Being A Christian; An Outsider'S View

Being a Christian; an outsiders view

I am not a Christian. I will not disrespect the religion by claiming that I am. However, I am very interested in the study of religion and especially Christianity!
This article is my ‘chance’ to put across my view of what makes somebody a ‘Christian’.

Many people I’ve spoken to believe that to go to church, pray on Sundays and read the bible makes them a good Christian. These things are without doubt of great importance, but think about this; is a person doing God’s work more by going to church, praying and reading the bible - or doing God’s work more by passing on the morals and values of the faith?

My view has been, since I was at least 13, that if I were to be Christian I would be working harder by helping that old lady with her bags, holding a door open for that man with the broken leg or by forgiving those who offend me. So, although I myself am not Christian, I will honestly tell you that I consider my (and anybody else’s) view as equally essential in understanding the faith.

Many people view religion as a way of life - which is fine by any standard, and cannot be criticized - but I have always considered religion to be a view of life instead.
I believe, as I’m sure many do, that there is no limits to the number of ways the bible can be understood. Personally [in complete innocence] I consider these views to be split into two categories; those who view it as a story, and those who view it as a meaning. Whilst both are compatible, and I will not but dark ink on those who view it as a story, I can see it only as a message. A message to imply that we should think about the meaning to each story, rather than the events which take place.

For example: Take - ‘Noah’s Ark’
"Noah looked on the surface of the earth, and beheld the earth was dry. Soon after, Yahweh told Noah to leave the ark, and bring out the animals, to let them multiply on earth. So Noah did so."

The story of Noah and the great flood is a popular passage, often displayed to young children. My interpretation is that although the great flood swept down, parting all life into two sections - yes and no - he disposed of the evil and wicked, but saved Noah - and many animals in order to keep life blooming in later life.

So, who is any one man or woman to state what the bible really means, when so many interpretations can be accurately explained? Under God, we are considered equal, and so surely even the view of a murderer is of value?

With that, I’ll leave you to ponder a thought, would you carefully consider the view of an outsider, no matter his religion, race, current deeds or those of his past?