That's all great thoughts, and I like that you think like that. But you say the main part of being a christian is lobe your neighbor as yourself, doesn't matter what they are. If only everyone would follow that, things would be much better. So I definitely agree. Here's what I don't get, just as the bible says love your neighbor as your yourself, it contradicts itself by damning people who might interact with god in a different manner, meaning via different religions or customs. So love the differences in people, but a lot of those differences will lead that person to hell. Could you explain that one for me because it's a clear contradiction at least in my eyes.
Why not connect with a higher being through different customs. Heck Ramadan just passed, fasting for a month, at least in my mind, teaches a great deal of things such as discipline, modesty, etc etc. So why not do that? Why not follow certain Buddhist or Hindu ideals that teach avoiding gluttony, etc.
In all honesty, do you really think if there was a higher being out there, he (don't know what pronoun to use) would care HOW you connect with him? But according to the bible if you don't connect with him using it's ways, you aren't going to be with him after your life.
And also obviously everyone thinks differently so explain this to me. If I were a strict Christian who believed the bible is the word of god, how could I truthfully accept a person following another religion? Deep down I would think he's wrong/making a mistake/below me. How are you able to avoid that thought process as a follower of the book?
What do you mean by damning people? Hating them?
A1: The best way I understood this was the during the Michael Sam thing...I talked to my pastor and he said you are to love this person as if they are family. Now, you can disagree with their choices, but it doesn't matter, you are to love them and pray for them that they would come to God and have a relationship with Him.
A2: From what I have always learned...you connect with God through Jesus Christ. There is no way to get to God if you do not have Jesus...this includes having the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control)
A3: Again, by loving them as your neighbor. If you disagree with their religion, God calls us to accept them, pray for them, talk with them, in hopes that they will become a Christian and give their life to God and accept Jesus. I don't think it's okay to think they are below you, the correct way to look at it is they are living with Christ and won't be able to live in Eternity with Him and God is calling you to change that...just as God calls us to help drug addicts, murderers, adulterers, and other sinful ways of life.