here is another one....religion

[rainbabies]

*disclaimer...this is not meant to be offensive. im just frustrated!!!!!

why can't people wrap their minds around the idea that christianity is not the only way? why do people feel the need to go around preaching to others what they think I should believe? why do people think im going to hell because i dont know christ? why to christians feel the need to go to undeveloped countries to indigious (sp?) people and convert them?

and a little off my tirade....why are catholics NOT considered christians by other christians?

why cant some people take of the blinders and SEE that they might not be right???

[SuzySunshine]

Re: here is another one....religion

why do people think im going to hell because i dont know christ?

This is my favorite one - I'm sure your "god" loves you going around and telling people that they're going to hell because you're not in their religion.

(Using You as general - not targeted to OP).

I won't even get into this religion discussion, I have family issues that surround it and I'll go off on a tangent.

Many Christian churches are evangelical, meaning that they do believe in preching the gospel, i.e. converting others. I don't think the evangelicals see it as "forcing" others to follow their religion based on a fear of eternal damnation. I think they see it as giving others the opportunity to share in something that brings happiness to them. That being said, I do have a problem with the way some churches go about it.

For instance, one of my close college friends went on a christian medical mission trip when she was in medical school. To receive care, these poor indigent peoples had to listen to a gospel message. My friend was so excited, because so many people "came to Christ" that day. I was like, heck yeah, they did- when a mother has an ill child who is suffering, and has no medical care for that child, she will say whatever she has to, to get care for that child. My friend didn't see it as coercion, she saw it as giving these people a life-saving message.

If people are going to evangelize, I believe they should follow Francis of Assissi's advice - "Preach the gospel at all times, and when necesary use words."

[rainbabies]

i like that grasshopper. thank you.


tara, can you answer my question about your religion and why other christians dont see catholics as christian?

[Vishenka69]

why do people feel the need to go around preaching to others what they think I should believe?

I don't think this applies to Christians only. I have similar issues with all the major organized religions. Even though Jews don't convert others, some of the sects are strong believers in working on the less religious Jews. Living in NY, I often find myself ducking Lubaviches. Grabbing my arm in the middle of the street to ask if I'm Jewish and then giving me an hourlong lecture is not my idea of being friendly or helpful.

[rainbabies]

"No, thanks we all get along pretty well which I think will continue even when we go to hell"

:>

thanks tara. cant we all just get along?

[Flynn]

We experienced something recently...apparently things in our new location are a bit more...."conservative."

I'm Catholic..I have some issues with a few beliefs but it's a family thing. It's my religion but it's part of my culture. Some of my fondest memories are at big Irish wakes and having our priest over for dinners in the evening. DH is not Catholic however, we married in a Catholic church and our kids were baptised Catholic.

As we were looking around for churches we were having some small talk with a family we know a little bit. DH mentioned he wasn't Catholic and immediately regretted it because we were asked if he was going to convert -- and here's the kicker -- "TO TAKE COMMUNION WITH HIS FAMILY."

I realize the NW is a bit more liberal about some things but this has NEVER crossed my mind. Ever. Everyone at home knows DH isn't Catholic and it's no big deal. Apparently that's a no no here and it pisses me off quite frankly. Granted we had one conversation with one family but through some more "research" it's pretty "by the book here."

So we'll have a chat with the priest and see what he says.

[DCJenn]

I personally think there are great things about all of them, horrible things have been done in the name of them and I'm a total and complete non-believer.

As PinkPickles so eloquently put it in her blog, there are lots of things way more interesting about me than my personal belief system. (and way to go on the head scarf BTW. It's a strong person who can express their beliefs in the face of the religious bigots of the world.)

So, when you (the generic you) ask the iMSN world for prayers and supportive thoughts, I'll send the good vibes and leave the prayers for other people. Deal? and if I want good thoughts and you want to say prayer- that's cool with me.

Good deeds are never wasted.

Jenn

[SuzySunshine]

Flynn - I had a hard time finding a catholic church when we moved to the area as well. We finally joined one but I wouldn't say its ideal. My BIL isn't catholic, he didn't convert when they were married either and he has never run up against that - how odd.

[Stella]

The whole Catholic vs. Christian Protestant thing is funny to me because I am Episcopalian. It's like we ("we") are caught in the middle because I don't identify with the Protestants at all but I'm still technically a Protestant! :| The Catholic service is identical to the Episcopal service save for a few details and I feel more comfortable there than in a Baptist church for example. I like the traditional service, the cathedrals, the dress code (no exposed shoulders unless its a wedding and skirts below the knee, ideally), the message, etc. I also identify with the "practice what you preach" way of teaching. My church was always very open (female priests, gay priests, etc.) and that is something else I like. It was always so welcoming, so understanding, and not so judgemental or guilt-ridden that I felt like I was welcome if I wanted to be welcomed but it wasn't pushed down my throat.

My philosphy on the "how to spread your religion and not be an asshole" topic is that religion teaches you core values and models for living your life. The church will help you adhere to them. BUT it is not your place to impose those things on others - it is God's place to judge, not ours. I (very) firmly believe in that statement.

[rainbabies]

(and way to go on the head scarf BTW. It's a strong person who can express their beliefs in the face of the religious bigots of the world.)

agreed. also, i think women look lovely with the head covering on.

at dh's school there was a large population of muslim women (and men) and indian women (and men) they always had the most beautiful head coverings and robes. forgive me if that is not what they're called....but i remember having to try not to stare....i didnt want them to think i was being rude...when i was just admiring them.

I love what you said, Tara! That was perfect.

It seems that there is always an opportunity to further divide and classify. Some people (not all) feel a need to do this more than others. My mom's side of the family is Lutheran. Get a few gin and tonics in my grandmother and she will tell you the virtues of her Synod (Missouri? obviously I don't pay close attention) versus the other.

I personally think there are great things about all of them, horrible things have been done in the name of them and I'm a total and complete non-believer.

As PinkPickles so eloquently put it in her blog, there are lots of things way more interesting about me than my personal belief system. (and way to go on the head scarf BTW. It's a strong person who can express their beliefs in the face of the religious bigots of the world.)

So, when you (the generic you) ask the iMSN world for prayers and supportive thoughts, I'll send the good vibes and leave the prayers for other people. Deal? and if I want good thoughts and you want to say prayer- that's cool with me.

Good deeds are never wasted.

Jenn

that is by and large how I feel.

[DrWahoo]

I think you ask some very good questions Sylvia. It's not so much that we have blinders on, it is that we love and trust Jesus Christ. HE is the one that said "I am the way the truth and the life, no one goes to the Father [heaven] except through me." To be ashamed or reject what He says, is to call Him a liar and to dismiss the sacrifice He made on the cross. To really know Christianity you have to look pass the people and study who Christ is and what He stood for. No other leader of world religion layed down His life for what He believed and to save the world like Christ did. Christianity is not about making us better than anybody, but simply giving us eternal life. How well a Christian behaves depends on how much they love and are committed to their relationship with Christ.


And in case anyone was wondering here is salvation in a nutshell.

1) We were all born sinners and sin seperates us from God
2) The only way to repay our sins is through death
3) BUT, Christ died in our place so that we may have communion with God and not go to hell.
4) In order to not go to hell we simply must accept that Christ actually died for us and was raised from dead

So to become a Christian all you have to do is say a prayer like this one

"Jesus, I want to know you. I want you to come into my life. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin so that I could be fully accepted by you. Only you can give me the power to change and become the person you created me to be. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me eternal life with God. I give my life to you. Please do with it as you wish. Amen."

[PrincessFiona]

Basically, I tend to ignore discussions like you described. There are many world religions and I believe that they are all "right".

I was taught that God was understanding and that Jesus died for the sins of all people...and that includes being raised in the *wrong* religion or not being raised in a religious household and growing up with no faith.

I believe that even people who have not found God have a place with Him...because He created them, gave them life and has walked beside them during their lowest times whether they asked him to or not.

No one has the right to decide the ultimate fate of anyone else. That's just stupid.

Kris