This is a sensitive topic to many I know as I am open to all religions (i.e., I respect everyone's opinions) but what is everyone's particular belief system? Personally I'm a "believe it when I see it kind of guy" and label myself agnostic.......
Posted by Last survivor of the NOMS-tromo... (Member # 2688) on :
I place myself firmly in the agnostic category also. I have no problem with religion except when people try to preach to me...
Noms Posted by MotleyRulz (Member # 3598) on :
Oh tell me bout the preaching. Here in North Carolina we have these dudes who stand at the end of Main St and preach every Saturday. I don't think this should be allowed especially considering it backs traffic up all day. There's nothin like comin out of your favorite cafe with that first cup of coffee on Saturday hearin bout how everyone's goin to hell if they don't believe. I think it deters alot of people from going into businesses here too. Preach all ya want just don't get in people's faces and back traffic up on the busiest day of the week for the town........
Posted by P.S. It's Paul.... (Member # 1022) on :
As some of you already know - I'm firmly in the Christian camp, hopefully without getting at all 'preachy' (although there are different kinds of preachy: those whose fine words don't get reflected in the way they act or treat people, and those whose lifestyle and care for people says more than their words... I'd always hope I fell into the second of these categories!)
That having been said, let me make Fast-Rewind's position clear on ths topic: All are welcome, as long as they respect other posters and their rights to opinions and beliefs. Whilst this thread is fine so far - please bear in mind that any comments here that are (or appear to be in the eyes of the moderators) offensive to any individual members or religious groups, will be removed, and it may be that the thread gets removed.
Play nice, and have a sensible conversation, peeps.
Paul
Posted by mamamiasweetpeaches (Member # 1715) on :
When I grew up I went to Catholic school. I hated the nuns, In hated having to go to church, I am one of those people who finds those bible stories a little hard to swallow.......
I am a very religious person in that I believe in God and I pray every day. That said I do not believe in "organized religion". I have my beliefs and my faith and I like to keep it at home.
I have a friend who belongs to a religion- I wont say which one it is- hint: a lot of the crazier celebrities are into it- that expects you to give HALF your money to them. I think hearing about his stories with his "church" have further cemented my views on why I dont think people should have to gather at a certain place and fork over money to bring themselves closer to "Heaven"...or wherever they think they arre going when they die.
Posted by Chris the CandyFanMan (Member # 3197) on :
I'm more live and let live on my beliefs (Lutheran by denomination), in that the Almighty would prefer it much better if you did not impose your own beliefs on others (who's to say, after all, that all world religions didn't stem from this 3-in-1 being, customed to fit each of their structures and societal habits?) And so I don't impose, the one possible exception being if hate is their message of the year. As long as you do things for the benefit of others, you stand a good chance for moving on to the next world (part of me does share frustration, though, that no tangible rewards ever do seem to come from good works. Maybe it is a degree of selfishness on my part, but that's just what I've grown up with, that hard work is supposed to get a reward). And to keep in mind that a selfless wish for another's well-being might be granted; I think a wish I made for a friend a few years back might have brought about reconciliation among her family. And that some things are meant to exist on planes beyond the limits of human comprehension, so when dealing with them it's best to just go with the flow ("Like a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream.")
Posted by evilash (Member # 6155) on :
I believe in Jesus, though I know that is not the politically correct belief at this present time. I do belong to an organized church. They do not expect you to "fork over" your paycheck. They have a box in the back and only mention it have the time. They encourage those who can't afford their money to tithe in other ways. My way is bringing up a healthy, loving and godfearing child. I do like to volunteer when I can, though it has been some time. As far as street preaching is concerned, God is not the God of Chaos. If you are street preaching, don't cause traffic hold-ups or businesses to lose money cuz that ain't helping anyone. Having said that, I have lived in Athens, Ga and Cincinnati and have only heard of/seen one disrupting street preacher and he had a permit. So, not all Christians are in your face, listen to me or else kind of people. Going to public high school was not fun for me as Christian girl. The people who I grew up with in church were now turning their backs because it was easier. I took Dance as an elective but was not allowed to dance to Christian rock, (which I now know is illegal). My Islamic, Hindu, and Jewish peers could talk all they wanted about their religion, but I was hushed if I even mentioned Jesus in the hall. (done with that soap box) My confirmation in my belief of the Creator came when I gave birth. She is somebody that he gave a personality and sence of awareness to and He breathed life into her. Everything has a creator. A can of coke, a painting, a t.v., Marilyn Monroe, a tomatoe and yes, even you. I don't believe that everyone is going to get to Heaven in their own way. Jesus is the only way. ( I do think that people ignorant of Jesus, like Native Americans before the settlers, are considered innocent like children.) Christianity is the only religion that you don't have to "do" anything except accept Jesus as your Savior, that is it. You don't have to give money, you don't have to feed the hungry, and you don't have to read the Bible everyday. You just have to believe , have faith in God. (Jesus and God are one in the same.) I know I am preaching but at least you are reading quietly and I'm not screaming you away from your coffee. One more thing. People have this idea that being a Christian means having no fun. Wrong. I just turned 21. I drank legally for the first time. No, I didn't get drunk, but hangovers aren't fun. If I occasionally slip up and sleep with my boyfriend, Jesus forgives and better yet, understands because he was tempted in all ways. I take dance classes. Belly dancing, salsa, hip hop and so on. Some Christians don't condone sensual dancing, but there it is in the Bible (song of songs). God isn't up there with a big scorecard ready to fail you. He loves you and wants you to succeed in Him and yourself on Earth. Jesus accepts you as you are and only wants you to have a relationship with. He is my father, my friend, and my confidante. That is all I have to say on my beliefs but if you have questions, I got free time. Peace be with you.
Posted by evilash (Member # 6155) on :
I think I scared you guys away. I don't think I offended anyone. If I did, sorry. However, I don't believe you can force someone into another religion. It's a choice of the heart.
Posted by Ziggy (Member # 6269) on :
I'm an atheist, but i believe that everyone needs something to believe in. I tend to take the philosophies from all religions, and latch onto what works for a given situation.
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