Religious Debate

Nah it's not that it's the fact that English wasn't my best subject LOL

In Christianity, Paul tells us that of faith, hope and love that the greatest is love. On my travels throughout the Far East and nearly every region of the US, I have met people claiming to be of many religions, and claiming to be of none. In all cases some have been wonderful caring people and some have been absolute
a--holes but most have been somewhere in between. Many of Hitler's henchmen claimed to be a Christian and thought that what they were doing God's will. I just read an article on Mother Theresa that stated that from the time she went to Calcutta until her death that she had her doubts. Ironic isn't it. Misdirected faith can be dangerous.

Yes. I know. I was answering the question about if you're relgious and if it is what you do, how you act or what you believe. I will not start a bible quote debate because they never end. Also, every time I mention the dirty word "Christian" it is always followed by hitler, slavery and/or the crusades. these people weren't really christians, they obviously did not follow God's laws. end of story. when you have billions of people, some are going to do bad things. Christian is the majority in America so it has to be ridiculed, i guess. the bigger the target, the more darts are going to hit it. the other religions in here are small targets, i never see people assaulting them as much as I have been. but, i haven't been here long either.

Maryellen,

Whether you think that you are the target of attack or think you are. Me personal, an tired of the one who claim to be Christian coming up do me as they do. How many people you know have been stop at a grave side services inquiring on my religious beliefs my Ministers, Reverends and Priest without me saying a word to anyone how I believe.

I think the reasons catch the most flack is due to them being pushy about it. If you want to be a Christian, then more power to you. It is not in my power to change anyone, and i would not even if I could. So please sit back and relax. If you wish to learn, you must first learn to listen.

No this not an attack on anyone, just expressing my feelings to what you just said, That's all

i deleted what i put earlier. i'm tired. i can't delete this post, don't know how.

Maryellen, my comments were not directed at you or at anyone in particular, I was just stating my thoughts as a Christian who knows that he is right but doesn't think that everybody else or anybody else is wrong. Christianity doesn't have a monopoly on good and caring people with strong faith in God(even if they use a different name than I do.) In America, there is a lot of Muslim bashing going on since 9/11 but my experience with Muslims in this country and overseas is that they are no different than people who claim to be Christian. Both have those that use their "Book" to justify hate and violence, and those who use it to show love and consideration for their neighbor.

Faith in a god or gods and living the ways of that god/gods are all that can be asked of anyone...

I agree that no religion has a monoply on god...

One faith is no better then another, that is what I have been trying to say all along, but have been branded a trouble maker... I can live with that, as long as folks can listen and learn and not preach.

We are all here for each other and until we understand that there will be misunderstandings.

Shadows, I think that you and I are on the same page. What I believe we are both saying that we need to respect one another. If everybody lived that, this would be a much different world.

One faith is no better then another

So you would put all Christians, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, pagan etc. all on the same page as believing in god/s and doing his or her works?

Or subsets of Christianity itself for that matter? Eastern Orthodox vs. Roman Catholic vs. any number of Protestant denominations. They lay claim to the same primanry diety but differ on fundamental aspects, especially in regards to the degree of human-ness vs. god-ness present in Jesus at differing times in his life.

Marryellen gets points! EXCEPT for the too-broad staetment about the faith vs. works doctrines. Some forms of Christianity DO place faith above works, others place works as the primary focus....where still others suggest that it's all pre-ordained and it doesn't matter what one does in this life.

I haven't even thought much about the subject since I graduated from college and sadly, I can't remember much about it.....but like a good little academic, I still know what library shelf to look on to jog the memory.

Still and all, the forum DOES include the both the words RELIGIOUS and DEBATE so if one is prone to raise one's hackles when it gets too close to to the bone, one should not participate.

How badly did I mix my metaphors there, Ms. Teacher?

All due respect, Maryellen, my intuition tells me you're a great instructor!

RON

What I am saying is that I am not in a position to condemn any individual for their personal beliefs, I know what I believe, I do not know what they believe and I can only base my opinions on the way they conduct themselves. Am I right? I believe so. Are they wrong? I don't know therefore I cannot judge them but I will respect them.

Well Put!!!

Yes I do!! Because god/gods and religion are personal things. As stated above by McHaggis about the different sects of religion ... there are many interpretations even in your own religious beliefs. Actions speak louder then words, I guess in the end as you see it we will see who is correct. I only hope the end is more intune with my beliefs and all creation will continue on in the spirit of the Creator since I do not believe in Hell I know I won't go there; humm I have lived some there already.

McHaggis, yes I forgot how much some religions differ. I don't understand how they all claim to follow the same bible but have such different interpretations. it doesn't make sense. I don't understand how it says, thou shalt not kill, and its okay to murder babies or people in jail.

but this would go with most fundamental beliefs I would think- respect life. How differently we respect it i guess is the question. No one has all the answers. Let's hope we ask the right questions though. on the topic hell, I heard the pope say something to the effect of: we know there are people in heaven, no one is postive there are people in hell. so shadows, where do the bad people go? or ones that refuse to believe? just curious, not personal.

I've read through this new thread and I find I want to add a comment, something that has been on my mind for a few weeks now.

We humans are such screwed up beings that it is no wonder we so easily misunderstand and hurt each other.

But communication is a wonderful thing when it can be done so everyone is heard.

The point I want to voice is that many Christians are taught that to leave a person in unbelief of Jesus is no different than leaving a person along side the road bleeding to death.

So, for those of you who have known disrespect of your beliefs from the mouths of
Christians, understand that this may be where it is coming from. It may be based more in their view of compassion than judgment.

I am not claiming that attitude to be right or wrong. Just throwing it out to foster better understanding.

Truthfully, after finding out some people last winter intentionally set fire to my neighbor's empty house, knowing my children were sleeping not 20 feet away has me feeling not very high on my fellow man at the moment. Anyone got a cave in the middle of nowhere that can house six, a dog and two cats? Religion of the landlord irrelevant.