RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
I like the look!
Christians And Easter
- Thread starter Ruthanne
- Start date
- Status
I like the look!
Aneeda72
Well-known Member
I think Easter is about candy, bunny tracks in the hallway, and the basket at the end of those tracks. Has been this way for many years as the secular overtakes the religious. True believers don’t exist, otherwise we would give up everything we have and devote ourselves to God. Few of us are willing to do that, I certainly haven’t done it.
Having said that, I am Catholic. I became Catholic and got baptized very late in life. In my thirties, as I recall. Before that I was raised Southern Baptist, but never baptized.
I choose to be Catholic because the religion honors Mary. I cannot imagine her extreme bravery in becoming pregnant during a time when women were stoned for being pregnant or having sex while unmarried. I cannot imagine the love Joseph held for Mary, a fallen woman, that he would marry her and raise her child, his step son.
I cannot imagine her pain when her son was crucified, although lots of sons were crucified, nothing special about that. It is the empty tomb, the sighting of Christ after his death, that people focus on. Lol, I think everyone is wrong. My personal belief is the sacrifice occurs after he ascends and returns. Touching him, before he ascended, would have made him unclean.
If I ever gain heaven, I’m not coming back. Why would you want to come back? To save mankind? To leave heaven, leave the side of God, to save the great unwashed? That is the sacrifice, IMO. And the Judas goat still leads the lambs to slaughter; and we still can’t tell a goat from a lamb.
The Easter story is so much more than the crucifixion. I think the movie Jesus Christ Superstar explains it as much as anything else. (This movie was banned by the Catholic Church when it first came out). The original not the TV remake. Things had to happen, just so, or the mark is missed. His death becomes, just another death, in a sea of death.
The hand of some deity had to be involved even if only the hand of fate. Believe the story or don’t believe the story. What does it matter? The Pope has said everyone goes to heaven. Can’t prove him right or wrong. But terribly funny if a non-believer wakes up there. “What the hell, where am I?” LOL.
People use God and Jesus Christ interchangeably. It is not the same. I believe there is the one God. The great “I AM” of the Old Testament. Your god might be the man in the moon. It does not matter. Jesus Christ was Jewish. He came to save his people-the Jewish people who did not and do not believe in him, the way I understand it.
The Jews that did believe became Christians. Christians, people who believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. Which God? I don’t know. The God of the Old Testament or the man in the moon? Does not matter. The Bible was not written right away, and whole books of the Bible were left out and burned by the Catholics of the times. We will never know the truth of what happened. We can only believe or not.
The thread is about the Easter story. The bunny one or the Bible one. It’s a story. Unlike the Ten Commandments it is not carved in stone-those tablets were broken anyway. Believe what you want.
Having said that, I am Catholic. I became Catholic and got baptized very late in life. In my thirties, as I recall. Before that I was raised Southern Baptist, but never baptized.
I choose to be Catholic because the religion honors Mary. I cannot imagine her extreme bravery in becoming pregnant during a time when women were stoned for being pregnant or having sex while unmarried. I cannot imagine the love Joseph held for Mary, a fallen woman, that he would marry her and raise her child, his step son.
I cannot imagine her pain when her son was crucified, although lots of sons were crucified, nothing special about that. It is the empty tomb, the sighting of Christ after his death, that people focus on. Lol, I think everyone is wrong. My personal belief is the sacrifice occurs after he ascends and returns. Touching him, before he ascended, would have made him unclean.
If I ever gain heaven, I’m not coming back. Why would you want to come back? To save mankind? To leave heaven, leave the side of God, to save the great unwashed? That is the sacrifice, IMO. And the Judas goat still leads the lambs to slaughter; and we still can’t tell a goat from a lamb.
The Easter story is so much more than the crucifixion. I think the movie Jesus Christ Superstar explains it as much as anything else. (This movie was banned by the Catholic Church when it first came out). The original not the TV remake. Things had to happen, just so, or the mark is missed. His death becomes, just another death, in a sea of death.
The hand of some deity had to be involved even if only the hand of fate. Believe the story or don’t believe the story. What does it matter? The Pope has said everyone goes to heaven. Can’t prove him right or wrong. But terribly funny if a non-believer wakes up there. “What the hell, where am I?” LOL.
People use God and Jesus Christ interchangeably. It is not the same. I believe there is the one God. The great “I AM” of the Old Testament. Your god might be the man in the moon. It does not matter. Jesus Christ was Jewish. He came to save his people-the Jewish people who did not and do not believe in him, the way I understand it.
The Jews that did believe became Christians. Christians, people who believe Jesus Christ is the son of God. Which God? I don’t know. The God of the Old Testament or the man in the moon? Does not matter. The Bible was not written right away, and whole books of the Bible were left out and burned by the Catholics of the times. We will never know the truth of what happened. We can only believe or not.
The thread is about the Easter story. The bunny one or the Bible one. It’s a story. Unlike the Ten Commandments it is not carved in stone-those tablets were broken anyway. Believe what you want.
This morning as my husband and I chat the subject about religion and Easter was brought up. Normally I don’t talk about anything that happens online since it’s none of his concern but today I mentioned this thread. He smiled, chuckled and shook his head. He then said you really don’t get it do you and went on to tell me how I probably offended a lot of people by my comments and questions. He then looked at me sternly and said with the silliest look on his face ...”you do realize that Easter is a religious holiday, and that all Christian religions stemmed from the Catholic one.?”
He then went on to explain that many people take their religion seriously. He talked about purgatory and other religious ceremonies. My husband grew up in a religious family that went to church every Sunday whereas I was raised in a non religious one who practised none of those disciplines nor did we have any relatives who did since we had no relatives. We were made to go to Sunday school which was used merely as a weekend sitter.
The reason I mention this is that my comments in this thread came from ignorance not malice. I know so little about religion that this thread didn’t make sense to me.
My husband ended the conversation stating that I’d actually enjoy leaning about religion. He reads a lot so knows FAR more about it than I do but I am wondering why there is no section for it. Clearly discussing religion is allowed or this thread wouldn’t be here so where is the best place to ask my questions?
Any suggestions?
From my experience, true believers do still exist. My husband works with a few of them and gets along with them quite well and from some of posts here in this thread, it would appear that they do.
I found your post very interesting and honest Aneeda.
He then went on to explain that many people take their religion seriously. He talked about purgatory and other religious ceremonies. My husband grew up in a religious family that went to church every Sunday whereas I was raised in a non religious one who practised none of those disciplines nor did we have any relatives who did since we had no relatives. We were made to go to Sunday school which was used merely as a weekend sitter.
The reason I mention this is that my comments in this thread came from ignorance not malice. I know so little about religion that this thread didn’t make sense to me.
My husband ended the conversation stating that I’d actually enjoy leaning about religion. He reads a lot so knows FAR more about it than I do but I am wondering why there is no section for it. Clearly discussing religion is allowed or this thread wouldn’t be here so where is the best place to ask my questions?
Any suggestions?
From my experience, true believers do still exist. My husband works with a few of them and gets along with them quite well and from some of posts here in this thread, it would appear that they do.
I found your post very interesting and honest Aneeda.
Aneeda72
Well-known Member
So, Keesha, start with Jesus Christ superstar the movie. I am serious, it explains things quite well and you won’t get bored. Then watch the other older religious movies-the older Ben Hur is a good one as well. You will learn the beginning of it all, the Bible is a hard read. Make sure to read the Old Testament first but skip the genealogy of the thing.
This lets you see that the God, I AM, was not a nice guy. He walked the earth, was very demanding, and caused a lot of issues. We actually needed his son to save us from him. Mary becomes important in terms of human contact, as she is human only. Most religions don’t give her any credit at all. Think of it this way.
You want my son to do something for you. We are good friends. You want my son to mow your lawn. He doesn’t like you. So you know if you ask him he will say no. Instead, you ask me to have him mow your lawn. I do, and then he does. I interceded on your behalf. Catholic’s will ask Mother Mary to intercede on their behalf with her son.
Your husband is right, most Christian religions stem from the Catholic Church. It is complicated how it came about and uncomplicated. Every time people didn’t like the “rules” of a particular church, they invented a new church. Lol. Purgatory, IMO, is pretty much over and not believed in anymore.
I think it came about as a way for the priests to earn an extra dollar or too. Although, some Catholics may still believe in it. I never did. A belief in God, Jesus, and Mary are different than a belief in a church. I read the Bible a great deal when I was younger. You could go to bible study at any or all of your local churches.
But remember it’s not religion you believe in, its religion that you study to learn about the deity of your choice; and believe in that deity. I think this is where people get confused. Jesus tore down “churches” and preached on the mountainsides. He was Jewish, lol, he was not a Christian. Anyway, food for thought.
This lets you see that the God, I AM, was not a nice guy. He walked the earth, was very demanding, and caused a lot of issues. We actually needed his son to save us from him. Mary becomes important in terms of human contact, as she is human only. Most religions don’t give her any credit at all. Think of it this way.
You want my son to do something for you. We are good friends. You want my son to mow your lawn. He doesn’t like you. So you know if you ask him he will say no. Instead, you ask me to have him mow your lawn. I do, and then he does. I interceded on your behalf. Catholic’s will ask Mother Mary to intercede on their behalf with her son.
Your husband is right, most Christian religions stem from the Catholic Church. It is complicated how it came about and uncomplicated. Every time people didn’t like the “rules” of a particular church, they invented a new church. Lol. Purgatory, IMO, is pretty much over and not believed in anymore.
I think it came about as a way for the priests to earn an extra dollar or too. Although, some Catholics may still believe in it. I never did. A belief in God, Jesus, and Mary are different than a belief in a church. I read the Bible a great deal when I was younger. You could go to bible study at any or all of your local churches.
But remember it’s not religion you believe in, its religion that you study to learn about the deity of your choice; and believe in that deity. I think this is where people get confused. Jesus tore down “churches” and preached on the mountainsides. He was Jewish, lol, he was not a Christian. Anyway, food for thought.
Ok you might be shocked but I’ve never read the entire bible before. I’ve tried to but found it very conflicting which frustrated me.
Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the first movies I watched at the theatre and I LOVED IT!!! It was awesome.
I’ve seen that movie with Ben Hur in it several times and found that interesting also. My husband mentioned Mary and said that there are some religions that believe that Mary was the prophet not Jesus.
My husband knows far more about religion than I even gave him credit for. He explained that the Catholic religion was actually banned in England for many years due to someone in royalty who wanted to divorce and the catholic religion didn’t allow it. He also talked about Catacombs. They were underground caves that hid religious people who would get persecuted.
I’m not interested in going to bible study. I did go to bible study as a kid and enjoyed it but things are different now. This would be an independent study. I’ll see where it takes me.
The thing is that I am already I believer. I just don’t practice organized religion. Maybe it’s too organized for me. I am a natural rebel after all but will make an effort to learn more about it.
Thanks Aneeda. That was helpful.
Jesus Christ Superstar was one of the first movies I watched at the theatre and I LOVED IT!!! It was awesome.
I’ve seen that movie with Ben Hur in it several times and found that interesting also. My husband mentioned Mary and said that there are some religions that believe that Mary was the prophet not Jesus.
My husband knows far more about religion than I even gave him credit for. He explained that the Catholic religion was actually banned in England for many years due to someone in royalty who wanted to divorce and the catholic religion didn’t allow it. He also talked about Catacombs. They were underground caves that hid religious people who would get persecuted.
I’m not interested in going to bible study. I did go to bible study as a kid and enjoyed it but things are different now. This would be an independent study. I’ll see where it takes me.
The thing is that I am already I believer. I just don’t practice organized religion. Maybe it’s too organized for me. I am a natural rebel after all but will make an effort to learn more about it.
Thanks Aneeda. That was helpful.
Warrigal
SF VIP
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
Good point about the difference between religion and personal belief or faith, Aneeda.
There is a group where these ideas can be freely and safely discussed.
You find the link from the top bar under Community, then Groups.
There are many groups available.
The one I am referring to is called Of Matters Spiritual.
https://www.seniorforums.com/group.php?groupid=16
There are quite a few topics (30 at last count) there to read and if you decide to join in the discussions you will need to request membership.
Membership is freely given to all who request it.
Keesha...I'm glad that your husband was able to talk plainly to you and explain what the problem was with your comments on this thread. He is, however, wrong about one thing. It is not true to say that all Christian religions sprang from the Catholic church. Before Peter established the church in Rome, the Celtic church was here, in Britain, brought directly to Europe by the family of Jesus after the cruxificion. The Copts were established in Egypt at the same time. Their teaching is actually closer to the original teachings of Jesus, whereas the Catholic church has corrupted it.
Aneeda72
Well-known Member
Keesha,
I am going to reply here then I think I’ll open another thread on the topic of who is God. It might be interesting and we can have discussions with people who want to join in. Not a religious discussion, although religions might be mentioned, more a secular discussion so people can leave their passion and feelings to themselves.
I started reading the King James Version of the Bible in 1954 when my grandmother gave me my own bible. I was in fifth grade when a religious group parked a trailer outside of our school and taught Bible stories to children who wanted to come. Lol, an after school program with story telling, coloring, and a snack. I was there!
I was a latch key child, an abused child, and I learned about God’s love, and God’s grace in a roadside trailer. A perfectly fitting place for me. I had been to large popular church Sunday school-pretty dress, white gloves, white shoes, hat, the blood and body of Christ only on Easter. More disciplined, less fun, less believable.
I read the Bible through my teenage years, attended various churches on and off, and became a believer. The tent church revivals that my grandmother took me to in the 1950’s were amazing. Filled with true believers, people with little or next to little, filling the donation plate with nickels and dimes, seeking spiritual and physical healing; and believing their God through that preacher could do it all. Sometimes he did.
But the Bible is a hard read. Written by different men, in different times, with portions missing as the Catholic Church burned Bible books or chapters which didn’t support their view of how the Bible should read. I believe it was Henry the 8 that you refer to. The Church of England was born. I think by Martin Luther, as Lutheran was the next big religion as I remember.
It can all be googled. I didn’t google it however. I never went to bible study-people get too crazed, lol.
I am going to reply here then I think I’ll open another thread on the topic of who is God. It might be interesting and we can have discussions with people who want to join in. Not a religious discussion, although religions might be mentioned, more a secular discussion so people can leave their passion and feelings to themselves.
I started reading the King James Version of the Bible in 1954 when my grandmother gave me my own bible. I was in fifth grade when a religious group parked a trailer outside of our school and taught Bible stories to children who wanted to come. Lol, an after school program with story telling, coloring, and a snack. I was there!
I was a latch key child, an abused child, and I learned about God’s love, and God’s grace in a roadside trailer. A perfectly fitting place for me. I had been to large popular church Sunday school-pretty dress, white gloves, white shoes, hat, the blood and body of Christ only on Easter. More disciplined, less fun, less believable.
I read the Bible through my teenage years, attended various churches on and off, and became a believer. The tent church revivals that my grandmother took me to in the 1950’s were amazing. Filled with true believers, people with little or next to little, filling the donation plate with nickels and dimes, seeking spiritual and physical healing; and believing their God through that preacher could do it all. Sometimes he did.
But the Bible is a hard read. Written by different men, in different times, with portions missing as the Catholic Church burned Bible books or chapters which didn’t support their view of how the Bible should read. I believe it was Henry the 8 that you refer to. The Church of England was born. I think by Martin Luther, as Lutheran was the next big religion as I remember.
It can all be googled. I didn’t google it however. I never went to bible study-people get too crazed, lol.
The thread you speak of is what I was going to start or something similar. I’m just not sure what section to start it in which was why I asked here but YOU would be much better at being the OP. You have less issues than me. :yes:
The bible IS a hard read that’s filled with contradictions which the average person doesn’t understand so I know I’m not alone here. Often only the radical or extremist ‘seem’ to understand it since much is left to interpretation and in the wrong hands that interpretation can be get a bit dangerous. It’s often those religious fanatics that ruin it for the rest. The 911 event is an example of religious fanatics. Some people take the teachings out of context to suite their own needs and desires.
If everyone is created equal, then there simply is no superior group no matter how many times the bible has been read.
All of my religious experiences when I was a child were positive experiences which I enjoyed but then my life got very complicated and had some very unusual life experiences which made me realize that the bible teachings could be a way of explaining all that I had been through. The experiences aren’t really explainable in human terms and trying to explain them to a radically religious person would almost cause their head to spin around.
Henry the 8th would make perfect sense that he was the royal who was about to lose his throne. The song “I’m Henry the 8th I am” says it all. He was married EIGHT times and since the Catholics didn’t believe in divorce then either he had to go or the religion did and the Catholic religion lost. At least that’s my understanding. THESE are the interesting facts I’d like to discuss not the bible teachings. In the past, interpretation of bible teachings has always caused a conflict of some sort which is probably why people tread lightly when the subject is brought up. Some become like me when the subject of cannabis is started. :lofl:
There are some people that can tell you what every verse in the bible means. Then there are those who just wing it.
One popular radio station station had one such fanatic. One day when he was on someone called in and asked “what does ‘Daniel you’re my brother. You’re older than me. Do you still feel the pain” mean. The announcer went on in detail explaining the meaning. :laugh:
This is is the problem with interpretation and isn’t the entire bible a history of man’s interpretation of things they don’t understand?
The bible IS a hard read that’s filled with contradictions which the average person doesn’t understand so I know I’m not alone here. Often only the radical or extremist ‘seem’ to understand it since much is left to interpretation and in the wrong hands that interpretation can be get a bit dangerous. It’s often those religious fanatics that ruin it for the rest. The 911 event is an example of religious fanatics. Some people take the teachings out of context to suite their own needs and desires.
If everyone is created equal, then there simply is no superior group no matter how many times the bible has been read.
All of my religious experiences when I was a child were positive experiences which I enjoyed but then my life got very complicated and had some very unusual life experiences which made me realize that the bible teachings could be a way of explaining all that I had been through. The experiences aren’t really explainable in human terms and trying to explain them to a radically religious person would almost cause their head to spin around.
Henry the 8th would make perfect sense that he was the royal who was about to lose his throne. The song “I’m Henry the 8th I am” says it all. He was married EIGHT times and since the Catholics didn’t believe in divorce then either he had to go or the religion did and the Catholic religion lost. At least that’s my understanding. THESE are the interesting facts I’d like to discuss not the bible teachings. In the past, interpretation of bible teachings has always caused a conflict of some sort which is probably why people tread lightly when the subject is brought up. Some become like me when the subject of cannabis is started. :lofl:
There are some people that can tell you what every verse in the bible means. Then there are those who just wing it.
One popular radio station station had one such fanatic. One day when he was on someone called in and asked “what does ‘Daniel you’re my brother. You’re older than me. Do you still feel the pain” mean. The announcer went on in detail explaining the meaning. :laugh:
This is is the problem with interpretation and isn’t the entire bible a history of man’s interpretation of things they don’t understand?
DaveA
Senior Member
- Location
- Coastal Massachusetts, USA
I'll leave the deep pondering of the meaning of life, etc., to those with better minds than I.
Yesterday, in Radish Rose's fair state of Connecticut, I watched five little 2,3,and 4 year old's (our great grands) scurry about our grand-daughter's backyard, little colorful baskets in hand, looking for those elusive eggs. Some of the youngest had to have a bit of assistance as I'm not sure if they were really "up to the task". Some of the older grandkids lended them a hand.
We all, later, had a nice meal, took photos, (all of our 4 kids were there along with a flock of grands and great grands) and just enjoyed socializing amongst ourselves. Some had attended church, most had not. We're a Protestant, Catholic, Bahia, and Hindu mix so I never try to figure out which is "true" or the "best". I know that it was a wonderful day and we have many such days throughout the year.
Yesterday, in Radish Rose's fair state of Connecticut, I watched five little 2,3,and 4 year old's (our great grands) scurry about our grand-daughter's backyard, little colorful baskets in hand, looking for those elusive eggs. Some of the youngest had to have a bit of assistance as I'm not sure if they were really "up to the task". Some of the older grandkids lended them a hand.
We all, later, had a nice meal, took photos, (all of our 4 kids were there along with a flock of grands and great grands) and just enjoyed socializing amongst ourselves. Some had attended church, most had not. We're a Protestant, Catholic, Bahia, and Hindu mix so I never try to figure out which is "true" or the "best". I know that it was a wonderful day and we have many such days throughout the year.
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
That sounds like a lovely Easter for you all, Dave!
DaveA
Senior Member
- Location
- Coastal Massachusetts, USA
If you'd have stopped by, Rose, we'd have given you a basket, but we'd have held you back and given the little ones a head start!
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
Catholics have several Rites. Many people only refer to the Roman Rite without realizing there are others- all are early Christian (Catholic).
http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/rites.htm
Just as a matter of interest.
http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/rites.htm
Just as a matter of interest.
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
I got lost on the way up Dave. I got my driver's license at Sear's. Next time, my friend.
Haha. See. I don’t know. I was merely following the song and I thought it said that he’s been married 7 times before but it was the widow next door who got married 7 times before and assumed that’s who they were referring to. I liked that song as a kid
fmdog44
Well-known Member
- Location
- Houston, Texas
After one who's counting?
RadishRose
SF VIP
- Location
- Connecticut, USA
Thank you Tommy.
Lara
Friend of the Arts
- Location
- Mid-Atlantic Coast
Rose, put the cigarettes and alcohol down. This is a religious discussion :rofl:I got lost on the way up Dave. I got my driver's license at Sear's. Next time, my friend.
- Status