In this video, I reflect on some of the practices and beliefs I embraced during my time as a devout Christian that, in hindsight, seem a bit unusual or even strange to others outside the faith. From purity culture to interpreting everyday events as divine signs, these experiences shaped my worldview in ways that might not be as common as I once thought. Whether you're a Christian, ex-Christian, or just curious about faith-based experiences, join me on this journey of self-reflection and discovery!
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Growing up in a Christian environment shaped my worldview in profound ways. While many aspects of my faith brought comfort and community, I’ve since realized that some of my behaviors, rooted in religious beliefs, weren't as normal or universal as I once thought. Reflecting on my journey, here are 10 things I did as a Christian that I now realize were not typical outside of that context.
1. Praying Over Every Decision
I used to pray before making even the smallest decisions-whether it was choosing what to wear, deciding on a meal, or figuring out my next move for the day. While prayer can be a wonderful spiritual practice, I now recognize that seeking divine guidance for every little choice added unnecessary stress and slowed me down. Most people trust their intuition and reason for everyday decisions without feeling the need to consult a higher power.
2. Feeling Guilty for Questioning My Faith
In many Christian communities, doubt is viewed as a sign of weak faith or spiritual struggle. Anytime I questioned my beliefs, I felt intense guilt, as if I was betraying God. Now, I see that questioning is a natural part of intellectual and spiritual growth, and it’s healthy to explore and challenge our beliefs rather than suppress doubts out of fear.
3. Trying to Convert Others
Evangelism is a core practice in many Christian denominations, and I often felt obligated to "save" others by sharing my faith. Conversations with friends or strangers frequently turned into attempts to convert them, which in hindsight, wasn’t always appropriate or respectful. I now understand that people’s beliefs are personal, and pressuring others into religious discussions can be intrusive and uncomfortable.
4. Believing That Everything Was Part of God's Plan
Whenever something went wrong, I would comfort myself by saying, “It’s part of God’s plan.” Whether it was a minor inconvenience or a major life event, I believed that everything had a divine purpose. While this mindset can bring comfort in difficult times, I now realize that it can also lead to passivity-sometimes, things happen because of chance or human error, and not everything needs a spiritual explanation.
5. Fearing Secular Music, Movies, and Books
I was taught that secular entertainment could lead me away from God, so I avoided mainstream music, movies, and books for fear they would corrupt my faith. Looking back, I see how limiting this was. There’s so much beauty, wisdom, and creativity in secular art that can enrich our lives without conflicting with our spiritual beliefs.
6. Believing That Non-Christians Were 'Lost'
I genuinely believed that anyone who didn’t share my faith was lost or missing something essential. This created a sense of superiority and division between myself and others, even when I didn’t intend it. Now, I realize that people of all faiths (or none) can lead meaningful, moral, and fulfilling lives, and it's important to respect diverse paths.
7. Worrying About Hell and the Afterlife
Fear of hell was a constant underlying concern, driving much of my behavior. I was taught that eternal punishment awaited those who strayed from the faith, and this created anxiety about whether I was living up to religious standards. Today, I believe that focusing too much on the afterlife can distract from living fully in the present and cultivating compassion, kindness, and personal growth in this life.
8. Participating in Purity Culture
Purity culture, which emphasizes sexual abstinence before marriage, was a significant part of my upbringing. I felt immense pressure to remain “pure” and worried that any romantic or sexual thought or action outside of strict boundaries would make me unworthy. Looking back, I see how harmful and repressive these teachings were, particularly in fostering shame and fear around natural human experiences.
10 Things I Did As a Christian That Now I Realize Is Not Normal
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