pro-choice. I am a feminist. I don't believe that there is such thing as hell. I do not believe it is my job to convert anyone to Christianity. I do not believe it is my job to save anyone from their current religion. I believe as long as someone is happy, it's not my job to tell them if they are living the right way or wrong way. I believe organized religion holds to much control over too many people. I would much rather read my bible at home than go listen to someone else tell me what they mean.
I do attend church, and I love the church I attend. I feel welcomed and at home there. Our pastor is a great man who is always willing to engage in a great discussion with you on your own theology.
Today, many people who claim the religion of Christianity believe it is their job to save others, and convert them to Christianity. Many believe it is a sin to be gay, or transgender. They believe it is their job to introduce people to the word of God and help them understand His love. To an extent, I agree it is our job to show His love. But not the way many believe we should. Many believe that we should hurdle bible verses at people and tell them they are sinning, whereas I believe that we should be showing them unconditional love. We should make people of other religions, lifestyles, sexualities, beliefs, etc.
I believe too many Christians believe that judgement is how to get people to see Christianity, when all it does is make people feel unloved and discriminated against.
I am a firm believer that Jesus would want everyone to feel loved and accepted by His followers. I have seen more hate, judgement, and discrimination from people who label themselves Christians, than I have from people of other religions, and even those who don't claim a religion. The current view of Christianity and Christians from people outside the religion is not one that is positive.
At 19, I am still figuring out my relationship with God. I am still figuring out what to label myself when it comes down to my beliefs and where I stand with religion. I refuse to let anyone else tell me how I should or shouldn't identify religiously. I believe the way I want to believe, and that is my business, and my business alone. And that's okay.
