Religion will eventually become obsolete (churches, gospel, Israel, Mary)

[mommiewrites]

Originally Posted by ptsum

While I'm glad to see that we do have something in common,A sense of humor,And I can see where you have been exposed to many different religions,That is good,You seem to have made a very wise and informative choice based on your exposure to the different religions and cultures,Very few people ever do such a thing. I do have a question?If it is of no imposition
to you,Perhaps you would tell me what you have learned from the other religions and cultures.I asked this question only as to be more informative,You see it is my belief that the more you learn about other cultures and religions, the more tolerant we become.

What have I learned? hmmm thats an interesting question...have to think about that one.

I think the thread that links many (if not most) religions is peace and tolerance. That simply because someone is of a different Faith than you, does not mean that they are 'lesser' than you, or a 'worse person', or any of that foolishness.

I think the thing that resounds so much with me and Christianity is that Jesus invited the 'sinners' to be around him- to dine with him- to learn from him - not those who were already in God's favor. That even sinners have a way to redemption. Matthew 25:40 ( I think, I am horrible at remembering scripture verse numbers!) says (roughly) : "whatever you did for the least, you did for me"

Really- thats pretty remarkable, and a pretty good standard to live by, regardless of religion- think about it...to treat someone who needs something- whether its a coat, a meal, or a shoulder to cry on, to offer it to them. To not deny them because they have less money or 'stuff' than you, or they are dirty or a sinner, or a different religion. To help them, simply because they need help. IF the world went by that standard, it would surely be a more peaceful place!

I am sure we have all known Christians (or any other religion) who have a 'holier than thou' attitude. This is not the attitude or demeanor Jesus would want us to take. If one person is inspired by my 'nothingness' and my faith, and it 'plants a mustard seed' in their heart, and they think 'you know what- this chick is all right...shes not snobby or mean or thinks shes better than anyone else...maybe theres something to this Jesus thing' and goes to learn more- that is all I can hope for.

My mom recently made a statement to me about how I never worry about anything, and am always calm and collected, and nothing ever seems to bother me ( she is the type who freaks out over EVERYTHING- I'm sure you know someone like that!) and she asked me how and why I was able to be that way.

My answer was simple (although not to her liking). IT was that I know everything will work out. I have faith in God to bring me through my challenges. And with that faith, comes a calmness. Its not that I don't worry or stress- I certainly do! But I hand my problems to the Lord and ask for his help in resolving them. And he's always come through.

Yeah...she didn't like my answer much. But she did ask! And I responded.

Not really sure if that answered your question (probably not, I do a really good job at going off on tangents!).

What have I learned? Everyone does what they feel is right. For some its a religion, for others is no religion. While I may disagree, 'only he who is without sin can pass judgment'...so...since I sin...I don't pass judgment. I speak what I know to be the truth, and try to be the kind of person that one of ANY religion can get along with and feel comfortable with.

whoa that was long. Did I mention I'm a writer by trade? lol

[ptsum]

Originally Posted by mommiewrites

What have I learned? hmmm thats an interesting question...have to think about that one.

I think the thread that links many (if not most) religions is peace and tolerance. That simply because someone is of a different Faith than you, does not mean that they are 'lesser' than you, or a 'worse person', or any of that foolishness.

I think the thing that resounds so much with me and Christianity is that Jesus invited the 'sinners' to be around him- to dine with him- to learn from him - not those who were already in God's favor. That even sinners have a way to redemption. Matthew 25:40 ( I think, I am horrible at remembering scripture verse numbers!) says (roughly) : "whatever you did for the least, you did for me"

Really- thats pretty remarkable, and a pretty good standard to live by, regardless of religion- think about it...to treat someone who needs something- whether its a coat, a meal, or a shoulder to cry on, to offer it to them. To not deny them because they have less money or 'stuff' than you, or they are dirty or a sinner, or a different religion. To help them, simply because they need help. IF the world went by that standard, it would surely be a more peaceful place!

I am sure we have all known Christians (or any other religion) who have a 'holier than thou' attitude. This is not the attitude or demeanor Jesus would want us to take. If one person is inspired by my 'nothingness' and my faith, and it 'plants a mustard seed' in their heart, and they think 'you know what- this chick is all right...shes not snobby or mean or thinks shes better than anyone else...maybe theres something to this Jesus thing' and goes to learn more- that is all I can hope for.

My mom recently made a statement to me about how I never worry about anything, and am always calm and collected, and nothing ever seems to bother me ( she is the type who freaks out over EVERYTHING- I'm sure you know someone like that!) and she asked me how and why I was able to be that way.

My answer was simple (although not to her liking). IT was that I know everything will work out. I have faith in God to bring me through my challenges. And with that faith, comes a calmness. Its not that I don't worry or stress- I certainly do! But I hand my problems to the Lord and ask for his help in resolving them. And he's always come through.

Yeah...she didn't like my answer much. But she did ask! And I responded.

Not really sure if that answered your question (probably not, I do a really good job at going off on tangents!).

What have I learned? Everyone does what they feel is right. For some its a religion, for others is no religion. While I may disagree, 'only he who is without sin can pass judgment'...so...since I sin...I don't pass judgment. I speak what I know to be the truth, and try to be the kind of person that one of ANY religion can get along with and feel comfortable with.

whoa that was long. Did I mention I'm a writer by trade? lol

Do you realize that what you have just described as your religion and your belief is very similar to my native belief, the only difference is the names that we give our creators, so you see there are similarities in the basics of all religions and cultures. We are not that dissimilar in our beliefs.

[mommiewrites]

Originally Posted by ptsum

We are not that dissimilar in our beliefs.

no, we are not. Most religions are quite peaceful. Sure, you get the crazies in all groups who just go way overboard and start reading all sorts of crazy things into what their doctrine teaches,but not much anyone can do about that!

I happen to believe that the only way to get to heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as my savior, and accept that he died for not just my sins, but the sins of the entire world- past present and future ( which is a pretty amazing thought!!!) If I, a peon like me, can be forgiven my sins how can I not forgive others? For that fact, how can I not accept others as they are, when I am accepted as I am?

God gave us free will- that includes the free will to worship him, or... a ketchup bottle

I may not agree, but its of no use to argue over it. So, I pray.

Kind of like parenting. Everyone does it a little different (some a LOT different). But we all have the same goal, and same love for our kids. The other 'common denominator'? We all think we are doing it the 'right' way- and usually try to convince others who do it different -that our way is better!

[ptsum]

Originally Posted by mommiewrites

no, we are not. Most religions are quite peaceful. Sure, you get the crazies in all groups who just go way overboard and start reading all sorts of crazy things into what their doctrine teaches,but not much anyone can do about that!

I happen to believe that the only way to get to heaven is to accept Jesus Christ as my savior, and accept that he died for not just my sins, but the sins of the entire world- past present and future ( which is a pretty amazing thought!!!) If I, a peon like me, can be forgiven my sins how can I not forgive others? For that fact, how can I not accept others as they are, when I am accepted as I am?

God gave us free will- that includes the free will to worship him, or... a ketchup bottle

I may not agree, but its of no use to argue over it. So, I pray.

Kind of like parenting. Everyone does it a little different (some a LOT different). But we all have the same goal, and same love for our kids. The other 'common denominator'? We all think we are doing it the 'right' way- and usually try to convince others who do it different -that our way is better!

The common denominator that you speak of is not part of my culture,I do not try to convince anybody that my way is the right way or their way is the wrong way.If you wish to learn about my culture or my beliefs that is fine with me, But I will not try to convince you that that is the right way.If a person wishes to pray to a ketchup bottle,that's their choice,I'm not going to try to convince them that the mustard bottle is better, Although sometimes I prefer mustard over ketchup on my hamburgers.

In my culture we have a belief in a creator,This is all we really need,our creator has provided us with the necessary tools that we need for survival,our creator has also shown us how to respect all living things And to be tolerant of all peoples beliefs. this is not a religion to us,this is a lifestyle,we live this every day of our lives,And all we ask is for others to respect that,as we respect all others beliefs and religions.

I must say this has been an interesting conversation with you,I have enjoyed it very much and hope to have such conversations in the future.

[3~Shepherds]

mommiewrites and ptsum, very good reading from both of you!!

I have to admit when sitting at a table and the ketchup bottle is empty, I do pray that the one on the next table is full.

[mommiewrites]

Originally Posted by ptsum

I must say this has been an interesting conversation with you,I have enjoyed it very much and hope to have such conversations in the future.

So have I.

Originally Posted by 3~Shepherds

mommiewrites and ptsum, very good reading from both of you!!

I have to admit when sitting at a table and the ketchup bottle is empty, I do pray that the one on the next table is full.

I must admit, I do the same!

[ptsum]

Originally Posted by 3~Shepherds

mommiewrites and ptsum, very good reading from both of you!!

I have to admit when sitting at a table and the ketchup bottle is empty, I do pray that the one on the next table is full.

I usually look for the mustard.... I do believe that if we were to ever sit down at the table,that we could have a very civil conversation and possibly learn from one another. It's a shame that more people can't do this.

[mommiewrites]

Originally Posted by ptsum

I usually look for the mustard.... I do believe that if we were to ever sit down at the table,that we could have a very civil conversation and possibly learn from one another. It's a shame that more people can't do this.

we might even laugh and have a good time...oh nooooo!

I agree, it is a shame that many get riled up and can't even listen bother to listen.

I look for mustard if I'm having a corndog. See- mustard has its place in the world!

[3~Shepherds]

Originally Posted by ptsum

I usually look for the mustard.... I do believe that if we were to ever sit down at the table,that we could have a very civil conversation and possibly learn from one another. It's a shame that more people can't do this.

Oh, you are so right here!! Could be a very interesting chat, if it went into the night we will need more then mustard and ketchup!!

As for 'RELIGION' I really don't see it EVER going away. Too many beliefs are trying to prove the other wrong. I believe we miss the meaning of God's Plan when we discredit each other in the name of God.

[Nikk]

Originally Posted by b. frank

Well I can (barely) understand that.
But you still say you believe in Christianity, no? How could you not?
Isn't this really a way to rectify all of the many divergent Christian views (i.e. a way to say that your particular denom. is right without saying that others are necessarily wrong)?
Very perplexing. Also, it's another thing that appears unique to Christians. I haven't heard of any devout Jews or Muslims who say that they think religion is a bad thing. And I never hear: "I am a Christian but I think Christianity is bad" or even, "I believe in Christ but I think Christianity is bad." What gives?

I notice that despite your emphatic YES responses to some of my questions, you did not answer that way to this one that was in there: "Do you hope (pray) that Christianity becomes obsolete?" It seems that you cannot or will not say YES to that, but the rest of your post implies that you should. Of course, if you did, that would make no sense either.

YES, I want Christianity to become obsolete.... That is when The Christ, Jesus Christ returns to earth. When he comes here it will lay to rest all of the questions. All other gods and all religions will be thrown down. We will not have to believe anything anymore, because the evidence will be with us. It is written that there is a time coming that God will dwell with man. Earth will no longer be called earth but will be called "God is there".