Ask Me Help Desk - Misconceptions about religion

Misconceptions about religion

Okay I am a Wiccan and I am proud, when someone asks me a question about Wicca, I calmly explain an answer (unless they are one of those people who ask me and then tell me, no matter what the answer I give, that I'm going to hell, which is pointless cause Wiccan's don't believe in hell, well most of us don't anyways). But one day I was having a decent and calm talk of religion with one of my best friends and I asked a question that bugged me all the time when I was Morman, that applies to all religion with a bible. How do you know... that what is in that bible is really true? I mean the Christian bible has been rewritten and translated so many times that how do you know what it says is true and that someone who messed with it did not change something cause they didn't like what God said? Same with the Morman bible, the man who wrote it was the "only" on to see what God said and wrote it in a book. So basically, how do you know what you're reading is what it was supposed to be and was truly left unchanged from gods word?

Well my friend got all definsive and told me that it just didn't happen. I said but how do you know? These books were rewritten and translated by "the sinful hands of man" and did God not have a follower who betrayed him? How do you know for sure what your reading is true. Again she just got all mad and yelled at me and said that it JUST DIDN'T HAPPEN! Another girl in my class heard the conversation and got all mad at me too. I didn't diss the religion and I didn't say anything mean, I just asked a simple question that had bugged me even before I became Wicca.

Why can't someone just say. "I don't know... I just need to believe it's true" or something like that or just say plainly "I don't know" or "I never thought about it", that's what I say when I don't have an answer. So why the do people always insist on yelling?:confused:

Because people are often times brainwashed by there faith and don't have the ability to look at religon and make there own decisions.
Pluss the Bible is kind of a big deal, you know? Questioning the Bible is kind of like questioning ones religon... basically people don't like to be told that they're wrong so they always assume that they're right and support it.
It's one of those psychological things where people want to always be right even if they're wrong.
Got to love religious politics. :-)

I would be careful when saying people are brainwashed. Most people that become upset when questioned about their faith probably, because they feel attacked. The bible is the Word of God. It was brought to life through HIS son Jesus. It is a matter of faith. Just as one could ask you why there is no Hell? How do you know? You just believe. I do not get angry with someone's true belief of their faith. I do have concern when people don't know what they believe. I accept your right to believe in what ever you want to believe, as long as it does not hurt yourself or anyone else. I don't have to agree with your belief, but I do have to love you just the same... WHY? Because I believe in the Word of God, and it says to Love God and Love People... Thank you for your question.

Thanks for the answers so far ,and tchalien I don't mean to attack anyone, my friend was asking me questions and so I asked mine. Does it really seem like an attack? I wondered that question of myself when I was Morman. It might be cause I never felt connected to the religion but I've always just wondered. I'm glad you guys are more understanding then most people here in Kansas. Everyone yells and can never just talk.

Sometimes the defensiveness may come from being attacked verbally for believing.
Maybe not from you,but there are some who do it from both among believers and non-believers.

*sigh* why can't everyone get along?

If we all got along, we wouldn't need the Bible or even the Book of Mormon.

No we would still need it cause we would need our beliefs. I had no religion at all when I went inactive from Mormon... and it got to where I couldn't do it and discovered Wicca, which I really enjoy. I just wish others could be more accepting of other religions. Take people asking questions as an opportunity to explain their beliefs and religion not as a chance to fight for their religion when there is no need to.

I have no religion at all and I get by life with ease. I'm friends with people from lots of different beliefs - the common thread being that they are nice/good individuals that don't push their beliefs on others.

See! Why can't other people be like that! *is one of those kind of girls that wishes world peace but knows it's not going to happen*

Just when I think religion might be an interesting prospect I pop in to any of the religious threads here and it reminds me of why I shy away. I decided long ago to value individual goodness regardless or religion or skin colour, etc. The people here that condemn others to hell because they don't practice the same religion as they do just make me sad.

Eh imagine if it was being done to you... I got a through lecture from a guy in my U.S. History class about how I was going to hell... very simply I'm like "How do I go somewhere I don't believe in?" by now I've just learned to be a smarass with them, ignore them, or tolerate them. One of the three...

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Originally Posted by BiWiccanAndProud

See!! Why can't other people be like that!! *is one of those kind of girls that wishes world peace but knows it's not gonna happen*

Wishing for world peace, but knowing it is not going to happen, is not truly wishing with belief. I PRAY for peace, EXPECTING it to happen, although knowing it will happen if it is GOD'S WILL and not my own, realizing that I may want something that God is already working through and ultimately will be glorified through. Although, Christ does say when he returns, those that believe and trust him will join our Heavenly Father in Heaven, which is peace. Peace can happen, or it will happen when HE returns.

I look at world peace like I do losing my dog. I wish it would happen, I wish my dog would come back but I know she won't. World peace isn't going to happen cause there is too much hate, discrimination, and prejedice out there for there to be world peace. I think and believe that the world is SUPPOSED to be like this. It is supposed to be a terrible place cause through bad experiences and mistakes we learn something. So although it's never going to happen I can still wish that people would just get along. Heck I'd be happy if people could just accept one another as who they are. If just that could happen I would be happy.

There is a lot of hate, discrimination, and prejudice in the world, because of sin. Man's sinful nature takes over, unless we surrender to the one that is perfect, the only ONE to ever walk this earth without sin, JESUS. There is sooooo much power in the just the name of Jesus. It is true there are "bad" things in this world, but God is bigger than all of that. Turn you eyes to Jesus, the author and perfector of our Faith. That is the way.

Well sorry to say but I turn my eyes to the divine Goddess, the Mother of many names. What I was saying is that who ever the big person upstairs is, your God, or my Goddess, or anyone else's higher figure, wants the world to be this way. A person kills someone and in prison they find God. I think the world is supposed to be full of sin as a way for us to learn either that or we can go by what deists in the 1800s said, God was a clock maker he made a perfect machine then let it run its course. No amont of beliving or hope will change this world, but it doesn't hurt to wish. That was my point.

the reason it feels like an attack is because we live in a spiritual world and it is a spiritual attack. Maybe not from you or the other person, but there are spiritual entities at work in this world. You may not believe in the Bible but it addresses this question.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiWiccanAndProud

Thanks for the answers so far ,and tchalien I don't mean to attack anyone, my friend was asking me questions and so I asked mine. Does it really seem like an attack? I wondered that question of myself when I was Morman. It might be cause I never felt connected to the religion but I've always just wondered. I'm glad you guys are more understanding then most people here in Kansas. Everyone yells and can never just talk.

Honestly, people. I think everyone has a right to their own beliefs. Who knows who is really right or wrong??

I just listen to the advice my Dad gave me when I was little girl and questioned my Catholic religion for the first time...

He told me to just love God (whomever you decide that God is to you) and love your neighbor as yourself. You know, like the "Golden Rule."

I think no matter who or what you believe in, people who follow this rule have absolutely nothing to worry about in whatever comes next after life. Don't judge what religions or beliefs other people have, just know that if they follow this "golden rule," it's ALL GOOD!

Simplistic, yes. But it works, for me anyway!

Quote:

Originally Posted by savedsinner7

the reason it feels like an attack is because we live in a spiritual world and it is a spiritual attack. Maybe not from you or the other person, but there are spiritual entities at work in this world. You may not believe in the Bible but it addresses this question.
Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

It isn't an attack at all. You should allow people the freedom to their beliefs just as you are allowed yours. There is nothing in this thread that attacks anyone personally, people are stating their opinions.

I was responding to the OP which asked why her friend got all defensive and other got mad as well. Please be considerate of opinions which differ from you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

It isn't an attack at all. You should allow people the freedom to their beliefs just as you are allowed yours. There is nothing in this thread that attacks anyone personally, people are stating their opinions.

Be proud of your religion and who you are! I have a good friend who is Wiccan and I think it is a pretty cool religion. Does your school or community have an organization for Wiccans? My friend is going to college and they have one there. It's too bad people won't let you believe your way. This country was founded on freedom of religion. And I agree about the Bible. I think any religion which helps people live good lives is great. I agree with some parts of the Bible, but not all. Just like about any other religion. Personally, I think if you want to attract people to your religion, you should do so by being kind and compassionate to all, not by harassing them and yelling at them. I would like to learn more about Wicca, if you have any information on it. I am posting this to learn about Wiccan, not Christianity (no offense) as I am extremely familiar with it already. I would ask that people please only reply to me if they have info about Wicca. Blessed be!

Ya we have a group that's hosted by a store called Renassance shoppe but you need parental permission and my mom won't let me for some reason -_-'... me and my friend thought of a coven but we couldn't find any more people our age who were wiccan. How long have you been into Wicca? Have you celebrated any of the holidays yet? Samhain is coming up ^.~ and the full moon is this Friday if you want to try for an Esbat

The Bible was never rewriten. And if anyone attempted to rewrite then it is no longer The Bible. You can get the bible in its original text and language and so you can see the actual greek text in which it was written. So the translations are pretty acurate. You can say you don't believe in Hell all you want but that will not change the reality. I can say I don't believe in gravity and jump off a cliff and the reallity will still hit. The Bible is the word of God and it is whole and it is truth.

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Originally Posted by beatlejuice

I can say i dont believe in gravity and jump off a cliff and the reallity will still hit.

Sure that's a great example, you get to see the result of your experiment immediately. If I say I don't believe in the bible then nothing, absolutely nothing, happens to me.

Not yet anyway. the LORD is slow to anger and quick to forgive. That is why He gives ample time for us to turn our hearts to Him. But, we will stand before Him on the day of judgment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Sure that's a great example, you get to see the result of your experiment immediately. If I say I don't believe in the bible then nothing, absolutely nothing, happens to me.

Quote:

beatlejuice disagrees: if you read carefully you will see that I was talking about not believing in HELL not the bible. You have to die first for the reality of hell to hit whether you believe it or not.

Oh... then my answer is the same then: if one does not believe in hell then absolutely nothing will happen to them.

"Not yet anyway. the LORD is slow to anger and quick to forgive. That is why He gives ample time for us to turn our hearts to Him. But, we will stand before Him on the day of judgment"

You know you're making it sound like your religion is completely true and there is no way that any other could be true... we will never know whose religion is true till the day we die.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

Oh...then my answer is the same then: if one does not believe in hell then absolutely nothing will happen to them.

That is what you think till you kick the bucket and you find yourself in a very interesting place. And you will remember this discussion.

Ok then. :)

Yes. I don't claim religion. I claim a relationship with the God of the Bible. I believe the Bible is His Living Word and that it is true.

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Originally Posted by BiWiccanAndProud

"Not yet anyway. the LORD is slow to anger and quick to forgive. That is why He gives ample time for us to turn our hearts to Him. But, we will stand before Him on the day of judgment"

You know you're making it sound like your religion is completely true and there is no way that any other could be true... we will never know whose religion is true till the day we die.

Christianity is truth... to us
Atheism is truth... to karma (or is it the great spaghetti monster? ;))
Wicca is truth... to you
You know what I mean?
Religious tolerance is important.
You can't say flat statements of "this is the truth", because, that's saying "i know more about what really is the truth than you do" which is a very arrogant thing to say to another person.
There's what you believe, and yes, there is the truth, but we have no way of really knowing the truth, till we die or whatever, and guess what? That's what faith is for.
Biwiccan, I'm curious, (forgive me my ignorance) what is wicca? I never really heard of it.

That's much better ^.^ saying "I believe" I mean... it makes you sound more like your speaking your beliefs rather then preaching them.

Nicely said Cal. People shouldn't go around damning others to a fiery place for eternity just because they are not like them. In my view religion is a personal thing, kept to one's self.

Yes, you have a personal relationship with god, or whoever, or whatever, or just with... you and the world.
You can share that with others, but not by "preaching to the heathens" but by just... trying to apply the good teachings to yourself, so they can shine through, that is the better way to share your beliefs, by bettering the world by letting your beliefs improve who you are.
Edit-
Tchalen, yes we believe in a truth, but, say I believed in the giant spaghetti monster ;) (hehe)
That does not make it the one big truth
I could be wrong, and even if I believe with all my heart, others are still going to believe different things, and we are not entitled to say that our belief is best.

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tchalien disagrees: Christians are called to share the TRUTH with others. If you feel offended, you have to ask yourself why?

Are you one of those annoying ones that go door to door and preach to everyone? How would you like it if everyone who thought the had the Truth came to your house and tried to convert you?

It is true that Christians should let the love of Christ shine in their lives, which is attractive to most people. We are also called to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19. We have been given a great gift, eternal life in heaven with God, and we don't want others to miss out on this gift. A lot of people get confused about Christians. We don't want to tell you that you are going to Hell... We want you to go to heaven. There is only one way to heaven, through believe in the one and only son of God, JESUS.

Well Cal Wicca (also known as witch craft) is a nature based religion, a lot of people say it is satan worship (due to the fact that one of the gods worshiped in the religion is Pan and he is a horned god). It is a belief of many gods and who you believe in depends on you (there are those who believe in the egyptian gods and those who believe in the greek or celtic). Above all though there is the Mother Goddess, the mother of all life, she has no specific name as her name veries in your belief (for me it is Demeter). We preform rituals on certain nights (Esbats which are the nights of worshipping the mother and the moon and we have Sabbats which are the holidays), there is no sacrifice, which is another misconception. The way a ritual works is you cast the circle, invite the gods to your rite, and invocate the elements. From there you do as you wish (alot of wiccas will do tarot cards, scrying, and/or meditating in the circle). There are also spells that you can cast (no they are not magic), you find herbs and stones that will do certain things, find candles of certain colors that represent what you want, and write a rhyme, the spell, and you go through with it. It's more of a karma thing that anything else.

Wiccans believe in the rule of three fold (if you do something bad it will come back three times worse to you, if you do something good then it will come back three times as good back to you), and the only written rule is The Wiccan Rede written long ago and known by many wiccas the author of it is unknown. The whole rede is sumed up in 8 words "An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will" basically do what you want as long as you don't hurt anyone in your proceedings. It's a very alive religion as there is no rules accept the rede and you make the religion your own. You write your own rituals and believe what you want. Most wiccans don't believe in hell (which is why it's so dumb when people tell us to go to hell). If you got any questions just ask, I can go pretty in depth about the rituals as I just wrote my first ritual for the full moon esbat that I'm performing tonight (the full moon is actually tomorrow but I work till 11:30 and there's a lot of preparation and there's no way I will be able to stay awake that long).

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeedKarma

[URL="https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/../members/tchalien.html"]Are you one of those annoying ones that go door to door and preach to everyone? How would you like it if everyone who thought the had the Truth came to your house and tried to convert you?

I live my life in such a way that people know I am a Christian, by looking at my life. I do speak the Truth in love to those that will listen. I welcome those that come to my house trying to "convert" me. I love the opportunity to hear what they have to say, and then I share with them the Truth that comes from GOD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tchalien

I live my life in such a way that people know I am a Christian, by looking at my life.

That would be fine if that's what you were actually doing but it isn't - you shove it in people's faces.

Here, watch this, it's funny: YouTube - Door to Door Atheist!

There you go again with "the truth" there is not a certainty that that is "the truth". If you would put a simple "I believe" in front of it it makes a different. State your beliefs as much as you want, I am like you in that I listen and share mine, but when I state my beliefs I do my best to state them as a belief not a fact as there are no facts on gods or where we will go until we die and discover the truth. I also try not to state it like a fact as it does offend some people.