I had this question posed to me by a freind - all of you would know if I mentioned his name - and after much consideration and pondering the inponderables, I concluded that indeed "YES", a Christian, a true believer, one who has a passionate faith, can ride a Harley, and at the same time, "NO" a true believer would never ride a Harley.

Bad Company corrupts good morals:
Lets deal with the negative side first. A true Christian understands that they are to avoid the very appearance of evil. What fellowship does light have with darkness? Come out from among them (heathen) and be separate. What fellowship does light have with darkness? (I forget the references you can look them up yourself.)

It doesn't take a whole lot of discernment to know that Harleys are from the dark side. Skulls, flames, death, tatoos, Michell Smith..... - all speak of the "Other Side" as opposed to the "Right-Side" . Malcolm Forbes, Jay Leno, Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda (1969 Easy Rider), Elvis, Mickey Rourke, Tina Turner all rode Harleys. Ask yourself would you as a Christian want to be found in that list when the Lord returns? Although Norm MacLaren rides a Harley!

It may be similar to the "Can a Christian smoke and go to heaven", question. The Answer to that is, "Smoking won't keep you from heaven, you'll just smell like you came from Hell."

The Bible says, "Be not decieved bad company corrupts good morals" (Look it up), so as you attend all those bike events just look around at the Harley types, the darkness, tatoos, piercings, and leather, all this should be enough to convinvce even the jaded luke-warm, fence sitting christian to ride-righteous and buy a Honda. But then Norm MacLaren still rides a Harley?

On the positive side it could be argued that indeed riding a Harley may make you a better Christian. After all Norm Rides one. Why my own Brother-In-Law rides one, there's a Harley in the HTR "Find Freedom" New Testament. As these apparent contradictions swirled about in my psyche and heart I had one of those "Eureka" moments, some more spiritual than myself would call it a "God Moment". I realzed that riding a Harley gives one many opportunitites to develope key components we need to live by:

Love -
you got to love your Harley a lot when it won't start.

Joy -
when you see the pick-up coming around the corner.

Peace -
as you sit on the side of the road gazing out at the country-side.

Long Suffering -
that has been developed as you recieve bill after bill for maintenace.

Gentleness -
as you lovin push your ride up the ramp,

Faith -
each time you hit the starter button.

Meekness -
as you pass the coffee shop parking lot full of Honds in your pick-up truck with Harley in back.

Remember Harley riders Christians are commanded to forgive one another.

Note to Harley Owners:
"Just kiddin' - and remember that you have to love your brother and forgive him to get to heaven!"