Hey Toby,
I'm sorry that I thought you were Whitewolf. You have my utmost respect and admiration, - for what its worth
It's alright, I understand why you could've thought that. :-)
Tell me, Saffy, Do you believe in God?
yes
Your wrong, and I hate you!
:D
They are some what circular, when you're talking in a conversation about religion, it comes down to opinion. Imagine two folks arguing about which is better: Oranges or Lemons... Where could it go? Neither one would surrender their opinion, unless it was to shut the other up. With subjects such as whats hotter the sun or a light-bulb you could look at facts, with opinion you can't.
LOL
I like discussion and debate, but more often that not it will descend into arguing.
It usually leads to cognitive dissonance, but it's hard to resist when people refuse to hear you out.
My faith? I call myself a Christian Protestant, but I'm not sure. I read the bible, I do as it says, but I'm not too sure I would specifically 'fit in' with any religious group.
My sister is a Catholic, A religion I can't help but dislike. My father isn't religious at all, Neither my mother. My wife... The same as me really. And my two children aren't religious either.
When you say that the "beliefs can set the world abaze" thats very similar to what people tell me - That religion has caused mass suffering, torture, rape, murder, but it's not religions fault. Not at all.
Its crazed peoples misinterpreations of religion, Be it the Bible, the Qur'an or the Avesta.
It's peoples misinterpretations that are dangerous, not faith. Agree?
But to answer your last question more specifically, I would identify as a Protestant Christian. :D
Do I enjoy it? YES
Has it enriched my life? YES
I became a Christian because one day, while incredibly bored, I set myself the challenge of reading the entire bible in 3 days. I did. And I decideed then to become a Christian, after hearing the word of God
"So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."(Romans 10:17)
This line couldn't illustrate what I mean any better.
I hesitate to add bible quotes; most people hate reading them. :D
You attend church? Yet, you don't believe in God? Why? Just interested? :D
I have to say this - God didn't write the Bible, he doesn't have hands. No, I'm joking I know what you mean. :-)
And if you read the bible, Jesus didn't die on a cross. Crucifixion in that time would've been on an upward stake. Crosses as a use of crucifixion happenede much later. They still crucify people in Saudi Arabia, even to this day.
I don't like arguin with people. I like to debate, but often they'll just dismiss or laugh at the belief that I hold, And that, I don't like.
Do you believe in anything then? Afterlife? Evolution? Ghosts? Aliens? The supernatural? LOL
Or are you one of those people who don't mind admitting they just don't know, and probably never will?
You sound exactly like a SZ except you're not paranoid the government is out to get you. Just think about it Ecce... we are on the verge of your mental breakdown. Hold old are you? I hear taking LSD can draw out mental illnesses you may have gotten later in life anyway. So don't take it!!! LOL
If you are under 30... I'm excited! I'm witnessing the onset of SZ.
Your mind obviously lacks true organization or you wouldn't struggle to explain your thought structure. How long before that disorganization consumes your sanity?
For the record. I called it.
I'm not trying to make you said. Just excited to know I can research you before your fragile mind snaps like a twig and you become.. more reasonable in structure.
Let me know if you ever have... a moment of extreme clarity where everything just seems to snap into place and you finally "get it".
I'm not saying that you aren't special, just not for the reasons you say, or so I think.
If I say something you start to dislike, don't continue to read. I'm not forcing you to.
Our nations has been invaded only twice. And neither times did you help. WW1 and WW2 - We fought on our own.
We can fight, we controlled your nation for a long time.
Tally-Ho? That's the best stereotype for British people America can come up with? Come On!
Tally-Ho is used mainly when Fox hunting, when a deer is spotted, and It's also used widely by NASA.
I don't mind that my opinions value is "null" to you - If you hate me that much, don't read my posts.
whitewolf don't hate you man.
No, we are the best of friends. :D
He might not hate me, but he doesn't like me.
And you know what? Meh.
Whitewolf, as you know because I’ve said it several times now, I don’t debate or argue. I won’t waste either of our time “defending” myself or trying to convince you of anything. I will suggest instead that you do some research on mystical literature from the various world religions, certain non-dual philosophies from the East in particular, and epistemological questions in philosophy. This stuff is hard to convey in general, especially to someone who has not done this kind of search. If you were also genuinely interested in understanding, you might want to consider relaxing your ideas about what you think is and isn’t possible. For you, the idea of oneness sounds absurd, even insane, much like the idea of unconditional love I imagine. Which is ironic for a theist. I suppose God’s unconditional love for you is as “schizo” as mine is, at least in your mind. Which, as I have also said repeatedly, is fine.
Toby, I’m in my mid 30’s. I was once a seeker. I sought the truth thru all sorts of isms and ologies, including atheistic materialism and had all kinds of experiences. As far as my stance in the world, belief systems aside, what I am left with is the wisdom of love and compassion for all. I know. It’s crazy to some and heretical to others. But oddly enough, I’m ok with that. I stopped needing other people’s respect ages ago.
You don't debate? How do you get anywhere?
LOVE, THE TRUE BELIEF by Brian Clement
"A life without love seems hardly worth living. It's so important for each of us to grasp the understanding of the depth of feeling that can be generated on all levels of life, through love."
Love should be the most important thing in everyones lives, as humans we spend most of our lives seeking love, Love is the foundation of all worthwhile activity.
Do you have self-love? Odd question, I know.
Whitewolf -
You don't like the way I quote things do you?
I found one more fitting to you...
“Be yourself, don't take anyone's ****, and never let them take you alive.” :D
Tell me, Ecce, have you found love? Do you have a wife, girlfriend, or kids? Or are you a virgin? :P British or American? Real first name, please? Thx
You are way to curious for your own good.
LOL
Yes, I do attend a church, every sunday without fail.
Why don't I fit in with any religious group, do you mean?
I feel that a person should make their own informed decision and personal interpretation of Bible. Protestantism isn't for me, and I don't feel any specific religious group is. They all have at least one specific view on a subject that I disagree with. For example, I fell out with the preist over my opinion on abortion, I am pro-choice and he, was not.
Needless to say, I didn't feel welcome there anymore. :( LOL
Ecce, are you in Britain at the moment? Just curious, feel free to withhold it if you wish. :D
I attend a protestant church because I feel protestantism is where I best fit in. Church allows me to feel I am closer to God, and participate in group prayer. Although I don't always feel completely comofortable, It's where I think I best fit in.
See, why would I throw stones at the UK? In fact, it's one of the countries I'd love to visit before my time on Earth is up. It's on my Bucket List.
The world is one great big ole family as far as I'm concerned!
Christian views aside, we are all supposed to of started out in Africa as one race, and then spread to the corners of the Earth, so yes we are one big family. We're all incestuous. :D
Thanks, most people upon hearing I'm from Britain, usually go on about how British accents sound and how **** my country is. It's one of the only things I let get to me too much.