Non-debating religious thread...let's learn!! :)

[CathyBogart]

Do you perform magic? What kind if so? Does it work and can you tell us about something magical that happened? If you do magic - is it you or does a god help you? Is it good or white magic?
I use magick every day. If you mean casting a spell towards a specific goal...Only very rarely. I'm not really sure what you mean by what kind of magick. Magick is not good or bad, black or white, it simply is. It's a tool, and it can be used for good or bad purposes. However, one of the most important rules to remember is the rule of three "What thou gives out comes back to thee", which means that the energy you send out comes back to you threefold. It's essentially Karma...you do nice things, good things happen. You do bad things, bad things end up happening to you.

The magick that I use every day can be as simple as sending well-wishes to a good friend, or channeling soothing energy to my abdomen to relieve cramps. (This came in VERY handy in class today! ) The more complex things I do are usually asking for help solving a personal problem, or asking for help for a (consenting) friend. I wouldn't cast a spell for someone who hadn't consented, because I would be insulted if someone did something like that to me.

Magick can either be just me - channeling energy towards a goal, or it can be me with the help of a deity, if I ask. (If you ask for help, you do need to thank the deity once they have helped you! Something magickal that has happened...well...*Thinks* Ah!

A few weeks ago, one of my friends got in some serious trouble at work. His business credit card had been stolen....his card issued by the military!! NOT GOOD. Someone had been charging thousands of dollars to it. I asked Goddess (Danu from the Celtic panthenon) to help him find the person, FAST, so that he didn't get kicked out of the military and put in prison. I don't think I've ever put that much energy into anything. First thing the next morning, I woke up to my phone getting a text message. He had looked at the charges, realized that one was in Florida, during the time when his roommate was in Florida. He's gathering evidence for a court case now, and things are working in his favor. I'm STILL really relieved just thinking about it.

Why is your wand a "she" ? Is this usual? Would a man have a wand that was a "he"?
It's pretty common for certain tools (Wands and brooms specifically come to mind) to have names, and to an extent, personalities. They can be male or female, and the gender of the Witch using it doesn't affect it. My want just struck me as a "she"....and I think it's at least partially because the woman who made her for me works exclusively with the Egyptian Goddess Bastet. (The Goddess of cats, and protection from evil) I think she was simply made with a lot of feminine energy, as opposed to a wand made by someone who works with a Goddess/God pair.

What do you call a man witch in your religion?
Simply that, a male Witch. the word "Warlock" means "Oath-breaker", and we wouldn't want to imply that all of our male Witches had broken their oath to their deities(or deity).

How are you different from Wiccan? That is the only "witch" I have heard of.
I really don't know what to consider myself. There are many sects of Wicca, and most of them seem to revolve around working with a group. I know that there IS a circle in my area, but I lost touch with them awhile ago...and I never did get a chance to meet with them. I just didn't feel like I "clicked". Right now I prefer to work alone. There are also Druids, as well as other sects that practice Witchcraft.

Do you dress differently to identify yourself?
I don't tend to, aside from wearing my pentacle around. I've never seen a Witch dressed in a way that immediately identified him/herself, mostly because we still get a lot of persecution in this day and age.

Do you find that people are fearful of you? Are they curious? If fearful, is it better if you explain what you believe?
Sometimes people are afraid of me...usually because they know nothing about Witchcraft. It's very hard to explain the concept to someone who has "Hocus Pocus, I'll curse you!" stuck in their heads. I find it extremely disrespectful when people jokingly say "oooh, you gonna cast a spell on me?" If someone is curious, or afraid and willing to listen, I explain as best I can what the religion and the practices involve. Hopefully I've alleviated a few worried minds!

Do you have a group to meet together with? If so, is it regular like a service most people would be familiar with - that is - a Saturday or Sunday weekly service?
A lot of people meet with "circles" or "Covens", with a circle usually being a group of friends who het together on holidays and/or whenever they want and talk, exchange tools/ideas, or practice ritual/spellcasting. A Coven is usually amore formal environment, often organized and run by a High Priestess and High Priest. I don't know much about the inner workings of a Coven, unfortunately.

Do you believe in the Judeo-Christian God at all?
I don't, but I know there are some who do.

Do you believe in evolution?
I certainly do! As far as I know, most pagans do, but I'm not sure.

Where will you go when you die? Do you believe in a heaven?
We believe in reincarnation. After a person's life, their spirit, soul, whatever, goes to Summerland, a place of rest and rejuvenation, for as long as they need before they are ready for another life. (Perhaps they need to wait for a loved one, or had a horrible life to recover from)

Are people basically good or bad in your religious belief?
People just innately are. Every person knows right from wrong, it's up to the individual how they turn out.

Don't worry, I love answering serious questions!

I'm also going to add that I DO celebrate with my family on their holidays, but without any Christian religious elements. I don't expect them to participate in my holidays, but I do expect them not to stop me from practicing them. YAY for two sets of holidays!! *Chuckles*

[CathyBogart]

One more thing!! The only real "law" or "commandment" to be followed is this: "An' ye harm none, do what ye will". This means that you can live your life how you choose, make your own decisions, but do not harm anyone, yourself included, in the process.

[wolf_Q]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
I do not dislike the LDS in any way. In fact, I admire their zeal and the lives they lead. I wish Christians could be better models of family ideals and wholesome living. But I do have questions...

What is the purpose of sealing a marriage for eternity in the temple? Do the individuals believe they are still married after death and continue with sexual relations to produce souls for babies? Yes you would still be married and together after death. I've never heard anything concerning "sexual relations" in heaven...

What is the purpose of the special underwear that are worn after a temple sealed marriage? What do they look like? I know what they look like but I don't think it's something I am supposed to talk about, they are considered sacred. I don't really know much about them as I haven't been through any temple sessions or anything.

Why is water consumed at communion rather than wine? Does it not represent blood? Consuming alcohol is against the Word of Wisdom. Thats about all I can tell you on that.

Was Jesus God's only Son or not? Yes and no..he's God's only begotten son in the flesh but we are all considered sons and daughters of God.

Do LDS's believe they will some day be god's of their own planet? I can answer yes to that in a degree but I don't know enough about that to fully answer it.

Do my LDS friends pray for my soul and research my anchestors in their geneology work? Is this required? I don't know? I know many people are involved in geneology work..it's not like required to be a member.

What is a "Jack Mormon"? Is it a Mormon who has left the church?? I *think* it's somebody like me..not absolutely sure...kinda like an inactive member.

Why do LDS members cross their arms in prayer? Is this significant? I think just in reverence to God, I'm not aware of any specific significance.

Can a woman get to heaven without being married to a mormon and sealed in a temple? What happens to her?? Isheaven the same as the planets? People who have already passed on are in the Spirit World which is a place of learning and preparation. They will not be in heaven until the resurrection. People who were not married here on earth have opportunities there. That's about all I know on that.
Thanks!!

Sorry I'm not much help, I'm not really qualified to answer religion questions lol.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

I'm technically Catholic. I was baptized in a Catholic church, had my first communion, and went to CCD for five years. (A sort of 'program' to learn more about the religion, and what you have to take in order to have your first communion.) I could honestly say, that I forgot *most* of what I learned.

I don't consider myself an athiest; I do believe in a God, but I don't agree with what the religon teaches.

I have a question for Christians- Is it true that you have to be 'saved' in order to enter heaven? if so, could you explain a little bit about that, please? Just wondering.

[guster girl]

All the information about Paganism is absolutely fascinating. I also met and briefly dated a Mormon, and, absolutely was mesmerized by his beliefs. He is one of the most amazing genuine people I have ever known. He's the reason I have learned to at least accept other religions and/or beliefs. I guess I'm agnostic? I think that's what it is when you're undecided. Someone correct me, if that's not right. I don't consider myself lost, necessarily, but, definitely unsure about what I believe in. Sometimes, the idea of an all encompassing deity is overwhelming to me. I've always been probably most interested in Buddhism. I know nothing about it, though, so, if there's anyone here that cares to educate me, I'm all ears. If someone can be as open and full of info as Wolfchan, that would be awesome. I do like what you said, Wolfchan, about the karma thing, and, about not harming yourself and others. How does the Pagan religion look at premarital sex, drinking, swearing, etc? Those are the things in Christianity that I just can't get over. It's why I don't go to church. I mean, I know if I ask for forgiveness, then, I'll be forgiven. But, considering I know I'm not going to abstain if I'm not married, it would be ridiculously hypocritical of me to ask for forgiveness. And, I drink hard on occassion, and, swear like a sailor. I don't lie to people, I don't hurt people or things, I am a compassionate person. And, because I have a weakness for Patron that surfaces once every few months, and, a weakness for sex with my boyfriend, I just can't fathom that being bad enough to be damned for eternity. I don't know, that's why I don't go to church. Anyway, I'm rambling......I love this thread. I'm all for learning about new things. What makes me the most sad about religion and the people involved in it, is that they shut down to all other ideas. I mean, fine....if you have your beliefs and you have no inclination or desire to change them, that's awesome. But, it's when folks have NO INTEREST whatsoever in learning what makes other good, compassionate people the way they are, that I shed a tear for humanity. Again, my signature rings really true in situations like that.

[popcornbird]

Great thread!!! I'll post my beliefs and questions for others in a short while..............little busy right now, but I want to say this thread is very interesting. Perhaps it will help us all to understand/get to know each other better. I'll be back!

[guster girl]

Originally posted by popcornbird
Great thread!!! I'll post my beliefs and questions for others in a short while..............little busy right now, but I want to say this thread is very interesting. Perhaps it will help us all to understand/get to know each other better. I'll be back!

What stinks about it is that the people who really need to open their minds will probably not read this thread because of their closemindedness (is that all one word?!). At least, that's how it usually works. It's like these awesome shows on Animal Planet showing how to take better care of your pets, or the plight of animals in the country, etc....the people that abuse animals are not going to be the ones to watch them, although they're the ones who SHOULD. But, it's still a really cool thread.

[slick]

I don't normally post in thread like this one but I just have to share and maybe you can tell me what I am because I don't have a clue.

I don't go to church except for Midnight Mass on Dec 24th.
I don't read the bible
I don't give money to churches

I do believe in a higher power, I call him God
I do believe in Heaven
I do pray on a daily basis
I do believe that God hears me and answers my prayers in one way or another
I do try to love thy neighbour (although that's hard sometimes)
I do treat others as I would want to be treated
I do look forward to death because I know I will be reunited with my loved humans and pets again
I do know the ten commandments and try to live by them
I do get more pleasure out of helping others than helping myself
I do believe that all living things are God's creatures and we should look after them

Some background:
My parents are Atheist, but when I was very little my Mother had me baptized just in case I decided to follow religion when I grew older. She explained to me that she did not want me to be embarrassed by not being baptized. Can't quite figure that one out, but oh well.

I came to know God when I was about 7 yrs old and He's been with me ever since. I have no doubt.

So what would you classify me as???

[G.P.girl]

Wow this is a really interesting thread. Woflchan your religion id really interesting, i don't know anyone else with that reigion. it sounds pretty cool!

as for me, i'm not religius. i don't believe in anything. i'm a very simple person i guess. i'm not against other religions, i'm very open to try them and visit the church, temple, etc. but i prefer not to have any religion. maybe someday if i really feel connected to something then iwill join that religion, but for me to say that i'm any kind of religion right now would feel like i was forcing myself in to it and that's not what it should be about.

lol i hope that made sense

[Twisterdog]

Interesting thread.

I was raised fundamentalist Christian ... Nazarene, to be exact.

I had quite enough of that when I was about twelve years old.

I have no idea what I "am" now. I'll tell you what I believe and you can label me as you see fit.

I believe there is a higher power.

I call myself Christian, because that's how I was raised and that's what I'm familar with. I do not, however, believe every single word written in the Bible was meant to be taken verbatim, literally. I also don't believe that "my" religion is in any way, shape or form "better" than any other religion. I call my higher power "God", also because it's what I'm familar with. I don't for one second believe that is actually His/Her/Its "real name."

I believe that the higher power doesn't really care what people call Him/Her/It ... be it God or Allah or whatever. I think there's only one "god", and humans - with our tiny little pea brains - have invented all "religions". I believe organized religion, for the most part, has done more harm than good in the world.

I believe that if you follow the Christian "golden rule" ... "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", or as WolfChan's religion so elegantly puts it, "An' ye harm none, do what ye will." ... that you will pretty much be ok in this world, and the next.

I also believe that if you are a religious person, and you follow the doctrine and rules of the religion you belong to, that you will ok. I have to think that God hates a hypocrite. If you are born in India, are born a Hindu, live your life as a good Hindu ... that God will think that is just great. Likewise if you are born in Iraq and are a Moslem, or are born in the USA and are a Christian. I think what religion you happen to practice is, for the most part, a function of where you/your family was born. And I think that's ok with God.

I think that "heaven" is whatever you want it to be, or think it will be. If you think you will walk streets of gold, eat milk and honey (gag!) and play harps with the angels ... then I think that is what you will get. I think that if you believe in reincarnation, you will be reincarnated, etc. I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt, if there is only one "heaven" ... about 99% of the people there are going to be miserable. For example, in my heaven, there's going to be lots of dogs. In my mom's heaven, there won't be any dogs, because she is afraid of dogs. I think we'll all have all we want.

I believe, more strongly than anything, that I am probably dead wrong about all of this, and that God is laughing at my puny, meager attempts to comprehend all this. I believe that ALL of you are wrong, too, and giving God a chuckle, as well. I believe NO mortal human being on earth can ever begin to comprehend one tenth of the glories of God. Hopefully, we'll all see it one day.

I personally tend to work with the Celtic Panthenon, which includes Danu and Dagda as the mother/father deities, as well as Brigid (goddess of healing), Morrigan (Goddess of War), Belenus (Sun god), Nuada (God of Valor) and many others.

Wolfchan, my brother is pagan, and (I think) also hangs out with the Celtic folks.

[popcornbird]

Ok, here goes. I'll start with my beliefs and end with some questions for others.

I am a Muslim. We believe that there is only One God, that He has no partners. We cannot associate anyone to God. He is Supreme, the One Who created us all, created the heavens and the earth, and everything within. We believe God created mankind to serve and worship Him alone. The God we worship is the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Mohammad, and all other Prophets.

We believe Adam was the first man, that God created him from clay, and then put life into him. Eve was the first woman, Adam's wife, and we are all the children, or say the offspring, of Adam and Eve.

We believe that God sent Prophets and Messengers to mankind, time after time, to give the people of this world His message, on how to live their lives, etc. Some of these Messengers were sent with guidelines, or books, for people to follow. The Prophets that received revelations, include David, Abraham, Moses, Jesus (we believe him to be a Prophet/Messenger of God.......not God's son), and lastly Mohammad, (peace be upon them all), who we believe to be the last Prophet sent to mankind with the completed and final Message from God. The Quran, which was the book revealed to Prophet Muhammad, was revealed to him, through Angel Gabriel, over a period of 23 years. The entire Quran was compiled during the Prophet's lifetime.

I'm going to say a bit on what believe about Jesus, because I figured perhaps the Christians here might be interested.

We believe Jesus was a Prophet, that his birth was a miracle. He was born to Mary, his mother who was a virgin. His birth was a miracle because he was born to a blessed woman, who no man had ever touched. We believe Jesus talked as a baby. We believe he was a Prophet of God, that He brought God's message to his people. We do not believe he was God's son, because it is against our faith to associate anyone with God.........we believe it kind of equates to comparing God to humans and animals, who mate and have offspring. God, in our faith, is much too supreme to have a son, a daughter, a wife, or anything. This is probably the *major* difference between Islam and Christianity. We believe Jesus was never crusified.........that the disbelievers plotted against him, and set a cross up to crusify him on, but God took Jesus up to heaven before they killed him, and replaced him with one of the disbelievers, who God made to *look* like Jesus, and that disbeliever (who was one of those plotting against Jesus) was crusified instead. We believe God took Jesus up with him, alive, that he is still alive, and that he will return to earth before the end of time. He will live on earth for 40 years, a time in which there will be peace throughout the land, and he will rule until his death (40 years later). A person cannot be a Muslim without believing in Jesus, and loving Jesus.

Ok, that's all about Jesus........though we do believe much more about him. I don't think I can go on forever!!! What else? We believe in the Day of Judgement, when God will Judge each and every human being for how they lived their lives in this world. Those who lived good lives according to God's teachings will be handed their book of deeds in their right hand. Those will be the people who will go to Heaven. Then there will be people who did wrong in their lives, never repented........never felt bad about their sins, etc. These people will be handed their book of deeds in their left hand, and they will be the people of Hell.

We believe the life in this world is temporary, and that the life to come will be for eternity. Those who will go to Heaven will be there forever, and those who will be unfortunate enough to go to Hell, will also, be there forever.

We believe that every child is born sin-free.........that no child carries the sins of their parents. We do not believe in *Original sin*. We believe Adam and his wife sinned by eating the fruit in Paradise which God forbade them to, but we do not believe every human carries that sin, or the sins of their parents, etc. Sins begin to *count* after a person hits puberty. If a child under the age of puberty dies, he/she, no matter what the faith/religion of his/her parents will go to Heaven. There is much more.......much much more, but I'm tired and this is all I could think of right now. Any questions are welcome.....though I may not know the answers to them all! You may check this site out if you have too many questions though. It probably has the answers to most of them. http://www.islam-guide.com/


Ok, now my questions..........for Christians.

Do you really believe children are born sinful, and that they need Jesus to *save* them, otherwise they are destined to Hell? In other words.........do you believe anyone who is *not* a Christian is going to Hell?

What do you believe about Jesus? How much do your beliefs differ from our's?

Do you worship Jesus, or do you worship God? How do you differenciate God from Jesus?

What does Trinity mean? I have never quite understood it, and would like an explanation.

What does it mean to baptize a child? What do you do in this process, and what does it symbolize?

I guess I may have more questions with time, but that's all for now.

[Twisterdog]

PCB ... Wow. I'm stuck so much by your post ... because for all the centuries of war and hatred between Moslems and Christians and Jews ... the are almost the same religion ... the same God. So sad that people don't see that, and stop fighting.

I'll try to answer some of your questions, although I'm sure others will have differing opinions.

Do you really believe children are born sinful, and that they need Jesus to *save* them, otherwise they are destined to Hell? In other words.........do you believe anyone who is *not* a Christian is going to Hell?

Some branches of Christianity believe that a baby must be baptised to have everlasting life (for example, Catholics) but many others do not. For many denominations of Christianity, baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment, and therefore one should not be baptised or "saved" until they are old enough to make a conscious choice to follow God. These denominations believe that a baby is born free from sin. I believe the latter.

Sadly, most Christians probably do feel that if you aren't a born-again Christian that you aren't going to heaven. I don't believe this at all, that is one reason I won't join a Christian church.

I should leave your other three questions alone ... they are more for the mainstream Christians out there. I'm sure my views would be a little "off".

[IttyBittyKitty]

Originally posted by slick
I don't normally post in thread like this one but I just have to share and maybe you can tell me what I am because I don't have a clue.

I don't go to church except for Midnight Mass on Dec 24th.
I don't read the bible
I don't give money to churches

I do believe in a higher power, I call him God
I do believe in Heaven
I do pray on a daily basis
I do believe that God hears me and answers my prayers in one way or another
I do try to love thy neighbour (although that's hard sometimes)
I do treat others as I would want to be treated
I do look forward to death because I know I will be reunited with my loved humans and pets again
I do know the ten commandments and try to live by them
I do get more pleasure out of helping others than helping myself
I do believe that all living things are God's creatures and we should look after them

Some background:
My parents are Atheist, but when I was very little my Mother had me baptized just in case I decided to follow religion when I grew older. She explained to me that she did not want me to be embarrassed by not being baptized. Can't quite figure that one out, but oh well.

I came to know God when I was about 7 yrs old and He's been with me ever since. I have no doubt.

So what would you classify me as???

I agree with you 100%.

You're just like me! I know exactly what you mean. I have "known God" since before I could talk, and have never once doubted that a higher power exists. I was baptised as an Anglican, and I was raised (on and off) in that church, until Mum got sick of the hypocrisy that went on after her and my step-dad split. All that was important to a large segment of the church goers there was how much they donated, and yet they still went home to their mansions while fellow parisioners went home to their housing commission homes. Not to mention my good friend who was bullied until her self-esteem was left in tatters at a "good Christian school" where all the kids think they are fantastic Christians.

That is something I want explained ... how can a Christian, Jessica Simpson for example, be comfortable living in a huge mansion with every luxury when so many suffer in poverty? I am not a Christian, per se, but if I won Lotto, I certainly wouldn't hang on to it and would not live in luxury while others suffered ...

I am also curious about what we would be classed as ...

[sirrahbed]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by popcornbird
Ok, here goes. I'll start with my beliefs and end with some questions for others.

I am a Muslim.
In all my years, I have never met or spoken with a Muslim and I appreciate you laying out your beliefs so simply and easy to understand...although I know this is a nutshell version. It is so very similar to my own Christian faith - I am surprised. We have the very same God!! The God of Abraham. There are crucial differences of course, but what you wrote was very good - thank you!

Ok, now my questions..........for Christians.

I will attempt this - but Christianity has so many different man-made denominations that what I say will only reflect my Lutheran teachings as I understand and believe them - although I believe I am Christian first - before Lutheranism - that is simply a group I belong to who all believe and worship in a similar way.

Do you really believe children are born sinful,
yes, we are all born sinful - I believe this because the Bible says so and I believe that the Bible is God's Word and is all I have to go on
and that they need Jesus to *save* them, otherwise they are destined to Hell? In other words.........do you believe anyone who is *not* a Christian is going to Hell?
I cannot say when salvation occurs. It is God's miracle and happens through faith when a person hears God's Word and believes it. I do believe there is a hell. I know we cannot earn our way to heaven, but only go to heaven through faith in God through Christ Jesus. God is so supreme and righteous that He could not possibly stand us the way we are. That is why Jesus had to die - to take the wrath and anger of God and cleanse us of our sinfulness, and make us right with God again. It does not all make sense and seems almost too easy in some ways and even barbaric in other ways - but I believe it happened and because it happened, God redeemed all of his creatures so we could go back to Him someday. I don't know who goes to hell. I only have the hope that I will be in heaven because I believe that Jesus's death on the cross was all that was necessary once and for all, to save me and all people from sin. This is why I go to church - to thank Him for doing this for me and for everyone, to praise Him and seek His help to make me a kinder and more compassionate person that perhaps because of me, someone else may seek Him also, receive His peace and live with Him in eternity. I do not know who is going to hell - only God knows that and He does not want anyone there - He wants all of us with Him!

What do you believe about Jesus? How much do your beliefs differ from our's? Do you worship Jesus, or do you worship God? How do you differenciate God from Jesus? What does Trinity mean? I have never quite understood it, and would like an explanation.
Well, I do believe Jesus was actually God 's Son - that He was both true man and true God at the same time. He could have avoided the suffering at any time but chose not to because He loved us and wanted to take the punishment so we would not have to. God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity - three persons but one God. Sort of like ice water and vapor are all the same substance. It is a mystery I do not understand and can't explain. When I worship - I am worshipping all three because they are the same. I might address God in His majesty and supreme power, I might address Christ because as man he understands how I feel and hurt and am tempted and how hard life is, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter - the Spirit who is so close to me at all times and in my heart, thoughts and mind through the Words of the Bible and helps me have faith even when my logical mind fights it and thinks nothing makes sense. When I think I can't pray, the Holy Spirit lives inside me and prays for me because i am lazy, rotten and not like God at all - and so He enables me to be patient and loving and kind to other people. As far as the Crucifixion - I absolutely believe it was Jesus as true man and that he actually was put to death and died - and at that moment, the world turned dark as there was a momentary separation of his human nature from His divine nature and it must have been so horrifying! It is how we are without God - empty and lost. But, he did not stay dead. He rose again, scars healed and was no longer humiliated but exalted, sin and death was finally conquered and after a period of time, He ascended to heaven and there He is at present with the Father. I do not know if they are still separate or not - but the memory of what he went through is surely there for us to remember always and believe. That is why we have communion - to remember His body and blood that was shed for us. It is a moving and amazing thing to drink the blood and eat the body of Christ at a sacramental supper - to be reassured that all of the above events happened and that they happened for me! - and for anyone who believes through faith. I also think believing has become very difficult because wellmeaning believers have acted so hypocritically and made it difficult. They have added too many rules and things to the simple Gospel message. Churches are so organized and have so many rules. I suspect there are many "closet Christians" like I was for many years. I did not know what to believe, just knew something big was out there! I guess I was agnostic. Reading the Bible made things clear for me and this is how I believe. God forgive me if I ever lead anyone wrong or astray or cause anyone to stumble! This world is so very painful and confusing! I am thankful for the opportunity to share my faith here without criticism. Some will scoff i suppose. But I know there is a God and he knows we are trying our best to find Him and live for Him. We are weak and do things wrong all the time. If we had to live a certain way to belong to Him, none of us would be fit. Nobody. I heard a good quote and wish more lived by it - "the Christian Church is no showcase for saints - it is a hospital for sinners"

What does it mean to baptize a child? What do you do in this process, and what does it symbolize?
This one defers widely. In churches that baptize infants (such as mine, we believe that when we sprinkle or pour water over the babies head while speaking God's Word, that God miraculously puts His Holy Spirit into that child and it is up to the parents or guardians to promise to continue to raise that child in the faith so they will continue to learn and understand when they are older. Other churches wait until the child is older and "decides" but we do not believe a person is able to decide such a thing unless the Holy Spirit enables it and so we have a "confirmation" for the older kids to declare their beliefs publicly and thus continue in catechism clases, etc. The above churches also normally require a full immersion while we only require water in any form and the Word. We do not know the actual moment of conversion like some other churches claim such as "bornagain" movements, Baptist, etc. We just believe it happens at some time and the person grows in grace.
Hope I answered clearly enough.

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

What an interesting thread... i love to see how open everyone is being!!!...

I want to start with a few questions before I tell about me....

Wolf Chan...
You believe in several gods and dieties.. where do you (and others in your belief) believe they came from?

Popcornbird....
As much as i have learned from you already... ... You say muslims believe Jesus will return and bring peace for 40 years.. What do muslims believe is the purpose for Jesus doing this.. what is going to be accomplished from it?

Popcornbird...
After Jesus dies then what happens? Most christians believe in the rapture (Jesus' *God's son* return) and we will be taken to heaven in the rapture...
How do muslim's believe life on Earth will end?


i am sure i will have more questions later...

now to answer the best way i know how...

What do you believe about Jesus? How much do your beliefs differ from our's?
I believe Jesus is the son of God. That he came to earth and was the last sacrifice.. so I can simply ask and be forgiven of my sins. I believe He died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later and with that took the keys to death and hell. I believe He is alive in heaven now sitting at the right hand of God.

It seems to me our beliefs in Jesus are completely opposite..

Do you worship Jesus, or do you worship God? How do you differenciate God from Jesus?
like in your next question.. i believe in the trinity.... so i don't really differenciate God from Jesus but that they are one.

What does Trinity mean? I have never quite understood it, and would like an explanation.
the trininty is very hard for me even to understand... i have seen posters and different studies to try and explain.. and with that my faith is elevated... i just know that it is what the Bible says... and i know God is so ALMIGHTY that I will probably never fully understand until i get to heaven...

What does it mean to baptize a child? What do you do in this process, and what does it symbolize?
i think but am not sure that, that is something catholics do.. and i am not even sure if they call themselves "christians"... but i believe when you are at the age of accountability that you ask Jesus into your heart and then you are baptised with water... simbolizing your death from a fleshly life and rebirth into a spiritual life..



now about me...
I was raised in a baptist church... and now am a member of a church of God church....

I couldn't find who posted it but agree that organized religion is more hurtful than helpful ... and has been proven since Jesus' time... BUT i believe it is healthy for a christian to attend church for the fellowship.... the teaching... and the testimonies.

I attend a church of God church because that is what suits ME best..

I believe in the holy Bible and everything written in it. I believe if you pray and ask God for His help to understand the Bible that He gives you spiritual insight.

I am saved and with that meaning that I believe Jesus is the son of God.. that he died on the cross for our sins and was reserructed after three days... that He is now alive in heaven and sits at the right hand of God. I have asked Jesus into my heart and am establishing a relationship with Him. I believe very soon Jesus will return again and that the dead in Christ will rise and those who remain (in Christ) will be taken up.

(and now my life is an AWESOME testimony!!! )

I could go on forever and forever.... it is just really too deep a topic to discuss in one sitting...

but to say I love God with all my heart... I have lived a life without Him and will NEVER again... my whole life and testimony is a miracle and testimony for the glory of God!!!


*good thread*