MysticExotics
(formerly NWHeather)
I was thinking the same thing...
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Random thought
- Thread starter Lavender
- Start date
I was thinking the same thing...
Lycari
Desperate to Edit
Just my two cents....
Now, I consider myself to be mostly Christian, because I believe in most of the "bones" of that particular faith. But I do not believe that contains the entire history of the universe, or of mankind, or that it contains the true details of certain things. For example, where in the bible does it state that evolution does not exist in any form? Where does it explicitly state that God created the world as we know it today first?
If the bible is truely the untarnished, sacred word of God, than who are we to presume to fully comprehend any part of it? Who are we to say that Hell is, say, a lake of flaming excrement rather than a simple end to existence, or perhaps reincarnation in this world, to try again until we have "won" our way into heaven?
Who do we think we are, to presume to understand God and His ways? If the bible is truely His holy word, than why can it be interpreted in so many ways, unless we are simply not meant to understand it all until He chooses to reveal it to us? If God is truely a superhuman entity, then why should we believe we can truely understand Him at all?
I also do not believe that a loving God could hate anything. Rather, I believe that He would be disappointed in us for our sins, like any respectable father. I do not claim to have any idea as to who will go where, either. As far as I'm concerned, judgement lies solely with God, whoever and whatever he is. As long as no one is attacking me for my beliefs, I have nothing but respect and even interest for other faiths.
With that said:
Megan, I agree with you on many fronts. The more I looked at God as He is seen in the convention view, the more I hated the idea of worshiping this seemingly evil creature who would cast into an eternity of torment for daring not to accept or kowtow to him. I find it interesting that we responded to the same anger in different ways—you rejected the religion, I reinterpreted it to the best of my ability. I applaud your courage in choosing to leave the faith; too many people are forced into pretending to be something they are not because they are afraid to change or to let others see them "stray".
Heather, I always find it fun to meet pagans. XD My friend, neighbor, and mentor, Orion, is one and she's full of interesting stories, rituals, beliefs, and knowledge. While I was questioning my faith, paganism had a strong attraction for me. I just wish it was easier to study; the parents are far more traditional Christians than I am and would totally flip if they knew I was even reading up on it.
So there. There's Lycari's long-winded view on religion in general. XD Hope I haven't offended or annoyed anyone too much.
Now, I consider myself to be mostly Christian, because I believe in most of the "bones" of that particular faith. But I do not believe that contains the entire history of the universe, or of mankind, or that it contains the true details of certain things. For example, where in the bible does it state that evolution does not exist in any form? Where does it explicitly state that God created the world as we know it today first?
If the bible is truely the untarnished, sacred word of God, than who are we to presume to fully comprehend any part of it? Who are we to say that Hell is, say, a lake of flaming excrement rather than a simple end to existence, or perhaps reincarnation in this world, to try again until we have "won" our way into heaven?
Who do we think we are, to presume to understand God and His ways? If the bible is truely His holy word, than why can it be interpreted in so many ways, unless we are simply not meant to understand it all until He chooses to reveal it to us? If God is truely a superhuman entity, then why should we believe we can truely understand Him at all?
I also do not believe that a loving God could hate anything. Rather, I believe that He would be disappointed in us for our sins, like any respectable father. I do not claim to have any idea as to who will go where, either. As far as I'm concerned, judgement lies solely with God, whoever and whatever he is. As long as no one is attacking me for my beliefs, I have nothing but respect and even interest for other faiths.
With that said:
Megan, I agree with you on many fronts. The more I looked at God as He is seen in the convention view, the more I hated the idea of worshiping this seemingly evil creature who would cast into an eternity of torment for daring not to accept or kowtow to him. I find it interesting that we responded to the same anger in different ways—you rejected the religion, I reinterpreted it to the best of my ability. I applaud your courage in choosing to leave the faith; too many people are forced into pretending to be something they are not because they are afraid to change or to let others see them "stray".
Heather, I always find it fun to meet pagans. XD My friend, neighbor, and mentor, Orion, is one and she's full of interesting stories, rituals, beliefs, and knowledge. While I was questioning my faith, paganism had a strong attraction for me. I just wish it was easier to study; the parents are far more traditional Christians than I am and would totally flip if they knew I was even reading up on it.
So there. There's Lycari's long-winded view on religion in general. XD Hope I haven't offended or annoyed anyone too much.
MysticExotics
(formerly NWHeather)
I was raised in a very strict Christian home. I grew tired of the general judgemental attitude that Christians are right & all others who do not believe the same, are wrong.
Christianity is not the only religion that behaves that way, but it is a dominant religion.
Paganism was here long before Christianity. Christians came in & took over. They took Pagan holidays & created their own, to over shadow Pagan holidays, after they could not get the Pagans to conform.
They spread lies about other religions, to put fear into people, to make them believe that other religions such as Paganism are "devil worshipers". The thing is, the devil/satan is a Christian deity, not Pagan.
I too, believed the lies about other religions, until I actually took the time to learn the truth.
I walked away from Christianity long before I found Paganism.
I have never felt more at peace, as I do since I started following my Pagan path.
Everyone has the right to worship what ever gods, goddesses, or no deity as they please. No one has the right to judge or try to force their religion on someone else.
Christianity is not the only religion that behaves that way, but it is a dominant religion.
Paganism was here long before Christianity. Christians came in & took over. They took Pagan holidays & created their own, to over shadow Pagan holidays, after they could not get the Pagans to conform.
They spread lies about other religions, to put fear into people, to make them believe that other religions such as Paganism are "devil worshipers". The thing is, the devil/satan is a Christian deity, not Pagan.
I too, believed the lies about other religions, until I actually took the time to learn the truth.
I walked away from Christianity long before I found Paganism.
I have never felt more at peace, as I do since I started following my Pagan path.
Everyone has the right to worship what ever gods, goddesses, or no deity as they please. No one has the right to judge or try to force their religion on someone else.
Tara80
ACR Breeder # 787
http://www.history.com/shows/ancient-aliens
very good studies on history and interesting view points on God.
very good studies on history and interesting view points on God.
Kokopelli
Resident Boa Fanatic
I'm Jewish, hear me roar.
Annnyyyways,
Many interpretations of the bible/new testament and their representatives exhibit God as an accountant who has nothing better to do than keep track of how many times you thought about something bad.
Not quite my cup of tea... I am a firm believer personally... but I don't think there's any reason for everyone to believe the same things. Faith, regardless of deity, is usually beneficial... and long as it does that without hurting others... everything goes.
Annnyyyways,
Many interpretations of the bible/new testament and their representatives exhibit God as an accountant who has nothing better to do than keep track of how many times you thought about something bad.
Not quite my cup of tea... I am a firm believer personally... but I don't think there's any reason for everyone to believe the same things. Faith, regardless of deity, is usually beneficial... and long as it does that without hurting others... everything goes.
Nanci
Alien Lover
It wouldn't hurt to show more tolerance. People will have more respect for you.
Nanci
Alien Lover
I don't know if you meant to say "hellarious" but that right there is funny!
reptile65
Future DVM
Absolutely. I hope you don't think I'm trying to force my faith down your throat. I'm just sharing my beliefs, just as you are sharing yours. This topic will always prove to be an endless debate, and while I pray that everyone will come to know Jesus, I know that will never happen.
Outcast
ATPSS
It has been my observations, that Jesus taught love and understanding. And, that the Wrathful God that was in the old testament's heart was changed when Jesus came about. I have my personal thoughts on the way earth came about, I believe that we cannot fathom the creation and the way it is put in the bible is to show us God's immense power and ability. I believe that God has his own day, and that does not necessarily mean 24 hours. It could be 500 million years, or 670 million years. Either way a day to us, is by no means the same as a day to God. Evolution is a tool to use, and with the thought in mind that God does not abide by our 24 hour a day clock, it could easily been the tool that God has used in order to create us and everything else on this earth. Just because it says that we are created in His image, it does not mean our physical forms... In my humble opinion, we could be using the form of a turtle, and still be created in His image, because it is our immortal souls that were created in the image of God.
There are many, many things that the Bible does not tell us. It tells us just enough to let us know how we should live our lives. And gives us a history of earth. There are many missing portions, because, after all. We are human, and human beings are the ones that pieced the Bible together from scrolls written over many, many years.
I do believe that the Bible is God's word, and I believe in a loving God. I also believe in the possibility that God used evolution as a tool for His creation.
And, while I believe that all religions have good messages for people, yes that includes Islam, I do not stray from Christianity.... I just wish that Christians could get along better with each other...
So, there you have it. My beliefs on the matter. There have been too many things that have happened in my life, and the lives of my parents, that cannot be called anything short of a miracle, for me not to believe in God.
There are many, many things that the Bible does not tell us. It tells us just enough to let us know how we should live our lives. And gives us a history of earth. There are many missing portions, because, after all. We are human, and human beings are the ones that pieced the Bible together from scrolls written over many, many years.
I do believe that the Bible is God's word, and I believe in a loving God. I also believe in the possibility that God used evolution as a tool for His creation.
And, while I believe that all religions have good messages for people, yes that includes Islam, I do not stray from Christianity.... I just wish that Christians could get along better with each other...
So, there you have it. My beliefs on the matter. There have been too many things that have happened in my life, and the lives of my parents, that cannot be called anything short of a miracle, for me not to believe in God.
airenlow
hope is not a strategy
Aaron, I can respect all of that, except for this line. I don't need a book to tell me how to live my life. The government does a decent enough job of that already...
Outcast
ATPSS
Aaron, I can respect all of that, except for this line. I don't need a book to tell me how to live my life. The government does a decent enough job of that already...
I should rephrase it... It tells us how we should Ideally live our lives. Hence the 10 commandments. Though, God knew we, as humans could not live by his commandments, perfectly... Look at Adam and Eve, they only had one, and they screwed that up.
The_Thunderer
New member
I find myself agreeing with many - but not all - of Aaron's sentiments. For myself, I do not stray from Christianity either - heck, I was a pastor for 9 years. I am perfectly happy to live and let live.
starsevol
Cohabbing is cruelty...
Oh, I like that name!!!!! Good idea!!
I have not read this whole thing. I am not really sure what to believe about God and religion in general, but I do think that in the very short time Mr Lavender has been here he has behaved like a divisive little twerp. Sorry, but it had to be said!!
starsevol
Cohabbing is cruelty...
Aaron, I can respect all of that, except for this line. I don't need a book to tell me how to live my life. The government does a decent enough job of that already...
I LOVE this one JMMF!!!
Outcast
ATPSS
I am glad that religious arguments don't break out very often on this website... I have been part of many groups in the past that have split up, because a few topics ruled the threads, and people left. They all forgot why they were originally there... I am glad we can all keep relatively level heads, and go back to being happy we all have snakes...LOL