What do you believe in?

[Yu Yu Hakusho!]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rain [/i]
[B][color=blue][size=1]Let's see, I don't have a religion. My mum's a Catholic and my dad's Anglican, but neither of them go to church or practice their religions. I was never baptised. Apparently, when my brother was born, my mum went to get him baptised and the priest wouldn't do it because my mum wasn't married...so that kind of put her off religion. I'm glad I wasn't raised religiously, because I can make my own choices about what I believe. But even though I don't have a religion, I still believe there is some form of god. I just have no idea what it is. That probably sounds a bit weird, but I'm still trying to sort it all out ^_^. I also believe in re-incarnation.

There's a lot of things i could say about organised religion, but I'm not going to, because I always seem to get myself into an...uh, situation when I talk about religion. And I'm not sure how to write down what I believe without confusing you all. So I'll just say this. I can accept that a person is religious. But that doesn't mean I agree with their beliefs.[/size][/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

That's how my family is. My dad really doesn't beleive in anything though. We all beleive in God of course, but it's quite complicating.
I used to be what you would call one of "Jehovah's Witnesses." Often reffered to as "one of those "Witenesses"...."
My dad didn't like going to the Kingdom Hall (which is our church) so my after we moved from New Orleans to Houston, we kind of forgot about it. We couldn't find a Kingdom Hall for the LONGEST time anywhere in Houston and my mother and I were eager to find one. We've live here for almost 4 years now and we haven't ever gone back. All because of this, my dad's getting all peagan and we're celebration Christmas and all those other holidays which are strictly forbidden by my religion. I feel so bad all the time like I'm always creating a sin or something. I want to go back to my religion because I have all my life. My mom and I don't want to piss my dad off though....
We do beleive in Jesus of course, but we have a few regulations:
NO CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS OR OTHER PEAGAN THINGS.
From Christmas to Birthdays to Easter to Halloween. EVERYTHING that usual Americans celebrate we are not allowed to do. Quite strict you think? Yeah, but I put up with it for 10 years or so. I could still do it even though I celebrate all of those things. My life is pretty messed up right now between the pull of celebrating and not celebrating, but it's a hard decision.

And yes, we are Christans.

We also beleive that if you follow Jehovah and all that other strict relegious stuff, when the time comes, you will be reserected with all the other good people and live in Paradise for the rest of Eternity or whatever. There's a lot more to it than that, but I can't explain all of it.

[Roxie Faye]

[color=#9933ff]I, myself, am Catholic. There are some things though, that I don't believe in that the Catholic Church believes in. For instance, I believe NOTHING of Adam and Eve. I can't even accept something like "there were two tribes of Adam and Eve." It's just not something I believe in. I do believe in God, I believe in Jesus, and all that stuff.

And I hate the church... but, um... that's another story, and before I get yelled at by someone, I think I'll quit while I'm ahead. ^_^;;;[/color]

[GinnyLyn]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by wrist cutter [/i]
[B]Did I mention you're all going to hell? I think I'm supposed to. [/B][/QUOTE]

[color=crimson]You know, whether that was funny or not, that was offensive to me. It's like what Deus said--in my faith, it's not our place to say who's gonna suffer and who's not.

It also never ceases to amaze me how many tend to focus on the negative aspects (of ANYTHING, really, not just religion), rather than the positive ones. One of the fallacies of human nature in general. The message of the Christians is a loving God and an eternal life promised as long as you believe that. The sin stuff is for Him to worry about, not us.

A final note--I'm sick to death (in a weary, non-flamey sense) of people taking religions all the wrong way. I suggest that everyone actually research a religion and understand what it is saying before you make off the wall remarks. That's why I never make any claims to Buddhism or other groups of thought--I don't know enough about them.[/color]

[Red]

[b][color=006699]I have quite conflicting views about religion and the existance of God, I suppose I'm at a decision choice about the whole subject at this time of my life.

Sometimes I try and think of an answer to this question: If Hydrogen and Helium reacted in a massive explosion resulting in the formation of our universe, where did the Hydrogen and Helium come from?

Some scientists say it came from the collapse of a previous Universe, but then someone could ask the simple question of how that previous Universe formed in the first place, and so on.

Then I wonder, how could God have created the Universe and if the Universe encompasses everything, where did God come from? Also, how could one single entity control what was going on in the entire Universe, or even just Earth.[/b][/color]

[wrist cutter]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by GinnyLyn [/i]
[B]You know, whether that was funny or not, that was offensive to me. It's like what Deus said--in my faith, it's not our place to say who's gonna suffer and who's not.[/B][/QUOTE]

You seem to be interpreting that statement the wrong way then, if it's offensive to you. Because absolutely none of it was serious - it was all sarcasm. If you are really having trouble with what I said, please PM me and I'd be happy to discuss it with you. But I think you're not understanding what I was trying to get across.

[Mitch]

[color=red] I, too, do not know if I'm certainly believing in God. To me, it just seems like another ledge for mankind to grasp to better themselves, and hold to have something to believe in. So I really don't know. But my parents really don't like that I really don't believe in God. But I don't know. I do and I don't. I don't and I do.

At least it's something to believe on to when I'm feeling low. That's all I use it for. Other than that, I find it sort of unable to believe. I need dire, good proof for such things. I'm not just going to believe in something because millions of others do so. I'm going to because I'm going to, not because of anyone else. So I don't know anymore. I really don't know. I was confirmed awhile ago, but I just don't know. It could be real, but then again, it's far from real.

I'm a Christan if you're wondering. So yeh. I'm not sure.[/color]

[Guest NeoRogueShadows]

Wow. You guys can really ramble for a long time without going into an argument. Although I think was about to start. Maybe. I dunno.

Normaly what I would do is collect everything and reply to each and every paragraph (which would takes a few posts in a row), however I'm not in that kind of mood right now, so instead I'll put down what I believe.

***

VEIWS ON GOD:

Are there creatures out there that are more powerful then a human? ****, yeah. Take a long look at a tiger. Is there only one of them? ****, no. That's like saying there's only one creature more powerful then an ant.

Saying there's only one supreme being is akin to saying there's one supreme Pokemon (sorry for this relation, but it's true). There isn't. Sure, there are POWERFUL pokemon, but no one is more powerful then all of the others. A simple bug pokemon could foil Mewtwo.

In the same way, there isn't one supreme creature out there. Sure, there's a POWERFUL creature, but no one is more powerful then all of the others. A simple well-placed dagger with Hind's blood on it could kill even Yahweh. (I know, I watched too much Xena, but oh well)

***

VEIWS ON THE MEANING OF LIFE:

Life is as life does. Life is too short to spend your time worrying about what happens in the next life, for what if there is no next life? What if there is no nirvana, or heaven, or Elyssium Feilds?

Live life to it's fullest. Embrace every nonosecond as if it were your last.

***

VEIWS ON SOME FORM OF PURGETORY:

If God forgives all, then how can there possibly be a Hell? Also, this contridicts the above, so therefor I cannot believe the above

***

VEIWS ON SIN:

Gluttony is definately my most favorite sin, followed closely by sloth.

[XeEmO]

I'm christian but I don't really want to be. I'm going to look into buddhism sometime soon.

[Sara]

[size=1]This really isn't directed at you, XeEmO, but it was built off of your post.

That does not make sense to me. "I'm a Christian but I don't want to be"?

If you don't want to be a Christian, that implies--and it is an assumption, but I think it's a pretty good one--that you do not agree with the basic principles.

If you do not agree with the principles of a religion, how can you believe that they are right?

If you do not believe that they are right, you do not believe in them. By that chain of logic...which I think is pretty reasonable, as far as theological ideas go...you are not a Christian.

Why would you claim to be a part of a religion you have no interest in remaining a part of? It seems as though you are only using that as a safeguard while you are looking around for something else to claim for yourself, which does not fit with what I perceive religion--any kind of religion--to be.

Your religion should be something that...for lack of a better word...embodies what you believe about "life, the universe, and everything." If you do not 'want' to be a Christian, and have a legitimate reason for that, you are not a Christian.

There may be something else out there that rings true for you, and there may not be.

But I have never been able to comprehend those people who say that they wish to 'change' their religion, or ask 'what do I have to believe/do to be [u][insert religion here: Wiccan/Buddhist/etc][/u]?'

It seems to me that they have decided "Oh, [i]that[/i] religion looks like fun, I'll try that for a while!" And perhaps that is was some of them do.. But I find that very troublesome.

Religion can be a very controversial subject. People have fought and died over what is right, and others have died because they would not give up what they believed in. It cheapens any religion to have rebel teens suddenly announce they've become Wiccan, simply because it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Shaping beliefs to fit your chosen religion compromises you, it compromises your new religion, and it compromises those who deeply believe that that religion is what embodies their beliefs.

There should be no need to change what you believe and do to change your religion. You should only adopt a religion that already makes sense to you and how you live.

Religion should not be a matter of picking and choosing beliefs and ideals to fit with your denomination/faith. It should be finding a faith that embodies all your beliefs and ideals.

I wonder if I'm making sense to anyone but myself. There's probably a good lesson for me somewhere in there.

Or else you're just playing the part of a rebel teen, there's always that.[/size]

[Semjaza]

I think all he meant is that he was brought up into a Christian way of living (through Baptism and such), but doesn't agree with it at this point in time. I'm baptised Catholic, I'm confirmed Catholic -- Nothing can really change that until I totally pick up another faith and go through it's ceremonies to enter it. That's not something that will happen for me anytime soon as I don't have any set organization I agree with.

I suppose you could denounce your faith, and that would cover it. If one hasn't done this, I could see why one would consider calling someone who still labels themselves Christian (but not practicing, agreeing or whatever else) would be thought of as a safeguard of sorts. I don't know if I'm clear on what you meant, but I don't think what he said was to be taken in that way exactly heh.

I totally understand the rest of what you have said though, and I very much agree.

[James]

[color=#507AAC]I don't think you need to even denounce your religion. What's the purpose of doing it anyway? To demonstrate to others that you've changed religion?

I don't think it matters. Most people choose a religion either because they were born into it or it suited their way of thinking/justified their life and opinions. And of course, there are those who truly study a religion and follow it through all the way.

Generally I think people should do what they feel is right for them. If you aren't enjoying being a Catholic, then don't call yourself one. Don't attend church and such. I mean, it's not very difficult. You can either choose another religion, become agnostic or even athiest.

I think sometimes people are too eager to label themselves. And religion shouldn't be about labeling. As Sara rightly said, it should be about the philosophies that you believe are true and good.[/color]

[Anna]

[quote][i]Originally posted by amibasuki [/i]
[b]mine is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, aka the Mormon religion.

and yes, we are Christians.[/b]

[i]Originally posted by Deus Ex Machina[/i]
[b]
apparently that's debatable.. but I have no opinion on it cos I don't actually understand the mormon religion.. (meaning "my mind is open- feel free to inform it as you will")

I'm intrigued though.. what is the actual apparent difference?..[/b][/quote]

What is debatable? Do I need to put stars and neon lights around the key words JESUS CHRIST? We worship Jesus Christ and are therefore Christians. End of "debate".

[Semjaza]

I didn't mean denounce in the sense that you'd tell everyone you know about what you currently consider yourself for no reason other than to get attention. I meant it in a sense that you'd totally free yourself of it (and it's confines, if you think of it that way). If you still refer to yourself as Christian, but don't agree with any of it... then I can see where the idea of the safeguard comes into play, which was my only real point with all that.

I tell people that technically I'm Catholic, because that's the religion I was born into, was baptised under, studied about, attended it's schools and was confirmed into. Whether or not I believe it or went in another direction is a different matter.

[AnimeAddict]

Proud Atheist right here!

[conpiracymonki]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by TED [/i]
[B][color=006699]
Then I wonder, how could God have created the Universe and if the Universe encompasses everything, where did God come from? Also, how could one single entity control what was going on in the entire Universe, or even just Earth.[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

[b][size=1]If God created the universe, then He created time and space along with it. So He's outside of space, and there is no where.. He's timeless and spaceless

..I think that's what I think

It's like if you created a string puppet that came to life. If it never saw a human being, I don't think it could imagine its creator as being stringless. You are totally separate from what you create.

I don't think God is just a force or an entity either. I think He's more than that, in that He is something unimaginable to us, again, because we can't understand anything outside of time and space, like the puppet.[/b]

Doesn't think he has put his across as well as he could have ><[/size]

[Rain]

[color=blue][size=1]Whoa...this topic's making my head hurt...^_^[/size][/color]

[quote][i]Originally posted by MistressRoxie[/i]
[b]I, myself, am Catholic. There are some things though, that I don't believe in that the Catholic Church believes in. For instance, I believe NOTHING of Adam and Eve. I can't even accept something like "there were two tribes of Adam and Eve." It's just not something I believe in.[/b][/quote]

[color=blue][size=1]Now, here's what I don't get. How can you believe one part of the story they're telling you, and then not believe another, let alone the beginning of the story? If you don't believe the Adam and Eve thing is true, doesn't that throw your beliefs out of whack? Who's to say the rest of the Bible isn't all a lie? If a person tells you something and you don't believe them, you're most probably going to think twice about believing anything else they tell you.

By the way, that wasn't an attack directed at you or anything, it's just something I've always wondered when people say that.[/size][/color]

[REVENGE2]

I would like to ask this, before this screen name is banned:

If God is timeless and spaceless, he therefor does not exist in time or space. The problem in that, you see, is this: It's somehwat reasonable that he does not exist in time, but seeing as space is EVERYTHING, where did God come from? The universe is EVERYTHING, after all.

I think it's more reasonable to say something like this:

The universe started; and at some point along the line, God was created. God did some funky stuff, screwed around with Earth completely, yadda yadda yadda, I could get into it but I have a feeling of impending doom so I'm not going to get into exactly why God's screwed up everything

[Juu]

[color=deeppink] [size=1]I'm Christian, but I haven't exactly been to church for three years. ^_^;
I do believe in god, but I'm not exactly too sure about Jesus.

My grandparents are buddists, though. ^_^;[/color] [/size]

[wrist cutter]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by REVENGE2 [/i]
[B]If God is timeless and spaceless, he therefor does not exist in time or space. The problem in that, you see, is this: It's somehwat reasonable that he does not exist in time, but seeing as space is EVERYTHING, where did God come from? The universe is EVERYTHING, after all.
[/B][/QUOTE]

Actually, isn't the universe expanding or shrinking or something? If so, that means that it isn't everything because it is shrinking or expanding within something larger. Or maybe not - I don't think you or I are in any position to start declaring what is and isn't everything.

I think Ajeh said pretty well what people believe God to be... above time and space, something more. Outside of our normal dimensions, something we simply cannot understand.

[Semjaza]

I think there are a good deal of Christians that consider the Creation story and things like it more of just a story than something they right out believe is true. At least based on people I've met. The Old and New Testaments are seperated as it is, and it doesn't seem like most people (outside of Noah, Genesis, Exodus and maybe some other random things) know all that much about the Old one. As such, thinking certain parts of the Old Testament were written more as parables (I couldn't think of a better word.. mostly to teach the power of God, morals and fill people's need of some sort of creation story) doesn't really affect most of the teachings in the New Testament, which is where all the Jesus Christ writings are anyway. That's my thought on the reasoning behind it anyway.

[Rhys Mayiessen]

[color=navy]Well I'm a Christan, Protastant, and a Baptist. Yeah I know there are sooooo many sections to Christans but oh well...Right now I don't really know what I believe...I'm confused:( [/color]

[Roxie Faye]

[color=#9933ff]Are you a prodestant and a bapist because your parents are of the two different religions and then, in turn, when you were born, you were born into both religions? If your'e confused about your religion, I suggest you ask the head of your churches to explain your religion to you (I'm sure they'd be happy to), and then, if it fits your beliefs, then continue to be a part fo that religion, and if it does not fit what you believe, then, well don't be part of that religion.



[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Rain [/i]
[B][color=blue][size=1]Now, here's what I don't get. How can you believe one part of the story they're telling you, and then not believe another, let alone the beginning of the story? If you don't believe the Adam and Eve thing is true, doesn't that throw your beliefs out of whack? Who's to say the rest of the Bible isn't all a lie? If a person tells you something and you don't believe them, you're most probably going to think twice about believing anything else they tell you.

By the way, that wasn't an attack directed at you or anything, it's just something I've always wondered when people say that.[/size][/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

[color=#9933ff]Actually, the majority of the bible is totally false. Some of the letters Paul wrote, stuff from before Christ was born was put in there after Paul died. The bible wasn't meant to be taken literally at all. It was there to show principles and beliefs. I doubt that Sarah was really 100 when she gave birth to her first son. The point was, that God(the Christian God) can create miracles. Jonah was probably not inside a whale EVER, but it was a story told to make a point, and besides, in ancient times, numbers stood for something. I think 4 and 40 stood for manlyness or something. 3 and 7 were divine, 6 was evil, etc.

You aren't supposed to believe in the actual stories and the events in them, but in the ideas behind them. In the story of Samson and Delailah, Samson wasn't strong any more, because his hair was cut off, he wasn't strong because he lost his faith in God. The story was meant to tell you to trust in put your faith in God.

The story of Adam and Eve was a story told to the ignorant to make them believe. So, if it was only a story, then why should I believe?

And, I'm not trying to be mean or anything, if that's what I sound like. ^_^;;;[/color]

[Dan L]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Anna [/i]
[B]What is debatable? Do I need to put stars and neon lights around the key words JESUS CHRIST? We worship Jesus Christ and are therefore Christians. End of "debate". [/B][/QUOTE]

I mean, [i]apparently[/i] it's debatable, as in, a lot of people are in some form of disagreement over the matter. I have no real opinion on it.

I should have made it more clear.. there are lots of people I wouldn't consider Christians, even in my own demoniation. It's one thing to worship Jesus and another to follow his ways. A lot of Anglicans, Catholics, and memebers of any denomination are like this. Generally there are only a few that actually understand the message. That doesn't mean they're all going to hell, cos I can't make that judgement, but they don't believe in the way they are supposed to.

What I was essentially asking is why there is apparently such a grudge against your denomination. Being a recent Christian I seriously have no ideas.



As for my views on people who can't understand why we would follow a religion- try telling a blind man, (born blind) what light is like. He's never seen it, can find no evidence of it, and could even choose not to believe it exists, for that reason. But it does.. they just can't see it.

[Sara]

[B][color=#9933ff]Are you a prodestant and a bapist because your parents are of the two different religions and then, in turn, when you were born, you were born into both religions?[/b][/color]

[size=1]I believe 'Baptist' is a Protestant denomination--Protestant is used to refer to the churches with broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation. Thus, Methodists, Baptists, and Lutherans are all Protestants.[/size]

[b][color=#9933ff]Actually, the majority of the bible is totally false.The bible wasn't meant to be taken literally at all. It was there to show principles and beliefs. [/color] [/B]

[size=1]I have heard people who believe that, although I don't. It makes sense... But since when does any religion make sense?

I think, where I stand on a theological scale, I need to take the Bible at face value. If one part of it is false, there is no guarantee the rest of it is true. However, my beliefs include that which Scripture is inspired by God, and "Scripture interprets Scripture."
If you can show me something in the Bible that proves the rest is false, I would belive you..but then, if the rest was false, so would that verse be, and it means that the rest is true. :whoops:

Don't you love paradoxes?

"A God who let us prove his existence would be an idol." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer [/size]

[Anna]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Deus Ex Machina [/i]
[B]I mean, [i]apparently[/i] it's debatable, as in, a lot of people are in some form of disagreement over the matter. I have no real opinion on it.

I should have made it more clear.. there are lots of people I wouldn't consider Christians, even in my own demoniation. It's one thing to worship Jesus and another to follow his ways. A lot of Anglicans, Catholics, and memebers of any denomination are like this. Generally there are only a few that actually understand the message. That doesn't mean they're all going to hell, cos I can't make that judgement, but they don't believe in the way they are supposed to.

What I was essentially asking is why there is apparently such a grudge against your denomination. Being a recent Christian I seriously have no ideas.
[/B][/QUOTE]

Ah, I see. ::smiles:: I was a little too curt, and I apologize. Truthfully I do not understand why some people do not consider Mormons Christians. However, there are ignorant people in the world who will gulp down rumors like sweet honey, and these rumors cause a lot of falsehood and complete misrepresentation of our religion. I encourage you to investigate for yourself as there is a LOT to our religion, and it's nothing to do with any like, rituals or extravagent ceremonies--not that kind of "lot"--but it's not very easy to understand, and there's no way I could sum everything up in one post here. One word of caution: if you truly want to know, look where the sources are correct; i.e. if you go looking around in 'anti' crap, that's exactly what you'll find. But if you want answers, [url]http://www.lds.org[/url] is the easiest place I can think of. Yeah, when and if you go there, let me know if you think we are Christian or not :rolleyes:.