Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Jilly
why is it necessary for everyone to believe that to be a Christian, one needs to have some "conversion" experience? It's always to some folks about being "saved", when in essence, isn't being "saved" more about learning to live in love and grace? Seriously, sometimes being a Christian just doesn't mean I have to say, "I believe Jesus is my savior", but more about "I'm thinking this love thing is way better than this hate thing and it seems JC did a heck of a job doing that, so maybe I'll get my cues for living from him."
|
Apologies to Simplex, but anyway...
I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I can tell you the reasoning. Christ said, "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by me" (John 14.6). This is a pretty explicit that the only way to God is through Christ. Jesus also said "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). So, if one believes in a literal interpretation of Christ's commandments, one believes that it is incumbent to witness. Many believers also believe that by spreading the good news s/he is saving others from damnation.