posted September 06, 2012 09:56 AM            

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quote:

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Remember, love can conquer the influences of the planets....It can even eliminate karma.

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posted September 06, 2012 09:56 AM            

I think Christians are some of the biggest selfish and egoists ever...Jesus supposedly taught some very valuable lessons, of which I still adhere to today, but it seems like the Christians preach it but dont live it.

Just the other night, my youngest and I got into it out in the driveway...she ended up slapping me just as my holy roller neighbors came our of their house and got into their truck. Clearly a single mom, in trouble being pushed and shoved by an clearly drunk kid and they turned their heads and drove away.....

(shakes head)

posted September 06, 2012 10:09 AM            

The biggest thing to remember not all denominations are alike, and not all Christians approach spirituality or evangelism in the same way, or with the same methods and practices. There is a lot of diversity within Christianity

There are numerous schools of thought within Christianity. It really is not fair or right to just lump us all in together. An Episcopalian is very different than a Baptist. A Pentecostal is different than an Orthodox or a Lutheran. Mainline Protestants are different than Catholics and evangelicals. I would like people to remember and know those things.

It does bug me a lot that people just assume that all Christians are the hateful, judgmental, bigoted types. Yes, SOME are that way--unfortunately, many of them are the most visible and vocal Christians. However, not ALL Christians are like that. Many Christians don't even feel comfortable around those types.

I would encourage people to research differences in denominations to learn about the differences between different groups of Christians and to not just write us off or Christianity off altogether.

posted September 06, 2012 10:38 AM            

My big issue, and I am not clumping them all together is that the ones I have met, and I am speaking from encounters with Methodist, Assembly of God, Baptist, and espeically JW's they say one thing and do another.

Catholics, in my experience are the far worst.

(shoote em up in driveby's on the weekends complete with the Virgin of Guadalupe on the dash and repent to Father on Sunday...xtream example I know....)

Now I have met a few southers Baptist, mostly of the African American ethnicity that do preach and do live their faith.

It just seems to me that alot of people call themselves Christians and dont live true to their faith, it is like Christianity is much more about the falsity than say Buddhism or Hindus for example. Never met a member of those religions that go around stating their faith and clearly dont live by it. Sure I have met lots that dont live by it, but atleast they dont proclaim something they are not.

An age old discussion....

posted September 06, 2012 11:36 AM            

I just feel like anyone who associates themselves with any R(E)(L)(I)GION isn't very aware.

posted September 06, 2012 11:42 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by hippichick:
Regards, understood.

My big issue, and I am not clumping them all together is that the ones I have met, and I am speaking from encounters with Methodist, Assembly of God, Baptist, and espeically JW's they say one thing and do another.

Catholics, in my experience are the far worst.

(shoote em up in driveby's on the weekends complete with the Virgin of Guadalupe on the dash and repent to Father on Sunday...xtream example I know....)

Now I have met a few southers Baptist, mostly of the African American ethnicity that do preach and do live their faith.

It just seems to me that alot of people call themselves Christians and dont live true to their faith, it is like Christianity is much more about the falsity than say Buddhism or Hindus for example. Never met a member of those religions that go around stating their faith and clearly dont live by it. Sure I have met lots that dont live by it, but atleast they dont proclaim something they are not.

An age old discussion....

t~~~

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I hope that I wasn't being rude or argumentative or anything (I really do want to follow the rules on that, and I'm not sure if politely disagreeing counts as 'arguing' or where the line is drawn on that).

I just honestly get frustrated because I hate being painted the same brush as some of the really in-your-face, hateful, irritating types of Christians, and don't want to be judged before people know me just because of the connotations that come with the word "Christian". I'll be the first to admit to being a very flawed person. I try my best, but yes, I definitely screw up a lot. The prayer, "Have mercy on me, a sinner" immediately comes to my mind when I think of myself.

To be fair, perhaps some Christians have earned those connotations and stereotypes, but not all.

posted September 06, 2012 01:13 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by shura:
Fair points, Randall.

By my observation and experience, Christian tenets are by fair the most difficult to uphold. No other spiritual path will ask so much of you. No other spiritual path is so seemingly nonsensical and in direct opposition to what we might consider natural human instinct. Hence the wide gap between intention and performance. As Gandhi once remarked, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

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posted September 06, 2012 03:08 PM            

So you can imagine the programing that I had to get rid of to become heart centered. For years every time it stormed I would get nervous because I would think Armageddon was coming and I was not in could standing with the organization which meant I would be destroyed.

I used to be disgruntled for a while but now I'm to the point that if all is as it should be then to each his own, as its been out many times here lately…by there fruits you will recognize them…and is it just me or is the “fruit” that Christianity has produced not a little bitter to the taste and unsettling in the stomach?
As long as there are cultures and religions we will never have social security, which is the theme of the Aquarian Age that we are ushering in right now....and so I feel like we have all been gathered to a great playing field. Not to play this time though, that’s what we've done for thousands of years. Now our egos are no longered required hence no need to play just observe...observation itself alters the course of what we view even if we make no action and speak no word.
We have been gathered to watch the most thrilling movie we have ever seen and we have no clue what will happen from this day out, not sure we even care to know.
So sticking with the theme of the thread…. religion period has no significance for me anymore...it feels like an old structure that is soon to be torn down. Hence Christians fall under that category, but they are more irritating to me because I live in the "bible belt" part of America where the ignorance and judgmental attitudes are just mind-blowing and disheartening at the same time.......but again all is as it should be for our times and the only thing that one can be sure of is change and change is upon us, I think we can all feel it...even if like me you have no clue what, when, where or why....I think the fun is going to be in figuring it all out, and I for one am excited. Ignorance is just not my thing, I have a Uranus, Jupiter and Mercury Grand Water Trine that tells you exactly how I feel about traditions passed down by men supposedly from god.

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Aries Sun
Sag Moon
Virgo Asc

posted September 06, 2012 03:52 PM            

That sums it up beautifully.

To follow the Christs Teachings as closely as humanly and spiritually
possable is a difficult rewarding Path.

Jesus the Christ did not teach us to brow beat another into reformation or submission.

He taught us if we cast our pearls (wisdom) before swine (unbelievers) and they reject the wisdom, shake the dust off your feet as you walk away instead.

He taught us to turn the other cheek and forgive. To do unto others as you would have done unto you.

He did not teach us to harm our selves or others with gossip, judgement, and condemnation.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Without the Christs Teachings, there would be no Christians . BUT if you don`t adhere to his teachings, one would not be a Christian, would they?

So, it is for each individual to understand what a Christian is and how to separate those who are from those who claim to be.

posted September 06, 2012 03:59 PM            

I know this sounds awful. But I just dont see the reward outweighing sacrifice.
Jehovahs Witnesses follow the Bible very closely and pride themselves in it.
Amongst there ranks they stick together and "shun" the world, all I see is the difficulty in the Path and not the rewards.

How can searching for, dedicating your life too and serving a god outside of yourself have any lasting rewards in these times?

posted September 06, 2012 04:07 PM            

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Passion, Lust, Desire. Check out my journal

posted September 06, 2012 04:16 PM            

For societies sake, we lable ourselves. So I apply Christian lable and explain myself by a Teaching I ascribe to.

Thats all
edited to say, The Bible isn`t necessarily Jesus teachings in whole.I separate the Bible from The Christs teachings specifically as they are found in other Masters.

posted September 06, 2012 04:38 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by oneruledbymars:

Interesting post and thread Randall......As you know or maybe not...but I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness, I read the bible 18 times from cover to cover by the time I was 21. I was extremely indoctrinated and literally talked to people 90 hours a week out in "field service" going door to door trying to convert people because that was perceived as a "good", spiritual Witness, those that dedicated the most of their time, to this day I feel like that religion and religions in general are the perfect trap for evolving human consciousness, especially if your goal is to keep it from evolving.

So you can imagine the programing that I had to get rid of to become heart centered. For years every time it stormed I would get nervous because I would think Armageddon was coming and I was not in could standing with the organization which meant I would be destroyed.

I used to be disgruntled for a while but now I'm to the point that if all is as it should be then to each his own, as its been out many times here lately…by there fruits you will recognize them…and is it just me or is the “fruit” that Christianity has produced not a little bitter to the taste and unsettling in the stomach?
As long as there are cultures and religions we will never have social security, which is the theme of the Aquarian Age that we are ushering in right now....and so I feel like we have all been gathered to a great playing field. Not to play this time though, that’s what we've done for thousands of years. Now our egos are no longered required hence no need to play just observe...observation itself alters the course of what we view even if we make no action and speak no word.
We have been gathered to watch the most thrilling movie we have ever seen and we have no clue what will happen from this day out, not sure we even care to know.
So sticking with the theme of the thread…. religion period has no significance for me anymore...it feels like an old structure that is soon to be torn down. Hence Christians fall under that category, but they are more irritating to me because I live in the "bible belt" part of America where the ignorance and judgmental attitudes are just mind-blowing and disheartening at the same time.......but again all is as it should be for our times and the only thing that one can be sure of is change and change is upon us, I think we can all feel it...even if like me you have no clue what, when, where or why....I think the fun is going to be in figuring it all out, and I for one am excited. Ignorance is just not my thing, I have a Uranus, Jupiter and Mercury Grand Water Trine that tells you exactly how I feel about traditions passed down by men supposedly from god.

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posted September 06, 2012 04:41 PM            

So as a Christian are you following what Christ taught and not what the Bible says?
How do you draw the line?

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Aries Sun
Sag Moon
Virgo Asc

posted September 06, 2012 05:07 PM            

To me, spirituality/religion/God, is so personal. I feel God profoundly, and I see him everywhere. I am not motivated to be a better person because I'm afraid of the ultimate punishment, I am motivated to be a better person because its the right way to be. I want my daughter to grow up in love with life, in love with people, and in love and in touch with her deepest self. To be strong, open and accepting, to make mistakes and learn, to be responsible for her choices and her life. To admire individuality and support others, to know that we are all here for a different purpose, all with a unique path to God.

posted September 06, 2012 05:09 PM            

The Bible contains much Wisdom as well. Proverbs and the Mystical Songs of Solomon for instance. I don`t throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Like you, I grew up in a fundalmentalist home. I learned at an early age that the teachings of Christ didn`t match most of the rest of the Bible and for me, there had to be a separation from the church. I loved the Christ but was uncomfortable with the Bible as a Nicene conglomeration to be used as truth .

Through other texts and Masters, I found the threads or continuous chains of spiritual wisdom that the whole of the Holy Texts couldn`t contain.

Eliminate the political, cultural and personal agendas that is much of the Bible and find the harmony, joy and love left.

That gives "proof" to those that say I`m not a "true Christian" by their definition.

posted September 06, 2012 06:25 PM            

I used to think certain people were trying to keep the masses ignorant.. and it may be true to an extent, but I seriously think now that it's inadeptness that got the human race where it is today.