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People only use the Lord as an excuse to be nice. All type of religion is nothing but a bunch of storys passed on threw generations. Fairy tails. The bible or anything you hear about "you're going to hell if you don't go to church". are all just a way for you to "act" good, stay out of trouble, ect.. Its like giving a baby some candy to make it stop crying. We all need to understand, that nothing out there is true. Show me proof, of this, so called son of god...
I always thought the same....that it was a story or fairy tale passed down from generation to generation. Fairy tales all have a moral to the story...even most nursery rhymes have a moral.Quote:
Originally Posted by Maniac
I am a prove it to me person, as well. I never understand why I am supposed to have faith. I have had this discussion on here before. It just doesn't make sense to me that if God loves me and wants me to believe in him, then he should get to know me and know that I need proof :)
Thats what stuck out to me when I read this. It sounds like your priority for yourself is higher than actually seeking Him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
If you seek him honestly, i'm sure he will speak to you again in some way. It seems like he already has done something to you for you to start reading the bible. Also, if you have more questions and your having a hard time finding them in the bible, try and find some type of bible study group you could join.
Theres probably a better way this could have been said, but I usually have a hard time explaining. I did refer to my bible and devotional book to try and find something that would help.
I am being completely selfish about it. I'm reading the bible right now and next I will move onto the Koran and so on until I feel I have been "struck". If I never get to that place, then I guess I may just burn in hell:). Overall, I feel like a pretty good person and I think that's what God wants from what I am hearing and reading.
To me, what you just said is I should have faith because God says so. Awesome. That helped me have faith! :D
I do believe there is a God. I just don't know his name or whether or not I believe in the Bible entirely. So, referring me back to what the Bible says, when I have questions about what the Bible says and why I should believe doesn't answer any of my questions about the Bible. It's just like a big circle that I never get to the end of.
Well, I honestly think thats not the right way you will find your answer. I am sure God has a plan for you and maybe this is it, and who am I to question Him?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
Which part do you feel is not the right way? The reading of the other books?Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoyboy
It just does not sound right to me how your telling God to prove himself to you. Were his children and He is our father.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
I just started thinking about it and wondered what our reaction would be if some child demanded us for something. Maybe a better example for you, some random person or child came up to you and said you couldn't drift and for some reason there was no car around(sorry for the bad example! It sounded better in my head=P) I know I probably wouldn't handle that in the best way, but God does because He is love.
Anyways, I'm browsing through my Bible to find some parts that may be answers to your questions, instead of you just reading parts that you heard before, or is just mostly history. So far, I've found James 2:14-26
If you want, I could try to search more things if you would be interested.
I'm not demanding anything. I'm just saying how I feel. I can't change how I feel right now. I am trying to and being honest with myself and with my feelings and why I am doing what I am doing seems to be the best way.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoyboy
I'm interested. But what exactly are you looking for....like which question are you trying to answer?
I just feel that when I ask a question about the Bible, I don't want to be referred back to it. I want a "real" humanly interpreted answer. I want to know what other took from what the Bible says. I am already reading the Bible and I still have questions. I just don't understand how the Bible can answer my questions about the Bible that I am questioning :)
hmm, I think I understand now. Its good that your reading and you should continue. It would be good for others as well as us if we knew more clearly what questions you were asking.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
It looks like your original questions got answered by lots of people. I'm sure others wouldn't mind helping you with any others you may have.
Yea, I really appreciate it. I haven't read much lately, like I said. I felt bogged down and needed a break. Maybe I'll read up a little today. I have a question like every page I read. :crazy:Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoyboy
I haven't been reading much either. I've been reading my devotions everyday, which had some verses in them, but I haven't been reading directly through. I did try to start reading through the whole bible too, but kinda stopped.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
But yea, questions come up alot and it would be great to have everyones input. Also, theres another version of the bible called the message. I've only read a little, but I think it does a better job of giving examples, and I guess you could say it comes off a little more contemporary?
You can try looking the message version up or any other if you'd like on www.biblegateway.com
I am reading a contemporary version. I didn't get the message though. You are the 2nd to suggest it.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoyboy
Thanks for the link.
So you have never read the entire Bible?
No problem for the link. So far, I have not read the entire Bible. Actually, I can honestly say I don't remember the last book I read entirely. Yea I know, thats pretty sad =(Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
See, that is one of the confusing things to me. I am reading because I believe that: how can I stand for something I'm not educated on? Reading has got to be a big step in educating yourself on the Bible, otherwise you are just listening to others views and interpretations and not forming your own. That's why I am going to read all of the books if I can before I make a decision.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoyboy
How do you know what you know? How can you believe in something you haven't really gotten to know?
and that's fine...Quote:
Originally Posted by Maniac
but coming into a thread like this with the attitude you have is what is BS...
who are you to tell any of us that we're wrong?? and vice versa... you've said it countless times that it's sooooo wrong for a christian to say "I KNOW THERE IS"... yet you are always saying "I KNOW THERE ISN'T"...
It's funny cause everyone I find who openly bashes religion is always ignorant and has no real understanding of how religions work. I'm not saying if you aren't religious you're ignorant. It's just funny because the people who reject religion are 1 of 2 people:
1. Those that are truly ignorant and use extremely biased material to try to prove their point. How are you going to use examples from the Bible when you don't understand it? That's like trying to convince a physics professor that gravity doesn't exist, and you've never taken a physics course in your life.
2. Those that understand religion but choose to reject it. These are the people you never hear anything out of. This is the path that Tracy is going down and it is very respectable. Even if she finishes the Bible but rejects the religion, at least she has her facts right and understands what she is rejecting.
I reject it and I understand more about it than most people who support it. Religion is the worst thing to happen to spirituality - PERIOD. To each his own though.
Whatever makes people sleep better at night for their 80 years here is fine by me, as long as it doesn't cause problems for me. ;) G/L Tracy, and if you have questions I think that studying religion (MANY, not just Christianity) in college, and having a grandad who is a preacher I am sure I can get you the answers you will need... although a lot of the answers leads to new questions. It's quite the mind fuck, but some people make it work (in part) for them. It's written in a way that you never "arrive" - u die somewhere along the way before you get there.
I would also like to add that I am not religious.
This is another reason I am reading. I like to debate (some call it arguing:)). In doing so, I like to know my shit. I just think along the way of educating myself, maybe something will make sense. If it doesn't at least I can say I tried and continue to argue my points...all while knowing my shit.Quote:
Originally Posted by fcman
^^ Thank you for correcting that - I am spiritual, but like you I am not religious either. Being spiritual leads me to teach people right, do right, and be a good steward -- NOT b/c I think there are streets of gold somewhere... but b/c it's the right thing to do.
I would also like to point out that my statement was directed more towards Maniac.Quote:
Originally Posted by BABY J
I know man - we're good. ;)
Thanks :)Quote:
Originally Posted by BABY J
This is also one of my points when I say I am generally a good person and I think God is fine with that. That's what makes me feel ok about religion and how I have handled it. I have my complete view on what I think is true. It's a mix of things that just make common sense TO ME. It would be cool to pick up a book that verified what I believe in my heart...I don't expect it to happen, but it would be nice. I sleep just fine, Bible or not :)
fcman repped.... great post man...
Your right about that 100%. I should be reading the bible daily. I'll start reading a chapter or two after I do my devotion.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tracy
I know there is a couple verses somewhere that says to memorize scriptures so that you know what you really believe in and that help you overcome temptation.
I'll post when I can find them
The interesting thing is most overly religious people do this exact same thing also
Quote:
Originally Posted by fcman
What makes the right thing to do, the right thing to do? Maybe the right thing to do is to just jump on every female and have sex with them... that's how it happens in the animal world anyways.. and according to many.. we evolved from animals.... :)Quote:
Originally Posted by BABY J
Surely the 'right thing to do' must have be influenced from somewhere.. a rule, a mantra, a guideline, a teaching..... call it if you will...., but definitely not a 'theory'....
don't get me wrong, I think it is very honorable what you are doing, but religion is not that far off in its teachings. It is based on the same principles of 'good', and 'doing the right thing', adding only the component of an omnipotent God.
We ARE part of the animal kingdom.Quote:
Originally Posted by ISAtlanta300
interesting..
What I should have said - is doing what I feel is right - Mormans think that it's right to have multiple wives. Extreme Islamics think it's right to blow up people in a busy market. Extreme christians feel it's right to connect EVERY decision of their life to God, when he CLEARLY made us the "smartest" species on this planet. And as far as animals go, look around. It's not a free for all - animals "court" and "win" their mates just like we do - it's not instant ass for every cow in the pasture and bird in the sky.Quote:
Originally Posted by ISAtlanta300
You can't say "religion is based off of everything that is 'good'", b/c there are MANY religions. And that's why I say that religion is the worst thing to happen to spirituality - there are more people dead b/c of religion than anything else you can name - yeah... how holy is that? LOL.
I am not saying that there is no God - what I will say that in my opinion, we have missed the whole ship on what we are supposed to be doing here. People kneel down beside their bed saying "oh God help the starving" and then run to their fridge and throw out a gallon of milk just b/c it's getting close to the expiration date. They kneel down and say "oh God, bless the homeless", yet an entire room of their 3BR house is dedicated to storing old porn mags and "unused" furniture. If there is a God (in my mind), he is looking down and saying "what a worthless heap of shit I have created." I have given them the best of ALL creatures that I have created, yet they ask for more from ME. I have given them EVERY tool at their reach if they would just reach at it, yet they reach their hands UP to me, when they should be reaching their arms OUT to each other. The less traveled you are... the less you have seen in the world, the easier it is to believe that there is a God and gold streets and a heaven waiting for you.
Slowly but surely, people all over the world are getting "out" of "religion". They are realizing that their 80 years on Earth is likely the best life they will ever have - there is no proof otherwise. With this mentality, it FORCES you to treat people right the FIRST time around - b/c there is no "repenting" to a non-existing God later. It FORCES you to do the right thing the 1st time, and not use "well, God knows my heart/intentions" cop-out when you make bad choices. W/ no God (or God as it is taught) there is no WMD - no war.
I do hope that every1 finds whatever it is you are lookinf for in life - what a waste to spend your whole life following/looking, but still not being able to answer the most basic questions for yourself or your friends. GOod day.
http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/...5&postcount=81
and
http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/...8&postcount=26
Quote:
Originally Posted by BABY J
Amen!!!!!111111111!!!!!
*bold - definitely something to think about ;)
I just read your links. You think just like me. Why did you study religion?
I can attest to that... Scott isnt jewish.. I have been disowned by most of my family.. my dad hasnt spoken to me in 3 1/2 years.. but to me.. he is the one i love.. the one i wanna wake up with...
I grew up in a religious family. My grandad is the pastor of a Baptist church in Griffin. I grew up singing in the choir, playing bass/drums. As I got older - I chose a non-denominational church (Creflo Dollar Jr.) and would only help (play bass) my gramps when I could. There is one standard theme I think - and that is to "faith away" parts of 'religon' that can't be understood - and that was not good enough for me. I do LOVE the teachings of the bible (no all of the bible is something you want to share w/ your kids though) - HOWEVER, devout Christians (IMO) are a product of their environment. If they were born in Iraq, chances are they would be Islamic. If you were born/raised in China, chances are you'd be Buddhist. People run around saying "I am Presbyterian" - but if you ask them "why not Lutheran" they could not tell you 1) what a Lutheran is, or 2) what a Presbyterian is - or how they differ.
So in order for me to choose, I gathered as much information as I could - something that a lot of Christians don't/haven't done. You are doing the right thing by educating yourself before you make what I think is a very personal choice for your life. Don't be some1 that does something, but doesn't know why. Once you start studyung religion - REALLY studying it, you find out that there are more similarities than there are differences... yet Christians seem to be the most arrogant of them all (IMO).
Good luck.
Imagine that - "love conquers all - as long as they are both Jewish". What a mind fuck. Religion/religious people are such hypocrites sometimes. But so is every1 else. The most articulate person I know that supports it on IA is Jaime... we have a love/love relationship and I ebjoy everytime we talk - bc we both get our points across and we still respect each other.Quote:
Originally Posted by The Ren
I'm not saying that I don't believe in my religon.. This is alot of things in my religon im 100% aggreance on, but there are alot im not. In this day in age its not always easy finding someone you love unconditionally and who love you back the same.. and why not hold on to that when you find it you know?
well im atheist, so nothing applies to me. YAY!
so basically i could run someone over, and not feel bad about it, or have to worry about going to hell. LOL!
But see, i think you are probably confusing religion as a group, 'clique' or 'sect' or just being RELIGIOUS in that you believe in God. In my example, I don't tithe. I don't go to church (but i was raised a catholic). I don't believe in the Pope. But yet I consider myself a religious person because i believe in God.....Quote:
Originally Posted by BABY J
It's interesting because me and my fiancee were talking about it. She was not raised in any religion. I was raised a catholic. Yet, we have basically the same views on God.
Indeed I agree with you that the true danger is from the fanatics that would not dare question their religion, and seek out answers for themselves or do their research. I did, (still doing it as a matter of fact) and hence i have a basis or opinion in what i believe it. I may be wrong, or i may be right. In the end there will be only one answer though.
There are a lot of thing that i know that I am not certain about, but I know that in the end lest i be judged, I be judged for my deeds and not my denomination.
y is that native americans and medevil people talk a bout dinosaurs but the bible doesnt..
but it does talk bout unicorns in the bible
I assure you that I am not confused - I use terms that most will "get" on this forum. ;) As far as you and your fiance are concerned - tell me what you think of this verse:Quote:
Originally Posted by ISAtlanta300
2 Corinthians 6:14/ (King James Version)
How far does this verse reach out to YOU?? How far should followers take it? Just a thought - and I want your input.