Letter from a Christian to a Non-Christian

As a Christian, I feel that you may have some misconceptions about me that I hope to be able to clear up in this letter.

First of all, I get the feeling from conversations with non-Christians that many of you assume I am a fascist, sexually repressed, want all women to be baby machines, and that Pat Robertson is my spokesperson. Okay, it's more than a feeling: those are the actual words of one non-Christian I've spoken with.

I'll deal with these one at a time but some background is needed first. You must realize that Christians come from all races, economical backgrounds, cultures and even other religions. The differences between individual Christians are as great as those between any two members of society. Painting all of us with one brush is unfair to us and to yourselves.

Fascist? What many people don't realize is that, in the Christian population as well as the population at large, the squeakiest wheel gets the grease. In other words, the Christians you see on television who want to pass laws that you feel infringe upon your liberties in the name of their religion aren't the only type of Christian there is.

There are many Christians, including myself, who feel that following Christ includes observing the strict separation of church and state. The Amish are the most famous group who believe this way, but there are many others. As a Christian, I have much more important things to do than involve myself in politics. Please don't pre-judge me based on stereotypes.

Sexually repressed? That's not what my husband would say! Seriously, I'm not sure where this comes from, unless it stems from the fact that many Christians choose to keep their sexual activities private rather than making a public issue of them. Please don't assume that I am some prude without even having met me.

I don't want all women to be baby machines. Seriously, now. I would have twenty children if I could, simply because I adore children. But I certainly don't think every woman in the world should have babies. There are many who probably shouldn't.

I do, however, think it's sad when an innocent baby has to die because of someone else's mistake. I pray about this; I do not protest or harass women outside of clinics. Please stop accusing me of wanting to force pregnancy or childbirth on every woman; it is simply not true.

Pat Robertson? I am not even sure what to say about this. Hopefully by now you realize that Mr. Robertson is just one among many Christians who just so happens to be well-known. His brand of Christianity is not the only kind to exist. There are probably more Christians who do not agree with him and other outspoken Christians than those who do. Please don't assume he or any other television preacher speaks for me or most Christians.

Finally, I would like to say that I do not look down upon you, I do not want to forcefully convert you, and that any belief system you hold is your choice.

You must realize the Christian's predicament: we are like people who have awoken to find the house next door on fire. In our frantic attempts to rouse our neighbors to the danger, we sometimes get loud.

However, the reason is not so that we or anyone else can control you; the only possible benefit to us is knowing that our neighbor did not burn without our doing all we could possibly do to warn them.

When you get right down to it, the only real difference between me and you is that I believe there is an afterlife and I know I will be spending it in Heaven. Not because I'm such a wonderful person; the very opposite is true. It was the realization that I am not a wonderful person (no matter how it looks from the outside) that led me to Christ.

Sincerely,
a Christian