I was brought up to make my own mind up about religion. I chose Christianity. I respect any religion, I feel that people shouldn't push their views on anyone else. Treat people how you want to be treated. I stopped being a Christian around age 13 when a lot of bad stuff happened. I'm not making excuses, but after everything that happened to me and the amount of pain I mentally suffered and still am suffering, I think, how can there be a God? I prayed to Him. I prayed to make things better but nothing changed. I don't want to disrespect anyone in this post, it is never my intention. I just feel like I really trusted God, and he let me down. I felt betrayed in a way, I'd grown up to pray to Him and believe in the Christian way of life yet I was repayed by all the bad stuff that happened.
There's a quote in the Bible, 2 Timothy 1:12 which reads, 'That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.' Even though I'm not religious anymore, that quote stands out so much to me and I feel as if it really touches with something inside me. Despite the suffering I feel, something is keeping me here. Somebody is protecting me. Is it God? I don't know. I want to believe in God. I really do. I want to be able to talk to him, explain my worries, refer to the Bible for guidance. I just don't want to feel betrayed again. I'm not a bad person, and it makes me sad to think that I will go to hell just because I don't believe. I really want to talk to a priest or vicar about this, but I am too scared to step foot in a church, in case of refusal for who I am or in case I upset their feelings for being athiest at the moment.
Joey
Have you read Betty Smith's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn"? If not, I highly recommend it.
I think there's a part of the book you could really relate to. Just after the father dies, Fanny and her brother Neely and sitting on the sidewalk and Fanny says that she doesn't understand God and even hates him, but that she'll always love Jesus because he was human once and understand our feelings and needs. I thought that was a really powerful part of the book, because I think that's how a lot of people who were raised Christian feel at some points in their lives.
I wouldn't be too worried about being refused from a church, because if they refuse you due to your identity, then it's not a church you would want to go to anyways. I think you can still be religious and trans, you might just need to look around and find out what's right for you.
I hope Annah replies to your post, because she's really knowledgeable about this topic and always offers good advice on religious topics.
I haven't read it no. I'll see if I can find it online or borrow it from a library. I'm not even sure I believe in Jesus though. I find it all a bit too far fetched to grasp. I have so many questions.
That's what I was thinking about the church thing. There's one at the top of my road like literally ten seconds away and they all know me there as its the one I used to go to at the time. I haven't been there for years though and I'm not sure what everyone would think. It would seriously hurt my feelings if they didn't accept it, it would make them the type of people I never thought they would be.
Joey
Quote from: Joey4 on February 14, 2013, 07:36:05 PM
I haven't read it no. I'll see if I can find it online or borrow it from a library. I'm not even sure I believe in Jesus though. I find it all a bit too far fetched to grasp. I have so many questions.
That's what I was thinking about the church thing. There's one at the top of my road like literally ten seconds away and they all know me there as its the one I used to go to at the time. I haven't been there for years though and I'm not sure what everyone would think. It would seriously hurt my feelings if they didn't accept it, it would make them the type of people I never thought they would be.
Joey
Is G-d stirring your soul? what questions do you have?
I don't quite believe in the whole Jesus thing either, but I certainly love the little image of what I think Jesus is in my head. What's more awesome than a hippie dying for you? lol.
I'd go if that's what you think would be helpful, and ask all of your questions that's on your mind. If you still don't like the asnwers or don't feel accepted, there's plenty of other options available to you. I am not Christian (I am thinking of becoming Sikh), so I am not sure if I should even be posting much in this board, but I think it's very healthy to have questions and to take your time exploring your own thoughts and feelings on God, creation, etc. I am certainly glad I stopped going to church and spent quite a number of years exploring different things, because now I feel much more comfortable in my views on religion and life. I think God values highly people who come to him on their own from their own struggles and explorations rather than people who just believe X because someone told them to.
Why do we go to hell just because we don't believe in God? You can be the nicest person in the world but still go to hell. Why did all the bad stuff happen to me if there was a God? Why didn't he answer my prayers? What about dinosaurs? Why does he still make me suffer? Why do the bad people always win? How did Jesus come back from the dead?
Joey
Though I haven't read the Bible cover to cover, I've heard that the hell thing isn't actually really in there.... though I could be wrong....
My pastor said that because God said humans have the roam of the Earth that we killed the dinosaurs.
I'll let Christians answer your other questions since this is their board, but I'll be happy to give you my views if you're interested elsewhere.
Well, the question is why do you feel that you need God?
If you can't believe in the idea, then there's no point in trying. You can't force yourself to believe in something. That's simply you deluding yourself. Find another religion or model to live by, if possible.
When I had him before I felt happier, but then again that was because I had nothing to worry about at that point. Even though I feel betrayed by him, I feel like I'm betraying him if I don't believe in him. But how can I betray something that I don't even believe exists? I think I have this inner conflict with myself and God. I can't believe in him because I just can't, but somehow I can't let go of the faith I had in him before. I know this isn't making sense, it isn't making sense to me either.
Joey
You don't need God. You can live and enjoy your time on Earth as a person, and not a subject of a religion.
Heck, if anything, I find inspiration from Batman. A kid watches his parents get shot, then uses his wealth to do something other than sulk by finding the initiative to learn all sorts of sciences, languages, and martial arts in order to combat the crime that led to his parents' demise, all without resorting to murder. Not to mention that Batman has no special powers. The entire point of him is that anyone can be the man behind the mask. Anyone can rise up to do something good with his/her life and make a significant difference if driven enough.
See? (Geez, I read too many comic books)
Quote from: Joey4 on February 14, 2013, 06:55:20 PM
I was brought up to make my own mind up about religion. I chose Christianity. I respect any religion, I feel that people shouldn't push their views on anyone else. Treat people how you want to be treated. I stopped being a Christian around age 13 when a lot of bad stuff happened. I'm not making excuses, but after everything that happened to me and the amount of pain I mentally suffered and still am suffering, I think, how can there be a God? I prayed to Him. I prayed to make things better but nothing changed. I don't want to disrespect anyone in this post, it is never my intention. I just feel like I really trusted God, and he let me down. I felt betrayed in a way, I'd grown up to pray to Him and believe in the Christian way of life yet I was repayed by all the bad stuff that happened.
There's a quote in the Bible, 2 Timothy 1:12 which reads, 'That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.' Even though I'm not religious anymore, that quote stands out so much to me and I feel as if it really touches with something inside me. Despite the suffering I feel, something is keeping me here. Somebody is protecting me. Is it God? I don't know. I want to believe in God. I really do. I want to be able to talk to him, explain my worries, refer to the Bible for guidance. I just don't want to feel betrayed again. I'm not a bad person, and it makes me sad to think that I will go to hell just because I don't believe. I really want to talk to a priest or vicar about this, but I am too scared to step foot in a church, in case of refusal for who I am or in case I upset their feelings for being athiest at the moment.
Joey
Personally I don't believe that any religion is "absolute truth", I believe that every religion has part of the truth. I don't ascribe to be part of any religion, but if I had to put myself into a type of Christianity I would be Gnostic; in saying that I would also be Buddhist, Pagan, Luciferian, Wiccan, and druid.
So to sum up what I have said relating to myself, I believe in the creed "Believe in whatever benefits both you and others the most". If it doesn't work for you, throw it away; but just remember you always have the option to come back to it.
If you want to you can PM me and we can talk, I've had a lot of experience in religious questioning. I promise I won't force you into any direction.
-Skye
That's an interesting point Diana, thanks. I've never seen batman but it sounds pretty cool haha.
Thanks Skye, that makes a lot of sense. Cheers for the offer.
Joey
I appreciate that everyone has their opinions about whatever religion "works best for them." Susan's is indeed a place to discuss ideas and opportunities that encourage us in our journeys, whether trans related or not. Since you posted this in the Christianity sub-forum, perhaps our answers should tend towards that direction? If you're looking for a "choose-your-own-adventure" answer, perhaps asking this in the general Spirituality sub-forum would be better? Since we're here, maybe we could look at it from a Christian perspective?
I just finished teaching our teens from the book of Job. I know, I know...whenever someone speaks of suffering, Job is mentioned. But please, hear me out. :)
It is true that God allowed Job to suffer immensely. To me, that doesn't seem fair to Job at all. But as I read the rest of the book, I find that my understanding of what's fair and right isn't the same as God's understanding.
One of the most missed applications of the story of Job is that God wants us to submit to Him. Our post-modern culture (both American and European) rejects or questions authority, and so we struggle the most when authority demands of us or allows things to happen that we don't agree with.
And that brings us to suffering. We would agree to "let" God bring suffering to us if we could just see the reason for it. But when we realize that we really don't have a choice in the matter, that God will do what God is going to do, that's where many folks decide to reject God because He doesn't follow our rules.
Paul said things like "I die daily," and "I am crucified with Christ;" he speaks of persecutions and sufferings that he knows aren't fair. Yet he still follows Jesus Christ. He struggles ("the things I would not, that I do"), but he still follows. It was suggested to Job that he "curse God, and die." He responded to his loving wife, who was most likely responding because she herself was mad at God for doing this to her husband, "Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" Lots of people like to curse and reject God because things happen that hurt them deeply, but Job didn't.
You know, in the long run, everyone will submit to Jesus Christ anyway, so why not do it now? "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
It's funny...people get mad at God and choose to follow some other religion, thinking that doing so either gets back at God or will make their life easier, or that maybe some other deity will make them "happy". But the truth is that crap happens to everybody, no matter who they worship. While I don't claim to have all the answers and all the reasons why crap happens, I trust the God that allows crap. I trust that He has a good reason for it, even if I don't understand or agree.
Of course, everyone has to make their own decision. But nobody gets to choose their crap (unless they make it themselves).
Quote from: Joey4 on February 14, 2013, 08:14:17 PM
I've never seen batman but it sounds pretty cool haha.
Joey
Batman is a necessary step on any journey. My younger brother had batman boxers (way too big) that he'd wear as shorts every single day no matter the weather, you def need to check him out.
And old school batman is hilarious and will def lift your spirits:
Batman 1966 s01e01 Hi diddle riddle. Full episode. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4EwtTWy1R4#)
Quote from: Incarnadine on February 14, 2013, 08:48:08 PM
One of the most missed applications of the story of Job is that God wants us to submit to Him. Our post-modern culture (both American and European) rejects or questions authority, and so we struggle the most when authority demands of us or allows things to happen that we don't agree with.
And that brings us to suffering. We would agree to "let" God bring suffering to us if we could just see the reason for it. But when we realize that we really don't have a choice in the matter, that God will do what God is going to do, that's where many folks decide to reject God because He doesn't follow our rules.
Paul said things like "I die daily," and "I am crucified with Christ;" he speaks of persecutions and sufferings that he knows aren't fair. Yet he still follows Jesus Christ. He struggles ("the things I would not, that I do"), but he still follows. It was suggested to Job that he "curse God, and die." He responded to his loving wife, who was most likely responding because she herself was mad at God for doing this to her husband, "Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" Lots of people like to curse and reject God because things happen that hurt them deeply, but Job didn't.
Nice point on Job, most people forget that part of the lesson.
Hope you guys don't mind that I posted here. :-\
Oh my gosh, that phone! What is he, a powerpuff girl? :laugh:
Anyway, find whatever works for you. It doesn't have to be God. I believe that the universe just happened spontaneously. It's the only solution that makes sense.
Evil does not usually happen spontaneously though, its usually the cold and calculating villains that Batman has to deal with that are the most challenging.
While I agree with all posted about Job and faith (the substance of things not seen) I also believe it manifests true faith and true love when things happen that the Lord could stop or change and doesn't.
It's easy to love the Lord in the good times.
It's easy to believe the Lord exists when a miracle happens.
It's harder when things go wrong and he doesn't intervene.
Hang in there man.
May God bless.
Quote from: Joey4 on February 14, 2013, 07:48:53 PM
1) Why do we go to hell just because we don't believe in God? You can be the nicest person in the world but still go to hell. 2) Why did all the bad stuff happen to me if there was a God? 3) Why didn't he answer my prayers? 4) What about dinosaurs? 5) Why does he still make me suffer? 6) Why do the bad people always win? 7) How did Jesus come back from the dead?
Joey
1) We do not go to hell because you do not believe in G-d. When you -or anybody else- dies, you will see G-d, then almost instantly you will see how your actions or lack of action impacted other people lives, no judgment, you will see them all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The, you will have at that time the option of either joining G-d or keeping yourself away from G-d, that is you decision. There is no hell, there is just a separation from G-d.
2) and 4) and 5) "bad" things, including "suffering," happens to you and to the rest of the universe. The plan of G-d for the Universe is to unfold itself according to G-d rules to at some time reach an "Omega Point." "bad" thing happen in the Universe because certain things happen by random events. Nothing is predestined. The only goal in the plan is just the inexorable march towards the omega point, how and what happens while we get to the omega point is governed by the laws of the universe, which include randomness, and by the direct choice (read "free will") of intelligent creatures. In the case of our dinosaurs, first some of them live to this day very happily indeed, we call them birds. But just exemplify, the nature of random events in the Universe, let me tell you what happened to the Dinos. So, about 64 millions years ago, a nearby star went supernova, part of the "wind" produced by the exploding star happened to blow in our direction. The ind nudge an asteroid out of it orbit and caused the asteroid to plunge towards causing the extinction of the Dinos. Now, just across the great void (between our arm of the galaxy an the neighboring arm) there is a planet much like earth who started to evolve just about the same time as ours. There the Dinos did not get wiped out and the mammal's never emerged. The current intelligent being in that planet are bipedal dinosaurs (and parenthetically more advance than us, and extremely xenophobic, but that is another story). So, the nudging of the steroid, like the whorls on your fingerprints, or the "colic" of your head hair, are but random events.
3) Perhaps G-d answer your prayers but you cannot 'hear" or "see" G-d responses; this is a common thing to humans. Or, you may be asking G-d to do things that are contrary to G-d rule of the universe, like asking G-d to move back time and make you be born in the anatomically correct body, right?
6) Do they? Just wait and live for a while and you will see how these ;'winners" life turn out to be...not very happy..and when they die their bad actions and lack of remorse prevents them from seeing the glory of G-d.
7) As I am not a Christian, I do not believe Jesus resurrected. I do believe however that Jesus like all of us was divine.
Hope this helps Joey,
OO P
In re-reading my post I hope it doesn't appear too uncaring or heartless. Even us cisgender folk have some very terrible trials and tribulations. Things come at us as well that sometimes makes us wonder where the Lord is. But then again it is faith.
Since I am not transgender I cannot know the extent of how y'all feel even though I do know to an extent. Still in all, I hope nobody is offended and that all who are Christians hang in there and not give up. The devil would love for Christians to lose their faith.
If I offended anyone you have my sincerest apology.
May God bless.
Quote from: Del on February 15, 2013, 09:45:13 AM
Since I am not transgender I cannot know the extent of how y'all feel even though I do know to an extent.
May God bless.
I don't think you need to feel bad for that Del.
One of the best and hardest lessons I learnt in my life is we all have to fight against our own private hell. The point is, the difference be tween being a child and a grownup is we can understand that others have their hell as badly as ours.
Here, on Susans', the subject is the shared hell we each deal with being transgender, either through personal experience or that of others. It doesn't mean our hell is any worse than anyone else's.
I don't have the certainty that others share, of the purpose of existance. I have already said, I don't accept hell. The Jewish perspective I was aware of, and has been referred to by peky above. I won't comment on that either.
But I have long since come to realise the best I can do is what I do. If I am judged, it will be on who I am, not what I am. I've tried to be the best person I can be as I know we all do. So, it comes down to who makes the grade.
You are OK in my book!
Hi Joey,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having such a difficult time. I sincerely hope that things get better for you sooner rather than later.
Let me just say up front that I was raised Atheist. My parents raised me to question and challenge religious and spiritual guidance (coercion) in whatever guise it might be presented. In the early part of my life, I was a fairly aggressive (self righteous) Atheist. I know from personal experience how very challenging it can be to believe that we are all alone in the Universe; that sense of "me against the world" that came from doubting God's existence had me feeling lost and alone a lot of the time in my youth.
Because of a series of circumstances and traumatic events, in my early 30's I found myself hungry for answers and connection to something larger than me, something that I could trust, something I could love and lean on. I never expected to find my answers in a book, but I did.
The book that I often say healed my relationship with God is called "Conversations With God" by Neale Donald Walsch.
Ultimately I believe that you are going to find that the answers that you are looking for are not "out there". You won't find them in a church or in a book really; you aren't even going to find them on the internet or at Susan's Place. The answers are inside of you, in your heart. What you're really looking for is a key that will unlock the door that leads to the answers that already exist inside of you. For me, that key was "Conversations With God". Trust the soothing voice inside of you to lead you to your own answer within.
Peace to you!
Miharu
God never betrays anyone. He does listen to our prayers. When and how He answers them is his business. In my 40 plus years as a Christian, I have experienced joy, suffering, trials, tribulation, victory, setback, and through it all I believe and trust him to do what's best for me.
Our spirit gives credence to who we are. I was shocked :o initially whenI discovered that I was transgender. As time passed I understood that this is part of his plan for me. You may have hit a roadblock at the present time but keep seeking and praying.
Here's the thing and my view on religions. They are man's perception of a limited brain trying to grasp the concepts of why we are here, good vs. evil, something as expansive as the universe, eternity and so on. The bible was written by people trying to grasp the same answers to the same questions that we have today. We do however get teachers that are of higher spirits incarnated such as those in the bible that push and prod us to a higher enlightenment. The main one being Christ, in the bible at least but there were others before and will be others after. If you really look into some of the teachings of Christ, they hint more upon a personal spiritual relationship with God or our Creator. Which by the way isn't the old man in the sky looking down on us with disdain and wanting to banish us to hell because we don't follow a church doctrine. When man (as a whole like mankind) gets involved and wants to control the masses, what better way than to threaten an eternity of torture and pain if you don't do or act according to what the leaders wish you to. I often times wonder what Christ would think of the organized religions we have today with corrupt televangelist driving Mercedes Benzes and getting hummers in the backseat. Or what Christ would think of a 6 million dollar church while people are starving and getting murdered around the world.
Contrary to popular belief, the view of reincarnation was abolished in the sixth century. The reason it is very vague in writings such as the bible was because it was an accepted dynamic of spirituality in those times. "A sinner dies a thousand deaths" is one of the biggest pointers to it. When you die and you only have one life how can you die another 999 times? I've found many references pointing to it. Remember a whole empire took over Christianity as a means to control the masses. These socalled leaders couldn't bear to think someone such as a common peasant could be more spiritually advanced than themselves because of their own powerlust and arrogance. Christ was born in the spring in the northern hemisphere because the shepards were watching over their flocks. This occured in the spring because the sheep were birthing. This is also symbolic of a new beginning of lifecycles and the rebirth of vegetation. A new beggining so to say. When the Roman empire got involved they took the winter solstice in order to gain more followers because that is a pagan holiday and gifts were given, much as they are today.
The main thing is You want to believe in God, that part of God with wich you were created with is within you so believe and yes you can. Don't let someone dictate to you as to their perceptions of God. We all have this. I know you feel as if God is not answering your prayers. It's not up to God to answer them because you were created in God's image and you have all that you need to use the ability. Not to mention our freewill. Not what you see when you look in the mirror but rather your spirit or soul or a hundred other names for it. And you can provide your own answers as to what you really need. Sometimes we have to go through hard times and desparity in order to strengthen our spirits. God knows I've seen my share and still seeing them. Use life as a learning lesson. If you are discriminated against use it. Know how it feels and remember when you discriminate against others you are causing them the same pain. If you are hated by someone learn how not to hate back. Lessons in Karma or another word Righteousness, What you sow, so shall you reap.
Listen to those tiny voices in your head unless they are negative in nature such as suicide and hurting someone, if so, then seek help. Question everything spiritually because how can you get answers or find what you're looking for if you don't seek it out. Spirituality is personal, it's not a one size fits all. If you don't fall within an established religion, don't worry, it's just that you aren't following the heard and seeking answers as to what your questions are. Learn how to meditate and look inward for answers. Have you ever wondered why you are one way on the outside but feel the opposite inside? There are answers but not from science or other outward establishments.
Quote from: Incarnadine on February 14, 2013, 08:48:08 PM
I appreciate that everyone has their opinions about whatever religion "works best for them." Susan's is indeed a place to discuss ideas and opportunities that encourage us in our journeys, whether trans related or not. Since you posted this in the Christianity sub-forum, perhaps our answers should tend towards that direction? If you're looking for a "choose-your-own-adventure" answer, perhaps asking this in the general Spirituality sub-forum would be better? Since we're here, maybe we could look at it from a Christian perspective?
I just finished teaching our teens from the book of Job. I know, I know...whenever someone speaks of suffering, Job is mentioned. But please, hear me out. :)
It is true that God allowed Job to suffer immensely. To me, that doesn't seem fair to Job at all. But as I read the rest of the book, I find that my understanding of what's fair and right isn't the same as God's understanding.
One of the most missed applications of the story of Job is that God wants us to submit to Him. Our post-modern culture (both American and European) rejects or questions authority, and so we struggle the most when authority demands of us or allows things to happen that we don't agree with.
And that brings us to suffering. We would agree to "let" God bring suffering to us if we could just see the reason for it. But when we realize that we really don't have a choice in the matter, that God will do what God is going to do, that's where many folks decide to reject God because He doesn't follow our rules.
Paul said things like "I die daily," and "I am crucified with Christ;" he speaks of persecutions and sufferings that he knows aren't fair. Yet he still follows Jesus Christ. He struggles ("the things I would not, that I do"), but he still follows. It was suggested to Job that he "curse God, and die." He responded to his loving wife, who was most likely responding because she herself was mad at God for doing this to her husband, "Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" Lots of people like to curse and reject God because things happen that hurt them deeply, but Job didn't.
You know, in the long run, everyone will submit to Jesus Christ anyway, so why not do it now? "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow...and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
It's funny...people get mad at God and choose to follow some other religion, thinking that doing so either gets back at God or will make their life easier, or that maybe some other deity will make them "happy". But the truth is that crap happens to everybody, no matter who they worship. While I don't claim to have all the answers and all the reasons why crap happens, I trust the God that allows crap. I trust that He has a good reason for it, even if I don't understand or agree.
Of course, everyone has to make their own decision. But nobody gets to choose their crap (unless they make it themselves).
Very well shared :)
Quote from: Del on February 15, 2013, 08:01:51 AM
While I agree with all posted about Job and faith (the substance of things not seen) I also believe it manifests true faith and true love when things happen that the Lord could stop or change and doesn't.
It's easy to love the Lord in the good times.
It's easy to believe the Lord exists when a miracle happens.
It's harder when things go wrong and he doesn't intervene.
Hang in there man.
May God bless.
amen Del
Quote from: gennee on February 21, 2013, 12:24:07 PM
God never betrays anyone. He does listen to our prayers. When and how He answers them is his business. In my 40 plus years as a Christian, I have experienced joy, suffering, trials, tribulation, victory, setback, and through it all I believe and trust him to do what's best for me.
Our spirit gives credence to who we are. I was shocked :o initially whenI discovered that I was transgender. As time passed I understood that this is part of his plan for me. You may have hit a roadblock at the present time but keep seeking and praying.
yes yes yes gennee
Quote from: Jess42 on February 22, 2013, 11:08:58 AM
Here's the thing and my view on religions. They are man's perception of a limited brain trying to grasp the concepts of why we are here, good vs. evil, something as expansive as the universe, eternity and so on. The bible was written by people trying to grasp the same answers to the same questions that we have today. We do however get teachers that are of higher spirits incarnated such as those in the bible that push and prod us to a higher enlightenment. The main one being Christ, in the bible at least but there were others before and will be others after. If you really look into some of the teachings of Christ, they hint more upon a personal spiritual relationship with God or our Creator. Which by the way isn't the old man in the sky looking down on us with disdain and wanting to banish us to hell because we don't follow a church doctrine. When man (as a whole like mankind) gets involved and wants to control the masses, what better way than to threaten an eternity of torture and pain if you don't do or act according to what the leaders wish you to. I often times wonder what Christ would think of the organized religions we have today with corrupt televangelist driving Mercedes Benzes and getting hummers in the backseat. Or what Christ would think of a 6 million dollar church while people are starving and getting murdered around the world.
Contrary to popular belief, the view of reincarnation was abolished in the sixth century. The reason it is very vague in writings such as the bible was because it was an accepted dynamic of spirituality in those times. "A sinner dies a thousand deaths" is one of the biggest pointers to it. When you die and you only have one life how can you die another 999 times? I've found many references pointing to it. Remember a whole empire took over Christianity as a means to control the masses. These socalled leaders couldn't bear to think someone such as a common peasant could be more spiritually advanced than themselves because of their own powerlust and arrogance. Christ was born in the spring in the northern hemisphere because the shepards were watching over their flocks. This occured in the spring because the sheep were birthing. This is also symbolic of a new beginning of lifecycles and the rebirth of vegetation. A new beggining so to say. When the Roman empire got involved they took the winter solstice in order to gain more followers because that is a pagan holiday and gifts were given, much as they are today.
The main thing is You want to believe in God, that part of God with wich you were created with is within you so believe and yes you can. Don't let someone dictate to you as to their perceptions of God. We all have this. I know you feel as if God is not answering your prayers. It's not up to God to answer them because you were created in God's image and you have all that you need to use the ability. Not to mention our freewill. Not what you see when you look in the mirror but rather your spirit or soul or a hundred other names for it. And you can provide your own answers as to what you really need. Sometimes we have to go through hard times and desparity in order to strengthen our spirits. God knows I've seen my share and still seeing them. Use life as a learning lesson. If you are discriminated against use it. Know how it feels and remember when you discriminate against others you are causing them the same pain. If you are hated by someone learn how not to hate back. Lessons in Karma or another word Righteousness, What you sow, so shall you reap.
Listen to those tiny voices in your head unless they are negative in nature such as suicide and hurting someone, if so, then seek help. Question everything spiritually because how can you get answers or find what you're looking for if you don't seek it out. Spirituality is personal, it's not a one size fits all. If you don't fall within an established religion, don't worry, it's just that you aren't following the heard and seeking answers as to what your questions are. Learn how to meditate and look inward for answers. Have you ever wondered why you are one way on the outside but feel the opposite inside? There are answers but not from science or other outward establishments.
wow and i came here thinking i could help ..
your in good hands here at susans with people who know God
cya later all :)
I was reading the other night, and came across this quote that Guru Nanek wrote, though it's not a Christian quote, I thought it was able to be appreciated by Christians:
"Pleasure is the disease and pain is the medicine, Where there is pleasure, there is no desire for God."
Sometimes you have to go through hell and back before you can really understand the beauty and power of God, and to truly understand your bond with God. Having fear, uncertainty, and hardships can make you realize how vulnerable you are as a human and that trusting in your higher power can help you through those times; while if you live an easy life, it's often easy to forget your vulnerabilities, that you're not in charge, and that God even exists.
Quote from: Amazon D on February 22, 2013, 07:30:45 PM
wow and i came here thinking i could help ..
your in good hands here at susans with people who know God
cya later all :)
Thank you for the kind thoughts. Those of us out of our blaming and hating stages probably have more personal Spiritual relationships with God than a lot of folks that go to church every Sunday. Because we have questioned and those questions will eventually lead to answers. I know it's hard but just be patient. Just don't follow the heard unless you need to, Christ didn't. Some Souls need the herd for Spiritual awareness and identity of self. Other Souls don't and since you are aware of a duality within yourself as feeling one way but physically another, that can be a trigger for Spiritual awareness, it was with me. Meaning that there is far more beyond the physical body than minerals, water, other matter and electical currents triggering thoughts.