Karen
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Posts posted by Karen
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yes you really put a nice debate about the religious topic , i do not believe the old and new testament , it all what you thinking and your faith .
I believe in Hindu religion and my Holi book is Bhagavad-gita As It Is,
I do not think testament change with time so what you think please share your views
I think that the testaments are written but the interpretation changes as society changes over time. Plus, everyone's different, and so many people can have different interpretations of the same text or idea.
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Hi All,
I believe in Hindu religion and like to worship Krishna idol . my personal option is that every religion is best and it's own place , so do not like to compare religion .
when we talk about religion and it faith Then we see there is lot of difference so i think both are two separate issues .
Hindu religion is third largest religion in world ,
me and my family like to go temple every day because we strongly believe in Hindu religion
that's fantastic! and welcome, I don't think I've seen you around before. I just went to the diwali celebration at my school and I got to hear some hindu prayers which was fantastic.
If you wish, you can post some general info about hinduism in the "learning about new religions" thread! -
awwwww that is so sweet Joe!! I seriously love little kids, they are the best and they learn how to overcome situations so fast!
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My religion, Judaism, is not very supportive of homosexuality. I personally have no problem with it. I am a big supporter. I am very pro-gay marriage. I have a lot of friends who are gay. My feeling is that it is not my job to judge whether or not someone is doing the "right" thing. I don't judge anyone. I support my friends for their choices as best I can. It has never really effected my religious beliefs. I have been able to fit the two together fine. I remain a devoted, religious Jew.
I think that's pretty common with young followers of religions now! I think that more young people are realizing they can be devoted to their religion but also change with society. It's very important to be adaptable!
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heh...I'm procrastinating on an essay that I have to write
I am also eating soup. and waiting for my tea to brew.
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There is also a lot of Christian things you can do to bless your home and protect it from, well, negative energy. Holy water works wonders when used to bless all the doors and windows (this includes doors to rooms). Having a cross over your door way works wonders. I have a friend who is Catholic and she uses holy water and crosses mostly on her home. She also lights up incense to clean the home. She says a prayer over everything.
Yup, I've seen this a lot and I've heard it, too. My anthro. prof says her boyfriend's mom is SUPER catholic and there are crosses over every doorway, she prays about everything, etc. At my house, I have a crucifix in my room that's been there forever and I can't bear to take it down, but maybe someday I'll hang a cross that's more my style in there
The way I see it, religion or faith is just one huge tree. Each of us belong to a different branch but when it boils down to it, it's all about faith. It's all about that. I like to think that in the end we are all worshiping the same God, God just shows Himself or Herself differently. Another funky thought is if all religions have different Gods and they all come together. I don't know. I'm a bit of a hippie. XDI think the same thing; it's nice to know that there are other people besides my boyfriend who think the same! I think there is One God but He is comprised of many different beings and he brought all religions/faiths to the earth in the forms of prophets, world changers, etc, so that we can be better people. I also think He gave us nature for a reason, not so that it could be destroyed.
I was thinking a few weeks ago about Native American religion(s) and how, if Christian colonialism/manifest destiny hadn't taken over and people hadn't essentially eradicated most native peoples, the world would probably be less polluted, more connected to nature, and so on. There is something within pagan religions that abrahamic religions lack: the connection to the earth and to nature. Christianity doesn't emphasize it, and I've never seen it in any other abrahamic religion. Not to say it doesn't exist, but it isn't common. The concept of having a spirit within plants, places, and the earth is something that doesn't appear often, but I think it should.
A lot of what we wear is similar to that of what a priest would wear or what a nun would wear. It's all traditional garb. A lot of Wiccan priests and priestesses wear flowing cloaks. Cloaks are used in conjunction to ritual robes. We wear the most comfortable clothing and the most open clothing we can so we can allow the Divine into ourselves. It's important to have an open connection to the Divine at all times when performing a ritual.I had a chat with my friend who's wiccan yesterday, and she told me about the cloacks and she said that's the one stereotype, so to speak, that she's okay with, just because the cloaks, especially black cloaks, can cleanse the aura. Did I get it right? Hahaha
She's awesome though, and she's been a really good resource for me.I personally haven't met anyone who has been. My priestess says that she used to have someone in her coven who was doing it for the wrong reasons. He wanted to screw someone over with magic and that is not how we play. Especially not in my coven. We worship the Divine and nothing else. We live to serve her. Needless to say, she kicked him out pretty quick.I've met my fair share of people who are into religion for the wrong reasons though and I know that one day, I'll meet that one person who is in it for those wrong reasons. I'm prepared for it.
I think people misunderstand wicca and paganism in general because of the terminology sometimes, like using the word "spell" - my friend described it to me as a prayer or a blessing. It's pretty much the same thing, it's like an intention for someone or something. She also said the coolest thing about Wicca was that it helped her look into herself and confront painful things and accept them and love herself for it. Not many people can or will do that. I do that on my own time; I'm a big fan of introspection
Earlier this year, at a Christian Fellowship meeting that I stopped going to because of many reasons, the guy who was co-leading the meeting was like, "Before christian fellowship there were several "cults" on campus, blah blah blah...". I told my friend about it and she said there was a wiccan group on campus about five or so years ago that was made up of good people but there were a couple people that went for the wrong reasons and so it gave them a bad name. Eventually, the club had to be disbanded, which I think is a shame. So yeah, I agree with you that there are people that do it for the wrong reasons, and there are people who don't understand who give wicca a bad name.
I'm thinking of starting an interfaith group on campus for next semester, and I want it to not only be a place for open dialogue, but I also want to go to different ceremonies, religious events, and do service as a group. I really want it to be all inclusive and just a place for people to express their religion and feel safe. I think there are more people on campus than I think that would be into that!!
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Although it is important to study the old testament, Joe is right - the old testament doesn't really apply to born-again christians or many christian denominations. However, in some denominations like Catholicism, there are readings from the new and old testament, and one of the gospels at church.
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I've actually been researching paganism and wicca just out of personal interest. I was talking with my boyfriend about what I want to do when we move into an apartment together and I said I wanted to do a native american smudging ceremony to get rid of bad energy. If it makes us feel better, why not? If it has actual spiritual properties then it'll work. If not, then I'll just be waving around a stick of sage, you know? No harm, no foul. Learning about smudging led me to research paganism. I had known a bit about it but I wanted to find out more. One thing I've noticed is that at a lot of wiccan ceremonies, they dress up and a lot of the time it seems more for show, you know? Have you ever encountered pagans/shamans that are doing it for the wrong reasons?
I would also like to reinforce that paganism is NOT satanism. To be a satanist, you have to believe that the christian god is dead, and pagans and wiccans don't believe in a specific denomination god - correct me if I'm wrong. I think people just get scared of what they don't know.
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I shall check out some Holocaust Memoirs, don't you worry about that! We don't really have a decent sized book store within 30km from my house. But my Amazon ones arrived today so that'll hold me down for a while.
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Karen... I have a question for you.
You were brought up Catholic right? and just recently been getting into the other sort of denominations around now?
Did you find the formality of Catholicism made it hard to connect with God on a real personal level? I've always wondered that, compared to the more "relaxed" style of other denominations.
Yep, I was raised Catholic
I've found myself on a spiritual journey lately and it's been very difficult but also very rewarding. I'm content with not labeling myself as anything in particular and forming my own relationship with God - I know He will reveal all things to me in His time. So I'm cool with that!Ok so here's the thing I didn't like about Catholicism. Yes, it was hard to connect with God through the formality of it all, and I also didn't agree with all of the doctrines of the Church. I'm not much into tradition and to be quite honest, Catholicism is dying out. People are sick of the formality, the restrictiveness, the old thought. The catholic church can't and won't gain more followers until it starts moving forward itself. Does that make sense? For me, that was one of the things.
But here's the thing. April 2011, my eyes were opened. That was something I needed to see God, to be able to listen to God, and understand Him better. Since moving back into school, I've been to catholic mass a couple of times because one of my roommates is a devout catholic. And I've found that since my eyes were opened, it's easier to go into a mass and hear God speaking. I still don't like some of the traditions but I've found that they aren't so important to me anymore. So it was more of a personal step that I needed to take and now I realize that religion can't contain God.
Does that make sense? I hope that helped a little bit! -
Yeah I read the book "Girl Meets God" this summer and it's about a Jewish woman who converts to Christianity and I thought it'd be good but it really wasn't. You might like it, I don't know. It was funny in some parts but it was just meh to me. I thought it'd be much more heartfelt but the way she experiences Christianity is different from the way I do it so it was just okay I guess. And Arie's totally right, I bet Holocaust memoirs would be fantastic! My boyfriend just got back from the holocaust museum in DC the other day and he LOVED it. He said it was gritty and intense but fantastic. A little off topic, but yeah.
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yes! also, I think Gabrielle Giffords, the 16 year old olympic gymnast, is a Christian and there was someone else, as well, but I forget who he was :/
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I can give you a couple of reccomendations, such as the book "Weird" by Greg Groeshel (not sure if that's exactly how it's spelled), not quite an autobiography but still good. Also, if you haven't read it, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller is FANTASTIC.
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yep it's true! which is awesomeeee
is that you joe?? new usernames always get me -
I will pray for you kim, arie, and the victims in colorado. Please keep me in your prayers as I just registered for my first teaching exam and need to pick a day, time, etc. It was a little spur of the moment but I pray I'm prepared! thanks all.
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they are, many people dont have any of these things.
I'm grateful for understanding people in my life and for God who never abandons me.
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hey guys, please keep me and my family in your prayers, my gram passed away last night. thanks for all of your continued prayers for her over the past couple months <3
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I can't believe i'm just finding this now!!! i LOVE sytycd, probably because I don't have much dancing talent
I don't really like singing shows because I can sing already, but dance shows never fail to amaze me. I also loooove that they do a whole bunch of different styles and i always get music selections from the show!!!!On a side note, I love looking at all of the dancer's bodies (not in a sexual way) just because it amazes me that they are so fit! The girls especially have, at least to me, the ideal body. It's a great standard of health, I think, because all of the dancers look healthy and muscular and they are using their strength to their potential!
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Question.
Okay guys I have a question, which I didn't know where to ask. It's about thinking sinful stuff, just thinking; is it a sin? Because I have difficulty accepting that thinking about bad stuff is the same sin as performing them. I mean, how can you even shut out some thoughts some times? How can you control your brain not to have sinful thoughts? I personally thought that it's only a sin once you perform the sinful things you want, when you act in a sinful manner. Not when you just think about it. But some people I know told me other wise and I'm conflicted. I was just wondering if you personally consider bad thoughts as a "sin".
Yay Joe! I didn't know you moved from home! I'm glad you got away and are on your own for a while. I also knew that you wanted to be a camera operator but I've learned that what we want isn't always what God wants. And it's really hard to deny ourselves and say that what we want is best! But God's plan for us really reflects our True Selves, I think.
And okay Dina, let's see. This is a difficult question and I'll do my best to answer it!
The Bible is clear on sinful thoughts - "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Matthew 5:28), and I'd say that the same goes vice versa for women looking at a man with sinful thoughts. That being said, the Bible is very old. Very, very old. And the standards in it reflect the cultural standards of the time. I do not think that God condemns us for having sinful thoughts. He gave us a brain to think, and use, and to be completely honest I don't think he concerns Himself with our daily, minute-to-minute thoughts. I think that He wants us to be the best people we can be, by spreading Love to others and doing good works. I believe that He cares about the grand scheme of things, rather than what exactly we are thinking.
Sin is an interesting thing. Many Christians have a very harsh view of sin, and it makes us feel bad about ourselves, not worthy of God's love, and that we have to redeem ourselves if we even want to come close to God. I think that this brings us father away from God. It's very hard to do these things! It's also, I think, not good or very healthy to be so self-depreciating that we think we can never be close to God just because we think bad thoughts or masturbate, or be gay, or whatever else may be considered a sin.
God is right here with us. He is our Friend - do we tell our friends about our bad thoughts? Well, some people do. I think best friends tell each other things - "I fantasize about this guy/girl", "oh, I'd totally do him/her". Sound familiar? And do our friends condemn us? No, they do not. And God is the ultimate friend - I don't think He condemns us. He loves us UNCONDITIONALLY, bad thoughts or no bad thoughts.
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Okay Kim! You wanted me to post more about how my beliefs have changed! You're in for it, now
Let's see. My spiritual journey has been long, and it's still not over. I was very into mainstream christian culture for a while, you know - the whole hillsong, jesus culture, raising your hands when you worship, that sort of thing. I still like that stuff, but I realize now that that's not all there is.
After reading "Weird" by Greg Groeschel (I think that's how you spell his last name!) and "Friendship With God" by Neale Donald Walsch, I realize now that my Chrisianity is supposed to be truly unique. I believe that God is one God and He is also a pantheistic God - I don't believe that there is a Chrisitian God, Muslim God, etc. There is one God, and we are all meant to love Him/Her/It. I don't believe that God has a gender. God transcends all of these human labels. We have just given God a gender in order to make Him more relateable for us.
I believe in a radical love - love for EVERYONE, and acceptance for everyone, because we are all God's children. We are all on different paths to the same thing - Eternal Life. All roads lead to Rome, so to speak. We are all doing the best we can, muddling along in our daily lives.
I believe that we need to talk to God as a friend, not as a King. We should tell Him everything, and also ask things of God. We shouldn't feel bad for asking - as God puts it so nicely in Walsch's book - we ask things of our human friends, don't we? A true friendship is how much 2 people can lean on each other and ask favors of each other without fear of rejection. I believe God wants us to ask for things! And when we do, He will give us the means to accomplish them!
I've had the opportunity to discover who I really am in God thus far, although I know my journey is far from over. As some of you may know, my grandmother really isn't doing well and her time to pass on is pretty near. I've been told that I have to cry according to the Western standard of death, but I know that death is a part of life and life is eternal. I know she will be just fine. And that is comforting to me
Sorry for the long post peeps! If you made it this far, you get a virtual high five!!
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I figure I'm allowed to double post on a thread like this.
Don't know if anyone will read but need to get it out.
I got told today that all Jews are cheep and only help themselves. In my human diversity class, crazy no? It ruined me, sent me right back into my box. Made me terrified of telling people I'm Jewish all over again. Why? It's 2012, why is this still happening?
Oh arie, I'm so sorry!! It's a shame that negative stereotypes like that still exist today, just like people think asians are bad drivers, all mexicans are illegal, and all christians hate gay people and are trying to "save" everybody. However! You being Jewish is part of you. Just because someone has a negative stereotype of Jewish people doesn't mean that you should hide who you are. In fact, I think that it's all the more reason for you to tell people, and more importantly, show people that you're Jewish!
Here's how I see it: When someone has a negative stereotype of someone or something, the natural reaction is for the person who is being stereotyped is to hide (like you said you felt like). I don't think that's good though! You, being Jewish, are a representative of your faith! You need to show people that not all Jewish people are like that and a stereotype is, in fact, just a stereotype. In the Bible, Jesus says: "“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Like 9:23) In other words, everyone has a cross they must bear, a burden. It's not supposed to be EASY being a person of faith. In fact, it's very hard! People are always going to judge you, and me, and everyone else. But don't let them make you deny who you are! You should be confident in your faith and I know that you represent Judaism very well!
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Heyyyyy Joe!!
I've missed chatting with you. Message me on facebook sometime, will ya?
And I agree it would be nice if people posted ahahahah. Besides myself of course! But I understand that people have been busy and I have been no exception.I too have learned a ton about Judaism (BIG thanks to Arie!!!) and I've seen that even though sometimes we don't all get along on a point, we can come to agree to disagree and at least try to respect each other's points of view. I too wish that more people who weren't religious posted in here! That was my original goal with the forum - I wanted this to be a place of unity and in a way,I think it has become that. Not exactly as I had planned but what I want isn't always what God wants.
If you don't mind me asking, how has your faith changed this year? Mind sharing? I can also share some details, if you'd like. My faith has also changed a lot!
And I know, I didnt know that was fake! I had the same reaction as well when helen posted that!!
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I absolutely will!
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Hi Helen!! Thanks for responding
I will definitely pray for you on help with speeches! I know where you're coming from, I really really HATE public speaking. I like how you don't really want to argue with others. It doesn't really help anyone, does it? And it's okay to stick to your beliefs, but listen with open ears. There are lots of Truths out there!
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heyyyy guys! I haven't been around much!
So yeah, travel plans... heh. I'm not too exciting with mine! In august I plan to go up to new hampshire (one state away from me) to volunteer with Soulfest, new england's largest christian music festival. I'm so excited! Although it's just NH, pretty boring.
Ummm my boyfriend and I were talking about going to florida over winter break IF we have the money but instead we may possibly go to DC. but that is very very tentative! Over my winter break there is also an alternative break to Belize and we talked about that. I pray I get to go!! It's working with kids, so it's definitely my thing!! So that MIGHT happen!!!
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Helloooooooo all.
I know, I know.
It's been a while. So sue me
I am very sorry that I let the forum die down like this. I really want this to be a place where everyone can come to find comfort or answers to questions about their faith and other faith, and also to learn about new spiritual things. So, I've decided to turn to YOU guys! This forum is a tool and resource for all of you!! So -
1. What do you want to see on here?
2. What can I do to improve the forum?
3. (most important question) What have you learned from this forum?
And completely unrelated, I think it's important to reflect on our spiritual journeys. It's been over a year since I started this forum, I believe, so I want to know how you all have grown.
If you don't have a religion, what is something you have learned from this forum, or would like to learn in the future?
I'll start. Hmm well. How to begin?? I got a boyfriend a couple months ago (go me! woo!) who matches my theology pretty well. He's a little bit more radical than me, if you can believe it! I have had a tough time managing a relationship and time with God, which isn't an issue I had when I was single.
I'm also running a Bible study in my dorm next year, and I want to spiritually prepare for that and learn what God wants me to do with it. Prayers would be great!
I have also been exploring my theology a little bit and realizing that it's OKAY that I don't always fit in with a church's theology, it's okay to have my own thoughts about God, and most importantly, that I don't always need a church to grow spiritually. It's been an adventure and a struggle to learn how to grow outside of a church or community.
Ok, your turn!!!
Jesus was a Punk Rocker
in Religious Resource Forum
Posted
I love reading your posts, Joe. It's really cool to just read into people's lives and the wonderful things that happen to them!