Religious, yes or no.

[IFortuna]

No, I won’t. I find the Bible is a historical document and I am not arguing. I am discussing things with you. You believe as you want, I’ll believe as I want. I am pulling stuff from memory and I don’t care enough to look it up cause if you are that interested, , you can look it up.

As an abused child, I read the Bible a lot. It was a great comfort from a child's perspective. It gave me a sense that God’s justice would fall upon my parents. As an adult, I believe God will judge them and I will accept his judgement.

Therefore, I follow what the Pope said although the Church tried to backtrack on it. Everyone goes to heaven.

Uh, I just looked it up. I put quotes and a link for you. Everyone is different. I know a man who was terribly abused as a child. He was beaten for things his siblings did. He is a devout Christian, caveats do not apply in this case. I was a Catholic and as for the Pope, one does not have to agree with the dogma of the church. At least that was what the priest told me and I agree.

 

[IFortuna]

The non LDS, LDS are truly interesting. What killed me was when the Jeffries children were returned to their mothers because Utah did not have enough foster care homes and did not want to spend the money on supporting those children. It’s always the bottom line in this state.

The LDS has a lot of power here, in Utah . Not as much as they used to, but still a lot.

BTW, do you follow the murder cases out of Idaho on the Daybells? Interesting how LDS and cult thinking appears to be involved.
If you want to check the facts of the case, go to East Idaho News. They have a complete timeline. I could do a thread on this case but it would continue ad infinitum. If you have specific questions on it I would be happy to respond as well as I can. Thank you for your posts regarding this issue.

 

[Alligatorob]

murder cases out of Idaho on the Daybells

That is interesting, I had not heard of it. Hard to imagine the Mormon church had anything to do with it directly...

Mark Hoffman's Salamander murders is also a very interesting Mormon related story. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Hofmann

Good books have been written about it

https://www.amazon.com/Salamander-S...859&sprefix=salamander+murders,aps,120&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Mormon-Murde...0382d&pd_rd_wg=rNwlL&pd_rd_i=1250025893&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Sa...cb139&pd_rd_wg=rDRWV&pd_rd_i=1501153110&psc=1

 

[dseag2]

You are a kind hearted person as I have come to know. It is not what we have faith in but who. You are a tremendous asset to this community and loved by many here I believe.

Thank you so much!

 

[dseag2]

I was raised Southern Baptist as well.

That explains a lot about both of us.

 

[Shero]

No, I am not religious although brought up in a religious educational environment, which I loved but outgrew. We did not send our children to a religious school. They went to a private school where religion was optional. Simple reason being, We did not want them to be brainwashed by religious dogma taught by narrow minded people who probably never ventured further from their abode.

I feel children should know and be aware about all religions. They should see all religions as part of the same learning experience and not see one as superior to all others. Learning about other cultures teaches children how to be open-minded and accepting of other people's faiths and backgrounds. It teaches ethical values and sets them up for life!

To instil into children, before the age of reason, things that have no real basis in fact is so wrong. Making them read and believe a book written thousands of years ago hampers their development, which follows them into adult life and leads to maladjustment.

So you see why I am not religious but I believe in a Supreme Force that I call God. One does not need religion to have faith. We already have a “conscience” given to us by Nature.

Our conscience is the part of our personality that helps us determine between right and wrong. That’s all that’s required in my opinion of course!
.

 

[Aneeda72]

That explains a lot about both of us.

It sure does

 

[Aneeda72]

Jesus could have walked away from the cross, but He loved humanity so much He carried out His destiny in my opinion. Just because your father wanted you to do something, did you always do it? God gave Free Will to everyone. He allowed Himself to be taken to the cross because He loved us. He did not run away a He surely could have but turned Himself over to complete His destiny.

It is so complicated, it will not be solved by us. But happy to discuss it. @IFortuna

JC was a God and a human, I suppose a Demi God according to the Greeks, maybe. He had the responsibility of both a God and a man. But, he never had free will, in my opinion. He ignored the will of his STEP-FATHER and his mother, Mary. You know, settle down, we will find you a nice girl, become a builder, have the kids, etc. and the path set by them and his Jewish heritage. Remember, free will was not then what it is now. Most children followed the path set by their parents.

He followed the path set by GOD. A God that was a very harsh taskmaster. IMO, no free will, the fix was in.

Yet, I suppose, he could have walked away, early in the game, but I doubt it. Once nailed to the cross or even once in the hands of the Romans; there was no walking away. The path was truly set in stone.

But did he love humanity or the thought of his Godhood, or was he afraid of the anger he would face from the great I AM? I am sure there were worst things than crucification available to God. Was JC God’s first son, or his last after a series of failures in the son department? Idk. Would anyone? JC was the only one who made the news.

JC, as a human, it would be hard not to become a God, wouldn’t it? Hard not to mull the choices over, if choices were available. What HUMAN would chose to be crucified?
idk. I only know, from an imperfect historical account presented in the Bible, that JC did not exercise free will and followed the path GOD set for him. That indicates, to me, no free will.

But that’s how I view it. And despite my speculation on how JC came to be on the cross, the decision making process in his mind, he was there. Of the thousands of people the Romans crucified; JC was the only one to ascend to Heaven.

So yes, I believe he was the Son of God.

But, due to the free will given to me by God the Father and JC, the son; I can question the why and way, and still believe, and still be solid in my faith. I do not have to follow a set path, HE did.

 

[Aneeda72]

Uh, I just looked it up. I put quotes and a link for you. Everyone is different. I know a man who was terribly abused as a child. He was beaten for things his siblings did. He is a devout Christian, caveats do not apply in this case. I was a Catholic and as for the Pope, one does not have to agree with the dogma of the church. At least that was what the priest told me and I agree.

You don’t even have to remain Catholic

 

[Aneeda72]

BTW, do you follow the murder cases out of Idaho on the Daybells? Interesting how LDS and cult thinking appears to be involved.
If you want to check the facts of the case, go to East Idaho News. They have a complete timeline. I could do a thread on this case but it would continue ad infinitum. If you have specific questions on it I would be happy to respond as well as I can. Thank you for your posts regarding this issue.

No I do not

 

[Ronni]

I could write a book on my involvement with religion but not here. This is a very timely topic for me as I am right now reading a book, "Perfectly Clear" by Michelle LeClair and Robin Gaby Fisher. It's about the greatest religion in the world, The Church of Scientology (I'm pulling your leg here by saying it's the "greatest religion." Actually, it's a horrible cult! It was started by a charlatan by the name of L. Ron Hubbard. It's run like a military camp that would make the German Nazis jealous! They have hood-winked rich Hollywood types into joining like Tom Crusie, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Anne Archer and Leah Remini. If you want to leave they come after you and spread lies. They have billions to back them up. You want trouble and you want to go crazy, just join the Church of Scientology. By the way, they will clean out your bank account for free and promise that you will live forever. Good luck. Me, I wouldn't touch them with a "10 foot pole." The following film is 1/2 hour long but worth watching; just in case you want to join them.

Leah Remini has since broken with the Church of Scientology and has gone on to document heinous abuses by the church and its members in her Docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath. There are several seasons currently and the expose is gut wrenching.

 

[Pepper]

@Aneeda72
"Of the thousands of people the Romans crucified; JC was the only one to ascend to Heaven."

What about one of the two thieves on either side of him who said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” JC said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

 

[Aneeda72]

@Aneeda72
"Of the thousands of people the Romans crucified; JC was the only one to ascend to Heaven."

What about one of the two thieves on either side of him who said “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” JC said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Well, gee, your bodyguard thanks you for the correction. That is why you get the big bucks. @Pepper

totally forgot about them, but they were brought into the kingdom by JC, not God the Father. So you are right, and I should have been more specific in saying JC was the only one, that I know of, who ascended to heaven via God’s chosen path-for his Son. Because JC brought the thieves to PARADISE. But not to heaven?

But it opens up more questions, does it not? What is/was paradise? It seems that JC creates the ideal of Heaven and Christians go to Heaven. The thieves were not Christian, as far as I know. Is paradise a place of God the Father? A place before heaven? Where believers in GOD went after death? Before JC was known. Is paradise the Garden of Eden?

Were the two thieves Jewish? I assume so. They were not Christian, I am somewhat sure of that. Seems the first two people JC choose to judge and forgive were those that died along side of him and were criminals. Which means criminals can achieve paradise, if not heaven itself.

Does that mean that all that died specifically, in God’s the Father’s name, all the martyrs to the various faiths, and believers, are taken to paradise, not heaven? A place for those that are not Christian? God’s belivers to the left, Christians to, hmm, the right .

I have no clue. But, then again, why not? Seems logical, doesn’t it?

 

[Pepper]

I have nothing more to add at the moment. Thank you

 

[JaniceM]

Well, gee, your bodyguard thanks you for the correction. That is why you get the big bucks. @Pepper

totally forgot about them, but they were brought into the kingdom by JC, not God the Father. So you are right, and I should have been more specific in saying JC was the only one, that I know of, who ascended to heaven via God’s chosen path-for his Son. Because JC brought the thieves to PARADISE. But not to heaven?

But it opens up more questions, does it not? What is/was paradise? It seems that JC creates the ideal of Heaven and Christians go to Heaven. The thieves were not Christian, as far as I know. Is paradise a place of God the Father? A place before heaven? Where believers in GOD went after death? Before JC was known. Is paradise the Garden of Eden?

Were the two thieves Jewish? I assume so. They were not Christian, I am somewhat sure of that. Seems the first two people JC choose to judge and forgive were those that died along side of him and were criminals. Which means criminals can achieve paradise, if not heaven itself.

Does that mean that all that died specifically, in God’s the Father’s name, all the martyrs to the various faiths, and believers, are taken to paradise, not heaven? A place for those that are not Christian? God’s belivers to the left, Christians to, hmm, the right .

I have no clue. But, then again, why not? Seems logical, doesn’t it?

Jesus wasn't a Christian. So I guess He's with the rest of us.

 

[IFortuna]

Leah Remini has since broken with the Church of Scientology and has gone on to document heinous abuses by the church and its members in her Docuseries Scientology and the Aftermath. There are several seasons currently and the expose is gut wrenching.

Yes, I have watched several. The abuses seem to be much more severe at the top levels. She has a lot of courage.

 

[Sachet]

I could write a book on my involvement with religion but not here. This is a very timely topic for me as I am right now reading a book, "Perfectly Clear" by Michelle LeClair and Robin Gaby Fisher. It's about the greatest religion in the world, The Church of Scientology (I'm pulling your leg here by saying it's the "greatest religion." Actually, it's a horrible cult! It was started by a charlatan by the name of L. Ron Hubbard. It's run like a military camp that would make the German Nazis jealous! They have hood-winked rich Hollywood types into joining like Tom Crusie, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Anne Archer and Leah Remini. If you want to leave they come after you and spread lies. They have billions to back them up. You want trouble and you want to go crazy, just join the Church of Scientology. By the way, they will clean out your bank account for free and promise that you will live forever. Good luck. Me, I wouldn't touch them with a "10 foot pole." The following film is 1/2 hour long but worth watching; just in case you want to join them.

I was raised Frisbeeterian. We believed that when you die, you end up stuck on a roof somewhere.

 

[Ladybj]

I have questions and doubts when Christians are told to accept/believe everything in the Bbile without question. Common brainwashing techniques include belief without question, devotion and dependence on the central figure or cause.
Fear of God’s wrath and retribution maintain and keep followers in a protected box to prevent free will from forming outside the box.

I have nothing against my faith, but ask myself is my life as I want it to be or am I simply living my life in accordance to the design of another.

I had to give up quite a bit of beliefs that I was taught..especially pertaining to religion. I am in the process of working on my inner self which is no picnic in the park but well worth it. Learning to search for answers within instead of external. It's amazing how much suffering we bring to ourselves.. I now understand why I have been tensed up for many years.

 

[Ladybj]

I have no doubt there is a Higher Power greater than myself. Maybe that higher power is within myself. However, I do not believe in a God that will send you to Hell if you do not live a perfect life or break a commandment. Would we want our child to burn in hell if they broke a Curfew or rule.. absolutely not. I know I wouldn't.

Had to change my beliefs as I got older and it is a sense of Freedom. I am Still a work in progress. Why do soo many "Christians" "Religious" folks suffer?? God do not bring suffering to us, we bring suffering to ourselves in what we were taught. Our parents did the best they could in what they knew... I am now on a journey to look deeply inside to find the answers and they are coming to me. Seek and you Shall Find.

 

[IFortuna]

Those of you raised in a church background, are you still religious or did it turn you off ?

Pretty religious since I was baptized in 2008. I was a Buddhist for nearly 30 years. I love being a Christian, I have been extremely blessed in many ways unlike my previous religious practices. It has opened me up to being more non judgmental, seeing the other person's viewpoint better. I am happier than I have ever been.

 

[IFortuna]

Spent close to 50 years trying to believe in the supernatural and finally gave up.

One has to consider which supernatural avenue one is going down. In my opinion, my channel is set on Jesus an He hears me and He has my back. I was involved with lots of New Age stuff, spiritualism, Buddhism before and it never yielded me anything.

 

[IFortuna]

My experience has always been low key, so no overbearing indoctrination, and instead a positive experience best described as "showing you the way you might improve your life and yourself", (rather than telling you what is right or wrong).

The bible is specific in this regard, right and wrong. However, there was this man who washed our sins away with His blood.

 

[IFortuna]

Yes I am religious and I am a Christian and I am a Minister of the Universal Life Church. This church in is contraversial with the public because all you have to do is apply and pay money to get the crudentials to become a minister. The only reason I wanted to do this is to keep evil beings away from me and my family and to help other people to keep evil away from them.

You needn't apologize for your connection with the Lord. You seem to be following your path just fine.

 

[IFortuna]

Do you preach to a congregation or do any ministerial stuff?

I would guess if you knew the tax laws well enough, you could pretty much avoid paying any taxes.

Jesus said give Caesar his due. Too bad you an others see the message as taxes, in my opinion.

 

[IFortuna]

I attended church most of my growing up years. However, as I got older I began to recognize that the most important part of the service is the passing of the "collection plate".

I firmly believe that the universe is guided by a power far superior to anything we know, and I hope that trying to be a good person will have its rewards. However, I am of the opinion that virtually All organized "man made" religion is based upon power over others, and money.

You can ignore the collection plate or would that make you feel guilty? Don't sign up for guilt. Just seek the message of scripture. If people don't support the church and the pastor financially, then the church will be gone. Maybe that is what some people want. How iwll the bills be paid? Personally, I stopped concentrating on the money aspect and more on the message.