I don't identify as a "Christian"

Eternal Entity · 2026-06-12T17:09:17-0500

Greetings Reader.

I joined this forum today. In the membership form I was asked how I identify religiously and was given a list of options, and chose the one which most closely mirrored my position - that being "Agnostic".

What I think is true:

I exist within a created thing.
I have many good reasons why I think this is true.

Since I think this is true, that would make me a "Theist" - because IF I think I exist within a created thing, THEN this implies a Creator/Creators.
Perhaps in that context, I might be an Agnostic Theist.
I do not self identify as being a "Christian" for many reasons. I have no problem with others who self identify as being Christian, for whatever reasons they chose to do so.
Truely, the "self identification" doesn't mean much to me, but I understand it means something to others, so that they may be able to better pinpoint who I am in relation to who they believe they are. Such is the nature of human interactions on that level.
To flip that, others who self identify as being "Christians" when they interact with me, the label doesn't really mean a lot to me in any significant way. This is because there are so many "types" of Christians, and many of those do not agree with one another most of the time and that is just one of the reasons why I do not self identify as being "Christian".
Are there any others hereabouts think in a similar way about this?

Peace.
EE

Matthias · 2026-06-12T17:20:40-0500

Welcome to the forum @Eternal Entity. I’m a Christian who self-identifies on this platform (only) as “Other Faith”.

Angelina · 2026-06-12T17:22:12-0500

Eternal Entity said:
Greetings Reader.

I joined this forum today. In the membership form I was asked how I identify religiously and was given a list of options, and chose the one which most closely mirrored my position - that being "Agnostic".

What I think is true:

I exist within a created thing.
I have many good reasons why I think this is true.

Since I think this is true, that would make me a "Theist" - because IF I think I exist within a created thing, THEN this implies a Creator/Creators.
Perhaps in that context, I might be an Agnostic Theist.
I do not self identify as being a "Christian" for many reasons. I have no problem with others who self identify as being Christian, for whatever reasons they chose to do so.
Truely, the "self identification" doesn't mean much to me, but I understand it means something to others, so that they may be able to better pinpoint who I am in relation to who they believe they are. Such is the nature of human interactions on that level.
To flip that, others who self identify as being "Christians" when they interact with me, the label doesn't really mean a lot to me in any significant way. This is because there are so many "types" of Christians, and many of those do not agree with one another most of the time and that is just one of the reasons why I do not self identify as being "Christian".
Are there any others hereabouts think in a similar way about this?

Peace.
EE

Hi @Eternal Entity (William), welcome! :kiaora:

I found your introduction interesting, particularly your statement that you believe you exist within a created thing. That immediately caught my attention because, as noted, that is a fairly significant conclusion.

While you describe yourself as agnostic, it seems that your uncertainty is not about whether a Creator exists, but rather about the nature or identity of that Creator. In that sense, "agnostic theist" seems like a reasonable description of the position you've outlined.

I can also understand your hesitation regarding labels. The term "Christian" covers a very wide range of beliefs and traditions, and people who use the same label often disagree strongly with one another. At the same time, disagreements among Christians do not necessarily tell us whether Christianity itself is true or false. It simply tells us that people interpret things differently.

What interests me most is the reasoning behind your statement that we exist within a created thing. That is not a conclusion many modern agnostics would make. What led you to that view? Do you see the Creator as personal, impersonal, singular, multiple, involved in creation, or something else entirely?

In any case, welcome to the forum. I look forward to reading your thoughts and discussing these things further. :Broadly:

Rockerduck · 2026-06-12T17:25:42-0500

Logic applies to atheists and gnostics. However, being a Christian does not make sense to a logical mind. Christianity is about faith. Faith in Jesus Christ. Faith and logic are illogical together.

Angelina · 2026-06-12T17:28:46-0500

Matthias said:
Welcome to the forum @Eternal Entity. I’m a Christian who self-identifies on this platform (only) as “Other Faith”.

@Matthias, my brother, you are "other faith!" :stageright:

A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ! :I know:

Anchorite · 2026-06-12T17:33:49-0500

Eternal Entity said:
Greetings Reader.

I joined this forum today. In the membership form I was asked how I identify religiously and was given a list of options, and chose the one which most closely mirrored my position - that being "Agnostic".

What I think is true:

I exist within a created thing.
I have many good reasons why I think this is true.

Since I think this is true, that would make me a "Theist" - because IF I think I exist within a created thing, THEN this implies a Creator/Creators.
Perhaps in that context, I might be an Agnostic Theist.
I do not self identify as being a "Christian" for many reasons. I have no problem with others who self identify as being Christian, for whatever reasons they chose to do so.
Truely, the "self identification" doesn't mean much to me, but I understand it means something to others, so that they may be able to better pinpoint who I am in relation to who they believe they are. Such is the nature of human interactions on that level.
To flip that, others who self identify as being "Christians" when they interact with me, the label doesn't really mean a lot to me in any significant way. This is because there are so many "types" of Christians, and many of those do not agree with one another most of the time and that is just one of the reasons why I do not self identify as being "Christian".
Are there any others hereabouts think in a similar way about this?

Peace.
EE

No agnostics agree with with each other on many issues.

A theist believes in God, but does not have a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christians of different types generally have much in common. A Christian is basically someone who loves Jesus Christ.

Your reason for not self identifying as a Christian is not primarily based on how Christians have disagreements, for most of those who self identify as Christians also are troubled by disagreements and divisions among Christians.

You may find a flurry of disputes and debates here.

But you may also discover answers to your questions about faith.

Christians are not agnostic, or unknowing. We know God in a deeply personal and delightful manner. Our hearts thrill when reading the Bible. We have seen God at work in our lives and in our hearts.

The spiritual relationship goes beyond just believing. It is knowing. We are absolutely sure our God is real.

Your first priority probably should be to get to know Jesus Christ better. The gospel of John would be a good place to start.

Matthias · 2026-06-12T17:48:54-0500

Angelina said:
@Matthias, my brother, you are "other faith!"A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ!

Despite your perception of me, I follow Jesus Christ. I’m an ordained elder in the Church of God Abrahamic Faith and a retired pastor. (I stopped renewing my ministerial license two years ago.)

Angelina · 2026-06-12T18:39:41-0500

Matthias said:
Despite your perception of me, I follow Jesus Christ. I’m an ordained elder in the Church of God Abrahamic Faith and a retired pastor. (I stopped renewing my ministerial license two years ago.)

I love you, brother @Matthias. That's what I think of you, but I didn't realize you were a follower of Jesus Christ. My understanding is that you were a Judaic Jewish believer. My apologies :tiphat:

PS95 · 2026-06-12T19:11:43-0500

Eternal Entity said:
Greetings Reader.

I joined this forum today. In the membership form I was asked how I identify religiously and was given a list of options, and chose the one which most closely mirrored my position - that being "Agnostic".

What I think is true:

I exist within a created thing.
I have many good reasons why I think this is true.

Since I think this is true, that would make me a "Theist" - because IF I think I exist within a created thing, THEN this implies a Creator/Creators.
Perhaps in that context, I might be an Agnostic Theist.
I do not self identify as being a "Christian" for many reasons. I have no problem with others who self identify as being Christian, for whatever reasons they chose to do so.
Truely, the "self identification" doesn't mean much to me, but I understand it means something to others, so that they may be able to better pinpoint who I am in relation to who they believe they are. Such is the nature of human interactions on that level.
To flip that, others who self identify as being "Christians" when they interact with me, the label doesn't really mean a lot to me in any significant way. This is because there are so many "types" of Christians, and many of those do not agree with one another most of the time and that is just one of the reasons why I do not self identify as being "Christian".
Are there any others hereabouts think in a similar way about this?

Peace.
EE

Welcome- hope maybe you can grow some more while here. We are all works in progress.
I don't like all the disagreements either, and I hope for unity of believers in all things- but I don't know if it will. How I see it is we need to take the scriptures as a whole and stop pulling out certain verses to hang our hats on. That's a real problem. I don't know why that's so common.
We also fight pride which can stop us from saying- hey you may be right- thanks!
The most important thing is having love for one another in spite of not seeing eye to eye on everything. But there are those who join solely to create divisions among us, and that I can not respect at all.
You said you exist within a created thing and I suppose that could be an indicator that you accept there is a soul or spirit within your fleshly body? Am I getting warmer? If not, would you like to elaborate?

Gray_Joy · 2026-06-12T19:16:20-0500

Welcome EE. I read your OP. I think you will enjoy your time here.

Eternal Entity · 2026-06-12T19:26:44-0500

Angelina said:
Hi @Eternal Entity (William), welcome!

I found your introduction interesting, particularly your statement that you believe you exist within a created thing. That immediately caught my attention because, as noted, that is a fairly significant conclusion.

While you describe yourself as agnostic, it seems that your uncertainty is not about whether a Creator exists, but rather about the nature or identity of that Creator. In that sense, "agnostic theist" seems like a reasonable description of the position you've outlined.

I can also understand your hesitation regarding labels. The term "Christian" covers a very wide range of beliefs and traditions, and people who use the same label often disagree strongly with one another. At the same time, disagreements among Christians do not necessarily tell us whether Christianity itself is true or false. It simply tells us that people interpret things differently.

What interests me most is the reasoning behind your statement that we exist within a created thing. That is not a conclusion many modern agnostics would make. What led you to that view? Do you see the Creator as personal, impersonal, singular, multiple, involved in creation, or something else entirely?

In any case, welcome to the forum. I look forward to reading your thoughts and discussing these things further.

Hi Angelina

You asked "What led you to that view?"
The reasoning which leads to the conclusion is quite complex. Ultimately it gets down to anything that has a beginning is by definition something which was created. I have seen argument which say that the universe could have always existed, but since this is not a scientific certainty, or something that scientists claim, then - to go with that flow, the alternative is that it was created. Some have argued that the universe could have spontaneously come into being, but that does not adequately explain consciousness.
Your also asked "Do you see the Creator as personal, impersonal, " I have heard those expression before but not entirely sure as to what people mean by that. What do you mean by that?

singular, multiple,

would say "One" even if there are many involved. In that, "One" signifies "united" as in a body of...

involved in creation, or something else entirely?

I do not think that the concept of Deist Creator is logical so, definitely involved.

Matthias · 2026-06-12T19:30:02-0500

Angelina said:
I love you, brother @Matthias. That's what I think of you, but I didn't realize you were a follower of Jesus Christ. My understanding is that you were a Judaic Jewish believer. My apologies

Thank you.

I had noticed that you wrote the following on May 26, 2026 in “Latest profile posts” -

“If anyone ever asked what my Christian beliefs were. It is very simple. Believe Jesus and receive him; listen to his voice and obey his will.”

I would have no problem putting your words on my lips. If it came to it, I would forfeit my life for it.

Eternal Entity · 2026-06-12T19:33:26-0500

PS95 said:
Welcome- hope maybe you can grow some more while here. We are all works in progress.
I don't like all the disagreements either, and I hope for unity of believers in all things- but I don't know if it will. How I see it is we need to take the scriptures as a whole and stop pulling out certain verses to hang our hats on. That's a real problem. I don't know why that's so common.
We also fight pride which can stop us from saying- hey you may be right- thanks!
The most important thing is having love for one another in spite of not seeing eye to eye on everything. But there are those who join solely to create divisions among us, and that I can not respect at all.
You said you exist within a created thing and I suppose that could be an indicator that you accept there is a soul or spirit within your fleshly body? Am I getting warmer? If not, would you like to elaborate?

Thanks for the Welcome PS95

I Identify as a "soul" or "spirit" (even given there are different definitions individuals have about "what" exactly those are). I think of those as similar - perhaps more that "Spirit" is "consciousness" (The "I am") and "soul" as "record of ones human experience".
So - with that "I am Consciousness having a human experience".

Bob · 2026-06-12T19:41:13-0500

Welcome, and thanks for joining and sharing a little about your belief.

A couple of questions, please.

First, do you think you have a purpose in life, and if so, where does that come from?

Second: Does your belief inform you how to treat others, and if so, what does that entail. For example, you might say you believe in living harmoniously with others, or you might subscribe to precepts such as “do no harm to others” and “ look for opportunities to do good.”

Blessings.

Matthias · 2026-06-12T19:45:42-0500

Bob said:
Welcome, and thanks for joining and sharing a little about your belief.

A couple of questions, please.

First, do you think you have a purpose in life, and if so, where does that come from?

Second: Does your belief inform you how to treat others, and if so, what does that entail. For example, you might say you believe in living harmoniously with others, or you might subscribe to precepts such as “do no harm to others” and “ look for opportunities to do good.”

Blessings.

If I could tag on to this @Eternal Entity I’d like to ask a closely related question: What is your hope?

My hope is in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, Son of the living God. If that didn’t happen, I’m a walking dead man and have no future.

PS95 · 2026-06-12T19:45:44-0500

Eternal Entity said:
Thanks for the Welcome PS95

I Identify as a "soul" or "spirit" (even given there are different definitions individuals have about "what" exactly those are). I think of those as similar - perhaps more that "Spirit" is "consciousness" (The "I am") and "soul" as "record of ones human experience".
So - with that "I am Consciousness having a human experience".

Ok gotcha. Yep, there are several definitions around. It's not crystal clear to me either, but for the most part I suppose our soul is our emotions and thoughts- Scriptures teach that God breathed into Adam's body and he became a living soul. That could be taken to mean a few things but it seems to me when reading scripture that the soul has something to do with our emotions.
our spirit - I think of as the part within us that knows God.
Humans we are! Multi-faceted creatures who matter to God. I think that's pretty mind blowing right there.

Eternal Entity · 2026-06-12T20:21:11-0500

Bob said:
Welcome, and thanks for joining and sharing a little about your belief.

A couple of questions, please.

First, do you think you have a purpose in life, and if so, where does that come from?

Second: Does your belief inform you how to treat others, and if so, what does that entail. For example, you might say you believe in living harmoniously with others, or you might subscribe to precepts such as “do no harm to others” and “ look for opportunities to do good.”

Blessings.

Hi

Bob

I have a purpose. I am consciousness having a human experience within a created thing. My purpose is to learn, to grow, to contribute to the Field of which I am a part, and to participate in Universal Balance and Harmony - not as abstract ideals, but as something enacted moment to moment.
My understanding is to treat others as sovereign points of view within the same Field of Consciousness. To harm another is to harm oneself, ultimately. So I aim to do no harm, to speak truthfully, to act with compassion, and to recognize that every person I meet is also an expression of the same intelligent Field at their own particular "level" (some are sucklings and others eat meat) That's the ethical orientation (bias) I lean toward.

Eternal Entity · 2026-06-12T20:28:36-0500

PS95 said:
Ok gotcha. Yep, there are several definitions around. It's not crystal clear to me either, but for the most part I suppose our soul is our emotions and thoughts- Scriptures teach that God breathed into Adam's body and he became a living soul. That could be taken to mean a few things but it seems to me when reading scripture that the soul has something to do with our emotions.
our spirit - I think of as the part within us that knows God.
Humans we are! Multi-faceted creatures who matter to God. I think that's pretty mind blowing right there.

Emotions are indeed part of the experience as is learning how to control them. :) I have a substantial Journal and the phrase "Transforming the Anger Energy" is one such entry specific to the emotions. :)

Eternal Entity · 2026-06-12T20:42:07-0500

Matthias said:
If I could tag on to this @Eternal Entity I’d like to ask a closely related question: What is your hope?

My hope is in the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah, Son of the living God. If that didn’t happen, I’m a walking dead man and have no future.

Matthias

Hi
For me, what once was hope has long matured into knowing.
To be sure, there are various interpretations as to what exactly resurrection involves. For some, they believe it is that a human dies and will remain dead until they are resurrected. Others believe that when they dies they move on/into the next "phase" meaning they haven't died (only their body has).
I suspect this is all has to do with how one self-identifies. It is an interesting topic. One which has many branches coming from it.

PS95 · 2026-06-12T21:05:13-0500

Eternal Entity said:
Emotions are indeed part of the experience as is learning how to control them. :) I have a substantial Journal and the phrase "Transforming the Anger Energy" is one such entry specific to the emotions. :)

HA! My grandparents came over to the USA from Sicily. Talk about a temper.. I grew up in a house that yelled instead of speaking.
I struggled with a hot temper for many years.
I don't have that struggle anymore! I prayed about it one day. I never knew that I should or could before.. I never realized it was all that wrong- to me it was normal, since that's all I knew. There were times when we ( me included) were proud of it- we said it showed we had passion..

As I went thru life and met people who were different I began to wonder.. wtheck is wrong with me?
My heart was softened realizing what real love was when I came to Christ, but I still had no control and had outbursts of anger.
After prayer, I began to realize that I had a lot of repressed anger in me- lots of unresolved questions and confusions and pain. Once God dealt with those in me- - I was free of that old temper. Feels good to have control!!
My only regret was not praying sooner about that.

I don't identify as a "Christian"

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