What are your religious beliefs?

[reflexblue]

I Am Jesus

You, me, them and everything above, below, and around us are part of ONE omnipresant force or conciousness. And what the ultimite goal,or end is I really have no idea. But I beleive it was no accident that were here. The odds of that happaning are mind bogling, they truly can't be comprehended. I mean the odds of the universe turning out the way it did (and it had to support life) are a stagering 1 in 15,000,000,000,000,000 thats one in 15 quaddrillion? that the universe would turn out the way it did,to be able to support life. It may be higher, I'd have to go look it up in a theoretical physics book I have at home. Its been about 7-8 years since I read the figure. Anyways I believe God, or the energy form that created the universe is in us and in everything,everythings connected.
It does seem like some sort of test though, I do believe there is such a thing as good and evil. And maybe that test is to see who can stand up to the presance of evil and remain good. Its not the length of time we have that gives life its value, it is the person possessing and living that life who gives the life value.

I justrelized I responding to the wrong thread and I had already posted on this one. But nothing has changed. I probably said in the first post I'd check the figures but still haven't.

 

[reflexblue]

Another take...
Christians like to attack Atheists with something like "Well, what meaning does YOUR life have? I have eternal life!" The fact is, their "eternal life", according to the Bible, will be spent kissing the ass of a petty desert deity suffering from low self-esteem- THAT'S the vaunted and bragged-about "meaning" to THEIR lives!!! The Book of Revelation clearly reveals that the Christians will spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the next trillion billion quaddrillion years doing NOTHING but singing praises to a god that just can't get enough compliments. Now THAT'S real meaning in life, isn't it???Mark Smith

 

[Lifer]

Another take...
Christians like to attack Atheists with something like "Well, what meaning does YOUR life have? I have eternal life!" The fact is, their "eternal life", according to the Bible, will be spent kissing the ass of a petty desert deity suffering from low self-esteem- THAT'S the vaunted and bragged-about "meaning" to THEIR lives!!! The Book of Revelation clearly reveals that the Christians will spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the next trillion billion quaddrillion years doing NOTHING but singing praises to a god that just can't get enough compliments. Now THAT'S real meaning in life, isn't it???Mark Smith

excuse me, i believe this is a thread for people to express their own beliefs, not to attack others beliefs. Especially on Easter.

 

[gomezcat]

excuse me, i believe this is a thread for people to express their own beliefs, not to attack others beliefs. Especially on Easter.

Agreed. From now on, please just state your beliefs on this thread and keep the attacks out of it, or I lock it. Thanks.

 

[fair catch fryar]

Live and let live. For me, God or spiritual guidance can be found in the view from the top of a mountain or an ocean sunset, long before than it will reside in a building created and built upon the donations of rich and poor alike.

 

[Den-in-NH]

I too, was raised as a Roman Catholic.

I currently consider myself a Christian. At this point I do not believe it is neccessary or important to affiliate with a particular denomination.

That being said, my personal thoughts on God and Christ may be more in line with some Protestant viewpoints, but I still attend a Catholic mass (when I can...I work third shift into Sunday morning....) and am raising my son as a Christian through the Catholic Church.

Although some of the ceromonial aspects of the Catholic church are nothing more than "pomp and circumstance" the overall tenets of God as Creator, Jesus as Savior, Salvation through acceptance and repentance (as oppossed to good works), the Trinity, the Eucharist, and the need for Christian fellowship are all in line with my personal viewpoints.

I do not think that it is relevant whether one is a Protestant or Catholic - what is important is the acceptance of ************ as one's personal Lord and Savior.

I enjoy the study of Christian theology and would consider myself a Christian apologist. I look forward to spending more time on this forum and discussing/debating with those with similar or variant viewpoints from my own. I am very interested in Comparative Religion and have done a fair amount of study on Christianity's differences from other religions - especially Islam. Jesus and Mohammad were quite different in their world views.

I also believe as a Christian that it is important to have an understanding of Judiasm as this is the basis of Christianity and neccessary to understand the Jewish world in which Jesus lived to fully understand His teachings. My wife is Jewish, by the way.

As my post count grows (and I can begin new thread topics) I look forward to posting on specific topics - I have a very definitive and specific viewpoint and look forward to contributing.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

LOL... HISTORICALLY, Easter has actually been a fine time to ahem air one's differences. I do not differ with the premise of being civil, I am just pleasantly surprised at the irony.

Reflex, there's a great popularized cosmology book called "The Whole Shebang" which I just read, by a guy named Timothy Ferris. He has a good little chunk therein on the math regarding a cosmos that would allow for our observation of said cosmos.

Of course, one very simple way to explain that the cosmos would allow for our existence to observe it, is that we are here discussing such a cosmos in the first place.

Let us postulate -- and there is good reason to do so -- that there is more than one cosmos, with more than one set of physical laws. Let us say there are a lot more.

Let us even say that there are fifteen quadrillion more.

That makes it a 50/50 chance that we'd be in the cosmos we're in. Such a cosmos, naturally, would allow for our type of life. Naturally, only we and beings like us will ask the question.

Now let us say there are a quintillion other cosmoses.

Suddenly it's overwhelmingly likely that our cosmos will support intelligen life as we know it. That is to say, in the other cosmoses in which we can not exist, we aren't around asking the question, and all you have proven is that we are where we are, because that's where we can be.

PFnV

 

[The_Bloke]

I hadn't noticed. Are there any catholics in here?

My two sisters are catholic but I am not.

 

[Harry Boy]

Heaven 9:00 AM:
St Peter greeting a new Protestant arrival:

Peter, "greetings we love you"
New Guy, "thank you"
Peter, "you may go anywhere you wish in heaven, Jesus loves you"
New Guy, "oh boy"
Peter, "but"
New Guy, "i knew it"
Peter "you are free to travel anywhere except that through green door over there, never ever enter that door"
New Guy, "why pete"
Peter, "because thats where the Catholics are and they think they're the only ones up here"

He walks with me
And he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
The joy we share
As we tarry there
None other has ever known

Blessed Is The Womb---------:rocker:

 

[Rabbi_Goldberg]

I Am Jesus

Well, that being the case, may I have a word with you. I need to verify some of that gossip about you. Like, for instance, who really rolled that stone away from the entrance to your grave?

Not to mention, "Who's your daddy?"

 

[DarrylS]

Well, that being the case, may I have a word with you. I need to verify some of that gossip about you. Like, for instance, who really rolled that stone away from the entrance to your grave?

Not to mention, "Who's your daddy?"

Sounds like a NEM quote or question to me..

 

[Harry Boy]

Well, that being the case, may I have a word with you. I need to verify some of that gossip about you. Like, for instance, who really rolled that stone away from the entrance to your grave?

Not to mention, "Who's your daddy?"

I'm not allowed to speak of such things
"Bless You"

 

[OldEngland]

What Do I Believe????


I believe that in order to achieve the ultimate wellbeing and spiritual joy that is the result of being close to God you are required to……………

1) Be willing to always share your spirit with others, knowing you may receive nothing in return……….
2) Be humble…….(especially in front of God)
3) Be merciful to everyone…
4) Be pure in mind, will and emotion…
5) A peacemaker….
6) To thirst for righteousness……(while never demanding it or being hypocritical)
7) To never think, look or act in lust for a woman (or man) who is not your own…… (yes that includes your right hand as well)
8) To love your enemies unconditionally….
9) To always and continually give to those less fortunate than yourself….(whether that be in kindness, time or/and money)
10) Love your neighbour as you love yourself…..
11) Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength……

Quite a list I’m sure you’ll agree. The observant among you will notice all these characteristics are part of the teaching and ministry of one man - Jesus.

Some say the result of his teachings, Christianity, is only a crutch used by the weak and needy in times of need. I absolutely, totally and wholeheartedly agree!! Our flesh is far too weak, and too easily tempted by selfish desires to achieve any of these above for long. In my opinion you could never even think about approaching them without 3 vital things.

- The Removal of Our Sins
(We all have baggage, all of us, everyone, and I bet you can think of something right now that stops you from achieving something on that list. Forgiving yourself and others is vital.)
- Prayer (and Worship)
(Thanking God for our blessings, there are always numerous people less fortunate than ourselves. Confessing new sins. Asking God for enough strength to accomplish whatever it is we were put on this earth to do.
N.B. Who knows which religion is actually right in how to achieve this communication with God.
- Doing Works
(Saying the words without backing it up with the actions of helping others is worth little)
- “Now sin no more”

Personally, I could not accomplish the removal of my sins without Paul’s interpretation of Jesus’ message. Prayer without the belief in God, and Jesus’ message that he does indeed love and cherish everyone of us like a father. The works I always tried to do, but I have to say Jesus’ half brother James has a lot of common sense to say on the matter, and I find works much more enjoyable and easy to do now.

I have always respected everyone’s views regarding their spirituality (or their right to a lack of it) and that will never change. I myself was invited late to the party, after years of intellectual arrogance. I am only writing this because of the joy I have found following his teachings, and the affect it has had on my life every day. And even if you don’t agree, that’s fine, just please, be aware, looking back I think someone up there was trying to catch my attention for years before I wanted to notice.

I have a scientific background, and am fascinated by the history (and lack of it) surrounding this man, and his immediate followers. There are so many unusual circumstances and missing information surrounding the ministry of Jesus and that of those who immediately continued his teachings. I firmly believe these issues should not be avoided, and should be asked and actively discussed.

- Was Jesus really born divine? Or did he receive his blessing and healing powers following John’s baptism aged 30?
- If he had them before why is there no documentation of their use anywhere?
- Was Jesus really resurrected from the dead? Did he die in the first place?
- Was he really the son of God
- Did he really do all/some of the miracles the NT claims?
- Did his followers produce miracles following his death?
- Was Mary really a virgin when she had Jesus? Is there any scientific explanation for this claim however remote?
- Was an elderly Mary really a source in Luke’s gospel?
- If so why the absence of his life pre-ministry in the texts, she must have known?
- Did Jesus ever sin in his unrecorded past?
- What was a doctor (Luke) doing testifying about supernatural miracles anyway?
- And why did such a thorough and comprehensive researcher (Luke) completely miss out Jesus’ earlier life in his gospel?
- Was James (the Just) really Jesus’ biological half brother? And why did he not believe Jesus until after his death and resurrection (where he became a major force in the developing church)
- What was Jesus’ real relationship with Mary Magdalene?
- How did Paul, a man who never (we think) even meet Jesus, become the greatest force in the spread of Christianity? And if he received no extra content to his message from the “super-disciples” where did he learn it? And is it accurate?
- Did Paul use versions of the current Gospel? Or just teach what is in his letters?
- Are the attributed authors of the NT accurate?
- When were they written?
- Is there any hidden documentation?
- How would God really prefer He was worshipped?
- Is the Bible God’s Word on Earth? If so should it be taken literally or should the scope of human error be accounted for?

If I’m honest, as much as I love these questions, and will always be happy for a good debate about the answers with anyone regardless of their choice of beliefs. They really don’t matter. You judge a tree by the fruit it produces. Even if Jesus was just a man, a man with an extraordinary vision of the way to live, who got extremely lucky to have his legacy carried on the way it did even after 20 years let alone 2000. The fact is this man has saved billions of people over 2000 years, encouraged them to lead better lives, and to love each other. Even he died without resurrection, the fact is his death has wiped the slate clean in the hearts of billions of people, allowing them to move forward. Even if it was accidental he chose men from all walks of life as his disciples (and apostles) so that everyone can relate to someone. Even if the Bible is warped by human error, and Paul distorted the truth, by reading it, it saved me, and Paul was the messenger who found me, and I am not alone.

If you factor all these things together, you have to admire the beauty and dare I say majesty of this. Now look back at the teachings at the start again. They are heart-achingly pure and beautiful in every way, the perfect way to live your life. Could a simple carpenter from an adulterous relationship really have achieved this, this man, who only took three years for his wisdom to change the world forever, and after his death, sparked the emergence of normal uneducated men, most without formal religious training, to spread his message and teaching of love throughout the world to this day.


Was this man really the Son of God?
Personally I don’t need evidence.
I think the answer is clear.



If he wasn’t he should be adopted.

 

[NovaScotiaPatsFan]

I'm agnostic, I feel like there must be more than I we can see but I don't know its nature.

 

[Rossmci90]

I seem to be a minority of one here, but im a born and raised Atheist.

I find it hard to believe any views of 'Creationism' when i've seen the evidence against it with my very eyes studying Geology.

Infact, the whole idea of a God to me is as farcical as Santa Claus, but each to his own. I wont belittle other people's beliefs because we all have different reasons and life experiences as to what we believe.

I actually believe this highlights a difference between our countries. Britain currently seems to be moving more and more towards Atheism, we have one of the lowest % chuch attendances in Europe. Whereas America, religion still seems to have to give a very high importance to religion.

I don't know the reasons as to why this may be, and what differences it causes in society (nill in my opinion).

 

[gomezcat]

I seem to be a minority of one here, but im a born and raised Atheist.

I find it hard to believe any views of 'Creationism' when i've seen the evidence against it with my very eyes studying Geology.

Infact, the whole idea of a God to me is as farcical as Santa Claus, but each to his own. I wont belittle other people's beliefs because we all have different reasons and life experiences as to what we believe.

I actually believe this highlights a difference between our countries. Britain currently seems to be moving more and more towards Atheism, we have one of the lowest % chuch attendances in Europe. Whereas America, religion still seems to have to give a very high importance to religion.

I don't know the reasons as to why this may be, and what differences it causes in society (nill in my opinion).

In fairness to the Americans on this forum, it was set up for religious types or people with an interest on religion...

There are some atheists on here- have a look at the political forum in particular and you'll see quite a few. I agree about there being a big difference between the UK and the US, in that our (UK) population is increasingly atheist. I know very few Christians, tbh. I class myself as agnostic as I can't rule out the idea of there being a God (but I certainly wouldn't class myself as a believer).

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Wowww Gomez did you kick the atheist out of the religion forum?

If an anarchist posts in the political forum, where do we tell him to go?

I have to think about this one

PFnV

 

[godef]

Wowww Gomez did you kick the atheist out of the religion forum?

If an anarchist posts in the political forum, where do we tell him to go?

I have to think about this one

PFnV

I agree, I find this hard to believe. Is this forum about religion, or is it a place for the religious to congregate? The title of the form suggests the former. And it is not inappropriate for an atheist to contribute to a religion forum as religion certainly impacts the lives of atheists.

If Gomez did boot him out of the forum, this is just flat wrong and I would protest!

 

[Rossmci90]

Indeed, the thread title is "What are you religious beliefs?". Atheism is a religious belief, it is the belief that there is no God. So i think i was right in saying what i said.

 

[godef]

Indeed, the thread title is "What are you religious beliefs?". Atheism is a religious belief, it is the belief that there is no God. So i think i was right in saying what i said.

I was about to say atheism in NOT a RELIGIOUS belief, but rather a belief of... then it occurred to me: whether there really is a God or not, religions definitely do exist. But I do think it correct to say that atheism itself does not constitute a religion, so therefore cannot be called a religious belief.

Edit: so OK, obviously you weren't kicked out of the forum.