Is... This normal...?

[Naga Kisaki]

Being a young teenager and a christian nowadays is pretty tough, espcially in a small town like I live in. And I do try to act like a christian, but I have a bad problem with something...

I'm scared of people of other religions. Muslim. Jew. Buddhisum. Anything that's not totallyjust plain christan, I have trouble with. Catholic, things like that. I'm afriad because I don't understand what other religions it's safe to assossiate with. I'm scared of hanging ot with a religion that ends up going against God at all, Because I don't want to unwittingly get close to someone who's not going to Heaven.

Does anyone else have this problem? Being afraid of people of other religions? Or is it just me? Does anyone have any advice? I feel like this is wrong, somehow, That I feel like this.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

It is hard but at some time you're going to have to climb out of your Christian bubble comfort zone if you want to help build up the Kingdom of God and tell people about Jesus.
The first step is just to be a good friend to them. Then when you get to know each other better they may see your unconditional love and ask why you bother. Then you can bring up the subject of Jesus and tell what he's done in your life and what a difference he's made.

Hope this helps. Pray about it and just step out there in faith and give it a go.
God Bless!

[Naga Kisaki]

But How do I bring up the subject of Jesus without scaring them away? That's always been a puzzle to me, How to break the ice on the topic.

[Heart of Sword]

If the subject of Jesus scares them away, that's their problem, not yours. Present the Gospel as it is and the Holy Spirit will take care of their hearts.

[~Natsumi Lam~]

na .. not scared of other religions... just watchful and keeping my heart gaurded....


After i mature in christianity and God put it on my heart that it was ok to check out [as a defence and knowledge tactic] other religions... i did so.

I just can usually feel or know what they are when i meet them because i am so outspoken about christianity... so it kinda ooozzes from me. So i usually know and know who to avoid in arguments.

I say pray about wisdom and dicernment .... and wait till God says it is ok to jump on studing other religions so that " You will know how to answer when asked" <--- refering to your faith.

~NL~

[PHSYCOAT]

BE FIRMLY GROUNDED IN CHRIST, THAT YOUR FAITH CAN NOT BE SHAKEN. BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING BUT PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING, TELL GOD YOUR NEEDS AND DON'T FORGET TO THANK HIM FOR HIS ANSWERS. PHILLIPIANS 04;07

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS IN THE LORD.DO NOT BE TERRIFIED, DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED, FOR THE LORD YOU'R GOD WILL BE WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO. JOSHUA 01;O9

A Christian lifestyle is a way of living every moment of our lives with Jesus Christ at the very centre of it. It is easy to say, but difficult to do.


We cannot put Christ at the very centre without first denying ourselves, and putting aside some of our own inclinations and desires. A Christian lifestyle has values, decisions, and choices that reflect the presence of Christ.


Joy and gladness should also be evident in our lifestyle. This does not mean that those who live in faith laugh off their troubles or have no troubles at all. Instead, we can be assured that God is with us in those times of trial and that in turn gives rise to joy and hope.


And hope is the confidence that we shall one day fully claim God's promises that are made through Jesus Christ and revealed in the Scriptures.


We can practice all kinds of spiritual disciplines and set aside an hour each day for personal devotions. But unless our daily walk reflects our faith, unless others can see Christ in our lives wherever we are or whatever we are doing, unless what we do matches exactly what we say, then we are surely nothing more than a "sheep in wolf's clothing."


A simple phrase to remember if you feel temptation is gettin the better of you.


"What would Jesus do?

http://www.facelessgeneration.co.uk/15905.html

[lostlamb99]

Is it too late to make a suggestion? lol. I know what you mean but unlike most ppl in this site ( I think my friend and I am the only ones who are atm) I grew up in a christian home in SAUDI ARABIA. Yeah in teh capital of Islam. Funny thing is I grew side by side with Islam coz it was everywhere but my faith was still kept on Jesus. It's normal to get scared coz you don't knwo what to say to them. I used to get into debates with my Muslim classmates because of this. But God has taught em how to share His Word without focusing on teh religious differences but instead on the Messsage He wants to give. Whenever confronted don't try to prove whose religion is right or wrong like I used to. It'll make a BIG MESS. And keep praying.

P.S. Try to learn more about their religion so you'll knwo what to do whenever teh chance comes. Oh about that thing that they won't go to heaven. We're not sure about taht either unless of course you tell 'em about Christ but in teh end if you died without hearing teh Word of God (take note of "if phrase") it's up to jesus to decide on His fate. So just keep on praying.

[Stephen]

Just a friendly note. Do NOT let this become a Catholic debate thread.

[Eriana]

Being a young teenager and a christian nowadays is pretty tough, espcially in a small town like I live in. And I do try to act like a christian, but I have a bad problem with something...

I'm scared of people of other religions. Muslim. Jew. Buddhisum. Anything that's not totallyjust plain christan, I have trouble with. Catholic, things like that. I'm afriad because I don't understand what other religions it's safe to assossiate with. I'm scared of hanging ot with a religion that ends up going against God at all, Because I don't want to unwittingly get close to someone who's not going to Heaven.

Does anyone else have this problem? Being afraid of people of other religions? Or is it just me? Does anyone have any advice? I feel like this is wrong, somehow, That I feel like this.

You know what your problem is?
Your natural and godly and this is a good sense of thinking. I was scared to follow any other religions but you know what? That seperates you from all the other people out there that have no knowledge of God. You aren't weird. Your having a case of the wanting to follow God. Never change who you are for God, He knows your heart better than anyone else and believe me, He loves you and I think that if you look to Him you will always make the right decision. Don't fret over this. I think there is nothing wrong with what your going through. Keep strong to God and it shall be rewarding. The joys of obeying... so don't worry. I don't think there's a thing wrong with you!

[TurkishMonky]

study up on other religions or cults, so you know where they stand, as well as study up on your theology to know where you stand. Then you'll have knowlege to discuss spiritual issues with your friends if they ever come up.

[termyt]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. It sounds to me like you are still developing your own faith. You should not step out of your "Christian bubble" until you are ready to do so. In the meantime, learn your own faith. Read the Bible, pray, and attend Bible studies and church services to build up your own knowledge and faith.

Only once you are sure of what you believe can you minister to others of different religions. If you get into religious discussions while you are not prepared to do so, it will turn out ugly as lostlamb99 said.

[Lynx]

i start witnessing to a lot of people by talking about what they believe. That not only helps you understand what they believe and why but also paves the way for you to talk to them about Christ and them be more willing to listen to you because you just listened to them. i find that people are most receptive when you dont argue or debate with them, but rather discuss.

[starstoryteller]

Live out your faith in your life. And be REALLY careful about what you say.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

lots of reading! here are 2 books I highly recommend. They may be a bit hard to read. but worth it! There are youth editions if the reading level is a bit hard.

*clickable links*
Jesus Among Other Gods The Absolute Claims Of The Christian Message

there is also a youth edition of this
Jesus Among Other Gods The Absolute Claims Of The Christian Message: Youth Edition

also the case for faith is good
The case for faith

and there is also a youth edition.
The Case for Faith: Student Edition

[Stephen]

Having spoke with other staffers, this thread really should have been locked. If for nothing else, the fact that Catholics might feel singled out by the opening post. *hits a button*