I know some people on this site don’t really appreciate religion as much as others, but since my last suicide attempt (5/22/11) I’ve found so much comfort in my church. As soon as I was released from the hospital, I immediately joined the cast of a musical that my church was doing. After that, I continued doing as much as I could. I am now the official junior church teacher, and I volunteer for just about every event I can. I was even allowed to give a sermon while our pastor was away. It was amazing.
It’s true, religion can ruin lives. Just look at all the wars and turmoil that has been nrought on by it. But it can help too. I think it just takes the right kind of mind-set to allow religion to truly improve your life.
I’m sorry if this offends anyone… I just wanted to put it out there. And just know that I would never try to shove my beliefs down someone’s throat.
And if anyone is willing to discuss religion, please respond. I love a good debate.
12 comments
I tried going to church and have read most of the bible but it does not help. I have seen it help others. Once i went to a catholic church with my friend and i guess i did not know how to receive communion so the priest looked at me funny and would not give me communion. Never received communion since. I am overly sensitive. Oh well.
Well, when it comes to churches, you have to find the right one. I go to a church that is lax protastant. It’s perfect for me. I never really got into the catholic faith. I always got the feeling that their faith was based more on fear of going to Hell than love.
I’m Catholic,Isen’t Protastant the oppiste In some ways of Catholic or Is that Luthernians or somethinq like that.Hey can I have your email aqain?I wrote It down on a paper but I lost It.
I don’t think catholocosm is the opposite of protostantism (real word?) They are both forms of christianity, both originally derived from judaism. The main difference I’ve noticed is that catholicism tends to be a little more strict.
Of course, amahaffey444 @gmail .com
the biggest difference between catholic and Lutheran (protestant – Lutheran is named after Marin Luther – who was a catholic until he was excommunicated) – is that the catholic church will hear confessions and grant forgiveness – back in the 1500’s it was prevalent to “buy” forgiveness by generously donating to the church – Luther protested this by proclaiming that forgiveness was only free for God to grant – not man or “agents of God”
but generally speaking, Catholic and Lutheran are VERY similar as are many of the other protestant christian religions like baptist etc – they all have a great deal of commonality – and yes all Christianity is derived from Judaism – Jesus Christ himself was Jewish
Jews do not believe that Jesus was the son of God – the messiah – king of the Jews. The Muslim religion actually is based on some of the same judeo-christian prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus – bottom line is they all believe in the same God.
This – of course make me question the concept of “god’ at all in that how could the “One true God” let all the wars and killing go on in His name when the people that are usually being killed or are killing back are ALSO doing it in His name as well … it’s just too ludicrous! But that’s just my opinion – I feel if there was a God – and he had all these people following him – he’d have the where with all to send a message to unite his followers instead of letting them kill each other
Wow Mr. Dawg….we’s gunna have an argument here…lmfao
Christianity has absolutely nothing to do with Jesus…never did…Jesus was not a Christian…you know the whole chicken and egg question…how could a man practice a religion that wasn’t fully created until almost 300 years after he had died?…lol
Ah…but you say…Jesus the man was born a Jew…..I was born Baptist…it is not terminal…lol…please see “the Nicean Creed” for more info.
So Jesus the man was born and raised in the Jewish religion…but remember he also rebelled against the constraints and evil practices of said religion….please see “Jesus freaks in the temple”…lol…and during his 40 days in the desert (spiritual crisis) he decided to begin a pilgrimage….to look for his answers to his Whys. And he found them when he accepted the Christ Consciousness…thereby becoming Jesus the Christ. This came about through seeking, asking, listening, and learning…and Jesus as a young man travelled far. What he ended up with is “Gnosis”…or the Knowledge of Self….and he found it through a combination of many religions and beliefs…most obviously Essene or Bhuddist in bent…but a true mix of all. There is really no one answer…and only one answer. This is what Jesus the man discovered on his journey to discover himself.
He roamed the countryside…world really…in one form or another….long story….and told the people that they should not be paying others to intercede between themselves and God….talk about a middleman….because what Jesus discovered…see Nag Hammadi texts….or Coptic Bible….was that we are God…so we pay religions and churches and priests etc….to help us know and talk to ourselves. Sheep I believe he often referred to us as…lol.
Now….during the lifetime of Jesus….the Jews were being controlled by the Romans…as part of their plan to conquer the world…lol…and Jesus was a threat to the order of things….because the common man heard him and followed him…an anarchist for certain….so they killed him (or did they?)….because Jesus taught that there is no death of Spirit…..and in order to try to retain control of their empire….the Romans created the Roman Catholic Church…or more precisely the Church of Rome. This was composed of an abomination of Judaism, Christianity(early), and the Roman pantheon of warrior Gods. And fear was introduced as a way of controlling the masses and to keep them from following the next man who woke up and accepted the Christ Consciousness….how can you control a man who has learned to think for himself?….you cannot…at least never fully….this in my opinion describes alot of the critical and wise thinkers on this site….just saying. The way to become enlightened is through your own Christ Consciousness (see Gnosticism)…and not through the teaching and knowledge of another….see religion…lol….Jesus the man hated religion and what it stood for…a trap for the spirits of this world….a false hope….heavily paid for. But much like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz…yes that again…lol….we already have everything we need….we just have to learn it….not follow rules and tithe….but learn what we really are….and just how powerful we really are….and yet we remain hopeless….I for one know this is not terminal….
but Jesus was just a man….a wise man….but a man….the Christ Consciousness is already in us and available to us….when Jesus said follow me…he didn’t mean worship me….he meant follow me to the acceptance of what you truly are…
That being said…there is truth in all religion…there is truth in all…but it is hidden within the deception of doctrine and dogma….you have to sift the wheat from the chaff so to speak….and never accept that anyone is more important than you are…especially if they are being paid to control you.
The Roman Church was founded on the pantheon of Roman Gods…see Nephillim….and is the religion of the fallen angels…they are trapped here and they want us to remain trapped here as well. So the Jesus of the Roman Church is really Satan…known by many names by many peoples….but Satan nonetheless. And in truth when we end our prayer with such as Amen….we are really praying to the God of this world…Satan. Not kidding. During my last NDE I managed to escape beyond the control of this world…and find the True God….and the one that most of us are praying to…..ain’t it….just saying. I did not find myself in front of an old guy on a big throne in the clouds…but I could of had I wanted to….but instead…I was drawn to “Source”….the God of All That Is….not the same God…I promise you. I digress….lol…what’s new?
Protestant religions or churches are based on the Judeo-Christian ethics we now are ruled by…a branch of the Roman Church if you will…but with out all the pomp and pageantry…see Roman Church….and idolatry. In the Protestant churches….only Jesus is idolized….exactly what Jesus told us not to do. But at least it’s only one idol and not the thousands represented in the Holy Roman Church currently…ie. Mary, Jesus, Saints, Angels….blah blah blah Please keep in mind that this is true of all the major world religions….some more than others.
This – of course make me question the concept of “god’ at all in that how could the “One true God†let all the wars and killing go on in His name when the people that are usually being killed or are killing back are ALSO doing it in His name as well
You are referring to the God of this World Dawg…Satan….insert Satan and see if the world view of God makes more sense….hence the confusion. We are all praying to the wrong God…hence the problem.
Okay….your turn…lol
Love ya
Amakua (a very small but powerful part of All That Is….Source)
Amakua – How did I initiate your rant by simply trying to explain the base differences between catholic and lutheran/protestant?
Of COURSE Jesus was Jewish – I said so – I never said ANYTHING about Jesus ‘being” a christian
Please feel free to re-read the ENTIRE thread (objectively this time) and you will see that I was ONLY trying to answer the base HISTORICAL question about the differences between Catholics and Protestants.
There are about as many religious interpretations as there are people on the planet – hence why I reject religion as anything more than a morality fable.
godless dawg
But Dawg….he was born a Jew…he wasn’t a Jew…he always questioned….thought the religion flawed….have you read any of the Nag Hammadi texts (The Dead Sea Scrolls)?
And religion is much more insidious than simply guiding us to our heaven of choice….they actually keep us from attaining Gnosis or advancement or enlightenment..
People are fleeing organized religion faster and faster in greater numbers than in the last 2000 years….the Catholics have been hit the hardest…so they are trying to adapt to what they believe the needs of the people are while trying to retain their control….pathetic….and seriously Dawg…often had fantasies about being a nun….but we all make mistakes….I dislike Catholicism more than anything….but never Catholics….just the religion. I believe that religion is more than just unnecessary….I believe at it’s core it is evil. Can you prove me wrong? Dare you….nananananaaaaana. All kidding aside….my belief system does include a God but never religion…any religion in it’s entirety. It’s all brainwashing and control. And that to me is evil….that being said….I do follow Jesus the Christ…and respect Jesus the man.
You poor godless man….have you never successfully completed a 12 step program?…lol….maybe we should bring Wilson back just for the Dawg….maybe he can help with the mouth pain….or maybe I could just send you a pair of figure skates….ouch….that hurts just remembering that scene….ayiiiii….please pick Wilson Dawg….much better than the skate. As I told you in the beginning…I don’t care if your God is a damn coffee cup….but we all need somewhere to put our shit when it gets too much….and this God demands no fear or retribution. Whatdaya think.
Maybe I’ll become an evangelist
Sister Amakua
‘Questioning” and viewing religion as “flawed” does not change the fact that Jesus practiced the Jewish faith – and in fact in several places in the bible he is referred to as “Rabbi” … additionally it would be fairly difficult to be considered “King of he Jews” without actually being Jewish in some form or fashion – whether or not he agreed with the status quo of the time has no bearing.
I don’t necessarily mind having this debate – but it is far outside the scope of the original post and the intended direction of this particular thread
In Wilson we trust dawg
Dawg and Amakua-
Your debate was interestng. (And honestly, I don’t mind if you stray a bit from the oriinal purpose of the post. religion is one of my favorite things to talk about. That being said, feel free to continue your conversation here). You guys certainly know what you’re talking about.
While I have read through the entire bible on more than one occasion, I can’t say I remember all the historical aspects. I probably should work on learning a bit more, considering I teach a junior church class on the subject. 😛
Dawg, you’re definitely right about the major differences betwween Catholicism and Protastantism (once again, real word?). lol. I do remember that much from history class. To be honest, I was talking more about my own experiences, and the differences I’ve noticed (which may be unfair, considering I’m not all-knowing on the subject of religion).
I consider myself somewhat of an agnostic, in addition to being Christian. I’m not sure that really makes sense, but it’s what I’m sticking with. 😛 I believe in God, but I don’t think any human can claim to know exactly what God wants of us. Nor can any of us claim to know exactly what the Bible (or any religious texts) are truly telling us. That’s not to say that we should not have our own opinions and beliefs. But it seems that anger and dispute rear up their ugly heads when someone takes an opiion and claims it is fact. I don’t think there is any ‘right’ religion either. The main focus of most religions is to “Do good works”, “Love one another” … etc. I think that’s the important thing, not the label you are given based on which church/temple/mosque (sp?) you attend.
To me, the most important thing in my church is not the omnipresent feeling of God being with you (I often struggle to understand such a concept), but the fact that it provides me with a second family. Like I said, I teach junior church. I’m also a member of three different choirs, I participate in church musicals, mission trips, and other volunteer events. All-in-all, it’s just a very welcoming community of people.
Hey Ashley,
Didn’t mean to crap all over your post….shame on me….but Jesus was not the son of God anymore than Dawg is….and Jesus said so himself….the religion uses Jesus…like an interview for a documentary…lmao….to control the masses….but what is in the bible Jesus did not write….try reading Matthew, Mark Luke and John and see if they can come up with the same story of the same event even once….and since Enoch is mentioned in the Bible on 3 separate occasions….why is the Book of Enoch not in the Bible? I’m telling you….science is killing religion….but spirituality is growing….how come? Because religion is created by man and not God…unless it is the God of this world. Not my God…..nope….this world sucks….but not for too much longer.
The old testament on the other hand….is Jewish. And Jesus at no time claims to be the waited Messiah….was too humble for that…..read the darned Nag Hammadi texts….then we’ll really have something to argue about….lol
This is not to say that if you get something positive and helpful out of religion such as you do Ashley….that is great….but you say you are not even religious….so you get the social and do gooder needs met through your church if I understand correctly….not necessarily religion….and that is all good too…..but is it feedingyour soul?….lol
Jesus said, “Follow the laws of Moses and one other, love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus’ only law….and it isn’t in the Bible…or at least not accurately….It says i believe, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”…the Golden Rule or some such. That is not what Jesus taught….that is what the Holy Roman Church taught…..the end.
That being said….first we have to learn to love ourselves and others unconditionally just like Jesus taught us, in order to truly enter into the Kingdom of God.
Peace Out
Amakua
And Dawg, Jesus was not a Jew…..he was Gnostic….i promise….but he was indeed born, raised and educated in the Jewish faith and traditions….in his early 20’s he turned his back on all religions and churches and began his pilgrimage…the lost years of Jesus if you will….and the four apostles can’t agree on that either…lmao. He was also a holy man in the Buddhist tradition and is known as Saint Issa or Eesa.
Jesus “Eesa” and BuddhismGruber and Kersten (1995) claim that Buddhism had a substantial influence on the life and teachings of Jesus.[5] They claim that Jesus was influenced by the teachings and practices of Therapeutae, described by the authors as teachers of the Buddhist Theravada school then living in Judaea. They assert that Jesus lived the life of a Buddhist and taught Buddhist ideals to his disciples; their work follows in the footsteps of the Oxford New Testament scholar Barnett Hillman Streeter, who established as early as the 1930s that the moral teaching of the Buddha has four remarkable resemblances to the Sermon on the Mount.”[6]
Some scholars believe that Jesus may have been inspired by the Buddhist religion and that the Gospel of Thomas and many Nag Hammadi texts reflect this possible influence. Books such as The Gnostic Gospels and Beyond Belief: the Secret Gospel of Thomas by Elaine Pagels and The Original Jesus by Gruber and Kersten discuss these theories.
The Buddha Dharma Education Association lists on its Buddhanet.net website a Timeline of Tibetan Buddhist History. According to their historians, Buddhism begins to enter Southern Tibet about 150 years after Jesus’ Passion, or c200 C.E. Buddhist scriptures begin to influence Northern Tibet several decades later.
And there’s a lot more where that came from….
But glad you have atleast got Wilson Dawg….he’s closer to your God than the God of the Bible….for sure.
Namaste
Amakua