re: "I refuse to be a slave to religion!"

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Then, all the death and destruction that came with the lifestyle made me really question life in general and just made me stray further away.

I've found much more peace in my life through meditation than religion. I'm not saying that to say religion is bad, just saying that's what I find works for me.

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We just choose materialism over spiritualism.
agree again. I'm trying to recalibrate myself on this one and it's been a prodes, for sure.

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I'm constantly recalibrating, which I think is what spirituality is about. Reflection, adjusting...

I am not one to commit to legalistic systems though, my brain doesn't work that way. I find no satisfaction or fulfillment in that type of religion or politics.

Humans are given this great gift of discernment and intuition we can develop. Most humans have no faith in their own, so they adopt others. My parents brought us up in this group, but never forced us to comply or believe in anything. They allowed us to find our way in life, which was the best thing they could ever do.

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So you would delight in watching a synagogue burn, would you? Why am I not surprised.

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The warped mentality of the drama queen is very entertaining.

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They're starting a ministry, and I support them.

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If their faith leads them to a life of love and self-sacrifice, then I support them too.

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Liberator

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Sorry bud, but "I seent it" doesn't count as historical fact.

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Thanks, just don't waste your time praying to that false idol Jesus. I need real prayers.

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Straight to God, don't worry.

Jews don't bother with middlemen, it cuts into the profit margin.

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I grew up in a very traditional Roman Catholic environment

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I did not. I’m in no position to speak on the rituals and beliefs of Roman Catholics- other than to say that I don’t see much evidence to support many of them- in my “Protestant” Bible. There is much controversy regarding what is, and is not, scripture. The one thing that Catholics and Protestants can agree on is that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. From there, it devolves into futile arguments about grace vs works- and so on.

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found myself at odds with the church on priests marrying, and other social issues

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This is common- in all walks of faith. What’s important is that we are not at odds with God’s Word. An in-depth study of the Bible reveals Gods nature. The Bible is consistent in its teachings of God’s nature.

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Now, I'm a faithful Catholic, but somewhat on my own terms. If that damns me to hell, so be it.

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I understand. Though, it pains me to hear this. This sounds more like an attitude of defeat, rather than victory in Christ.

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I believe that any religious devotion that satiates the innate human desire for spirituality and guides that individual into a life of ethics, charity, kindness, and sacrifice is a good thing. I dont care who your god is.

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This is called religious pluralism- the belief that all religions are true. This is self-defeating. Even if Christianity were the only religion to claim absolute truth, that alone would require the evaluation of all claims, and thereby separate truth from lies. Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” That’s not to say that Christianity is to be judged by the actions of those who practice it- anymore than any any other religion. That is to say, that you must evaluate doctrine itself- to determine whether or not it best describes reality.

Christians, I’ve been reading through this thread. I appreciate most for trying to explain some aspects of the Christian faith. But let me encourage you. Our mission as believers, as the Church, is to share and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are message carriers. We cannot make anyone believe. We cannot save anyone. That’s God’s job.

Romans 10:14–16 (ESV): 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel.

Without hearing and accepting the gospel, people can’t be saved. So, We simply spread the gospel. God has to draw and regenerate hearts through Jesus. Some will believe, many will reject because they count themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46). In their rejection, they judge themselves and if they die in their unbelief, they will be consigned to the lake of fire for all eternity. It’s sad but true whether they acknowledge it or not. It’s their choice to love self and sin or to repent and believe. So, keep sharing the gospel and let the Lord sort them out. And for unbelievers reading, this is the gospel:

The gospel proclaims that all people everywhere and throughout all time have sinned and rebelled against God our Creator and stand justly condemned under his holy judgment; but God graciously saves sinners through his Son Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death on the cross as a substitute for sinners, and was raised from the dead, so that all who repent of their wickedness and trust in him alone receive full forgiveness of sins and eternal life through him.

If you desire to stand alone on the day of judgement to give an account to God, that’s your choice and I’m praying for you because it won’t end well for you. But for me, I know I need someone to stand on my behalf, I need a Savior. And I praise God for opening my eyes to this absolute Truth. Because it’s a fearful thing to stand alone before a Holy God.

I do believe religion is one of the greatest control methods ever created. If you don’t act the way we want you will go to a horrible place forever is a pretty strong deterrent.

On the flip side. I believe it’s needed to keep a lot of people in check. I think the lack of religion in society today is what has gotten us here in this messed up world.

I’m not a very religious fellow. But I think it is good for lots of people. Sometimes I do wonder what kind of inner demons some of these people are fighting to have to go to church that much. I’m cool with god, shouldn’t that be enough?

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Reality and a dictionary.

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Two things you've never had much use for.

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This is called religious pluralism- the belief that all religions are true. This is self-defeating

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I believe religion is simple, all organized religion just adds layers to it.

God reaches man according to his understanding. Sometimes we understand reality a bit differently from each other.