OT DOES RELIGION MEAN SOMETHING TO YOU?

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Why would a smoke ring convince me of anything?
 
crandc said:
What religion means to me is overwhelmingly negative. Mass murder of those who don't share their faith. Invasion, enslavement. In modern times, hating gays, opposing women's rights, denying science.
I agree with John Lennon, imagine "no religion, too".
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More accurately you should say some people who erroneously call themselves religious who are that way. That way is NOT the Christian way. I'll refrain from speaking for others.
 
Lanny, I like and respect you and I am glad to see you back. What you said, I have heard before. But who makes the decision whose faith is real and who is erroneously calling themselves religious or specifically Christian? Because the people who murdered Jews, burned heretics, hated gays etc. all say they are motivated by their Christian beliefs.
 
crandc said:
Lanny, I like and respect you and I am glad to see you back. What you said, I have heard before. But who makes the decision whose faith is real and who is erroneously calling themselves religious or specifically Christian? Because the people who murdered Jews, burned heretics, hated gays etc. all say they are motivated by their Christian beliefs.
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1. Those were not Christians;
2. Each of us must decide who is a real Christian. I have made my decision and Trump is not it for he is pure evil.
 
ABM said:
A little about me:

My father was a pastor of a Black church in N. Portland for over 40 years. I grew up in that church. When I turned 13, I left the church because I was tired of being picked on, spit on, and the like. We were just kids, though. I loved all the adults, and they loved me. My teens and 20's were a blur of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I was living with a gal, and she ended up cheating on me. It was at that point, in my tears of sadness that I reached out to God in my kitchen. As I was sliding down the wall in tears, telling God that I was all His, a golden glow and warmth entered the room. No way else to describe it. I was at complete peace. I went to work the next day (Tigard) a completely changed person. My co-workers and friends couldn't believe it. My best work buddy exclaimed, "What kind of metamorphosis came over you, man?!!" Indeed, I was a changed person. Quit smoking, quit the drugs, quit the cussing, quit it all - cold turkey. That was 1989. All the time in my teens and 20's, my dad would tell me that he and my mom were praying for me and that they loved me. He told me the church was praying for me, as well. I went back to that church, stood up front and gave testimony that it was becuase of their prayers that God saved me. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. It was a beautiful thing. My dad was my best friend - always had been. He died @ 92 in 2014. My mom passed away in 2016.

Am I perfect? No. Do I not sin? No. Do I screw up? Absolutely. However, I believe in the forgiveness of sin as the Bible promises. I live my life in trust and faith that God has my back. He does. He's proven Himself to me time and time again.
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Thanks, hailblazers :)
 
Map shows how provincial God of a Mediterranean tribe through various accidents of history became "the" God.

I understand some people might find "I am praying for you" comforting but for me as an atheist it's offensive. It's someone telling me they know more about how I feel than I do.
 
If someone is in distress send flowers. Invite them for coffee/tea/beer depending on preference. Offer specific help if needed, grocery shopping, walking dog, whatever.
 
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Men must go to heaven first! Somebody told me in Revelations, it said there will be a 1/2 hour of peace and quiet.
 
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