Forums > Social Discussion > Following Your Own Path - Discussion on Self-Based Religion
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Discoverer of Rainbow Cheese
143 posts
Location: Inverness, Scotland.
Discoverer of Rainbow Cheese
143 posts
Location: Inverness, Scotland.
Posted:
Hey all! First, thanks for reading this post and I hope the subject interests you. This thread is about what has become known to people as "unofficial religion", or as the school computers tell me when I try to do research on it; "Unofficial/Indigenous/Occult Beliefs".
After being a Buddhist for 2 years, I have found deep satisfaction in my life. Everything has changed for the better. However, I feel that there is more to the story than Buddhism tells. I believe, unshakably, that there is a God, which Buddhism attempts to, in a sense, dispel.
I find it extremely interesting that some of the people I know and love follow their own paths; their own beliefs, which no-one can distort with their own. I find these people admirable and, to say the least, courageous.
What do all of you beautiful people think about this topic?
Peace & Love
Hey all! First, thanks for reading this post and I hope the subject interests you. This thread is about what has become known to people as "unofficial religion", or as the school computers tell me when I try to do research on it; "Unofficial/Indigenous/Occult Beliefs".
After being a Buddhist for 2 years, I have found deep satisfaction in my life. Everything has changed for the better. However, I feel that there is more to the story than Buddhism tells. I believe, unshakably, that there is a God, which Buddhism attempts to, in a sense, dispel.
I find it extremely interesting that some of the people I know and love follow their own paths; their own beliefs, which no-one can distort with their own. I find these people admirable and, to say the least, courageous.
What do all of you beautiful people think about this topic?
Peace & Love
Time does not exist. In theory, everything with a beginning has an end. Therefore, only things with an end can have a beginning. As time has no end, it has no beginning, therefore does not exist. GO PHILOSOPHY!!!
Brittle Week was the shizz!!!
BRONZE Member
newbie
10 posts
Location: PA, for the time being, USA
newbie
10 posts
Location: PA, for the time being, USA
Posted:
Stone,
Unfortunately, I think that so many people who call themselves Christians ARE in it only for themselves. Or because they thing it's about if 'I' can do enough good things to get to heaven (they can't). But that's not how it should be.
It is sort of about yourself at first because you can't get anywhere until you say, "hey, I'm not perfect, in fact, I'm a sinner (which most people hate to say) deserving death and need someone to help me out of this. I know I can never be good enough. So you admit that you need Jesus (who lived a perfect life without sin) so that when you die you can go to 'heaven' instead of hell. But once you get to that point of admitting I'm a sinner, it then becomes all about following Jesus and serving God and loving others through His love. We're supposed to get rid of our old self (with its human greed and selfishness) and put on a new self that is following God/Jesus alone.
I hope that helps! =)
Stone,
Unfortunately, I think that so many people who call themselves Christians ARE in it only for themselves. Or because they thing it's about if 'I' can do enough good things to get to heaven (they can't). But that's not how it should be.
It is sort of about yourself at first because you can't get anywhere until you say, "hey, I'm not perfect, in fact, I'm a sinner (which most people hate to say) deserving death and need someone to help me out of this. I know I can never be good enough. So you admit that you need Jesus (who lived a perfect life without sin) so that when you die you can go to 'heaven' instead of hell. But once you get to that point of admitting I'm a sinner, it then becomes all about following Jesus and serving God and loving others through His love. We're supposed to get rid of our old self (with its human greed and selfishness) and put on a new self that is following God/Jesus alone.
I hope that helps! =)
Loving Life
"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Aurora Leigh"
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
@ faithinfire: Excuse my
- ness, I never meant to offend you. Maybe you are taking this matter very much more serious than I ever could
@ stone: Exactly! IMU Buddha - as Jesus and others tried to liberate people from dogmatic rule. Yet mankind as a whole still seems to be far from ready.
@barefeet: Believe me that I do hold a respectful view to almost every belief system and that I would not offend any, simply because I'm an sinner and blasphemist... (but then again, maybe I am in the views of others... 
)
[I] need someone to help me out of this
May I ask you whether this is not the age old and eternal urge for others to guide us, to give up our own responsibility and lay it into the hands of (charismatic) politicians and priests?
IMHO this desire fed and feeds the system, governments and casts of brahmans and priests, IMHO it is the source of abuse of power.
Now I do not really know whether Jesus really lived a life without sin, but to me it would NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE if he would have been a sinner, associating with murderers, thieves and hookers.
@ faithinfire: Excuse my
- ness, I never meant to offend you. Maybe you are taking this matter very much more serious than I ever could @ stone: Exactly! IMU Buddha - as Jesus and others tried to liberate people from dogmatic rule. Yet mankind as a whole still seems to be far from ready.
@barefeet: Believe me that I do hold a respectful view to almost every belief system and that I would not offend any, simply because I'm an
sinner and blasphemist... (but then again, maybe I am in the views of others... )[I] need someone to help me out of this
May I ask you whether this is not the age old and eternal urge for others to guide us, to give up our own responsibility and lay it into the hands of (charismatic) politicians and priests?
IMHO this desire fed and feeds the system, governments and casts of brahmans and priests, IMHO it is the source of abuse of power.
Now I do not really know whether Jesus really lived a life without sin, but to me it would NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE if he would have been a sinner, associating with murderers, thieves and hookers.
the best smiles are the ones you lead to 
BRONZE Member
newbie
10 posts
Location: PA, for the time being, USA
newbie
10 posts
Location: PA, for the time being, USA
Posted:
FireTom: I think that sometimes the most responsible thing we can do is ask for help (which is usually hard for me because I tend to be rather independent). But I don't think I said anything about putting things 'into the hands of politicians and priests' - I don't trust most politicians OR priests. I've studied, searched, and experienced these things myself (and with trusted friends) and I lay things in the hands of Jesus. I'm not sure if I'm reading you wrong in this statement "but to me it would NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE if he would have been a sinner, associating with murderers, thieves and hookers." but Jesus DID hang with murderers theives and hookers - he loved everyone. The need for him to have led a perfect life gets pretty theological - with God being perfect and therefore we can't be in his presence unless we are perfect but Jesus lived a perfect life so that God can look at us through Jesus' perfection. Anyway - that gets kind of complicated.
FireTom: I think that sometimes the most responsible thing we can do is ask for help (which is usually hard for me because I tend to be rather independent). But I don't think I said anything about putting things 'into the hands of politicians and priests' - I don't trust most politicians OR priests. I've studied, searched, and experienced these things myself (and with trusted friends) and I lay things in the hands of Jesus. I'm not sure if I'm reading you wrong in this statement "but to me it would NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE if he would have been a sinner, associating with murderers, thieves and hookers." but Jesus DID hang with murderers theives and hookers - he loved everyone. The need for him to have led a perfect life gets pretty theological - with God being perfect and therefore we can't be in his presence unless we are perfect but Jesus lived a perfect life so that God can look at us through Jesus' perfection. Anyway - that gets kind of complicated.
Loving Life
"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Aurora Leigh"
SILVER Member
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
926 posts
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
lurking like a ninja with no camouflage..
926 posts
Location: over yonder, New Zealand
Posted:
Firetom you're totally right.. have i already said i agree with alot of the things you've said?
I think to live like Jesus did is the way to do it, its said in so many different religions (the basics anyway).. however as soon as you get into the exactness of how Jesus lived, to see that whatever god is a part of everything and to see everything as one thing is something that some religions wont teach, it takes away the power of the higher members of those religions of being the 'mediums of God' and connects the congregations directly to that source.
and i dont mean to offend anyone here.
Firetom you're totally right.. have i already said i agree with alot of the things you've said?
I think to live like Jesus did is the way to do it, its said in so many different religions (the basics anyway).. however as soon as you get into the exactness of how Jesus lived, to see that whatever god is a part of everything and to see everything as one thing is something that some religions wont teach, it takes away the power of the higher members of those religions of being the 'mediums of God' and connects the congregations directly to that source.
and i dont mean to offend anyone here.
on spam robots - "Burn the robot! Melt him down, and then we can make lots and lots of money from his shiiiny juices!"
Owned by Brenn 
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
barefootwonder7, I totally get Jesus, but I don’t get this old testament stuff, like ”I'm a sinner (which most people hate to say) deserving death and need someone to help me out of this. I know I can never be good enough.”
barefootwonder7, I totally get Jesus, but I don’t get this old testament stuff, like ”I'm a sinner (which most people hate to say) deserving death and need someone to help me out of this. I know I can never be good enough.”
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
i like to see the OT as bootcamp for the soul, it's harsh and you learn the rules, but then it eases up a bit
i like to see the OT as bootcamp for the soul, it's harsh and you learn the rules, but then it eases up a bit
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
SILVER Member
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
Posted:
Idolized by Aurinoko
Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....
Bob Dylan
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
Hi faithinfire, while I appreciate the humour in a “bootcamp 4 camp soul” . I think the continuing conflict between Christians, Muslims and Jews in the Middle East shows that the path in the OT is not a solution, and never will be.
As for the “soul”. Is the soul anything more than a story made up by an ego/self that cannot accept that human beings are mortal? Something, perhaps the Israelites picked-up from the pharaohs.
Hi faithinfire, while I appreciate the humour in a “bootcamp 4 camp soul” . I think the continuing conflict between Christians, Muslims and Jews in the Middle East shows that the path in the OT is not a solution, and never will be.
As for the “soul”. Is the soul anything more than a story made up by an ego/self that cannot accept that human beings are mortal? Something, perhaps the Israelites picked-up from the pharaohs.
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
soul is what connects us all to each other, the general moral compass, the nudge of conscience that some listen to more than others
soul is what connects us all to each other, the general moral compass, the nudge of conscience that some listen to more than others
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
addict
614 posts
614 posts
Posted:
im not sure if this has already been covered in this thread but i read a book called "conversations with god"
if you take it as gospel its about a guy who asks god for some answers and god replies in the form of written txt,the whole thing is three books long dealing with pretty much every spiritual question you could ask
in theory i believe every word cos it makes great sense to me,i have laughed out loud many times at the apparently flawless logic of book one,it is very similar in its philosophy to buddism(or my vague understanding of the basics of buddism)reincarnation etc and fits very well with my own feelings on religion,good and bad etc,
HOWEVER in reality i have taken no great leap of faith and feel that the only statement i can make about the book that i can say for definate, is that it raises many interesting questions,in a very easy to understand way,i stongly recommnend anyone interested should read it,at the very least it should make you laugh.i would love to hear any opinions on it from anyone.good or bad
big hugs to you all
tim
im not sure if this has already been covered in this thread but i read a book called "conversations with god"
if you take it as gospel its about a guy who asks god for some answers and god replies in the form of written txt,the whole thing is three books long dealing with pretty much every spiritual question you could ask
in theory i believe every word cos it makes great sense to me,i have laughed out loud many times at the apparently flawless logic of book one,it is very similar in its philosophy to buddism(or my vague understanding of the basics of buddism)reincarnation etc and fits very well with my own feelings on religion,good and bad etc,
HOWEVER in reality i have taken no great leap of faith and feel that the only statement i can make about the book that i can say for definate, is that it raises many interesting questions,in a very easy to understand way,i stongly recommnend anyone interested should read it,at the very least it should make you laugh.i would love to hear any opinions on it from anyone.good or bad
big hugs to you all
tim
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
well, if we are recommending books
mere christianity by lewis
and more than a carpenter-i don't know who it was by but for those who have questions as to why christians believe that he is a divine/human being, it was very thorough
well, if we are recommending books
mere christianity by lewis
and more than a carpenter-i don't know who it was by but for those who have questions as to why christians believe that he is a divine/human being, it was very thorough
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
Moral "standards" is a term that sounds dangerous to me. Who is putting up such "standards" and when are we to compromise them.
I.E. the US as a country (like Germany) is very much committed to Christian values. How far are these taken (as in "turn the other cheek" for example)?
Whenever I have a set of guidelines and standards, I will always engage my internal lawyer, who finds a way around those and who is able to find reasons for exceptions.
But if I render for myself, out of my very own experience, these "selfmade" guidelines are much stronger - IMHO - and less likely to get corrupted in the long run, without necessarily being dogmatic.
If I (blindly) follow other peoples rulings (however 'sainty' they might be) I lack content, it feels hollow... just to me.
All books (like the Bible) are great (fiction) and we can learn a lot from them - but it's second hand and when talking (to myself) I might simply repeat the ideas, someone else put into my head...
Do I come across?
Moral "standards" is a term that sounds dangerous to me. Who is putting up such "standards" and when are we to compromise them.
I.E. the US as a country (like Germany) is very much committed to Christian values. How far are these taken (as in "turn the other cheek" for example)?
Whenever I have a set of guidelines and standards, I will always engage my internal lawyer, who finds a way around those and who is able to find reasons for exceptions.
But if I render for myself, out of my very own experience, these "selfmade" guidelines are much stronger - IMHO - and less likely to get corrupted in the long run, without necessarily being dogmatic.
If I (blindly) follow other peoples rulings (however 'sainty' they might be) I lack content, it feels hollow... just to me.
All books (like the Bible) are great (fiction) and we can learn a lot from them - but it's second hand and when talking (to myself) I might simply repeat the ideas, someone else put into my head...
Do I come across?
the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
i find it rather offensive to call the bible a work of fiction...if you don't believe it to be true is one thing, but to go ahead and call it fiction when people here take it as a guiding Holy book is rude and insensitive
selfmade rules probably strike you stronger because they fit into your world and validate your self, other people's don't because they don't agree with who you see as your self...heaven forbid
i find it rather offensive to call the bible a work of fiction...if you don't believe it to be true is one thing, but to go ahead and call it fiction when people here take it as a guiding Holy book is rude and insensitive
selfmade rules probably strike you stronger because they fit into your world and validate your self, other people's don't because they don't agree with who you see as your self...heaven forbid
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
newbie
4 posts
4 posts
Posted:
I'm slightly saddened that CTRL+Fing didn't find my religiong previously posted.
I'm a Unitarian Universalist; In a Christian's eyes a sinner. It's a very free belief that says a lot of "there isn't one path for everyone and everyone has they're own way of experiencing religion. Of those experiences there is no right or wrong." It's not "You broke the rules, therefore you sinned and thusly you = infernal heap of smoldering flesh in hell" kind of thing. I'd basically say it has (7) basic guidelines which many people consider at least some natrual ways to go about life. They would be:
1-The inherent worth and dignity of every person
2-Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
3-Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
4-A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5-The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
6-The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
7-Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
I consider it something of a miracle that I grew up under this religion, as it isn't constraining and wouldn't force a child to limit who they are from what they 'have' to believe in.
(Were usually pro-choice, definitely pro-gay, more often than not left winged, represented by the flaming chalice ususally inside to circles in a ven diagram formation, and were very minor and from what I understand a 'branch' of Christianity even though you could never tell it from knowing about us).
Overall, I'd describe it as "the search for ____" rather than "do this to get ____ or else _____"
(Susan B. Anthony, Emily Dickinson, Charles Dickens, and e.e. cummings were all UUs.)
I'm slightly saddened that CTRL+Fing didn't find my religiong previously posted.
I'm a Unitarian Universalist; In a Christian's eyes a sinner. It's a very free belief that says a lot of "there isn't one path for everyone and everyone has they're own way of experiencing religion. Of those experiences there is no right or wrong." It's not "You broke the rules, therefore you sinned and thusly you = infernal heap of smoldering flesh in hell" kind of thing. I'd basically say it has (7) basic guidelines which many people consider at least some natrual ways to go about life. They would be:
1-The inherent worth and dignity of every person
2-Justice, equity and compassion in human relations
3-Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations
4-A free and responsible search for truth and meaning
5-The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large
6-The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all
7-Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
I consider it something of a miracle that I grew up under this religion, as it isn't constraining and wouldn't force a child to limit who they are from what they 'have' to believe in.
(Were usually pro-choice, definitely pro-gay, more often than not left winged, represented by the flaming chalice ususally inside to circles in a ven diagram formation, and were very minor and from what I understand a 'branch' of Christianity even though you could never tell it from knowing about us).
Overall, I'd describe it as "the search for ____" rather than "do this to get ____ or else _____"
(Susan B. Anthony, Emily Dickinson, Charles Dickens, and e.e. cummings were all UUs.)
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
faith: we seem to disagree on quite a number of topics all across the board 
[edited for clarification]
I wouldn't take the Bible literally and can't claim that it is straight down to the facts, therefore I call it "fiction". No offence intended.
But even then: this doesn't make its content invalid (to me)
That's your opinion and I respect that.
Yet there are a lot of books circulating and people learn all kinds of moral aspects from it. I don't respect (good) people less, just because their moral values derive from comic books or the "Celestine Prophecy".
You may want to paint it black and white, but the world ain't so. That (IMO)'s one of the reasons why people drop out of Christianity and aim towards Buddhism and Hinduism - because these religions do not as much reject other paths, but accept that we're all on a different road, leading to the same destination.
As a matter of fact many good folks got nailed for their "arrogance" and "strange opinions" before others really understood what they tried to point at.
Dezzy: I like it
Especially this strikes me:
This IMHO hits the nail straight on the head.
EDITED_BY: FireTom (1169383873)
faith: we seem to disagree on quite a number of topics all across the board
[edited for clarification]
I wouldn't take the Bible literally and can't claim that it is straight down to the facts, therefore I call it "fiction". No offence intended.
But even then: this doesn't make its content invalid (to me)
Written by: faithinfire
call it fiction when people here take it as a guiding Holy book is rude and insensitive
That's your opinion and I respect that.
Yet there are a lot of books circulating and people learn all kinds of moral aspects from it. I don't respect (good) people less, just because their moral values derive from comic books or the "Celestine Prophecy".
You may want to paint it black and white, but the world ain't so. That (IMO)'s one of the reasons why people drop out of Christianity and aim towards Buddhism and Hinduism - because these religions do not as much reject other paths, but accept that we're all on a different road, leading to the same destination.
As a matter of fact many good folks got nailed for their "arrogance" and "strange opinions" before others really understood what they tried to point at.
Dezzy: I like it
Especially this strikes me:Written by: Dezzy
the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
This IMHO hits the nail straight on the head.
EDITED_BY: FireTom (1169383873)
the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
yes there are a lot of books with moral guidings, many, probably most i disagree with, but holy books whether i agree with them or not, out of respect for the people who do put faith in them should never be called works of fiction
nothing is black and white, i was the one saying we need to stop looking at things as one or the other, dichotomously, i like the whole part of one big spectrum idea
interdependence is essentail to our existence, we are all family, whether we like it or not, but isn't that how families are anyways
yes there are a lot of books with moral guidings, many, probably most i disagree with, but holy books whether i agree with them or not, out of respect for the people who do put faith in them should never be called works of fiction
nothing is black and white, i was the one saying we need to stop looking at things as one or the other, dichotomously, i like the whole part of one big spectrum idea
interdependence is essentail to our existence, we are all family, whether we like it or not, but isn't that how families are anyways
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
Non-Https Image Link
You're right and I am wrong - happy now?
Non-Https Image Link
You're right and I am wrong - happy now?
the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
absolutely, as a trekki,
i shall wear you all down *evil laugh*
absolutely, as a trekki,
i shall wear you all down *evil laugh*
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
SILVER Member
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
Posted:
Dezzy, I like it!
My basic take on self-made religion is simply to 'listen to the words of the wise, and take what is good as my own'. So I am interested in hearing teachings from all religions and philosophies, especially looking out for the positive messages that I find reoccurring through them all... like PLUR!
Oh, and another important thing for me spiritually is to look out for divinity in my own life - sharing experiences with other people, unexpected pleasant experiences, even the little things like looking at nature and practising awareness and meditation.
Dezzy, I like it!
My basic take on self-made religion is simply to 'listen to the words of the wise, and take what is good as my own'. So I am interested in hearing teachings from all religions and philosophies, especially looking out for the positive messages that I find reoccurring through them all... like PLUR!
Oh, and another important thing for me spiritually is to look out for divinity in my own life - sharing experiences with other people, unexpected pleasant experiences, even the little things like looking at nature and practising awareness and meditation.
Idolized by Aurinoko
Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....
Bob Dylan
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
divinity in nature...when i don't go to mass, i go to the local reserve
divinity in nature...when i don't go to mass, i go to the local reserve
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
BRONZE Member
newbie
10 posts
Location: PA, for the time being, USA
newbie
10 posts
Location: PA, for the time being, USA
Posted:
faithinfire - thanks for sticking up for the Bible and other religious books - you put it well =)
And I agree, I see God most often through nature - in fact, its when I'm in the midst of nature that I find it impossible to understand that anyone could believe it wasn't created by some sort of intelligent being - It's all so intricate and beautiful and amazing!
stone - as for the old testament, it can only be read as a preface for the new - like faithinfire said, sort of like a bootcamp. It basically lays the groundwork for Jesus. It shows us the state that human beings as a whole are in and that we can never make enough 'sacrifices' for the things we've done wrong. In terms of what's 'wrong' I think those of you who believe in the greater good and peace and harmony would probably agree that things like greed and jealousy and pride take away from a real sense of community and loving - and it's things like that, not murder or stealing, that most of us are sinning with daily. So basically the old testament is saying what I said before - that we sin and that we won't ever be able do enough to make up for all those moments of greed, those looks of envy. And then in several places it gives hope through prophecies of the Messiah - Jesus Christ and how he will pay the price of those sins.
~ In peace
faithinfire - thanks for sticking up for the Bible and other religious books - you put it well =)
And I agree, I see God most often through nature - in fact, its when I'm in the midst of nature that I find it impossible to understand that anyone could believe it wasn't created by some sort of intelligent being - It's all so intricate and beautiful and amazing!
stone - as for the old testament, it can only be read as a preface for the new - like faithinfire said, sort of like a bootcamp. It basically lays the groundwork for Jesus. It shows us the state that human beings as a whole are in and that we can never make enough 'sacrifices' for the things we've done wrong. In terms of what's 'wrong' I think those of you who believe in the greater good and peace and harmony would probably agree that things like greed and jealousy and pride take away from a real sense of community and loving - and it's things like that, not murder or stealing, that most of us are sinning with daily. So basically the old testament is saying what I said before - that we sin and that we won't ever be able do enough to make up for all those moments of greed, those looks of envy. And then in several places it gives hope through prophecies of the Messiah - Jesus Christ and how he will pay the price of those sins.
~ In peace
Loving Life
"Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every bush afire with God;
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."
~Elizabeth Barrett Browning, "Aurora Leigh"
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
by the way very nice signature
by the way very nice signature
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
addict
614 posts
614 posts
Posted:
faith i just wonder why you find toms remarks so offensive?the most impressive spiritual people i have met have no sensitivity towards other peoples point of view,after all many people would consider blasphemy just censorship to control the masses,
i ask not to upset but merely to understand
faith i just wonder why you find toms remarks so offensive?the most impressive spiritual people i have met have no sensitivity towards other peoples point of view,after all many people would consider blasphemy just censorship to control the masses,
i ask not to upset but merely to understand
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
well, the Bible is a book that i find holy, i believe the words of God are in it, so to call it a work of fiction is absolutely offensive
if it were the Koran, other people might have actually been upset, but since it was the Bible and Christians are evil on this website, no one cares
he says i see things in black and white but anyone who listens to me knows that i find a lot of gray area, what i believe though, i have spent a lot of time studying, and i hold sacred...think about the reaction to the aura thread...people genuinely get upset
i don't think call it's unfair to ask for some respect, as i try and respect other people's beliefs
well, the Bible is a book that i find holy, i believe the words of God are in it, so to call it a work of fiction is absolutely offensive
if it were the Koran, other people might have actually been upset, but since it was the Bible and Christians are evil on this website, no one cares
he says i see things in black and white but anyone who listens to me knows that i find a lot of gray area, what i believe though, i have spent a lot of time studying, and i hold sacred...think about the reaction to the aura thread...people genuinely get upset
i don't think call it's unfair to ask for some respect, as i try and respect other people's beliefs
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
And I don't
repeating my question: Do you take the Bible literally?
And I don't
repeating my question: Do you take the Bible literally?
the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
not really
not really
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
Stargazer
6,650 posts
6,650 posts
Posted:
So you don't take the Bible literally...
Personally I respect it's content and the people, who use it as a (moral) guideline, even though I regard it as a work of fiction as some of the events described did not actually happen (the way they are described).
However, Dezzy - could you deplete some more informations about the the "Unitarian Universalists"? apart from what they tell us on their homepage.. ??
So you don't take the Bible literally...
Personally I respect it's content and the people, who use it as a (moral) guideline, even though I regard it as a work of fiction as some of the events described did not actually happen (the way they are described).
However, Dezzy - could you deplete some more informations about the the "Unitarian Universalists"? apart from what they tell us on their homepage.. ??
the best smiles are the ones you lead to
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
just show respect to other beliefs, calling a Holy Book fiction is not doing so and directly contradicts the posting guidelines
just show respect to other beliefs, calling a Holy Book fiction is not doing so and directly contradicts the posting guidelines
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
GOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,252 posts
Location: sheffield, United Kingdom
Posted:
Is pointing out that a holy book has some fictional elements offensive?
Does the fact that a holy book has some fictional elements make it less holy?
Is pointing out that a holy book has some fictional elements offensive?
Does the fact that a holy book has some fictional elements make it less holy?
"You can't outrun Death forever.
But you can make the Bastard work for it."
--MAJOR KORGO KORGAR,
"Last of The Lancers"
AFC 32
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
BRONZE Member
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
wandering thru the woods of WI
3,556 posts
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posted:
that he calls a book that i consider to be the Words of God fiction, i find very offensive
that he calls a book that i consider to be the Words of God fiction, i find very offensive
Faith
Nay, whatever comes one hour was sunlit and the most high gods may not make boast of any better thing than to have watched that hour as it passed
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