No Religion...

[CollectiveSoul]

I am considered a christian but its like i have no religion. Why would I? I was told that if i become more religious this will help me understnad life better, and It really doesn't. I've doing fine without this whole religion thing so i have no God becasue if there is a god watching over us like as our ruler i don't where he is ruling becuase he hasnt helped me much. i told my mom this and she siad "wehre doyour lines on your hadn come from?" uh they are gentically there. I see no reason for ME to praise someone that has never shown his face and that is nverp proven to exist or even help us, but if i become a athesit my parents will freak but i sitll wanna celebrater Christmas wit hthe tree exccept i dont belive in that stuff. SOrry if this stuff is out of order its jsut me spilling my guts out to everyone. Ma iwrong to feel this way? Am i being a moron for saying i don't ythink there is a god? damn this sucks.

[Altair]

Perhaps the problem with most organized religion is that God is portrayed as something "other" than what we truly are..."so disconnected"

I mean, I can totally relate to what you are saying. Your thoughts are sound and logical. It seems to me that the only one we need to believe in is ourself. Afterall, it's you there all the time, watching over, listening in, living. Perhaps the "God" that is so praised and preached is really nothing more than the life we are individually feeling and ultimately sharing with one another.

In any event, if there is such a thing as "eternal life" who would you be living it for? In the end, who do you serve? Whom are you faithful to?

Connect to the living one, the one inside us all, the one whose existence you cannot deny.

[Wylde-Tremonti]

I'm tellin you.....believing in God and being a Christian isn't easy, and it is harder than not believing in anything...but when your dead, and this life is over....where will you be? ....i think you know the answer, life may be hard as a Christian.....but it's better than the alternative....
With my sincere hope that you truly find God and yourself,
Matt

[krzycreedbabe]

i can totally relate to what your sayin...CS...im kinda at the same place..i mean im not religious at all...its not like i pray every night or go to church...only on xmas eve....and not even to the church i belong to...actaully the church i go to then isnt even my religion..im Catholic and we usually go to a Lutheran church...once a yr...i mean i guess i beleive in some of the stuff but ive never read the bible..i basically went to CCD bc my parents made me and yea idk.. im just confused...for now i think im just gonna keep on doin the whole non religious thing and when i need the religion ill have somethin to fall back on idk...lol i kinda feel a bit guilty for saying this but since u brought up the subject...figured id share my thoughts...feels good...

[Wylde-Tremonti]

Listen....i don't want to scare anyone....but this isn't about you just goin to church......having religion is setting your beliefs....if you don't have religion...then what are your beliefs? What do you put your faith in!?....If you have no beliefs or faith...then what's the point of your life? if you don't have God in your life, how can you live? I dunno how u could???

[krzycreedbabe]

ok...i guess i have my beleifs...but..im openminded lets just put it that way

[Wylde-Tremonti]

ok....just be careful;)

[krzycreedbabe]

no prob bob ;)

[rodirocker]

The chances of life happening by chance (The route you would take when you don't believe in any type of divinity) is one chance in 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000. yep that is a 1 with 60 zeros after it. You do not have the faith to believe there is a God, but you have the faith to believe in THAT???

Now lets look at something else. Creation. Say you are walking in the mountains and you happen to stumble upon a watch in the rocks. You pick up the watch and automatically assume that there was some sort of intelligent design behind it. It couldn't have just been created by chance! When you look at an atom, a human eye, a mountain, your hand, a BRAIN, how in the world can you assume it all happened by chance? This is what you will be assuming when you become an athiest. Not a very wise choice. You would need MUCH MUCH MUCH more faith to be an athiest than a theist.

Well I hope I made sense. I have much more to back up this arguement!

[Wylde-Tremonti]

Nicely put...better than i did....lol;)

[Altair]

rodirocker, i'm diggin' what you're sayin'

Funny thing is: we take all of this for granted so much of the time.

Perhaps that's why we have death, or the perception of life ending: it helps define the experience of life. Without contrast, distinction is not possible.

[hotforscott]

You can be spirit filled, full of faith and joy, a believer of God and Christianity without religion. Religion is a set of rules that society has set forth. People interpret the bible in different ways and that creates religion. Non-denominational churches beleive in "reading the bible like it is", and they feel that Religion has created a lot of problems. Just like the bible stating the "Woman should be silent in church" Pentecostal people believe to interpret that as it is read. They say women cannot preach, they should be silent in church, yet they have women singing in their choir. The bible says, "turn water into wine", yet the baptists feel you should not drink. I will say this, I am not religious, but I have reasearched a lot about churches and have attended several. I think that it's best to find what you beleive in, maybe you feel more secure in a certain religion so you like to know what your boundaries are. I myself feel more comfortable with spirituality, I think religion just complicates things. Just to let you know my opinion on this issue.

[Wylde-Tremonti]

I somewhat disagree, i think it is important to read the Bible and to and i think Women have their place in church, but i don't think u can just read the bible alone....cuz that can be very very confusing....i think u need some form of church to HELP you interprut the Bible.....other wise u could just interpret it to the way you want it like u could interpret it to sat....well you forgiven anyway....so do whatever the hell you want....but that's not really what it is trying to say....Does this make any sense?

[hotforscott]

Originally posted by TremontiWanaB
I somewhat disagree, i think it is important to read the Bible and to and i think Women have their place in church, but i don't think u can just read the bible alone....cuz that can be very very confusing....i think u need some form of church to HELP you interprut the Bible.....other wise u could just interpret it to the way you want it like u could interpret it to sat....well you forgiven anyway....so do whatever the hell you want....but that's not really what it is trying to say....Does this make any sense?

It's great that you disagree. I was stating the things I have come across along the way, those are not my particular beliefs, just ones that I have encountered by trying out different churches. I do not belong to a church. I did go as a child and I have been to my share as an adult, but I think that if you are curious enough about the bible to want to read it and interpret it, then you should find the church in which you feel comfortable. I guess I should have said it more clearly so that it was understood by all.

[Wylde-Tremonti]

ok....that makes some more sense to me...._m/!

[hotforscott]

Great, sorry for the confusion!

[Steve]

Originally posted by rodirocker
The chances of life happening by chance (The route you would take when you don't believe in any type of divinity) is one chance in 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000. yep that is a 1 with 60 zeros after it. You do not have the faith to believe there is a God, but you have the faith to believe in THAT???  

Now lets look at something else. Creation. Say you are walking in the mountains and you happen to stumble upon a watch in the rocks. You pick up the watch and automatically assume that there was some sort of intelligent design behind it. It couldn't have just been created by chance! When you look at an atom, a human eye, a mountain, your hand, a BRAIN, how in the world can you assume it all happened by chance? This is what you will be assuming when you become an athiest. Not a very wise choice. You would need MUCH MUCH MUCH more faith to be an athiest than a theist.  

Well I hope I made sense. I have much more to back up this arguement!

Actually, I think you have that backwards... I think you need to have more faith to be a theist than an athiest. Science can prove and explain things... the big bang theory is a pretty sound theory and is logical. From a general standpoint, which seems more logical - the big bang theory or an almighty being simply creating the world from nothing?

[JenRN]

I agree with Carrie in many ways. I was brought up a lot like Stapp in the fact that my dad was Catholic and mother was Pentacostal. I was raise RELIOUSLY confused!!!!! One minute my dad would say it was o.k. to go to a concert and the next minute I come home and my mother has demolished all my albums and states it's "the devil's music" Well to make a long story short I rebelled a lot like Stapp and eventually found my way, and consider myself very spiritual. I belive in god and Christ I try to live my life honest and true. I would be miserable without a belief in something, in times like we are in today I myself need something to give me hope and guidance. I have tried to go to different churches but never really fit into one, they all had different RULES and interpretations of "thier truth" so how do you know what one is correct? Church is made up of so many rules and regulations, they miss the real meaning behind Christianity.

[hotforscott]

Exactly!

[rodirocker]

Originally posted by Steve
Actually, I think you have that backwards... I think you need to have more faith to be a theist than an athiest. Science can prove and explain things... the big bang theory is a pretty sound theory and is logical. From a general standpoint, which seems more logical - the big bang theory or an almighty being simply creating the world from nothing?

Actaully, I am pretty sure that I don't have it backwards. Who says God couldn't have used the big bang? I'm not saying that he did, but who says he didn't? And then wouldn't it be more logical for God to create something out of nothing than nothing to create something? where did all the matter that is involved in the big bang come from? nothing? Or are you trying to say that it "always was, is, and always will be"? That sounds like you are making matter, a sort of God. Something for you to ponder...

To tell you the truth, I don't think the big bang really proves anything. What exactly are you trying to prove? It is just a theory that explains how all the stars where put into motion. Especially about life that statistic that i had 1 in a 10 with 60 zeros after it... that is actually the chance on one amino acid (the building blocks of life), to randomly assemble itself. Sorry for the confusion. And this is just for an amino acid, think of all the other things that just cannot happen by random chance, like protein, DNA, blood, my mind cannot even comprehend the complexities of these systems.

[Dogstar]

I was raised in a strict Catholic household and can relate to having had to write Bible verses for punishment. I consider myself a disenfranchised Catholic and haven't been to church regularly since college. I had some bad experiences in Catholic school that showed me much of my religion was hypocritical. I also have many issues regarding the *rules*. After much searching, I have found my own path to spirituality with the Bible as my sometimes guide. My philosophy is to treat others as I would want them to treat me and to be as good and decent a person as I can be.

[hotforscott]

That is a great philosophy, Dogstar. Everyone should think in that frame of mind.

[rodirocker]

In my oppinion, Catholics have it all wrong. They focus on the rules, and that is why many youths really get turned off to the Christian God. They believe that the more good works you do the more likely of a chance you will get into heaven. When the main theme of the Bible, is not rules, but a relationship consisting of you and a forgiving God. That's what it's all about, it's all about love. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. That is the main Biblical philosophy from my perspective.

[krzycreedbabe]

i agree

[Xterminator27]

Originally posted by rodirocker
In my oppinion, Catholics have it all wrong. They focus on the rules, and that is why many youths really get turned off to the Christian God. They believe that the more good works you do the more likely of a chance you will get into heaven. When the main theme of the Bible, is not rules, but a relationship consisting of you and a forgiving God. That's what it's all about, it's all about love. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. That is the main Biblical philosophy from my perspective.

Thats whut they teach me at my "CATHOLIC" school
To love God and that stuff.

[Wylde-Tremonti]

Originally posted by rodirocker
In my oppinion, Catholics have it all wrong. They focus on the rules, and that is why many youths really get turned off to the Christian God. They believe that the more good works you do the more likely of a chance you will get into heaven. When the main theme of the Bible, is not rules, but a relationship consisting of you and a forgiving God. That's what it's all about, it's all about love. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. That is the main Biblical philosophy from my perspective.
Yeah....there's some stuff in the Catholic faith that i don't agree with...like prayin to Mary.....yeah i don't think so...

[rodirocker]

Originally posted by Xterminator27
<b>Thats whut they teach me at my "CATHOLIC" school
To love God and that stuff. </b>

Well I SURE hope they don't teach you to hate God.

[StappsSaviour]

WELL......people (teachers woteva!) should NOT teach any one to hate any thing. wot you hate is your choice! So, if u hate god and the bible and jesus, SO BE IT! no one can stop you from hating some thing! EG: some one cant come up to you and say that you have to hate something that you like just because they hate it also!!!!! that is just stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[krzycreedbabe]

WELL.....ok!!!!!!!

[Wylde-Tremonti]

Originally posted by StappsSaviour
WELL......people (teachers woteva!) should NOT teach any one to hate any thing. wot you hate is your choice! So, if u hate god and the bible and jesus, SO BE IT! no one can stop you from hating some thing! EG: some one cant come up to you and say that you have to hate something that you like just because they hate it also!!!!! that is just stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What are you talking about??????:confused:

[krzycreedbabe]

lol i have no idea .. thats why i made fun of her...sorry if u took any offense to that Stapps Saviour girl but yea sorry lol

[Mr.CreedFreakTN]

I was made to go to church when I was younger I was brought up in a Pentecostal church and it is different. When I got older I only went to meet girls .Now I'm a dad and there is a feeling in me searching for . I want to be there for my kids and have the answers for them, this is something that just tears me apart inside, this is something that could make you go crazy wondering am I doing right, am I pleasing God, and everyday asking God for forgiveness for my sins. I feel this a subject that I must face, You know satan is the author of confusion and that is where alot of us are confused, so maybe we are doing right? I'm always open for suggestions. I guess that's why I feel Creed's music is spiritual to me it puts me in another place. Please God give us the answers.

[shunammite]

Dear Mr. CreedfreakTn,

I'm pretty sure I read a wonderful post of yours somewhere on this site, so I love you already. In fact, I think I quoted you!

Whenever I hear a person feeling "troubled" about "spiritual things" my blood runs cold. But I guess it can't be helped, it's part of the human experience, some people hit it young, and others when they are older, and some never face it openly, but it comes out in some neurotic/psychotic way. We are all troubled by our human limits, knowing we will die, and knowing we are not all we would like to be, that we feel we MUST be. But what "must" be is really the domain of He who is Infinite, we can only be what we CAN be.

I have a son who is mentally ill, and it is "religion" that made him so sick, though he was ultra sensitive anyway, and ANY sort of "fear-mongering" was a threat to him. But it was that Creed line, "I've seen the wicked fruit of your vine destroy the man who lacks a strong mind, forked tongues in bitter mouths can cause a man to bleed from the inside out." If they never did anything else, I would always love them for that line. Because it highlights a truth that is so often overlooked.

Religion in general teaches that human beings are very rotten. And must be "kept in line" by threats and fear. It is very "hierarchical", all the "truth" is passed down from "superior men" to "inferior men". I think this sort of religion is really just part of what the Bible calls "the powers that be" (Rom 13) that help keep people in line when they are immature and thoughtless. It is really more like "Caesar" than Christ. Christ is One Head and His Body composed of all "spiritual men", who are all BROTHERS, and not in any "hierarchy" but in direct communication with the Head, TWO WAY btw, and "supplementing" each other, Eph 4:12-16, or the whole chapter. But if you don't know the Bible, don't look up the references, I just mention them to give a reason for why I say these things in the name of "Christ".

I disagree that men are "rotten", I hate that "total depravity" doctrine more than ANYTHING ELSE IN THIS WORLD. For God so loved the WORLD, well God never LOVED CRAP. There is something VALUABLE in the "world" and in EVERY PERSON. In fact, God never created "crap", but in His time He really does make everything beautiful, but He imposes limitations on men in our time, that cause us a lot of distress, but in the end, it works out for good, Gen 50:20, Rom 8:20, II Cor 4:17.

I taught the bible to children for years. I know it very well. I don't know what you should tell your children, but I urge you not to plant FEAR in their minds in the name of "god". The wholesome "fear of God" is actually a recognition of who He Is ("I Am"), "those that fear him"="those who hope in his mercy", Ps 147:11, "but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared", Ps 130:4.

Fear comes very easily to men, to "sheep". What is so hard is to implant COURAGE in them. "People follow courage", that was Braveheart. Passion breed followers, I think that is Stapp. I think the very best thing to do for your children is to stand up to your own fears, and be sincere with them. And strict also, while they are young, to hold them to a high standard. I was always very sincere with my kids, but also very fearful, and slack in the discipline, because I am so undisciplined in my personal life, it is hard for me. My husband also was a poor disciplinarian, and we had three sons, that oldest one so "strongwilled" and bent toward insanity also, it was hard. My husband fell under the sway of "keep your kids on your team" mentality and was afraid to be firm with them.

To give God the "benefit of the doubt", to trust that He knows what He is doing, and that HE IS GOD, i.e. "in control" of this seemingly chaotic world, and to go about your business in quietness and confidence and friendly understanding toward your fellow men, that is what I believe is wholesome "religion" at this point. You CANNOT be "sure", the "just" walk by "faith". But when you feel troubled, KEEP TELLING HIM, and then WAIT PATIENTLY, inside your own head it is just you and God, and only He can give you the "reassurance" that really satisfies, "blessed art thou Simon Barjonah for FLESH AND BLOOD HATH NOT REVEALED THIS UNTO THEE..." But there is plenty of fearful flesh and blood running around eager to add others to their coterie, they are afraid themselves and deal with their own fears by bullying others.

God "gets our back", it's called Grace. For by Grace are ye saved through Faith. And we "get HIS back" when we BELIEVE HIM, give Him the benefit of the doubt. And we are tested PLENTY, tempted to think He is LOUSY, but He Never Faileth, although we "must needs die" and we need humiliation also, I don't understand why, but apparently it is good for us, Christ Himself had plenty. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God (and that is all of us!) commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator, I Pet 4:19.

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully...for even hereunto were ye called. I Pet 2:19, 21. Kind of amazing thinking of the Creator saying "thank you" to a human being, but that's how it sounds to me, our "spiritual self" is actually His Friend, or "team mate." We are telling a STORY of Him, Eph 3:9-11.

Sorry for the sermon, I just can't help myself. If the Bible doesn't frighten you, teach it to your children, just memorize some of the passages or verses that mean most to you, and go through all the "stories". And hold back the "spin doctoring", let God handle it. But never teach that God HATES men and is UNABLE to "straighten them out", because it ISN'T TRUE. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill made low, Is 40:4 and also Handel's Messiah.

FEAR NOT, for behold, I bring unto you GOOD TIDINGS of GREAT JOY, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE. For unto you is born this day (whatever day you finally get a grip on it) in the city of David a Saviour which is CHRIST THE LORD. For this cause Christ both died and rose again from the dead, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Luke 2:10, Rom 14:9.

For me, the Bible is filled with Allegorical Symbolism. Jesus is "born in Bethlehem", that is the same place where Rachel DIED giving birth to Benjamin, Joseph's little brother. Joseph was a major "type of Christ", betrayed by men, "thrown into the pit" and "prison" and "resurrected" and ELEVATED to being Ruler and Savior of "the world". I think the Spiritual Self is the "little brother" of Christ, and "Rachel" is our "born of flesh" self that DIES giving birth to our mature spiritual self, I don't think it's really finished until we actually die, but we are gradually changed as we endure this life.

Again, I apologize for the "sermon", I thought it might help. If it troubles you, ignore it. I ignore a LOT of things these days, "let not your heart be troubled." Ye believe in God (the Judge), believe also in Me, the SAVIOUR.

[Mr.CreedFreakTN]

Shunammite,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your post, I guess I've been feeling that if I don't get up and go to church on Sunday's that I'm not teaching my children or I'm a bad parent . We try to provide for our kids , teach them wrong and right and to love one another, but yet sometimes I feel something is missing. I don't know if it's because I was brought up in church and if you were not at the alter on Sunday asking for forgiveness then your bound for Hell. I just don't know, but I'm trying.

[Wylde-Tremonti]

But you do kno.....u kno that it's right to teach your kids about God....That's part of your job!....if u don't teach them no one will!...u love your kids like your parents did u !.....that's why they took you to church!

[hotforscott]

MrCreedFreakTN,

I don't attend a church, I have tried some out, but have not found the right one yet. I have taken into my own hands to teach my children about God, and a lot of what I learned as a child, but there is so much I disagree with and so much that I feel is not what I beleive in. I have said many times that I feel religion is a set of rules that is created when people interpret the bible in different ways. I believe in God and I want my children to know who he is, but I am not sharing too much, not until I feel comfortable with my feelings on what I am teaching them. I am sorry I am not much help, but just so you know that you are not alone, I worry the same way, but I have made peace with the fact that I am not a bad parent for this. I just want to be completely sure that I am teaching them something that I can back up 100%.

[shunammite]

People who don't take things too seriously can do fine in "church".

But very sensitive sincere people REALLY go to hell there.

It might work out for good in the end, as in the case of Stapp and some other famous artists.

I would just pray about it myself, ask God to guide you, and NEVER DOUBT HIS GOODNESS OR COMPETENCE!!!

I did make some wonderful friends in church, but I had to pay a big price to be "friends" and I just can't pay it any more. To misrepresent what I really think.

Creedfreak, you might visit a church for yourself, or read the sermons on line, or something, and then make up your mind as to whether it might be helpful for your children or not.

Most churches are pretty gentle with young children and teach them the bible stories. I don't think it will make them "hate the wicked", but I don't know, I've been so badly burned, I can't think about these things "objectively" any more.

God bless you, it will be all right, none of us is a perfect parent, God has our "backs" and sometimes it's just His Idea to put your kids through hell, in the end there is a good reason for it, so I believe.

[hotforscott]

I love reading your posts, you always have the right thing to say.

[shunammite]

A really wonderful thoughtful book for people who are troubled spiritually, if you are pretty smart that is, is Guilt or Grace by Paul Tournier. It's probably at your library, and most anything by him might be helpful.

He started out as a strict "calvinist" and was educated at Wheaton. But he was pretty sensitive himself, and became a renowned psychologist, "Christian" but really looking anywhere and everywhere to relieve psychological pain that torments men.

But never abandoning the Bible as he did so, but not the bible as you may have heard it from "evangelists".

The thing about Guilt and Grace is he brings out how we are tormented by lots of "guilt" that we don't think of as a moral issue, but it saps our confidence to LIVE, our FAITH. And it is consistent with the Bible, "sin" is "coming short of the glory of God" to be anything LESS THAN GOD is to be a "sinner" and we DON'T LIKE IT!!! Because deep inside we identify with our Source.
The Father of Spirits. Rom 3:23, Num 27:16, 16:22, Eccl 12:7, Col 1:27.

I think to be a real "witness" is to observe WHAT IS without being distressed about it, to be HONEST. And keep looking at the Wonderful, when we look at the Wonderful we are transformed.

The Wonderful can be just about anywhere, "the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof", you know it when you see it, "my spirit bears witness with His spirit", Rom 8. Creed and Metallica have been so WONDERFUL to me. But also many other things--some kids books, some paintings, remarks by old ladies, you just never know, life is a treasure hunt, when your eyes are open. But when you are crying real hard you can't see anything, I've been crying over my son quite a bit these last few years, and my marriage also.

We are born less than God, but our life experience transforms us into His Likeness, that's a very simple way to say it, "why?" , I don't know, one place it says "to make known His Manifold Wisdom", Eph 3:9-11. II Cor 4:16-18.

My name is from II Kings 4:8-36 I think. A very interesting story, esp if taken as an "allegory". My youngest son had meningitis at 6 months, like a bad headache, it kills many, but he recovered. However I think of my oldest one when I read that story now, he hasn't come to life yet.

[CollectiveSoul]

thanks for your point of view guys. it helps a lot

[Ivan_Creed]

Ppl, you can believe whatever u want, but some of u have been mislead by the church doctrine!! In today's world there is so MUCH temptation, confusion, lust and misleading words, where ppl really come 2 question their faith, and think again! 2 shorten a really long lecture, I will try 2 make it clear and simple, because I realized that I care what happens 2 ppl (although it might sound weird, but what can I do about it, it's me) : take the Bible, read it on your own, and I am sure that if u r really thinking about what u read, u will get the big picture, and will find logic in what God says, and ur faith and love will come back... trust me, I know what some of u r saying about being in a strict Catholic or w/e other church, and 'seeing' things happen that don't seem right 2 u! Also, u don't need 2 go all the time to the Church, since it's historically considered a physical place where ppl r supposed 2 go, and no place else! It's not completely true - the church is a place where ever Christians gather in the name of God, and that's it (also known as Christ's body).. So give it a try, it won't hurt.. I truly hope u understand what I mean, and that I mean only good, no political propaganda! May Light shine upon u all.... :angel:

[DangerousDan85]

Originally posted by CollectiveSoul
<b>I am considered a christian but its like i have no religion. Why would I? I was told that if i become more religious this will help me understnad life better, and It really doesn't. I've doing fine without this whole religion thing so i have no God becasue if there is a god &nbsp;watching over us like as our ruler i don't where he is ruling becuase he hasnt helped me much. i told my mom this and she siad "wehre doyour lines on your hadn come from?" uh they are gentically there. I see no reason for ME to praise someone that has never shown his face and that is nverp proven to exist or even help us, but if i become a athesit my parents will freak but i sitll wanna celebrater Christmas wit hthe tree exccept i dont belive in that stuff. SOrry if this stuff is out of order its jsut me spilling my guts out to everyone. Ma iwrong to feel this way? Am i being a moron for saying i don't ythink there is a god? damn this sucks. </b>


i hear ya man, i don't know what I believe in either

[souldancer]

Originally posted by DangerousDan85
i hear ya man, i don't know what I believe in either Sometimes my doubts sway too. Especially these times that challenge my belief that humans are basically 'good'. I honor your honesty and think that being open and neutral is a good thing! Nothing new, not even truth can penetrate through reams of dogmatic beliefs and judgements. In times like this I turn to values: Truth, Beauty, Love, Peace, Compassion, Humility, Hope, Strength, Wisdom and Joy - just a little list of Divine qualities that gives me something to think about, I read inspiring words from all faiths, appreciate Nature, watch friends interact, children play and look into the eyes of the homeless. It brings me to reality fast - through my emotions. For me, my religion is about connecting with the Divine and the process - getting immersed in oneness and practicing the presence of the moment. Just thought I would share that - take it with a small grain of pepper ;)

[Unforgiven Fan]

Originally posted by TremontiWanaB
I'm tellin you.....believing in God and being a Christian isn't easy...



You think it is hard being a christian?? try being an atheist and then you will find out that being a christian is not hard at all...I am just giving you a little perspective...

[Dogstar]

Hey, Unforgiven, been a while since we've seen you. Welcome back :).

[Lechium]

Originally posted by Unforgiven Fan
You think it is hard being a christian?? try being an atheist and then you will find out that being a christian is not hard at all...I am just giving you a little perspective...

Agreed. If you were told form your early childhood that there's a god, and church's been brainwashign you every Sunday, than it's kinda hard not to belive in God. Atheism is much harder, cuz there are many things in this world that cant be explianed by reaosn and science, that's why I became agnostic.

[Unforgiven Fan]

Originally posted by Dogstar
Hey, Unforgiven, been a while since we've seen you. Welcome back :).

thank you


Orginally posted by Lechium
Agreed. If you were told form your early childhood that there's a god, and church's been brainwashign you every Sunday, than it's kinda hard not to belive in God.

True so true...

[Wylde-Tremonti]

Originally posted by Lechium
Agreed. If you were told form your early childhood that there's a god, and church's been brainwashign you every Sunday, than it's kinda hard not to belive in God. Atheism is much harder, cuz there are many things in this world that cant be explianed by reaosn and science, that's why I became agnostic.
Don't you relize that athiests are the same way?....their parents and this world has been brain washin them in the same way! Brainwashin them that there is no God!...Everyone learns from someone else....that's how we learn and grow..... different people grew up and learned different things from All those around them

[Lechium]

Originally posted by TremontiWanaB
Don't you relize that athiests are the same way?....their parents and this world &nbsp;has been brain washin them in the same way! Brainwashin them that there is no God!...Everyone learns from someone else....that's how we learn and grow..... different people grew up and learned different things from All those around them

Yes, but you're forgetting that there are a lot of phenonemanas in this world, which cannot be explained by science and logic. Everyone has to face them, however religious people have an answer to all that (god), while atheists dont. Seeing that other people have answers to your questions, while you dont is hard.

[Wylde-Tremonti]

That is true....It probably s hard for most athiests....

[JulieCitySlicker]

I just really don't understand how people can be atheists? How can you go through life not believing in something:confused: I don't get it? Life must be pretty sad and pointless for them:(

[Lechium]

You can adapt to anything. People who get convereted to some religion when they are grown up, and thus it is their choice, do it because they need something to hold on to. Some people are strong enough by themeselves not to seek help from a religion.

[Mr.CreedFreakTN]

You can't deny the prophices of the Bible coming true , unfolding right in front of our eyes. You know everyone has a right to believe in whatever they choose, I'll say this only once, It tells me in my Bible about the last days and the signs and wonders, and wars and rumours of wars. It also tells me if I don't make an attempt to let people know the only way to God is through our savior Jesus Christ and that whoever calls upon his name shall be saved. My Bible tells me that if I don't tell you this and you die and go Hell, then your blood is on my hands. You may ask why are you posting this? I wonder daily am I doing what God wants me to do? or am I going to Hell for drinking? I have alot of questions, but I also see what is going on around me. It scares me to know that I have children growing up in this, and I don't want to let them out of my sight, and I wonder is today the day that some terrorist blows up my childs school, or this the day when someone walks into my wife's office and sprays bullets everywhere in the name of allah(not sure if it is spelt right but you should get my point) The worst part is just not knowing, so we'll continue on through life until another tragedy happens. My friend it could have been me and you in the twin towers, I guess I took this long to say ,Be ready ....the thief comes to kill, steal and destroy and that is exactly what happened September 11th.

[Lechium]

Predictions -- a lot of other religions, or just people made predictions, many of which came true.

Sings of wars... look back in history -- there were ALWAYS signs of wars. There were nonstop wars on this planet for thousands on years!

Also your bible tells you -- convert as many people cuz if you dont than it is baaaaad. Basically make sure that more people go to church and donate money. They just use you for that.

[Mr.CreedFreakTN]

I haven't been to church in along time, so they haven't been geeting any of my money. Do I thank church is wrong? No, I thank church is a good foundation to start building your walk with christ, and also to find out that your not alone, there are other people like you who wonder the same things. You know our country started going to Hell when we took God out of our schools and let the devil in it.I remember when I was in school we fought with our hands, now you have to be worried because some fight with gun's ...it's senseless. Another thing that really bothers me is someone comes to our country and cries to the aclu that we are stepping on there religous rights because we pray at football games for the safety of our chidren that they don't get hurt and that God would watch over them and protect them. Or you want to take God out of our Pledge Of Allegence, what is wrong with you people? our country was founded under God. In God we Trust. All I can say is if you don't like our country or our God , then stay out of it...Thais is my right , my freedom of speech ...this is how I feel.;

[JulieCitySlicker]

Originally posted by Lechium
Predictions -- a lot of other religions, or just people made predictions, many of which came true.

Sings of wars... look back in history -- there were ALWAYS signs of wars. There were nonstop wars on this planet for thousands on years!

Also your bible tells you -- convert as many people cuz if you dont than it is baaaaad. Basically make sure that more people go to church and donate money. They just use you for that. I do believe that I told you before Lech that churchs are NOT out there just for you to donate money:rolleyes: :mad: HOW MASNY TIMES DO I GOTTA TELL YA THAT!!! :mad: You obviously don't get it:confused:

[Bridge of Clay]

I think you´re wasting your time arguing with Leech... He´s obvioulsy just teasing us, trying to make us angry... he´s not worthy of it, so please, do like me:
let´s just ignore him...

[Lechium]

Well not all but many. Catholic is there for money, and this is a fact, you cant argue that.

[JulieCitySlicker]

Originally posted by Lechium
Well not all but many. Catholic is there for money, and this is a fact, you cant argue that. Maybe so...I'm not catholic and have onkly been to catholic churchs for special services. But I do know that not all denominations are out to get your money;)

[JenRN]

Right On Mr.TN!!!!!:D :D

[krzycreedbabe]

Originally posted by Lechium
Well not all but many. Catholic is there for money, and this is a fact, you cant argue that.

yea, i'm catholic and i would rather myself not be...personally, i think the whole catholic church are a bunch of hypocrits, because they are. they say they are forgiving of everything although they tell you if you do a certain thing or live a certain lifestyle, then you are sinning.. blahhh thats just one of the many reasons ....

[Wylde-Tremonti]

all people are hippocrits at some time or another....with christians,
at least from my experience, people know they are hyppocritical... but that doesn't mean you shouldn't tell people what you think is right...even if you don't do the right thing all the time...

[Unforgiven Fan]

Originally posted by TremontiWanaB
Don't you relize that athiests are the same way?....their parents and this world &nbsp;has been brain washin them in the same way! Brainwashin them that there is no God!...Everyone learns from someone else....that's how we learn and grow..... different people grew up and learned different things from All those around them


I learned atheism on my own and nobody helped me so I am not brainwashed and my entire family besides me is religious...

[Wylde-Tremonti]

I think you must have had SOME influences!?....like TV, Radio...PPL....

[Unforgiven Fan]

no influences...I promise...