so... you should convert just for the fun of it or to fit in on a board???
interesting. I've heard better arguments for Christianity
So you're a believer in God... I gather that. DO you believe in Christ? (that I'm not clear on).
I believe in a broad idea of God. I think that I am God and God is me. Often, when people are on psychedelics, they will say, "I was one with the universe!" I think that is reaching Nirvana in a way - realizing that we are all a part of each other and everything.
Buddhism teaches that you are Buddha, you don't "become" Buddha. You are Buddha, and Buddha is all things.
Unfortunately, this seems to have been taken out of Christianity. My mother asked my brother-in-law to talk to me while he drove me to the airport. He asked me about New Age thinking in my city. I told him that there was nothing really new age about it, but that when I prayed, I went inside, not outside. I knew "god" was there, and didn't have to stare at the ceiling, wondering if he was paying attention.
He said, "When I look inside, all I see is evil. And the only good inside of me is God."
I said, "That's too bad. I see a good person, and I'm sad you can't acknowledge that. That is God's gift to us, and you are trashing that. Not only that, but if you believe that you "invite Christ into your heart", why do you see only darkness when you look inside, and turn your head to the clouds? Why do you separate yourself so much from God?"
Christians believe that there is only one path, one truth, and everyone else goes to hell.
I question the necesity of blood, or a pure human sacrifice. Christ spent far more time telling us how to live, and than how to die.
If I can forgive without bloodshed, and am a reflection of God, then God can as well. I think that God is far more about love, and teaching us to love, than about worshipping him, toiling for him, avoiding his wrath, and hoping we won't fry in the afterlife. I think God is literally love.
I was raised Christian, and spoke in tongues at 18, but my view of God and Christianity is very radical that where it started. Because I was raised in a very religious family, I explain my ideas in a Bible mindset, and the more I learn about other religions, the more they seem the same. I am fascinated by the beliefs of shamans, who claim that there is spirit life in plants, who refer to them as "teachers" with very distinct personalities. Natives revered the land, and lived in harmony. When I contrast that to the Western idea of domination of the planet, you can see how it is destroyed. Mention this, and people will claim that you "worship the creation instead of the creator." I once told someone that I saw God in all things - the bird singing is God singing. The trees blowing is God dancing. Accused of worshipping nature and false gods, the Christian said, "I see a bird and think ' that's just a dumb bird.'" Would you, however, receive a gift from a friend and say, "that's just a dumb sweater"? Don't you think of your friend ever time you wear it? Wouldn't they be hurt if you just used it to wash your floor, because its yours and you can do whatever you want?
I hope that explains it better. It's complicated. I believe that everyone has a puzzle piece of God, and if you put them all together, you will understand better. I think it is designed that way to force us to connect. And when I hear someone say, "No, God is defintely a duck's head!!!" while I have a piece of blue sky, who refuses to think that the red wood, the pond, the weather vane, may make a bigger picture, of a farm, I shrug and walk away.
The Church often teaches not to question, not to look outside the religion, and not to contemplate something more.
I don't subscribe to a "we believe..." but rather, "This is what I believe so far."
thanks!
