Explaining Your Non-Christian Faith to a Beloved Christian

Introduction:

Explaining your non-Christian beliefs to a Christian friend or family member can be challenging, especially if they believe that Christianity is the only path to salvation. However, it's important to communicate openly and honestly, while also embracing the complexity of human thought and belief.

In this article, we will explore strategies for explaining your non-Christian worldview in a way that acknowledges both the beauty and diversity of beliefs, and the individual nature of faith and morality.

Engaging Them with a Dream and Divine Guidance

One way to approach the conversation is by framing your decision in the context of spiritual guidance. You can share that you had a dream where Jesus asked you to take a break from his messages for a while, as you are about to be assigned a significant task. This narrative can explain why you have chosen to distance yourself from traditional Christian practices in a respectful and meaningful way.

You might say:

A few nights ago, I had a dream where Jesus spoke to me. He told me that for a while, I need to distance myself from his teachings and his church, as I am about to be given a crucial task. I am following his guidance and waiting for another dream where he permits me to return and join their chorus or mass.

Sustaining the Conversation

It's important to understand that this explanation is just a part of the larger discussion. Engaging in a deep and thoughtful conversation requires more than one brief exchange. You need to spend time with your loved one, sharing your thoughts and views on the world to help them understand your perspective.

For instance, you might share:

It can't be settled in a few words. You need to spend time with me and see the real me, the way I understand the world. If, after this, he still doesn’t accept me, perhaps he should question his own beliefs, as they seem irrational.

Challenging Stereotypes and Preconceived Notions

Too often, people assume that being good is a privilege of Christians, or that being Christian guarantees goodness. However, this is far from the truth. Being good or bad is an individual trait, not one that can be ascribed to an entire faith or belief system.

You might suggest:

Laughter is often part of the solution, though. Being good is not reserved for Christians, and being Christian is not a guarantee of being good. Being good or bad are individual traits, and thus cannot be categorized by religion alone. Furthermore, you might appear good to someone but not to everyone, and sometimes you may appear good or bad to the same person based on different circumstances and relationships.

Through these conversations, you can help your loved one understand that faith and morality are complex, and that being non-Christian does not inherently make someone bad. It’s about individual choices and personal beliefs.

In conclusion, approaching the conversation with empathy, respect, and openness is key. By sharing stories, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and emphasizing individual traits, you can help bridge the gap between your non-Christian faith and your Christian loved ones.