Karen

I'm very glad you came to the forum! When I created it, I meant for it to be a place where EVERYONE could express their beliefs, following a religion or not. So my question is, what is your opinion on people who do follow a belief system? In my case, there have been lots of people who think I'm an idiot for following Christianity, but I think a lot of people like to assume they know what the Bible says, or what Christianity is all about. It's frustrating because I would like to show people that God isn't this wrathful, spiteful Being. Also, if you absolutely had to choose a religion, what

I will pray for you! Know that He is always there, waiting for you to come back to Him and sometimes His voice is quieter than other times

These are all very good points! You're right that there are different ways that work for various situations, and some options are better than others. For me, if there are two options that are equally difficult to choose, I'd probably think, how can I best go about doing this in a manner befitting God? For me, that's a deciding factor because of my faith. For someone who doesn't adhere to a faith system, it may be, what's the higher road to take here? And you are very right that even if you don't believe in the Bible that it's important to be respectful, loving, and kind. the world could

good luck ashley, God bless! I hope you come back a happier and healthier person <3

I am blessed that I've had such amazing opportunities this semester and it's only the beginning! I'm so grateful that I can practice my faith without persecution, and I'm SUPREMELY blessed that Jesus loves me!!

This is so great cereus, thank you!! I love this one because it just shows to have absolute faith in God and if we just stop worrying, He'll make everything okay. I was having this issue yesterday, about how much we should take the Bible in context and this is what I came up with (with some opinions from others): -the Bible has been translated so many times sometimes things get lost in translation -humans wrote the Bible even though it was divinely inspired -a lot of Christians micro-analyze the Bible where it wasn't meant to be done.

Karen is the danish form of Katherine, which means pure. I'm pure enough lol. my middle name is Lee which is a type of meadow although my dad just really liked bruce lee and so named me after him

I remember you! Thanks for coming back! We never spoke I think, but I remember I thought it was cool you were on the quidditch team at nyu

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe who sent me" - John 11:42 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him

That is so cool Will! I guess that means that more people will remember me because I do smile a lot! I bet that comes in very handy for a job interview, it'd be a good technique so the interviewer remembers you and you stand out more. Also, I think the age thing is a good one, although I wouldn't like to know myself because then I'd just be dreading my entire life. I think that would make a very philosophical question for a lot of people.

I haven't studied the actual history of the catholic church, but I think the history must be REALLY interesting. They are very powerful and although I'm not a catholic anymore, I do agree that it must be fascinating to study the works of the church! such a long history, essentially building an empire. You're right Jeremy, there is a huuuge difference between religion and faith, but let's keep to the topic here. I'm sure there will be a lot to learn!

I remember you too! welcome back as well I was erenowlove on the other forum. I'll vote for you!

Oh and, Dina, Arie, anyone who wishes to discuss the different types of religious books/differences between them please go here! http://forum.emma-watson.net/index.php?/topic/2570-religious-books/

Okay, on Joanne P's thread about her faith there was some debate about the Old Testament, New Testament and the Torah, and her topic got really diverted so I decided to create a topic about our respective Holy Books. Arie and Dina, I would love for you two to continue your debate here, what I read was really interesting! My Holy Book is the Bible, and it's split into two sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament focuses mainly on the forerunners of Jesus - Abraham, the father of our faith, Noah, Solomon, David, etc. The New Testament is about the coming of Jesus

Hey Joanne! I'm so glad you posted here and I really hope I can help you. I had a similar experience with God last April, I went to a Passion play (about Easter) through Christian fellowship at my school and during the final prayer I started to cry and I really truly believe that the Holy Spirit spoke to me. My entire life has been changed! I can tell you all about it if you message me, I'd go into more detail here but I want to address all of your issue I too have gay friends and I also believe that men and women should be equal. I personally believe that everyone is perfect in who they ar

recent one of me, taken around Christmastime, hence the green shirt

mmhm, that's what I mean. I think women cover for different reasons and I think the topic is very diverse. Plenty of women have differing opinions because of it, as well. I agree that there could be many people who say they are a certian religion or faith system and don't act like it at all. So, appearances can be deceiving, I think we all know that. As I quoted, God looks on the heart while people look on physical appearences. For me personally I think it's important that I present myself in a manner befitting to who I see myself as. I respect myself, and I respect God, so I want to portray

Good luck ashley, and God bless. I'm happy you're getting the treatment you need. God will help you through! You might resent it at first but I think in the end you'll be happy you went. <3

I've traveled with Kim actually, as some of you know. We might go on a trip sometime next year to a national park in the US, depending on if I have money But yeah, if I had to choose, I'd say ardi, or demian, or kim (duh), will, or Joe. I hate picking specifics cuz it seems like I'm picking favorites but those are just the people I know best from here and would probably feel most comfortable with. I love all of you equally, I promise!

I've been thinking about this a lot recently, although it is an old topic. However, it's been interesting because I've been thinking about the material aspects of faith and women covering themselves, like religious dress. Muslim women wear the hijab, orthodox jewish women wear a tichel, wigs, or a snood to cover their hair. Some Christian women (mennonites, amish) dress very modestly and cover their hair. As a christian woman, I believe in modesty and I try to cover myself up as much as possible. I've been thinking about covering my hair and I even bought some scarves and tried it out but I

yes you're right arie! It's so cool, they're bringing their faith to life in a really great, modern way. I think a lot of people need that!!

oh and! my friend Tony from my uni sings about Jesus, and this is one of his new songs: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/song_details/11673194 Also, I love this song - Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!! Look, I brought the main course: hope you like Italian...

I'd say plan a little, like to get lodgings and stuff. America isn't so big on hostels, so you'll need to look into cheap hotels or motels. that's the most important thing, I think.

Buddism basically is about reaching nirvana, the higher place. There are pillars of buddhism, a lot like the pillars of Islam, though of course they are based in different things. They are called the Four Noble Truths are they are as follows: There is suffering (dukkha). There is a cause of suffering (craving). There is the cessation of suffering (nirvana). There is the eightfold path leading to the cessation of suffering. The eightfold path is explained so eloquently on wiki (didn't feel like summarizing lol...forgive me): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eightfold_path I think Buddhism is