Opening Up to Religion
I'm starting to come full circle on religion. I could probably make this into a fairly lengthy post, but I'm going to do my best to keep it concise.
For several years now, I have really found no reason to include religion in my life. I just haven't felt like I needed it. Lately, I've had random urges to call out to God or believe in something. These urges were pretty surprising to me at first. I'd catch myself and be like, "wtf?! Why am I pleading to some imaginary God in my head? I haven't done that in years." I think I'm finally starting to see value in religion and understand why people believe. Do I actually think that, say, Jesus is the literal manifestation of God and that belief in him will result in an afterlife in heaven? No, I don't. I think that's silly. But I like the idea of having a religious belief. I like the idea of believing in a higher power and turning to that power in times of weakness in order to find strength and guidance. I'm not about to become some moralist Bible-thumper, but I could see myself coming to identify with some level of faith and getting into a community church group or something that is really positive and doesn't condemn non-believers. |
It's strange that you made this post. I have started to go to church every Sunday. My GF and her parents forced me to go, but I feel like it is clensing my sole a little bit at a time. I happier now then what I ever was before. I've cut things out of my life that were hindering my relationships. I wish it didn't take me so long, but it's better late then never I spose!! Psalm 23!
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Really happy to hear this UB. Although I am not religious myself, I think anything that makes people happy should be encouraged and if embracing Jesus gets your rocks off, more power to you.
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I do believe we all need something to cling to when times are hard. To help us get by.
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I can't bring myself to believe in this stuff. Gotta say I'm a bit surprised by this. But if it makes you happy, I'm happy for you. No need to begrudge someone for this.
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I definitely see what you're saying about the 'surrounding yourself with positive thoughts' stuff. Two Saturdays ago I volunteered at the local Soup Kitchen at Tits' urging. She was doing it with some of her work friends. Long story short, I thought it would be lame and a giant hassle, but I really took a lot away from it. Anyway, the one big thing that everyone else that was there had going for them was religion. Even the god damned homeless people were all about it. And, while believing it literally isn't something that I think I could subscribe to, having a common cause with nearly every stranger can't be a bad thing, right?
Not entirely sure what the next step is, but there's a local church group that does that type of stuff a lot. I don't really want to join a church, but maybe just a monthly feel-good task of some sort we meet up with them for a morning. Not sure, but I'll keep you posted. |
I think the problem that Blonde has, and many of you do, too, is that you know God exists. You know Jesus is the son of God, but you reject his love and absolute fucking dominance under the guise of "he doesn't exist".
Maybe you were molested by your pastor as a child, Blonde, or maybe you've done such unforgivable (in your mind) evil that you feel that you need to run from Christ our lord and savior. God forgives all Blonde, and it wasn't your fault that your pastor touched you there. Let it go and embrace the light. You will find everlasting hope and love in the kingdom of light. God bless you Blonde. |
You can't limit Blonde's issues to just 2 paragraphs. We need an intervention of some sort. We need to teach him the ways of our lord.
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It's very coincidental you started this thread now, UB, as I've been having some thoughts along these lines lately too. For me, it's more so a realization that being a full on empiricist (i.e. scientist/atheist) has some troubling limitations. Like it or not, rationalism has its place in philosophy - it's a legit epistemological path. So if the existence of God exists beyond the tools of science (i.e. empiricism) then maybe it's not God that's the problem, but the tool I've been using to try and find him.
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To try to bring something serious out of the thread. I truly do have a religion, and that is the human will.
http://www.daveramseyguru.com/dave_r...raveheart.jpeg |
UB, are you going to join me for Holiday Mass next Christmas?
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You don't believe in god because you're so goddamn smart, we get it. |
Come on guys. Let's be a little less witch-hunt-y and hivemind-ish about this. I merely try to rationalize with Mr. UB based on the fact that he, a friend i've known for about 8 years, might be going down an irrational path based on a lie, and you guys jump on me like I just kicked the crutches out from a mentally handicapped kid. I didn't insult him, nor anybody else in this thread. I'm permitted to hash out my (correct, for the record-- because i'm so goddamn smart) opinion on the matter the same as any of the rest of you.
You would also all do well to notice the subforum this is in, and how it's not Life Projects -- probably the only forum on Nubblies where it is unwritten that harsh dissent and insults are not to be tolerated. Which I didn't do anyways. http://www.nubblies.net/forums/Photo...t_atheists.jpg |
At least the first 2 go away after they try to make their point.
http://www.nubblies.net/forums/Photopost/data/2/MA.jpg |
We're persecuting you for your non-beliefs, heathen.
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It's kind of weird you brought this up UB. My cat and my grandma died recently. And weirdly the only thing that would ever make me feel better when it was really rough was to kind of just reach out. Like one of those "Dear God, if there is a God" moments. A strange comfort would come over me and I'd feel at peace for while.
I don't know, but its something to think about I guess. |
I haven't experienced anything like that. I'm just beginning to think maybe I've had too narrow of a source of knowledge view.
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There has never been a war fought in the name of atheism. People might be atheists who are committing war, but I challenge you to prove that was Mao's inspiration.
So, DJ FC, the cartoon does make sense because the first two panels are people committing crimes and "evil" because of their faith. Quote:
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My point is you can't blame the ideology for the stupid people that misinterpreted it and did horrible things. In Mao's case, his lack of religion absolutely contributed to his actions. He had no respect for individual human rights, and his policies killed millions of people, all for "the greater good". Does that mean you blame atheism? No. Just like you don't blame Christianity for killing abortion doctors. Or even worse, the Westboro Baptist Church.
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I think I'm make a good point, actually, one I'd like you to address.
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