Do you go to church?

[staggerlee024]

If so, what kind?
How do you like it?
How long have you been going?

[Sunshower]

No I do not attend a physical church. Music is my religion.

[Arglebargle]

Sometimes I go to the beach or hike through some woods. That's my church.
But a year ago I went to a Unitarian Church, trying to find some inner peace or something. But all they did was preach how evil Bush was. Yes I know how evil he is, it made me leave worse off than when I came in. So much for purging my fear and loathing.

[GoPlastic]

take it to Politics and Religion!

:lol:

nah, i don't do the church thing. mostly since i'm not believin' in the Jeebus.

[lil pixi]

No, I mow the lawn. :rotf:

[DifferentDrummer]

music is my religion.

dance is my prayer.




(and i don't go to any church b/c cults aren't for me)

[GoPlastic]

No, I mow the lawn. :rotf:

are you ruining another perfectly good thread?

[Pher]

YES!!!!!!!!!!

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa11/pher789/Hoff_For_Pope_-_2.jpg

[u.s.blues]

i was really against it when i was younger, then a couple of years ago, i began to get interested in reading the bible...i never finished it, but read a bunch. at that time i went to church a little bit at this sort of new age, very flexible christian church...it was cool, but ultimately didn't work out for me. i do not go anymore. i guess i got to a point where i became openminded enough to realize that my crackpot views and opinions on this existence of ours aren't any more or less out there then those of many organized religions, and ultimately i dont have an answer one way or another.

[lil pixi]

are you ruining another perfectly good thread?

:devil: I'm ALWAYS innocent! :funny1:

It's actually kind of an inside joke.

My dad went through a real wacko phase when I was a kid (that statement doesn't pertain to the religion itself, but more this next part...), and if us kids didn't wanna go to church, his rules were that we had to mow the lawn. :lol:

Dude, I was like 8, pushing a giant, old rusty lawnmower across a yard half the size of a football field. :lol:

[vinandtonic]

No I do not attend a physical church. Music is my religion.


QFT :rose:

[unbroken_chain]

Yep, I go to church right after I have breakfast with the Tooth Fairy, and afterwards, I go hunting for Bigfoot.

[lil pixi]

:lol:

[Deadshow Dan]

How chistian-centric, staggerlee!

[unbroken_chain]

the only time I want to hear about god should be preceded by "oh", involve an arched back and curled toes, and be in the possessive form.

[Jabadoodle]

nah, i don't do the church thing. mostly since i'm not believin' in the Jeebus.

Jeebus is real. His favorite game is keep away. Come over sometime and you can play with him.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/jabadoodle/2006-11-13.jpg



No, I mow the lawn. :rotf:

Excellent choice.

[bsktcase]

I go to all kinds of churches for funerals and weddings.

I got dragged to a Catholic church enough as a child to last me a lifetime. Oh, CCD was fun, too.:wallbash:

edited to add: after reading Shake Yer Bones' post...I feel I should say that I will never judge or criticize anyone's desire to join or attend any religious establishment/ceremony/what have you. Everyone is free to do and think as they please. You should do what makes you happy.

Religion just isn't for me.

[Shake Yer Bones]

If so, what kind?
How do you like it?
How long have you been going?


Raised Protestant, but I haven't attended in years. Thought about going back. Thought about not going back. I'm not sure where I am these days. In some ways I miss it. In others, I don't. I can see myself going back one of these days, though. Just can't put a timetable on it.

One thing I do know ... I won't mock you if you go.

[Phishfolk]

One thing I do know ... I won't mock you if you go.

Church doesn't fit into my belief system but either does telling others what their belief system should be.

[Ginger Snap]

This thread makes me laugh.

I'm looking into some Unitarian/Humanist Church's in my area. I think it might be a place I could take my family regularly for a sense of community around shared values. I don't believe in god, but I do believe in a larger sense of morality and purpose. If I can find the right one, I think it might be good.

(oh yeah, and I'm looking into it at the suggestion of some boardies from a thread similar to this one about a year ago.:heart:)

[SunshineDrummer]

If so, what kind?
How do you like it?
How long have you been going?

Roman Catholic.
Like it just fine.
Just about my whole life.

[mrs.peloquin]

I only go to see if the collection plate is being left unattended:wink::devil::wink:
j/k

I am a redhead we have no souls:funny1:

[lost-in-boston]

I went to a Nazarene Church for my entire life up until I was around 20.
My grandfather is a pastor, my cousin just graduated seminary.
I also went to a Nazarene college.... (where I met Jill Leda :wink: )
It was in college when I realized that all of this "religion" in my life was a learned behavior.
I didn't really believe in a lot of what I was taught my whole life. To be honest now, I barely believe in religion.

I do believe there are higher powers, mother earth/god/spirits whatever you call it, if it is a higher power in which you believe, I think they're all the same entity with different translations.

I'm still not sure in what I think of it all to be honest. I've been reading a book called the Four Levels Of Healing...and at one point it talks about healing in the spiritual level and what happens in your life when you need to heal on your spiritual level. Like Whats missing in your life, and where you feel lost and what you replace those feelings with.
Its completely on the mark with me. I lack spirituality in my life bc at one point I was saturated w/ religion that I didnt believe in.

Where are you in all this Joey??
Just curious...I know you know somewhat about where I'm coming from.

[Shake Yer Bones]

Church doesn't fit into my belief system but either does telling others what their belief system should be.

That's where I'm at, man. What's mocking accomplish?

[KindGeeGirl]

No I do not attend a physical church. Music is my religion.


:sums:

[NJFunk]

Yes, Yardley Friends Meeting. Probably twice a month. I love it, the Religious Society of Friends is the only organized religion that I even remotely relate to. It's very grounding to have a silent service where you can contemplate your spirituality and relationship with God in your own way without being preached to by anyone. I have been going for about 5 years, although I have been aware of the Quaker practice since college.

http://www.yardleyfriendsmeeting.org/queries.htm

[Bone Daddy]

Only for Weddings and Funerals

[staggerlee024]

Where are you in all this Joey??


I have been attending the "imago dei community" for about 6-7 months now. Some of you might have heard of it from Donald Miller's books.

We have been thinking about going Catholic. My wife was raised. I was baptized.

I tend to agree with the theology more than protestant churches.

[bsktcase]

[QUOTE=Lost-in-Boston;76799]
Its completely on the mark with me. I lack spirituality in my life bc at one point I was saturated w/ religion that I didnt believe in.

I think I know what you mean.

[Don Nucka]

I go if someone is getting married or dies. Of course many of the people i associate with get married out of church settings, and many of my associates including myself have specified last wishes/living wills that request that should we die, the memorial not be a religious one.
I also go on Christmas eve to placate my family and because they do hold a beautiful candlelight ceremoney with hundreds of people. Even hough I don't believe 99% of what they're saying, it's hard to beat that much positive energy gathered in one place, especially in the dead of winter when not much else is going on.

[DifferentDrummer]

http://images.loqu.com/photos/481/334/the-bullets-are-real-your-god-is-not.jpg

[unbroken_chain]

That's where I'm at, man. What's mocking accomplish?

I don't know, but could you tell those dudes who follow me around with them HUGE signs at Mardis Gras to stop screaming SINNER!!! at me?? :funny1:
http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:GGWYf6newDro_M:http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff320/taniapembroke/sinner.jpg

[gotroot801]

That's where I'm at, man. What's mocking accomplish?

It makes you feel better about yourself while simultaneously making someone else feel worse about himself/herself. It's awesome!

[Phishfolk]

It makes you feel better about yourself while simultaneously making someone else feel worse about himself/herself. It's awesome!

:rotf:

[musicmomma]

Yep, I go to church right after I have breakfast with the Tooth Fairy, and afterwards, I go hunting for Bigfoot.

can i join u this weekend? :funny1:

[syd_25]

The quickness to mock someone's honest question/topic on this board never fails to amaze (read: discourge) me.

To the actual question:
-RC
-Some days more than others
-Most of my life.

[staggerlee024]

How chistian-centric, staggerlee!


guilty as charged.

i don't really know other terminology.

do you attend temple or mosque?

[HasATinyHat]

heres a similar question...


Do you go to Oracles?
Do you sacrifice baby lambs?

No?

Whats the diff between the above and Churches of today?

Not very much at all!

[Mama Kel]

Grew up in a strict Irish Catholic home, went to church every sunday, CCD classes, etc. I feel traumatized by the whole thing. They scared the crap out of me as a young child.

That has kept me away since high school. Now that I have kids, I've been feeling the need - more for a sense of community & values. I refuse to go Catholic though. I'd like to try something universal or non-sectarian.

I personally don't believe in god, but I do believe there is an energy in all things. I feel most spiritual in the woods or nature.

Funny this should come up - it's been weighing heavily on my mind lately

[NJFunk]

heres a similar question...


Do you go to Oracles?
Do you sacrifice baby lambs?

No?

Whats the diff between the above and Churches of today?

Not very much at all!

Now that's just silly. Something tells me you're talking out your ass again about something that you have no experience with and know nothing about. My church service consists of an hour of silent meditation followed by singing a couple songs followed by a reception with refreshments. No one has ever once sacrificed a lamb (that I've seen anyway).

[Phishfolk]

This can be like a religious experience.
http://p7.hostingprod.com/@foodnotebook.com/blog/r%20-%20Cafe%20Pro%20Bono%20-%20Lamb%20chop%20entree.jpg

[TexasSnowmonkey]

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/watchdog/blog/giants_stadium.jpg

[Phishfolk]

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/watchdog/blog/giants_stadium.jpg

You worship satan?

[TexasSnowmonkey]

You worship satan?

Satan Kicks Ass!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/2241301863_881c83cf9b_o.jpg

[staggerlee024]

Interesting.

I have only been attending for a few months.
As I said.

I grew up outside of a church.

[HasATinyHat]

NJFunk...

you DO realize that in a typical RC service, there is the place in the service when the priest will say:

"Thru him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. all glory and honor is yours, Almighty father, forever and ever, Amen."

RC's do this because this is the ceremonial transformation of the WINE and HOST to the BODY and BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST (AKA LAMB of GOD).

When you take Holy Communion......you are in effect reproducing the sacrifice of a lamb to the Lord, God....as Abraham and Issac once did.

I don't "talk out my ass" regarding religion...I know my stuff on THIS topic.

They just got rid of all the blood guts and gore...today's religions are editted for content! :)

[gregoir]

I used to like Chapel and Hymn Sing when I worked at Camp Dudley but that was much more about the spiritual nature of singing and being together as a community. I pray most evenings before bed more for comfort. I do not like to bow my head and pray when I feel obligated too. I do not attend formal services, but feel a spiritual connection with many things in life. Sunsets being a big one.

[HasATinyHat]

My church service consists of an hour of silent meditation followed by singing a couple songs followed by a reception with refreshments.

no offense...that's what we do in my Yoga class.

[Shake Yer Bones]

no offense...that's what we do in my Yoga class.


Weird. I thought you were male.

[HasATinyHat]

also, what they do in Kindergarden...

only they call it "nap-time" and "snack time"...

[HasATinyHat]

Weird. I thought you were male.

and now we all know you're completely out-of-touch! lol

[Phishfolk]

Weird. I thought you were male.

OMG :rotf:

[staggerlee024]

NJFunk...

you DO realize that in a typical RC service, there is the place in the service when the priest will say:

"Thru him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. all glory and honor is yours, Almighty father, forever and ever, Amen."

RC's do this because this is the ceremonial transformation of the WINE and HOST to the BODY and BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST (AKA LAMB of GOD).

When you take Holy Communion......you are in effect reproducing the sacrifice of a lamb to the Lord, God....as Abraham and Issac once did.

I don't "talk out my ass" regarding religion...I know my stuff on THIS topic.

They just got rid of all the blood guts and gore...today's religions are editted for content! :)

You are correct in the procedure. But I believe the Catholic Church would disagree with the "sacrificial lamb". Unless you are using it as a metaphor for Jesus. Which is different. And true.

[Shake Yer Bones]

and now we all know you're completely out-of-touch! lol

:lol: ... hopelessly out of the loop. And happier for it.

[SunshineDrummer]

You are correct in the procedure. But I believe the Catholic Church would disagree with the "sacrificial lamb". Unless you are using it as a metaphor for Jesus. Which is different. And true.

It is a metaphor. Yes, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God, Sacrficial Lamb, etc. but its just a metaphor. I believe its more abvout the priest reenacting the words spoken by Jesus at the Last Supper than any reference to animal sacrifice.

[u.s.blues]

:drama:

[TexasSnowmonkey]

RC's do this because this is the ceremonial transformation of the WINE and HOST to the BODY and BLOOD of JESUS CHRIST (AKA LAMB of GOD).


http://www.xiiidesign.com/myspace/log_prayinghands.jpg

[HasATinyHat]

But I believe the Catholic Church would disagree with the "sacrificial lamb". Unless you are using it as a metaphor for Jesus.


Actually, Christians dont see it as a "metaphor" at all...they teach that Jesus was killed and died for OUR sins, to remove our original sin. In effect, he REALLY WAS the sacrificial lamb.

Passover, in the Jewish faith, is when traditionally you spred the blood of the sacrificial lamb over the door of your house, so the Angel of Death will "Pass over" and not take your first born. Read Exodus to refresh your memory. Christians borrowed everything from the Jews. In fact, the Last Supper was a Passover feast led by Christ...

The more you study religion, the more you see how actual bloodletting sacrifices were replaced with traditions and ceremonial stand-ins. The meanings have not changed so much.

[TexasSnowmonkey]

Weird. I thought you were male.


:lmao:Post of the day!

sorry Hoagie... that was damn funny

[HasATinyHat]

it was droll, ill give that much

[syd_25]

Christians borrowed everything from the Jews. In fact, the Last Supper was a Passover feast led by Christ...


That would make sense since the first christians were jewish for all intensive purposes.

[SunshineDrummer]

Passover, in the Jewish faith, is when traditionally you spred the blood of the sacrificial lamb over the door of your house, so the Angel of Death will "Pass over" and not take your first born. Read Exodus to refresh your memory. Christians borrowed everything from the Jews. In fact, the Last Supper was a Passover feast led by Christ...



Ummm, you do realize that Jesus was Jewish, right? So of course he would celebrate Passover as would his followers. Christianity didn't come into being until after Jesus's death. Yes, Christianity "sprung out of" Judaism (for lack of a better term) and yes, many beliefs are similar (the Old Testament and the Torah are the same book--how could the faiths not be similar?).

[HasATinyHat]

thanks for understanding and agreeing.

i could really blow your mind and tell you that Judaism actually owes a great deal of itsteachings AND scripture to the Zoroastrian Faith of Persia, which conquered Greece, Turkey, and the entire Middle East following Alaxander The Great's fall. Besides Ahkenaton about 1000 years earlier, Zarathustra (Zoroaster in greek) was the first to introduce monotheism in the near east. All semetic religions today stem from the belief in Ahura Mazda. YHWH, the Jewish God, is a direct analogue of Ahura Mazda.

Does anyone even care about this? This is my FAVORITE topic of discussion ever.

[Shake Yer Bones]

What really fascinates me about religion, at least the major ones, is that if you take Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism and lay their events on a timeline, many of the names, places and events line up in similar fashion. They just give different names to places and people.

Is it the same story as interpreted by different cultures?

[Uncle Coulro]

We have been thinking about going Catholic. My wife was raised. I was baptized.

I tend to agree with the theology more than protestant churches.
I'm Catholic, Joe. Been attending a hard-core parish for about 2.5 years, and really enjoy it.

[GoPlastic]

That would make sense since the first christians were jewish for all intensive purposes.

sorry...but i gotta do it...

"intents and purposes" not "intensive purposes"

:wink:

[HasATinyHat]

ill go furthur and say dude, they were Jewish. Period.

[staggerlee024]

I learned about the Zoroastrian religion in college too.

"Actually, Christians dont see it as a "metaphor" at all...they teach that Jesus was killed and died for OUR sins, to remove our original sin. In effect, he REALLY WAS the sacrificial lamb.".


This is true.

But taking the host in a Catholic Church is not sacrificing a lamb.

I see what you are saying though.

This interests me greatly.

I love biblical history.

[staggerlee024]

I'm Catholic, Joe. Been attending a hard-core parish for about 2.5 years, and really enjoy it.


I always assumed you were protestant.

Probably because you are not from New England :lol:

[Phishfolk]

sorry...but i gotta do it...

"intents and purposes" not "intensive purposes"

:wink:

Oh thank you that did have to be done :lol:

[Uncle Coulro]

if you take Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism and lay their events on a timeline, many of the names, places and events line up in similar fashion. They just give different names to places and people.
Islam considers itself the fulfillment of Christianity (they believe Jesus' message was distorted), so, much of Christian tradition is Islamic tradition. Having extensively studied Buddhism and Hinduism, I have to say I believe you are way off track in your assessment. If your are interested, I'd like to see your timeline - but we should probably take that discussion to R&P.

[sums]

i was raised atheist. i've never attended a church service. i suck at any bible category on jeopardy :lol:

i believe in love, compassion and kindness :heart:

i'm not an atheist anymore. my belief system has no definition.

[GoPlastic]

i personally can't STAND Biblical history (BTW folks, capitalize the word "Bible", ok? it's the title of the goddamned...uh, god-inspired...book).

but considering more than half of the world's people practice a religion which regards the Bible as a sacred text, it's an ignorant fool who doesn't study it a little.

[HasATinyHat]

Go back far enough, and the thinkers today pretty much think religion all stemmed from people eating psycotropic plants while gathering nuts, leaves, roots, fruits, and fungus for food.

These turned into cults, and revisions and philosophies mutated, evolved, spread, and dies.

Religion is very much almost it's own living entity...which in itself is an entirly different discussion.

[Phishfolk]

my belief system has no definition.

I gave mine a name. You can see it on my facebook page :lol:

[gotroot801]

Raised Protestant, went to Protestant schools through the end of high school, and a lot of what I experienced there soured me on organized religion.

[Jersey Thug]

Church doesn't fit into my belief system but (n)either does telling others what their belief system should be.

agreed.

i was a good Catholic girl right up to my Confirmation. i started questioning the beliefs i was raised on soon after and have finally recently come to terms with my utter lack of belief.

i have however been in church a few times in recent years...i became godmother to my nephew and was witness to my niece's Confirmation, which seemed like a huge stretch and a very real test of faith at the time, but everyone involved understands where i am with regard to organized religion and wanted me in that role anyway so in the end i decided to be there for them in any way i could as long as we knew the reality of the situation.

[GoPlastic]

I gave mine a name. You can see it on my facebook page :lol:

link, son!

[HasATinyHat]

believe in love, compassion and kindness

hey so does every other major faith in the world! YAY

[sums]

I gave mine a name. You can see it on my facebook page :lol:

:lol: awesome! :thup:

[Uncle Coulro]

Joe -
Have you checked out the life and teachings of Servant of God Dorothy Day? If not, I think you will find her a kindred spirit. She founded the Catholic Worker movement.

[sums]

i personally can't STAND Biblical history (BTW folks, capitalize the word "Bible", ok? it's the title of the goddamned...uh, god-inspired...book).

but considering more than half of the world's people practice a religion which regards the Bible as a sacred text, it's an ignorant fool who doesn't study it a little.

:lmao: so, you're calling me an ignorant fool?!

:rotf:

[space_hero]

for wine/bread, as hoagie said, roman catholic and eastern orthodox churches view it as more than a metaphor for Jesus' body/blood. It IS the body and blood. (although the previous sentence is in the form of a metaphor!) But most churches just see it as a metaphor or don't even use it in the ceremony

In Paul's letters to the Galatians he says that Christians just need keep the faith, not follow the Jewish laws. Maybe that's not directly related to what people are saying, but still interesting.

[In A Silent Way]

Do meetings in the church basement count?

[HasATinyHat]

The amazing thing about religion is just how many people who say they are "roman catholic" or "protestant" or "jewish" are pretty clueless about their own faith when it comes down to details, traditions, backround, etc.

Im no fan of Mormons, but man...those folks know their stuff. Some of the best knowlege regarding faith and religions in general, Ive learned from Mormon teachers and friends.

[Jersey Thug]

My church service consists of an hour of silent meditation followed by singing a couple songs followed by a reception with refreshments.

i found this quoted but couldn't tell who wrote it originally. this sounds like the Quaker faith...whose practices i actually really dig, if not all of the underlying beliefs.

it's a great community of thinkers and truly neighborly/community-minded people though. i love the concept of no intermediary between you and your God, too. if i had a belief in a higher power, this would be the religion for me.

[GoPlastic]

:lmao: so, you're calling me an ignorant fool?!

:rotf:

sure! :lol:

In Paul's letters to the Galatians he says that Christians just need keep the faith, not follow the Jewish laws. Maybe that's not directly related to what people are saying, but still interesting.

well, they had to break out SOME time, or else why bother having a lineage tracing all the way to St. Peter?

[Shake Yer Bones]

Islam considers itself the fulfillment of Christianity (they believe Jesus' message was distorted), so, much of Christian tradition is Islamic tradition. Having extensively studied Buddhism and Hinduism, I have to say I believe you are way off track in your assessment. If your are interested, I'd like to see your timeline - but we should probably take that discussion to R&P.


Maybe I am off. I thought I'd heard that assessment in passing at some point in my life, so I don't say that based on any specific knowledge. I'd be interested to read this type of study, though.

[Deadshow Dan]

Yes, Christianity "sprung out of" Judaism (for lack of a better term) and yes, many beliefs are similar (the Old Testament and the Torah are the same book--how could the faiths not be similar?).
Christianity and Judaism are very very different religions

Wildly different.

Sure there are some parts that have similarities

[sums]

sure! :lol:



your religion must not include that "kindness" thing i believe in :undecided:

:lol:

oh. and: :moon:

[GoPlastic]

Do meetings in the church basement count?

i think so. you've got your belief in a higher power working for you, so what the hell, why not?

[Deadshow Dan]

guilty as charged.

i don't really know other terminology.

do you attend temple or mosque?

usually people say "place of worship"

[TigerRose]

Yes, Yardley Friends Meeting. Probably twice a month. I love it, the Religious Society of Friends is the only organized religion that I even remotely relate to. It's very grounding to have a silent service where you can contemplate your spirituality and relationship with God in your own way without being preached to by anyone. I have been going for about 5 years, although I have been aware of the Quaker practice since college.

http://www.yardleyfriendsmeeting.org/queries.htm

Quakers rock! (in contemplative silence until God compels them to speak, of course)

[bsktcase]

Do meetings in the church basement count?

No, Bingo doesn't count.

[GoPlastic]

your religion must not include that "kindness" thing i believe in :undecided:

:lol:

oh. and: :moon:

i don't believe i mentioned practicing any religion.

though if i did, it'd probably include a great deal of humor and a lil' sarcasm, just for fun.

so see? i've included you!!!

[SunshineDrummer]

Christianity and Judaism are very very different religions

Wildly different.

Sure there are some parts that have similarities

Um, yeah--I know. I was only commenting on the similaries. The differences didn't come up (yet).

[space_hero]

Does anyone even care about this? This is my FAVORITE topic of discussion ever.

i do. i get exhausted discussing religion on a forum though. we'll talk about at some point, no doubt

[HasATinyHat]

Islam is an interesting faith, considering the two main branches, Shia and Sunni, stem from a schizm between Muhammed and his half-brother Ali. Muhammed and his followers (Sunni) believe Muhammed is the One true profit. Ali and his kin (Shia) dispute this.

So, Islam is a fundamentally torn faith. It has never been a unified faith...which I find endlessly facinating, considering current events

[space cadet]

Used to go to an episcopalian church regularly as a youngen but fell out of the habit when i came of age. I've gone back a few times but i have a lot of doubts and unanswered questions. I see it now as more of an opportunity to socialize with community members. And i do love the hymns. i don't get a lot of other opportunities to sing in a group. But honestly, i don't think "god" only lives in the church. i mean, that would mean he lives in several thousand churches across the planet. and frankly, that would mean to me he's spreading himself a little thin and not giving me his full attention. So why should i act like he/or she is the center of my universe??

[cjtpaint]

I spent 5 years of my spare time building a church as a volunteer. My deal with the almighty was; I will build it but, I expect to be excused from going. I was an altar boy in grammar school and, served one to three masses a day, seven days a week. I had my fill of it all. Spirituality for me is the golden rule and I believe one's word should be good.

[HasATinyHat]

i might have those two sects swapped...just sayin'

[staggerlee024]

Joe -
Have you checked out the life and teachings of Servant of God Dorothy Day? If not, I think you will find her a kindred spirit. She founded the Catholic Worker movement.

I have not.

I will mark that down for later.

[Jersey Thug]

Quakers rock! (in contemplative silence until God compels them to speak, of course)

ah, it was NJFunk, then. :)

the most beautiful religious rites/services i've ever attended have been in Quaker meetings. we incorporated contemplative silence/speaking from the heart into our service when i married the son of a Quaker (also an agnostic).

[Uncle Coulro]

Islam is an interesting faith, considering the two main branches, Shia and Sunni, stem from a schizm between Muhammed and his half-brother Ali. Muhammed and his followers (Sunni) believe Muhammed is the One true profit. Ali and his kin (Shia) dispute this.
This is incorrect.The schism stems from a dispute about Prophet Muhammed's (PBUH) successor, and didn't occur until after his death. Both sects regard the Prophet as God's final messenger. Neither sect believes he was the "one true profit"(sic), as Islam honors many, many prophets, highest of which is Jesus (Issa) of Nazareth. Islam teaches Issa is God's "greatest" prophet, but because his message was corrupted, Allah sent Muhammed (PBUH) to correct the corruption, and to "seal" the Word, for all time.

[HasATinyHat]

Quakers are the BEST to pick on...cuz they always refuse to fight back.

teasin'

[Drop_o_Rain]

Raised Roman Catholic...
in college, studied many other religions and became a Roamin' Catholic.
Nothing seemed to fit...
came back to the Catholic Church 9 years ago and haven't had the desire to leave again...
I also see the similarities to a lot of other religions, but this is the one that I feel most comfortable with...

[Jersey Thug]

Quakers are the BEST to pick on...cuz they always refuse to fight back.

teasin'

it's funny (and sorta unfunny, too) cuz it's true :lol:

[PennsylvaniaPete]

Do meetings in the church basement count?


It works if you work it.

[HasATinyHat]

thanks banned. im shaky on my islam!

[PennsylvaniaPete]

Its odd for me. I consider myself agnostic, but go with my wife to the church she was raised in, the Morvaian Chuch. I consider her agnostic as well.

[sarah b.]

staggerlee, if you dig celtic spiritual writers with a hint o'Jesus, I encourage you to check out the writings of John O'Donohue. He rocks (rocked, he's dead, now). Here's an audio link to an interview with him which has some other links and stuff: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/john_odonahue/

---------------

as for me, my practice tends to be personal/private, though it does occasionally show up in a group setting. I do value spiritual community in its many forms, religious, musical and otherwise.

[Jersey Thug]

Its odd for me. I consider myself agnostic, but go with my wife to the church she was raised in, the Morvaian Chuch. I consider her agnostic as well.

i think many people attend services for the community aspect.

not saying that's all you or your wife get from it. just a general observation. a sense of community is a powerful thing.

i get mine through music/friendships.

[In A Silent Way]

I sang in a church choir for four years. Lots of incense, not much peppermint. The coolest part was going into the bowels of the church organ. Did you know you have to go through an airlock?

[PennsylvaniaPete]

i think many people attend services for the community aspect.

not saying that's all you or your wife get from it. just a general observation. a sense of community is a powerful thing.

i get mine through music/friendships.


Maybe that it. She's not into my scene. So I take her to Ratdog and she takes me to church.

[Prometheus]

No, but I walk by a really beautiful one about six times a day taking the dogs to and from the park. They spend A LOT of money on the upkeep of St. Casimir's. I often wonder what it is they do for the community, if anything.

http://www.stcasimir.org/index.html

[PennsylvaniaPete]

No, but I walk by a really beautiful one about six times a day taking the dogs to and from the park. They spend A LOT of money on the upkeep of St. Casimir's. I often wonder what it is they do for the community, if anything.

http://www.stcasimir.org/index.html

They help people deal with their own mortality.

[little frog]

i was raised roman catholic .. i've attended (long term) several different types of churches, including baptist and full gospel churches. they were all valuable experiences for me, but i still have no real strong affiliation to any organized sect.

i don't have any desire to join any church at this point in my life, i talk to God everyday, all day so it's not like i'm out of touch. I've read the whole Bible, i don't think you can read it all through once and really know it, but i can say i learned a lot from that activity.

as of now, i hike to be with God alone .. maybe someday i'll feel inclined to join a religious group, i tend to nitpick about the things i disagree with and that ruins the experience for me.

[HasATinyHat]

God is in every Orgasm!


AMEN

[In A Silent Way]

God is in every Orgasm!


AMENThat explains the kittens.

[TigerRose]

Quakers are the BEST to pick on...cuz they always refuse to fight back.

teasin'

Not this Quaker!

My family comes from a long line of Quakers and Puritans. All the way back to The Mayflower.

But I have a hot temper and I'm not one to back away from a good fight. It puts me at odds with my dad a lot.

:joker:

[Elphaba]

no. my living parent is a pentacostal christian and has told me numerous times that i'm going to burn in hell, i work for satan, i'm a wolf in sheep's clothing, etc., etc.,. fuck him. :lol: i really wish he had died instead of my mother.

i used to go to church with my grandparents out of respect for them, but since my last visit when they told me they were worried about me for not accepting jesus as my savior and how being friends with people who were jews and muslims was putting me on the wrong path, i have decided not to go to church with them anymore either. i'm not even sure if i will see them again.

[HasATinyHat]

But I have a hot temper and I'm not one to back away from a good fight.

then you are a good fighter, but a terrible Quaker!

REPENT!!!

[TigerRose]

then you are a good fighter, but a terrible Quaker!

REPENT!!!

I am in good company...


http://www.cynical-c.com/archives/bloggraphics/SmedleyButler.jpg
Smedley Darlington Butler (July 30, 1881 � June 21, 1940), nicknamed "The Fighting Quaker" and "Old Gimlet Eye," was a Major General in the U.S. Marine Corps and, at the time of his death, the most decorated Marine in U.S. history. Butler was awarded the Medal of Honor twice during his career, one of only 19 people to be so doubly decorated. He was noted for his outspoken non-interventionist views and his book War is a Racket, one of the first works describing the military-industrial complex. After retiring from service, Butler became a popular speaker at meetings organized by veterans, communists, pacifists and church groups in the 1930s. Butler came forward to the U.S. Congress in 1934 to report that a proposed coup had been plotted by wealthy industrialists to overthrow the government of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

[Tabbooma]

Raised Irish Catholic... I Try to get to services twice a month... Been pretty busy the last couple of months.... :undecided:

[mamapajama]

Yes, I go to church.
It's a Christian and Missionary Alliance church...protestant, evangelical.

I've been going for 11 years--since I was 28 years old, after a long time of searching--lotsa listening to others and some reading of C. S. Lewis. When I heard the music when we visited, I knew I was at the right place for me.

We have great music at our church. Mik rocks out with his guitar and mandolin there a fair bit and throws in a few licks that make me smile extra every once in awhile.

I like it very much and have grown as a person because of what I learn there.

I am considering, at this point, checking out a few other local churches though as ours doesn't seem to be doing much, at this point, for our daughter.

[TheDHJ]

No house of worship here. I combine elements of Rastafari, Judaism, Native beliefs, and Obeah into one big Afro Caribbean Judeo Injun stew...it's like a Chinese buffet...take what you want and leave the rest.

[TheDHJ]

Oh, and for future reference: :lol:

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8150/duhfm3.jpg

[Tabbooma]

Josh... Are you asking for this thread to be moved??? Freaken Sellout!

[TheDHJ]

Josh... Are you asking for this thread to be moved??? Freaken Sellout!

I didn't sell out, son. I bought in. :funny1:

No...not asking for anything...future reference. :lol:

[OnBongos]

I was raised a foot-stomping, hand-clapping Baptist and I attend Judson Church in Greenwich Village.

http://www.judson.org/

[Tabbooma]

Your part of the establishment now man... WTF... Where the hell is this place going... Respectable??? Say it so.... :lol:

[TheDHJ]

Your part of the establishment now man... WTF... Where the hell is this place going... Respectable??? Say it so.... :lol:

Piss shit fuck a donkey.

Better? :lmao:

[Dr. Lostreality]

Growing up I went to synagogue every weekend, on saturday mornings, and when I was a teenager I went on friday night after dinner and saturday afternoon as well, cause that's where all the jewish teenagers would meet up.

Since I moved away from my parents area to go to grad school 5 years ago I have not really been to a synagogue..maybe a couple of times on high holidays, I think the last time was rosh hashana 2005.

[Slarti]

no :lol:

[OnBongos]

i found this quoted but couldn't tell who wrote it originally. this sounds like the Quaker faith...whose practices i actually really dig, if not all of the underlying beliefs.

it's a great community of thinkers and truly neighborly/community-minded people though. i love the concept of no intermediary between you and your God, too. if i had a belief in a higher power, this would be the religion for me.

Actually, this is one of the major differences between Catholic and Protestant. The Protestants believe "You are the temple" no intermediary is necessary for your prayer to reach God/dess and we are encouraged to read and interpret the Bible for ourselves.

[Uncle Coulro]

Actually, this is one of the major differences between Catholic and Protestant. The Protestants believe "You are the temple" no intermediary is necessary for your prayer to reach God/dess and we are encouraged to read and interpret the Bible for ourselves.
Catholicism does not teach an "intermediary is necessary for your prayer to reach God."

[billysunday]

threre are no athiests in foxholes

[OnBongos]

Catholicism does not teach an "intermediary is necessary for your prayer to reach God."

My RC friends have told me that confession is necessary to receive Communion. As I understand it, this is done between the confessor and the Priest who prays with them and tells them what they need to do to get back on God's good side. This is what I was referring to when I said an intermediary is necessary.
All I know is what people have told me and my own experiences at the Masses I have attended with my friends. If my understanding is incorrect, please help me to understand, as I am very taken with the beauty of the ritual Catholic Mass. There is a Jah of Many Messengers and OneLove known in many ways. I enjoy exploring them all.

[PennsylvaniaPete]

Oh, and for future reference: :lol:

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8150/duhfm3.jpg

So you feel any threads about Vibes don't belong here, nor do threads about boardie gatherings?

[TheDHJ]

So you feel any threads about Vibes don't belong here, nor do threads about boardie gatherings?

C'mon dude...I thought I used enough :lol:s to denote "I'm just kidding!"

[PennsylvaniaPete]

C'mon dude...I thought I used enough :lol:s to denote "I'm just kidding!"

Sorry I jumped the gun.

[TheDHJ]

Sorry I jumped the gun.

Hey man...no worries! :V:

[staggerlee024]

Catholicism does not teach an "intermediary is necessary for your prayer to reach God."

I have been reading up on Catholicism over the past few weeks.

It seems this is one of many common misconceptions.

[DF]

http://img.listal.com/image/317454/600full-the-omen-screenshot.jpg

[HasATinyHat]

pretty sure that all goes back to the Council of Nicea...

Constantine fucked it all up...

[Uncle Coulro]

pretty sure that all goes back to the Council of Nicea...

Constantine fucked it all up...
What goes back to Nicea?

[HasATinyHat]

Confession thru priests

[staggerlee024]

UC,

I would be interested in any resources that you could point me towards regarding the Catholic Church.

[HasATinyHat]

talk to the Pope!

[Uncle Coulro]

pretty sure that all goes back to the Council of Nicea...

Constantine fucked it all up...

What goes back to Nicea?

Confession thru priests

Nope. The Sacrament of Penance is Biblical, was practiced by the earliest of Christians, and predates the First Council of Nicea by over 275 years.

The clearest Biblical statement regard establishment of the Sacrament of Penance is found in the Gospel of St. John. After His Resurrection, Jesus confers authority upon the Apostles and tells them: “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you ... Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; whose sins you do not forgive, they are not forgiven.” (Jn 20:22-23) Note: the Apostles were commanded to forgive sins. How were they to forgive sins unless they know the sins? The sins had to first be revealed.

After calling Simon the “rock” upon which the Church would be built, Jesus goes on to say: “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; what you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven, and what you loose on Earth will be loosed in Heaven.” (Matt. 16:19) This same commission is later given to all the Apostles: “And so I tell all of you: What you bind on Earth will be bound in Heaven, and what you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 18:18) The concept of binding and loosening derives from Mosaic Law where it directly refers to a man being bound by and loosed from his sins. There are numerous examples of this in the Book of Leviticus. Jewish priests had the authority to declare a man loosed from his sin after he had been bound for that sin (that is: the priests had the duty to impose a ritual penance over a period of time to “bind” a man by his sin. When the penance was fulfilled, he was loosed by the priests from his fault.)

The Apostles, being Jewish, certainly understood the authority to bind and loose in the same Old Testament context. Since the whole of the eighteenth chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel, from which this commission to the Apostles comes, deals with sinfulness and forgiveness, the statement about binding and loosening also deals with the forgiveness of sins. It's a commission to forgive the sins of men given in a way that Jewish folk would understand.

[HasATinyHat]

^^^ are you Mormon, by any chance?

[Uncle Coulro]

^^^ are you Mormon, by any chance?
I can't tell if you are asking me, but if you are, no.

[HasATinyHat]

i was.

thanks for the lesson brah. Good stuff

[lostsailor17]

Funny this should come up - it's been weighing heavily on my mind lately

Me too. All theological debates aside, I've been thinking about getting involved with a congregation, I'm just not sure which one. I don't care for the Jesus preaching and so forth, but I don't take it literally either. It's an institution where people can belong and get some peace of mind, do some good, and be surrounded by good people. At least, I hope...

Personally I'm tired of all the cynicism around me and would like to ( at least for an hour a week ) hang out with some people that don't lie, cheat, steal, aren't full of envy, and more importantly don't naturally expect or accept that behavior in others.

[Uncle Coulro]

Personally I'm tired of all the cynicism around me and would like to ( at least for an hour a week ) hang out with some people that don't lie, cheat, steal, aren't full of envy, and more importantly don't naturally expect or accept that behavior in others.

If that's all you want, become a Scout leader.

[HasATinyHat]

hehehe

[PennsylvaniaPete]

Me too. All theological debates aside, I've been thinking about getting involved with a congregation, I'm just not sure which one. I don't care for the Jesus preaching and so forth, but I don't take it literally either. It's an institution where people can belong and get some peace of mind, do some good, and be surrounded by good people. At least, I hope...

Personally I'm tired of all the cynicism around me and would like to ( at least for an hour a week ) hang out with some people that don't lie, cheat, steal, aren't full of envy, and more importantly don't naturally expect or accept that behavior in others.


Sounds like what some people who went on Dead tour 20 years ago expected

[HasATinyHat]

or Phish Tour 10 years ago

or Church tomorrow...

[staggerlee024]

I think going to church for a "sense of community" is a bad idea.


Anyone ever pray the rosary?


Looks intense.

[Drop_o_Rain]

lostsailor...
I hope that you find what you are looking for.. but I am not sure that you will necessarily find that in church. There are many people who go not because they want to but because they feel like they have to (for many reasons)
I can't tell you how many arguments I have seen in the church parking lot.
It sucks...

but I go and have found a group of people that I can relate with and it IS comforting on that level.

I do pray the rosary, but not as often as I used too... It is second nature to me after all these years...
what do you find intense?

[HasATinyHat]

but I go and have found a group of people that I can relate with and it IS comforting on that level.


honestly, you can find that at the food court of the mall, or a bookstore, or and art gallery...wherever people of like minds and interests congregate is good to meet people of like minds...

sorta like festivals...those probably work way better than churches...

local music clubs (like The Saint in Asbury Park, The Donegal Saloon in Kearny, NJ) are also wonderful places to find community.

[PennsylvaniaPete]

lostsailor...
I hope that you find what you are looking for.. but I am not sure that you will necessarily find that in church. There are many people who go not because they want to but because they feel like they have to (for many reasons)
I can't tell you how many arguments I have seen in the church parking lot.
It sucks...

but I go and have found a group of people that I can relate with and it IS comforting on that level.

I do pray the rosary, but not as often as I used too... It is second nature to me after all these years...
what do you find intense?

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mfhwQnmLl94/SP5CGDh8F_I/AAAAAAAAAsY/vcKGhMGrAjU/s400/Rosary+Man+Praying.jpg

[Drop_o_Rain]

honestly, you can find that at the food court of the mall, or a bookstore, or and art gallery...wherever people of like minds and interests congregate is good to meet people of like minds...

sorta like festivals...those probably work way better than churches...

local music clubs (like The Saint in Asbury Park, The Donegal Saloon in Kearny, NJ) are also wonderful places to find community.


I agree in a way.... I have a wonderful community here...
but my Catholic community is different in the way that we all share the same values and beliefs and there is no awkwardness about talking about them.

[lostsailor17]

Thanks for the concern and advice folks. I'm really not looking for a life changing event here, just a new outlet. And Hoagie, I already do many of the things that you mentioned, plus a lot more. Not everyone who goes to festies, bars, shows, etc are there for the same reasons as me. There is still something missing, and I think it's worth exploring. Really not looking to save my soul, I think it's in good shape.
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[HasATinyHat]

i hope you find what your looking for. Just dont drink the kool-aid!

[HoopsTer]

I just posed a thread in the P&R forum, but thought I might put it out here as well....

I used to belong to the Greater Boston Church of Spiritualism. I didn't go every Sunday, but I went at least once a month.

Since moving to NJ I havent been to church and I've realized that this is something really missing in my life.

I did a quick google search for Spiritualist churches in NJ, but it only came up with a few in North Jersey - all well over an hour from me. I guess I could go once a month, but I would really like to have a Spiritualist community a bit closer to me.

Does anyone know of any Spiritualist churches in NJ that may not be popping up on google?

Any ideas?

Thanks

[staggerlee024]

I have not heard of a spiritual church before.

What is it?

[Uncle Coulro]

Anyone ever pray the rosary?
Every day.
Another common misconception some non-Catholic Christians have is that the Rosary has no Biblical basis. Instead, every component is from one or more books of the Gospel.

[HoopsTer]

Spiritualists belive in God, it's monothiestic but it doesnt necessarily mesh well with the holy trinity of religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism). There is also a very strong belief in spirits, rebirth, past lives etc.
http://www.greaterbostonchurchofspiritualism.com/aboutus.html

http://www.greaterbostonchurchofspiritualism.com/principles.html

[Feck]

i was rasied RC in a mixed house, Mom was Dutch Reformed Protestant (sp). Was married in a RC church, but more for the wife ( ex wife) than for me.

latley i've been giving the "Ethical Culture" thing some thought, but as far as full out joining anything at this point, no - not ready

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethical_Culture

Ethical Culture is a Humanist and Ethical movement inspired by the ideal that the supreme aim of our lives is to create a more humane society.
We stand for separation of church and state. We believe acting morally does not require belief in a god. We place our faith in the demonstrated capacity of people to do wonderful things. We believe in the worth and dignity of all living beings.
We believe that all individuals have:


Inherent worth and dignity
The potential to grow and change
A responsibility to strive for ethical growth
A responsibility to treat others so as to help them realize their fullest potential
A responsibility to create a better world
A responsibility to help build an Ethical Culture community that welcomes and involves others
As an Ethical Culture community we believe that:


We are all part of something that transcends the individual experience
We have responsibilities to each other, to the Society, and to the community at large
We are enriched through our interconnectedness with others
We find confirmation and validation of our own selves and beliefs through our interactions with others
We derive strength through our relationships with others

[Mama Kel]

My RC friends have told me that confession is necessary to receive Communion. As I understand it, this is done between the confessor and the Priest who prays with them and tells them what they need to do to get back on God's good side. This is what I was referring to when I said an intermediary is necessary.
.

This is true - unless the 'rules' have changed since I've been

[staggerlee024]

Every day.
Another common misconception some non-Catholic Christians have is that the Rosary has no Biblical basis. Instead, every component is from one or more books of the Gospel.


Impressive. I am thinking about getting some beads.

[HoopsTer]

I use my mala beads in pretty much the same manner Christians use the Rosary. :)



Feck- I am curious about that. is it like a Unitarian church?

I suppose if I cant find a Spiritualist Church close to me I will start going to the Unitarian Universalist church in Lincroft on occasion.

I am only slightly obsessed with madame Blavatsky, maybe there's a theosophical society around...

(I tend to be a "religion" junkie)

[Drop_o_Rain]

Communion can be received without confession.. unless you have a mortal sin on your soul... then you are supposed to confess it to a priest first...

[PennsylvaniaPete]

Communion can be received without confession.. unless you have a mortal sin on your soul... then you are supposed to confess it to a priest first...

And not to do so would be another sin?

[Mama Kel]

I was always told you cannot receive communion without pennance first.

Either way, you still have to be baptised, go to your first pennance & go through your first communion to receive communion on Sunday = intermediary

[PennsylvaniaPete]

pennance?

Is this pennance?

http://www.heritage.nf.ca/law/images/whipping_post_550.jpg

[jme]

I am a redhead we have no souls:funny1:

this

[Feck]

I use my mala beads in pretty much the same manner Christians use the Rosary. :)

Feck- I am curious about that. is it like a Unitarian church?

I suppose if I cant find a Spiritualist Church close to me I will start going to the Unitarian Universalist church in Lincroft on occasion.

I am only slightly obsessed with madame Blavatsky, maybe there's a theosophical society around...

(I tend to be a "religion" junkie)

my understanding is that they are similar, except some of the Unitarians beilive in a god, possibly Christian.

curiosuly i stumbeld upon the "society" while attending a show at thier meeting hall in NYC. - now my hands down favorite small NYC venue.

http://www.nysec.org/

[Feck]

And not to do so would be another sin?

someone needs to remind that ass hat Rudy Guliani about that one.
:funny1:

[HoopsTer]

Very cool.
Thanks for the tip :)

[Uncle Coulro]

I was always told you cannot receive communion without pennance first.

Either way, you still have to be baptised, go to your first pennance & go through your first communion to receive communion on Sunday = intermediary
There's no intermediary in the process you outlined. The relationship is directly between the worshiper and the Lord. Also, no where in the Magisterium (the sum of scripture and tradition) is it taught that an individual cannot have a direct relationship to God outside the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

[joecool]

i was raised catholic. stopped being involved when i was old enough to make my own decisions. just because i couldn't be bothered, and didn't know what to believe. later in life (around age 23) learned, from reading the bible and attending a baptist church, that i could be born again. so, i came to know jesus, and follow him. i still attend that baptist church, (30 years later), and i'm closer to god today than i've ever been!! i cannot imagine how anyone can go through their life, with all of it's ups and downs, and not have god there to take them through it!
i've been through a bunch of crap in my life....mostly my own fault, but crap nevertheless. i finally came to the place where i gave it ALL over to god. i held portions back for years and years. since then, probably about 4 years ago, my relationship with him, and with my wife has absolutely flourished!
i hope all of you come to the place where you realize that you cannot get to heaven without the perfect sacrifice of jesus, and accept that. it's as simple as that.
ok, there's my story and i'm sticking to it. peace, all my boardie friends!

[jme]

I think going to church for a "sense of community" is a bad idea.


Anyone ever pray the rosary?


Looks intense.

a - agreed.. that's the one very thing that has me fairly cemented in NEVER attending community church... I've never heard such pettiness reach so many people in so little time... once they (parishioners) are out of that (catholic) Church it's right back to climbing the top of social pecking order. the one thing i don't miss about church is the people that claim to be followers. (that and I have to forget all the business side of big religion that I used to be a part of)

b - yes.. many times, ALOT growing up. When you went to the Immaculate Conception parish school you got lots of rosary.

c - it is quite intense, but the longer you pray it, the faster it gets. I think my grandmother prays the rosary in less then 6 minutes these days. (exaggeration)

[joecool]

oh yeah, and to answer the original question;
i go to church every sunday (mostly)
baptist church (pretty liberal with some jamming music!)
i love it!!

[syd_25]

pennance?

Is this pennance?

http://www.heritage.nf.ca/law/images/whipping_post_550.jpg


Depends. What did you do?

[PennsylvaniaPete]

Depends. What did you do?



Had impure thoughts when I saw a beautiful young women.

[Drop_o_Rain]

No one knows if Rudy Giuliani has gone to confession, nor is it our business.

[LiL MaMa]

Yep, I go to church right after I have breakfast with the Tooth Fairy, and afterwards, I go hunting for Bigfoot.

:lol:

[lostsailor17]

So I didn't make it to church today, but I did listen to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAwo-F9CpVE&feature=related

[VibesMommma]

i was raised catholic. stopped being involved when i was old enough to make my own decisions. just because i couldn't be bothered, and didn't know what to believe. later in life (around age 23) learned, from reading the bible and attending a baptist church, that i could be born again. so, i came to know jesus, and follow him.

So, in other words, you never truly did "make your own decisions".
You simply went back to your earlier conditioning, which was that of the church.



i still attend that baptist church, (30 years later), and i'm closer to god today than i've ever been!! i cannot imagine how anyone can go through their life, with all of it's ups and downs, and not have god there to take them through it!

"God" doesn't live in a church. God is everything.
The church is actually the very opposite of God, because it attempts to capitalize on something that can only truly be a unique & personal experience.



i've been through a bunch of crap in my life....mostly my own fault, but crap nevertheless. i finally came to the place where i gave it ALL over to god.


Sounds like a cop out.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your own actions! Don't just try to turn them over to your imaginary friend.

[lostsailor17]

Wow VM. Do you play Mortal Combat? Cause that sounds like a Fatality!
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[KittyRocks]

i went to a local church this morning, for the second time. i really like it there, and this is coming from a person normally wary (but respectful) of religion.

i like this church bc it seems to be dogma free, and fosters a sense of community and tolerance. its not like any other church i have been to.

this morning they had an indian theme. they had indian music and there were girls that did that indian dance... dont know the name but they kind of sway their arms around all graceful and stomp around to ring the little bell anklets they wear? (those anklets are actually quite heavy!) ... i swear at one point the chanting in the music sounded like something from a natty b show. they talked about bahagavad gita, the greeting namaste, and how ganesh got his head. after, they had samosas!

next month the church is having a mandala creating workshop, i cant wait for that!

[VibesMommma]

They can't be THAT tolerant if they think that people who don't follow their leader will burn in hell for all eternity. That's the main tenet of almost any church.

And Indian dancing is nice, but considering that the majority of them were wiped out with church funding... it's a little weird.

[VibesMommma]

They can't be THAT tolerant if they think that people who don't follow their leader will burn in hell for all eternity. That's the main tenet of almost any church.

[KittyRocks]

They can't be THAT tolerant if they think that people who don't follow their leader will burn in hell for all eternity. That's the main tenet of almost any church.

no hell either! :dance:

its more about community here... and having a place to foster spirituality and learn about all sorts of beliefs IF and only IF you are so inclined!

plus i can wear my sneakers to church!

[VibesMommma]

I like when they support the community & do good things.

My main gripe is that oftentimes (and your particular church may differ) they preach unity... so long as it's unity within the religion, or the "in-group" speaking from sociology.
Which means that there must therefore be an "out-group".

And judging by the stories of Jesus... it seems like if he were here today, he'd be spending a lot more time with the so-called out-group than the in-group.

[Mr_Pat]

My view on religion is 'everyone likes a good ghost story'
Posted via Mobile Device Powered By Terrapin

[KittyRocks]

My main gripe is that oftentimes (and your particular church may differ) they preach unity... so long as it's unity within the religion, or the "in-group" speaking from sociology.
Which means that there must therefore be an "out-group".



that is so my main gripe too! but this place doesnt seem like that at all... they are very friendly and that makes you want to come back... not bc they make you scared! in fact they say the only reason to come is if you really want to. they have meditation, and all sorts of spiritual type things. sunsets they paint and play music too, nature walks, teachings on anything from judiasm to paganism to humanism, atheism.... and something they call "liberal christianity". and they also just have lots of social groups if you arent into any of that. plus, they have a gay pride flag out front. i find that very refreshing. i dont want to be a part of ANY group that in anyway seeks to hold any group of ppl back.

[VibesMommma]

That's why I'm simply a citizen of the universe.

[sarah b.]

They can't be THAT tolerant if they think that people who don't follow their leader will burn in hell for all eternity. That's the main tenet of almost any church.

not everyone who goes to church seriously believes that, and not everyone who likes their religion is focused on what happens to people after they die.

While I don't believe that anyone can say what is for anyone but themselves, when I read joecool's statement about heaven, my first thought wasn't "fuck you, I'm Jewish," my thought was "I'm glad he's found something that works for him, and if anyone calls him on it, he can deal with that." My life's too short to worry about whether or not other people think I'll get into their version of the afterlife, 'cause religion (for me), isn't about the afterlife (and I realize that is contrary to some Judaic schools of thought, but I have no problem with some people not looking at things the way I do, spiritually. That's nothing new.).

I am not so familiar with church tenets that I would know if what you said is true, but I'm inclined to doubt that. (when I say church, there, I mean all houses of worship of all religions, worldwide.) As far as Judaism goes, I do not fit in any of the myriad flavored boxes available. Secular humanist Judaism and humanistic Judaism have a certain amount of appeal, but I am also a fan of the spiritual. I am me.

Some Jews would not say I'm Jewish, based on my own beliefs on certain topics. That's okay for them. I know who I am, what I believe, that I know what I learn and how I feel will grow and evolve as I learn and grow, and I'm okay with that. And if anyone believes I'm not going somewhere after I die because I don't believe what or how they do, that's okay. It must be nice to have enough spare spiritual time to worry about other people's afterlives, and I tend to just appreciate the concern of others and thank them for it, rather than argue with them about it.

'cause in the end, religious belief can be irrational and illogical. And I realize that. That's part of why it's not for me to say what is or should be for anyone but myself.

And I agree wholeheartedly with the need, in general, to take responsibility for one's actions, but if saying one is giving it/problems/whatever over to any sort of supernatural force helps someone get to a point at which they can begin to pick up their life's pieces and cope and function better in this world, then, really, I'm happy for them.

'cause whether it's believing in Jesus or The Three Stooges or Jerry Garcia, if it helps people get their shit together again, or stay sober, or whatever, I think that can be a real positive for them (as long as they're not telling other people they have to do the same thing or they'll burn in hell, or whatever, in which case, I go back to [thank you for your concern] mode and just try to take it like they're saying [a nice, caring thing to me from their spiritual heart], rather than [trying to tell me what to do or how I should do it]. 'cause I'll do what I'll do, based on my path, in the end, and I don't need to waste my energy arguing with anyone about that.).

[KittyRocks]

That's why I'm simply a citizen of the universe.

i like that idea :) :heart:

[Mr_Pat]

Me too
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[sarah b.]

Spin-off: Do you go to CHACH? :)

[VibesMommma]

I think it just saddens me that people still put so much faith in Christianity/Catholicism/etc.. after all of the things they have done.

How many people were slaughtered in Christ's name? How other horrible things did the church fund?
And all of the flat out lies. Like denying science (which happens to this very day), believing that the Bible is the word of God (even though it allows slavery, beating of women, murder, etc..)

[VibesMommma]

Anyone who claims that only THEY have spiritual secrets, or that only by believing in THEIR teachings can you be 'saved', ... is pretty much a fraud.
And the highest kind of fraud too.
Because you're preying on peoples' FEAR.

Religion should be LOVE.

Even the term "God-fearing" gives it all away.


Gene Roddenberry sums it up nicely:

"I condemn false prophets, I condemn the effort to take away the power of rational decision, to drain people of their free will -- and a hell of a lot of money in the bargain. Religions vary in their degree of idiocy, but I reject them all. For most people, religion is nothing more than a substitute for a malfunctioning brain."

[KittyRocks]

Anyone who claims that only THEY have spiritual secrets, or that only by believing in THEIR teachings can you be 'saved', ... is pretty much a fraud.


i agree. except, i really do have the secret. for real this time!

:devil: :funny1:

[sums]

wow, kittyrocks, that sounds like a very open-minded "church". i've never heard of anything quite like that! :)

[VibesMommma]

the only secret, if ever there was one, is "tat vam asi".

or, put a simpler way, "you're it!"

[noro9]

Satan Kicks Ass!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/2241301863_881c83cf9b_o.jpg



:lol:

[KittyRocks]

wow, kittyrocks, that sounds like a very open-minded "church". i've never heard of anything quite like that! :)


its unitarian universalist! :)

http://www.uua.org/

[lunaone]

what connects us all is our shared consciounes. It is beautiful in silence to get in touch with the light of the world, however you invision it. Church for me is a tangible way to celebrate the mysteries, trying without the ego getting in the way, to direct your longing to be eternal , perfected in love

and vibes momma stop judging the past with modern eyes . Can the church improve? without a doubt ...

[staggerlee024]

I went to a Catholic Church today.

[sarah b.]

I went to a Catholic Church today.

did you like it? :)

[IT_Buzz]

Oh, and for future reference: :lol:

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8150/duhfm3.jpg

Uses FireFox and AVG...? You sir just elevated yourself in my eyes.

As for religion and church, etc... I use to pray a lot. I studied Cayceism (is that a word?) and read everything about every religion I could. That lead me to Archaeology and the study of said in college. Now, I'm more of a Lennonist (John Lennon, that is). Church? I try to act as the same always and not one way just because I'm in a structure. But don't tell my family. I tell them that I worship the devil.

and the use of uTorrent is also an excellent choice, sir.

[deadheadskier]

If so, what kind?
How do you like it?
How long have you been going?

I don't and thankfully never really have. My father grew up strict Catholic (Catholic school, the whole 9) and by the time he was in his early 20's he really began to question the 'negativity' of the church and stopped going. I recall going to a protestant church a couple times as an infant, Sean did a bit more regularly, but eventually my mother stopped taking us.

There are plenty of great people that go to church, plenty of bad people. You'd be hard pressed to convince me though, that organized religion hasn't cause more harm in the world than good throughout history. It's far too divisive for me.

I do believe in God or is it karma? Living an honest moral life matters a lot to me, but I fail to see how any church would help me with that.

[PennsylvaniaPete]

its unitarian universalist! :)

http://www.uua.org/

That is the only church I know of that is that way. I do not understand why they are not more popular.

[staggerlee024]

I did enjoy church today.

I have been to several uu churches.
They did not do it for me.
Far too wishy washy.
For my style.

[VibesMommma]

You should really check out this film:

http://progressivefilms.org/catalog/images/JesusCamp.jpg

[Slarti]

the pope :lol:

[staggerlee024]

i seen it

[Slarti]

do you have a church in mind? :lol:

[Slarti]

maybe you should start a new one :lol:

[Slarti]

there's vacancies everywhere :lol:

[KittyRocks]

That is the only church I know of that is that way. I do not understand why they are not more popular.

maybe they would be more popular if they turned to scare tactics to get you in there? :lol:

[Drop_o_Rain]

I did enjoy church today.

I have been to several uu churches.
They did not do it for me.
Far too wishy washy.
For my style.

That is how I felt after I attended this church for 3 years.

[joecool]

So, in other words, you never truly did "make your own decisions".
You simply went back to your earlier conditioning, which was that of the church.





"God" doesn't live in a church. God is everything.
The church is actually the very opposite of God, because it attempts to capitalize on something that can only truly be a unique & personal experience.






Sounds like a cop out.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your own actions! Don't just try to turn them over to your imaginary friend.

wow!!! aren't you the confused one! i definately DO take responsibility for my own actions! i screwed up, and i continue to......i'm human! but, i'm forgiven because of my relationship with jesus, who paid for my infractions with his life.

the church is the body of believers. so, we, as believers all together comprise the church! that's biblical.

and, yes i most certainly do make my own decisions, based on the teachings of the bible.....not of any particular sect, or denomination.

[VibesMommma]

i definately DO take responsibility for my own actions! i screwed up, and i continue to......i'm human! but, i'm forgiven because of my relationship with jesus, who paid for my infractions with his life.


Hehe, if you say so....

But from a purely psychological standpoint, I'd say you're having delusions.

[HasATinyHat]

The Only true knowledge consists of knowing the you know nothing ~ Socrates

[VibesMommma]

Hey Hoagie.. you have your very own thread in Politics & Religion!

Come check it out!

:funny1:

[groundhog]

i used to go all the time....... The Stone Church in Newmarket, NH

twas such a warm place for the soul.

[joecool]

ok, you got me there. i might be a little delusional. (just kiddding)
i can't blame anybody else for my screw ups. none of us can. but it sure is good to know that i can get up, brush myself off, and go on from there! what i'm saying is....that just isn't possible on our own. we have a god-shaped hole in our lives, and it takes god to fill it. he is the creator...how can he not know what's best for us?
god bless you.

[VibesMommma]

i can't blame anybody else for my screw ups. none of us can. but it sure is good to know that i can get up, brush myself off, and go on from there!

Yes! We all can! I've done it myself!
The power of the human spirit!


what i'm saying is....that just isn't possible on our own. we have a god-shaped hole in our lives, and it takes god to fill it.

Um... speak for yourself. I've done it on my own & countless others have as well.
There's no "god-shaped hole" in my life.
Sounds like you could use some counseling.



he is the creator...how can he not know what's best for us?


Here we go again...
:funny1:

[Elphaba]

oh my god!

there, that's like going to church, right?

[VibesMommma]

If God is "all-knowing"... why do people have to beg him/her/it to do things?

Doesn't he/she/it already have a "plan"?

Seems a bit obnoxious to suggest that a "supreme being" might need some advice from a lowly sinner.

[staggerlee024]

interesting

[HoopsTer]

Vibesmomma - you mocking Joecool's faith is just as bad as proselytizing. IMO.

[staggerlee024]

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

[VibesMommma]

Also... if there is a "God" that "created" you... don't you think that he/she/it would simply want you to enjoy life? And help others do the same?
Do you really think he/she/it created you to simply praise, thank, and beg him/her/it for your whole life?

I think that if there was a God, he/she/it would probably want you to follow Buddhism, since it simply addresses the liberation from suffering.

When I'm at a show, smiling...dancing...and connecting with others that are doing the same... THAT is my religion. THAT is love.

Sitting in a church... is based more on guilt and fear. And those are the opposite of love.

[joecool]

Yes! We all can! I've done it myself!
The power of the human spirit!




Um... speak for yourself. I've done it on my own & countless others have as well.
There's no "god-shaped hole" in my life.
Sounds like you could use some counseling.





Here we go again...
:funny1:

it doesn't matter how many times you tell yourself that....or laugh at it....but the FACT remains that god is. he always will be. there is nothing that can change that. you give humanity way too much credit.
there is nothing you can do on your own accord. if god didn't allow it....it would not be. just like jesus told herod that herod had no authority that hadn't been given him from above.
someday, you too will see the truth. and i do pray that it's not too late for you.

[VibesMommma]

Vibesmomma - you mocking Joecool's faith is just as bad as proselytizing. IMO.

If you had a friend who was in a cult... would you not try to help him/her?

Same thing.
But somehow, we collectively like to pretend that "religions" are something more than cults of ignorance & fear.

[VibesMommma]

the FACT remains that god is.

If it's a fact, prove it.



there is nothing you can do on your own accord. if god didn't allow it....it would not be.

It's truly sad that you think this. You must have experienced a lot of pain in your life.

[syd_25]

If you had a friend who was in a cult... would you not try to help him/her?

Same thing.
But somehow, we collectively like to pretend that "religions" are something more than cults of ignorance & fear.

How come your "understanding" of this is the only one? Why is someone else's opinion invalid if they don't agree with you?

[joecool]

Also... if there is a "God" that "created" you... don't you think that he/she/it would simply want you to enjoy life? And help others do the same?
Do you really think he/she/it created you to simply praise, thank, and beg him/her/it for your whole life?

I think that if there was a God, he/she/it would probably want you to follow Buddhism, since it simply addresses the liberation from suffering.

When I'm at a show, smiling...dancing...and connecting with others that are doing the same... THAT is my religion. THAT is love.

Sitting in a church... is based more on guilt and fear. And those are the opposite of love.

i'm not sure what kind of church you're talking about here, but there is no guilt of fear preached where i fellowship. that's been taken care of. i think that's the part you can't grasp. we ARE free to do as we please, and yes, god WANTS us to live an enjoable life. jesus said "i have come to give you life, and life more abundant."
believe me, i love a show as much as the next guy.....but it is not my religion.

[joecool]

If it's a fact, prove it.





It's truly sad that you think this. You must have experienced a lot of pain in your life.


it has nothing to do with pain. where do you get this stuff from??? it is simply god's word and his plan. simple. straight forward. truth.

[staggerlee024]

I went through a spell with Buddhism. I think alot of Westerners do. It is easier. If there is a negative history associated with it; we don't know about. We can fill that whole, or make an attempt, without all of the 'bad' things that go along with being a Christian.

I read two influential books at this point in my life:

Living Buddha: Living Christ ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
The Kingdom of God is Within You ~ Leo Tolstoy

These two books opened my mind and my sould. Many other books followed. Eventually, I found my way to the Bible.

[joecool]

If it's a fact, prove it.





It's truly sad that you think this. You must have experienced a lot of pain in your life.

i can't prove anything in human terms. it is spiritual, and if you are so closed to spiritual things, then you will never see it.

[VibesMommma]

i'm not sure what kind of church you're talking about here, but there is no guilt of fear preached where i fellowship.


Tell me my friend, what do you think happens to those that are "saved" after they die, and what happens to the "unsaved"?

[Shake Yer Bones]

Wow. Sometimes, the anti-Bible thumpers are just as intolerant and close-minded as the militant Bible thumpers themselves.

[Shake Yer Bones]

How come your "understanding" of this is the only one? Why is someone else's opinion invalid if they don't agree with you?

Werd.