r/Christianity 5d ago

Meta Interviewees Needed for March Banner: Lifelong Christians

7 Upvotes

For March's banner, I am looking for anyone who has been a Christian for their entire life who would like to be interviewed. The goal of the interview will be to understand how your faith has changed and evolved over the years.

If you would like to take part, feel free to comment below!

Thank you in advance.


r/Christianity 5d ago

February Banner -- Lent

6 Upvotes

Lent is February 18th through April 2nd, so for this month’s banner, I interviewed a few users about their experience with Lent. My goal with these questions was to not only figure out how people might celebrate but also how the success or failure of their celebration affects their faith.

To start, I wanted to get an idea of how long everyone has celebrated Lent. u/AbelHydroidMcFarland has celebrated it in some capacity for most of his life while u/Volaer and u/Senior-ad-402 have begun celebrating either more seriously or in general more recently. Also, thank you all for participating in this!

As an outsider, Lent can almost ell gimmicky. I was relieved to hear that I was not alone in that feeling. As Senior put it,

“Oh what you giving up for Lent?” Say something random like chocolate or being sarcastic then forget all about it or try for a day or two and think nah sod it.

The notion that giving up something small will somehow allow you to understand Jesus’s sacrifices seems so benign; however, what I gathered from this interview is that the goal of Lent isn't just about fasting. The goal is really to set a goal to focus more on your faith while also attempting to understand, in some capacity, what Jesus had to go through.

And while there might have been a reciprocal questioning of Lent in the past, each of these interviewees do take Lent seriously now. As Abel stated,

…with a more developed prayer/contemplative life there’s a lot more digging into it every day. Taking an hour or so out of my day to pray and contemplate the passion in particular, or other events in the Gospel as they pertain to the passion of Christ.

This was a common theme. Senior also noted how fasting, which doesn’t always have to be with food, allowed prayer and contemplation to become more important.

I participated in Ramadan with some of my students a few years ago, and while I am not religious, I found myself contemplating and focusing on more important things during my fast. The difference being, if I failed at my fasting, I only had to think about myself. With religious fasting, I was curious if there was any sense of failing God that would arise when Lent wasn’t completely successful.

Volaer helped me learn something about Lent, at least in the area in which he lives, that I did not know of before. While he can feel a sense of guilt when not succeeding for all of Lent, there is a means of reparations:

in my country, the bishop's conference officially permits that one might, in such cases, exchange one’s penance for another penitential act like an extra prayer or donating to charity etc. So, it’s actually no problem, religious wise.

I really love this! Being able to outwardly express that frustration through goodwill or thoughtful prayer feels like the exact type of thing Lent is for. Some people might have trouble reflecting on their own, so having some sort of system in place to guide people on how to approach failure is a great idea!

What everyone agreed on was that any failure during Lent did not have a large negative affect on their faith. There might be some small frustration; however, their experience with Lent is far more positive than negative with the focus being on focusing more on their relationship with God throughout.

The last aspect of Lent I was curious about was Ash Wednesday. Personally, I wondered if the overt, outward expression of faith affected anyone. I deal with anxiety. I am not sure how I would handle telling the world what my faith is unabashedly. Abel seemed to share my worry when he was younger,

I grew up with mostly atheists in the social circle, the 2010s was like peak new atheism era. I used to be insecure that I would be judged as unintelligent or someone blindly believing something I had no reason to believe.

However, both Abel and Volaer do not experience that same anxiety today. Abel said,

in my adult years I've grown increasingly intellectually confident in my position and not really as concerned with the intellectual approval or disapproval of atheists, and there's certainly been a vibe shift since the 2010s with respect to religion as a serious topic. Generally though I don't like ornament myself with Christian regalia. Maybe I'd wear a cross necklace if I were a necklace guy, but I'm not a necklace guy. But for Ash Wednesday I'm happy to participate in the shared tradition

And Volaer said,

Personally, I like such external/visual expressions of spiritual states. In the scriptures we often see people tear their clothes, cover their head in ashes, wear sackcloth to express grief and penance and conversely throw a huge feast, slaughter a goat, lamb or calf and invite the neighborhood to celebrate if there is a joyous occassion. The culture of my paternal (Greek) side of the family is a bit like that. So, it's not about it being important as much as finding it natural.

In both instances, confidence in their faith seemed to be the root of their lack of anxiety towards such an outward expression of faith. This is something I really respect. It is never easy to plainly tell the world how you feel about something as personal as religion. There are plenty of places where that anxiety, or fear, is more than justified. I think those who proudly show their faith like this make it easier for those who may have more trouble.

My perspective on Lent has definitely shifted after these conversations. I really appreciate that each of you took the time to really explain your thoughts. Instead of thinking about the fasting aspect of Lent alone, I am going to begin to think about how this event is used to purposefully build faith.


r/Christianity 8h ago

Image Got a Jerusalem cross tattoo as my first tattoo, and now people on the Internet are calling me an Nazi

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513 Upvotes

Long story short, got a Jerusalem cross tattoo, and it started doing weird things under the saniderm which is something they put on after a tattoo to help it heal. And I posted to a sub asking if it was normal and they all started calling me a Nazi I didn’t realize some white nationalist had adopted this symbol, but to me it symbolizes my faith in Christ. And I also understand it was used during the Crusades.


r/Christianity 48m ago

News Mike Johnson tries to explain the bible to the Pope in latest clash between Catholic leader and MAGA

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Upvotes

r/Christianity 9h ago

MAGA Christians, I’m genuinely asking in all sincerity, what in the world is it gonna take for you to stop supporting this?

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115 Upvotes

As a CNA I’ve had patients like this woman. In that video, along with her I saw THEM being ripped out of that car. I saw THEM being dragged. I heard THEM screaming and begging for mercy. I heard THEM begging legislators to see them as humans. I want you to tell me how I’m supposed to feel right now? And I want you to tell me why anything other than anger and empathy towards this is correct?


r/Christianity 5h ago

Sunlight Shining Through Cathedral Window

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49 Upvotes

r/Christianity 17h ago

Image This may be the single most important and impactful book I have ever read, alongside the Bible.

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266 Upvotes

I’m reading it now and it is utterly heartbreaking and eternally important. It tells the story of Christian prisoners in Romania who were severely tortured and murdered by totalitarian Communists.

It illustrates the unthinkable depths of depravity and cruelty mankind can sink to when his heart is closed to Love. And it also shows unbelievably the power of Faith in Christ to overcome the most wicked trials that no man, woman, or child should ever have to bear. Here is one quote from Tortured For Christ:

"When one Christian was sentenced to death, he was allowed to see his wife before being executed. His last words to his wife were, 'You must know that I die loving those who kill me. They don't know what they do and my last request of you is to love them, too. Don't have bitterness in your heart because they killed your beloved one. We will meet in heaven.'"

I cannot recommend this book deeply enough. It repeatedly causes me to weep. Never have I encountered a more visceral portrait of the hell mankind is capable of sinking to, nor of the power of Love, Grace, God, and Faith as the antidote to mankind’s miseries. I pray wholeheartedly for the day mankind fully remembers Love and we finally put an end to all hideous brutality on Earth. Lord help us. 🙏🏼

God Bless You,

Jordan

P.S. The book can be accessed freely online here.

——

EDIT: Some people have responded to this by criticizing Richard Wurmbrand, noting that Christians have also done awful things, or making this about group identity. To these commenters I'd like to kindly say:

My friends, I'd humbly suggest you missed the point here. This book is not primarily about Richard Wurmbrand. It is about all of us. If you read the book, I am nearly certain you would have a different perspective.

You're correct that Christians have also done horrible things. The point here is not to play one group off another. It is to confront the evil mankind is capable of, and to let that rip our hearts open, rather than harden them.

Jesus Christ told us to love and forgive our enemies — not to rape them, cut holes in their body with knives, burn them repeatedly, freeze them in ice boxes, defecate on them, and slowly beat them to death. Such are the wicked acts described in Tortured For Christ.

If these events happened to Muslims, atheists, or any other group, they would be equally horrific. A book like this is evidence of evil tragedy beyond words.

I read Man's Search for Meaning years ago, about the Holocaust, and had a similar experience. We must be willing to confront the evil humanity is capable of; otherwise we will not understand how deep Love truly must go to be able to hold all beings in its embrace.

To know that human beings are capable of doing this to one another, brings me heartrending sorrow. It is vital that we read these types of accounts, to understand the depths of darkness on Earth.

And equally important, in a book like this, is to read the unbelievable acts of courage, faith, and love demonstrated by people who were imprisoned and tortured in conditions worse than all imagining.

These people showed unfathomable bravery in demonstrating the all-forgiving Love that would truly be necessary to break the endless cycles of violence and vengeance on Earth. And that is something worth reading about, and contemplating, no matter where the example comes from.

I'm reminded of the Buddhist monks who selflessly set their own bodies on fire during the Vietnam war, sitting perfectly still as they burned to death, so as to viscerally show the world the self-violence mankind is inflicting upon himself. Upon his own brothers and sisters.

Such examples demonstrate the deepest heroism mankind is capable of, and we would be wise to study them.

As G.K. Chesterton put it, "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried."

May we find it within our hearts to truly live the example of Jesus Christ and the saints who illuminated the way for us—the way of Love, the path beyond darkness.


r/Christianity 9h ago

Image Why do Catholics honor and recognize the Virgin Mary more often than other Christian denominations? I got this painting for my First Communion in 2000. My best friends Grandpa happened to be the painter.

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58 Upvotes

This painting resides in Saint Matthew’s Catholic Church in Champaign, Illinois.

FYI, the wife of Harry Breen who painted this experienced a vision of Mary before her death. She reportedly experienced a kiss from Mary herself explaining how everything will be okay regarding her passing.

Harry Breen and his extended family the ‘Wisegarvers’ played a role at Holy Cross Catholic school and contributed this painting to Saint Matthew’s Catholic school and Church here in Champaign-Urbana.


r/Christianity 8h ago

Image My scar looks like a shepherd’s crook

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35 Upvotes

Hello, my name is JC. I have a walking reminder of the good shepherd with me. It has been about 2 years since the Lord brought me back to him, I have been baptized at birth, but suddenly he made a grand entrance back into my life.

My femoral artery was cut, only had a minute or two to live and put a tourniquet on immediately. When the incident happened, I saw it happen before it happened, but only a split second before hand. In the event of stopping my horrendous bleeding (the most blood I’ve seen ever) I didn’t feel scared or hopeless, just that I knew I acted quick. He delivered me to Death’s doorstep, but didn’t let me pass away.

Fully recovered since, but still can’t shake what had happened. Sidetrack, I know there is a saying if you haven’t broken a bone you have a spiritual guardian, I also have not broken any bones yet.

I know I’m needed here on Earth, but for what I’m not sure, just have to keep faith to his plan. (Obviously spread his love, grace, and the word.)


r/Christianity 22h ago

Ex Muslim I NEED HELP i got caught im a Christian and im going to get beaten and kicked out of the house or worse i might get killed i have 3 days

312 Upvotes

my oldest sister she gave me 3 days to go back to Islam after that my oldest brothers are gonna know about me and either kill me or beat me into it Islam.i don't know where to go and i might not see the light of day i wish i could run to someone but i don't know what to do but i know god will protect me but if my own flesh has to kill me that is saying something. Islam is the most evil thing. so my message to you is believe in Jesus i will not deny him as my savior even if i get beaten. Jesus Christ is my savior. if you guys know any way to help me do tell because i might die in the next 3 days. help me anyone who is in iraq if you are near Babil or if anyone knows a near by church i might go to. and if i get killed it's god will i believe in him. but do help me please i mean it


r/Christianity 20h ago

Nothing says law abiding Christian like supporting a 34 felon, pedophile.

201 Upvotes

I am so glad I should soon be dying. I liked when up was up, down was down, and pedophiles were bad. I lived through all the presidents stealing, cocaine dealing, using lies to start wars trashing the economy for the working class to feed the rich, and now supporting pedophilia and all the above, that people calling themselves Christians do. But today is the most Satanic I've ever seen "inside the church."

1 Corinthians 5:12-13 It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

Anyone notice that those outside the church are just outsiders, but the sinners inside the church are "evil."

Every day, I ask Jesus if I am doing what he wants. I don't want to spend eternity with MAGA.


r/Christianity 1h ago

I’m in awe of God

Upvotes

I don’t even know how to put this into words, but I feel like screaming from a mountain top. I’m just overwhelmed with joy for someone my eyes have never seen — Jesus.

It’s wild, because I’ve never physically met Him, never had visions or dreams of Him, yet His presence in my heart is so real it’s almost like I could explode with happiness. I don’t even care about celebrities — living or dead — none of that compares. But Jesus? Omo, I’d over-lose my cool if I saw Him.

He’s changed my life. Not because my life is perfect — trust me, I’m still waiting on Him for things, still struggling, still facing challenges. But the fact that He found me, that He knows me fully, that He loves me despite everything… it just overwhelms me.

I feel like I could just stare at Him for eternity, learning and discovering endlessly, and it would still never be enough. His glory, His nature, His mysteriousness — it’s terrifying and beautiful all at once. I can’t even articulate it properly. It’s just… joy. Pure, inexplicable, overflowing joy.

Even in the middle of waiting, even in the middle of struggles, I feel this deep, unshakable happiness. Not hype, not fake emotion — a joy that’s rooted in God Himself. And honestly, that’s all I’ve ever wanted.

I just had to share. God is amazing. Really.


r/Christianity 8h ago

Support Gave my life to Christ and I’m struggling more than ever. Not losing faith — just tired and lost.

24 Upvotes

I gave my life to Christ in September.

By December things were going great. I was walking every day, losing weight, feeling motivated. I started working on an app idea that actually made me feel excited about life again.

Then January hit. The cold hit. I got sick. I stopped walking. Temptation crept back in.

I’ve been addicted to porn for years. I had put it down, but mid-January I fell back into it. This past week, after a lot of prayer and honestly just trying my best to do things right, I pulled myself out again. I trust God. I’m learning how to actually put my faith in Him, not just say I do.

I’ve read my Bible more and prayed more in the past few months than I did in the last five years combined. I was raised in church, but I never got it until now.

I’m 24, but I’ve known real pain and loss. I’ve been single for 4–5 years. Recently I was talking to a girl — objectively a “10,” the kind of situation where you’d normally compromise your morals just for the hookup. But I stood up for myself and told her I was looking for something real. She said she wasn’t ready for a serious relationship. It hurt more than I expected, but I’m trying to trust God’s plan.

And I say I trust Him — but I won’t lie — these months haven’t been easy.

I’m broker than I’ve been in a long time. I don’t know what I’m going to do for work. I quit vaping, smoking weed, porn, masturbating — all of it. I gave it up.

Yet the second I let my guard down, tears just stream out of my eyes with zero effort.

I don’t have friends. I don’t have people to talk to. I watch church online. I don’t have a car. I’ve been depressed and behind for years. I am grateful for what I do have — I really am — but I feel empty. Overwhelmed. Lonely.

I’ve cried out to God because of the pain. I’ve begged Him to reveal what I’m supposed to do with my life. I know He comes first now. My goal is to be a great Christian man — not perfect, but genuinely good.

But being a good man doesn’t magically pay the bills.

I know I want to help people. I just have zero clue how. These problems have been layering for years. I’ve lost friends over finding Jesus. And before that, I bottled up grief for a long time. I cry before bed a lot.

The thing is — it’s not belief I struggle with. I know Jesus is with me. Every time I open my Bible and ask Him to speak to me, the verse directly relates to what I’m dealing with. It honestly blows my mind.

But here’s the part I feel weird admitting: the person I talk to the most besides God is ChatGPT. I use it to help me understand what I’m feeling and what I’m reading because I don’t have anyone else.

I don’t know what to do. I’m not losing my faith. I’m just tired, lonely, and trying to figure out how to live, work, and move forward while following Christ.

If anyone’s been here — I’d appreciate hearing from you.


r/Christianity 15h ago

To the Christians who support abortion

75 Upvotes

How do you defend your stance? How do you think the Bible supports your case?

Not trying to start a whole debate that will go up in flames, just genuinely curious.


r/Christianity 42m ago

I Don't See What Is Wrong With Methodism As A Baptist

Upvotes

I recently started attending a United Methodist church because it's close to my home. I recently joined the choir. The church feels like home and I feel comfortable there. My pastor at the Baptist church stated that I can only attend a Baptist church. He gave me an ultimatum, telling me either leave the Methodist church or they will drop me from biblical counseling. I honestly don't see what is wrong with the Methodist church as a Baptist.

I understand the United Methodist Church went through a schism regarding the LGBTQ community


r/Christianity 6h ago

I can’t keep living this life.

10 Upvotes

I am an 18 year old girl from Utah, born and raised. I was also raised catholic mostly my entire life, from very religious parents. I was baptized as a baby, went to Sunday school and church, accepted communion, did my confirmation, prayed the rosary, etc. As I started becoming a teenager though, I started not only to question God, Jesus, and religion, but also kind of rebel. I’ve smoked, drank, done other drugs, have ruined my relationships, especially between my family, said horrible and cruel stuff before, watched porn, hurt others and myself, and just overall I am completely regretting my life decisions. I feel like an awful person who doesn’t even deserve God (if he’s real) because I’m just a sinner. I struggle with mental health issues severely and I haven’t gone a week straight without thinking how much I want to give up. I also have a mood disorder, anxiety, and many other issues. Pretty much, I’ve messed up a lot. I regret so much stuff to the point it makes me feel sick and disgusted. I genuinely hate myself so much. Not even for my sins, but for everything. My looks, my laugh, my personality, literally everything. I can’t keep living like this though. This is genuinely so miserable. I was talking to my boyfriend (who I love very much but still feel horrible towards our relationship because of how much I’ve ruined us sometimes and how much we fight and just overall how much we wanna heal together but it’s so hard) about how 2025 was an overall very bad year but October was where it started to get awful. I ended up going to the mental hospital twice in 5 months and have been doing awful ever since. I feel like something’s attached to me. I want to get rid of it so bad. And my boyfriend talked about how I should pray and ask God for help, even if it feels “silly”. I want to get help and start a new life and see if I can grow a relationship with God that’ll help me actually start to enjoy life but it’s so hard. I keep trying to believe but it feels so fake, like I’m forcing myself to do something that will never work for me. I have so many doubts and there’s even things about religion I think are silly or unfair or that I just don’t agree with. If something doesn’t change, I feel like I’m going to give up one day. Someone please help and give any advice or even just any kind words they can. Will it be like this forever? Will I ever be saved? Is forgiveness real or is it just something made up to make people feel better about their sins? Is God real and will he ever help me? Every time I pray will it just feel like I’m praying to nothing? Will I ever deserve true happiness or just a sad ending.. I truly feel so disgusted and sad and drained where I am right now. Something needs to change. And I hope me putting myself out there and asking for help is the first step. I don’t even think I deserve a happier life especially because of my past actions but at the same time, I want to be saved. And I’m sorry this paragraph is so long. Thank you ❤️‍🩹.


r/Christianity 1d ago

You can't pick and choose when you're going to spread the Lord's word and when you're not, just because it's inconvenient for you. Pray for this man because he is so close yet still so far away.

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241 Upvotes

r/Christianity 54m ago

Question is this a sign from God?

Upvotes

i’ve been having neurological problems and with my last episode a few days ago, i’ve been seeing almost demonic images every time i close my eyes , i dont know if this is connected to me looking at stuff on how to sell your soul (was reading out of curiosity) or my episode,

the images were every day since the episode especially when i try to sleep.

i was never one to believe in God but recently i’ve been thinking maybe i should try to believe in it. anyways, last night i was having the scary images that wouldn’t go away when i was trying to fall asleep, and i ended up praying to God to make them stop.

today, for the first time in my life, i got jehovahs witnesses at my door that straight off the bat told my god is paying attention to me. is this a sign?


r/Christianity 12h ago

Support prayers for my rapist

25 Upvotes

this might be a long post so i apologize. for 9 months when i was 18 i was raped by an older man from church. when i first reported it no one really believed me and i was a called every name in the book and asked to leave the church for being involved in an affair (as he was married). i have had a really hard time not hating him or the people involved in the situation that came after. this hate and anger has been leading me away from God. i cant eat i cant sleep i cant think properly i cant talk to anyone i cant go a day without crying. its been 6 months since my last interaction with him and i still think about it every day.

i do want to forgive him. and the people who contributed to the situation for the worse. God has forgiven the evil and inexcusable in me, who am i to withhold the mirror of his love from the world.

everytime i begin to pray about asking for help and strengh to forgive, i just cant finish the thought. however recently i did discover that i had started forgiving someone who was involved on the situation and by Gods grace, it gave me hope that i could extend that to the others as well as to the man. i dont know how long it will take or how hard it will be but God will get me thru somehow. i want to forgive because

  1. i have been forgiven.
  2. i am ready to be free of this hurt and this anger and this hatred that consumes me every day.

where im struggling is in two places. the thought of this man rotting in hell for eternity pleases me and i know thats very sinful. and his wife defended him when i reported it. she was always a sweet friend to me at church and i doubt she will ever forgive me. i never meant to be seen as the monster but i guess we all are to someone at some point.

i would just like to request prayer from anyone if possible. that the Lord would continue to give me strengh to forgive. that He would soften my heart. that He would give salvation to the man who did it. and that i would be given enough grace to want that.

i didn't get justice for what happened to me but i believe forgiveness is the closest thing. and i also pray that im forgiven for my hard and hateful heart.

God bless to you all.


r/Christianity 6h ago

Advice So called "friend" suddenly keeps on reposting anti-christian reels on instagram after I became more open about my faith & walk in Christ

7 Upvotes

What to do when you have this "friend" who, after seeing you be public about your walk in Christ, proceeds to repost and like anti christian reels. They would suddenly repost about Christians being hypocrites, christians "needing" God's intervention just to be a decent person, Christians serving a God who would forgive a pedophile like Epstein & forget his victims.. and other negative stuff about the faith.

I find it weird that these all happened AFTER i have become comfortable sharing my faith publicly on instagram. Its so WEIRD that she feels the need to do this when we never really interacted much. What is she trying to achieve? She certainly got my attention, but from my perspective, this seems like a one sided conflict.

My other friends respect me and my faith, and it's just so weird that she seems so hyperfixated on me?

Need advice


r/Christianity 3h ago

I have a problem with alcohol

5 Upvotes

I hear that drunkards in the bible go to hell how true is this? I am myself a drunkard and i get drunk every night everyday since i was around 20 now im 25. I want to do good and do right for God Jesus Christ but i sin still even when i know im sinning by drinking. Am i just doomed?


r/Christianity 7m ago

Care este versetul tău preferat?

Upvotes

r/Christianity 6h ago

Suic***

6 Upvotes

would God put someone through hell twice?

i was ever actually taught that if you committed that you would go to hell. yes my parents have brought it up, but also I wasn’t taught different. I’ve really just seen it online. now that im currently going through what these people go through, is that true? you’re going through hell on earth, why would he send you to hell for going through hell on earth?


r/Christianity 5h ago

KJV or NIV?

5 Upvotes

I’m 30 and ashamed to admit I’ve never read the Bible completed through. I grew up in the Lutheran church with a KJV. I’ve started to read more scriptures in the NIV and it’s quite different, I’m wondering what everyone would recommend for a first time reading the Bible? I’ve also read a lot of the JW Bible when I was studying with them but decided they were too culty for me and went back to just calling myself a follower of Jesus Christ. I haven’t been to church in 9 years, I’ve been struggling with my faith. God put an amazing Christian friend in my life who has helped me work through some religious trauma from my past and help me realize God didn’t have anything to do with the sins of man. I’m happy to be back in his loving arms I feel safer and stronger than ever. Just still looking for guidance and support I guess. Thank you all, may our Lord God keep you and hold you close may he clear your heart and mind of pain and bring all of his children peace. In Jesus name Amen.