|
|
|
|
|
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| |||||||||||||||
Date: 8/10/2012 8:08:00 PM
From Authorid: 65687
Those are good points. I am a strong Christian, and I feel like sometimes other "Christians" make it hard to welcome new people to the faith. They put them under the impression that we're perfect, and if you don't believe in God you're going to hell, and you have to be all prim-and-proper to gain forgiveness. No. That isn't how things work. God will forgive your sins. You just have to repent of them first. It was never his intention for anyone to be cast into hell. But he tries to give people chances. Christians aren't perfect, either, and there are plenty of Christians that get divorces. You would be surprised how much a simple prayer can do for you. As for music, I listen to all kinds of music. I AM a Christian, I do believe in God, but you can find me listening to some screamo, metal, country, and christian contemporary. I listen to what I like, and I don't appreciate people telling ME that I can't listen to what I like. Also, I do NOT give up the things I enjoy. Of course, I could understand your point of "getting in trouble" for something if you were doing something that would be considered a sin. But it is not anyone else's business, it is between yourself and God or whatever you believe in, if anything, therefore other people should not tell you it is wrong or you're gonna be cast into hell for it. That's ridiculous. You should never listen to anyone (whether you are the same faith as them or not) tell you that what you are doing is wrong, even if it is. Those are my thoughts personally on what you just said.  I didn't mean to offend anybody, I don't think I did, but if I happened to offend someone, I'm REALLY sorry!! Hugs!  |
| Date: 8/10/2012 10:09:00 PM ( From Author ) From Authorid: 66283 well, 65687, this religion also says you can't wear certain clothing, like a woman who lives "holiness" can't wear jeans or shorts. only, dresses and skirts, can't wear make-up etc. my grand-ma ask me if I would get the holyghost and live for god. I respectfully said I wasn't ready, because that means I would have to change my image completly. Its not fair to live that way, because its being something i'm not. I would be depressed. Its like being brain washed in that church, claiming that If I got the holy ghost, I wouldn't want to do those "wordly" things anymore. Its almost as the warnings of an abusive relationship. one warning is being very bossy and demanding. I could tell you about 10 things I heard in the church that they were preaching about what not to do, is the same 10 reasons why I dumped a boyfriend.honestly. Its the truth. |
| Date: 8/10/2012 11:39:00 PM ( From Author ) From Authorid: 66283 correction on my reply....I meant to say, 10 things they said in church about what I should do with my life besides doing these "worldy" things are the 10 reasons why I dumped a boyfriend. Very demanding and very bossy is how he treated me. so religion is sending subliminal messages to men saying abusing women in that sense is ok? |
Date: 8/11/2012 10:48:00 AM
From Authorid: 11097
I personally believe there is a difference between religion and faith, although they should go hand in hand. We all know there are many beliefs and religions with their own sets of rules, but I always liked this quote: "Truth is one, sages call it by many names." (Hinduism/Rig Veda) I believe each religion (that doesn't harm others) holds aspects of truth. There is something to be said about the faith in someone's heart, which is more important than which rule one followed correctly. Faith can bring people to do courageous, loving, respectful, thoughtful things... and keeps the soul enduring in times of trial. Faith makes you grateful for your blessings. Faith tells you to keep going when it is most darkest. It ultimately drives a person to be the best they can be at all times. It also can bring people together. While religion can attempt and try to do these things, ultimately religion was invented by man. That doesn't take away anything from these religions because they are an organized belief but faith is something that comes from within, and that cannot be measured by rules or so easily disregarded. Even for those who don't believe in God, perhaps faith comes to them as a source of love, learning, understanding... there are many aspects of it.  |
|
Date: 8/11/2012 12:48:00 PM
From Authorid: 63026
Woah, woah, woah. Those rules are probaly that "churches" rules. I went to a catholic school and never heard those stupid rules. Luckily I went to public school, and got away from the catholic church and their rules. It's a bunch of manmade rules, and they don't teach how to get into Heaven. They claim good works, but really the good works are actually rewards for when you go to Heaven, by believing in the blood of christ. Don't give into those dumb rules.  |
|
Date: 8/12/2012 8:54:00 AM
From Authorid: 3835
I have Faith and Beliefs (Spirituality), not a religion. I follow what my heart tells me within that small voice of truth we all already have since birth. I don't feel I need someone else to tell me how I should worship or how I need to think to feel, so that I will go to Heaven. That is their thing, and might not be what works for me. If you feel captive, then it is not being true to your own inner strength of Faith. It is said God works differently for each person, so why do people feel they need to have someone tell them how to think and feel about Spirituality? We are all taught we are unique beings.. no two are the same, so why wouldn't how people view God be any different than being unique?  |
|
Date: 8/12/2012 9:09:00 AM
From Authorid: 66144
Religion seems like a trap to me; a group of people who believe in some form of something or another who feel that they are all mighty and right and everyone else should believe the same things... they have a god complex. Egotistical... okay, not everyone that follows a religion has those characteristics. I've been lucky enough to personally know a couple of people who were devout in their beliefs but didn't go around damning and shunning those who didn't believe for a reason that is foreign to so many people, the base moral for a lot of religions: Love... Love everyone. Just live by good morals. why be limited to a certain group of peoples rules? I think everyone has their own 'religion' inside of them; the life lessons/morals they live by. just be a good person and leave people be. As far as the characteristics of the religion you described above... its just crazy. I can't see how anyone would want to be a part of a group that wants to control you. I have heard of people being 'sinful' and then one day they are consumed by the 'holy ghost' and want to change their ways for the better... good for them for realizing they needed to improve themselves. i don't believe in heaven or hell. its all the current state we live in, by love or fear. happiness and sadness. i sincerely hope that i haven't offended anyone!!! ~miss swan |
Date: 8/12/2012 10:50:00 AM
From Authorid: 40979
I am a Christian..and for me, it's not so much a religion. It's a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As far as giving up things because you recieve the holy ghost, I have never heard of such a thing. I have heard of people personally choosing to do so. Some people choose to sacrafice certian things in their life that consume a lot of time. They do this so that they can spend that time getting closer to God. While I can understand why some Christian's frown apon listening to secular music, I do not think it is a rule. I enjoy listening to all kinds of music. And, for divorce...I know in the bible it says God hates divorce. But, I do not think those who have been divorced will go to hell. Some Christians do make it feel like a club/cult and I do not like that. I refer to them as "holy rollers". LOL  |
| Date: 8/14/2012 6:19:00 AM From Authorid: 66273 I am in no position to judge other religions, and I don't. Yes, I am a Christian but I accept people no matter what they may believe. As for the rules, I guess I'd be in trouble? I love Rock music and have been divorced once. My first husband was abusive and my God would not want me to live with someone like that. As for Rock music, even God knows good music, no? And what in the world is wrong with cheerleading? I know you are agnostic, but I believe the problem with religion is it's created by people, not God. An individual's relationship with God should be spiritual, not religious. I believe people created religion to scare others into believing they are already damned. God knows the trials of humanity and all He wants is our love, not our fear. RoXyRaVeNouS. |
|
Date: 8/14/2012 8:48:00 AM
From Authorid: 51876
Very good replies. I will keep it simple from my perspective of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Love. Pure and simple, not rules, in fact PRIDE was the downfall of Satan from the beginning. Too many "churches" are really social and economic control organizations. Standing on a pedastal pointing down at others is the EXACT Opposite of Christ's message. It turns off people who would be saved. The gospel is for everybody and requires a balance of caring for others, prayer to God and a understanding of the word of God, without all these things in syncronization, it is empty and not functional. I understand your perspective and fight organized religon everyday.  |
| Date: 8/14/2012 8:49:00 PM From Authorid: 65872 Sweetie, I think you are under a misconception. The Bible doesn't teach any of the things you are talking about. The truth is that the Holy Spirit gives you freedom, but as a believer in that light, you don't want to do things that aren't pleasing to God. I suggest you quit listening to others about what God is about and read the Bible for yourself. You just might be surprised. |
|
Date: 8/15/2012 7:54:00 AM
From Authorid: 64819
Most "Christians" only observe or obey the parts of the bible that is convenient for them. It is a sin to wear mixed fabric, it is a sin to cut your hair, and there are so many others.  |
| Date: 8/18/2012 11:59:00 AM From Authorid: 66297 I'm a minister. I don't proclaim a "better than thou" life; I'm a sinner, I ask forgiveness on a regular basis for ugly words, hateful thoughts, etc. my relationship with God/Jesus or whatever the "Almighty" is to you is different than mine or anyone else's. With that said, follow your heart. We are taught right from wrong at an early age, but I honestly believe it is in our DNA to know good, bad, right, wrong, etc. I don't point fingers...I'll pray for you, with you & even share an "off color" comment or joke with you (if I know/you know me well enough). I've worked in the criminal law field before becoming ordained; I recently applied to be a minister in the local prison/jail because it "my calling" & not for everyone. I don't care what music you listen to, who you vote for, what food you eat or what "religion" if you practice one...my "job" is to give love & support. I minister to drag queens...I had a calling to do so. I'm a woman so being a woman who is a minister is always a huge "scarlet letter" so why not embrace it! If people would just respect other people, this wold would be a lot better. |
Renasoft is the proud sponsor of the Unsolved Mystery Publications website.
See: www.rensoft.com Personal Site server, Power to build Personal Web Sites and Personal Web Pages
All stories are copyright protected and may not be reproduced in any form, except by specific written authorization
