How did it get to this point?
We each are free to choose our own path and attribute the wonders of our existence however we see fit. I hope my words are understood here as the last thing I want to do is antagonize. I merely wish to be able to discuss freely what God has done in my life. To me, the concrete existence of the ultimate power exists within the one who created me.
The realm of the spirit has been debated since the beginning of time, Some are passionate about their beliefs, some don’t pay much attention to that which is spiritual at all.
I only want to stand up and proudly declare that I am a Christian and I’m not ashamed of it. After reading this statement, how did you feel about me? Did you cheer? Did you want to hurl? Do you think I’m just misguided and have fallen for a myth? I’m curious as to why people feel the way they feel about Christianity. As defined, Christian means only “follower of Christ”, but it seems to me that folks attribute so many other meanings to the term, you can ask any 10 people and get 10 different answers. Why?
My hope is that this blog remains a respectful discussion. I’m truly curious as to why religious/spiritual topics have come to be avoided more often than not.
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I think they are avoided, because they get people feeling emotional about the one thing they belive in.This can either be because they are strong int heir own belief of what it means to be a christian,or they feel strong about the fact people believe in a myth.Me personallyi am strong in my beliefs and i am proud to tell you i am a Catholic,just hope that I live it the best I can..good for you chalk of course I didnt want to HURL,……xxmac
And so you should be proud Mac xxx
Good blog chalk, I am a Christian, not a church going one so maybe i am more spiritual rather than organised religion. What i thought about you as i read made me smile as you are a very intelligent person and i am interested in your beliefs. This one just happened to correspond with mine xxx
I think discussions are avoided, and purely because normally each side thinks they are right and everyone else is wrong. As far as I am concerned, everyone is allowed their own values and beliefs, but some are very hard line christians and that really annoys me. Personally I don’t care what other people believe as long as it isn’t shoved down my neck or no one tries to beat me over the head with a bible. I do not believe in god, and am very fond of saying god is a woman with an evil sense of humour lol. You can choose to believe in allah, god, jehovah, the fates or what ever gives you comfort. Be proud to say what you do or don’t believe in and never expect everyone to agree with you.
I so agree with you Kiwi. In an earlier time we would be known as heathen Im sure. I am agnostic in that I believe there is something but until it can be proven irrevocably to me I will just carry on as I am. Religion does not make me or anyone else any better or worse. I still live a simple life, treat others with respect and just enjoy my lot in life.
I have to agree with Kiwi and Faye here . What I can’t see or prove I don’t believe in. But in saying that I hold nothing against those who do believe. I respect thier beliefs and hope they respect mine. Xxx
I smiled when reading your blog and admire people that have a strong faith in something.
I agree with kiwigirl. There is no right answer and I usually avoid discussing religion or politics for the above reasons and people get cranky if your opinion differs.
Agree with you there greeneyze xx
well gran my dear friend, we have different views on some things , you are one of the best people i know, it never comes between us, we are sisters with the same aim in mind, just different routes, so isn’t that the best xxx
That’s what true friends are all about Skips . It doesn’t mean they have to have the same views on everything. Everyone is different if we all drive pink cars we would be a pink carnation lol xxx
hahhahhaa gran xxx
Well Chalk, I didn’t want to cheer or hurl. lol. I am simply glad you are standing up for what you believe in. I think more people should do that.. but it’s important to be grounded to give a defense of your position. I think the real problems come when, as Kiwigirl said, people try to force their beliefs on others. But there’s a difference between intelligently debating a subject and forcing it down someone’s throat. I see no reason for anyone to be offended that I’m strong in my faith and even dogmatic at times. No reason for anyone to be upset that you declare yourself a Christian. I personally love these discussions. I think they’re thought provoking and challenging, and we as adults ought to be able to separate the issue from the person or relationship. Thanks for an interesting blog.
That’s right Millie that’s what I was trying to say xxx
Hey Chalk, a very interesting subject, and while I promise myself never to discuss religion or politics, can I just say ‘chalk’ me up to your team. Thank You……. Annie
I am with you Annie on this one.I always say I never discuss Politics or religion but I am with ‘chalk ‘ on this one……Ann
That’s why I like everyone Tania and Friendlya, because we can all have our own opinions and yet still get along xxxx
And Chalky, as long as you don’t sing you are ok lol
It’s not my fault you love Henry the 8th so much! 🙂
I like many others usually steer clear of religious and political interludes, but I thought I would give my 3penny worth.
There have been one million + books published by theologists, professors, etc. all on their own interpretation of the Bible. Each one is thought provoking and encourages arguments and more ideas. I think its good study different interpretations and expand our thinking which enables us to use our minds to its fullest extent. The Bible is extremely complicated for which there is no one right answer.
My personal thought is to live an honest, caring, non-selfish life with no intent on hurting a living being. To me, it doesn’t matter what belief anyone has, as long as they have no intention of destruction or hurt.
Religion will always cause friction because many people are so rigid with a closed mind and refuse to understand other people and their beliefs. So much so, they will fight for it.
That is a good outlook Polly xxx
I also try not to discuss politics or religion. I was christened a Catholic and I am proud of that, but I no longer attend church. When I am asked what my religion is I say I am a Christian. My definition of a Christian is someone who doesn’t set out to hurt others, but someone who tries to live a good life respecting all others regardless of their beliefs. Religion is a subject of discussion that usually doesn’t end well, as is the same with politics. This is a good blog Chalk xoxox
Now I love that FY XXXX
Not to give an opinion one way or the other… Chalk me up to your team too…. Good Blog Chalk
The running theme that I keep seeing is complacency and this is why the world is going down the toilet. People are afraid to speak out because anyone with any kind of opinion or stance is shot down and bullied into silence and are told that they’re wrong to feel the way they do or to stand for anything because they are being intolerant
I can’t speak for other countries because I do not know their histories, but there was a time in America when the priorities were God and family. Both have become unimportant with rampant dysfunction now becoming the norm. Both basic tenets have been under attack for so long and that’s what evil does – undermines the very foundations upon which our lives are built. Strife, discord, dysfunction.but let’s all bury our head in the sand and ignore what once was. I hear sirens outside my window not just once a day but several times a day. Is silence and complacency really working? We are living in a time where tolerance is the key word. I think the word tolerance really means relative truth. Your truth is yours and my truth is mine. If one person feels that they have the religious right to burn your house down, then who are you to protest their religious freedom? Would you be tolerant of their beliefs completely or is there a line where you refuse to let anyone cross? There is no such thing as multiple truths. That’s the greatest myth of our time.
The Golden Rule in today’s society has become: Do whatever you want and I’ll just sit by and ignore it hoping for the best. This is going to get me in trouble with folks but that’s what it means to be a Christian. I’m always an outcast because of my beliefs and that is exactly as it should be. Christian life is a life of suffering. Ask any apostle or even Christ himself. Outwardly suffering but oh how sweet the peace within
Why would you be an outcast because of your beliefs? It’s what you believe in and no one can take that away from you, same as no one can take mine away . It’s your right chalky to have your beliefs xxx
I don’t think people are shot down for their beliefs necessarily. It’s when those beliefs are put into action. It’s one thing to believe in something, it’s entirely another to live it 24/7. I’m certainly not perfect – far from it. But when I fall short, I pick myself up, dust off my shoes, and start walking again.
I can only speak to my own personal walk so take this for whatever it’s worth, but when I do things acting on faith alone, they have often been misunderstood by folks who either can’t, won’t, or just don’t know how to trust at that level. To those with no faith, I’m sure I’ve appeared quite insane (the ex comes to mind lol)
I can only tell you that the times I’ve acted completely on faith have been some of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences I’ll carry in my heart through the rest of my life.
You do what works for you chalky and it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks . And obviously your ex is just that for a reason . Just don’t tell me you sang for her otherwise I’m on her side lol
hahahaha, gj!
“People are afraid to speak out because anyone with any kind of opinion or stance is shot down and bullied into silence and are told that they’re wrong to feel the way they do or to stand for anything because they are being intolerant.”
Im not afaid to speak out chalk, if the conversation/debate is controlled without arguments. But I do get annoyed if someone tries to push their beliefs on me, but I will listen without bias,
I am happy within myself and have no need to push beliefs onto other people.
I think it’s the same with any subject Polly not just religion. One would think at our age we could discuss things without arguments but I suppose that’s being in fairy land by thinking that lol xxx
I do not believe in God, Allah or any of the other names by which a diety is known throughout this planet.
I do however believe in the right of each person to have their own belief in such dieties, providing they obey one law which seems to be common to all creeds. “Do no harm”.
Once they breach that one law, they are beyond the pale, outlaw (in the old Saxon meaning that they are outside the law and are no longer protected by it).
I have a legitimate question to ask so that I can understand opposing viewpoints.
My question is this: How does a simple man who is tried, is convicted as a criminal, is crucified under the ultimate penalty of Roman law at the time, go on to become the most widely known religious figure in history? How and why did the life of this man become so important to people that it spread in global proportions? What made him so special?
I truly am curious and want honest answers to this if anyone is willing to provide them.
Like all great preachers and teachers, His teachings touched something inside us that we knew to be true, how to live. He was a teacher, preacher and healer, he didn’t claim to be anything else. All the other stuff was created by St Paul and the church. just my humble opinion.
Thanks Skippy for your honest response. It’s very much appreciated. For the sake of discussion, I do believe he was all the things you’ve mentioned above but more than these, I do believe he was the Son of God as well. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to post the scriptures that cause me to believe this way.
I do enjoy these theological discussions and hope that perhaps this blog might lead to more of them. Thanks again, Skppy. 🙂
Well I don’t even know who you are talking about so obviously he isn’t to special to everyone.
I think you meant antagonise.
..and i think YOU meant patroniZe 🙂
Maybe this discussion way over my head as I got no idea if kookaburra talking to me about being antagonizing or what ?????
bye bye dear friends enjoy your discussion
Briefly, the main difference between us—Buddhism and other philosophies, is that we do not accept the notion of a living god, but rather that we are responsible for our future happiness. Any further debate on this subject will have to be carried on without me, but I do wish you all the best. Namaste’ _/I\_
I’m so glad you said that, Normijs, b/c it’s a critical one. What I would say is that it’s important to stand up for what u believe in. But we can’t pretend it’s all the same and we’re all saying the same thing when we have such strong and sometimes opposing personal views. I’m happy that it’s being acknowledged, and, as stated before, I think we can continue healthy and constructive debate w/o it degenerating into negativity and anger. I think Chalk has done an excellent job of making his views clear while maintaining respect for others’. When did we get to the place where we all feel like we have to agree or we can’t speak? This is what makes life so interesting, our diversity in different areas.. Just my opinion…