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I have learned a great deal over the many years that I have been a part of this forum.I have learned that it is possible for those of us of different faiths and beliefs or non-beliefs, can at times be civil to one another, all we ever ask for is respect. If you take the time to sit and talk and listen in a respectful way, I believe we will all find that there are a lot of similarities within our different beliefs and customs. I have learned that atheists, despite what others may think of them, are just as human as the rest of us, their only difference is that they do not have a belief in a deity and I find absolutely nothing wrong with that, after all it's a choice and we are all entitled to making our own choices. Those of the different denominations of the Christian faith, I find it hard to believe that there should be such argument over your Christian religion, you're all reading from the same book and instead of arguing and denouncing one another you should be coming together to help those with in your faith who truly need help. Those of the Islamic faith seem to have the same problem as those of the Christian faith to many different sects, you're reading from the same book also but just like Christianity is, too many different interpretations. The one thing that I have learned which makes no sense to me is why there is this belief that you have to destroy those of another belief, this is something I have never been able to understand and never will. To me my belief is just as valid as the next person's but then I also know that what and how I believe is not for everyone and therefore I make no proclamations as to my belief being better than the next person's. I do not put myself above anybody and I believe that we are all equal within the eyes of the Creator.This is what I have learned over the many years of being on this forum. I have come in contact with many wise individuals and some who I sometimes wonder why they are even here. I take an interest in every thread, though there are those that I will not respond to, but are interesting just the same.I have also learned that if you sit and read long enough you will find out that there are many different opinions on the subject of religion and spirituality, so in the long run, it's real interesting.
I've learned that some who identify as Christians actually believe that St. Paul was a heretic. That's right...the author of most of the Christian NT...a heretic. I must say, even as a non-religious person I am stunned. What's next, Muslims saying that Mohammed was a heretic?
I've learned that some who identify as Christians actually believe that St. Paul was a heretic. That's right...the author of most of the Christian NT...a heretic. I must say, even as a non-religious person I am stunned. What's next, Muslims saying that Mohammed was a heretic?
I The one thing that I have learned which makes no sense to me is why there is this belief that you have to destroy those of another belief, this is something I have never been able to understand and never will. To me my belief is just as valid as the next person's but then I also know that what and how I believe is not for everyone and therefore I make no proclamations as to my belief being better than the next person's.
Here's why:
If your religion contradicts mine, and your religion is right, then that means my religion is wrong! Well...we can't have that! Therefore your religion must be destroyed at any cost.
Or at least that's the thinking behind a lot of religious conflict, as far as I can tell.
Paul wrote most of the NT. He's probably 2nd only to Jesus himself as far as his influence on the Christian religion. I've started a new thread on this topic so that I don't derail this thread.
If your religion contradicts mine, and your religion is right, then that means my religion is wrong! Well...we can't have that! Therefore your religion must be destroyed at any cost.
Or at least that's the thinking behind a lot of religious conflict, as far as I can tell.
My people have a saying; "A Warrior Who Trusts His Own Path, Does not need to prove that the other is Wrong."
My people have a saying; "A Warrior Who Trusts His Own Path, Does not need to prove that the other is Wrong."
Wise words. Unfortunately, an awful lot of faith is based on the illusion that "everyone else in the world believes as I (or we) do." When that illusion is shattered, all hell breaks loose.
Wise words. Unfortunately, an awful lot of faith is based on the illusion that "everyone else in the world believes as I (or we) do." When that illusion is shattered, all hell breaks loose.
that's exactly why we believe our spiritual and cultural beliefs are personal
that's exactly why we believe our spiritual and cultural beliefs are personal
Right now in the U.S. there seems to be a slow movement away from "organized" beliefs and toward "personal" beliefs. I see that as a positive trend, since I think it is much less likely to lead to things like religious war.
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