View Full Version : Different beliefs
Alty
Sep 8, 2008, 10:51 AM
Hi Everyone,
I’ve decided to start another thread and I hope this one goes well.
Many people have asked me about my beliefs, and why I believe what I do. It’s hard to explain, and is only significant to me, but maybe this will help.
I am a Deist, I only recently heard of this word (thank you Cred) and I have to say that it describes my beliefs perfectly. Here’s a short definition;
Deist; typically reject most supernatural events (prophecy, miracles) and tend to assert that God does not intervene with the affairs of human life and the natural laws of the universe. What organized religions see as devine revelation and holy books, most deists see as interpretations made by other humans, rather than as authoritative sources. Deists believe that God's greatest gift to humanity is not religion, but the ability to reason.
If you want a more detailed description then Google Deism, there are many great sites about it.
My belief in God is mainly from events that I’ve witnessed in my life, and like I said, they are only really significant to me, to explain them would take a book, and would probably still leave you asking why?
I don’t believe that the bible is “Gods word” I believe that it’s just an interesting story written by men. I don’t believe in organized religion because most religions are based on the teachings of a man written book. I do believe in God.
What is your belief? What do you base your belief on? Do you follow the religion you were raised with? Did you find your own way to religion? Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Science? Do you believe in anything, and if so, what?
This is the place to voice your beliefs, to share your beliefs with others.
Please remember that we are all human beings, we all have feelings, we all have hearts, we all feel strongly about our beliefs and no one wants their beliefs to be belittled. Let’s be respectful of each other and let’s have an open discussion about our different beliefs.
So, let’s discuss. :)
NeedKarma
Sep 8, 2008, 11:01 AM
I always thought one's belief was a personal matter. I guess that's just the way I was raised.
Alty
Sep 8, 2008, 11:06 AM
I always thought one's belief was a personal matter. I guess that's just the way I was raised.
That's your right NK. To discuss your beliefs or not is a personal choice for sure. :)
I was always told that there are three things you avoid discussing at all costs. Sex, politics and religion.
I've managed to avoid 1 of the three, I never discuss politics. :)
RickJ
Sep 8, 2008, 11:16 AM
I follow what my Faith Group teaches in it's official teachings:
The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. Thus, the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as "a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life."
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Credendovidis
Sep 8, 2008, 03:40 PM
... I was always told that there are three things you avoid discussing at all costs. Sex, politics and religion. I've managed to avoid 1 of the three, I never discuss politics. :)And I will discuss any of these three subjects! If possible I even combine all three into one post...
:D
Alty
Sep 8, 2008, 04:06 PM
And I will discuss any of these three subjects! If possible I even combine all three into one post ....
:D
I can combine religion and sex into one topic, but politics, I stay clear of that entirely. :)
RickJ, thank you for sharing your beliefs. :)
Credendovidis
Sep 8, 2008, 05:06 PM
I can combine religion and sex into one topic, but politics, I stay clear of that entirely.
Let me give you one example that it is possible to combine the three without any problems :
George Bush dies and goes to heaven to meet St Peter at the Pearly Gates. Peter looks at Bush, sticks out his hand and says, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Bush. We've been waiting for this day, welcome to Heaven." He goes on: "It's now our policy to allow people to choose whether they spend all of eternity in eith..." Bush, being the incredibly impatient man that he is, grabs Peter and slaps him on the back and says, "No, no, Pete, my man, I've already decided, I want to spend the rest of eternity here in Heaven with you and my homeboy Jesus. He and I got tight back in Midland." Peter is insistent, "No, George. We made an agreement with Lucifer that ALL newcomers must visit both Heaven and Hell for a day each before making their decision. YOU MUST VISIT HELL." As Peter leads Bush over to the elevator, he smiles kindly, shakes Bush's hand, encourages him to enjoy his stay in Hell and says he'll look forward to tomorrow when Bush comes back for his stay in Heaven.
Bush boards the elevator shaking his head, wondering why they're making him spend a day in Hell. "Why? I've done everything fine, confessed all my sins, quit drinking, ran for president - won! What's a little cheating here and there? - why couldn't they see I'll would want to be in Heav..." His thought stopped mid-sentence as the doors opened and he realised he was on a golf course on the most beautiful day he'd ever experienced. There was his daddy, Tom DeLay, Karl Rove, Bandar Bush, Kenneth Lay - all of his old buddies with beer in hand and each with some of the most bodacious, beautiful women on each arm that he'd EVER seen. "And this is considered Hell?" he thought. He stepped out of the elevator, introduced himself to the Devil and asked for a tour. They played a round of golf, enjoyed some more beers and the sight of all the nearly naked women running around chasing and picking up golf balls for them. He couldn't believe himself. He remarked to the Devil, "I don't see why anyone would ever want to leave this place." Lucifer just leaned back and laughed while sweeping his arm out, "Isn't it great? Blue skies, sunshine, women, beer and golf. What more could you want?" Bush just shook his head in disbelief.
Later that evening, the Devil came over and patted Bush on the back and said, "Well, Georgie, it's been great having you, but you have to go up to Heaven and spend a day there." Bush was insistent that he didn't want to leave. Why would he when he had everything he ever wanted here in Hell? Leave Heaven for Laura. He wouldn't need her here. The Devil was insistent, "YOU MUST VISIT HEAVEN." For he knew the wrath he'd experience from God if he didn't send Bush back.
Reluctantly, Bush boarded the elevator for the ride back to Heaven. Peter met him at the door again and asked how the visit in Hell was. "Great!" said Bush. "I don't see how you have anyone pick Heaven nowadays." Peter just chuckled to himself as he led Bush through the Pearly Gates. Here, everyone was sitting around on their clouds in white flowing robes, singing, talking in hushed tones and discussing ways to make the place better - for everyone. There was Mother Theresa, Gandhi, Nelson Mandela - all these wonderful people Bush hadn't given a second thought to. "B-O-R-I-N-G." thought Bush, "Why would anyone choose this lame place when they've got beer, sex and golf in Hell?"
At the end of his stay in Heaven, Bush approached Peter and said, "Hey man, thanks for the tour, but I really think I'll fit better in Hell." Peter shook Bush's hand one last time and put him on the elevator, laughing hysterically as soon as the doors were closed. Bush just couldn't wait to get to Hell. Bush just kept repeating things in his head: Sex. Booze. Golf. Sex. Booze. Golf. He started rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
As the doors opened he stopped in his tracks. No longer there was the golf course. Instead, he saw a dark, dank, smoggy city where his friends were stumbling past, eyes glazed from exhaustion as they wore disgustingly dirty rags and picked up a never ending trail of trash. Bush searched for his friends. Yep, they were all there though none had the energy to come over and welcome him in. They didn't care. The Devil sauntered over and slapped Bush on the back, "Welcome home, George." Bush looked at the Devil, stunned. "Yesterday ..."
"Yesterday," the Devil started, "You came down here and we all campaigned for you, promised you the world you've always dreamed about." The Devil started rolling with laughter, "Today, George, today you voted for us."
My thanks to budapestgirl !!! (http://budapestgirl.blogspot.com/2006/06/bush-joke.html)
:D
Alty
Sep 8, 2008, 05:29 PM
Wow Cred, you really did discuss all three topics. :) LMAO, good joke. :)
michealb
Sep 9, 2008, 12:36 PM
Not to steal away from your topic but I agree that religion, politics and sex should be talked about more. How are you suppose to change society if you can't discuss religion and politics? Discussion is fundamental to change.
Alty
Sep 9, 2008, 03:00 PM
I agree Michealb.
I don't mind discussing religion, in fact I enjoy talking to others about it. My beliefs are so different from most people that I meet, and I've met people who's beliefs interest me a great deal. Not that I want to join their church, but some of their traditions are very interesting indeed, just not for me.
Sex, well, who doesn't enjoy sex talk? ;) I've always been a very open person, I believe discussing sex is very important, both in a relationship and with our own kids (of course those conversations are very different).
Politics, well, I've never enjoyed politics, never had an interest, probably because I'm not allowed to vote. You see, I live in Canada, have lived here since I was almost 4 years old, but I'm not a Canadian citizen and therefore, I can't vote here. Quite frankly, politics bores me to tears.
So, even though my parents gave me the list of no no's, I do discuss 2 out of three. I think their guideline was just to avoid fighting, because those topics are the ones most likely to elicit a fight. Let's face it, people's views on religion, sex and politics, well, there's so many different religions, there's allot of controversy with sex, and politics, eeek, I've seen the fights that start here on AMHD because of politics.
Okay, slightly off topic, sorry. :(
arcura
Sep 9, 2008, 10:20 PM
Altenweg,
I find your views on religion interesting.
But your way is not for me.
Why?
Because God has been very active in my life.
He has answered many of my prayers.
I believe he save my life in Korea.
I was for 35 years a Protestant who bashed Catholicism.
Then I started studying the bible with an open mind trying to prove how wrong Catholicism is.
The more I studied the more I found that what I believed about that faith was wrong.
So about 40 years ago I changed and became a Catholic.
Because of the many discussions about religion I have participated in I am extremely happy that the Holy Spirit guided my life and beliefs.
Yes I am also a deist but MY belief in God is far more and fuller than simple deism.
IF you ever started praying to God, you might also make a change in your beliefs.
:) Peace and kindness,:)
Fred (arcura)
Alty
Sep 9, 2008, 10:28 PM
Fred, I pray to God every day. God is a part of my life, but not through the bible or church.
I went to Catholic school for 10 years and I have studied the bible, cover to cover. To me it's just a man written book, stories. I'm sure some of the stories have some basis of truth, but all, I don't think so.
I was raised Lutheran, went to Catholic school and decided long ago that "organized" religion isn't for me. Church is just a man made institution to preach what they believe a man written book says.
Yes I am also a deist but MY belief in God is far more and fuller than simple deism.
Simple deism? No Fred, there's nothing simple about it. I spent many years researching and trying to find my way. To say that your belief is far more and fuller than simple deism is an insult to my beliefs. You do not know what I believe or how deeply I believe. Just because I don't read the bible and don't go to church does not make my beliefs any less real or full than yours.
Yes I am also a deist
No, you are not. Deists don't follow the bible or organized religion.
I am glad that you are so happy with your chosen religion. Is it so hard to accept that I will not ever be a Christian?
God is in my heart and soul, I believe that, and that's all I need.
Peace and kindness to you as well. :)
sndbay
Sep 10, 2008, 05:43 AM
I was raised Lutheran, went to Catholic school and decided long ago that "organized" religion isn't for me. Church is just a man made institution to preach what they believe a man written book says.
No, you are not. Deists don't follow the bible or organized religion.
I am glad that you are so happy with your chosen religion. Is it so hard to accept that I will not ever be a Christian?
God is in my heart and soul, I believe that, and that's all I need.
Altenweg,
Our lives do experience many exterior influence that impack us. And you have shown that your choice is to follow God in your heart and soul. I was also raised Lutheran, yet I do NOT believe in following Lutheran doctrine. Nor would I follow man's doctrine. Instead it is what's in my heart, mind and soul; that which can only be revealed by God.
I am a child of God, just as it is written. So yes I do read scripture as a letter from Our Father in spiritual Truth. God is powerful.. God said see now that I, even I am He And there is no god with Me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; Neither is there any that can deliver out of My hands. For I lift up My hand to heaven.
God loves all His children that love Him. The objective is, do you understand there is evil who can love something more then God? That God did establish a choice in mind and soul to follow Him as you have firmed stated. But He has also warned us that not all will do as He says, but instead follows other gods, and too, those that follow man with pride in likeless to satan. Those that perverse the word. ( to turn Truth into a lie, and do it in His name)
You have read the bible, so without influence by man's teaching, do you believe in God's power and love? Do you accept His love given in Christ for us? The power to destroy evil by giving us an open door in Christ?
To believe in Christ being ONE with the Father in heart, mind and soul. I do believe in following Christ. For if you have seen the The Son Jesus you have seen the Father. This does not make me a Christian by any way other then man's interpretion. I am a child of God as it is written, and I enter a house of God to give honor and praise to Our Lord.
No man can take that from my mind, heart, and soul. It all belongs to Our Lord.
Alty
Sep 10, 2008, 08:36 AM
SndBay. I believe that Jesus was a special person, someone who was indeed blessed. I haven't yet decided whether he was the son of God, that is something I haven't come to terms with yet.
I do love God, but he is not what I love most in the world. My family will always come first, my kids, my husband, my loved ones.
God is a part of my life, and I do my best to live a good life, to be a good person. If God is the all powerful, all knowing God, then he knows what's in my heart and soul, and I cannot hide from him.
When you say enter a house of God to give honor and praise, do you mean church? Church is a man made building, where man preaches from a man written book. As stated in the bible, Jesus preached on the streets, to anyone who would listen, prostitutes, lepers, the old, the young. Jesus didn't need a fancy building with oak pews and statues and stained glass windows. These are all man made trappings, and have nothing to do with the love of God, and everything to do with the love of money.
No, I do not read the bible anymore, I have read it, and I'm not convinced that it's the "word of God", in fact, I'm convinced it's just stories written by men, on their own, with no help from anything or anyone supernatural.
I can love God without ever leaving my home, I can worship him without going to a church, I can understand his wishes without reading the bible. And yes, I do have faith, and it is no less just because I'm not a Christian.
I have nothing against the Christian faith personally, it's just not for me. It's everyone's right to believe what they want. The problem I have is that most Christians do not agree with letting people choose their beliefs, they believe that their way is the only way, and cannot accept that someone who isn't like them may just have as strong a faith as they do.
Peace. :)
sndbay
Sep 10, 2008, 09:29 AM
SndBay. I believe that Jesus was a special person, someone who was indeed blessed. I haven't yet decided whether or not he was the son of God, that is something I haven't come to terms with yet.
I do love God, but he is not what I love most in the world. My family will always come first, my kids, my husband, my loved ones.
God is a part of my life, and I do my best to live a good life, to be a good person. If God is the all powerful, all knowing God, then he knows what's in my heart and soul, and I cannot hide from him.
Recognizing that God does indeed know our minds and hearts is knowing His power over all.
And I see a mother's love for her children and family, but I chose to take one step closer in knowing my children are blessing from God to me. To nourish and love them as God loves us all. God's love is above my love because His love saves us all that follow Him. He can protect us better, he can heal us, and he nourishes us, because nothing I do for my children is done without God. I believe we can fail, when we try to go without God. He won't forsake us, and He asked that we follow Him.
There is comfort in His love and rest when we need rest from everyday reality of good and bad.
When you say enter a house of God to give honor and praise, do you mean church? Church is a man made building, where man preaches from a man written book. As stated in the bible, Jesus preached on the streets, to anyone who would listen, prostitutes, lepers, the old, the young. Jesus didn't need a fancy building with oak pews and statues and stained glass windows. These are all man made trappings, and have nothing to do with the love of God, and everything to do with the love of money.
Yes I mean a structure and fellowship of people. I trust my own choice in rejecting what is not, or holding stedfast to what is truth. I sing with a heart of joy in praise, and honor. And accept the love He has brought together in desire to hear of His love. I admit that everything is not perfect within man's teaching, but I know God stands in the presence of those who gather in His Name. My relationship with The Lord is one with Christ, and Christ is one with The Father. Accountable to my free will choice, to do His will.
No, I do not read the bible anymore, I have read it, and I'm not convinced that it's the "word of God", in fact, I'm convinced it's just stories written by men, on their own, with no help from anything or anyone supernatural.
I can love God without ever leaving my home, I can worship him without going to a church, I can understand his wishes without reading the bible. And yes, I do have faith, and it is no less just because I'm not a Christian.
I have nothing against the Christian faith personally, it's just not for me. It's everyones right to believe what they want. The problem I have is that most Christians do not agree with letting people choose their beliefs, they believe that their way is the only way, and cannot accept that someone who isn't like them may just have as strong a faith as they do.
Peace. :)
I will agree it is your right of free will to search your own heart and mind. Life is that journey with the experiences to teach us along the way. It is a choice to seek God, and it is His promise to answer those who do seek. He does indeed know whats in our hearts.
Alty
Sep 10, 2008, 09:39 AM
I will agree it is your right of free will to search your own heart and mind. Life is that journey with the experiences to teach us along the way. It is a choice to seek God, and it is His promise to answer those who do seek. He does indeed know what's in our hearts.
:)
I respect your beliefs as well, they just aren't my beliefs. That's what makes this world so wonderful, our differences, yet we are all the same in so many ways. We are all humans, and we should all accept eachothers differences with an open mind and heart. :)
ordinaryguy
Sep 10, 2008, 11:30 AM
Here is one of the very few things that I believe fervently enough to be adamant about it:
Notwithstanding the multitudinous differences in the circumstances of our individual birth and all our experiences since that moment, there's really only one kind of people in the world. Even when, as happens from time to time, many, many individuals turn on their own kind and commit murders and atrocities, both private and public, even then, there is still only one kind.
Some quotes I like:
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... --John Donne
We have met the Enemy, and They are Us. --Pogo
There's two kinds of people in the world: Those that divide the world into two kinds of people, and those that don't. --unknown/anonymous/graffiti
simoneaugie
Sep 10, 2008, 01:00 PM
Hi Alty,
God, Deity to me, is a soul thing not anything a person can give thought to. Although we are frequently unable to quit thinking, our center, heart, soul or whatever continues infinitely. So, believing that, I find the Bible an exercise in human mentality. We are so busy being proud of our ability to write, to read, to think, to reason and to converse that we forget who we really are.
If any of us were driving down a deserted highway and saw a child lying in the road who had been injured, what would we do? Sure, there would be a few who drove on, around the obstacle. Most would slam on their brakes, leap out of their car and help. That is what God is to me. There is no thought, just action based on what feels right.
As we walk down the sidewalk, putting one foot in front of the other we can be taking action, being, or we can be thinking furiously. All the arguments we have about religion detract from "being." We are all a part of God and when we quit thinking about it, we know.
Alty
Sep 10, 2008, 02:44 PM
Hi Alty,
God, Diety to me, is a soul thing not anything a person can give thought to. Although we are frequently unable to quit thinking, our center, heart, soul or whatever continues infinitely. So, believing that, I find the Bible an exercise in human mentality. We are so busy being proud of our ability to write, to read, to think, to reason and to converse that we forget who we really are.
If any of us were driving down a deserted highway and saw a child lying in the road who had been injured, what would we do? Sure, there would be a few who drove on, around the obstacle. Most would slam on their brakes, leap out of their car and help. That is what God is to me. There is no thought, just action based on what feels right.
As we walk down the sidewalk, putting one foot in front of the other we can be taking action, being, or we can be thinking furiously. All the arguments we have about religion detract from "being." We are all a part of God and when we quit thinking about it, we know.
Wow, that's all I can say, wow. That was beautiful Simone. :)
Alty
Sep 10, 2008, 02:45 PM
Ordinary Guy, I love it, and agree 100%. :)
Credendovidis
Sep 10, 2008, 04:03 PM
I will agree it is your right of free will to search your own heart and mind.
Even if one would accept the preposterous idea of "god given free will" that would in that case be a given thing, not a right...
In my non-mythical world a right is a right
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
arcura
Sep 10, 2008, 09:51 PM
Altenweg,
I'm glad you started this thread.
So far it has been VERY interesting and informative on how others think about God.
Peace and kindness,
Fred
Alty
Sep 10, 2008, 10:07 PM
Altenweg,
I'm glad you started this thread.
So far it has been VERY interesting and informative on how others think about God.
Peace and kindness,
Fred
Yes it has, it's also interesting to see that most people believe that only their faith
Is the true way to believe in God, and that others are just fooling themselves.
There are many different ways to let God into your life, not all of them require the bible
Or church, some people, myself included, have faith without any "proof" of God's existence, and I think that is truly remarkable. :)
I know what's in my heart, and so does God, that's good enough for me and my family.:)
Peace. :)
sndbay
Sep 11, 2008, 05:15 AM
Even if one would accept the preposterous idea of "god given free will" that would in that case be a given thing, not a right ...
In my non-mythical world a right is a right
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
In America, the [right] to do something is legally chosen for us. The established free will is open unto an individual own choice created within the mind and heart. That is why it is free, free from man made decision.
arcura
Sep 11, 2008, 11:27 AM
sndbay,
Exactly...
Peace and kindness,
Fred
Credendovidis
Sep 11, 2008, 04:15 PM
Even if one would accept the preposterous idea of "god given free will" that would in that case be a given thing, not a right ... In my non-mythical world a right is a right
In America the [right] to do something is legally chosen for us. The established free will is open unto an individual own choice created within the mind and heart. That is why it is free, free from man made decision.
Since when has that anything to do with the preposterous idea of "god given free will"??
In "AMERICA", the "right" to do something is NOT legally chosen for you. YOUR country is NOT even called "America" but the "US of A". May be the fact that there are many other countries on the american continent has something to do with that.
So your line therefore shows quite a lot of "delusions of grandeur" and/or lack of knowledge.
It may have been the situation in the USA in the past ("MAY" and mainly in name), but certainly NOT in "America".
However that is even no longer the situation in the USA of 2008, as your "freedom" of almost everything that may have been common in the past there has been diminished to very little since 9/11, after which event the USA developed a rather worrying resemblance to a police state.
But more important to know for you as theist : whatever the USA does or does not, does not have any influence at all on what God (If God exists) has (or has not) given to HUMANITY, and why, how, limited, or under which conditions.
That stated : your reply provides a nice display of your totally misplaced ideas on "God" and on the capacities and powers of the US of A.
:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
sndbay, Exactly...
Dear Fred : I know you mean well, but when will you finally learn to READ posts by others before supporting these just because that response seems to support your religious belief, however ends up to be totally nonsensical?
Peace and kindness, Fred !
John
:)
.
arcura
Sep 11, 2008, 06:34 PM
Credendovidis
As you know I post as I either believe or know.
You'll note that over the years I have often agreed with you because I either believed or knew you were correct.
Peace and kindness,
Fred
Credendovidis
Sep 14, 2008, 07:10 AM
As you know I post as I either believe or know.
You'll note that over the years I have often agreed with you because I either believed or knew you were correct.
Correct Fred. But than why post like you did in your previous post ? You know that the laws of the US of A have NOTHING to do with the Christian belief!! Whatever people prefer to believe has NOTHING to do with the claimed "free will given by God".
:rolleyes:
simoneaugie
Sep 14, 2008, 11:29 AM
Perhaps, I am one of those fooling themselves. Altenweg stated:
"Please remember that we are all human beings, we all have feelings, we all have hearts, we all feel strongly about our beliefs and no one wants their beliefs to be belittled. Let's be respectful of eachother and let's have an open discussion about our different beliefs.
So, let's discuss."
[QUOTE=Credendovidis][To Fred] Since when has that anything to do with the preposterous idea of "god given free will"??
Dear Fred : I know you mean well, but when will you finally learn to READ posts by others before supporting these just because that response seems to support your religious belief, however ends up to be totally nonsensical?
Peace and kindness, Fred !
John
That does not represent an open discussion about our different beliefs. That is labelling of another, judgement, name-calling and a blatant put down. Most of us give up that juvenile tactic when we reach maturity. This is a discussion, not a debate John.
Reading the symbols of thought (words) is important. Understanding as much as possible what the writer is saying about himself, and not saying, and between the lines, is vital to communication with another human being.
ordinaryguy
Sep 14, 2008, 12:27 PM
That does not represent an open discussion about our different beliefs. That is labelling of another, judgement, name-calling and a blatant put down. Most of us give up that juvenile tactic when we reach maturity. This is a discussion, not a debate John.
Reading the symbols of thought (words) is important. Understanding as much as possible what the writer is saying about himself, and not saying, and between the lines, is vital to communication with another human being.
I agree with you, Simone. But for some people, argumentation and debate is a competitive sport, a form of combat, an end in itself. For them, it is a form of entertainment, having nothing to do with the kind of communication that leads to understanding. Finding a constructive way to engage and respond to these folks is indeed a challenge. More often than not, I have to conclude that the most constructive response is no response at all. Not the most creative, perhaps, but the most constructive.
NeedKarma
Sep 14, 2008, 12:47 PM
I agree with you, Simone. But for some people, argumentation and debate is a competitive sport, a form of combat, an end in itself. For them, it is a form of entertainment, having nothing to do with the kind of communication that leads to understanding. Finding a constructive way to engage and respond to these folks is indeed a challenge. More often than not, I have to conclude that the most constructive response is no response at all. Not the most creative, perhaps, but the most constructive. http://www.smarttelevisionalliance.org/images/content/pagebuilder/10924.jpg
Alty
Sep 14, 2008, 12:58 PM
What we have to remember is that any religious discussion is touchy, it always has the potential to turn into a debate, and that's when all discussion comes to an end.
We are all different, I venture to say that we differ in more than just our religious beliefs. That's what makes this world so wonderful. So many differences, so much "flavor" out there. Let's remember that when we discuss, and try to respect eachothers opinions and beliefs.
I too can easily get into a debate, it's not hard to get me upset, I am trying though.
I started this thread to discuss our differences, in the hopes of better understanding each other and accepting each other for who and what we are. :)
Peace.
Credendovidis
Sep 14, 2008, 03:46 PM
For simoneaugie and ordinaryguy :
It were the off-topic and incorrect posts by sndbay and arcura (#24 and 25), that started this all ! Why blame me, the messenger ? Blame them!!
This type of unfair and non-necesarry back-stabbing precisely is the cause why accepting each other for who and what we are is so difficult. All it shows is the influence of personal agenda's.
:rolleyes:
arcura
Sep 14, 2008, 11:17 PM
Cred,
Believe it or NOT,
Many of the laws in the USA books are based on Christian beliefs.
In fact our Declaration of Independence and much of our Constitution is so based.
Peace and kinndess,
Fred
NeedKarma
Sep 15, 2008, 03:47 AM
Cred,
Believe it or NOT,
Many of the laws in the USA books are based on Christian beliefs.
In fact our Declaration of Independence and much of our Constitution is so based.
Peace and kinndess,
FredThat's not a fact. There have been a few long threads debating that.
Peace and stuff.
Love the Spaghetti Monster and he will love you.
NK.
Credendovidis
Sep 15, 2008, 05:00 PM
That's not a fact. There have been a few long threads debating that.
Before we know it it starts again : how many of the Founding Fathers were Deists ?
And how many were Christians? etc. etc. etc.
:rolleyes:
arcura
Sep 16, 2008, 07:51 PM
Cred,
No need to start it again.
I have stated my opinion on that.
I'll not be changing it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred