Christianity and the Hobby

[Dasani]

Originally Posted by Nina A. Ross

I'm non-denominational, because I love all people.

So far, everywhere I go, everyone believes different things.
So I stay true, to knowing who I am, and know that, God leads me, no matter what.
I am truly blessed... and believe blessing, come in disguise.
So... I would not, be a provider, if it was not, for God.
Oh and I mesh fine, because of family support.
They believe, I should let God, lead me.

Not opinions.

I forgot to add, faith helps.

[monkish]

This thread, much like Jesus, has arisen again.

[GneissGuy]

Are things forbidden because they are wrong, or wrong because they are forbidden?

I believe it's wrong to produce babies when you aren't prepared to care for them.
I believe it's wrong to spread venereal diseases.

Sex outside marriage can produce the above two results.

Is sex outside marriage wrong because it can lead to neglected babies and spread of disease, or is it wrong because a mystic tells you it's wrong?

If you take care to avoid unwanted pregnancy and spread disease, is unmarried sex still wrong?

Many religions and cultures consider extramarital sex wrong because the guy is stealing the woman, who is another man's property. Haven't we gotten over this?

Was Galileo committing a sin because he didn't believe the sun went around the earth?

Were the Spanish Jews committing sins that deserved the Inquisition?

Were the Conquistadors doing the American Indians a favor by forcibly bringing them Christianity?

How about Americans and Europeans forcing Africans into slavery to bring them the benefits of Christianity?

Was the massacre of the Cathars because of their heretic beliefs the right thing to do?

Is it a sin to use a condom because the Pope says so? Goodness knows we don't need more population growth.

Is it wrong to eat pork because the Torah says so, or is it wrong to eat pork if you don't know how to prevent trichinosis?

Do what's right for yourself and your fellow man. Forget what the mystics say.

[Dasani]

That does not surprise me...
Someone decided, to bring in religion.
Which should be important, to everyone.
I hope most pray, I do.

[Like2Bone]

• Truth is there are more people killed in the name of religion every day than cancer and heart disease combined
• Two thirds of the world's population will come and part from Earth without ever hearing the name Jesus Christ - are they hell bound as a result?
• The first book of the New Testament was written some 40 - 80 years after Jesus was on Earth, yet the fundamentalists continue to "quote" him literally today.
• Two of the four Apostle's contribution to the New Testament fail to mention the story of the virgin birth of Jesus. I'm thinking that if he truly was the product of immaculate conception, that I would probably not leave that out of a recantment of his life.

We are all ignorant and without true knowledge. Don't fall victim to the controlling force of religion and let it do all your thinking. Research, contemplate and by all means don't be afraid to think for yourself with confidence.

L2B

[Daniel]

I've decided to go fundamentalist & am seeking a woman who is experienced at snake handling.

[Tony Patella]

If I recall, the question wasn’t about the existence of a higher being, or who has the “right” religious beliefs, or whether religion was a worthwhile investment of our time. The question was how do those of us who are Christians rationalize hobbying with their religion.

Some things to ponder…

• Faith and Religion are not necessarily the same…you can have faith in something or someone, but not be a religious individual.
• Sin, the term, is often used to mean an action that is prohibited or considered wrong. In some religions sin can refer not only to physical actions taken, but also to thoughts and internalized motivations and feelings. Colloquially, any thought, word, or act considered immoral, shameful, harmful, or alienating might be termed "sinful.”
• Regardless of whether we have a religious affiliation or not, we ALL have beliefs, morals and values. Those beliefs, morals and values form the framework within which we live our daily lives. (For example, consider the phrase “I try to live my life as a good person.” How is good defined? The answer is by our individual beliefs, morals and values.)
• The judge we are accountable to on a DAILY basis is ourselves. Every time we look in a mirror, we have to judge whether the image we see is one we like. (Literally and figuratively speaking.)
• For those that follow Jesus, questioning the teachings of religion is to be expected, as the bible indicates Jesus did the same. (Makes you wonder where the phrase “Question Authority: really originated.)
• For those here who are married, what vows did you speak on your wedding day? And what covenants do you have with your wife outside of those vows? Does playing in the hobby violate them?

Raised Catholic, I began to question the teaching of Catholic schools and the church at an early age. To our parents dismay, my sisters and I all turned down scholarships to Catholic high schools as a result of the narrow teachings in Catholic schools. As thinking beings, we can accept the things we choose, challenge other things and dscard others in religion. There is no one holding a gun to your head, forcing you to believe church teachings “or else.” The “or else” is the fear and intimidation spoken of hear, and not everyone buys into that.

For some reason, a scene in The Family Man, a Nicolas Cage (Jack) and Tea Leoni (Kate) movie sums up my view of the type of god I envision. Don Cheadle (Cash) plays Jack’s epiphany, and in one scene he appears as a convenience store clerk. Being next in line, Jack witnesses Cash give the incorrect change, too much, to the customer in front of him. She counts the change, and walks off well knowing it’s the wrong amount. Cash, by his actions and expressions, exhibits disappointment in the individual, but chooses to let her go on with her way without saying a word. That scene is a good representation for me, that there is a “right or wrong thing to do” but ultimately it’s our individual responsibility to act accordingly.

OK, enough of my two cent philosophy. Take it for what it’s worth!

TP

[guest062511-1]

My God is a God of love, and I believe He loves me know matter what I do. Whether religion thinks I'm a sinner, or not...He knows what's in my heart, and that's what really matters.

[PODarkness]

Theology is a branch of philosophy.
Religion is a scam. No relation.

Zeus, Apollo, Krishna,
We are all atheists when considering most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in.
Some people just go one god further.

Definition of a "militant agnostic"?
Someone who says, "I don't know, ... AND NEITHER DO YOU!"

"The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not."

Sacred cows make the best hamburger. - Mark Twain

Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.

POD

[slims099]

I'm not religious because religions are violent, and make their people act so odd. People believe anything without questioning what it is others "tell" them.

Scam, scam!

[yaddayadda]

No man knows God, and no man (or woman) will. Anyone from Billy Graham on down tells you he speaks for God....He is a liar.