Christianity

Even though I am no longer practicing, and identify as an agnostic, I was raised in a Christian household and am fairly familiar with the religion. Let me make it clear, I don't have any problem with Christians. I think that if practicing the faith gives someone a sense of purpose in life and makes them happy, what right do I have to tell them they're wrong and take that happiness away from them? In my opinion, Christianity is a double edged sword. By this, I mean that the religion has done a lot of good in the world, but it's also done a fair amount of harm. People have done great acts of charity in the name of Christianity and I think that's what Jesus truly would have wanted, but many have also used the faith as a means to subjugate others as well as to benefit themselves personally. One thing that never fails to get my blood boiling, is hearing about televangelists abusing the faith and taking advantage of gullible believers for their own personal gain. However, I know that those types are far less common than people who truly do their best to emulate the teachings of Christ and make the world a better place. Another thing I have a problem with is when people attempt to force Christianity on others. This has been done throughout history up through this day and it never fails to irk me. I am well aware that one of the key tenants of Christianity is evangelization, or, in other words, spreading the faith and converting non believers. While I don't necessarily have a problem with the concept of evangelization itself, I feel that it becomes a problem when it is thrust upon someone who isn't interested. One more problem that I have is when people twist the words of the bible in order to justify acts and rhetoric of hatred and discrimination. I know most people don't consider the Westboro Baptist Church as a true Christian organization but that doesn't change the fact that they routinely use the words of the bible to spread their hateful and malicious agenda. However, I feel that I should reiterate that I am aware that the overwhelming majority of Christians aren't like them and do their best to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Even though I am not a practicing Christian, I do agree with many of the teachings of Jesus; treating your neighbor as you would like to be treated, giving to the poor, caring for the sick, and living a peaceful life are all tenants that line up with my own views. Ultimately, Christianity is simply one of many faiths that are up to personal individual interpretations. How one chooses to practice is their business in my opinion, and, once more, I don't believe it's my place to tell them what to think, how to feel, or what to do with their lives.