Chicago...here I come?? Maybe. Please help.

[skylarkmn]

Originally Posted by knitgirl

Skylark, yes I was venting at you and I apologize, but when people proclaim that they have special requirements for where they live because they are "Christians", I just find that really odd. What do you think goes on in the Chicago area that a "Christian" would be uncomfortable living in a typical middle-class neighborhood? My point was that most people in the area are christians of some variety, I don't have the time right now to research it, but I believe the Chicago area is about 50% Roman Catholic, are we not Christians by your definition? (I was raised Catholic and although I don't go to church now, I try to be a decent human being.) There are plenty of Protestants as well. I would be shocked if at least 70-80% of the area did not identify themselves as some sort of Christian. I agree with you that there are a lot of self-righteous, judgemental christians out there, I haven't been personally hurt by them, but I have seen the damage they've done to this country.

I've been reading this forum for a while, the thread is going to go where it wants to go, the OP doesn't have a whole lot of control over it. The debate on this thread has been pretty mild compared to some.

I do not like debating and I fear this is where this conversation is headed. I do, however, feel the need to clarify some things. Again, I feel you've made assumptions about me and did not really read my posts the way they were written. I NEVER claimed to want "special requirements" for where I want to live based on my faith. I did mention not wanting to be in "Christian bubble." What I meant by that is that I don't want to live around only people with the same values as me. I like to be around all types of people and delight in diversity. Some people like to be surrounded by those who are no different than themselves; I'm not one of them. AGAIN, the only reason I mentioned my faith and lifestyle was to offer insight into my personal character so that I would not be just another poster, but a living, breathing human. Please do not read into what I've said as you do not know me and cannot possibly know the heart and soul behind my words unless I offer specific insight. Assuming things about others never works out positively.

In summary: I never said anything about who is a Christian and who is not. There is ONE who can judge who truly believes and who does not. The Bible states not to judge as it is Christ's place alone, so I am NOT judging. We are all sinners including me, you, murderers, thieves, pastors/priests, etc. etc.--everyone. God loves and forgives us all and He is the only one with a right to judge. So please do not accuse me of being judgmental when I never said that I was judging anyone. However, you seem to have taken a judgment seat towards all Christians other than yourself, which is just as bad as those who've judged you. You have no more right to judge than anyone else. If you still see me as being harsh or lofty, clearly there is no way we will see eye-to-eye and we should cease talking altogether.

And also, to everyone, I was simply asking (a request that can be denied) if the discussion about cost of living could be ceased or moved. I wrote the post seeking specific advice and so I didn't want to go too far from the original topics. I wasn't trying to be bossy or possessive of the post; I was simply making a request.

[Avengerfire]

^ Move around Devon and Western there are all kinds of people of different religions and ethnicities around there. Also, look into places like the Moody Bible Institute or the Salvation Army for work^