No two Christians are alike

Last week, “Interview with the Vampire” author Anne Rice left Christianity in the name of Christ and a week later the internets are still abuzz about it. Her statement seems to be almost as contradictory as the Bible itself… almost.

I think it is important to note that Rice left Christianity not over some theological issue concerning God or Jesus being God and a human at the same time. So it doesn’t really make sense to talk about her spirituality as being any different then it was when she professed to be a Christian. Instead, Rice left Christianity for moral reasons. Let's talk about that.

You can read the rest of my response to this topic:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-8928-Philadelphia-Atheism-Examiner~y2010m8d4-On-Faith-Can-Anne-Rice-leave-Christianity-in-the-name-of-Christ

I will be responding to every issue posted in the 'On Faith' section. If you would like to be notified when my new response is up, please subscribe.

Judaism taught respect your neighbor Before the Christian Era: "Do not get equal with one who has done you wrong, or keep hard feelings against the children of your people, but have love for your neighbor as for yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus, 19:18)

And if a man from another country is living in your land with you, do not make life hard for him; Let him be to you as one of your countrymen and have love for him as for yourself; for you were living in a strange land, in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus, 19:33-34)

And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to help him to survive, helping him and also a proselyte from foreign land who is living among you. (Leviticus, 25:35)"

Mr. Silverman writes: "What matters more than what we believe is how we treat one another."

This is an allusion to the so-called "Golden Rule": Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Christ taught this premise in many forms, not the least of which was "love your enemies," and "do good to them who despise and use you."

We cannot divorce what we believe from how we treat one another. What we *believe* dictates *how* we treat others.

If one doubts this, try loving those who despise and use you without believing that God is absolutely Sovereign and that He will ultimately judge all circumstances justly.

Herb Silverman has tidily summed up the whole purpose of life in this wonderful essay when he says "What matters more than what we believe is how we treat one another." This mirrors exactly the sentiments expressed by the likes of Bertrand Russell: "Remember your humanity, and forget the rest." In a world riven by hatred, fear, and bigotry, let us give pause and allow Silverman's words to sink deeply into our hearts.

So true. I have friends in both the Christian and Secular Community and no two are alike. Some of us use Christianity to help explain our existence and others of us use Secularism to make sense where we perceive Christianity to fall short. What matters most to me is that we can have the discussion without recrimination and treat our fellow human beings with love and respect.

Like the Jesusian quote and the snowflake analogy. Treat me with respect and leave my freedoms alone.

Since I reached the conclusion long ago that it is all based on fantasy anyway, I see little value in discussing religion. I do agree with the philosophy that "What matters more than what we believe is how we treat one another". What more is there to say?