July 30th, 2010
11:03 AM ET
Anne Rice leaves ChristianityLegendary author Anne Rice has announced that she’s quitting Christianity. The “Interview with a Vampire” author, who wrote a book about her spirituality titled "Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession" in 2008, said Wednesday that she refuses to be “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.” Rice wrote, “For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian ... It's simply impossible for me to ‘belong’ to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.”
Rice then added another post explaining her decision on Thursday: “My faith in Christ is central to my life. My conversion from a pessimistic atheist lost in a world I didn't understand, to an optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God is crucial to me," Rice wrote. "But following Christ does not mean following His followers. Christ is infinitely more important than Christianity and always will be, no matter what Christianity is, has been or might become.” |
In this verse, God knew in the future that there will be misguided community that will create new version of God (Triune- besides Father, there is Son and Holy Spirit in Oneness ). So He addressed this matter in the verses below
"I am the first, and I am the last, and beside Me there is no God" (Isaiah 44:6).
Do not put your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no salvation (Psalm 146:3)
"You are My witnesses," says the Lord, "and My servant whom I chose," in order that you know and believe Me, and understand that I am He; before Me no God was formed and after Me none shall be. I, I am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior. (Isaiah 43:10-11)
I simply could not go away your site before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard info a person supply for your guests? Is gonna be back frequently to check up on new posts
You could certainly see your expertise in the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren't afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.
All those interested in Anne Rice and her religious views MUST read this important article: http://daisybrain.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/woman-not-as-famous-as-anne-rice-changes-her-religious-views/
1 esp is ancestral virtual reality of 4D. But the Universe is at least 19 dimensions, and via black / worm holes unknown numbers thereof.
With that many peek-a-boo items, babies beoing ultrasounded are somewhat anxious.People have mental breakdowns in the womb and cannibalism ensues.
Mystics of all religions agree on 80% of what is right. Humor is the other 20%, which is why J.R.R. TRANSLATED "tHE BOOK OF jonah" in the Jerusalem Bible.
The worst thing to do is to judge when not backed into a corner. But it happens all the time, so temptation to do such is hilariouslh widespread, as Pastor Melissa Scottt would say.
The quasi-scientific deceit of believing that humanity is a God is a bit shaky, even out-of-kilter - we don't know what wedon't know, as Einstein said.
Every 1000 years a new prophet usually comes, whose example seeems to catch the imagination of a few of the generations living alive at thsat time.
iNSTEAD OF
You should take part in a contest for one of the finest websites on the internet. I will highly recommend this website!
[...]here are some hyperlinks to web sites that we link to mainly because we feel they're worth visiting[...]
I have to confess that i sometimes get bored to learn the entire thing however i believe you possibly can add some value. Bravo !
Wow - Wow!!!
What an amazing outpouring of responses this short story drew!
What I undersrtand of this is that Anne Rice told a story that for her is personally meaningful and true.
And I understand that each person who responded to her story, did so in terms of their valuing of a story thart they find meaningful and true.
So - what IS meaningful and true in this life?
It seems to me that whjatever story we conceive to be meaninfgul and true - is in fact so - for us.
For anybody else - that depends on their own chosen story.
Merry Christmas!
Al
Ah the core is indeed that this Jesus guy and the basic teachings are not bad. Hey I am not a christian but I could like that Jesus guy.
The problem is the asshats who have their churches. Who rules by fear who wear the mask of the lie! I can understand why some people are christian yes. And you know I am sure many of them just try to be decent people. It is to bad the church is such a negative influence.
Christ would stand with those who go against the churches of today. That is so obvious...As they say "You are not Jesus" ...
Right on Anne Rice!!! I love her for who she is and not for how everyone would want her to be....I feel the same way she does about God......most christians seem so judgemental, yet they wish they could "sin" like others do...that is why they are so miserable..they are trying to live up to an expectation they think God has for them....no one knows....!! Who knows what God really wants...if the Bible is true or not....!
We now live in a world where every religon is tainted. The only truth we have left is within
As a father there were things my kids wanted to do that I didn't let them do because I was mature and knew that there was danger. Like wise we have a heavenly Father that loves us and wants the best for us. An engineer has designed a process and he knows what works and what doesn't, if you were to do this process but were doing it the wrong way a way that could cause a chemical reaction. Would it be mean to warn of the dangerous outcome.
Opinions are like navels, everyone has one. So if we would like to navigate this life we have an owners manual it's called the Bible. If we after learning what is the right way and the wrong way continue to go the way that is contrary to the Bible how can you say that these people are mean spirited or evil.
We choose to go the wrong way because we don't know the Father and the Love of God is not in us.
Thanks for being so negative Anne, good job. Why don't you come out of the closet now, please.
Love the sinner...hate the sin!
THIS IS WHY THE ENTIRE BIBLE IS CRITICAL. Jesus told that perfectly looking on the outside young rich ruler "sell everything then follow me"
Dude was holding on to stuff in his life, living for things in this world which 1 John 2:15 says "do not love the world or anything in it"
The other guy that walked away said "first let me bury my dad" his dad wasn't dead yet – he was saying wait til I get my inheritance then I'll follow you! No, wrong answer.
If Anne Rice loves gays and feminists then she wold be truthful and honest with them like Jesus would.
For those people that look at carnal Christians (people that say they are Christian like a label but do not live a life of it) ya look at those people and say Christianity is not for you – NO, don't do that.
MY FRIENDS JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES WARNED TIME AFTER TIME AFTER TIME AFTER TIME FALSE TEACHERS, FALSE CHRISTS would come and are all ready in the world and even today of course we SEE THEM EVERYWHERE.
Stop blaming false teachers and carnal Christians for why you want to live your own carnal life running from God!
I left the Church of Scotland many years ago. Not because I did not believe but because of narrow minded church members who could not see any other way to the top of the mountain but their way no ifs or buts.
Jesus was a Jew and his followers were Jewish. Jesus never preached "Christianity". Christianity originated with the Gospels and the (extremely Judeophobic) Roman papal construct of Catholic Church. I would speculate that had the historic Jesus been around, he would have nothing to do with the organized Christianity. By leaving the church while insisting on following Jesus, does Anne Rice imply she is converting to Judaism?
Personally, I think she is a very confused person, just beginning to wade out of her self-inflicted pseudo-spiritual morass. And a highly overblown, but very mediocre author.
I applaud Anne Rice's decision to step out of the "box" that the Christian hardline has put us in to. i've questioned that mindset since i was 18, and i'm considerably older now, but kept my thoughts to myself, and just watched the drama. In following and studying the political/historical/archaeological information published inthe past 40 years regarding the pre-christian/Christian era, it would seem to me that all the answers havent been disclosed by those in power thru the ages and that there is "the rest of the story" somewhere for us to discover. I have no doubt there is a creator, and that jesus existed, and that he was who he was and has had a great impact on our life values, but, here is a thought.....What would it be like today, if John the Baptist's were more successful in their campaign than Jesus' followers? Spare me the answers, it's a rhetorical question.
Jesus (peace be upon him)' words: "Elohi, elohi, lama sabachtani?" "My God, My God, Why have YOU forsaken ME?" Question number one: If I'm God, then why should I address myself in second person? "David, David, why have you forsaken me?" But Jesus didn't even call his own name. He said "My God". Then we can clearly know it all. I do believe in God Almighty, as Jesus his messenger did. But I do not believe Jesus was God. I believe in the true God, the one to whom Jesus addressed his prayers. May the peace of the Lord be upon you all.
Many people quit organised religions because they have bad experiences. Look at the internet. You only have to look on the boards to see the hostility of some. Nevertheless there are genuine reasons for avoiding religious groups of any kind, you have countless experiences with people making nasty comments that upsets you and distracts you from your real goal of seeking the divine. They exploit you and take your money when you have bills to pay and get you to volunteer when you are more poor than anyone else. Is atrocious behavior. In reality people are simply busy with their families or fully loaded with responsibilities that makes them snappish. How can you fail to notice the 'Marthas' of the world anxiously running around after one problem after the next? World expects you to be occupied and busy, not seeking peace. I resent the time I lost in religious groups. Costed me. If you're sensible then you should rightly keep your faith as a personal pursuit and if society allows, if economic conditions allow, if they can be reasonable, then you earn a living. How you can do that in the face of certain absurd government policies, such as high debt, is not really very clear but then you muddle through somehow. World has changed from when the older generation was starting out and it's a lot more difficult now for the youth to build the life they want.
Hi I think everybody got ms. Anne wrong including me. She did not leave the Church. She left the hypocrisy of the church. To the best of my knowledge Catholicism considers every human being one of God;s children and there for part of the Church. You may not be a card carrying member or a Catholic in good standing what church types would call practicing. I don't know of a way to leave the human race. Do you? All I think miss Anne is asking is why are so many crappy things such as intolerance and suppression part of the Church? Is it social control like governments do. Is it suppression of theology or people? Is it a nanny state philosophy like our current us government? I think like Ms. Anne we are all looking for answers on why the world is as messed up as it is. http://evolvednotcloned.blogspot.com/
I don't think that the Reverend Martin Luther King would have agreed that Christianity is bigoted and "anti-Democrat".
Pfffffft.
Most Christians do not understand Christianity.
Anne Rice has never impressed me that she understood it either.
What testimony has Anne Rice ever had?
Where has Ms. Rice ever taken a public stand on Christian matters?
Ms. Rice's so called departure from organized Christianity is...remarkably meaningless.
I left christianity at the age of 18. I realized at a young age that organized religon seemed to be the 'ultimate con' as I would see the pastor pull into the parking lot in his mercedes, his daughter carring a designer handbag that my mother would never be able to afford, and then latter watch the plate be passed around while everone listened to a sermon about very narrow mined beliefs. My children are not allowed to go to church untill they turn 18 if they wish, as we follow our own beliefs from home without giving anyone money.
alhamdulillah... you're one step closer to being a muslim. study further and soon you'll find your way to islam!
For far too long, religion – like politics, ethics, etc. – has been defined by voices shouting out from the extremes. How refreshing for someone of Anne's stature to speak out so succinctly and boldly and say what so many of us should be voicing were we not so busy acting like sheeple to impress the neighbors and squeeze God's pitchman at the local megachurch in with our countless other family and personal commitments. A welcomed blitz of books from everyday Joe's is fast emerging to encourage us all to reclaim the broad middle ground of religion – the millions of shades of color that exist between black and white. "IF GOD STOPS WORKING: Rethinking Religion to Find a Faith That's Real" (ifgodstopsworking-dot-com) is my own humble attempt – and is quickly gaining a following. Not a pitch, just a call for others to rise up and let our collective voices be heard. Welcome to the fast-growing ranks of "unchurched" believers, Anne.
this is a funny discussion to me... Modern Christianity is really just "Paulism"... hehe
She obviously belonged to a church that carried the principles of Christianity into a lack of love. She got into the wrong church. They're not all politically driven.
To those who say Anne Rice should stay in a church to be with believers even though she realizes that there is no perfection in a church, it's too difficult and against one's spirit if you attend a church where so many of the beliefs (translate rules and regulations) you can't stomach anymore. If I remember correctly, she became a Catholic, and there's no way to stay comfortably in that church and socialize with the other members if you don't believe half of what they're saying. And that goes for any church really. I converted to Catholicism many years ago, and I no longer can tolerate the rigidity of that religion. I understand what it is to love Christ and have a relationship with Jesus without being within the tight structure of an organized religion.
Anne, continue to Love Jesus and Accept Him as your Lord and Savior! That is the Only way for Salvation. You don't have to leave Christianity, only the narrow-minded people who purport to be Christians if they offend you. There are many other Christians who still live the good Christian life and teach others by example what Christianity is all about. So, I am for Staying a Christian but you can also teach those who are not living the Christian life, by example, if they are so inclined to learn. That would also exemplify your Christian nature.
Why announce this? Good for her for finally realizing what the enlightened know – that religion is simply a means of controlling the flock.
Luxury condo? Retribution for sinners? Sounds like the Biblical definition of Heaven (mansions and no sinners). But, you stated that if things were that way then you would be a non-thinking goldfish. So therefore, you're devoting your life to hopefully becoming a non-thinking goldfish for eternity!! The only difference is it's a non-escapable goldfish bowl in which you spend eternity praising the finally visible supreme goldfish.
You've just stated existence would be boring and meaningless without reason and thought – just imagine eternity with nothing to think about.
Think about it.
@mmorris ure so rite, how qiuk we are in 4getin christ. ps the bible says we shuld accept the word of God 4 what it really is, the word of God .and not some mere human thinkin
Following Christ is not a popular decision. But it is one of those decisions that you are either all in or all out. There is no in between. Jesus said you either love me or hate me. You either deny yourself or your deny Christ. You are either on "team Jesus"or "team Satan". The fact is that God hates sin. God so loved the world that gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, as the wages of their sin deserved, but have everlasting life. All sin is wrong and deserving of hell. But I am grateful that the payment has already been received and all I have to do is accept it. And I choose to live as such and tell anyone who God brings in my path about it. The gospel is not to guilt or shackle down but to liberate! Christians don't hate people but they love God and God's precepts more, and live by them. Anything that is against God is against us as well. God hates sin but loves the sinner, and we as Christians are to imitate that. When Christ is the center of your life you don't live off of your emotions, political correctness, or what the world says is acceptable. When Christ is the center of your life, you make the hard decisions in accordance with the scriptures and what they teach. No, I am not perfect, nor is any other believer but we are cleansed by the blood. That doesn’t excuse our sin but it washes it away. Through Christ we are made holy. Till our last breath, God will be purifying us to be more like Him. Our desire for ourselves and others is to please the Father! We are to love our neighbors by desiring the things of God and pointing towards Jesus. We don't just place bandaids on the wounds of those we love and say it's going to be alright, No we clean it up, check for severity, and then administer the proper aid or go to the hospital where they can take care of it, so that it heals well. Again I know this isn’t popular, but glorifying my Lord and Savior is a whole lot more important to me then anything else. It’s hard, but it is the life that was chosen for me, by God Himself! (And I will admit that many of us, Christians, are a little screwy in the ways we execute our beliefs and I would even go as far to say that we sin in the process, but we are still human. And it is a struggle for us, as well. We don’t always do or say the right thing. But it doesn’t make the message any less true. I know that Jesus will prevail despite us Christians… Despite you or Me!) Jesus loves you and dies on the cross for your sins. He was burried and rose again. He is God. And one day will return as the judge! Call on Him and repent! God Bless!
Religion is made by "men". Christ is not!
It sounds as though Anne has a sermon or two inside of HER. I am a Christian who is gay and has a Earth and Space Science degree. I live in TN in the buckle of the Bible Belt, but I have been blessed that I found a church that accepts (FOR REAL) everyone. MCC's teach of Christ's love and how we should love one another, not use that love as a weapon to kill, downtrod, or belittle anyone. Christ was not a Christian, so those who say if you are not a Christian then you can not go to Heaven, I simply say that is fine with me because I want to go where Christ is and since he was not a Christian then he must not be there either. Besides, I have seen more non-Christians acting more Christlike than those who weild their Bibles as though they were Uzi's.
I was a Jewish kid that went to an all Christian private school for 12 years. As an adult, I am a strong atheist and ashamed to the core of my Jewish heritage because of the teachers and students' daily prejudices. Christians are the WORST human beings ever to walk this earth, and they should be ashamed to call themselves followers of Christ, whom, I believe, intended for humans to be kind, not judge, and respect their fellow man. Christianity is nothing more than a cult of weak minded individuals hiding some evil secret of their heart – and it makes their blood pump cool and divides sensitivity from soul.
Dave,
I am a christian and know I have sin, "for if we say we have no sin the truth is not in us," I John 1:8-9. But if we ask for forgiveness
with a sincere here heart "he is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."These verses are designed to remind us that we all are lawless humans that need to be constantly humble before god on our knees in all humility. The apostle Paul stated he was the Chiefest of sinners as well. That is no secret to the humble in spirit.
I too at times become discouraged and dismayed by imperfect and outright sinful Christians. But I soon realize that, as Christ pointed our in the Gospels, that his flock would always be living as wheat among the tares, which includes churchgoers- and Muslims, atheists, and the rest. No surprise here- the Pauline chapters have much to say about sin in the early Church, yet encourages Christians to continue to do good, as well as build up the Body.
Yet I am saddened to hear that Anne Rice has decided to become her own Pope. The Gospel is meant to be transforming, not transformed, and the Catholic Church doesn't need any more "Nancy Pelosi Christians." I commend her on at least not pretending to be a Christian anymore.
Wounded Joe, I wish above all things that the quitters and the antis will be given the understanding of what you have written by the Almighty God and that He will forgive them because they do not know what they are doing. They should remember that the Bible as God's word is constant as such what ever their believe it cannot change a dot from it. Come to Christ now before it is too let.
I'm a Christian and from day one found out that there are a lot of so-called followers who are not what they say. We are required to love our neighbor, God, and ourself in a healthy way. So many Christians today want to put on a outward show and live with inward vices of hate, anger, prejudice, and non-loving thoughts. Jesus never went around spreading this type of message or agenda, but many of his so-called followers do this very thing today.
Anne Rice has left the dogma of organized religion that practices under the collective umbrella of "Christianity." She has not, nor will she abandon the truth of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Maybe she can do adult films now????? I hope so, she is smoking HOT!!!!
Anne, I understand where you're coming from. I have struggled with the beliefs and exclusions of some Christian denominations as well. It also seems that the only media coverage Christians receive is from the most extreme groups. There is no perfect Christian denomination; however, I have found that most United Methodists follow their mantra, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors," especially in more educated, urban areas. Don't give up on all Christian denominations.
Rice what do you expect out of any religion. All religions have created separation among human being. Has any God of any religion came down and said no to those who ridiculed or tortured people not believing their religion. Friends, religion is an idea created by human being, inserted as virus in followers head that drives their mentality.
Shocking, shocking news! But wait there's more:
http://daisybrain.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/woman-not-as-famous-as-anne-rice-changes-her-religious-views/
How brilliant she is.. bravo!
Who gives a crap. The fact that she gave this religion a chance shows how high her IQ really is...
Good for her. She finally found TRUE Christianity. You are suppose to follow Jesus, not a man, men, church. The "Church" is a meeting place for those who follow Chirst. This gets forgotten and even lost in religion.
Anne Rice: "Possibly I still belong to the Body of Christ." http://www.examiner.com/x-26772-San-Francisco-Apologetics-Examiner~y2010m8d1-Anne-Rice–Possibly-I-still-belong-to-the-Body-of-Christ
I can see where Anne is coming from, although I am one who has not given up on my local church. The only thing that matters is following Christ (not his followers) and living as He lived. The only way you can have that kind of life following Christ is to accept that His death and sacrifice is the only way to be saved from the sinful nature we all have.
I agree with what she is saying! The biggest turn-off to Christianity is other Christians. However, if you understand spiritual warfare, people who try and follow Christ get attacked spiritually the most by the devil and his minios. Therefore, its a catch-22 in that the people supposedly having the most joy, appear the most depressed. That is why it is so important to stay withthe Word everyday, everyday.
Going to church means absolutely nothing!! It is about a love relationship. If you love your spouse, you will spend time, communicate, think of them first, etc. It is about reciprocity, recycling love with a genuine heart to help others and harvest souls for the end times for Christ. Obviously, it is getting near the end on earth as we know it. Things none of us have seen in our lifetime are happening at a more rapid pace.
So my daughter decided to take up smoking at the ripe old age of 10. Her sister's friends caught her here in our local park with her friends puffing away. I strongly disagreed with her decision and I punished her. I guess by some statndards I am a hateful person to disagree with her decision to smoke.
I am not sure what church you folks have attended but the churches I have attended have said hate sin love the sinner.
So many things we say are opinions of our own – what matters is God's opinion – therefore I agree wthi the person that says to seek out God not man.
Christianity, christiandom, Chris-chanity (as the southern baptists say) is a brand. It's been so processed that it's without taste or substance. The earliest people in the Jesus movement thought they were Jews and had to meet in secret because they were social and political radicals.
Anne,
The Body, Blood, Soul and Divity of Christ is the Source and Summit of our Catholic faith. Let nothing and no one keep you from it. To what parish did you belong? What you describe IS NOT PART OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH. None of us are perfect. Forgive and have mercy towards those Catholics who have behaved badly.
Anne, I was in your place some years ago. It is unfortunate that in some circles, Christianity is politicized. We are to feel the same love, compassion and mercy for others that Christ has and emulate him. You can win no one to Christ with bitterness like that you have witnessed. Expect growth in your faith and I hope that a sensitive individual, as yourself, can find a community of believers wiho are working to be more like Christ and more merciful. We need not feel that to love others held in distain because of their practices is wrong. Our Lord hung out with the same kind of people and they need the love and mercy of Christianity the most. These people need tender care and the Word of God. Sometimes we go through a period of questioning and, yes, even rejection. This is called, in spiritual circles, The Dark Night of the Soul. When you come out of this, you will be all the better for it. May God's mercy and compassion be with you at all times.
“My faith in Christ is central to my life…” ~ Anne Rice
No…being a liberal is central to her life. For Anne, having a relationship with her ‘Jesus’ is only secondary to her. She's smarter than God; (or so she thinks).
Give me a break people; we are all HYPOCRITES – just ask your spouse or parents who knows the game face you put on for everyone else! Anyone with a flippin OPINION is judging others when u disagree and this is OK because we are all HUMAN – not CHRIST. How about a lil HUMILITY from EVERYONE?
Chelsea, you should read Acts.
Allot is known about Christ. You need to read about the 40 days he spent teaching to the disciples after the resurrection.
I really hate the lots of individuals like to generalize on the Internet. Christians, those people, organized religion, etc. etc. It’s a short cut to thinking if you ask me.
She would be smart to get back to the roots of good worship and praise but in recent years due to our president's birthday and religion in good progress, many churches downtown soon started worshipping and praising Obama and calling him Jesus Christ. In a way, he is the quintessential Christ of the age. He is a good family man and has a good charasmatic intellect that can revolutionize America into a utopia. Technology can be a protege of our good president Obama and America will be like Heaven. Why take a trip to "Heaven" when you can create Heaven here on earth? Doesn't it make more sense to create our new Heaven here on earth instead of playing politics and going by old theology?
The belief in something that is by definition unprovable is nothing more than an expression of preference. If you prefer to live with the fantasy of an all seeing all knowing all loving god-creature, then go for it. If you prefer to live with the utter certainty of complete lack of divinity, that's your choice too. Both are tantamount to mental masturbation, and are ultimately arbitrary and inconsequential.
What really matters is how we treat each other. Whether you are a sanctimonious Christian or a sanctimonious atheist, you're ll a jerk both ways. Just quit being jerks to each other.
Chelsea, it's Ok to have an opinion on things-just don't try and share them as facts. There are, and have been, very intelligent people in this world (C.S. Lewis, Lee Strobel, Malcolm Muggeridge) who have gone to great lengths trying to prove Christ, the claims of the Bible, etc... as false. But unless they were willing to throw their integrity out the window with all their findings they had to came to this conclusion-"it's true". Just because there are people out there who claim to be followers of Christ doesn't make them one. Jesus Himself said that. What Ann Rice needs to do is just plug into a church that teaches and lives out the teachings of Jesus. This isn't rocket science.
Wow, and no fatwa proclaiming that she must die. I guess "Christianity" is not so intolerant, after all.
Dear Chelsea,
Don't know who or where you got your facts about Paul who was converted from the name "Saul," but you are woefully wrong about this great disciple of Jesus. Read the Scriptures for yourself and you will find out the truth about Paul and his change of heart toward Christians. He used to persecute them before the scales were taken off his eyes and his spirit was opened to God in a complete and non-persecuting way toward others. The Christian church follows Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Paul became a believer but he was not the end-all of Christian belief. He was a man who turned his life around for the good and for that we are grateful. Study all of Paul history and perhaps the full facts will come before you. Peace.
We are talking about Christianity and therefore things Christian, so for Anne and those who would like to become Christians through being Born Again, the following prayer is offered. It is the key to Salvation when you pass on. Without Jesus now, you will not have His light later on in your new life but instead darkness. The choice is entirely yours. But remember, any person's soul who is not Born Again will not go to Heaven.
Almighty God, I confess that I have sinned and ask for your forgiveness. I repent for my sins that I have committed and ask your forgiveness . I firmly believe that Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son, died on the cross for my sins and resurrected for my Salvation. I desire eternal life through Jesus Christ and accept it in faith. I will follow you, Jesus, for every day of my life and will serve you always. This I pray in the mighty and Divine name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you have prayed this prayer with sincerity in your heart you are on your way to having Eternal Life at the time of your passing from this temporary life unto the next which is eternal. May God Bless each and every person who has said this prayer for the salvation of their soul.
It seems to me that Ann Rice has reached a conclusion about Christ and Christianity that the leaders of the Catholic Church have failed to ascertain for almost 2,000 years.
"He who does not have the Church as his mother, cannot have God as his father," as one of the early Church fathers wrote.
True Christianity is both radical and conservative.
http://sites.google.com/site/prochristianity
A open-hearted and honest study of different religions and faiths should lead you to the Catholic Church. It did in my home. Can you think of a religion that is more persecuted and attacked than the Catholic Church? ...Why?
Seek truth!
Apparently, MIss Rice does not understand that Christianity means rejecting the "present ruler of this world" and struggling with the "principalities and the powers" that assault the normal, everyday believer on a regular basis. She seems to think that simply having "faith" in Jesus is all God wants, but in truth the Lord Jesus established a Church not a do-it-yourself, believe-if you-want-to private religion! This world's mores are always changing, its "truths" are always changing, and it seems that the lies of the world are far more important to affirm and appropriate in her life than living radically for the Kingdom of God. More than that, she also seems to be of the erroneous opinion that God is some over-tolerant, "open-minded" pushover deity. God's love is only as great as our sins are deplorable – thats the point MIss Rice. Study the Scriptures and the 2,000 year history of Church teaching.
The endless bickering back and forth solves no problems and provides no answers. Believing is fine, not believing is fine. Ignoring each others needs will condemn you. Loving your fellow man and helping to meet his needs will lift you up. Love is good, greed is bad. Simple isn't it?
If people would just understand, there's a world of difference between faith and religion.
Religion is a group of people who think alike, believe in similar things, and choose to worship together. Religion can be Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or any of a bunch of other beliefs, including cults.
Faith is belief. Raw, unquestioning belief. You don't need to belong to an organized religion in order to have faith (but you hopefully have faith if you're into religion).
Unfortunately, over the years, religions have made some pretty serious actions against mankind. Not just Muslim extremists, either. Religion has caused some well intentioned people, who only thought they were "helping" others, to commit some atrocious acts that they will one day have to answer for (assuming they believe in God).
Faith requires nothing but belief, and doesn't require a fancy church, fancy clothes, or sacrificing yourself with a bomb strapped to your body. Me, I choose my faith over any religion that has now, has ever, or will ever exist.
Humans need each other. Humans cannot exist without other people. Jesus did not come to make individual believers doing whatever, but a community of believers working together. Are you trying to be more like God, or are you trying to make God more like you?
I absolutely abhor people who hide behind the cloak of religion to kill and mutilate people, to molest children, to increase their personal wealth. This has gone on for about 2000 years and we have been told never to question it, just to follow. Well, I would say that we have traveled far from the path that Jesus walked. I understand completely what Anne Rice is feeling.
Religion is a sickness of the mind
It twists, distorts reality and will
Divide, sort, break, and label our kind
Delusion that is truly evil, ill.
Religion is a sickness of the world
Opinions, positions, thoughts, beliefs
Can only bring destruction, pain, and war
Can only cause more bloodshed, grief, and tears
Lies that are spread to keep the hate alive
Contagious blindness, masked as real truth
To see, one only has to look with open mind
And open heart, to break from prison of their views
Blind faith, unconsciousness, fanatic make-believe
Like wounded animal, tries to defend itself
Imagined enemies and threats to it’s own myth
Cause pain and suffering in it’s own hell
Infects our minds with thoughts of right and wrong
Pretends to be the truth, to know what it is
Based on reality that’s long been gone
It lies of love, true kindness, bliss, and peace
Pretends, as if it’s possible in words
Express the miracle, that is One Life, itself
The depth of space, the “why?” of countless worlds
Contained in dusty books, decaying on the shelf
Reality itself, Eternal, Infinite, Divine
It’s purpose, plan, and reason “why?”
It’s everywhere and all the time
For “special me”, to grant me “mine”
For us to feel the joy, to simply be
Exists reality beyond religion’s plan
Beyond the Ego’s, “mine”, and “me”
Lies consciousness of Tao and Zen.
It's funny to me as I sit back and read these various posts by people about whether or not to be a Christian, whether or not there is a God, is Jesus real....the only time it doesn't come into question is when someone is faced with avery real life or death situation, then all of a sudden their crying out to God, asking Jesus to save them and begging for forgiveness!!! I'd rather live as if it is all true and run the risk of leading a life pleasing to God than to live a life free to act as I choose and do as I want (which by the way is the motto of the satanic religion – do as thout wilt), die and find out you were all wrong!! No one is ever perfect and I just pray that all of the non-believers pray and ask God's forgiveness on your last day. Lastly, being a Christian, I don't hate the person I hate the sin, and that applies to even my other "Christian" brothers and sisters
what does kim kardashian think about all this?
Sadly, the Christianity she feels she's leaving is actually false Christianity to begin with, so her confusion from the start is fully warranted.
Nothing fails like prayer...
better late than never
Could all the "better than you" Christians here please stop saying AMEN to everything on here? It's very annoying and counter productive. It's exactly that kind of crap as to why a lot of us can't stand you. Mentioning your nonsense religious ramblings at every possible moment, just to inject every conversation with the fact that you are a believer is absurd. We don't need to be reminded at every turn. Some of us who don't believe would like to go an hour without running in to something reminding us of your crazy beliefs. It's bad enough that it's all over the government buildings, our money, and that our politicians practice this ancient garbage, we dont need to be reminded in daily life about it by every person on the street who feels they need to "save" us. And the fact that conversion is even called "being saved" is infuriating ... it's so condescending. As though we "need" to be saved from something because we lack some understanding about something you know. Some of us know very well what we don't want to believe in. So believe what you want, just keep it out of everyones face who don't share your views.
People like to be led, but inherent to our nature, we miss the mark. Those who rely upon (and form opinion from) people to lead them in spirt will always miss and miss every time. There is only one leader in Christianity and the word is written for us to study and practice. Evenso with that divine guidence, we will still miss many times. Study the word, rely upon its teachings and Gods grace will deliver every time.
I believe Anne Rice is rebelling against the Protestant/Roman Catholic culture of the United States – and the various scandals it has produced, along with the doctrines of their respective churches. Having said this, Jesus said it best: "whoever wants to follow Me, let them take up their cross and follow Me" – not "I'm gonna make you follow Me".
Something else Jesus said that was very profound was His statement, "Let your 'yes' be 'yes' and let your 'no' be 'no'." If she follows Christ, maybe Ms. Rice should make up her mind which choice it will be. Personally, I don't believe you can have "selective Christianity", selecting which parts you like and which you don't. You take the whole package or you leave. Many here have chosen to leave. If that's what you want, it's your right. But don't be a "lukewarm Christian". They are a group that we should frown upon much greater than any atheist or agnostic.
As for the people that are for or against Christianity posting here, I'd kindly ask you – as a Christian – to please be respectful in your posts. Christians: We believe we should love our neighbour as ourselves – let's show it. Non-Christians: Bashing us won't make us hate Christ, only love Him more. Yet, I think it's best to tone things down rather than keep this spirit of hate alive on the blog.
God bless.
Trust the media to sensationalize it by proclaiming she's "quit Christianity". She's still a believer of Christ and a "Christian", if you stick with the traditional definition. Like many of us, she's just sick and tired of the politics, greed, financial-focus, back-stabbing, hypocrisy, etc that are rampant in churches and church groups today. The oft-heard thinking is "As long as humans are involved, greed, lies, hypocrisy etc will be present." That may be true, but we all have to keep trying. Instead of "quitting", perhaps we could make a stand and do something about it.
Jesus is as real as Dracula. God is even more blood thirsty than Dracula ever thought of being.
Who really gives a crap?
Anne Rice quit "organized (christian) religion," not stopped being a "christian/believer".
She still is the latter, like many of us who abandoned the form long ago, and clung to the indwelling Christ, the Spirit of God, who sheds light daily on the scripture for our continual growth in him.
To those who cynically declare that all christians cannot be right, and hence must all be wrong, I say to you as Jesus said in the long ago: "let both the wheat and the tares grow together, and at the time of harvest the Lord of the harvest (who alone knows who his true plants are) will send his angels to sever the tares from among the wheat."
The "little flock" of saints worldwide who bear witness to the truth of Christ in their hearts need not kill or maim or destroy others to prove that they are the true seed of Christ. Their everyday lives bear witness of the Christ who in-dwells them, and they will shine even more spectacularly when the day comes for their open manifestation to a stunned world.
1) Who is Anne Rice? I had to read the article to find out she is an author.
2) Who cares if she was a Christian?
3) Who cares if she isn't anymore? Seriously, WHY is this story still up? Why was it ever up to begin with?
im glad she thinks for herself instead of being brainwashed sheep..
I hope it all works out for her and finds fulfillment in her faith to her Jesus.
Painfully I agree. Why is it that religion must get in the way of Christianity. It is really all about our personal relationship with God, but all too often is made to be about collective compliance with man-made regulations and controls. Don't let them steal your joy.
We Christians believe a Jewish man was sent to the cross by God to save the world. You all believe a democratic socialist was sent to the White House to save the world. I pray you find the truth before it's too late.
"God is the creator and ruler of the universe. Everybody, whether they love God, resist Him, or ignore Him, will ultimately come face to face with His majesty, and will recognize Him for who He is." he sent his beloved son John 3:16 so that all of us unworthy would have a glimmer of a chance at everlasting life. Act 2:38
Rev 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.
Basically all this arguing will one day be settled for us all and we will all give account. Believers, non Believers, Hypocrites, Anne Rice, You , Me...
why do you need to quote a fiction novel...to feel good about yourself.
Peace
quite brilliant, and her Vampire Lestat was one of the most entertaining books ever,
not following the followers would have corrected the atrocities of history,
Christ Buddha and Krishna actually said to not follow them either,
so she has not gone all the way yet, but sure is beautiful,
can imagine going all the way with her, one problem is the cult of celebrity]
which undermines democracy and social justice, so she can join
the peoples revolution to go full circle
I am truely sorry that so many of you feel christians have let you down. Just try to remember we are to glorify God not ourselvles.
Deuteronomy 23:1
No one whose testicles are crushed or whose male organ is cut off shall enter the assembly of the Lord.
God does not care about rituals. He cares about your heart and what it says about you. A person's behavior will mirror thier heart so many will say that they love God, but will lie and deceive. Such a person does not love God but only themselves.
L. Warren,
Obamacare and the majority of the Big Government agenda has nothing to do with "Love Thy Neighbor." Yes Christ wants us to help others, but do you believe Christ wants you to give to those that can help themselves? Obamacare, specifically, isn't about helping others at all but merely power, no more, no less. Your family cares, your friends care, your doctor cares, but the government can't care as all the government can do is control through legislation.
Forcing others to pay for others through taxation is not a Christian thing but rather an act of greed itself. Christ, I believe, wants us to voluntarily help others through the kindness of our own hearts and at what we believe is fair and helpful.
It is so sad how some believe that the Liberal agenda is helping others when in fact all it does is enable them. Helping others is one thing; giving them no incentive to help themselves is another.
How is she not christian and follow Christ? This make not sense Thank you.
I think it is her personal decision to leave Christianity...but I dont think there is a need for her to announce it...people are influenced by others and someone as influential could sway people to think or feel a certain way. Keep stuff like that to yourself is my opinion.
I'm 72, fought in 2 wars, have 2 kids, killed a few men and have arrived at a conclussoin. ALL RELIGIONS ARE FALSE. Everything is physics and chemistry and any idealogical gibberish made up by people is just that, gibberish. Jesus is Joe Smith is Jones Town is Waco is the Crusades is.. is.. is.. It's all crap... and most of you people type really bad. think
hahaha! did she take out another full page ad in the Sunday edition of the New Orleans Times-Picayune to announce this? AL COPELAND IS DEAD, LONG LIVE AL COPELAND!... too funny
When Ann Rice stated she is leaving Christianity it reminded me of what Mohandas Gandhi was quoted saying. “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Everyday more people become disillusioned with religion as the priests and rabbis strain to keep there members. Whats the most important aspect of being a Christian? Jesus said, "I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves." Does your religion encourage love and unity with others?
I didn't read all the comments, but many of them. No one seems to have mentioned Baha'i. If I were to return to any religion, it would be Baha'i, as their central tenet is that God has spoken to many people, many lands, many times, and that all believers are members of God's family, and should treat one another with respect.
That was quick!
I think her statement was poorly worded. She still believes in God and in Christ, she is just rejecting the current agenda of far-right conservative republican religious horse-snot. I don't buy into all that anti-Obama, anti-Liberal, anti-Democrat, anti-gay, anti-immigration, anti-feminist garbage either, but that has nothing to do with being a Christian, no matter what the corrupt pastors of any church claiming "the only way to be a Christian is to vote Republican" might say.
Imagine ants celebrating mass with a big ant nailed on a cross. What is it about humans that makes them be so sure that they "know" God and that God is somehow concerned with them any more than with ants and mosquitoes? (I find it particularly laughable to think that God isn't smart enough to create evolution. Creationism is an insult to God's abilities.)
Of course the heathens just couldn't wait to post their support for dear old Anne, and their contemptuous dislike for anything and everyone close to the Word of God. Oh, how they take such joy in bashing our Savior while at the same time claiming their "enlightenment".
Well, here's the simple truth: These people don't follow the Bible because it simply is not easy. It's one of the hardest things for us fallible humans to ever do. It asks us to make sacrifices. It asks us to change. Jesus asked that too, and not everyone can do it. That's okay. It's okay to give up. But don't proclaim your liberation and your emancipation as if you had just gotten out of jail, you just look foolish. Just get on with your life and don't reinvent the Word. If you can't hang, we understand. But don't ask a true Christian to throw a party for you.
I am amazed that as far developed as we have become that people still believe in this "god" idea. The whole concept is more far fetched than the easter bunny or santa clause! I went to a x-ian school for 1 year in the 4th grade and remember laughing to myself that adults actually believed the crap they were teaching me! The bible is the moat moronic thing I have ever read....and people actually believe it. That amazes me!
I'm more saddened than anything to see that she was given the wrong experience of Christianity. The Christianity that I, and the rest of my fellowship community, follow is quite the opposite that she describes. We go by what is written in the Bible in plain English, and last time I checked, I did not see any "Thou shalt not believe science" (some of the Christians I know are actually in the medical field and studied, GASP, biology), or "Thou shalt condemn others". In fact, condemnation of others is strictly forbidden in the Bible(Romans 2:1, if you are interested). Yes, there are ways of the world I disagree with, but it is not my job to condemn, but if I was asked if certain things are a sin, I am compelled to be honest; "hate the sin, love the sinner" is how I approach the world. I wish that Ms Rice had encountered more people like "Hopefully humble", "Mar", and "Pete", perhaps she would think differently about Christianity.
Hey, calm down. It seems Rice was upset when she made this statement. Read it with care: one cannot leave Christianty and continue to believe in Christ. What she actually meant to say is that she quit her church or local Christian community. She states she continues to believe in Christ therefore it is clear she continues to make part of the Christ's Church on Earth.
Anne is absolutely right I can see her point of view after all it was the temple goers of Jesus day that he argued with. You can say your a Christian and still have a different point of view from the right. I do!!! She is correct about the arguing in the church. Why so many Churches ? Why so much division? Why so little LOVE?
I don't blame Anne. The crux of faith in Christ is that we all fall short of perfection. One person is hateful, another is self-centered, and another is judgemental. Some Christians run around acting like Pharisees, condemning those who are not perfect. It was Christ who had the greatest disdain for those who pretended to be more perfect than the general populous. Today some in the Christian movement have taken up that pharisaical mantra, bringing a black-eye to those who dedicate their lives to showing that God loves the lost "as a father to a son".
I agree 100%with Anne Rice. Theire seems to be no place today in organized religion for independant thoughts.
I left my former church because the pastor had the audacity to be in the pulpit and tell us that we all needed to get out souls right with god if Obama was elected because he was the antichrist and the apocolypse was coming soon. Even a pastor that I respected as a very good human being prided himself in thinking that dinosaur bones were put in the ground by the devil. I also know some christians who don't put too much stock in the rules and regulations and put their time and money into making people's lives better
I am proud of Anne for doing what she feels is the right thing to do. The Christian religion has forgotten it's most important cornerstone: Unite as a people under gods love, to congregate and celebrate the life of Jesus Christ and his second coming. Today's religion unites under the common hatred of their fellow man and gathers in paranoia and anguish, not in true joy and in true celebration.
she hve a valid point for saying following Christ doesn't mean follow hisfollowers..making Christ the central of your life counts the most..religion gives a badt taste to the christianity..they're controlling people who want to control the the people who tries to follow Christ..by the way the so called christians are FULL of LEGALISM that set aside the real work of the Holy Spirit...I'd say to her..may God continue to open up your eyes in the ways of the REAL GOD..
Man created God in his own image.
I agree that there is a strong bias against science in the Christian community. I did not find that to be so in the Catholic church but it is prevalent in the Evangelical church. Still, I do find plenty of nerds at church who I can talk to intellectually about evolution and astronomy. I totally understand where Anne Rice is coming from though. She must indeed have had a hard time of it. I'm sure she has a circle of like minded friends she can worship privately with. God Bless her.
It has taken Anne Rice this long to determine that while God is infallible, humanity's interpretation of the Almighty is riddled with error? I've never thought she was much of a writer but I'm very surprised to learn she's just reasoned this one out. On the other hand, to use such a hackneyed observation as a publicity gimmick is a fairly canny ploy. She's in the news again without doing anything newsworthy.
I sincerely understand your feelings Anne. Most Christians are not even aware that Jesus never taught Christianity. He taught love, freedom, justice, and equality. Christianity was created many years after his death as a way to control his followers. The rulers and the priests of the temples persecuted Jesus. It was the common folk that loved him. When it is said that he died for our sins, I disagree because each man and woman will be accountable for their own actions and deeds. He was murdered, plain and simple. The Twelve Apostles were systematically murdered, plain and simple. Evil men controlled the planet then, and evil men control the planet now. And that evil will never let righteousness prosper. But fear not, the weak and powerless will inherit the Earth once the evil and powerful destroy themselves.
It's about time! You know that part about love Leviticus 19:18 but then you see them so hateful, tea parties etc.
You know the part Matthew 22:21 pay your taxes etc. But yet they get all mad don't want to pay taxes.
Family values, yet they don't want to pay taxes, Schools run on taxes, DHS etc.
The Spanish Inquisition, No love there!!
The Bible? Who wrote it? Why did they leave out parts to it?
Well you know....
Jesus said, "Know what is in front of your face, and what is hidden from you will be disclosed to you. For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. And there is nothing buried that will not be raised." Book of Thomas V.5
http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/gosthom.html
I believe, but not as it is here & now. I go by Jesus saying to be an thinking man.
I find out for my self. Not by blind faith, like standing in the highway with moving trucks. That is tempting god to me!
Anyway does everyone know Anne Rice books are for entertainment.
Too bad it took so long. Religion was used to explain the natural world prior to science. Jesus died an ordinary man, and he's not coming back. The world is ours to destroy or preserve for future generations–forget Revelations–it is our choice. There is no security, its all constant change. You'll never see the deceased again, so be sweet while you are alive. Heaven and hell is a state of mind, now is all there is. Religion had its place years ago, but its irrelevant now–its all fairy tales.
Reading Anne Rice's announcement, and some of the reactions, I am reminded of Gandhi's comment that western civilization would be a good idea. Christianity would also be a good idea.
Anne,
You did not become a Christian, you became a consumer of the Christian Mythos, two entirely separate things. A follower of Christ does none of the things that you mention in this interview. However, those who see Christianity as a means to gain power, money, or to merely feel superior to others engage in them regularly...and the world is full of those who "...draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men..."
You are not alone, Anne.:
Your fairy tale is better than mine.
I am sad for this person who is obviously ignorant of scripture. I am also surprised CNN elevates this person's story to a headline. Sad day. You cannot be a lone Christian. You cannot be a Christian outside of community. A Christian is someone who is "Christ-like." That is what the term means. You cannot create your own religion around Christ. People have tried throughout the ages, but it is all a delusion. We follow a person not a people, but we are on a journey as a people and called to build that people up. I wonder how much of the New Testament this person reads. I feel sorry for her when she stands face to face with Jesus and He asks her, What did you do for the least of these brothers of mine? Christianity is not about politics but it is about ethics. It is about relationship and relationships. It is about holiness in the image of Christ. This is the bottom line and there is no budging it. Holiness is the other side of love. Holiness imitates Christ and that means it excludes all that is contrary to Christ's character, including sin.
please check out http://www.islamicsolutions.com/the-miracle-of-the-unlettered-man-in-the-bible/
I support your decision.
I left 50 year ago same reasoning.
Bravo to Ms. Rice for casting off organized religion.
Even if God exists, as he is presented in the world today by organized religions (all of them), he should be rejected out of hand.
Religion is a, if not *the*, root cause of all wars, since organized religion by its very definition must, and does, promote intolerance, hatred of the Other, and violence to do away with those who believe differently.
God as represented by the religions of today's world is the most negative, most destructive, most harmful force in the planet. Without religion, God may be valuable to the planet. Tied to religion, he is not.
Congratulations, Anne. It's much better to be honest with ourselves than to follow the crowds.
Dear Anne,
Nobody cares. Shut up and get a life.
So she believes but she doesn't believe? She's a soul searching nutjob. She gave up logic and common sense when she stopped being an atheist and started believing in the super natural. I wonder if she believes in vampires too...
Ok beyond all of your religious beliefs, the woman can believe what she wants. It doesn't matter who likes it or what we think. What I really want to know is if she is going to go back to writing amazing books? I am not a fan of the new books she has been putting out. I want some new vampire novels!!
good for you, rice.
The problem with faith and religions is people using their faith in the service of their ego. It does not matter if you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or and atheist. Conservative Christians use their faith in the service of their ego far more than others I have known.
There's a lot of hair-splitting going on since she's not actually abandoning her belief in Christ. It would have been clearer for Rice to say that she was leaving ORGANIZED religion. To say she is no longer a Christian but still believes in Christ is just semantics. The definition of someone who follows Christ is a Christian although I guess she can choose (or reject) labels for herself.
Ms. Rice's lack of love for many who call themselves Christians is understandable given the vile that proceeds from our mouths when self-righteousness and judgement replace what Jesus said for us to do: LOVE ONE ANOTHER (John 13). Her professed love and dependence upon Jesus is beautiful and hopefully one day His Church will better reflect His mercy toward those of opposite viewpoints. Remember: our devotion to Christ is best shown by demonstrating His love to ALL around us, even our enemies, even Democrats, even Republicans, even...
Really,now. Who actually gives a rats goolie what this silly old "once was" thinks. She acts as if she were a Cardinal who woke in a blaze of rational clarity. She's just facing her own irrelevance and angling for the market share she lost with her fawning flops after burning out the vampire franchise. She's become a sad old boor.
she sounds like she's lost hope with the churches she's been to, and which is natural. there are lots of "dead" churches in spirit because we are reaching in the times where satan has control of these congregations. remember, jesus comes with a sword to divide relationships , we aren't here to please others but His will.
This woman just keeps advertising to the world how confused she is.
She clearly has no understanding of what Christianity is. Anyone who thinks Christianity is "anti-Science" does not know enough about either Christianity or Science or both. Evangelicals are "anti-Science" no doubt about that, but they are not Christians in the historical sense of the word, they are a radical cult of relatively recent origin that appeals to uneducated ignorant people mostly in the USA. Perhaps she is referring to things like euthanasia or stem cells etc..but these are questions of morality and ethics not Science. Nobody disputes the science involved, only the human judgments involved.
You people are strange!
Ni!..
Don't follow...lead by example...solid choice Anne Rice...regardless of religion it's faith that matters.
lol all of this over anne rice saying shes leaving christianity, i love you it. i mean honestly who cares. were apes on a ball in a solar system. were nothing but specs of dust in the much larger existence. for me i say you can have your jesus and you made up religions and all your lies. prove to me once any of it exists lol. your nothing get over yourselves. apes is all you are. you still act on so many base instincts. there is no purpose. there is no heaven. there is no proof of after life period.
The teachings of Jesus are precious. The teachings of the "church" are questionable to say the least. Do some serious study of the entire history of Christianity. You will be amazed. Ann Rice is courageous enough to voice what many, many people are thinking. Hats off to your honesty.
You cannot reject Christianity and still be a follower of Jesus Christ. You cannot reject the church, the old testament, the new testament, or manipulate the laws that God has put down and still try to push yourself off as a believer. Anne Rice wrote fairy tails about Vampires and other nonsense. Anne Rice is as much of a sinner as I am. Their is only one road to paradise, and Rice just took a wrong turn. I pray she gets back on track. She should break out her bible and read it, then read it again, then again. And if she still feels the same...
Hooray for Anne Rice! I love all the people I grew up with...I reconnected with many of them (on facebook)I quickly learned they are "Christians" who hate gays and generally they hate anyone who does not agree with them. I know than to try to engage in any dialog with them....they hate liberals and I guess I would be classified as one. When vitriol is high there is no discussion. No one learns anything.
Since we are talking about Christianity and therefore things Christian, for those who would like to become Christians through being Born Again, the following prayer is offered. It is the key to Salvation when you pass on. Without Jesus now, you will not have His light later on in your new life but instead darkness. The choice is entirely yours. But remember, any person's soul who is not Born Again will not go to Heaven.
"Almighty God, I confess that I have sinned and ask for your forgiveness. I repent for my sins that I have committed and ask your forgiveness . I firmly believe that Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son, died on the cross for my sins and resurrected for my Salvation. I desire eternal life through Jesus Christ and accept it in faith. I will follow you, Jesus, for every day of my life and will serve you. This I pray in the mighty and Divine name of Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen."
If you have prayed this prayer with sincerity in your heart you are on your way to having Eternal Life at the time of your passing from this temporary life unto the next which is eternal. May God Bless each and every person who has said this prayer for the salvation of their soul.
Good for her. From what I have seen Christianity is a lot of "make your own rules" along with hypocrites. She is doing what she personally feels is best for her and that is what I believe ultimately not what everyone else thinks and believes. .
Newsflash: If you believe in Jesus Christ as your personal savior, then you are a Christian. That and only that is the definition of Christianity. It really is black and white and you can't have it both ways.
I think this is a perfect example of someone receiving a revelation of Christ only to have it choked out by an encounter with religion.
Since when does being Christian mean you're anti-gay or anti-Democrat or anti-whatever? there are many who are pro-gay, Democrats, etc, and still Christian.
Also why do people feel the need to tell us they are gay or changing beliefs or whatever the latest fad to be or not be is. I'm sure most of us don't care, if people like your work they will still appreciate you whether your gay, straight Christian, Buddhist or atheist. Now if you change too much from what your fan base is and your popularity drops that is something to be concerned about, depending on your conscience.
One of the problems people (who want to define their own God and make their own rules) experience when shopping for a church is that in finding a church that doesn't follow the Bible in one area, it also doesn't follow the Bible in other areas. Of course the result is off kilter. When a person quits trying to define God and accepts that the Bible is the inspired word of God and becomes knowledgeable about what the Bible says, then that person can compare any particular church's or religious leader's teachings and determine whether false information is being presented. Too many people want to treat church attendance like going to the movies. Reading the Bible is a required aspect of being a successful Christian.
Anne, it is not right to leave Christianity as a whole since there are so many wonderful Christians in this religion and the teachings are unsurpassed by any other religion or denomination, this is guaranteed since Jesus Christ is the only ONE who can give you Salvation! Truly, no other religion can offer that. I understand there are also others who misconstrue the Bible and what it is actually saying in order to justify their hatred and prejudice against others. But Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior and Christianity stands for what He left for us, the principles with which to live and Love one another and Save oneself from utter destruction if one does not become a Born Again Christian. I am not the only one saying this. It is Biblical that one needs Jesus Christ in order to Save themselves from a dark eternity and attain Heaven.
Do not hold it against Christianity the sins of those who conducted The Inquisition. They were individuals who knew not what they did and God has answered them already.
While you have the right to choose due to your free will, I hope you consider the ramifications of your actions and instead choose to continue to Love Jesus and Christianity but if you so choose, disassociate yourself from those so-called "Christians" who do not truly live the Christian way of life and refuse to learn how to and instead strive to teach them, if they are so willing, the true Christian way so they will learn from you as an example and continue on their path towards Salvation. May God Bless you in your endeavors to become a better Christian.
While Anne has freedom of expression and a right to choose or not to choose a religion, i do see an issue with her contention that a religion takes away people's own thoughts so that they become bound to follow religious disciplines or go to hell. Without a discipline life becomes a nightmare. Will you be able to apply this principal at work and refuse to follow your boss's instructions? on the road can you refuse to stop at the red light or drive on the wrong side of the traffic? No Anne, discipline makes your life better, it make you a better person and it makes you believe in "live and let live".
All you have to do is look at any of the examples currently on display. The politics here in the US. The recent release from the Pope's office that ordaning females is a crime against the church that is at the same level as pedophelia by the preists in the church. And people STILL believe in and defend these organizations. Amazing.
Ann Rice is 100% correct. Whst she is saying is true. Her statements are less about a belief in Christ and more about how religion is used to promote a political agenda in whatever form that agenda may be presented. I feel the same way she does. I stopped believeing in religion long ago.
Thank you, Anne, for speaking up.
God/Jesus IS love. the rest is chaff blowing in the wind. These days I wonder if belonging to a 'church' that is anti-gay, anti-feminist etc etc is sinful in itself....
what a nut job, who cares what you think, its not all about you lady, but you made it all about you, it sounds like you need a time out.
I understand Anne Rice`s criticism, but it is simply wrong of her to label all Christians like that, wow. And may I remind her, that Christianity is a world religion, not just American.
Not all Christan churches sponsor hatred. Try Roman Catholic – I've never heard a nasty sermon at a Roman Catholic church.
What happened to separation of church and state anyway?
Interesting Article for sure. She made a good point though. Christ is MORE important. The problem with it is while a great deal of follows get caught up in the system that they forget to NOT judge. But in truth Christ is Christianity. Sure every system gets corruption every now & then they will have to answer one day. There is but one name given unto man "JESUS" and the other word is "LOVE". A lot of people love for them selves and not for others. Even Jesus had his follows and Apostles. It's like if you want to build a air plane you need people. When people come together and REALLY love the way it was meant to be the angels in heaven rejoice. I'm not preaching. It's hard for us to see that but we can feel it. Forgiven and growth as good human beings is important.
I would argue with Anne by saying that she's pulled away from Christian churches and not left 'Christianity'. I suspect that many Christians have had to deal with apparent conflicts between the tenants of Christianity and the actual functioning of many Christian churches. Many churches are accepting and offer a venue for helping the poor and the local community. I understand it's difficult at times to overlook the hipocrisy of the church, but many congregations are forgiving and seek the same God as Anne.
Christ is just a fictional person and Christianity is just an invention to gather the masses and gain power. Get real...get smart.
So basicially now she is "anti-christian" because she is not willing to call a SIN a SIN! I guess all behavior is just ok. Do you really think that is what God honors.
Jesus wasn't trying to start Christianity .. he was trying to teach about the power within .. study the Hammadi Library
Hmmm – valid points. I myself have a very deep & personal relationship with God, BUT shun all forms of organized religion. No one person – be it minister, priest, rabbi – whatever – has the right to tell me how to live my life. Too many people judge others by their religious beliefs – is that not breaking one of the commandments? Judge not – lest you be judged yourself. Too many hypocrites! So, Ms. Rice – you decided to tell the world because..............? Oh I get it – you thought it would be of importance to me. It isn't – just live your life – do the best you can & pray for the rest!
Krishna, Buda, Zoroaster, Moses, Christ, Mohammad, Bahaú'llah.
Don't worry all of them loves you.
I don't know if I agree with her, but I definitely respect her decision.
However, Christianity is not about the church you belong to. Its how you feel and what you believe about Christ and God.
Yeaaaa...... a recovering christian.....I was deeply saddened when she went on her little christian safari for 10 years....and her writing skills and creativity decreased. Now, as she slowly regains her atheist sensibilities and logical thought, her creativity hopefully will reignite and she can continue writing those gothic supernatural thrillers, playing with religious and spiritual concepts for entertainment purposes only, but not taking any of that supernatural or religious nonsense seriously.
While she still has some type of connection with her personal defintion of "christ", I'm hoping in time that will fade away, if it is referring to a belief in a supernatural being.
Welcome back Anne!
It's fun to read all the posts... I think Anne was able to verbalize what many poeple already know and feel. I still believe if Christ were to come back today it would be the "Christians" that crucify him again.
YAWN!!!!!!! Why does this person feel the need to announce to the world her personal relationship with God? Yes, she IS self-centered...
somewhat I agree with Valerie but in one way: who gives a crap if she wants to be a "christian" or not anymore??? why make such a big deal out of it? do whatever u want woman. we don't care!!! guess she needed some more attention from the media... my opinion
Thank you Anne. I'm a fan of your books, and have gone through the same type of realization a few years back. I don't want to be in their "club" . I don't want to know the "secret handshake" ... vote how they tell me to or listen to their hate.
Welcome to humanity! It's good to be just a mortal.
Good heavens.
What's next Anne, going to leave "Whitedom" because all whites must be racist, etc...
Good to know she's leaving "Christianity" yet still follows Christ... duh duh duh... hello!
Rachel, Anne Rice is calling organized Christianity anti-science because it always has been. From the time of Galilleo who lived many years of his life under house arrest for proposing the preposterous theory of the earth revolving around the sun to modern times with Christians claiming evolution is not factual. One can not deny scientific fact and claim to be scientific.
Unbelievable how many people still don't get the message – CHRIST is MORE IMPORTANT than Christianity. No where in the bible does it say you must be a Christian. It says you must believe in Jesus and follow his teachings. Jesus didn't mandate Christianity. He mandated treat others as you yourself want to be treated. One golden rule. Christianity didn't come along until well after Jesus Christ had been crucified. Christians should really be called Paulians because that is who's teachings they really follow and my jury is still way out on that guy. Remember he persecuted Christians for a very long time. Given some of the hatred spewed in Paul's various letters I often wonder if he really converted or whether he perpetuated a huge hoax on the world and in fact his real intent was to corrupt Jesus' message and undo Jesus' teachings from within. If you compare Paul's letters to the gospels, Jesus' true message, there are huge discrepancies. Remember God works in mysterious ways, but so does the devil.
She hasn't quit Christianity, she's quit the church. BIG difference.
This seriously grieves me heart. You can't believe in Jesus and not follow what the Bible says and what He teaches! That's like me saying I believe in driving a car, but I don't believe in the engine, tranny or gas tank! It doesn't work. If you follow Jesus, you clearly understand that He came to save ALL sinners! I believe that having unconditional love for all is key-but NOT toward the sin-love the sinner but hate the sin. I realize that we shouldn't follow one another-but if we're going to spend eternity in eachother's presence-shouldn't we followers of Jesus Christ be more loving and unconditional with one another?
Christianity is not about hate. If there are so-called Christians who hate gays, democrats, or any other group, then, -God so judge my words- They are NOT living the Christian life! Romans 12:14; 17-21 states: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with ALL men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
God wants all Christians to love everyone- every friend, every kin, every enemy. That does mean that God wants Christians to be pacifists- for example, I dare say, I love Muslims, but that wouldn't stop me from shooting and killing one to stop him from killing an innocent. In the Civil War, biological brothers were on opposite sides of the battlefield, brothers who loved one another, but that didn't stop them from firing at one another.
But what it seems Miss Rice is speaking of here is about solid hatred, hatred, which God has made clear, He does not want for his children. If any brother or sister of mine reads this whom doubts their faith for the same reason, don't! Find a different church to go to, find another Christian who's living the Christian life how he or she should, and most of all pray to God and read the Bible! Don't give up on Him or your faith! There are others out there trying to live how God wants, there are others like you, and even if you can't find them, you will always have God. Amen.
I am a Christian and I go to a church that does not preach intolerance. There are many different churches for a reason! Sometimes you have to look long and hard to find the right one. Ours is a "grace" driven church and we are followers of Christ...period. I couldn't go to a church that was judgmental! I'm sad that people might read what she says and believe that she's an expert in Christianity in the U.S. She's only an expert in what she's found in her journey. As an example, Obama's Reverend Wright spewed hatred, and got a lot of publicity for doing it, but does that mean that every church with a Black pastor & congregation does that? NO! Nor does every church – or Christian – spew non-tolerance. I cringe when I hear of the "religious right" in the media – that's not me nor is it any of the majority of Christian friends I have in my life and church.
Congratulations, a good first step to recovery from religion.
"William Blake: Heaven is going to be one hell of a place when all the Christians get there! Old Bill"
Thanks William, you are a man after my own heart!
If y'all would just follow my system, none of this nonsense would be necessary. Have a nice nirvana.
I find that most Christians know very little about Christianity or its history (they are more or less indoctrinated as children and just accept it without hesitation due to parental involvement in said religion). I'm willing to bet that most reasonable people would not want anything to do with it if they actually studied it. It has immeasurable amounts of blood on its hands. Inquisitions, crusades, witch burnings, – a.k.a. The Dark Ages. – Those that DO know about its history and still associate themselves with it try to rationalize it by saying something to the effect of, "that happened back THEN. I didn't do any of that." – Which is tainted logic...imagine if someone were to join the Nazi party now and say something like "the holocaust and all that happened back THEN. I didn't do any of that." – Religion gets a pass on such things...simply because it's religion.
I find that most Christians know very little about Christianity or its history (they are more or less indoctrinated as children and just accept it without hesitation due to parental involvement in said religion). I'm willing to bet that most reasonable people would not want anything to do with it if they actually studied it. It has immeasurable amounts of blood on its hands. Inquisitions, crusades, witch burnings, – a.k.a. The Dark Ages. - Those that DO know about its history and still associate themselves with it try to rationalize it by saying something to the effect of, "that happened back THEN. I didn't do any of that." - Which is tainted logic...imagine if someone were to join the Nazi party now and say something like "the holocaust and all that happened back THEN. I didn't do any of that." - Religion gets a pass on such things...simply because it's religion.
Well said.
I agree with her, i followChrist and the teachings in the bible, not what others have interupeted to fit their views. And what they use as a right to judge others and others way of life. Most so-called Christians will be mighty surprised when they get to the gates and find Christ does not appreciate others deciding to take his place and pass judgement on their peers.
THANK YOU! Finally!
Jesus Christ himself would not want anything today with today's so-called "Christians." I've said it for years. It's wonderful that someone with some fame is saying it publicly.
If she stopped caring what other people thought of her and started to follow only Christ, I'd say that she just became a Christian.
Religion is the Tylenol of the masses.
Easy to get, but not very helpful. Toxic in larger doses. Sometimes laced with poison by crazies.
lazy bum...if she believes in Christ, she's a Christian...how about instead of quitting, she works to change the hearts of those "believers" who don't follow Christian principles
I agree with her 100%..I am going through the same thing right now. I am a born again christian,loving Christ with all my heart.But most of the people I know are mean, cruel and backstabbers. I read today that christians are going to burn the Coran on Sep11...in Florida at a church. I am sick an dtired of mindless christians and I am so sad to see how these people are taking the message of Jesus Christ and become fanatics bending and twisting His truth. Yes I am sick of it. I have been a christian for 17 years and I am sadder then ever..I believe religious fanatics from all different religions will bring the end of this world as we know it. It has got to stop NOW
Can't blame Ms. Rice. In the perhaps ultimate of ironies, Christians are ruining Christianity. Nice work, righteous people - you're driving people away from Christ, not toward.
Heaven is going to be one hell of a place when all the Christians get there! Old Bill
Valid points are made throughout these responses. The fact is, as she is quoted, she still is a believer of Jesus Christ. I apologize for those who have caused others to be confused by the contaminated church. I cannot understand all the actions of some those individuals either! Just because one attends church does not make them a follower of Christ and it sure does not make them perfect. It is all about being saved by grace through faith in which is about Jesus. Understandably , it is a mystery to those who do not believe. The church, nor anybody in the church, will save you. To bash the church, religion or Jesus makes one as hypocritical as those who call themselves Christians but pass judgement on others. May we all examine ourselves and our intent as to exist in these times.
Anne,
by your response, you've proven that you are a true Christian. Your knowledge has been elevated and you have left behind the chaff. Welcome to the Church of God.
If CNN does not pre-screen comments here – then why did my conservative viewpoint simply vanish without a trace???
If the churches taught us correctly, they would have told us that Jesus simply wanted a relationship with us...not rules and regulations. The greatlest comannd is to love one another, when we do that, we have completed the relationship God and Jesus wanted us to have. Simple.
Congrats! a great first step for her into true religion. I think if she would have first looked deeply into other world views such as buddhism, or modern paganism this wouldn't have been an issue. I suggest that Anne should take a nice hike into the woods, meditate and experience the true creator of Nature- I think she would like her.
Christianity has changed over the years. Every preacher that I have ever known says he talks to God. If that is true then why do they all preach different things? I used to be very active in the church. I finally realized it is now a religion of imperfect people trying to convince everyone they are right and theirs is the only way – but they all disagree in many areas. The bible has been interpreted by men who as human beings have slanted the meanings as they see them. Same as the preachers who preach through their own understtanding which is slanted by their own views – which is why they disagree. The church & 'Christians" are riddled with hypocrisy now. The true Christian is a rare find. Christianity was great in Christ's day. I believe in the Father, the Son & the Holy Spirit. I just believe the Holy Spirit is Female and is the Goddess of the Pagan religion. I lean more toward Paganism now. I am with you Ann.
The responses are better than the article. It's like Jerry Springer meets so called spirituality. Religion is born of the ego of human beings. To reassure their minds that they are right about everything. But all that we are doing is giving our ego a stroke and trying to save the other "ignorant" people hoping to become Christlike ourselves. Christ taught us how to become better human beings. Apparently we all ignore that teaching, including myself, as we bumble through life. We should focus on making ourselves less right and more forgiving. Then we can truly shut up and listen to each other instead of our selfish thoughts. I am in this class too. I remind myself this to make myself a better human being.
By and large, organized religion, churches and Christianity have become the equivalent of the Black Heart Society.
It is sad to see (& hear) how the Christian church has failed our Lord for so many of you that have posted. Churches are not perfect by any means but there are good ones. Corporate worship is an important part of the faith journey. Faith in the Trinitarian God of Christianity is about living life for more than selfish individual gratification. It is not about me or you, it is about God. I find it very interesting that if you take time to really read Christian Scripture, it took humankind just thre chapters to screw up God's Creation. The rest of the writings are about God working to set creation back as created. The churches job is suppose to be as an helper in that journey. As a wise person once said, "the church exists for those that are not there yet".
To LivinginVa,
If you were to closely examine Isaiah 2:2-4, it would reveal that the Christian congregation that Jesus established and began operation on Pentecost 33 C.E. with the outpouring of holy spirit upon the 120 in Jerusalem, would apostasize or fall away and then be reestablished in "the last days", with the "mountain of the house of Jehovah becom(ing) firmly established above the top of the mountains."(verse 2) The apostle John in about 98 C.E., said that there were individuals who were already at work corrupting the pure teachings of Jesus, for he wrote, calling these ones "antichrists", meaning "instead or against Christ": "Young children, it is the last hour, and, just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there have come to be many antichrists; from which fact we gain the knowledge that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of our sort."(1 John 2:18, 19)
And the apostle Paul told the Ephesian older men, that "after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things, to draw away the disciples after themselves."(Acts 20:29, 30) Thus, after the death of the apostles or "while men were sleeping, his enemy came and oversowed weeds (counterfeit Christians) in among the wheat ("sons of the kingdom", true Christians)"(Matthew 13:25).
The Little Baby Jesus is out back smoking a joint with his hippie friends.
Brian – get a brain – you sound like you may be a draft dodging gay atheist. And you might not get to see Jesus – you just might go straight to Hell instead.
Here here Anne Rice I solute you 100%. I also left that deplorable religion years ago and never looked back...
Brave Lady.
Sounds like another shopping-cart Christian. Taking what you want, leaving what you don't. This is how different sects of religion are born. Maybe she should write her bible.
Here's a better story ... about a woman who was NOT self promoting how she abandoned her belief system -
"Christian Woman Stops Robbery With Faith"
Just look up the Westboro Baptist church and you will see why Christianity is losing its luster.
Keith, you're an idiot, Anne's comment has nothing to do with Obama. Why is it that people like you think all of today's problems in society has to be the fault of the current administration? Inquiring minds would like to know. Besides, who care if she chooses to let christianity, the world will not come to a halt because of one insignificant lady.
LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE
So I can't help but wonder... if she says she loves Christ but not Christianity, what does she do with the words of Jesus Himself? He didn't always preach fluffy "feel-good" sermons, y'know.
Being a Christian is not about being in a religion or a 'church'. Being a Christian is about conforming to the will of loving Father Creator who sacrificed a body in His Son so that we could escape this wicked, corrupt and evil world system.
Even the earth itself is being contaminated by the fallen nature of mankind which is manifested in complete utter selfishness.
There is an ABSOLUTE truth and it is found in the PERSON of Jesus Christ. Come to know him personally and be converted and saved from his wrath.
Besides that – Ann Rice was a Catholic. A Catholic has NEVER been a Christian. So in a sense, it's a good thing if she left that abomination but we must all acknowledge the absolute TRUTH of God's Word – not the one most people make up in their own minds...which is exactly what Ann Rice is doing.
It is your narrow view that represents much of what is wrong with Christianity. As a Protestant, I can tell you that Catholics are just as Christian as Protestants. Billy Graham accepted Catholics as fellow Christians way back in the 1950's. You should do the same. It is never too late to open your heart and mind.
Never heard of her. So what? Old woman discovers "free will" and abandons her belief system. It's not really news worthy. So many sel-promoters.
As I read some of the comments in this page I became very sad. I want to say that I am a Christian, a follower of Christ, and am proud of it. But at the same time I also want to apoligize for other Christians or so called 'Christians' who have tainted what our Lord Jesus Christ really wanted us to represent. The point of being a Christian and going to church is not to be seen like perfect people, but instead as sinners who come to confess that we are sinners and need Him to be our Savior and Redeemer. We are meant to be the body of Christ, the children who will one day inherent the kingdom of God. I will say this, God loves the sinners but hates the sins.
Bravo Anne Rice! If more people THOUGHT about the tenets of Christianity and the division it causes amongst all peoples not just Cathholics and Protestants, the fewer people who would espouse this idiocy.
Sadly, a couple of my kids have "left" Christianity for the same reasons. I blame right wing republicans -like fox news and its commentators- for their arrogant propagation of their warped ideas while claiming Christianity. They are doing a great disservice to the cause of Christ. Great comment by Anne: "Follow Christ and not the followers".
Freedom of Religion is in the American Bill of Rights.
It's her call, period.
Freedom means Freedom.
End of debate.
So much for the Christian Taliban – Bye, Bye
you are a free moral agent like every other person. you are free to make decisions but you must ponder upon the ones that affect your relationsship with God.a day is coming that you will stand before God to give an account of your sojourn on earth. at that time all the cheerleaders praising your regretable decision will not be there to answer for you. it will be you and God. you can still retrace your steps back to God before it is too late for u. GOD LOVES U still.
Maybe Anne should become a Muslim, they are very pro- gay, pro-woman's rights, non troublesome bunch.
Maybe she can strap some explosives on and blow herself up in a crowd of those terrible terrible Christians and non-Democrats.
I am a Christian and I have learned through the years that the message of Christianity is not flawed, but it is the people who sometimes give the message that is. Christianity has all of the aspects of love. The kind of love that most would give to their own children; structure, compassion, and forgiveness just to name a few. If you are a parent you have rules for your children. You wouldn’t give rules to be overbearing, but you want to protect your children. God gave us rules for the same purpose. That’s where the structure of our society comes from. Check it for yourself. If you don’t believe it ask yourself this, how did the first person know right from wrong? Who told them what was wrong? Everything we learn has a beginning and comes from somewhere. So where did right and wrong come from? If what is right and wrong has no beginning then anything anyone does could not be criticized. That includes murder, hate and injustice. The religion of Christianity here is not perfect because imperfect people at times try to represent it. At times people forget to speak the message of their belief with love, which is the foundation of the whole thing. In love I hope to spread the message of Christ and not in anger, hate, intolerance or self-righteousness. I pray that people can see past the false prophets and see the message for themselves.
I was raised in a Christian home. I attended church virtually every Sunday for 60 years. I have studied the Bible diligently for thirty years. I too am no longer a Christian. I refuse to be even remotely associated with the self-righteous, judgemental bunch that call themselves Christians today. Jesus would be appalled.
I respect Anne Rice's opinion, I suppose, but you can't really sum up 1 billion or more Christians worldwide the way she does. That's like saying I'm giving up soccer because soccer fans are rude and bad sports. Some are, some aren't. She just needs to meet some Christians that she can relate to better. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Ms. Rice, I'm not anti-gay, anti-woman (in fact, I am a die-hard feminist), or anti-anyone. I'm just pro-Christ. Denominations are nothing. Politics are nothing. Christ is everything. If you are in Christ, you have all you neeed. Please don't leave Christ because of a big bunch of contentious know-nothings. A bunch of resounding gongs. Pleaase don't leave Christ. May God bless you in every way.
Sorry if ole' Anne is upset by the actions of a tenth of one percent of Christians. The only reason it's become so unbearable I suppose is because media (such as CNN) focus on anything they can that may reflect Christianity in a negative light. They will make a big deal about the most absurd, insignificant people who's opinions no one should care about, but for some reason the media does.
man is a free moral agent. one thing that remains is that though you have decided to 'quit' xtianity, a day is coming that you will stand before GOD to give an account on how you spent her life on earth. miserable cheerleaders who are praising your decision now will not be there to answer for you. it will be just you and God your creator. it is not just a matter of leaving xtianity. the question i would you is ' have met Christ, are you born again? is your name written in the Lamb's book of life? ponder upon these and retrace your faltering steps back to your creator.
Organized religion is nothing more than a form of control. The majority of my experiences with christians have been totally negative and disgusting. Self-righteous, close minded, hateful, ignorant people. I have no tolerance for them. That's right, I said it and I mean it. NO TOLERANCE!
Rice still follows Christ, the teachings of the NT written in 325 at the council of Nicea by the "church", and still believes that Jesus is her savior, deity and messiah. Rice is a Christian. She left a church that was hypocritical with a history of hate and murder. To suggest that a person who follows the NT, Jesus and his deity is not a Christian must explain what other faith this is.
It's all time we leave this christian faith and liberate ourselves. Christianity, for most Americans, has no bearing on their ancestral backgrounds or roots. It is founded on a belief system indigenous to the Levant, not Europe, Africa, etc. We must uncover our roots and the old beliefs (which were crudely and violently supplanted by the "church").
Ms. Rice has a valid point that many Christians do very un-Christ-like things. However, to separate herself from them is like saying that she is better than everyone else, that she is without sin and therefore can't forgive the sins of others. Good thing Christ did not think that way!
Huh? You can be a Christian without being part of organized religion or did no one tell her that.
I understand what she's saying. I've been thinking the same thing for years now. Christians are destroying the Christian faith. Gone are the days of the old fashioned, steeple churches with folks dressed in nice clothes for church. Now, they dress beyond casual, look and act ghetto, and want to turn church into some sort of rock concert.
Christianity has changed so much and NOT for the better. They put on a big show, but outside the doors all around them are people hurting and suffering. They look and act like trash and look down their noses at people they don't agree with. It's all about image, image, image.
Oh and Jesus wasn't a jew. He was a Levite, from his mothers side. There are after all, twelve other tribes.
I applaud her for having the courage to stand up publicly for her convictions. If only more people would take the risk the world would have less hate and hate crimes. Very sad that when I hear the word Christians I visualize demonstrators with anti-everything posters using children to promote their message of hate instead of a world unified in unity and Christ's love. Perhaps one day Christians will actually hear Christ's words and emulate his behavior.
This discussion is amazing, seeing the passion shown on both sides of the fence. Even seeing the comments left by those who profess Christianity is astounding. Being a Christian is not about religion. It's about a relationship, YOUR relationship with Jesus Christ. Humankind is so busy trying to recreate Jesus in their own image, that His original message is lost. Look into your own hearts before posting to see how your relationship is with Him. Ms. Rice has chosen how she wishes to persue her relationship. That is a private matter between her and her Lord. No one is qualified to pass judgement on her for that. It doesn't matter to what "religion" you ascribe, ultimately this relationship (or lack of it thereof) will be between you and your Lord.
For those who have been burned by hyprocracy in the churches, remember that Jesus' enemies will ultimately see to destroy His followers. Do not condemn all Christians on the basis of the actions of those who claim to be...
Interesting. It does not appear to me that she is leaving her faith. It sounds more like she has found it. Judging by what she says at the end of the article, she still believes in Christ, just not in the Christian religion. I can sympathize greatly. I also believe in Christ, but have not been to church in years. This decision of hers makes me respect her even more. I think it says volumes about her courage and intelligence that she is taking the more difficult and honest road of personal faith and growth rather simply doing what the majority says.
For the idiot named Keith{ I voted for Obama and am proud of it. I will vote for him again too.
Here are the commandments. 1) Take a good secular university course on critical thinking. 2) READ "Misquoting Jesus" by Bart Ehrman (a self-professed born-again Christian) who is a theologian whose expertise is textual criticism (of the bible). 3 READ "Letter to a Christian Nation" and "End of Faith" both by Sam Harris. These three acts may open your eyes and even may kick start your brain. Thinking may become a habit. It could lead to reading other historical explorations. Oh, and "The Bible Unearthed" is a very good work by a couple of archeologists. Have fun and keep exploring the nature of man. If being a loyal subject of a mythical monarch is more your thing, grab your dinosaur, saddle him and ride off into the sunset.
Christianity is not a "group" its a BELIEF . . . / Its a spiritual disposition that you experience from within./ For Anne O'Brien Rice to say she belonged to a group means that she's not recognizing the spirituality of Faith.
The whole controversy, such as it is, boils down to semantics. The word Christian means to some following the teachings of Jesus Christ. To others, it means belonging to a church that professes to follow Jesus Christ. What Ms. Rice means is that her interpretation of the teachings of Jesus is so far from the interpretations of conventional Christian churches that she can't reconcile them. IT DOESN'T MEAN SHE'S WRONG! It means she's thoughtful.
And to the atheists: each of us tries to find meaning in our lives. Many people find meaning in the teachings of religion. Admittedly, many religious believers try to shove their beliefs down the throats of non-believers. I believe that's wrong. But I believe it's just as wrong for you to shove YOUR beliefs down their throats. Religions and atheism are all faiths. As an agnostic, I don't know whether any god exists or not, and I believe that the existence or non-existence of spirit can't be proven. Why isn't it enough to say, "I respectfully disagree"?
The original apostles were all rebels against established religious authority. They likely would be ill-at-ease in a church hierarchy.. but they would still be Christians. It doesn't sound like she is leaving Christianity.. just the establishment built around it.
If you love Christ and believe in Christ you are still a Christian. My wise 102 yr old grandmother helped me understand the difference between Christianity and Religion – religion is man made and sprinkled with the efforts of the devil. Unfortunately these gay hating people can call themselves Christians but they aren't walking the walk. You will know we are Christians by our love!
Wow, Annie Rice, THANK YOU.... After a lifetime (50 yrs) of never enough Christianity, I feel closer to God and Christ than EVER in the church (+full time ministry 20 yrs). I believe we must follow HIM solo, or as you say, we're merely following His followers. And that's wrong. I believe the world has been ripped off due to Christians trying so hard to not be "worldly" that they became "HIGH MAINTENANCE/LOW IMPACT" beings.
Jesus, protect me from Your followers!!
My father refuses to grant my mother a divorce because it's against his religion. However, he listed his marital status as "single and looking."
There are many different branches and types of christianity, as there are many different types of christians. Anne Lamott is an author, for example, who is a liberal christian. And William Paul Young in "The Shack" expresses a nonjudgmental viewpoint. It's too bad that Anne Rice doesn't use her considerable writing talent to advocate for her vision of christianity.
I only wish Anne would write another Lestat book and have him convert me into a vampire.
Being a Christian is believing in Jesus Christ as your Load and Savior. Its not about belonging to a church, criticizing or discrimination against anyone. The New Testament is very clear: 'let the first among you who is without sin cast he first stone." I do not believe in religion...I believe in Jesus Christ. He welcomed all who believe. NOTHING ELSE but your faith will get you in heaven. AND those who make it will be judged on our actions while on this earth.
I just read a story about the Dove World OUtreach Center and their "Burn A Quran Day." Maybe a little extreme, but I think a good example of what Rice is talking about.
And what about being "an optimistic, happy atheist, living in a world of joy and enlightment, not in fear of a capricious god but in perpetual curiousness and discovery". There's plenty of those.
Liberal used to mean tolerant. Now some of the most intolerant people I've ever run across classify themselves as politically liberal. I think it would be nice if Ms. Rice should treat her relationship with God as less of a political statement.
All of this discussion is wonderful! I certainly don't agree with everything written, but I do know that this will all lead to people thinking and asking questions about religion, their own and that of others, and it will lead to more and more people coming to the realization of how silly, irrational, counterproductive, and even dangerous, religion is. Think for yourself! Religion is based on ignorant people now long dead (and many still living) controlling what you think and do. It's only been the past decade or two that it's become "O.K." to even have these discussions in our society. "You mean I don't have to believe what my parents/church/pastor told me I have to believe?"
She is obviously confused. By definition, a Christian is one who has a one-to-one relationship with Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. If she continues to follow Jesus, then she is a christian. She may not agree with the actions of the so-called christians that she is familiar with, but those are peoples' actions and have nothing to do with Jesus Himself. "Religion" in ANY form is created by man and is prone to all sorts of mistakes (as is man).
how will christianity survive wiithout her???
nellie616
My God rose from the dead. Your god cannot claim that.
AW NELLIE, OSIRIS MASTERED THAT SKILL THOUSANDS OF YEARS BEFORE YOUR SPECIAL JEEBUS, Learn about the mythologies which were recycled by men to enslave the minds and bank accounts of your ilk before you're left without even your daily bread!
The very fact of the whole matter is this. God loves Anne, and he will continue to love her and make himself real to her, and there is not one freaking thing any of you law hollering, bible thumpiing crazies can do to keep her from God. How do you like that.
Amen!!!!!!!!!!!! Its about a relationship and belief in Christ...everything else is man mandated.
As long as she doesn't return to writing, I'll sleep easy...
Sadly, Anne sees the church from the outsider point of view. Sad that many Christians are learning to live inside in the joy of the Lord, rather finding issues that the world does not understand who God is. Nowhere in the Bible or walk of Jesus does He condone the sinful lifestyle, even though He ate with them to show how much He loved them. Love does not stop there or condones what God condemns. Until the Body sees itself as a living sacrifice HOLY and acceptable, then what can we present to the world.
Sounds like Anne was truly not seeing Christ for who He is. Only hoping what her image would be of Him.
My god carried a hammer, your god died nailed to a cross, any questions?
My God rose from the dead. Your god cannot claim that.
It sounds like she's at odds with "socially conservative Christianity and is trying to disassociate herself from it by disavowing Christianity. Seems cowardly to me. If she believes in Christ, the Social Gospel and a more progressive message in Christianity, she should be trying to take the "Christian" label back from those she disagrees with, not running away from it. Seems like PR and grandstanding, simply telling the world that she is a good political liberal despite the stereotypes about Christians a bunch of right-wing fundamentalists.
How is it that some idiot winds up blaming Obama for her reasons for leaving a Dying Faith. The hatred and Vitriol that is coming from the right has got to go. CHRIST has a Rude Awakening coming for you Christians and Republican/ Tea Baggers! Maybe if you showed true love and compassion, lived your lives with quiet dignity maybe your faith woudl still be growing a bringing more people to the wonderful message of Yeheshua. Never in my life have I have seen such hatred and intolerance from supposed good people!!!
Good for you Anne. The Man (Jesus Christ) would rebuke and repudiate 99% of the so called Christians of today too. Christianity of today has been hijacked by a bunch of mean spirited, hate filled, Scribe and Pharisee talking thugs who steal from the poor and talk Republican from one end to the other. The Jesus of the Bible would tell all the TV preachers to shut up, Sarah Palin to go home and take care of her child instead of lying and making millions by being stupid and lying and Michelle Bachman to go home and repent and quit collecting money from the government for her farm to the tune of a 1/4 million a year Sharron Angle from Nevada to take her medicine and command the selfish demons to come out and hold their peace and for her to quit trying to steal social security and unemployment from the disenfranchised, in His own words, "Go sell all you have, give to the poor, take up your cross and follow me." He would not condemn anyone, not even the adultress woman, but he did condemn the politicans like the Republicans who thought they were so good, he told them they were of their father the devil and that they were children of the devil. Glad you made your statement Anne, we will overcome these devils who made the truth of Jesus Christ into a lie for political reasons and we will love our brother and rebuke the evil ones from our country command them to hold their peace and speak no more in the name of Jesus Christ as they have lied in his name and will be commanded to depart from Him in the Judgement for he "Knew" them not for they did not visit the sick, they did not cloth the naked, they did not visit him when he was in prison, all they thought about was money. Did you hear that Ms. Palin, enjoy it while it last, for the time will come when your money will fail you for your God is your money.
May the sustainer of this universe guide her to the right PATH, the path of the beleivers in the supremacy of the creator and the supremacy of his deputy, MAN, on our Earth chosen for us to live on.
Love you all
JIHAD RASHID
Her and Edwina Curry would make a nice dinner.
This story appeared first on the web-site "Who Gives a S___?".com
Buddha would be pleased.
Amen sister! Many of the so-called "followers" of Jesus have totally lost sight of what He came to do.
Keep looking up for your guidance! To look around is to see only the people He came to help!
The real news is that the bible is not what you think it is. Do you really think that such structure, characters and thoughts came completely new out of the first century?
No, I believe that there is something more fundamental going on here. Many churches are experiencing decline and fear does not have the same bite it had in the past. People grow tired of being preyed upon.
For those with a truly open mind and the ability to check the source, of a source, of a source, will see that one has to go all the
way back to Egypt to find the roots of the Judeo–Christian tradition. Christian ideas in the bible are neither original nor unique. Virgin birth,
the Magi, December 25th and on and on all had precedents hundreds to thousands of years before they were supplanted and reworked in
the 2nd and 3rd century AD and placed in the first century for 'discovery' and falsely attributed.
Witness: D. M. Murdock, Kenneth Humphreys and many others.
20% of the US population claim no religious affiliation and the other 80% are slowly waking up to the fact that the closer you look
the more faint the prospect that religion ever delivers on their promise of salvation and eternal life. When you stand on nothing (or plagiarized work not your own), even the pious fall eventually.
Steve
She's still confused. One can either believe in science OR religion, NOT both.
She's still confused. You can either believe in science OR religion, NOT both.
I am so sorry for her as I must agree with her observations, but I believe her choice of words Christianity vs. Religiosity is incorrect.
‘They (disciples) were (first) called Christians (Littlie Christ’s) at Antioch” Acts11:26.
Rather than say “I was a Jew” or “I was a Gentile” they now said “I am a Christian” This way they sought to honor there Master Jesus and were not ashamed to confess there relationship to him. I am glad her statement still pledged her commitment to Jesus.
Christianity is a Spiritual thing born of the Holy Spirit. Religion is a man made thing and goes by so many different names as to defy understanding (over 2000 sects).
She has it right, Churches have nothing to do with Salvation.
Many of the Churches in hte US make it obvious why Organized Religion is fundamentally flawed. They are not about spreading the message of Christ at all. They are about amassing wealth and controlling the sheep that join them.
Christianity teaches Love the sinner hate the sin. Christianity, contains sinners because we all are. We Christians should all strive to live as Christ taught us....but we fall....and if Ann truly has Christ has the center of her life she is a Christian...you can't quit it!?
The only significance to this is that she got her face in front of the cameras again.
Rice...as many ignorants who write here....are simply CONFUSED!
It's "is," not "are." If you're going to question the intelligence of a person or group, you have to be, at the very least least, as smart as they are.
She's going to become a Muslim because it's such a peaceful, pro-woman "religion".
What a great lady! She is so right. Being Christian does not mean you have to belong to a Church. I am Catholic; however, believe the Pope and all of his Bishops are bordering upon evil based on their behavior covering up Pedophilia etc. and their disdain for gays, and women in the Church.
"Anne Rice Leaves Christianity" is a bit of a misleading headline, I'd say, because I thought I'd read about someone coming to their senses and deciding to leave RELIGION.
Nope.
Just a cleverly worded story about someone leaving organized religion but still a member of the delusional masses.
Silly comment. Christianity is Christ. Even the original apostles who had daily interaction with Christ were imperfect, just as we are 2000 years later. Giving up on religion is not the answer, but participating as a believer to right the wrongs is more respectable. Walking away is apathetic. I see it a lot and it is sad because the basic tenants of Christ are most easily accessible through religion especially when practiced as a group. I can understand her decision, but I disagree. Christians cannot right the wrongs as individuals and quite frankly if she were to connect all the dots, she should realize spiritually it is more than just about her. Being a christian is being a rock for your brothers and sisters as well.
A Christian is by definition a 'follower of Christ', yet she denounces all others who do the same. Perhaps had she read the Bible prior to her 'conversion' to Christianity, she would have noted that by today's standard they are indeed anti-gay, anti-feminist and anti-science. A shame it didn't sink in earlier.
I hear you, Anne. I've been struggling with the same issues for 13 years, but I find comfort in knowing that Jesus wasn't all that happy with the religious authorities of his day, either. So I can still love Yeshua and have faith in him but be less than pleased with some churches...
Unfortunately, Christ and American Christianity have become seperated." Evangelical" has become a political label, and our view of Christ has become meshed with patriotism for one's country. We evangelicals have allowed this to happen. We need more theologians who are not afraid to point this out and steer the church back to being Christ centered.
God's love is so great. Jesus died for all of our sins. About being Gay,The ten commandments, the Bible. Adultery, going to hell. I am a Christian. That means you believe in God and know Jesus died for our sins. You do not have to go to church or belong to a denomination. I am Baptist and I go to church maybe 10 times a year. God is forgiving. People commit suicide, which is against the bible. God is your father and I feel he looks at everything. I do not like it when people pull certain passages from the bible and go after people. I try to love all people. If Anne Rice still believes in God and Jesus, then she is still a Christian.................
I would rather die believing in a God, then to die believing that there isn't a God. If I die and there isn't a God then it won't matter because I'll be dead. But if I die and there is a God then I'll be glad that I believed. I do believe there is a God and life continues, but even if I didn't I think I would want to.
I don't get it. Christ is the REASON there IS Christianity.
If you're not a Christian, then you are not a follower of Christ. It is impossible to separate the two.
Good for Anne. Her critique of the religious right is very accurate. Glad to see though that she has not abandoned her true faith of following Christ. There is a large community of Christians that are emerging that have dumped the judgemental hypocricy of the religious right and have reformed a fresh vision embracing the gospel's emphasis on caring for the poor, loving your neighbor as yourself, and taking care of the creation....I hope she finds common ground with those that are working on this new vision.
It amazes me that so many people are still in the dark about this made up thing called religion. All religions originated from the myths and beliefs practiced from the Egyptians thousands of years ago before the so called organized religions took root. If people were to research this they would find the truth but people that follow religion are so brainwashed that they leave their brain at the door when they enter their place of worship. It's time for people to wake up and see that this is a form of control. BTW where is the evidence and proof of a person going to hell
Yes, Anne, much of organized religion is hypocritical. However, that does not negate the existence of God or Jesus' command that we love one another.
For those of you who scoff at the idea of an afterlife, I challenge you to watch Celebrity Ghost Stories on the Biography Channel. I do not know about any proof for Hell, but there is plenty of proof for either Limbo or Purgatory. Ghosts are souls that are trapped between worlds. They are NOT all demons as Evangelical Protestants and Traditional Catholics tend to claim. There is plenty of evidence to show that most spirits are human souls that did not go to either Heaven or Hell at death, but to some other place. It would seem that Protestants, and I am one of them, should listen to Catholics when they say that there is that there is an Intermeddiate place between Heaven and Hell. We should also pray for the souls of deceased loved ones, as this ancient practice goes back to the earliest days of Christianity.
I blurbed my thoughts on this already ( http://covenantoflove.net/random-reflections/of-the-head-but-not-the-body-anne-rice-renounces-christianity-but-not-christ/ ) ...
Anne should join the Mormons, they're not considered Christians by mainstream Christianity even though the church's name has always been "The Church of Jesus Christ". And even though Book of Mormon contains more references to Jesus Christ than the Bible. And even though 1 of their 13 articles of faith states that they believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. And even though all their prayers end "In the name of Jesus Christ". I agree with Anne that mainstream Christianity has a lot of hypocritical teachings. Mainstream Christians constantly mock the Mormons for practicing polygamy more than 100 years ago, but don't seem to remember that many of the prophets in the Old Testament had multiple wives. Mainstream Christians believe the Bible to be the word of God, but only those parts that fit their agenda. Mainstream Christians talk about being saved, but don't even know what happens or don't want to know what happens after death or what happened before birth. Why wouldn't you want to know where you came from, why you are here, and where you are going? The Mormon religion has answers to those questions and the answers are revealed, not interpreted. Anne should join the Mormon church because they are not part of the Mainstream Christians, but are true Christians. The Mormon church gives more away in Humanitarian aid than any other church. The Mormon leaders are not paid clergy and members of the church try to live as close to Christ as possible every day. They don't smoke and they don't chew, but why should you. I really wish everyone could set aside their biases and learn about the Mormon church. It really is a great church and has helped me to draw closer to Christ.
Perhaps she should have said she is no longer a Christian in a political or organized context, as her actions, thoughts and concerns are in actuality Christ like, The true Christianity, which is more akin in buddhism. True christianity is not organized. It is within. It exists without rules made by power mongers. The souls is church and God needs to be rescued from Man.
I love when TRUE Christians emerge. They belong to no one but God and don't have to gather every Sunday to prove so.
Thank you Anne for a great reminder. The early Christians were known for the way they loved and cared for others...it is time to remember why their faith worked! I'm married to a pastor and truthfully, it isn't the "sinners" we struggle with – it's the "saints." It wasn't the people who didn't know God that crucified him, it was the group that did. To the Christians...don't get angry....get busy! I John 4:7-8.
being a scientologist will help her sell more books....
Anne uses some of the most flawed and ignorant logic I've ever heard for leaving the church.
If you do follow Jesus and His teachings then you will love the Church as He said He does.
Ya know, the group of people who hate the church is also "quarrelsome, hostile and disputatious". It's not exclusive to Christianity. It's exclusive to humanity.
And talk about hostile, reading the comments here of all the church-haters is very disheartening. You folks aren't anti-anything...except for the church, Christians, republicans, pastors etc. You see the fundamental problem with your logic?
My church isn't anti-gay/feminist. We're pro-grace. We're not anti-science. We believe, along with the findings of the greater science community that science supports Biblical teaching. We're not anti-democrat. We aren't ignorant enough to expect a politician from either side of the aisle to actually change our world: that is up to Christ through His followers.
Ann is mistaken here. (I realize it is "sacriligious" today to say someone is wrong, but she is.) Jesus created a band of followers, which is The Church, His mystical body. He is perfect but we humans are not. We do our best to follow Him. That's OK with Him; He does not require perfection because we are not capable of that. Yet. He will be the One to bring us to perfection. It's an organic relationship. "I am the Vine, you are the branches". Jesus sent His first followers out in pairs. Christianity is communal in its nature. We are not meant to be alone in following Him.
I do not judge Ann's standing before God – or anybody else. But I can take issue with her statements. She is just wrong about the nature of the Faith.
The concept of God was created and developed purely within the confines of the human mind. It is silly to ask 'does God exist?' At best you can ask does the 'concept' of God exist. Yes because we has humans have the ability to 'create in our minds almost anything', its a way we try to understand things. The challenging part is to take a concept one creates/makes up in their mind and 'sell it to others'. And the concept of God has been 'sold' to many...give your money for this all under the guise of 'you will be saved, you will I promise you life an eternal life', etc, etc, etc. A concept is a pattern of human thought. Nothing more, nothing less. Jesus may have been a real person, a human, no doubt. Did he have a following, no doubt. But alot, ALOT, of humans have died for a cause, some more well known and publicized thru the ages then others. Where the STORY of Jesus takes a 'major leap of faith', and many people, who similar to sitting thru a Hollywood Blockbuster movie, suspend disbelief and allow themselves to introduce the 'concept' of supernatural being ('GOD') to enable a 'connection' between Jesus and the 'concept of God'. There is not harm, in fact there is peace and aid in believing in 'something greater then you' because the human mind has developed the tendency in many cases to 'need an answer' to things we do not YET have answers to. God is a concept that was created by the human mind and exists only within the confines of human brian. The teachings/the stories/the lessons learned/the wisdom of the stories of Jesus are not a monopoly of 'Jesus' life but can easily be seen in daily life and historically from really anyone who has stood up for a cause and well in some cases 'was willing to die for it'. I'm in no way against people 'believing' in concepts that may help them 'get thru life' with some level of understanding, means to put context and meaning around things that we can't yet explain or that would help one thru suffering or pain or bewildermen or joyt. But please realized or at least consider for a moment that 'the concept of God' was a creation of and within THE HUMAN MIND (BRAIN). Please don't kid yourselves otherwise.
Being a Catholic gives me a feeling of Wholness and Christian integrity. I'm happy. 🙂
Wait a minute, Anne. There are plenty of Christians – and congregations – who would agree that following Christ does not mean one is “anti-gay, anti-feminist, anti-science and anti-Democrat.” I myself recently gave a teaching sermon in my conservative congregation about Galatians 3:28 and the way that, over time, Christians led by the Spirit have come to see this not only applies to the Jew-Gentile controversy of the first century, but that it is the inspiration for abolition, women’s suffrage and women’s rights, and gay rights. Of course there are people who disagree with that, and of course there always have been Pharisees. But to “leave” Christianity because some of its followers are hypocrites is like discarding the wheat because some chaff still is mixed in. I am so saddened by liberal, intelligent Christians who abandon the church to the Pharisees and to the spiritually immature.
Doesn't matter to me...I'm not the one going to hell!
SAD..sorry you cant separate Christ from Christianity because christianity is the avenue by which Chirst saves. It is how one comes into the knowledge of Christ. The church, oral tradition, and written Word of God(bible) is who we come to know who this man named Christ is/was/willbe.
way to go, Anne! welcome to the club of the enlightened. i lost my faith when i was 10. christianity, islam, judaism, etc..all of them are pests! they do more harm than good. i've been a person without faith for a very long time, and i'm one of the happiest people in the world. i don't need religion and all that crap. i choose to live freely. Anne just made that decision too. i hope you who are reading this will soon wake up..
YES! You go girl! I was worried and disappointed when you started shunning your masterpieces (The vampire chronicles) but I'm glad to hear that you truly believe you can be supportive of gay-rights and believe in Christ. This is awesome! YAY ANNE RICE! YOU ROCK AGAIN!
At Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus prophectically stated through an illustration that the Christian congregation that he established and began functioning on Pentecost 33 C.E., would apostasize or fall away from the true teachings. This began to happen in earnest after the death of the last apostle, John, in about 100 C.E. Jesus also said that the true Christian congregation would be reestablished in the ' conclusion of the system of things,' our time period. He gave an explanation to his apostles concerning this at Matthew 13:36-43, in which the "sons of the wicked one" would abound, but the "sons of the kingdom" would again shine brightly after a period of over 1900 years of "darkness" ( in which the light of the truth was smothered out), doing the Father's will and preaching the "good news of the kingdom" worldwide before the "end comes."(Matt 24:14)
That's got to be the most reaching interpretation of that parable I've ever read. Where, pray tell, do you find anything about 'the 'sons of the wicked one' would abound, but the 'sons of the kingdom' would again shine brightly after a period of over 1900 years of 'darkness' ( in which the light of the truth was smothered out)" ?????
24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.
"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' "
The Parable of the Weeds Explained
36Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field."
37He answered, "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40"As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.
It took her this long to find out that religion is a sham? You see, this is a prime example of how religion screws up a person's life. They're born into it, then brainwashed by it for decaades, and even when they finally come to the realization that religion is fiction, they STILL can't bring themselves to totally leave it behind. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt. Fear. Fear. Fear. Fear. THAT is what religion is really all about. Sorry, Ann, but you'll never truly be free until you put this "Christ" nonsense behiind you once and for all.
She writes about Vampires and then becomes a bible banger?!
Lemme tell you idiots a little something. If you take away the fairy tale of Christianity,then "Satan","Dracula" and the rest don't exist.The two fairy tales depend on each other.
Or are you hogheaded Christians too stupid to even grasp THAT simple concept?
Bunch of racist gorillas.
Though I understand and support her frustration with conservative Christianity, it seems that she embraces an equally flawed liberal Christianity. The woman caught in adultery was shown extreme compassion and mercy while encouraged to sin no more. We shouldn't be choosing between the two flawed ideologies.
Anyone who becomes a follower (or a "disciple) of Jesus will for the rest of his or her life be in process. These people get together in churches because the Bible actually says to, but all these "in-process" people make a ton of mistakes. I don't know why God chose to let the "church" represent Him on earth, but the Bible is clear that He has. We aren't allowed to go it alone. Jesus loves His messed up, misled bride, warts and all. True followers of Jesus need to stay and become part of the solution. The Old Testament prophets, and especially Jesus were great at critiquing religiousness. God always judged His people for preferring religion rather than relationship, or "sacrifices rather than mercy." Zechariah 7 is a good example of the heart of God. All things will come to light including errors and abuses in the church.
Uh translation for the masses. I quit being labeled a Christian because it is somehow synonymous with being a republican in my feeble little mind. This is a political statement at its core, nothing more.
I wonder: What would Jesus Christ say if HE were here today? And I think that problem is that HE is not here today. Only those who claim to represent Him.
I left the church for the same reasons back when the Father Flynn cases were breaking the news and haven't looked back. We have a saying: I trust Jesus, I just don't trust the people he's got working for him.
She has a point. The so called "Christianity" nowadays are Christianity according to man not the original Christianity according to Christ. Many are having a bad taste about Christianity not because of Jesus Christ but because of those so-called "Christians" who's only using Jesus for their own selfish ambitions or agenda. Do not lose hope, Anne, surely God is doing something to make things straight.
The Catholic Church is the pillarr of truth.
Coming from the Queen of the Damned, this isn't a big shocker....
Sounds like Anne Rice thinks everyone should agree with her political views... So do non-Christians have to be pro-gay, pro-feminist, pro-science and pro-Democrat? Stop labeling people Anne...you wouldn't appreciate it if others did that to you.
I think alot of the posters here might appreciate this website, exchristian.net, you seem to think like I do, I was raised in a very Christian background, went to Baptist school from grades 7-12, sang twice a month on a locally owned Christian TV station, but as I matured, I realized that modern religion had nothing to offer me. Sorry about the run-on sentance.
"All these Christians they are so unforgiving and mean. I hate them all and I am leaving the church." See anything wrong with this statement? Christians don't hate anybody or condemn anyone. They just warn them. The Word of God through the law condemned all. Only through repentance and Salvation by Christ's sacrifice can anyone be saved. That is a direct quote from Jesus See john 3:16-18. The church is not here to please you anyway but to please God.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
And luke 5 31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Everybody gets so high handed over all of this, I shoulda seen it coming. But I didn't. Then there is all this writing down of things, huh. Everlasting life. A bunch of you took that so seriously that you tried to end my kid's everlasting life when he was 33. Granted, with health care being what it was back then he was practically a senior citizen. Look ...don't get so hung up. How hard is that to understand? How about this:
"Live and learn"... and you can quote me. Mind you, I didn't say 'Die and learn', did I? Nor did I say 'Kill and learn', correct? I'm trying a new 'keep it simple' tack, considering what it's been taking to unravel the last two thousand years of fallout over what I supposedly said. Here's another from my new tack:
'Don't make such a fuss'
I applaud her decision. I made the same decision in 2000 and I have never been more complete or happier with my own chosen path. I am fully aware it was not an easy decision to make as it wasnt easy for me either.
Lord, protect me from your followers.....
ALL "organized" religions are the root of all evil. It's true; deaths and blood shed have happened due to religions the world over, since the beginning of religion. moreso than the number of killings from all the wars, because most of the wars were due to fighting over religious beliefs. The entire world would be better off if religions did NOT exist, if people were just decent humans beings and NOT categorized and labeled due to their beliefs and religion. Believe what you want, but like I do, keep it to yourself. It is MY personal business what I believe, NO one elses. If everyone would shut up about religion and just be decent humans, this world would be a much, clamer, nicer place. I used to go to several different religions and churchs over the years to educate myself, and in all of them, I met more hypocrital, abusive, lying people in all of them than friends I had known for years that were NOT religious and did not even believe in a god. True that religion and many religious people are hyocrites and the root of evil, sorry but true from my experience.
Join Islam, but on that burka, take your place three steps behind a man. Praise be to Allah.
I wish someone would explain to Anne Rice that being a sensationalist drama-queen has more in common with the religion she repudiates than the Christ she claims to embrace.
This news is only newsworthy if it means that she will finally get back to writing vampire novels again!
Who is this Jesus of whom you all speak? Sounds like quite a made-up story if you ask me.
Your Right, Jesus did teach love and peace and all that good stuff but seems most of you forget that he also said to follow the laws of Moses. God also says he is the same yesterday, today and forever which means the Old Testament is also to be followed. Not forgotten just because you want to pick and choose what you will or will not follow. You either follow all of Gods teachings or you follow none. God said he will spit you out of his mouth if you are in the middle riding the fence. He said he would rather you be hot or cold rather than luke warm which he will spit out. All you that think your going to ride the fence until the time he comes back or if you think your going to do whatever you want and then at the last minute think your going to heaven or to paradise you are fooling yourself. Read the parable of the virgins and the oil lamps. In short it means if you are not ready and prepared when he comes you will be left behind. A couple of the virgins had plenty of oil in their lamps, the others did not prepare and ran out and turned back into darkness to go get more oil but when they turned back the Lord came and took the ones that were prepared. When the others returned they realized they were left behind because they chose to do it their own way, not listen to Gods word and follow it, not just the things you like. Those of you that think you can do what you want and think the Lord is going to say to you "well it is ok come with me anyways" will find themselves left behind in a very cruel world. It does not matter whether you believe that or not because it will happen. Your disbelief does not change the facts and it sure does not change Gods will and his Word.
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Mahatma Gandhi
now would you sit on my face sweet baby and drip juice in my mouth ? all my loveQ god i can dream can't i ......i
Believing in Christ and loving Christ, living your life as Christ would have you do, makes you a Christian. Sio therefore, if you truly believe and follow his teachings, then you are a Christian, so therefore, you havent left Chritianity. Anne, I quit you way back. I was a fan of yours, but you are just another lost soul looking for your next fad. You are just another hypocrite.
Translation if you cant beat them join them. She can start her own cult and non bible church..lol
Christians alienate the entire world – arrogant and self righteous finger pointers. All religious are bad, not just Christianity
Sounds like a real Christian, rather than the more popular version which is really a Churchian.
Christ was a generally humble guy with a Jewish mom who was not big on fancy displays, big organizations or prattling about how holy he or his followers were. He wouldn't fit in to church (or temple or jihad) culture. He wasn't liberal or conservative, but were he here today each would accuse him of being the other.
AR has some good sense.
"following Christ does not mean following His followers." This means that one can believe in Jesus and not believe in following an organized religion. I totally agree with Anne Rice and I could care less about her books. Karl Marx said it best when he said, "Religion is an opiate for the masses." Case closed,,,
Does anyone travel to other countries or even think about all the different faiths or religions out in the world? There are literally hundreds of faiths throughout the world and history. Have anyone of them ever been any different than the rest? One god, or 100 gods, its all the same search for understanding and meaning. The first step is acknowledging that you don't know anything. The second step is determining the difference between knowledge and wisdom. The third step is looking within yourself to find that wisdom. Sometimes I think the world would be much better off if people would just stop watching TV and read a wider and more diversified book selection. Get out more and travel often. Stop belly aching and proselytizing. Be optimistic and spread happiness.
THE ONLY CHURCHES I GO TO SELL CHICKEN!!
Interesting that I just wrote a blog piece on this issue of the church causing offense just yesterday http://wisdomcriesaloud.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/an-offensive-gospel/
One mistake Ms Rice makes and 95% of those posting makes is the assumption that Christianity is defined by its manifestation in 21st century, American, conservative culture. The majority of Christians do not live in the West. So cariacatures of Glenn Beck, big business, etc, don't even make sense to Christians, like the ones who meet under a tree in Africa or secretly in an apartment in China. I'd love Ms Rice to meet some of these folks – she may find that their faith in Jesus is exactly what she is looking for!
I'm a left wing, liberal,pro-choice Democrat and I consider myself a Christian...have many connservative right wing Republican friends who also consider themselves Christians...we get along...don't always agree on things...don't think God cares what building we go into on Sundays, or if we even go to a church on Sundays...just have faith and believe in and love whatever Diety you choose...I believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God and my political views are still the same...and I bellieve God loves me just as much as my Republican friends!!
JMJ said: "There sure is a lot of hatred out there for Christianity and organized religion. Where's the tolerance in that?"
'Scuse me? If we're not accepting of a tradition that is firmly rooted in intolerance, we're labeled as intolerant. Nice double-speak
Mike – it's not your decision to reject Christianity, but the level of hatred and venom displayed out here that is so disturbing. Can we not agree that every movement has misguided people without having to be nasty about all people! It's no wonder our nation is so polarized. I find that nastiness of these posts much more disturbing than any decision Ms Rice may have made or not made. Whether you admire Jesus, Ghandi, or MLK, I don't think any of them would endorse the nastiness of so many of these posts.
Jim, you said it better than I did. Thanks!
Oh. So she's still a Christian, just not a knuckle dragging moron.
This makes absolutely NO SENSE. If you believe in and follow Christ, that makes you a Christian. Hence, you practice Christianity. It's impossible to believe in Christ, but not be a Christian. So which is it, Anne?
There sure is a lot of hatred out there for Christianity and organized religion. Where's the tolerance in that?
JMJ, you should look back at your earlier post, if you don't like intolerance you shouldn't hide behind it. "He who casts the first stone...". Your earlier comments paint a picture of intolerance, duplicity, division, and unchristian beliefs in the guise of a God. "Hypocracy is ineffective shield". If you want tolerance you should offer it.
GaryInMilwaukee, There must be another JMJ posting comments as well. The one you replied to was my first one. I forgive you 🙂
This is the main reason why Jehovah Witnesses are the fastest growing religion. 757 baptisms per day on average last year. The bible teaches to be no part of this work since it is lying in the power of the wicked one. Find a JW and ask fir a teach book. It will help you understand why you feel this way and what God asks of us to be true followers of his.
That is EXACTLY how I've always felt...good for her to leave the lemming swarm that is organized religion!!
I've just spent 2 hours reading posts. I applaud Anne, an anyone, who has the courage to refine their beliefs. I have been an athiest since 7th grade. I have know the most wonderful and hateful religious people, I have know the most wonderful and hateful athiests (agnostics). I too despise any hateful and evil group that uses religion as a way to control the masses, but I recognize that many people have a peaceful and wonderful relationship with God, and good for them. Myself, as I said, do not believe in life after death. Recently I lost my brother and dad so I have know great sorrow, I was giving great confort from many religious and non-religious friends, and I love both equally. I have always wondered if Jesus was made up or a prophet whose life was used as a springboard to control the masses. In any case I'm sure if he exitsts he will reward those with peaceful hearts with love, and those without peaceful hearts with love...Good day to all!
Funny – I am a believer in and follower of Jesus, but your post made more sense than most of these I've read from all sides! In the words He used with various people, you are not far from the Kingdom! Give your New Testament another read, focusing on the Kingdom teachings of Christ. You may find you really want to follow this guy after all – especially if God really did use Him to reconcile us to Himself! Thanks for the lack of mean spirit in your post!
I go along with Thomas Jefferson. He believed a person called Jesus probably existed, but divine, absolutely not. He believed Jesus was just out to change the things he could in his time and preach the golden rule.Jefferson even wrote his own version of the bible leaving out all the supernatural garbage including all the horrible nonsense in the OT. I'm an atheist and this is what I believe.
Mac: To not believe in God is only a temporary thing. When an unbelieving person passes from life on this side, the first thing he notices is that he is still concience and he is not alltogether dead. The scripture says "It is appointed for men to die once and then Judgement". You will have an appointed time with God and all your athiest beliefs cannot prevent it. Turn to him!
Excellent post! Jefferson was so bad-ass its not even funny. Can you imagine what this country would be like if we have more people like him. Unstopable.
Ms. Rice is making her decision to leave Christianity as a religion from some tough personal experiences in her life – granted, Christianity as an organized religion can be horrible when done wrong – that is why I think it will take the right Christians within a local Christian church body to come beside her and walk with her in Christian faith and grace – a Christian church that is more like a hospital and to encourage her to repentance and faith growth and healing where needed, that is if she is open.
Christ himself admonished those who would follow him to repent and experience a personally deep and fundamental and profound change inside of them – I think that IS sound Christian doctrine, whether you are a mental liberal or a right-wing nut – those who do not repent and wonder why their lives remain the same with all the disappointments and dissatisfactions and pain will most likely find that that life transformation just did not happen.
anne seems to have done what no other christian has been able to do. she knows exactly how we are to live our lives. sounds like she is saying you should except what the world tell you is right and if a preacher or a church believes what God says in his word about being gay is wrong and saying we come from apes and always believe the goverment will protect our righs like they do other people, they are bigots and are wrong. WE are and should love each person because Christ did but hate the sin in people and pray for them. Maybe she should read Mattew 7:1 judge not that you be judged also. You are saying to call yourself a christian does not always mean your life is Christ driven because you believe different from what the world believes in.Jesus said you can not serve two masters, you will love one and hate the other. I think she should find out which one she loves the most, God or the worlds values
I"m an agnostic, I have no clue if there is a god or not, my strong feeling is that there 'is not a god" but I cannot prove it. So I'm happy in my non-belief. Religion poisons everything.
Can I marry you?
Devils congregate primarily in churches because churches bear the name of Christ, and nothing pleases a demon more than to disparage or distract you when you seek Him. Be warned: there is deep deception in the churches.
UMMM.....BEING A BELIEVER IN JESUS MAKES U A CHRISTIAN...NOT BELIEF IN THE CHURCH U ATTEND.
Christianity focuses on the dignity of the person. That means that the Christian loves the person no matter what. In contemporary society, a person frequently identifies herself in a particular segmented way. "I am a feminist." For example. Then, that feminist sees everything through the prism of being a feminist. A Christian seeks to see everything through spiritual perfection in Christ.
Christianity focuses first on Christ. If you learn this you can truly learn how to show dignity to others.
Sounds like she never was really born again to begin with. She had only a head religion not a heart transformation. Her views are incompatible with Christ.
I would rather be considered a hypocrite and a foolish believer in Christ yet be granted His forgiveness rather that be esteemed by millions of people as a very good person. All people will come to knowledge in him, either on this side of life or the other.
That statement illustrates nicely what a sorry, sad deluded fool that you are!
thankfully you came to your senses. those idiots are destroying the civilized world as they have always done. i hope you found out it was the vatican that forced hitler to start the genocide of the jews as well as every other person organization or religion that isnt christian. i think you had better be careful though. the christians will now come after you with a VENGEANCE!
so Jesus said to the priests and theologians :
"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him"
Good call Ann Rice, may the Lord draw you ever nearer.
MORON! GO BACK TO GRADE SCHOOL AND BULLY SOMEONE ELSE.
MORON! GO BACK TO GRADE SCHOOL AND BULLY SOMEONE ELSE.
Anne Rice is on target. By and large, Christianity and many churches have devolved into affronts for breeding grounds and addict houses for politics, organized hatred, intolerance, fear mongering and character-assassinating smear machines. There is very little, if anything, that is Christ-like about them. Underneath the window dressing and their espousal to Christ-like principles are wolves disguised as sheep, also known as the religious Reich and evil.
She's leaving organized religion, she's not leaving Christianity.
It's understandable, with the face the Christian Right has put on religion. But in reality, there's the Christian Right, then there's right Christians. And the Christian Right is no more than the modern-day equivalent of biblical Pharisees–judgemental hypocrits.
Churches have done much to serve Satan rather than Christ. Many go to church, but few follow nor even know, Christ. God tolerates so much evil, that the evil are led to deceive themselves.
The headline makes it sound as if Christianity is a destination instead of a cult.
While I appreciate the issues she has with parts of "the church", you cannot be a Christian without following the teachings of Christ. Central to this theme is love, but there are guidelines to living a Christian life or you are just another Pharisee. It sounds like she wants to "feel good" but still conform to the ways of the world, in other words, make Jesus in her own image.
this is so silly. there is no proof that jesus was even real. so why is this news?
Several men who went about to prove that Jesus was a myth hit a wall of evidence proving he was real. They became great Theologins. I request that you Mc Daddy will research the subject. You will be suprised with what you come up with.
Well, a spiritual life is not something you join – it is what happens to your life. There's no quitting it.
...or maybe Ms. Rice wants to seell more books...
Bottom Line: I believe that Miss Rice is simply saying that the church (pick your denomination) has become a voice for political points of view (mostly very far right). Being a Christian is not about supporting the views of Rush Limbaugh or Nancy Pelosi........it is about accepting Jesus as the Son of G-d. Today's ministers are too often preaching points of view that are directly opposite those represented by Jesus. The pay for pray ministries have taken control of a significant number of Americans who have no understanding of the inclusiveness that is the basic foundation of The Bible. Christianity is NOT A POLITICAL PARTY!!!
Your point is very clear in the Bible, take what Christ himself said in John18:36:
“My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.”
U REALLY ARE AN IDIOT. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IS A POLITICAL PARTY. THE VATICAN ORDERED HITLER TO KILL ALL THE JEWS. AS THEY ORDERED EVERY MAIN WAR AND GENOCIDE IN THE WORLD.
sorry to burst all your bubbles, but ALL religions of the world are nothing more than ways to control the masses and keep people scared to death of living a decent , fun life. i challenge anyone to actually prove ANYTHING from ANY bible or holy book. they have been edited and re-written by scholors, kings, idiots, madmen, etc for thousands of years, until there is nothing but fairy tales in them. there is not a shred of actual proof of any gods. stories about them only. i have read stories about vampires and aliens too, but religious people deny them. it is only "their" fairy tales and stories that are true eh??? lol very funny. prove it. you can't. just because something is written in old books does not make it true. do you know how silly you sound saying some big god thing in the sky created a planet and the heavens and everything in the universe in 6 days. then got tired and rested on the 7th day. lol. paaaalease. spare me. same thing with every other religion of the earth. all hogwash. prove it, you can't.
I used to believe this too when I was young. But I saw God perform miracles here and there and show me evidence that he was real. That was just the beginning.
Anne Rice "quit" Christianity a long time ago,if she even ever began.There are many hard truths in the Bible,&Christ didn't hate anyone but he also didn't chase after the ones who left..begging them to come back.People just want to make up their own brand of Christianity these days.
I guarantee that this is a result of her regular visits to the Amazon Science & Religion forums. I used to be a junkie for those forum boards myself, and saw her quite frequently espouse the virtues of Christianity. Those forums on rare occasion dive into the heart of Theism, and really tear it apart with scholarly quality. Someone as astute as Anne Rice would have quickly saw the error of her ways.
About 6 years ago, my husband and I read a magazine article, that said something like ' we are looking for the religion OF Christ, not the religion ABOUT Christ.' That virtually became our mantra and prayer.
Well, be careful what you pray for, it could be very surprising. I'll say no more. Surprises, are surprises.
Ms. Rice believes she can telepathically communicate with a Jewish zombie that died 2000+ years ago. She thinks by submitting her will to the zombie, she can lift from herself a curse imposed by the first rib-woman, who was tricked by a talking snake into eating a piece of fruit from a magical tree.
Her belief in Christ is as ridiculous as was her former acceptance of herself as a Christian.
How well you demonstrate why the arrogant, ignorant, militant Evangelical Atheist minority gets so little respect from the majority of Americans.
Mr. Wyman, prayer is not telepathy and Jesus was not a zombie. Your caricature is what's ridiculous, not the beliefs that Anne Rice has expressed.
What's funny is that Christians are portrayed as angry and small minded, but yet you make this post.
I share your sentiments, Anne.
For me, spirituality is better than christianity.
i just love it when people say they're going to hell for not believing the religion BS. I would like someone to be able to show me physical evidence of hell as defined by religion. Faith= Belief in unverified thought
Anne: Your new religion is called "Post-Fundamentalism." You keep Jesus and climb out of the Mustard Tree. There are many of us out here. Welcome sister.
Anne, you have not left Christianity... you have left an organized church. It is getting harder to find Christians who are Democrats, but we are out there. I wish churches would leave politics out of the pulpit. We go to church to be closer to God, not to hear our minister's opinions on hot button issues. If any leader of any faith is to mention politics at all, then it should be in a prayer asking God to guide our leaders in the right direction.
I left the Catholic church many years ago while still a Catholic high school student, and never regretted it. Public TV broadcast a program some years ago about Jesus from a political, social activist angle. That Jesus made a lot more sense to me than the "died for your sins" version.
Well said, Christ and his teachings are far more important than what Christianity has become.
What the Left pretends that Christianity has become, you should say. From the outside looking in, it seems that "Christianity" is so many things that no two Christians agree on what it is. And that is far better than what it once was.
U go girl. I agree with her and i love the fact that she came out and said it..
She just bought a one way ticket to hell.
Christianity is the greatest myth in the history of mankind. It is strange that people in this world still literally believe those 2000 thousand years old myths!
Try a cult.....Scientology or LDS
.... or L.S.D!
The anti democrat comment is not hard to understand. The very vocal ultra conservative religious right, almost exclusively republicans, have done a pretty good job of selling their biased, bigotted and hate filled version of Christianity while the more moderate members of the religion do not seek the limelight the conservatives do.
I understand also Being Christian has nothing to do with any Church I'm Lutheran And I'm happy so far
She used Christianity to sell books. And folks call Christians hypocrites. Wow. What a greedy phony.
Thanks for sharing your beliefs with me, I need reassurance sometimes and you have helped me a little in a loving way to follow Jesus. Thanks again.
Here's what Mahatma Gandhi had to say about Chritianity: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
Christ, Vampires, pretty stupid either way!
Gee, Anne...it took you this long to realize that the majority of "Christians" are self-righteous idiots? I thought you were smarter than that.
Christ was not “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.” He spent his time with what was the worst of his time. One who truly is a Christian is a lover and advocate for the least among us.
Those (rich, old, white, men) who have hijacked Christianity are nothing more than mere self-righteous pharisees of today.
Good she's bringing attention to their hyprocricy – I'm sorry that's what people thnk of Christians. I am a Christian and I love without reserve or prejudice – as Christ did... of at least I TRY!
Christianity is only 2500 years old and man has walked on this earth for 4 million years so how can it be the teachings of god. Religion is the biggest lie ever told
To cornelius and the rest who say the bible is the word of God-Some really good stuff in there and as a Christian I read it all the time. But it was written by man not God and further corrupted by man, deleting, editing and even additions. No it is not the infallible word of God. I know this because Jesus was a learned man (not to mention the son of GOD) and if he wanted a book written, he would have written it himself, but knowing the ways of man he knew it would be corrupted, deleted, edited and added to. So he said "I will send the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you." The truth is in your heart folks. As he said, Love the Lord your God above all others and love your brother as yourself. So simple-and yet we can't do it. We are here to overcome. To over come what? Ourselves. That is the path to God.
Religon was created by man so that a few could control the many. Power and greed are the roots of every religion. God was created by man to calm the fears of the very young, the very old and the gullible.
What a great publicity stunt – she must be coming out with another book!
She should've done a little research before she joined the Roman Catholic relegion, which is one of the most repressive of all Christian denominations. There're other much more open minded denominations, such as the Episcopal or Methodist Church. I am a at times very doubtful and questioning Christian and have found a perfect home in the Episcopal Church. We are a very diverse congregation, both socio-economically as well as ethnically and we all get along get along very well and look out for another. Our priest even visits parishioners at home, when they're sick, or have problems. Oh, and by the way we also have great parties throughout the year.
No, you don't have to be a christian to be "anti-gay" or "anti-Democrat", just being ignorant and intolerant will accomplish that. And BTW, let's be clear here, that what Ms Rice is objecting to is not really "Christianity", any more than the Taliban is representative of Muslims. Although it would probably help (and be more appropriate) if the more moderate Christians (as well as Muslims) were more vocal about condemning the obvious excesses of their extremist brethern....
Oh, Man! I must have got it right, they are wiping out my posts....but you can always start at The UFO Human Link A Page in the LIfe and consider yourself lucky if you get to see any of it...
Very well explained in that last paragraph. And as a former Christian, I agree. Especially as a lesbian myself, I understand and agree even more. Hard to belong to a group that excludes you and tends to form their personalized view of God and moves the "Word" around to fit their needs rather than letting God be God; ever loving, ever kind, never hateful, never judgemental. When something inside of you rings true, and it is filled with love and openess to all and harms none; that, to me, always comes from The Divine. You can't go wrong when you follow your heart. After all, no matter what "religion" or spiritual path you follow isn't that where God is?
Anti-democrat? Really? LOL I like her earlier novels, but really? LOL
This is an interesting slant on things. I cannot stand most Christians. But then again, I don't believe most Christians are really Christians. I will continue to identify myself as a Christian even if the morons who make up most of its ranks are an albatross around my neck. I don't particularly care about the opinions of men.
If you QUIT Christianity cause of the hypocrisy you see, then you aren't a real Christian to begin with. Being a Christian is NOT about gay or straight, political affiliations, Denominations, or accepting or refuting. Being a Christian is about finding a purpose to live the truth that we ourselves learn by studying scripture to show ourselves true to the faith. Christ came to divide us from the truth and legalism so many religious fanatics superimpose on everyday people. Christ was a common man, among common people who had no hope under the Pharisean bureaucracy! Find Christ again, Anne. You don't have to leave him. You don't have to quit Christ. You don't have to live up to ANY church's expectations. Christ expectations are good enough. For Him. For You. For Me!
Shelley, read. She didn't denounce Christ, she denounced what's passing for Christianity nowadays.
It's not that she's left Christianity. The tag line is something of a misstatement, as Rice herself made clear. She's left organized Christianity. As a Catholic, I'd like nothing better than for organized Christianity to find its way back to being a living movement, instead of one mired in dogmatic positions that are even draconian by the standards of the medieval Church. It just seems Jesus has taken a back seat.
I know exactly how she feels. Christianity's devolving to the extremes. It's either a religion of harsh and petty rules, with so-called 'conservatives' happy to live in a small movement so long as its purged of the 'damned' and second-class human beings, or its an esoteric plaything devoid of any concrete truths. Ultimately Christ disappears somewhere in the middle. Either way, it doesn't seem to bode well for the future of the religion.
I thank her for leaving Christianity. As another person who has left Christianity, and believes that religion is the cause of a majority of the worlds problems she has gained my respect. I still respect other people's believes in regards to religion, but it wasn't for me after years of being forced to go by my parents when I was younger, I just got bitter of going, plus some of things that have happened to me over the last few years, it made me change my mind about religion. I'm not a atheist, I'm agnostic. I don't know if god exists, but I don't know if god doesn't exists, but I am still open minded that we may one day find out if a god(s) exist.
Looks like a rugmuncher to me.
@Anderson, she's been married for decades, give it a rest. You are likely the exact Christian type she wants to distance herself from.
A short history of religion:
Man created gods to explain the unexplainable. Then opportunists figured out that, if they convinced folks that they could talk to one, they could extort a good living as a priest. Later, the ruling class decided priests were getting too much power and grabbed a piece of the action. They allowed priests to hang out as long as they were useful in connecting the god to the ruler and didn't cause trouble. This proved to be an unbeatable combination, using fear and guilt to control the people. Much later, the Egytian pharoah, Ahkenahten, simplified things by narrowing the god field down to one. This was very successful and was copied, ad nauseum, through the ages and across civilizations. Game over. Except that there are always a few independent thinkers who realize that it's all in your head and don't buy it. They are cursed and villified, but their numbers are growing. There is hope for humanity. Amen.
Christianity and other major religions die out. The world becomes a realtively peaceful place. Technology advances, people enjoy a better quality of life. Nobody is persecuted for their beliefs. Oops, I jumped ahead a few centuries.
I agree 100%! Well said.
Religion does need to go away. They all only have there little piece of he Bible and go from there. The Church is in us that really believe not in some building. I can understand her feeling as I have a hard time going to those buildings. Does not mean one bit that I am not a Christian. I believe she still is. Study the Bible just do not read it. God Bless
You don't have to be christian to be "anti-gay" or “anti-Democrat.” Gayness is a perversion and democrats are just dumb.
Ya know, I'll bet SHE'S gay. Looks like it anyway
Anne Rice has been an inspiration for many things, but I must admit I was disappointed when she returned to Catholicism. I was also on the outskirts of belief once and have since regained my faith. Catholicism though represents, to me, many things an organized religion should not be.
Remember what Jesus said " the gateway to heaven is narrow and FEW shall find it" like so many Anne almost found it but sadly will miss it, Poeple want to twist what Jesus did into thinking all is good and ok but what he really spent his time teaching was that we are all sinful and must REPENT of our sinfullness IF you want his forgiveness.God is intollerant of ANY kind of sin, if thats not true then why was Lusifur and thousands of angles sent out of heaven forever ?God gives you freedom to choose, its up to you where you end up.All will stand before him...........
You're gonna be wormfood my friend,, nothing else,,, so are we all.
The pathetic thing is,, deep deep down,,, in your heart,,, you know I'm right.
This is the very reason i became agnbostic...religions are hypocritical at best and murderously self absorbed at worst
that's great....can you now write more books on the vampire chronicles?
Look at all these bible-licking losers. Christianity is just a Bronze-age myth. Keep banging the rocks together guys.
and the only thing worse that god-freaks is vampire-freaks,, I mean seriously,, get a *&(*king life.
Hey Justin the worst part of being in Hell forever for you will be knowing that you were warned and were too ignorant to listen. The last thing you WILL DO is neal down before Jesus and declare him as Lord. You are clear of my concience
So you put down being a Christian – some statement you made there. It reads – God so loved the world – why leave God.
Its the standard that make people hate God.
READ IT AGAIN!!!! She didn't leave God, she seperated herself from Christianity! There are other methods of worship. I don't go to church to worship, so does that mean I don't accept God in my life and I am saved, or that he does not love and accept me as I am?
Anne,
This is amazing news! And so encouraging. Your statement that one can "follow Christ without following his followers" is right on!! Thank you for restoring my faith in you!
Thank you Anne. I now can go to bed comfortably knowing that you renounced Christianity.
Seriously, seeing all the comments from Christians on here is like walking into an insane asylum. Prophecies, End Times, talking snakes, forbidden fruit...I bet in a couple hundred years, when people look back on religion, they will wonder what the hell people were smoking to believe such non-sense. Utter rubbish.
Thomas,
That was the best commnt so far!
the insane assylum where I went a young lady sat down at the piano and played Chopin by rote and then the next time I went a cool guy played Beethoven's Fur Elise and those were just the inmates, what insane assylum in which alternate reality on whatother planet Earth are you referring to?
Thank you Anne. You have put my personal feelings into the best words.
she obviously doesn,t know the teaching of the bible, and niether do u people.
.... and this coming from someone who's illiterate!
.....And this is important becaaaaaause ........?
She would show even more intelligence if she would dump religion all together. The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins.
Good for you. Millions have been ruined by the Bible, a thoroughly silly book.
good for her...abolish organized religion
You can't leave Christianity and still have Jesus. He taught us to Love One Another as Our self. If she still has Jesus as her role model then she is still a Christian and He will be glorified by her ways and actions. You can not sever God and mammon.
I had the same Epiphany as Ann Rice. Almost word for word. I believe Gandhi said it best, " I like your Christ; I do not like his followers who are so unChrist like". This personal relationship with Jesus is well, difficult to buy. Does Jesus eat dinner with you? Answer you? I believe in God but I also believe if our belief was necessary for eternal salvation he would be more involved in our lives. As my husband says, "Wouldnt a General check in with his army once in awhile"?
Sorry but you're editing department must have been sleeping. The correct headline should read "Christianity leaves Anne Rice". Please correct at your convenience. She's only fulfilling prophesy.
I have always identified with Anne, ever since I started reading her books. I love them all and especially Memnoch the Devil. I live for Christ, but this book takes a person's religious beliefs to a deeper level. This is why I am not surprised at her announcement. She is a great author and I have loved every book of hers that I have read. Oh, TP, you need to go back and read what she said. She did NOT turn her back on Christ!
Anne,
You are an awesome lady.
Christianity didn't exist in Jesus' day. It was invented primarily by Paul, who was excellent at promotion. He just happened to sell the idea at a time when the idea seemed a solution to so many who heard it.
@Scott re: Chicken or Egg?
Pretty sure it was the Egg.
The UFO Human Link ...The Secret of Min if you want to mull over the details.
REM's "Losing My Religion" started echoing in my head as I read this:
"I think I've said too much, I haven't said enough".
Thank you Anne Rice for saying too much!
I left organized religion 20 years ago, but I still believe in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Even Jesus himself had a similar experience. He rejected the organized religion of his day.
I've probably said enough now. If I say any more it is likely to be "too much".
I was hoping she had come back to her senses and rationality and become an atheist again. Too bad. Nothing wrong with Jesus, but turning a great teacher into a magical sky god is nothing short of childish and ridiculous.
Yep! I agree with her 100%.
God gave Adam and Eve one restriction, do not eat of the tree in the center of the garden. Still, they believed they could do what they wanted and rebelled. Since this original sin, man has struggled with obedience. Enter Anne Rice and moral relativism that states we should do what we want. The only thing that is wrong is saying something is wrong. We don't want to "judge". Apparently Anne Rice didn't want to accept any moral authority other than her own. Pride. Nothing new here, just Christian bashing. When was the last time we had a conversion story? Just remember Anne, Jesus is on the cross with His arms wide open calling you back to him. You will be in my prayers tonight.
Oh please Dan! Christians bash more than any other religious group – and it all comes down to PRIDE. You've convinced yourself that you are something special and anyone who doesn't join your club is beneath you and worthy of punishment. People are tired of the hatred that your outdated religion spews.
@Dan
about Adam and Eve and that pesky tree...the story goes something like this at the UFO Human Link....A Tree_An Apple_A Wineskin...
BMR: Why the anger? Your comments demonstrate where the true hatred is coming from.
Tell me, BMR, what has offended you so deeply? Is it bad examples of Christianity misrepresenting Christ, whom you claim in your post below was a good teacher? I'll be honest, most contemporary outspoken displays of Christianity are not only offensive to non-Christians, but simply maddening to believers as well. Invented doctrines, emphasis on certain sins, self-serving, greed-fueled, and self-righteous.
But perhaps you're offended by the gospel itself, the good news which tells you there's nothing you can do to earn favor with God. Because He's already paid the price for you. Ah, but there's more. Now He asks that you turn from your love affair with the world, and run to Him. Yes, it's offensive. I fight it every day–I believe this thing or that thing will satisfy, or that I'm good enough. But they never do, and I never am.
I apologize for the pride and insufferable judgment you've seen from us. But the gospel offends because it is concrete, historical, and true.
,,,, that's dreadful, has no-one taken him down yet???
To all my little hulkamania's out there Amen Brother!!
the Bible says there will b many like you to turn from their faith, and i am sorry, but Jesus will say He doesn't know you either in the end
@Shiela
Anne broke away from the crowds and confusion and found her own way the Lord, He is the Lord of Many Ascents!
If you prefer Frost, there is always The Road Less Travelled
.... millions of people have absolutely no desire to know him. The thought of heaven or everlasting life surrounded by egotistical, psychotic and utterly dreary people like yourself makes me so happy not to have been indoctrinated as a child!
I am glad there is one less person in the ranks of christian hypocrites.
I can hear the zealots screaming already, saying: Heretic! Burn her at the stake!
Anne Rice got it partly right, but she should have backed out of it altogether. Joe said that intellectuals think too much, but I think Christians don't think enough or else why whould so many of you be bought so easily by con-artist evangelists and hang on every word of insane people like Glen Beck. The Christian faith is full of people who can't think for themselves. The reason they need a religion and join a church is because they are seeking someone to do the thinking for them so they can be relieved of the responsibility. For those of you who have gotten past needing a religion and want to attempt to see the world for what it really is you should look into Taoism (what the ancient Chinese knew about the natural world and the universe is really astonishing) and check out what the quantum physics and quantum mechanics scientists have to say about their discoveries. Studying these fields might just satisfy one's need to understand our place in this universe and know what we really are. For anyone out there wanting to criticize what I am saying or thinking that I have never cracked open a bible to see what you think to be the truth is, I can tell you that I spent the first half of my life as a christian and certainly have a great awareness of what is in the bible. Taoism is not a religion by the way. More-or-less it is a rough map of the universe. If you want a basic overview of quantum physics, look up a DVD called "What the Bleep do We Know?" It is a very entertaining story and discussion of what it is. I have studied These things for many years and find them more satisfying than any faith based religion. I ceased being a christian 25 years ago and I have never felt a need to go back to it. But I have not lost my moral compass or ceased to have compassion or lack desire to make a positive contribution to this world. I did however find more spiritually satisfying knowledge.
No offense, but to me this statement has as much significance as if she stated she was leaving a grocery store. Why is it news that she is leaving Christianity? Very weird article.
Leviticus is soooooooooo boring. Oh noooo here comes Deutorotomy!! My 5th grade experience.
I'm agnostic, but It still utterly staggers the collective mind of man to conceive of anything less important than what Anne Rice thinks about Christianity.
William Slusher
We've all heard it before, but it bears repeating...organized religion is, and alway will be, the downfall of Christianity. I feel very sad for anyone who doesn't know Jesus Christ, or worse, refuses to know Him because they met too many people that call themselves "Christians" but that's not what's in their heart. I pray no one turns from Jesus because of the misguided notions of someone they met!
eloquently said and exactly how i feel
If you read the Gospels, you'll see that Jesus Christ falls far short of what we would consider tolerant. Chances are, we'll end up crucifying Him all over again.
It is very unusual that I read comments on articles and even less that I submit a comment, but I felt compelled this time. I am a Christian, a follower of Christ and His teachings. I would like say something to all who read this article and the comments. I think that it is very sad that the image of Christianity has been distorted so. On behalf of my fellow Christians, I would like to say that I am sorry if any of us true Christians have caused you to fall away from the faith. And I would also like to apologize for the those who call themselves Christians, but are not and are continuing to distort the ways and image of Christ. I won't get into all the details like many others have, but it seems that so many have lost faith and hope in Christ nowadays. My hope is that you strive to find Him. I agree with shem's comments very much. Christ has called us to be more like Him and to tell others. If anyone truly wants to know God and His Son Jesus, who died for us, just ask Him. He will impart this Gift and wisdom to all who sincerely ask for it. We will all have to answer to God one day, so please get to know him for yourselves. This I pray. And a few verses:
"10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations[c] will hear it; and then the end will come." – Matthew 24:10-14
"12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall." Romans 14:12-13
Good Comment Ashley, I agree completely 😉
thank you ashley for posting the scriptures, because many will read, and once again if they deny the truth they can't say they didnt hear it!
You weak-minded religion robots couldn't boil water without quoting from the Bible.
You couldn't wipe your backsides without consulting with your priest first.
Must suck to have to rely on crutches.
My legs work just fine! I don't need any crutches.
Please shut up Ashley!
It's muslim you retard.
Hey John...
Quit using the word 'retard', unless thyself considers thee one in the same. Pick up a book other than a comic and educate yourself. Otherwise, stay off the internet and the comment columns. You portray yourself as one who scratches his butt and sniffs his fingers.
All religions start out with noble ideals that people should live by, unfortunately, men take it over and it becomes a business.
The leaders of all organized religions think they have the sole pipeline to God and everyone must pay them before they can communicate with God or go to heaven. Personally, I feel that religion is between a person and their God. All the Pastors, Fathers, Mullahs, Reverends, and Popes should find meaningful work.
I am not sure what this article intend to do? is it to offend Christians? or to give cheering to people that love any opportunity to bash Christianity. If she is convinced that Christianity does not comfort with her belief, then it is her choice, it should be a personal choice, she should keep it for herself. But declare it and present it in such way is offensive at least to me.
I did not hear any Christians pointing a finger to non believers. I am sick and tired of hearing people bashing Christianity and the church. If you don't like it, fine, don't be Christian, what is the problem then?
.... the problem is that non-religious people are still exposed to theocratic crap and certain groups are expected to be tolerant towards religious groups who display no tolerance themselves! in my experience, religious people don't have much going on upstairs and nature hates a vacuum, some nonsense or other fills the space! religion = psychic pollution!
TNANK YOU Anne Rice! I've been thinking this for a long time but you finally said it out loud.
Amen sister!!!!!
We're all animals. Get over this religous (superior to other animals) stuff. We are animals, Animals, Animals. Understand?
Conception, birth, development, reproduction, death. The cycle repeats seemingly endlessly and there is nothing more. Our position among animals is not all that unique, just different like the hare and tortise are different.
I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.
...Groucho Marx
If We think about it, Christ was a liberal guy according to the conservatives. He was for the poor, he was for the weak, he refused to stone an adulterous because we all have our sins. Unfortunately, his followers came up with their beliefs and Christianity became the way it is now. Go figure 🙂
Madam do not worry it's a matter of time you will become a Moslem. God willing.
Just pray to God who created the sky and the earth to guide you in the right path in which he guided the prophets and messengers. peace be upon all of them and upon those who follow righteous guidance.
Christianity is the stupidest made up bullcrap invented other than islam. People that can blindly believe in something and claim faith are extremely stupid. Religion and politics will destroy mankind.
U can be all that and Christian. Just be Episcopalian. Women are leaders in the church. We accept gays for just being who they are. The National Church in Washington D.C. is held through the Episcopal congregation, and we incorporate what is learned by science and weave it in what we know is in the Bible. The bible and science hardly ever conflict unless man has made premature and tunnel focused comments and decisions to make it so. So don't give up on Christianity Anne, just be Episcopalian!
She's not turning away from God or Jesus, just churches
Hey Annie,, so will you now stop being a part of the human race because it's even more f'd up than Christians.
Look the bible never said anything about hating anyone and where is this anti- dem or women crap coming from. Yes the bible is against men being with men and women with women but never does it say anything about hating them or hurting them.
With anything there will always be those who take things too far and Christianity is included in that. But good luck on staying a Christian without like minded believers to hang out with.
Please... read. So many people are freaking out about a label. The word "Christian" is one that was never used by Yeshua/Jesus or His apostles. It's a label that came about much later, and it's that label that Anne is rejecting. She is not rejecting her Lord. She was very clear about that.
I'm appalled that so many who identify as Christian can't read or interpret a simple statement, because they identify so strongly with a label that they can't distinguish the man-made classification from the personhood of Jesus. Jesus is precisely who Anne is following. Christianity as it has become is what Anne is rejecting. She is not alone in this. Many followers and believers are separating the wheat from the chaff, and choosing Jesus over church. I'm proud of her for speaking her heart so publicly, knowing full well that many self-identified Christians will hate her for it and say she's going to Hell rather than take the time to consider that she might be right.
Finally! Someone has said it right! And THAT is what it is ALL about......Christ!
God is pretend. Jesus is pretend pretending to be God.
I certainly see how corrupt organized religion has become, but claiming that you can't call yourself a christian because the churches are corrupt is weak and ignorant. You can't just stop being a christian because a few radicals or corrupt individuals crossed your path. That would be like me claiming that I am not an American because we are surrounded by corrupt, greedy and deceptive politicians. I am still an American who will stand up for what I believe and try to do my part to turn this country into a nation of citizens with integrity who do the right thing for the right reason. I am also a Christian because I believe the Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and my relationship with him is not and will never be controlled by a church or another individual. We are all responsible for our own lives and our own relationship with Christ. Don't think that you can use others as an excuse for your own decision to turn away from God.
Will you pleas.....READ IT AGAIN!!!! She didn't leave Christ, she seperated herself from Christianity! There are other methods of worship. I don't go to church to worship, so does that mean I don't accept God in my life ,and I am not saved and that he does not love and accept me as I am?
Romans 1:21
"...because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were... darkened."
I Know That, so enough with this hazing, and PLEEASE bring that UFO around and get me off this Plan-it!
You wouldn't know the truth if it smacked you in the face! eternal suffering awaits anyone who questions god's infinite love!
Hear, hear! I agree completely, and I'm pretty much on the same page. My belief is Christ has nothing, whatsoever, to do with the abusive orthodoxy that is Christianity.
Uh...simply solution, Anne. Become an Episcopalian. We are gay tolerant, woman priest ordaining, science believing, often Democrat, social justice supporting Christians. The "Church" does not stop at Catholicism and evangelical Christian denominations. You can still be part of a church community and be a liberal. Sheesh.
Right on Michael. The Episcopal church is open, inclusive, thoughtful, focused on social justice and very broad in it's approach to Christianity. Plus we get the sacraments and liturgy.
Well sometimes christian get a little to carry away and become cults instead of messengers of christ, it maybe a lil dangerous!
Great comments. Note that Jesus never wrote anything down, I wonder why? I guess he could see the meesage gets lost in distortion and translation. Chistianity was created by men and the bible was written by humans also. Rise above it all
Maybe she should have been a part of our effort to get food, water, and fuel to Katrina victims in south MS and LA., or drive the bus to pick up kids, bring them back to the church and feed them, clothe them when their parents couldn't (or wouldn't) or provide them with school uniforms. Maybe she should have taken part in our effort to help drug addicts straighten out their lives. Or our effort to teach children in Guyana to read and write. Or do yardwork for some of the elderly who can't. Or send meals out to the shut-ins. You can sit in the stands and watch (and believe all the negative things that are in the press about us), or you can get in the game.
Actually, Anne Rice has not made public most of her charitable work, much of it done for Katrina victims. Her choice to help others and give quietly is Biblical. She is a woman of very strong faith in Christ – those who read what she said, and her followups to same on her Facebook page, will see that she is not rejecting Christ – she is rejecting association with the modern, political, greedy, misogynistic church. I don't blame her a bit. She is, as it were, going into the desert to pray.
Perhaps if those who call themselves Christian would dissociate themselves from a label Yeshua never used and a building He didn't need, they'd find it easier to follow Him. Fellowship with other believers is easily accomplished without the trappings of today's glutted, hate-filled "Christianity". Jesus was not a Christian. Those who follow Him are followers of Christ. They don't have to call themselves Christian. They don't have to align themselves with anything or anyone other than their Lord. John the Baptist is a perfect example.
Frankly, I wouldn't want to be forgiven if it meant someone else losing their life ! What kind of loving Father would sacrifice his son when he has the power to forgive without the sacrifice ? If there is a God he is the kind of person I wouldn't want to even be friends with. He is egotistical , selfish , chauvinistic and physiologically disturbed. A perfect example is Free Will. Free will does not come with threats. There is no free will if the penalty for not choosing the choice of the giver is burning in hell forever. That is called forced will. You can have good morals without having a make believe God there to fear. You can face life and it's ups and downs by making good friends who stand by you and who have good morals themselves, you don't have to have a God to pray to to help you. Stand up and help yourself.
Jesus went to the cross with his eyes wide open, knowing that his death on the cross would relaese us from our selves and give us the opportunity to know God through Jesus Christ. I do not believe this just because I was told this but because it has lead to really knowing him . I do not know how to explain this to you . Because Idon't believe things just because someone tells me its true my whole family is like this . we are not convinced by words alone or by religous christions which I try with all my strength not to be somtimes this means leaving a church of friends . I look forward to following the real jesus not the one people tell me to follow not even you, i'll make my own mistakes so I don't or can't blame someone else .
Sounds like she was never a Christian to begin with. When she judges God and His Son Jesus Christ and His Holy Scripture (Bible) by what she sees in mankind, man made doctrines, and "religion" instead of getting in and experiencing and understanding God through Jesus herself, then she's not experienced being a Christian.
This is like renouncing your citizenship because of corrupt politicians, judges, and lawyers. Or, refusing healthcare because of fraudulent insurance companies and physicians.
If she truly had converted, nothing else would've mattered and she would've made it her life long mission to teach those "in" the church to love ALL people “outside” the church as God loves them (without having to compromise His teachings) and bring them ALL to repentence.
The definition of Christianity is believing that Christ is the messiah. If Anne Rice is leaving Christianity, but continuing to follow-up in her belief of Christ as the Messiah, than she isn't quitting Christianity, is she? No. This is a ploy to put herself on the front burner of a hot-topic issue, and she's clearly succeeded. She wants the press, people. Religion is a personal issue, and anyone who spouts off publically about it is self-aggrandizing, and vanity is one of the seven deadly sins. So much Anne Rice the Christian. It's more like Anne Rice the hypocrite.
Cristianity is only a big business, people are being used for political and economic reasons some people wake up others are sleeping but just take time.
Anne Rice thank's for your courage.
And you're saying that Atheism, Humanism, Global Warmingism, etc. etc. aren't big business??? Pot, don't call the kettle black.
I agree! "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" This is the most important commandment. So who is your neighbor? A single Mom, a gay couple, a family with 2 kids and a dog..... it does not matter, just be kind, respectful to each other and the world would be a better place... just like Jesus would want it! Our amazing God does not want us to hate anything but to enjoy all he is giving us and to treat one another the way we want to be treated!
she wants to pick and chose things she likes from the bible but dump the hard to obey commandments
To Greg G, earthlink.net/1234/: A problem with your logic: when you talk about free will, you assume that God's actions take place in material time, e.g. the fall of the rebel angels happening before or after something else, etc. But you cannot do that when considering non-material beings. God's existence is extra-temporal: matter (and its attributes, space and time) are God's creation, so while creation is limited, God is not. Just because we don't fully understand non-material modes of existence does not mean that all existence must be material. So if you are to logically disprove the existence of God, or prove his non-existence, you must prove the inexistence of non-material beings. But that cannot be done. In fact, you cannot even prove the inexistence of a given material being, only that in our limited experience that being has not yet been observed. You have to be careful before making all-sweeping claims. Most often they are wrong. And why do you not allow replies to your comments here or on your web page? Are you afraid of having others argue back your points, and show the fallacy of your arguments?
One of prayers always has been:
"Jesus, protect me from your followers."
Gene Evangelist
You christians are aware that you are followers of Paul, right? The entire new testament wasn't even touched by a real disciple (Maybe John, but that is debatable). It would be like writing down a childhood memory of a 70 year old friend of yours and trying to put "quotes" in there. Also, it was translated between 3-4 languages, then endured the dark ages of europe when bibles were kept in latin in churches only. This more than likely means that it was changed some as well. So, if you want to believe a second hand story, written 80 years after the fact, retranslated 3+ times that was then put in some rather untrustworthy hands go for it.
Funny how this "Second Hand Story" still is one of the best selling books. Also, funny how so much of it's
profound wisdom still proves true in our day today!!! For example, "The fool hath said in his heart,There is no God" Psalms 14:1a
The tooth fairy is actually the real deity
Welcome back Anne. Keep your Faith but not the followers. No one needs a church to be spiritual and to feel the power and wonder in the world. They need only be human. Keep your kindness, keep your intelligence, think for yourself and do what is right for you. All the rest falls into place.
She is confused. Jesus wants a people that is "Holy". He, himself, said that all effeminate, idolators and immoral people will be condemned. So she shouldn't go blaming others for what He commanded! She needs help because of her involvement in the occult. It has a very strong hold on her. Lady, start getting some good teaching of the Word. It's the only thing that will deliver you.
Today's religious organizations don't seem to be teaching the "Word" very well now do they?
@mitch
let's not go putting words in Jesus's mouth
http://apageinthelife.blogspot.com/2009/05/angels-and-demons-or-how-to-resurrect.html
just 'cause we're did doesn't mean we're not around
Amen sister!
CHRISTIANITY WAS JUST A BEARD – she may say she is leaving but we know they were never really 'together'
Being a follower of Christ is all about Faith. We choose to believe the bible and Christ of the bible. There is no need to follow Christ if you don't believe that he is who he claims to be be. You cannot have it both ways. ITS ALL ABOUT WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO BELIEVE.The Christ of the bible gives people the choice to choose to believe him and his word. Unfortunately Christ followers have allowed themselves to be represented by the Rush Limbagh, Glenn Beck and the republican party(conservatives). Being a christ follower does not mean being conservatives it means following the teaching of christ which are often misinterprated by the religious right and conservatives. Conservatives have given christianity a bad name because of the hate they entertain. Its time for the church to look to christ as an example and not be led by Rush and the Glenn Beck. How can people who love God and love others allow Glenn Beck and his views be shared at Liberty University graduation ceremony. The views of Glenn Beck do not line up with teaching of the christ of the bible. As a christian i am ashamed that we have become followers of Glen Beck, Rush and Tea Party instead of followers of christ. We are supposed to love the world without being involved in immorality of the world. The greatest commandments according to Jesus is love your God and love your neighbors as yourself. Wake up christians its time to follow christ not Glen Beck and Rush.
Ann Rice should try the Episcopal Church. It is pro-gay rights, pro-feminism (The American Episcopal church leader is a woman) pro-science and art, and pro-democracy. If she wants to visit my church in Atlanta, GA she might change her mind about Christianity.
Just curious, how do you decide which parts of the Bible you believe, and which parts you do not?
So she likes Christ, just not all those 'bothersome' things He said. Ms. Rice's version of Jesus Christ seems to bear a poor resemblance to the One in the Bible. Search the Bible, Old and New Testament and see what God's Word says on the topics Ms. Rice mentioned. Christianity is not anti-sinner, but it is anti-sin. Christianity is not anti-woman, but it recognizes the unique gifts which separate the genders. Christianity is not anti-science, but it will not bow its truths to science if science indeed contradicts God's Word. Christianity is not anti-Democrat, but many Democratic policies are anti-Christ. Ms. Rice would do well to determine if her views indeed match with God's Word, regardless of what ANY one else says.
Who cares what she thinks.....
I care, I care, I care... and watch if she doesn't write an even better story.
All religions are one big pile of dung. Christianity & Islam are the largest dung producers!
SO TRUE!
Mud, Yes–and here is how they do it; The UFO HUMAN Link....The Secret of Min-dung? not so much.
@TripleM-I don't know where you got all of your so called information above. But you are SO wrong. You are one warped individual. None of what you have stated is anywhere near the truth.
"But following Christ does not mean following His followers." Nice statement. I live in the south and the only reason I don't take part in organized religion is because the nuts involved.
Christianity is merely a label put on a religion. God hates religions. Christianity is filled with Pagan rituals, not to mention Sunday worship (hello? The Sabbath is Friday sunset to Saturday sunset....) Christmas, Easter, these are Pagan rituals, they are not Holy days. They are not in the Bible.
Just GIVE ME more Lebron!! I love that kid!!
@Heat is On
And he is smart with his money
Bravo,Anne for articulating what I have felt for 6 years. I love God and Jesus with all my heart and in order to preserve my faith, I too had to step back from a "religious label". I struggled with the prejudices and elitism Christianity often perpetuates; therefore I asked God to show me his authentic self. This journey has been a most enlightening one to say the least. I still adhere to my core beliefs of the Bible, but have come to realize God is often misrepresented by mortal man. So, I research for myself. I listen for his guidance for myself. I want to be like Christ and he is compassionate, loving, kind, understanding and empathetic. Christ IS love. Even when he didn't agree with others and their lifestyles, he exhibited kindness, love and patience. He taught rather than fought. I gave up the label, not my faith. L.O.V.E, Peace and Blessings.
So sad. So many Americans are making up a God and salvation to justify their lifestyles and their version of right and wrong rather than accepting who God says he is and what he says is right and wrong. AND No it is not a matter of biblical interpretation. It's a matter of surrendering to God to live your life for him and his gospel. Those that live their lives for themselves will lose it, but those who give up their lives for Christ and his gospel shall have eternal life.
Sorry, but unless you were around to hear Him speak those gospels or see Him write those gospels, they're exaclty that – interpretations.
Funny how she labels Christians “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat". As a Christian, the only thing I'm ANTI is Anti people who label groups in a wide swath. That's like saying I won't be a writer because I dont want to think my opinion matters, my crap don't stink, and my hair is awesome.
Myself and other nurses can tell you about many experiences of patients who profess athiesm that go out of this world begging for God to save them, kicking and screamin with a preacher praying for them at the bedside. Then there are others people that go out peacefully hearing music, seeing persons that are already dead and talking about the beauty of death. There are plenty of unbelievers that begin to pray to God to heal a dying person they love and ask for priest or rabbi, etc. Not everybody has a notable experience at death. Never say there is no reason you will ever acknowledge God, you may find yourself on your knees. We nurses share tales with each other, ask a nurse.
Well done Anne, well done.
I've been asked on occasions too numerous to count about my religious affiliations to which I've replied, "I'm not religious, I love God and Christ." I could quote untold scripture to support my faith though it would be a ludicrous waste of time and effort and I won't debate doctrine with anyone because frankly speaking nothing ever gets accomplished.
This is purely conjecture though it seems to me that what Anne Rice spoke of was a profound and personal revelation that she chose to share with the world and for this she has my heartfelt admiration and respect. I also remember when my Heavenly Father showed me that a church was a building and nothing more and that to journey deeper into the infinite complexities of His unconditional love for me I had to be willing to set aside myself and replace religion with faith and trust in Him. I've never looked back or regretted it.
To call God an "invisible daddy in the sky" or to believe such is to ignore the epiphany of the Apostle Paul on the occasion that he heard the voice of the risen Christ when everyone else heard only thunder and that revelation is this, Christ is indwelling. He lives in the heart and spirit of those who choose to accept Him. He's also the perfect gentleman, he won't push you to accept something you don't want. That choice lies solely with you.
It is more than possible to have faith without being religious and love God without going to church and if Anne Rice has stated that her faith and her relationship with Christ are crucial to her, perhaps she should be believed and not criticized or treated to harsh words for her courage in speaking out. In truth, the things of which she speaks are not anything new or unheard of however, the more high profile the spokesperson, the greater attention to the words spoken.
@Tree-They do not eventually fail.
Nitwitmom ..... they already have! religion is an absolute insult to humanity!
I wonder if message boards like this are an accurate general consensus of the spiritual climate in our world today. We have hostile atheists and secular humanist (by the way, where does your moral center come from?), utterly slamming so-called feeble-minded Christians for their belief in a text they deem written by "drunken shepherds". Very clever fellow who came up with that one.
Then we have the angry "former Christians" who were offended, some justifiably, but most because they weren't getting what they wanted. These people now rage against "church people", grouping them into some worldwide pot of simmering hypocrisy.
And then there's the Christians. We're the ones, evidently, who mindlessly pick fights with everyone else or simply ignore any opposition to what we're supposed to hold dear to us.
No one wants to engage. No one wants to have a reasonable discussion. And worst of all, most care little in regard to what God has to say on any of these matters.
Our (yours and mine) moral center is not based in religion. It is based on what society and humanity has deemed acceptable. If you would like to have a "reasonable discussion" about the so-called moral behavior practiced by those who claim to know their gods wishes, I would be happy to debate with you.
Well Eric, the centrality of Christianity is the cross–the thing that separates it from other religions/ideals/philosophies. Once arriving at the likelihood that Jesus of Nazareth was an historical figure based not only on Biblical texts (which should be enough on their own), but extra-Biblical as well–the writings of Josephus and Tacitus for instance–one must then consider what you do with this man. If not God, than teacher? Philosopher? Revolutionary? Homeless deceiver?
The fact that no single human being has ever had the kind of worldwide influence that this man has, I think, forces one to decide who they think this man was. Would you agree?
I'm willing to discuss and engage. I'm not persecuting anyone. I don't think a belief in God (Allah, YAHWEH, etc) should be excluding. I'm willing to calmly talk to anyone about religion or other belief systems as long as the other person is willing to extend me the same courtesy.
Christianity, Islam, and Jewish all have the same violoence, lack of tolerance, lack of humanity, and lack of compassion in their books. They all came from the same original faith. They are exclusive religions, not inclusive. That is why they will all eventually fail.
Catholicism? Fail? Keep dreaming
I'm a Christian. I am for gay rights, pro-choice, and an independent (mostly democrat, but there are some republicans such as Colin Powell that I would vote for). While I do not mind if congregations discuss these matters I do NOT like those that are extremely loud in there opposition to gay rights, abortion rights, political election, etc. I believe that the majority of religions (ans in their texts and beliefs) preach that we should try to understand others rather than shout that they are wrong. I believe that some congregations (i.e. the people in the church and not the faith of the church) have set agendas that are not good examples of their faith.
I believe that the best way to show one's faith is by doing and not yelling at the top of one's lungs. Donate to non-profit groups (my favorites are Red Cross and Humane Shelters), by helping strangers and neighbors with individual projects (from something as simple as helping them pick up something they dropped, to opening doors for them, to doing things like helping paint, to helping repair a car). This to me is what faith is about, not marching in protest of gay rights or political offices or laws.
Just by observation, it seems there are a lot of judgmental people of all views. State one belief and only that keeps one from judging someone else. I say believe whatever you believe. Whatever consequences lie ahead, only that individual ultimately must deal with them. Just food for thought. I do have a judgement(since I am flawed). If you want someone to become part of your church, cause, way of thinking, condemn someone if they don't or call them names actually push them away even more than you may have intend(read: your plan may backfire). Remember free will. That is in the bible, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akt3awj_Ah8
When I read the headline I was hoping that she had become a witch. I think that would be cool. Anyway, in the long run who really cares, my advice is to keep your beliefs to yourself and write some more books
Your a fool. She is a witch.
Come try the Episcopal church. We are Christian, and NOT “anti-gay,” NOT “anti-feminist," NOT “anti-science” NOT “anti-Democrat.”
Just once in a person's life, if they meet Jesus... I mean the REAL Savior and Son of God... they will most likely spend the rest of their life following Him. Anne Rice has an incredibly valid view, but so do others that may not arrive at her same conclusion. The point is, don't miss out on knowing Him, the One and only true God, the Creator of everything, the One who promised Life, abundant and free, the Lover of your soul, the source of deep purpose and joy... just because the world is full of folks who follow a religion named after Him, without having a genuine relationship WITH Him.
Perhaps the most important quest any human being has is to find out the TRUTH about life. The Lord said in the Bible (Old Testament), "You will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all of your heart." Now, that's either true or it isn't. Wouldn't it be worth the effort to be sure?! In the meantime, let's "LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS AS OURSELVES"!
These same claims of a divine relationship with God are found also with Buddha, Krishna, and others. The idea that Christianity is the only religion is simply childish.
Children belong in school.
I hope you live in America, Donna ..... because here, you would quite rightly be sectioned under the mental health act!!
How Lovely. Who cares. Talk to God about it. Leave the rest of us out of you religious decisions
I care. I care. I care...
DEFINING CHRISTIANITY
Ms. Rice doesn't understand what Christianity is. Nor do many so-called Christians for that matter. The various churches, being for-profit businesses, as well as ruthless and diabolical political forces to be reckoned with, have seen to that. There are very few Christians today that would subscribe to this Great Faith if they understood who Christ was and what he stood for.
The problem with following Christ, as opposed to following his followers is that everything Christians believe about Christ has been propagated by his followers from the late First Century CE, and is utter nonsense.
His sayings were recited and collected over the course of two generations prior to being ascribed to him in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in about the years 70-80. The idea of the Virgin Birth was based on a Greek mistranslation of a single word in Isaiah. The first canonical Gospel, Mark, and the last Gospel, John, do not even mention it, trying desperately to avoid the fact that Christ was rumored to be born illegitimate.
His ministry couldn't have lasted more than a couple of weeks, rather than the three years described (rather unconvincingly) in the Gospels. Such a small, seditious following could never have lasted for three years under the reign of Herod Antipas in Galilee, and the collaborative efforts of Joseph Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate in Judea.
The Eucharist was invented by St. Paul, who never met Jesus, nor shows any evidence in his writings that he knew anything about what Christ was believed to have said or done. It was later incorporated into the Gospels. The notion of consuming the flesh and blood of the divine-man was purely pagan, not Jewish. Christ, a devout Jew would have been more than a bit distraught by the thought alone.
The Resurrection is rooted in Greco-Roman mythology and is based on a misreading of a few words in Hosea.
The Gospels themselves are advertisements for Jesus' miraculous return to life and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God. This was supposed to take place, according to Christ himself, about 1950 years ago in Palestine. We in the year 2010, in America, or anywhere other than the Galilee/Syria region, were never meant to read them (nor hear them, as most people couldn't read back then!), and to accept them as anything other than ancient mythology here and now, this far removed from their original sources and context, is entirely absurd and misguided.
To be a true Christian would mean being an apocalyptic Jew who believes that the Hebrew God is going to intervene in World History by setting up a Kingdom in Palestine, and restoring the Twelve Tribes of Israel from Before the Common Era to rule the entire world.
To be a true follower of the historical failed Messiah that we call Christ would mean being part of a dagger-wielding fringe insurgency at war with almost the entire human race. The Middle East has apparently always been rife with such groups. Ignorance and poverty will give way to mass annihilation if we do not own it and do something about it. We dismiss religious fanatics at our own peril.
It is however amusingly ironic how hard-core Christians today abhor Jews, as well as others, while touting Jesus Meek and Mild.
If Jesus of Nazareth, or Yeshua ben Panthera, as he was known in his day, were alive today, his name might be David Koresh or Osama bin Laden. And like them, and many others like them, he would thankfully have self-destructed as he did way back then. His beliefs just don’t hold up. The Messianic Age is over. It is high time that the Hebrew god must take his place with the gods of the Greco-Romans, the Persians, the Germans, the Saxons and the Norse as a footnote in the History of Western Civilization.
No wonder she left with long, weird comments like this
I'm sorry, what? In all fairness for those reading this, you should really consider providing reference material for the claims that you are making.
"All" religions are one big pile of dung. Christianity & Islam are the largest dung producers!
They have been known to work with Mud check out The UFO-Human Link...The Secret of Min; dung–not so much.
Anne who?
Sounds like many people here need to find a new church.
What I really hate, is when people refer to Jesus as nonsense!
I found him to be erudite, composed and quite the Flirt!
Nitwitmom .... the myth of jesus is absolute, pernicious nonsense! i hope that you're not indoctrinating your poor children with that rubbish!!
Let's assume everyone who believes in God would do the same thing – quitting their churches, then there would be a great chance that they would gather together in groups of the same spiritual interests, and pray to God. I wonder what should we call such groups of prayers? Could they be organized in the new churches? Then would a bunch of them quit their new churches/praying groups for the same reason?...
Anne, you left the Catholic Church, not Christianity. Good for you. Keep searching and you will find. And if someone
knocks on your literal door, keep your open heart and mind. Jesus always sent out his messengers this way. Luke 10:1
Her decision and her spirituality is nobody's business. I hope she'll turn out some more good work like she used to. I missed that.
You are right, it is nobodies business, she it the one who blabbed it. we don't care
If being Christian is all about loving each other–why don't they love the people who disagree with them?
Loving the guy who agrees with you is a lot easier. But doesn't the Christian love his neighbor–which in biblical times meant the one who may be stealing your sheep, lowering your well water, and raiding your fields. NOT the guy who was helping you out.
If you can't stand a little opposition, your position isn't very sturdy to begin with.
Wow – what a brilliant woman. I couldn't have said it better! Good for you Ann Rice! You have come full circle and realized the true meaning of being a child of God!
She should become a muslim, then. A burkka would serve her well...
apparently this crowd is more inclined to believe what they see on tv over what they find on youtube–burkka? is that some kind of lounger?
Good for Anne, I came and went to and from the church many times. I finally found that the people that professed to know what I should do are the evil ones. They are the ones that give the devil all the power.
I finally found a place where I am at peace and I don't need a building to be saved.
It looks like Anne did not leave Christianity, she found it! I was raised Catholic and I claimed to be a Christian for 30 years of my life before I actually accepted Christ. The only true Christians are the ones that put Christ before their religion. My wife and I left the Catholic and Methodist churches after faithfully following them our whole life. If I ever hear our Pastor speak inaccurately of Christ or the Bible, I would leave the Baptist church as well but I am thankful to say that I have heard no such thing after 17 years.
She still follows Jesus as the Christ, so she's still a Christian. What she seems to be dumping is one of the churches which professes to be "christian" but isn't.
It looks like Anne did not leave Christianity, she found it! I was raised Catholic and I claimed to be a Christian for 30 years of my life before I actually accepted Christ. The only true Christians are the ones that put Christ before their religion. My wife and I left the Catholic and Methodist churches after faithfully following them our whole life. If I ever hear our Pastor speak inaccurately of Christ or the Bible, I would leave the Baptist church as well but I am thankful to say that I have heard no such thing after 17 years.
Wow, how tolerant you are with your church(es)! You may run around forever if you choose to quit, whenever things do not fit you.
You jesus freaks are just full of yourselves! If one doesn't look like you or share your beliefs they're inferior to you. It's so obvious you're brained washed by tv evangelicals and the radical religious hierarchy who spread division, hate, and lies to their tools. In return, the gullible tools shower them with money so they can perpetuate their "word" and at the same time sustain their life of luxury.
What a blanket of ignorance you just threw over about a fifth of the world's population. All you did was to show your bias for a group of ppl you clearly do not like. I think that makes you a bigot...gasp...can a non-christian be one of those? Guess so, there are a ton of intellectual midgits on here that are more hateful than any supposed conservatives. Whatever happened to that openminded liberal view of things we always hear of?
I am hopeful Ms. Rice will continue her personal evolution and find secular humanism. There she will find ethics and morality without the sacred texts that give birth to all the hostility she is fleeing.
We live in a natural universe with our fellow humans and many other forms of life. Secular humanism is about finding ways to live well here and now without beliefs in supernatural beings clouding our ability to do so.
James Underdown
Center for Inquiry – Los Angeles
http://www.cfiwest.org
Such a complement, I feel unworthy, no one ever called me SuperNatural before.
What a terrible and misleading headline!!! She's not leaving Christianity--she's leaving organized religion--sadly, her position is fraught with difficulty in justifying Jesus' teachings with despising others who follow Him.
This story has NOTHING to do with Christianity or the "church". It's simply an announcement by someone of their intent to change something in her life. Her reasons are of no importance to anyone but herself. Why she decided that the world needed to know can only be attributed to her narcissism.
I only disagree on one small point–I don't consider the modern, fundamentalist, conservative, gay-hating, catholic-hating, everything hating cults Christianity. Jerry Falwell and his buddies did a huge disservice to the world by using the term christianity to identify their cult of hatred. They weren't Christians, they were political conservatives and haters of humanity, who twisted the biblical word to fit their sordid philosophy. I believe in real christianity, real buddhism, real Hinduism, real islam, not the twisted rantings of a few misguided fundamentalists. The kingdom of the lord is within....it is within. FInd it and you find God. Ignore it and you may miss the point of life on earth.
I beleive she's wrong. I don't know what christian denomination she belongs to, but i have to say that the Church is God's instrument on earth to bring people closer to Him established by Christ as stated in the gospel passage where he states to Peter that on him he shall build up his Church. Doubtlessly, the church has had many people who have acted wrongly, staining its reputation and people's faith on it. But therein lies the wonder of it, the fact that He chooses human beings, corruptable and who tend to do evil, but who can also do extraordinary good things and grow in virtue, to do His works (just remember the apostles). Throughout the history the curch has been guided at the helm by many people, holy and unholy alike, but it has prevailed in both good and bad times. Therein lies the miracle of it. It might have some bad things (blown out of proportion by the media frequently) but more often than not it has many more good things that should also be praised.
Just a thought.
sounds like you're referring to the Catholic Church. My personal belief is that there was a time when the CC stood for Jesus Christ and his teachings, but that is long past. There doesn't seem to be any connection between Christ and the CC.
To those bashing and leaving Christianity, travel a little bit outiside the U.S. to some poor countries and see what Catholics and Christians do – from affordable schools, colleges, medical facilities, etc., etc. – to help the poor. May change your perception of Christianity.
Say it loud, say it proud. Good work, Anne Rice! Christ couldn't have said it better, himself: "...following Christ does not mean following His followers"
I fell in love with Jesus; it hasn't been as easy with his church. I wish the church wasn't so inflexible.
Sounds more like you fell in love with the notion of Jesus on your terms not his. Jesus is forgiving not flexible, and that is a profound difference. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Note, the broad flexible way is not the way of Christ. Matthew 7:21-27 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Note, how people who believed they were Christians, called Jesus their Lord, and did many works in his name, were not recognized by Jesus as his, but cast off as sinners instead. The last four verses there form the words of the kid's song regarding the wise man and foolish man. Note, how the wise man according to Jesus is the one who hears (learns) his teachings and follows them. The foolish try to decide for themselves what is fine. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman was seeking God's favor, but when he found it, he rejected it as foolish and turned away angry. His servants helped him realize the foolishness of his decision, and upon accepting God's way, he obeyed and was healed. Jesus' teachings are too simple and strange for many to accept as wisdom, and thereby many will not please him.
It makes me happy to hear when people stop putting faith in a bunch of stories (pretty cool ones though) written by drunk shepherds wandering in the desert. I think she should have gone a little farther. The rest of it is made up bunk also.
What a closed minded point of view and understanding. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about in regards to the Bible. Funny how so many think they are superior to those of faith when they show their ignorance on a subject so blatantly as you just did. How about you go pick up the book and read it and so a little research before you decide to show your hate and bias.
Sounds like she was never a Christian to begin with. When she judges God and His Son Jesus Christ and His Holy Scripture (Bible) by what she sees in other people, man made doctrines, and "religion" instead of getting in and experiencing and understanding God herself because of Jesus, then she's not experienced being a Christian.
If she truly had, nothing else would've mattered and she would've made it her life long mission to teach those "in" the church to love ALL people as God loves them without having to compromise His teachings and bring them ALL to repentence.
Most of that doesn't make sense. Not entirely dislike the belief system you prescribe to.
This woman needs some mind clearing and maybe some basic therapy. She is ungrounded and lost herself ,over the decades. the hectic schedule of writing demands to fiulfill her contract..Cracked from it in my opinion. Very self obsessed blocked person and I hope she gets help and becomes free and joins us as just another human on the globe. Wake up dear.
To Ann Rice:
A while ago, an assistant pastor at a Southern Baptist church told me,
" I love Christ, it's just some Christians that I can't stand."
You should not reject Christ.
I completely understand that you might reject organized religion.
However it sounds that you're confusing Christ with politics.
Need to remember God defines what/who is a Christian, in fact, Jesus is the one who adds those who should be saved to the church. (Acts 2:47) A Christian is not someone merely calling Jesus their Lord, but one who is doing what he taught. A Christian cannot please God and hate another person. 1 John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? Christians hate sin, and cannot condone it.
Anne Rice still sounds like a Christian.
Not if you use Jesus' teachings as a guide for comparison. You cannot uphold sin and be a friend of Jesus. He came to rid man of sin, not comfort them in sin. See Romans 6:1, it is plainly stated we cannot continue as before willfully sinning (going against God). If we reject Christ, who is the way, truth and life, we have no other options for salvation from sin.
Ok, but no more christmas for you.
I really wish the so-called (and supposedly HUGE numbers of) "good" Christians would make more of an effort to wrestle Christianity away from the backwards hypocrites and the bigots rather than running away from it. I mean, Jesus was, if nothing else, a revolutionary. Revolt, people!! Bring Christianity back to Christ!
I agree some churches are just buildings and agree you don't have too go to one to find God. The best sermon I ever heard included a reference about the Bible, an acronym for "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth". If you beleive this is God's message and it provides you guidance to be good and do good unto others, then I'll use it as my guide.
It's funny how many opinions there are on Christians here considering none of us have ever met any.
Guess your confessing to not know what a Christian is...John 8:31-32 & 1 John 1:6-9
'I always distrust people who know so much about what God wants them to do to their fellows.'
She misses how science, gays, feminists, etc. are anti-God (Christ) Christ asked a simple question in Luke 6:46, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? If you are a disciple of Christ, you are listening to him and practicing what he says. Christ does not hate gays, he died that they might repent and be saved from the consequences of sin, just as he did for all sinners. Christ does not hate science, he is the force behind it as he created all that exists. (see Colossians 1:16) Christ does not hate women, but did make them different from men and charge them with different responsibilities just as each of us has differing talents. The women is not inferior because she is a woman, but makes herself less in God's eyes when she refuses his will for her, just as we all lose God's favor when we are disobedient to his will. Anne hasn't quit Christianity, she quit a religion that doesn't align with her ideals. I hope she can be awaken to the fact we are not found pleasing to God on our terms, but his. (John 12:48) We must do ALL that he has commanded. (Matthew 28:18-19)
Keep your heart steadfast on Christ the LORD, and not on people. People will disapoint you, but not a loving GOD. As a christian I all to understand what you are talking about, But it is the LORD who shall direct you path not those around you
Sounds like someone needs to drum up some publicity for her new Lestat novel.
I thought the very same thing. In other words, Anne–who gives a crap?
I guess Ann Rice is right in one sense: the teachings of the bible are anti-gay and anti-family destruction (she called it "anti-feminist"). She got a few things wrong though: the bible says God created life; it never said he couldn't use evolution to do so (I'm guessing this is mostly what she's referring to with her "anti-science" comment). Also, it's not anti-Democrat b/c "democrats" are an invention of men, specifically those in the U.S.
As for her decision to leave the church, the kingdom of heaven is not for everyone. God respects her decision, so much so that he will allow her to make it, even though it means she will separate herself from him as a result.
Thou shall warp words to justify ones beliefs
She mentions anti-democrat because that party is more prevalently anti-Bible and pro-man's wisdom.
Sorry but there is no room for spin here:
"And God went on to say: “Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind.” And it came to be so."-Genisis1:24
When the catholic church says that ordaining women is on the same level of sin as pedophile priests, that just tells you how one christian church is so misogynist.
Listen to yourself!!! Read what you just wrote about someone else. Was is compassionate, was it helpful, was it kind? No it wasn't. The things you are saying are so un-Christlike. That is why folks like Anne and myself have rejected Christianity – not Christ. If one can say awful things about someone, think they are better than others because they are Christian and be completely intolerant of others, then I would call he/she an UNChristian. Jesus must be ashamed.
Hello Anne! Welcome to being SBNR (Spiritual But Not Religious).
Lot's of people feel the same way you do.
Join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sbnr.org
I totally agree with Anne. Glad she has the courage to speak her mind.
I wonder how many more have been driven away because of the fundamentalist religious right!
Millions! Count me as number one. Reading some of these comments just drives the whole point home.
It is just a lot easier not to be a Christian. As the saying goes, Christ loves the sinner but not sin. Even in Jesus's time so many people would not follow Him because they loved the world more than they loved Him. Jesus didn't die so we could continue to sin. People want to define their own religion, one that fits their own belifefs and lifestyles. Any believer of Christ will always be in conflict with the world. Christ said so himself. It is ironic that 1st Amendment rights don't apply to Christian's.
The LORD is my Shepherd.
I shall not be in want.
He makes me mingle with gay people.
He leads me by streams of clean air and water.
He restores my life
because he wants me to do the right thing
by conserving the planet's resources
and preach against the killing of unborn babies.
Yes, even when I walk thro the shadow
of evil Christians and false Conservatives
who encourage the killing of unborn babies by the millions
by their contamination of the planet and increase in CO2
I will not fear their evil plans, selfishness and prosperity cult.
For Your uprightness in these environmental issues are constantly with me.
Your command to conserve both life and planet – they comfort me.
You arrange a table of true Conservative agenda before me
as an affront and insult to Christians and Republicans who falsely claim to be Conservative.
You ensure that I walk proudly with my head held high
against those who kill the planet,
who care more about their personal belongings
and how to conserve their personal assets.
My cup overflows with understanding of what I really need to Conserve.
And I shall prolong my dwelling in the presence of the LORD all the days of my life.
Oh that proves everything, thanks for the insight. After that astounding proof that god must exist all non-believers will certainly throw themself at the foot of god. When you can actually have an intellegent debate in your beliefs then let me know.
INTELLIGENT not intellegent.
oh that helps your point. Again, once you can hold an intelligent debate on your beliefs then let me know.
I am concerned that the article implied that Ms. Rice thought that becoming a follower of Christ meant that she should follow His followers. Those who follow Christ are sinners. They do quarrel, they do disagree, they do deal with hatred. That is why they need Christ.
I commend her focus on the Cross of Christ. Personally I diagree with her on all the things mentioned in the article. I am conservative, I am pro-traditional marriage. I don't think I hate others, but I have failed at times to do the right thing. but I think it takes a discerning mind to seperate Faith in Christ with following the "christian" crowd.
Ann Rice, I hope God blesses your life and continually leads to back every day to the blessings that you have been given through his death on the cross. While we may agree on nothing at all in this life, I can call you Sister in Christ.
I think religion in general has everything to do with being anti-intellectual. Where else can you read one book, then claim to know the truth of existence.
I don't know, I read Playboy once and I'm pretty sure I know the truth of existense. Yowza!
A good example of intellectuals not knowing what they are talking about. This "one" book is in fact numerous books put together through out the centuries and through many different cutures such as: Pre-Caananite, Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Persian, Greek and Roman. To imply it's "one" book is just a lazy way of trying to diminish it when the person knows virtually nothing about it.
Congratulations: you gave her the 15 minutes of fame she really wanted. For the record, nothing about her ever seemed Christian in the first place. If you're going to denounce something, at least give its practice a good effort before you denounce it.
Next stop for Anne Rice. Revelation!
"I'm a lesbian!"
If you believe in Christ, you're a Christian. It doesn't mattter if you belong to any if Christianity's varieties. Christianity is not "anti-gay", "anti-feminist", "anti-science", or "anti-democrat". Ann Rice may or may not be a Christian, but apparently she is a mis-informed bigot.
I believe in God and all the bible says, But I don't relate with Christian teachers anymore. Too much finger pointing.
god is like santa, but instead of giving stuff out, he takes it away.
"We are conscious beings and all part of the universe and therefore emanations of God. "
Its precisely this kind of magical thinking that makes it nearly impossible to have a serious conversation with a truly religious person. How does one have a serious conversation with someone that thinks they are an emanation of an omnipotent being? Once you buy into that fundamental aspect of religion you have no reason to not believe in the other fantastical aspects.
Were did you get that quote from?!
I'm not I“anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science”, BUT I AM “anti-Democrat.”
P.S. Christianity has nothing do with being anti-anything.
Would love to encourage Ann, and others who have the same perspective, to check out Unity. Unity's focus is on Jesus as our teacher and way shower, our example not the exception. We are each called to express Christ uniquely, individually. http://www.unity.org for more information!
Thanks Joanne for mentioning Unity. I was just going to post that Unity is NOT anti-anything and it does use Jesus as our perfect way-shower In fact, Unity embraces all paths one may travel to understand God. Most of the post-ers should check UNITY out.
"...she refuses to be “anti-gay,” “anti-feminist," “anti-science” and “anti-Democrat.”
I guess because she is PRO-Democrat, she believes all the rest, as that has long been the Democrat propaganda. Too bad.
I was going to say that she is just another lazy pseudo-intellectual who wants it both ways-to be 'spiritual' but not to have to deal with being a member of a religious community, but then I started reading some of the comments here a decided it would be lost on you numbskulls
If the Jesus of the Bible actually existed, he was a decent philosopher. A god? Not likely. Ann Rice may be on her way back to atheism but with optimism instead of pessimism towards a world she now better understands.
Leave it to the very open minded and intellectual people out there to show their bigoted side. Anne can do whatever she wants, but all these types of stories do is give an avenue for those anti-christian bigots that don't understand what the religion is all about. They cling to their priests they call scientists and bleat out like sheep in awe as these sages stagger them with things they don't understand. Come on you hypocrites....just admit that you don't understand anything more in regards to scientific topics like quarks, evolution or genetic drift than the average religious person understands immaculate conception, Trinity or the Apostles Creed.
If you went into and orchard and you viewed a plant and this plant had fruit on it and you saw that this ripe fruit was about the size of a baseball and was orange in color, you would make a judgment and would probably think it was an orange. Upon tasting of this fruit, you could confirm your judgment. However, the fruit did not make the tree/bush but the bush made the fruit. So the fruit cannot dictate to the tree who or what it is but the tree dictates what the fruit is. Now on this tree there are fruit that do not look like all the rest and do not have the same flavor, same maturity. Some may be underdeveloped and some may be overdeveloped ( rotten). So in Christianity there are those who are in the same stages.
A orange tree does not produce apples. So if the tree says it’s an orange tree it will not have apples hanging from it. Likewise, if an apple should attach itself to the orange tree it does not change the fact that the tree is an orange tree. So there may be ( I’m not judging ) that may say they are Christians that really do not know that they really aren’t. They are confused because THEY are DOING all the RIGHT THINGS ( or NOT DOING some things ).
Jesus always confronted sin but did not judge the sinner. BUT Jesus told the person to turn from the sin. He did not grade the sin on a scale, except for blaspheming the Spirit. The point most of us( believers and non-believers) miss and disregard is Jesus told the people to turn their back on the sin. This cannot be done without the Spirit of God/Jesus controlling our lives and this will not happen unless we allow Him in. When it’s all said and done, there is a choice to be made. On the day Jesus died there were thieves on either side and on that day each of them HAD to make a decision and they did. It was ONLY to one Jesus said “ Today you will be with me in paradise”. Jesus did not condemn the other theif, but he condemned himself. And so it is today.
A Christian never wants to see anyone go the way of the unrepentant thief on the cross. A Christian only wants to warn of the consequences of not turning to Jesus. The Bible tells that this Gospel ( the Good News of Jesus saving grace ) will seem as foolishness to those who do not make the correct decision. Jesus loves you all and so do I. Please understand His invitation to abundant life today and eternal life forever.
I AM HERE TO TAKE YOU SOUL YOU SINNERS. AHAHAHAHA.
Anne Rice claiming christanity is like the catholic preists that molest children claiming christanity. They never were. God does not desire the destruction of evil men, but that they repent and return to Him.
Jesus came to save sinners which we all are( that is all)
Bob, that is the hardest thing to convince some people of the world about. Their worldly life seems to take precedence if even just for now. They unfortunately do not stop to think about the Hereafter and the consequences of what will happen to them, their soul, if they pursue a path of evil. I suppose they wish to find out for themselves if there really is a Creator to whom they will one day answer to for their sins. Some even seem to think that they are 'self-made people'. That they simply emerged from a tree, the ocean, or perhaps from outer space somewhere. Their delusions are consuming them but the Truth will soon become reality when they leave this life and enter into the Eternal one. There are no mistakes. We have a Creator and though some do not seem to believe that, if they could return to tell others what they saw once they left their physical body, it would be an entirely different matter. But by then, as you well know, Bob, it will be too late. The time to follow Jesus is Now and thereby guarantee Eternal Life. The choice is theirs.
It's unfortunate that we have to distinguish the religion from the belief, but because so many people have used and abused the church for so long, we do. But don't throw out the baby with the baptismal water! There is a strong movement in America and throughout the world to return to the teachings of Christ rather than the adulterated teachings of his "followers." It's an exciting time to be a believer. Google "emerging church" and discover the body of Christ alive in the world today feeding the poor, taking care of the sick, loving enemies, and actually DOING what Christ said to do instead of rationalizing it away.
Anne is right. The church has become a league of the self-righteous, the politically-minded, and ultimately, the hypocritical. It's rare that we find humility in the church today or a transparency to discuss our own sin with one another.
However, it's a shame so many Christians become consumers. If it doesn't give them what they want, they move on, find a new church, practice a new way, etc. Anne is no different. She refuses to recognize CERTAIN things the Bible calls sin, making her faith one of relativism, which is not following Christ. If she thinks she can truly follow Him on her own, she's sorely mistaken. The Bible is saturated with the importance of community (no matter how broken and sinful), which leads to accountability, fellowship, and sanctification.
Today's "believers" have either adopted the aforementioned pick-and-choose method of Christianity, or a Pharisaical approach–that what they DO will in some way gain them favor with God. We've forgotten that Jesus already did it all on our behalf. Our righteousness is but filthy rags. Mine, Anne's, everyone's. Let's hope she remembers this, and from there, allows what her Christ represents to take precedence over her culture's self-serving worldview.
I think the big problem with organized religion (and Christianity is not alone in this) is it works on the idea we are separated from God and therefore need some kind of intermediary, a priesthood or some form of framework to have access to God.
Personally I believe this is entirely wrong, and would go so far as to say organized religion is an evil manipulative deception, motivated by power and greed and a desire for control. How can we be separated from God? We are conscious beings and all part of the universe and therefore emanations of God. The denial of that is nothing more than a blasphemous and idolatrous illusion and makes no sense anyway. LOL
Of course it is up to the individual to come to such conclusions for themselves. Enlightenment is a personal journey. The bottom line is no one can be enlightened on your behalf one either sees it or one doesn't. However there are many forces in the World which would rather keep you in the dark.
If you want to see the light, you won't find it in organized religion, that's for sure!
Gandhi had about the same take on Christianity. I love Jesus and I can't wait for him to return and kick those money changers who took over out again. The money changers taking over the temples were a problem in Jesus’ time too and that has not changed.
Religion is nothing more than a means used to control the masses, or one little boy i.e. your local priest buddy.
I quote "Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck.George Carlin"
Need more be said?
I'm gay, I'm a feminist, I'm all for science, and I vote Democrat. Heck I live in San Francisco. On the side note, I'm also a Christian who go to church almost every Sunday. I don't see while these must be mutual exclusive.
Plus by definition, a Christian is someone who follows the teaching of Christ. Apparently Anne Rice still do. Yeah that article is kinda confusing.
First it's pray on Sunday and hate on Monday. Then it's hate on Sunday and social and literal violence on Monday. The doctrines of Jesus Christ had nothing to do with that. It's the churches that came later that invented that. They continue to push this and for some I'm more on the side of believing it's about control and money than being a zealot. Whatever the case it's generally a group of people that are pushing a set of morals and doing so immorally, offensively and with malice with the obvious effort to cause undue harm to other human beings that just seek to live and let live. All morality is lost in segregation and discrimination of any people that live their lives while doing no harm to others. The fact that someone is gay has no bearing on other humans. Going after someone else because they are does and it is immoral and hateful.
This woman wrote books about witchcraft and vampire p0rn...how did she ever consider herself a christian?
Because anyone, no matter what their past, can be made new in Christ. Don't doubt her conversion. Neither you or I know anything about it. But if I had to guess, based on her statement, she is probably like the believers Jesus describes in Mark 4:18-19. She needs our prayers at this time.
Because God can truly Move Mountains! It is through the Power of His only Begotten Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, that those who have been misguided and mislead, truly caught up in dark matters of the world, can emerge victorious and whole again by accepting Jesus and instead entering into the Light of God! Praise Be His Holy Name. But each person continues on their own path due to free will choice, that much is certain, but I will tell you this, the Light of Salvation beats the eternal darkness any day! Why take a chance on that when the alternative to Salvation has such dire consequences?
By the way, you and other unbelievers may wish to read "Thirteen Witnesses from Hell" by a servant. It will answer many of your questions and you will see what can truly happen to those who do not believe.
What's that got to do with anything. You've obviously read them.
I suspect this B was never a Christian. I may be wrong, but if I had to guess her room in hell is already reserved. However, I may be wrong..... This woman wanted the safety of being a Christian (i.e., not spending an eternity in hell), but wanted to continue with her lack of morality. Just a guess.
Thanks for showing your true Christian colors..... ignorant, selfilsh, judgemental. You represent people of faith so well.
haha you must know she was prob never christian in the first place.. writing all those vamp stories... I DARE ANYONE TO youtube or GOOGLE John Todd.. and research the illuminati... this "woman" is probably part of their plan..
BOHEMIAN GROVE VIDEOS are all around go watch people... JUST WATCH .. dont listen to me... JUST GO WATCH for your OWN EYES to SEE!
How sad – and true. Fundamentalist Christians are like any other fundamentalist of any other religion – bigoted, intolerant, and angry. Even hateful. I bet she could find a liberal church that isn't like that. We did.
For a very brief and shiney moment when I saw this article I thought "finally – now she can go back to writing well!" – then I saw she left christianity but still wanted to follow the teachings of christ? – Oh well maybe another will come up to take her place as one of the greatest writers of all time. 🙂
Why, I've a good mind to quit Brunettism since I've just learned that Matt LeBlanc was a fake brunette all these years!! But, I'll not quit muff-diving, although the news that world's worst actress Sara Gilbert has officially joined the muff-diving community was a slight turnoff due to her looks and acting skills, nothing, I repeat: NOTHING, can dissuade me from some delectable muff-diving....
I and Im sure Anne Rice agrees. The all american pastime.
You do not have to belong to a specific religion to be close to God. I was baptised a Catholic and look what has happened to that religion. It is full of pedophile priests and the ones that aren't pedophiles protect the ones that are. What will Jesus say to them when they go before Him? I stopped being a catholic when all this came about. It is sad when even the Pope is involved.
Why is this a news story?
it's actually in the entertainment section dum dum
No Justin, it is not a news story. Note that it is under 'entertainment'. I have found many here who are of like mind. I suggest you read ALL of the blogs. You may learn something about being 'reasonable'.
AMEN ANN RICE – you took the words right out of my mouth!!
What she is describing is the Christian culture and is neither true Christianity nor Christians reflecting the love of Christ.... it's an absolute shame that Jesus is associated with people who seem to hate; criticize; reject; condemn; judge. Jesus was the most maturely and perfectly loving person to be on this planet. He had boundaries and, yes, He established guidelines but He gave those to us for our own safety (much like a parent does). If He did instruct or confront something in somebody, He did it firmly AND in love. Christ did not, and could not, overlook or ignore sin but He loved and He still loves people over and beyond that. Christians are not called to ignore sin but we are also called to love others in spite of it... At the end of the day, it is not rules and exhortations but love that transforms and it is the love of Christ that is the most transformative. I wish Christians did a better job of demonstrating that and living out the true love of Christ.
Here are my thoughts as a Christian on Anne Rice's "leaving Christianity."
http://reallifewithgod.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/does-it-matter-that-anne-rice-is-leaving-christianity/
in other words you dont have your own thoughts and have to refer to an article written by someone else. Being incapable of thinking on your own is the Christian way.
Here's my thoughts as a Christian on Anne Rice's "leaving Christianity."
http://reallifewithgod.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/does-it-matter-that-anne-rice-is-leaving-christianity/
newhere, Am I to understand you've never cited a quote or an article as something that represents what you believe? Did you expect reallifewithgod to regurgitate the whole essence of the article here, in a comment section? I can only assume you have absolutely no argument against the article (you read it right?) because instead you attack the poster.
Just don't be a crummy human being.
Christianity in the world today is a far removed corruption of the first century teachings of Christ. However, Christ himself was very much “anti'-AIDS,” “anti-divorce and broken homes," “anti-lying in the name of science” and “anti-corrupt human rule", and was an advocate of perfect government by God.
My early life as a Catholic made me live in fear and guilt over anything that broke the rules of "Catholicism." I later didn't believe in anything but science. Lately, I've begun thinking there is a fine line between science and religtion, i.e. quantum mechanics, string theory and the great religious unknown. I think the Bible is a metaphor, a way to expose people to the unknowable, the transcendent, and not to be taken literally. I distrust fanatics and fundamentalists of all kinds, whatever their religious persuasion. They are not thinking with reason, but with their emotions. I would be quite pleased if – at the end of the day – we are all together in some better place looking back at all the idiots on this earth.
Does god get gas, I had beans for lunch and now I have gas. Does god get gas when he has beans?
You don't have to be Christian to live like Christ.
The humankind needs to evolve. Nevermind god here comes dark matter.
More harm than good has been committed by the "holier than thou" crowd throughout the ages. Just look at The Inquisition, for one. God will still love Anne Rice as she follows Him deep in her heart and not her fellow man who is many times, (scratch that), Most times wrong in their assertions of what Biblical teachings to apply in order to justify their personal hatred and prejudices.
We are, after all, Saved by the Blood of Jesus Christ not by that of man's. If man wants to continue to shed his blood for a personal cause agenda, then I pray for him. May God soon open their hearts to realize the danger in so doing. The hate and prejudice must stop. God is not amused. Anne has it right! May God bless her always and my only hope is that everyone will stop to consider the Importance of becoming a Born Again Christian, that is, giving their life to God and accepting Jesus as their Savior, through Jesus Christ. It is the only door that leads to eternal Salvation in the Afterlife. Don't try to find out the hard way, the alternative is terrible and of course, eternal. Praise Jesus Christ now and forevermore! To God Be All the Glory!
Ann Rice didn't leave Christianity, but religion. I go to my Baptist Church about 1 to 2 times per month, but most often I read my Holy Bible and it fulfills through the Holy Spirit to deal with life and how to better myself as a man with character, sanity, and compassion for others. As I read one time, religion is man's way of reaching God and the Holy Bible is God's way of reaching man. My church is a place filled with honest people, but I need my own time to worship and my bible is a great study bible. It has easy to read details of every verse in red that explain the verse in question. Many things that I thought were correct were in fact incorrect. Good luck to everyone and you have to find your own way but don't give up.
Sounds like Anne's now a potential Scientology recruit.
I think Ann Rice is just someone who is confused about herself being and is simply seeking attention and throwing herself a pity party. What a crock!!!
Can god make me a drink, I'm ready for Friday. (jack & coke please)
jesus was a man. a regular man who did not walk on water nor is he coming to save you.
religion amazes me! i am forever amused at how many people believe in it's corrupt prose.
writings that were done hundreds of years from when the stories took place, yet "they believe".
do you really think if you don't do anything "bad" (whatever that means) and if so, confess you are going to some place with pearly gates and angels? really? wow.
look at the world around you?
all the priests abusing our boys, stealing of money, corruption....
spirituality, i believe is something different. believing in yourself, your power, your mind. YOU.
instead of using a figure as a crutch. if you really look at religion it's just a way of tuning in and realizing that you do posses the power.
Also, I might add that generalizing is very dangerous. Not all Christinas are all what she said.
If she made such general statments about any other religion, I wonder if CNN picked up on it.
The "tea party" of Christianity, but hopefully much more loving in spirit and true to the golden rule
On the one hand, I have sympathy for her position. By the same token, the stance she articulates fails to take into account the call on each Jesus follower's life to love the very people that God loves... even when they are unlovable.
Not all Christians are that way. Book sales must be down.
LOL so true CATom
I understand where she's coming from, and I agree that the biggest problem with christianity is christians themselves. But, that being said, I have always felt her conversion, and now this, to be mostly for publicity's sake. Sorry, just my feeling.
I understand what Ms. Rice is talking about. I, too, have left "religion" and the huge amount of control that goes along with it. My ex husband is gay and so is my son. One of the questions I had to ask myself when searching for a church home (many moons ago) was to ask myself, "Would my son and ex husband be allowed to be who they are while attending this church?". More often than not, I knew they would not be allowed to be themselves, and they would have to hide behind a false front so as to not be told they are sinning and would be told not to come back. It's time to shake up the church world and call for the churches who practice hate to REPENT!!!! They are the ones who are sinning.
Who is she and why would anyone care? Is she a tranny pop start like lady gaga?
Many churches are a den of thieves, run by hypocrites, and collecting money from the masses to fund the lavish lifestyles of its greedy leaders.
Jesus told his apostles to give away their possessions and follow him. Unfortunately, religion is written by man for man. You won’t seeing this happen anytime soon with the fat cats on TBN!
True spirituality is divine!
Anne Rice had a choice to go back to being an atheist and I cannot understand why she didn't do that. I was born to Hindu parents but have absolutely loved being an atheist – quite frankly, I think of it as an experiment. For first 25 years, I believed in some form of God, obviously Hindu gods. Then I decided to ask the tough questions and decide to live without a belief in god (and no harm done to me so far!!). It has been a liberating experience. Turning to atheism did not give me a carte blanche to behave without restraint – just made me happier because I don't have to blindly follow ritualistic requirements of "any" religion. I'm not here to trash Christianity or any other religion specifically – my only appeal is for others to ask themselves this: if there is indeed God, would he/she put conditions in order to benefit from his/her love and affection? Isn't that more of a human quality? Which self-respecting God would allow the disparate treatments his/her disciples receive in different parts of the world? (And no, "God works in mysterious ways is not an acceptable answer").
All the poeple who believe in God and have at least committed one sin, please commit another – turn to atheism, try it and then go back if you don't like it. I'm sure there are different ways to be forgiven in every religion.
Didn't she really stop being a Catholic.Seems to be just a question of semantics.If she still follows Christ then she is still a Christian: adjective of, pertaining to, or derived from Jesus Christ and His teachings: a Christian faith. etc
guess what, if you are an "optimistic believer in a universe created and sustained by a loving God", then you aren't very pro-science! better work harder at that. There's magnitudes more evidence for Santa than for that.
Although I see where she's coming from, quiting 'Christianity' in the sense of leaving the church may not be such a good idea. I'd rather see her become a good influence to the people around her who must be the reason for her leaving.
In my humble opinion, a Christian is a follower of Christ. If Jesus simply left people and didn't die on the cross for them (because of they are hypocrites or what not), there won't be any christians in the first place. If we call ourselves christians and understand the true meaning of what it is to be a christian, we should actually go back into the world of fake christians and be the salt and light for them. That would be a true 'follower' of Jesus.
Of course you'll be saved as a solitary christian too but Jesus called us to go out to the people and not to leave them behind.
for what it's worth, there are such good churches out there like my current church which I love. I hope and pray there'll be more good churches spring up to change their communities for the better, as God intended.
exactly, well said
I had bad experiences with a few churches in my early years. They were more like social clubs in the way they treated outsiders. Hard to get in. Even as a small child, I knew these people were, by and large, insincere and even uninterested in what Christ represented. They were interested in your money and making the building bigger. I led myself to Christ, and never needed to cross their theocratical thresholds to do it. I do enjoy learning about all religions, and especially sacred texts, like the extra-biblical materials (the other gospels and books that did not make it to the Bible, but were considered by Constantine's guys) and the scholarship surrounding later found scrolls. Often I have wondered: "Jesus, please save me from these Christians!"
There is no meaning behind Christianity other than worshipping a man hanging on cross so that you can have all of your dirty little thoughts and then have someone to hang the blame on when you are caught acting out your dirty little thoughts.
No truer words were ever spoken.
God bless her for having the courage and wisdom to speak out.
case in point Salem Mass; 1692.
keep writing girl.
Interesting that she hasn't quit being a Christian, but has instead chosen to leave "organized Christianity". As a Christian I am frustrated by the same things that frustrate Ms. Rice, but I'm surprised she wasn't able to find other Christians that think the way she does. There are plenty of groups of Christians (churches, if you will) that are very tolerant and open minded. It sounds like she's just tired of being associated with reactionary Christians. Her views remind me of Sinead O'Connor's views.
Shocker- Hold the press this just in- another Godless learned liberal comes out against Christianity. This is just another excuse for a selfish unrepentant life. She never was Christian and in if she was she never understood what it meant.
Sadly, based on the statement she made, I think you're right. I have a lot of sympathy for her but it seems, in the end she is the type of "believer" Jesus describes in Mark 4:18-19. Very sad. I will pray for her.
This just in! Another unlearned, self-righteous, conservative idiot making sarcastic, snide remarks. "Dude, watch me make fun of someone just because they don't agree with me! I'm so awesome!" Yeah........that's really "Christian" of you. Looks like she's not the only one who doesn't know the meaning of Christianity.
Is there some kind of ceremony for quitting christianity?
Yes, press releases. 😉
I could not agree with her more, I have tried SEVERAL Christian chuches and they are all the same. I can't be part of a group, ANY group that spews so much hatard and nonesense. :)).
RIGHT on sister for saying what so many of us wish we could. I did what you did a long time ago.
~smiles~
I totally understand why Ms Rice feels this way, but I wish she had made it her goal to find those Christians speaking and living the truth. There are alot of 'counterfeit' branches of Christianity out there but the truth can be found...who knows they may be going from door to door nearby.
Lets not confuse things. Christian means follower of Christ. But the word has been corrupted by the Church, the man-made Church, of many denominations, not just one. Anne is really not leaving 'Christianity' per se she is becoming a more authentic follower of Christ, by leaving organized religion behind. Jesus himself railed against established religion and their corrupt leaders in his time. I would like to see more followers of Christ focus on the message of the Gospels, rather than the messengers. It is not easy to be an authentic, imitator of Christ (Christian).
THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOLLOWING CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY.
I went through years of Catholic school, and to say it was horrible would be understatement of the year. I remember they (the faculty) would do anything they could legally get away with to break you, your self respect, your dignity, and your esteem. And this wasn't the break down-build up tactic... they broke you down and you stayed there.... if you let them win. I refused. I remember reading the Bible- on my own, because this didn't ironically happen during class, and I remember reading the words, love, kindness, forgiveness and everything they didn't exhibit. It was EVERYTHING they were not. My fellow students unfortunately "lost" themselves. I didn't give up on God or Jesus, I gave up on those people at school. God wants people to love and enjoy a good life, not dread it or dwell in hate or evil. So, I knew, as young as I was, that people treat each other that way, despite everything Jesus taught us, and what he gave up for us. It is important to remember, Satan and his followers come in many many disguises, including those of cloth. They are those who feed off of doubt. Satan is the king of doubt. Do not doubt your faith in God and Jesus. Do as much good as you can in life, and live happily with the other beacons of light and goodness around you.
10000% backed. Today's Christians ARE NOT Christian they are PAULISTS. Any, who I found Nichiren Buddhism as taught through the SGI. Perfect fit, I am in charge of my own destiny
Why doesn't she say the name Jesus? I wonder if she has been following another christ. Jesus said that there would be many false christs. it makes me wonder.
Sounds like someone is simply trying to recapture her prior fanbase (what with the recent revival of vampire interest) by rejecting that (her faith) which alienated a lot of them. This has publicity stunt written all over it – I guarantee a "new" vampire book is months away from being announced so she can cash-in on the craze.
I'm a Christian, and I'm not ant-science, anti-gay anti-democrat or what not.
Clearly the author is a rather uneducated bigot. In Sweden, where 75% of the population belongs to the state Christian Church, she would find her moral values quite well accepted amongst most people including Christians.
And on the eighth day men created God in their own image.
and did She look anything like Me?
She said exactly why I am not a Christian, I believe in a loving and powerful God, but also a Loving and Powerful Goddess. People who teach the word have not lived by it and then spread lies to a flock, it says in the Christian Bible(and other holy books) that if you do teach the gospels wrong, you will be judged. Way too many racists and bigots in this religion, but also in any religion. I can't say though you ever heard a Wiccan cause a war for it's religion!
These Wannaba Christians are the reason why Christianity has fallen! they have themselves only to blame!
What she said has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity – she should be sued for defamation.
If I were to come out and accuse you of false thing and use a popular press outlet you would be rightly infuriated.
Congratulations! Welcome back to a world free of self delusion. Religion is a cancer. Religion has no place in the world when it fails to embrace the reality that human nature is not fully realized within the narrow, judgmental and outdated description of just what the human experience is about. Address tea-bagging for example: The fraternal "hazing" placement of ones testicles upon the sleeping head of a colleague as a photo op. The world is far broader and complex than its narrow, outdated, distorted and repressive parameters of just what the human experience is. It fails to recognize gay fathers and Lesbian politicians, and multi-race children and life after death and reincarnation and addiction and zillions of other permutation of existence. Good riddance.
Pretty much everything you stated at the end of your post is recognized, addressed, and synthesized in the Holy Bible, the central tenant of Christianity. Just thought you might want to know that...
Utterly biggoted falsehoods. Almost everything great in history was done by people of faith. Of course a lot of misguided actions can be made by people who think that god is talking to them. Many of them unfortunately are preachers.
And you are clearly a hypocrite for being a member of a nation who's #1 recipient of foreign aid is Israel – a nation based solely on a hypothetical and non-rational view of the world. You realize that, right?
What a brave woman to come right out and say what so many have only been thinking.
Brave? She's a coward.
First – for lying about the basis of Christianity, and second for talking talk. Talk is cheap. Anyone can turn their nose and 'whatever' these days, there is nothing courageous about it.
I love religion and how convenient it is to just bounce around.
It is amazing that in 2010, people still believe in a little man in the sky.
to believe in a little man in the sky or to believe we materialized out of some random occurrence in the galaxy that was begotten from some other random event. Well, what spawned that random event? At some point, there must be order to the "random events", potentially even being the complete and utter randomness of their taking place....
She might be happier with Buddhism. She should give it a try.
KKKristians! It's all the rage.
Nobody here has any idea of what they are talking about.
Quoting Jesus as if you spoke yesterday is frankly absurd.
A tiche ironic that somebody named "Wisdom" spouts nothing but bible verses. It sort of exemplifies the ludicrous piety with which many religious people conduct themselves. So sage-like! Spouting ancient desert poetry written by power hungry barbarians who were mostly interested in mind control...really sort of the anti-education. Pretend to know everything without actually having to study anything but one book.
I assume you have some kind of knowledge in a trade. How did you learn that trade? Were it to come from an instructional manual, you were misled. After all, it came from one book. We all know that you cannot derive true source of knowledge in anything from one book, right? So quit your job at once, you're not qualified to work there.
BTW, I said this yesterday to you. Were you not listening?
You know we are all just guessing to a degree. but, I dont think the lord JC ever intended churches to be like the massive churches are today.. in dallas,tx most churches care more about building basketball courts, volleyball courts or going to some remote country.. rather than taking the time ... to make sure their neighbor wasnt going to hell... i wish it were different. but thats my experience.
Ms. Rice...I feel the same way.
and we care......why?
Wow, where are all of you, I live in Colorado Springs and am suprised I have not been lynched yet (for not going to church every Sunday). I am a believer, just not of organized religion. I believe that Christ did walk on this earth, and tried to TEACH (not preach) his fellow man about helping, caring, loving each other. He never had a church, he never taught to hate, he never said we had to go to war over THE correct religion. I try to live in a "state of grace" and help my fellow man when ever the situation arises, I think that is all he was asking of us. I so get where Ms. Rice is coming from, I just wish there were allot more people out there i.e politicans who would follow suit.
"And before you rant, measure your emotion-laden reaction and with what Jesus would recommend were he sitting next to you.".....
If Christ came to America today He would vomit at the sight of our churches. Our churches are dominated by hateful, stiff-necked fools.
It's the only Christian thing to do.
A little message for Christianity ..........copyright by the sender
THE MONEY MACHINE
Beware the sinners who forgive our sins
the devil is on his way
there's no forgiveness for you that forsake
you'll pay on your judgement day
The headmaster sits on his golden throne
and his flock still kneel at his feet
but the wolf of lies is creeping closer and closer
and will soon scare away the sheep
It's sad that the king of all kings
is defamed by a man who claims to lead men
but it seems to be that he doesn't believe
in the message he was sent to send
It's all become a money machine
not the reason that it all began
and once again man's greed gets in the way
of the messenger and the message he tries to send
You can run but you can't hide
you can repent and apologize
but this time you can't right a wrong you've done
to the people....in the name of the son.
If your worship Christ, you are a Christian.....what else would you be?
I'm sorry that Anne hasn't found the right way to worship in the Christian faith, though I somewhat doubt she tried finding a proper church home to speak of. To say that Christianity is anti-Democrat is quite narrow minded....it would come to a shock to many Dems in the South.
1John 2:19 – These people left our churches because they never really belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left us, it proved that they do not belong with us.
Luk 9:62 – And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
No matter what you believe, it is always wrong to kill unborn babies. No God or prophet would ever approve of such attrocities......
You can't say you love Christ and not follow Him. He told Peter "upon this rock I build my church" The churches in the Bible met and Jesus and apostles visited and wrote them letters about conduct. People are evil, not the concept of people coming together in one place to learn from the Bible and support one another. Christ will be coming for His church "people" some day. Even Jesus was baptised by John. It seems that some of the most horrible and worst cults are classified as Christian when they represent maybe 10% of America's Christian community and you are always hearing about them in the news. The church in this age is ineffective because leaders are only saying things that do not offend followers. Everybody wants to change the word of God to "have it their way" The churches in this day and time are the churches described in Revelations....the churches that sit on the fence and are lukewarm, are neither hot or cold.
Anne Rice is still following Christ, so this headline doesn't really do her justice. I don't blame her for being frustrated with Christian culture and she is certainly right in insisting that her faith has nothing to do with following other people. She is right to insist on following the standard set by Christ himself. That said, I have been a member of the Christian community for some time, and I am glad to report that the ignorance and bigotry often used to stereotype Christians is overplayed in the media. Sure, some Christians conform perfectly to the stereotype, but I see my participation in this community as being important; I need to help fellow Christians overcome some of these human failings (just as they can help me overcome mine). It would be easier for me to run away from the body of Christ because they are not perfect, but then again, neither am I. I only hope that Miss Rice will choose to be involved rather than to simply retreat. The body of Christ could be strengthened by her involvement, particularly in the areas where she sees it failing to live up to Christ's example.
It's time for a new world of people who are "Spiritual but not Religious".
Jesus said to believe in HIM, not give all your money and then tell any young male children to spread for pervy priests.
They say the Devil's greatest triumph is convincing the world he doesn't exist. I say it's religion. And, by far, most people's refusal to believe centers around how "Good Christians" they knew behaved. They'd mock "Pagans" but then behave just like the "Hottentots" did by having a priest wave his "Magic ju-ju fairy that can horribly torture you forever if you don't obey."
Because of people like that, I did not believe.
Then I had an 'experience' and now do believe in God.
But, he didn't tell me to burn children with hot irons and stand on street corners screeching with a megaphone and handing out "Chick Tracts". Remember when JC got resurrected an earthquake shattered the temple and laid the "Holy of Holies" bare. That from that day forward no man could claim to be between Man and God. Sadly, it's a lesson man didn't learn.
This literary giant meant she was quitting Christendom...true Christianity is a way of life, not some members only club.
Being a member of a Christian community generally means worshipping God in how you live your life. Most Christians depend upon prayer, study, communal worship, and the support of other Christians to do this on an individual basis. In addition, the Christian community is directed to work as the body of Christ in a group effort to achieve and fulfill Christ's mission on earth. You cannot fulfill all that Christ intends for you if you abandon the Christian community. It is a cop out to complain about the flaws in the church and the sins of its members and quit as a result. Instead, you should be prayfully working for reform. It is not easy to be a Christian today, but it never has been so.
I completely understand what she is saying. She is not denying Christ she is denying the religious people. There is a huge difference. Just like the Pharisees then there are many so called Christ followers that think it is there responsibility to point out others sins. There is one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus Christ. So when did we fit in there? We are causing more chaos with our judgmental ways. No wonder we can't get any sinners to convert. Who wants to be around stuck up arrogant people who say come be like me. Please!
In Jesus' day, the resident religionists also tried to get Him to lead a political uprising. He refused. All too many of today's "Christians" are bent on doing the same. But there is a growing community of believers trying to live by Kingdom principles.She would be welcome among them. Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world." The reverse is also true.
I agree with Anne and Ian Anderson, "He's not the kind you have to wind-up on Sunday"
Church is a gathering of people to worship Christ. Church is made up of humans and their many imperfections. Christ is perfect. You'll find great people and not so great people in any human collective. To truly live a Christian life is not easy but very rewarding, as is told in the Gospels. However you can get there, with help of others, no help from others, just get there. I can pick apart my church but that would be in vain to put my station above theirs. That will not get me closer to Christ.
God Bless
I have always believed there is a difference between faith and religion. Faith is something within each individual that connects them to a Higher Power by whatever name, while religion is but the expression of that faith. One can have faith in Christ as one's savior and follow His teachings, but one does not necessarily have to belong to a specific church to do so.
Ms. Rice recognizes that. Her faith exists and is solid. She is merely choosing to separate herself from religion, which is a human invention and, all too often, subject to human flaws, prejudices and outright hatreds.
I do caution Ms. Rice, were she to read this, and I would love for it if she does (I would have the most supreme guided tour of New Orleans EVAR!), that the importance of separating the concept of Christ from his followers is utterly paramount in this situation simply because Christ, by definition alone, cannot be the "sum of his parts", i.e., you can't expect to find Christ by his followers for the fact that 2,000 years of "getting it wrong" should tell you thusly: Christians have it historically wrong.
However, for those who believe she is "waffling" from "sound doctrine", dare I ask you this important question: How fluent is your ancient Greek to know this for sure? Considering that we're dealing with translation and linguistic issues, Septuagint notwithstanding – and please don't make me have to go into the differences between "Yahwistic" and "Elohimistic" doctrinal approaches to Old Testament references from within the New Testament "kerygma" – can you confidently tell me that the God of absolute definition, being thus absolutely perfect and cannot not be otherwise, can only be represented by pretty, white, anti-gay, farm-bred Republicans who violate Old Testament law by wearing "clothes of two different fabrics" and yet judge Anne Rice for her disillusionment with.... YOU?
Why does god need to be worshipped? Sounds like he needs some counseling or medication.
Well, for starters, "he" doesn't exist. There is a natural force that obviously exists, but humankind created the image of it as a man and then sidelined women from full participation in human life. We can see evidence of the force in evolution, love, etc. I think it's Natural; nothing Supernatural about it. I sense it when I see a sunrise or play with a beloved pet. No doctrine needed.
I am so happy that Anne Rice is finding her own path and beliefs. I am a Taoist who strongly believes in following your own nature. If you belong to a church or a group of people whose beliefs conflict with your own, you are going against Tao, you are Yu Wei. But to be at peace with yourself and with the world around you, you must be Wu Wei – going with Tao as if you are going with a softly flowing river. What Anne said was beautiful. If you let people lead you through your life for you – no matter what you believe in – you will never find true peace, beauty and happiness in life.
Most people aren't secure enough in themselves to toss off cultural indoctrination in favor of really looking for themselves. I agree that looking outside of the doctrine is even more rewarding. You can still embrace the teachings of all the great spiritual minds.