Karen
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Posts posted by Karen
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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
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I myself, being an atheist, have no holy book that I adhere to, but Richard Dawkins, an evolutionary biologist who has also written books on his own beliefs concerning the existance of God, is one of my main inspirations, philosophically speaking. There are also some people on YouTube making imo quite valid points, although YouTube does seem to be the breeding ground for trolls and flamers, both religious and atheist.
As for personal truths, I don't think you've defined truth correctly: in the way that if something works, it's true. More than one thing may work in different situations, but that does not mean it's both true. The existance of God, for example, may work for somebody, thus be true for him/her but may not work for somebody else, thus being not true. And as something cannot be true and not true at the same time, we are stuck here.
There may be something I agree with there though, in the sense that there is not one truth that is always applicable and always will. After all, we long thought that it was true that nothing can move faster than the speed of light, but neutrinos, some sort of particle (don't interrogate me here: I know nothing about quantum physics) may have moved faster than the speed of light. This would have to make the 'can't move faster than light'-truth give up it's title.
So basically, my opinion is that truth is a temporary badge for theories and claims we know to be correct, according to our current standards and research methods. Always room for improvement.
Anyway, on holy scripture, the general message in the New Testament is of course, very good, and even if you don't believe in God, I think it's good to base your behaviour on the message of respect, love and forgiveness.
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 benefit from more people like that! -
good luck ashley, God bless! I hope you come back a happier and healthier person <3
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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!!
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My father brought me up on theology, he is a minister and always taught me to understand the context in which christians have to read and appreciate the bible. There are many problems such as reading the old testament in the context of the new and also understanding both the hebrew culture and language in which the old testament was written (same with greek for the new testament). It's amazing how much confusion can be dispelled by understanding these simple aspects of context. If you are confused with the bible in some way don't confuse it with doubting God's existence, doubting yourself and your strength of faith is actually kind of good. It shows humility, God doesn't expect us to be perfect or strong he is strong for us. Anyway I'm going on a bit so I'll sum up how I feel about dealing with confusion with a little scripture.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight."
-Proverbs 3:5-6
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.
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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
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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
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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 will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.†John 4:13 - 14
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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.
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Just an observation and opinion...
Anyone here ever studied the Catholic church from a historical standpoint, not a religious one?
It's very interesting to hear stories about the Church throughout history quite particularly in Renaissance era Europe. These were quite interesting times for nations, religion and art. But then you do some digging especially in the days after books and movies like Angels and Demons and games like Assassin's Creed, and realize that the history is much stranger than fiction!
The Assassin's Creed franchise is my favourite as the fictional stories they write about the characters and events revolving around the Catholic Church are strikingly close to reality. I would research characters and events in the game and find that the events in the game are what did occur in history (of course the game version was tweaked to support their plot). A big example being the Borgia family known to some as 'history's original crime family'... the real story about the Borgias are far more interesting than the writers of the game could ever imagine (trust me).
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 do realize that there's a clear difference between religion and faith. You may be mixing the two. Faith is what everyone has, religion is how they practice it. No need to bash on anyone who has a religion.
Going off on a tangent here but if you call the Catholic church "twisted and evil", what do you call the Church of Satan then? (yes it exists)
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I'm trying to discuss about the history of the Church from a historical standpoint, say what you will about the Church as a religion, just not in this topic.
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!
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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/
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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, his birth, his life, and his ministries.
Please, I'd love for everyone to contribute to this discussion. Just keep it nice please - you can respectfully disagree with something someone says but DO NOT disrespect someone's Holy Book.
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Hi everyone !
Here's the thing : I met God 3 years ago, thanks to a Christian friend. I was depressed and she brought me to a christian meeting, and I just wanted to learn about her religion because I knew it was the most important thing in her life. And then, I was listening to people singing, it was so beautiful, I suddenly felt so calm and happy, I started to cry... When my friend saw that she was so glad, because she thought I had met her God, but the point is, I knew I had experienced something really greater than me, but didn't know what exactly. SHe convinced me it was Jesus and, as I was already reading the Bible, I kept on doing it, and went to her home and her church to study it, to learn more about God.
But then, I had a hard time because my education is far from some biblic principles, for instance I strongly believe that women and men are equal and some verses don't express that at all. Plus I have some gay friends, I see them happy, and I wonder why I should disapprove this while they find a way to live their lives in a way that please them. Actually, I have beliefs but can't really generalize them. I feel I shouldn't judge others on their choices (of course I am against some behaviors, but only when they bully some people).
The second thing is that my family is not religious at all, and I can't share my beliefs with anybody. I have a boyfriend too, and he has a kind of faith but not really believe in God, more in a supernatural power.
So here's my issue : I don't know if I am a believer anymore, if I can trust everything in the Bible, if I am allowed to interpret some verses, being aware of the fact that I may interpret them in order to make things easier for me. I add that I don't go to church anymore, because I don't know which religion is the closest to my beliefs, and I don't know anybody in my town who could help me with that.
Sorry for the long story but my life is getting harder and harder without the light I had before... I want to find the way of life which will allow me to be a better myself and I have to say I need help. Thanks for reading/answering (of course don't feel like you have to be a christian to answer, any point of view is likely to help me).
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 are because God created them, gay straight, skinny, curvy, whatever it is, He made us and it's up to us to find our identity in Him. The Bible has some pretty interesting phrases about women and men equality, but what I've gotten out of the Bible is that women are to be treated gently, and I actually wanted an interesting clip yesterday about abuse of women - a pastor was yelling at the men in his congregation who might abuse women because they are harming God's daughters and therefore they shouldn't be asking God for help on anything except repenting. Off topic, but yeah. I think the Bible can be open for interpretation and it's also important to remember the time at which the Bible was written. Even though it was written of the span of some hundreds of years with the different authors and such, it was a very different time.
I understand what it's like to have a family who doesn't really understand what it means to be Christian or to know God. My uncle mike is a very religious catholic and so is my gram, but I was catholic until I found God in April and now I consider myself a born-again Christian. My other family members aren't religious and I know they admire me but still don't know how to wrap their heads around the new me. The truth is, people are going to judge you - even your family. I know, trust me. But no one ever said being a Christian was going to be easy. In fact, Jesus says, "take up your cross and follow me". That gives me strength in hard times because I KNOW that loving God isn't always a cake walk. It's a tough journey, full of twists and hardship.
I'm really happy that you said you want to find the light of life because the fact that you want to find it, means you are searching for it already! I don't know how to stress to you that religion, the Bible, church - those are all man-made things. They are there to guide you, but they don't define you. A relationship with God, on the other hand, is a perfect thing that is something only you can find for yourself in Him. I would also like to stress that you don't need to find a denominational church - there are plenty of non-denominational churches that have great worship and sermons. I'd like to show you this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY. It highlights that a relationship with God is much more important than a "religion" because there are plenty of people who call themselves religious but don't actually know God.
I would suggest that if you're in school, you get involved with a Christian fellowship there or go "church hopping" (I invented that phrase
) in your town to see which church you like the best. I did that with churches around boston and I ended up with a great one! It's all about what you feel comfortable with, and you will eventually find one. Don't confuse the Bible with God. If you read the Old Testament, of course you'll find verses that may no sound "good" to you. I, for once, do not accept the Old testament and i am a Christian. I accept the New. Read the New Testament and if you find a verse you dont like and makes you feel bad about God or something then i'll talk about it with you
And to answer your topic there's no advice on finding God. You have to want it, you have to need it with all your heart. I believe in God and i've been a religious person all my life and yet sometimes i feel like i'm moving away from Him, i question things too, especially at times like these. I don't always feel His presence around me, not even when i pray.
I agree, sometimes I feel God and sometimes I don't. I think everyone has felt that way at some point! It's all about finding what brings you closer to God, not what other people say should. For example, when I was a Catholic PEOPLE said that getting sacraments brings me closer to God, going to church, receiving the Eucharist would help me feel a connection. It didn't. At all. Now, the church I go to (actually both - one during the school year, one during the summer) has amazing sermons and music both. That's what helps ME, but what helps you might be something different.
Christians do accept both, the Bible in whole. I don't however, and many other people don't as well. Orthodox Christians mostly. Catholics seem to pay more attention to the old rather than the New which seems odd to me.
Also I may sound blunt i must apologize if i may sound offensive but i don't like the Old Testament because it's a bunch of Jewish stories, showing that the Jews are the chosen people and God loves no one but them. Then again maybe because it was written by Jews in a totally different era. The Old Testament portrays a fearful and in my opinion unfair God.
There are stories and symbols inside the Old Testament that have a great meaning, and it prepares us for the coming of Jesus, i reckon, but for me that's it. The New Testament, on the other hand, is Holy to me.
You're right Dina, Christians do accept both. I've noticed as well that a lot of Catholics know the Old Testament fairly well, and some of the people in Christian Fellowship at my school don't know it at all. I personally don't think you can know one without knowing the other. It's important to know the Bible inside and out.
Most Christians accept the new testament more than the old because the new Testament focuses on the core of our belief, Jesus - that's why it's so important to us. However, the OT focuses a lot on the history of the New Testament, why things are the way they are. I think both are fascinating, and one of my favorite stories is from the OT - The story of Esther. She was one cool woman!!
Maybe that's why I feel uncomfortable with Christians, sometimes : I can't say "My religion is the best, the truest one". I mean, it implies that the others are lying to you or to theirselves when they chose another religion, because if there is a "best" religion, then you're not really close to God when you go for another. I don't know if I'm being very clear...
I think this is a great point, and one that a lot of people struggle with. From what I have seen, researched, and heard testimonies on, I've come to believe that God is God and everyone has a different name for Him. I don't even believe that He has a gender, Christians just call Him a Him because fathers are supposed to be comforting figures, takes care of everything, etc. In my book, there IS definitely something else out there, it's just how we define it. We can't let religion, a man made thing, to get in between our relationship with God!
And I forgot to answer to this but the thing is, I've talked with evangelist protestants, and I was told that each word of the Bible was a word of God, etc. Now I know that not everybody share this belief but as it is the first thing I heard, and from people I do respect, it is hard to decide who is right. And I ask these questions when I pray, but how to get an answer ?
This was also something I've struggled with. By the way, feel free to message me at ANY time if you have any questions or want to talk, ok? I'm always open and ready to listen
I used to pray and say the same words and not know what they meant or how to make them personal. I never thought I heard God. I realized though, once I stopped asking for things and just started listening, God's voice became clearer. For me, it's not a man's voice - it's my voice - but it's usually when a thought comes into my head out of nowhere, an answer to a question, or something that is persuading me one way. It's important to take a step back and look at how you're interacting with God
- are you asking for things more than asking for answers? Are you talking more instead of listening? I found that when I just sat, put on some christian music in the background, and listened, I heard God a whole lot clearer. That really helped me! The idea is, it's not HOW you say the words, it's the fact that you make the effort to say them at all. God knows whats on our hearts, He's GOD. He knows everything! But it's the effort it takes to tell them to God that makes Him appreciate it.
When I was saved, I was talking to a girl from Christian fellowship at my old school and she said what really helped her when she was learning to pray was to put a chair across from her and pretend that God was sitting in it. I mean, technically He IS..but I digress. Just talk to God like He's your dad, brother, best friend, what have you, because He's all those things and more. You don't need special prayers for Him to listen to you, just talk and say what's on your heart.
When you pray all your praying it comes form your heart within
you pray by faith you pray because you believe!!
If you are asking for god for things! it will take time he will do it on his own will!
Praying makes your faith and your belief in what you believe in Stronger!!
the more you pray the more you read your word the more you study the closer you can get to god!!
I been an Chrsitain for 6 years and I Am still learning everyday!! so
and There is days where i dont feel close to god and days i do
You are right Sarah
Being a Christian is a relationship, and it's a journey. If we ever stop learning while being a Christian, we are doing something wrong! -
recent one of me, taken around Christmastime, hence the green shirt
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I just wanted to comment on this specific sentence and say that in my opinion i think that these days Christianity is at war. The media tries to humiliate it much more than any other religion. But that's of course a totally different subject.
As for the covering part I believe clothing doesn't show who you are and how much you love God. I'm sorry but i know my dear God won't care if i show my hair or if i wear a Metallica tee-not saying that i should run around naked, there are boundaries.
If a woman WANTS to cover her hair, i'm all for it. If a woman WANTS to wear these large clothing that reveals no skin because she wants it, i'm all for it. I just find it unfair when women are TAUGHT from a young age that they MUST be covered because they sexually provoke men and that they will be pointed at if they don't.
Appearance shouldn't count. People shouldnt judge by what they see. I mean trust me i bet there are a lot of people who dress modestly, wearing big crosses/or hijabs/or w.e and they could be no religious at all.
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 myself the best that I can. I used to wear low shirts, etc, but I don't anymore because I realize that it reflects who I am and how I am seen, whether I like it or not. I also now believe that my body is mine, and my future husbands. That doesn't give others a right to see me. So I try to dress nicely and fairly conservatively. I don't do it FOR men, and I think a lot of women don't do it for men either. I think they do it for themselves
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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
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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!
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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 still haven't come to a decision and the reason is this: in the Bible, it says, "for man looks upon outward appearances, and the Lord looks on the heart". So for me, it shouldn't matter completely what you wear (although I still think it's important to try to dress at least somewhat modestly) but rather what is on your heart.
So yeah, I'm a bit tired so idk if this all makes sense, but I've pretty much just been thinking about the physical aspects of public display of faith - we know most muslim women by their hijab, and we can tell some Jewish women and men from their dress. What is there to show for a Christian person? I've decided that my actions are what make me, and because there are many bad portrayals of Christians in the media. I try every day to do good things, little things, in order to try to show who I am as a person.
I think it's very interesting, the material aspects of displaying faith. Thoughts?
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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!!
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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
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JON!!
Look, I brought the main course:
hope you like Italian...
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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.
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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 cool! I think meditation is really important, especially because there are so many benefits to it. Praying, for me, is like meditation and I read that our brain works the same way during meditation and prayer. http://intro2psych.wordpress.com/2008/03/11/and-this-is-your-brain-on-prayers/
Kinda cool, to me
Learning about new religions!
in Religious Resource Forum
Posted
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 do you think you would go for?