I came to believe when I was 18. I had never been to church until I was 13, and we lived a life like a lot of people around us (we celebrated the 'Christian' holidays, but more in the commercial style). I came to believe in God through a Protestant Christian style, and have maintained that. Like I said in a previous post, I don't worship Christianity, I worship Christ (and the Father and Spirit -- I like to think of it as a delegation of responsibilities to 3 alternate personalities...if you study in depth, you will see that each of the three falls into different roles in their interactions with us).

For me, the reason I believe is that I was granted a vision at the time of my conversion, and actually, tangibly, felt the arms of God (Christ) holding on to me in the embrace I needed so badly at the time. (And, no, I wasn't high or drunk, or whatever -- I have never dabbled in drugs). Since I have seen with my own eyes and felt with my own nerve endings, how can I not believe?

If I had come to another religion before Christianity when I was at the point in my life that I was searching for something, I may have believed more along the lines of Islam, or Pagan, or whatever; however, since I believe in Christianity, I have to believe that's the right way to believe, or I wouldn't believe it. For me, it's 'the' way, because, if I acknowledge other ways, I would be going against Christ's teachings, and then would not really be a Christian after all, would I? For me, it's about admitting my shortcomings, and seeking forgiveness when I screw up.

I also believe God forgives all sins, which include the more controversial ones in the news recently. In God's eyes, all sins are equal (that includes asking for a divorce (yes, I know, that's me), homosexual behavior, white lies, gluttony, greed, etc.) and are all forgiven equally when we ask for it. Analogy: once you're in prison, you're a criminal, regardless of why you're there. It doesn't matter if you shoplifted or mass murdered...you're still labeled a criminal in the eyes of the law. That's how I see us sinners in this world; when I admit I did wrong and seek forgiveness, I have served my term and can be free again.

I also don't believe in taking a sermon at face value. If I think something doesn't sound quite right, I will research the Scripture and the background of the original language, etc. If it turns out that a sermon prompts me to change my behavior, then I will, but if it is unfounded rhetoric that cannot be backed up or it is from something taken out of context, I refuse to adopt that into my lifestyle. I want to please God, not the people around me.