I've decided to be a Christian

[Why Syzygy]

I feel I should let you all know about the change in my spiritual experience. I'm a bit timid about sharing this.

I was raised in a church and tried living with that faith as an adult with dismal failure. Divorce and addiction proved too much, and I turned my back on every teaching.

But, I've learned I was never told the REAL good news. There really is no "hell". That was a large part of why I had to leave that faith. I can not believe in a GOD who will torture His creatures.
http://biblestudy.org explains scripture in ways that ring true. There is no hell. There is a purifying for all souls. Gold, for example, is purified by fire. The sacrifice of Christ offers reconciliation for ALL humans. Not just some chosen few.

I had to come to my conclusions based on an adventure in the study of "evil" I undertook some weeks ago. There is some very nasty stuff in our world. I had to conclude that there is a force that seeks to destroy us. We have present day examples! I won't get into all the details because, while I don't have a problem with "conspiracies", many do. Leave conspiracy out of it, and there is still enough evil (to destroy humanity) to prove itself. On the other hand is a force that offers Life and tells me that I am worthwhile and wonderfully made and destined for unity with the Life Giver.

Some of these nasty folks practice a form of pure anti-christ. If there is no Christ, there would not be so much hate and malice in the name of anti. No one is tilting windmills on a daily basis. Are they? I have come to believe that this evil power cannot receive "worship". All it can do is lead men to worship themselves to the point that they will do anything to anyone to maintain their god-like self image. They become destroyers as well. This is the power that makes us hate ourselves. It causes death.

I hate to wear the label "Christian". I don't believe in the Rapture. There are many teachings that have been corrupted. I do believe we as a planet are going to go through massive changes. I'm afraid things are going to get worse before better, however.

I'm still hanging out here because I like you all very much. I'm not turning my back on anyone OR trying to convince. I don't imagine I'll make anyone uncomfortable. I hope not.

[FirstLight]

1. good for you! VSM

I honor your choice and beliefs, as a reformed Christian/Pagan/Native American believer, I have gone around the corner a few times with the Christian faith...
and while I may not agree with all the beliefs of my fellow parishioners at my Lutheran Chruch, they are a spiritual family that has loved me, cared for me and held me up to the Light on many occasions. So has my Drumming Circle, and so have my Witchy friends, so it is all good. I think we can all agree to strive towards the Christ-Light in each of us, that is all that God/dess wants.

I understand your timdness to share, becuse we are such an eclectic group here. I feel weird sometimes saying that I go to Church because I hold such "out there" beliefs compared to most Christians. But I am enjoying listening to the bible with new ears and seeing how faith works in people's hearts with new eyes...And I have never felt the least bit awkward sharing with anyone here about my ideas or faith.

It would be great if the world could be so tolerant of itself and eachother as we are here...

:hug:
thanks for sharing
my prayers and light I send to you!

[Why Syzygy]

16. My lonliness

had become intolerable. It wasn't for lack of company.
The best thing is I don't feel lonely any more. For the first time ever, I can fully appreciate how the martyrs could sing to their deaths.

[JanusAscending]

2. I hear you........

I too left the church, for a lot of the same reasons you did. But I never left my Savior. Sometimes I regret the DU name I chose, because I KNOW that a lot of people blow off what I write, just because of it. I've become very open, and liberal in my spirituality as I grow older and wiser.( 70 yrs. young on Jan. 14th)As I get closer and closer to my Maker, I become more at one with the spirit, and the light. I also believe, and have had personal experience with Angels. The only "dogma" I practice any more is the Golden Rule, and to love my neighbor as I love myself. (friend or foe) I think your choice is as right for you, as mine is for me. Ours is a wondrous journey in a wondrous Universe and beyond, is it not?? God bless you and keep you, O8) DC

[NJCher]

5. I was just wondering where you were, DC

I was thinking I'd not read any posts by you in a long time! Anyway, nice to see you. :)

I'm sorta' with davsand on this votes. I think there are many ways to navigate the spiritual world.

You might be interested in a "This American Life" episode that came out in the last week or so. I was just listening to it on my iPod yesterday. It's about that fundie minister, Carlton something or other, who was friends with Oral Roberts. Anyway, his story has also been featured on 60 Minutes. Carlton, too, said he didn't believe in hell (then the fundies came at him with a vengeance). But I think it's interesting that here and there in Christianity, people are coming out and saying they don't believe in a hell. If you want to know which program it is, I'll find you the date.

Also, the more I read about extraterrestrials, parallel dimensions, and the like, the more I see that it looks like we are headed to science supporting what many of the world's religions have asked us to believe on faith. In other words, someday, science will be backing up religion's claims.

An example of this is that the Bible says "In my father's house, there are many mansions." Some interpret this to mean there are other dimensions. Science has, for quite some time now, said there are at least 11 other dimensions.



Cher

[JanusAscending]

6. Hi NJC !!!

I'm here. I've been here lurking almost every night. I have been overwhelmed with the holidays, and kind of blue. Ya know how it feels not to be able to afford to give your children and grandchildren anything for Christmas(except your love) and they poured the gifts on me!! They said I'd been giving for years, and now it was their turn!!! I really know now, that it is "more blessed to give, than to receive" I miss my hubby too, especially at this season. He's been gone since 2002, and I find he's irreplaceable. I usually don't post unless I really have something worthwhile to say. I do know the Minister you are referring to. I saw the 60 min. bit. What a horrible position for him to be in. God keep him strong in his faith!! The way he's being treated is one of the reasons I left the AG Church. They EAT their own!! Don't smoke, don't drink, don't dance, or you'll go to hell!! BULL!! I'd much rather believe I can hitch a ride with our cousins from distant galaxies or dimensions for my enlightenment, than try it their way!! :rofl: :hug: DC

[Why Syzygy]

11. The hell teaching

is the cornerstone to all the other abuses and slavery imposed by "the church". "The church" of today is apostate and uses it's power from the "Top" to control and ultimately destroy humans. The pure FREEDOM teaching that Christ brought is HATED by those who rule. It really is our freedom in Christ they hate and stop at NOTHING to try to erase. I will not be surprised if believers in Christ go through more bloody persecutions before the history books are closed.

There are a lot of raging debates. I still have to sift and discern what comes closest to Truth, in the sense it supports life and freedom.


And ps .. I haven't given up one ounce of the psychics or science I've learned. It all fits.

[Why Syzygy]

15. That's the thing..

Of course I put you in a "category" due to your user name. My Christian bin had gotten rather large in what it could cover, because labels really tell us very little. I do pity you on the big forums, though. There is a lot of hostility, and I can't say I blame them. Been there. I'm not interested in debating faith with anyone. And, I suppose if they want to have some fun at my expense, whatever. I've been ridiculed at DU for other opinions ;) . It's DU!

I feel led to keep the Sabbath. It's pretty much a mystery to me, but I've been attempting it.
I also feel that in these times, there is much to hold onto, including many practical things.

[davsand]

3. As I have said on here before we are all rowing around looking for the divine.

We are ALL floating in a big old lake called life, and we are charged with finding the divine. Some of us are in rowboats and on rafts (pagans and solo practitioners, maybe?) some are in big luxury cruise liners (Organized religions, maybe?) and some of us pulled up on shore with our inner tubes gone flat. Some are sailing in circles and others are motoring along in a direct line to some pre-selected destination.

It is ALL good and whatever mode of transport your personal journey takes, blessings to you.

:hug:



Laura

[I Have A Dream]

4. I'm happy that you found something that feeds your soul, vsm.

I see no reason why Christians can't feel comfortable in this group. We're all searching for our place in the Universe. In my opinion, there are many ways to get to the same place. I'm glad that you found yours.

:hug:

(On edit: Oh, and I think that astrology is a gift from the Universe to humanity. In my opinion, astrology and Christianity can very peacefully coexist. :))

[JanusAscending]

7. AMEN to that!!!

I love you all, and feel at home HERE IN THE LIGHT!!!:grouphug:

[OneGrassRoot]

9. I second that!

I have no religious roots, per se, so I have nothing to return to within this lifetime at least...lol.

We simply ARE.

I honor everyone's path and wish us all a blessed journey.

:)

[Love Bug]

19. I absolutely concur!

I attended an excellent astrology lecture once given by a Catholic nun. I don't know what her order thinks of her 'hobby,' but she was pretty awesome.

[Kind of Blue]

8. Hey, Votesomemore. I, too, have come back to my Christian roots.

And I mean the Christianity (particular the Gospel of St. Thomas) in practice before the suppression of Gnosis. It's amazing to me the mysteries Christ chose to teach some disciples; the universe before man, the Pistas Sophia, I guess just the plain old quest of knowing thy self that includes meditation, dreams, out of body experiences, et cetera. If I had been exposed to St. Thomas, the Magdalene's Gospel and even the Gospel According to Judas, I don't think I would have ever left years of Catholic schooling and the church. But it all works out because Thomas' form of Christianity is of experiencing the divine through self-discovery, and it is through this that I've begun rediscovering Christ. And the beauty of it is that there is Love enough to include all forms of spiritual practices.
I'm truly glad that you've found a path that resonates with you because, after all, we're all headed back to being as one with the divine. It's so good!

[Manifestor_of_Light]

10. Good for you!

Glad ya found a path that works for ya.

We make our own heaven and our own hell.

I've been through hell on earth with my friends and family dying.

[Celebration]

12. well, I get all (most) of this and concur

I never knew this group was not for Christians (???)

Evil--Ah, yes, I really don't *get* how some people deny evil, and evil influences. It is apparent in everything that I do. But the judgment stuff in some Christian faiths is a bit much, isn't it?

I grew up Christian, but was never exposed to the hell, fire, and damnation bit, thankfully.

Notwithstanding that, I have figured out that everyone could use at least a tiny bit of exorcism. So much crap floats into our energetic fields when we get tiny little rips and holes in our aura.

Exactly what about astrology, spirituality and alternative healing do you find incompatible with Christianity? Many Christians, for example, perform exorcisms.

[Why Syzygy]

14. Well, I dunno.

..what might be incompatible. Nothing that I know of. I'm not real comfortable with divination right now, but then I'm not doing any, so it's not an issue. I've never been a judging kind of person, and that sure hasn't changed. I have always believed in "miracles" and still fervently do. That topic can be discussed as science, superstition or simply natural laws. Or divine intervention. Have you seen the History channel show about some of the miracles of the Bible being reproduced with today's science? It's moderately interesting. I'm really trying to have the faith that my eyesight will be restored. I've wanted it for so long and believe there are many different ways that could manifest.

Another part of the realignment for me was learning that something is required of me. I must keep the Commandments. I know I risk getting out there and sounding all bonky. I guess one thing I DID judge for the past eight years was "Christianity". But, that was the bogus version, the one offering a feeble attempt by an ungrateful patriarch to redeem a world filled with the most horrific forms of greed and malice. And, either failing, or planning from the start, to run eternal torment, as if this planet were not enough torture for one soul life. Ha. It IS done. I really don't want to get into making doctrinal statements for some reason. And, of course there is so much I don't know and just beginning to discover. But, I see this as my part to send the message that I Do accept. I am willing to receive that life, the new one that will come (eternal/dimensional) and a more peaceful one in the present. See, it really is a gift. But, there is no profit in telling men they are free. And the Opposer deals in slavery and insists on it. There's the big lie humanity has been sold. We have a lot of freedoms in this country, but are we really free? I think not. I think that's the "plan".

When I told my mother about this when I saw her last week, I told her, don't get your hopes up. I'm not a BAPTIST, forget the Rapture, and I'm still mean! I haven't rushed out and told people anything has changed. I've been waiting to find out myself! I've given it a couple of months to settle in, and it feels like the right thing for me.

[Celebration]

17. have you given a thought to denominations, congregations, etc.

I actually still belong to an Episcopalian church here, and always used to take the kids to Sunday School. One of them even went on to be a church camp counselor. She loved it.

Anyway, these days, I am thinking that if I went to church again, it would probably be Unity. There is a good congregation here, but unfortunately it is a few miles from my home.

Miracles, I love. Anyway, about 100% of my spiritual effort and thought goes to energy healing--the practical stuff--how to do it, and finding out what works and what doesn't work. Whoever/whatever is behind all this is all benevolent. So, it could be Christ, it could be science, it could be guides, it could be God. I just say THANK YOU. I will even thank the scientific principle. I just plain don't know, just as I don't know the source of evil. I guess that's why I am mostly agnostic (???)

I learned a lot from my now retired energetic therapist, who was very, very Mormon. I am pretty sure that Mormons consider themselves Christian.

[Why Syzygy]

22. I most likely will not join

any denomination. I'm still not "religious", or much of a joiner. If I go to services, it will be on Saturdays at the Seventh Day Adventist's church.

[MorningGlow]

13. It's all one, VSM

All belief systems are based on the same single tenet: Be nice. If everyone on earth could recognize that the trappings of all religions, all the secondary elements, were just that--secondary to the main tenet--we'd all be better off (and a lot more at peace with each other).

I was raised a Catholic and am now an ex-Catholic, only because I disagree with the political decisions of the Vatican, including what the "Church fathers" decided to chop out of the Bible based on those politics. (Try telling your garden-variety Christian that their savior once taught about reincarnation!) Never once have I discounted Christ's teachings (although I strongly believe that the stuff he said like "you can't get to heaven without me" was included by--ahem--others). I believe he was a highly advanced ascended master who had a remarkable sense of timing and political savvy. No wonder his legacy survived for thousands of years.

VSM, your eclectic journey of faith has only made your character stronger, and you can bring new facet to your church. Likewise, I can't imagine anyone here at the ASAH forum could be uncomfortable with the viewpoint you bring to our discussions. As my faith says, "An' it harm none, do as thou wilt."

If you feel you'd like to combine your different belief systems sometime down the road, you might be interested in a book I just reviewed. It's called ChristoPaganism, and it'll be available in February. Here's the Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/ChristoPaganism-Inclusive-Path-River-Higginbotham/dp/0738714674/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230648827&sr=1-1

Hope you decide to stick around here, VSM! We love you! :hug:

[Stevepol]

24. I don't doubt that Christ said He was the only way, BUT

I don't think it was mistranslation so much as lack of understanding what he meant.

You wrote: "I strongly believe that the stuff he said like 'you can't get to heaven without me' was included by--ahem--others."

The Christ Spirit is one and it is in ALL PEOPLE. That spirit is universal and is expressed in different words in all the scriptures from every part of the globe and in every religion. The words don't matter. Call it what you will, that spirit is the only spirit leading to life and few there be that find it. The Spirit is One and the Only spirit that leads to life. The words are many and lead to wars and strife between people, etc.

It's like the Sufi story about the people who were fighting over what something was called. One said it was X; another said Y; the third said Z. Turned out the thing they were describing was a grape and the words were the words for grape in three different languages. Don't remember in the story if they realized the truth soon enough to avoid beating each other over the head over it.

[crikkett]

18. Respectfully, I ask this question:

I have come to believe that this evil power cannot receive "worship".

How did you come to this belief?






(PS I don't believe in Hell either, and I do believe we're ALL saved. I understand and congratulate you on your choice and your happiness, however, for me, the brokering and gaming of Salvation that takes place among religious adherents is a deal-breaker for me.)

((PPS: I don't know what the meaning of 'worship' is. Literally. I understand Love, but not worship.))

[Why Syzygy]

21. I'm not sure how to answer ..

How I came to that conclusion. I gathered what I believed to be relevant information, read and pondered, and the thought began to form. :D

I see "it" as very similar to the Republicans. They bring nothing to the table. Their entire efforts are to debunk and destroy Democrats and progress. (I speak of the presidential campaign.) To me worship is recognition of greatness. There is no greatness in destruction, in the terrorist act of tearing down something that has been built by other hands. Anarchists and chaos seekers aside.

"Satanism" is nothing more than a perversion of the symbols given by Christianity. There is nothing to worship there. I'm sure they believe they are giving worship to "Satan". But instead they are only being defiant and antagonistic. Being nothing more than a subtracter is not a place to receive worship. I don't think the dark power is capable of receiving worship.

[Why Syzygy]

26. crikkett ..

something more on this theme... I'm not sure why you asked, but am interested in any ideas you have.

The original "temptation" as reported in the book of Genesis indicates that the man and woman were told they would be "as God". Now, we were already told that they were created in the Image of God, so what is overlooked here is that first there has to come the lie that man is "not enough", lacking. This is such an overarching theme, you see it playing out every day in multiple ways. The church has to sell this line of propaganda in order to justify itself. Petty bullies use intimidation. A lack of faith in our likeness to God causes all manner of sufferings. The serpent was the most beautiful creature, yet he didn't offer man and woman that they could worship him. He told them they were not good enough as created and by having knowledge of duality they would then be "good enough". There was the downfall.

edit: It occurs to me that sometimes the answers are so multi layered. I'm not as good at concentrated thinking as I used to be.

[MagickMuffin]

20. My take on Christianity and Fundamentalism

Christianity: the teachings of Jesus the man. We are ALL Christ-like. Christ to me is the Higher Spirit Consciousness.

Fundamentalism: the teachings of Saul-Paul. Most Fundies tend to practice the teachings of Saul-Paul. Saul-Paul is the one who added extra dogma to Jesus' teachings.

Now for this statement I'm having trouble understanding what you are getting at, "Some of these nasty folks practice a form of pure anti-christ. If there is no Christ, there would not be so much hate and malice in the name of anti."

I believe evil has always existed in man. We have the Free Will to harness this power or to lock it away in a Pandora's Box and lock it away forever. It is part of human nature, the Yin-Yang of man.
Some people thrive on the negative power, other people choose to harness the positive power.

As a young child (maybe 4 or 5) I was at church in the Nursery, for some reason I placed a toddler on a table and watched as the toddler started to cry, so I took the toddler down and placed her back on the ground. At that point I realized what I was doing was wrong. I believe I inherited this trait from my siblings and that it was part of a power trip. But I knew that having that kind of power over another helpless person did not prove that I was powerful but that I lacked the compassion that I should embrace instead, which I obviously chose instead of the darker power of controlling someone who was helpless.


I don't have a problem with anyone who wishes to explore-embrace Christianity. It is not for me to judge. I do however have a problem when certain people want to shove their beliefs on me. Whether it is family or the general public at large. I'm a Each your Own kinda gal. I don't try and shove my beliefs on to anyone and I deserve the same respect.


Here's a funny story for you. I attended my parents small church one Sunday (Dad was getting the opportunity to preach, and asked us to attend, so we did) my Hubby filled out the Visitor's card and mentioned that he doesn't necessarily need a church to be with "God", the presiding preacher decided to share this with my family which upset everyone involved.

This is where it gets really funny. After a few months of this preachers shenanigans the church decided they wanted to replace him. He got so mad that he actually said he would place a curse on the church:rofl:

My parents soon left that church and found another one to go to instead.

Good Luck and Blessings to you,VSM:hi:

[northernlights]

23. the apoycryphal/gnostic texts

that were surpressed by the catholic church are the most mystical and spiritual of Christ's teachings. I'm with tcdq on this one. And you can find them online -- beautiful reading (and singing, if you join a good chorus).

[eilen]

25. I guess I always believed in God, a creator

but I always conceive Jesus as a brother, another mortal which is weird I guess. So many messages out there to "be saved" and make Jesus your best friend, "Jesus saves" etc. Seemed to me like a fetish. I grew up being Catholic but never felt I was actually taking in the body and blood of Christ via transmorgification (sp?). I feel a connection with God but not necessarily Jesus in that way-- Maybe it is hard to explain--I just do not feel that resonance in the the dogma and in the religious writings. I like Jesus's message but I have to say, that his story and his message is not so unique however I am not always in agreement with what he says. I cannot even conceive of having that simple passion or ecstasy for Jesus that I see fundamentalists types have-- I hate to say it but I wonder if they aren't somewhat brainwashed or have something wrong with their wiring-- all this convoluted praying too...so focused on being guilty of sin and needing forgiveness etc. I don't know about them. I know I was born right the first time, no need to be "born again."

I don't care for the Mother God being left out -- just denied even a mention of existence-- that is halfway to being an atheist as far as my reasoning goes. I also feel that I have no real heritage with middle-eastern religions-- that connection is missing. I do enjoy reading and studying different religions such as Christian, Jewish, Moslem, Hindu, Buddhist, Zen etc. as well as Panhellenic, American Indian and Indo-European beliefs (where I feel a greater connection). One thing I have noticed about Christian and Moslem and perhaps even Jewish religion-- they are so focused about heaven instead of now, when they are alive on 3D. If you live right now, I think the afterlife just takes care of itself. I don't really know what happens there and that is okay. There are a number of psychics that claim to have knowledge of it. I don't know that I believe them or that it is necessarily the same for everyone. (they could be right--I just don't know-- but then my version of heaven could be very different than theirs.


It is always good to have a faith and I tend to have faith that things will turn out well. As for the existence of evil-- Well, free floating negative/malicious evil is nothing compared to the evil than man creates.

I say good for you that you have found something, a faith tradition that will help nurture your spiritual development. I wish for you the wisdom to take what is needed and courage to walk away when it begins inhibiting growth and feeding baser impulses.

[Hestia]

35. The Apocryphal/Gnostic texts are pre-Christian Hermetic texts - The Corpus

Hermeticum was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls - "and ye shall be as gods" comes from Hermes telling us that as humans we are above the angels (who are static) and raise our ascension, which even the gods, who are also static, cannot do.

I too believe that 'evil' has always resided on earth. I also believe that it has expanded due to the billions of souls on earth. But always remember - Beauty, Truth and Love Always Prevail. It is the Law of our Earth.

[NJCher]

27. Carleton story

Votes, I listened to the rest of the This American Life podcast on Carlton and something really stood out. It was the comment of another minister who was observing what religion would be like for them if there was no threat of hell.

This pastor said that people came to church because of that fear of hell and damnation. The other reason was a good Sunday chicken dinner.

Then, of course, I realized that hell is the fear thing all over again. This pastor said as much.

It's amazing how much humans are ruled by fear.



Cher

[stellanoir]

28. Consider reading the Beatitudes.

It's one of the more redemptive aspects of Christianity. IMHO

Good Luck.

[NuttyFluffers]

29. christianity is a broad spectrum like so many global spiritual paths. go in peace.

and please come back here as often as you like. i and others welcome you to travel back and forth as you please with love in our hearts.

some christians give others a bad name, some are christians in name only, some are literally like light incarnate in their devotion and love, some incorporate the orthodox, some the heterodox, some the occult/mysticism -- there is something for everyone in the spectrum. the trouble occurs when we get so busy in identity discovery and letting labels control our decisions. i feel you have better sense than to fall into this unfruitful path.

use what you need to get you feeling one again with yourself and the universe. and feel no shame in loving and doing good. walk with the light and share your brilliance.

edit: Eileen Connolly is quite the devout Christian working with Tarot cards. very Christian-centric commentary of card meanings, and an excellent discipline builder to building sensitivity to the cards. you may choose to study her works and may find her commentary more soothing. i don't use it per se, but i find it very comforting to use with some people i read for who encounter Christian guilt in the middle of a reading.

[Habibi]

30. I've been reading Anne Lamott lately

Have you read any of her books about (Christian) faith? She's hilarious, irreverent, and devout. Exactly the kind of Christian I would want to be!

In any case, I hope your chosen path brings you light and joy, vsm!

[Why Syzygy]

31. Wow, thanks for

mentioning her. Found this youtube, and maybe you would appreciate it too >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhP5GmybvPM
I'll have to make a point to read her work, especially at Salon.

She speaks briefly about "acts" (pretending), which is something I was thinking about just earlier today. Her mother sounds a lot like mine, too.

A sense of humor is mandatory! I found a quote of hers I like so much, I changed my sig line!

[I Have A Dream]

33. Oh...

that is a great quote! :thumbsup:

[mntleo2]

32. Practicing Christian Here AND into Spiritual Things

...meaning I believe in reincarnation (so did the early Christians) I believe in the Elementals that permeate our world (so did many early Christians). I believe that Jesus was the greatest Mahatma, or Great Soul, One that did not have to come back but did with His message that God is Love. I believe that some are gifted with Seeing.

I am telling you all this because I am hearing that you are torn some way about coming here. I go to a mainline church and am not in the closet with my beliefs. The church I belong to is full of all kinds of people, people like me (mostly self-educated, from a blue collar background and low income), to the wealthy (Bill Gates is from my denomination just across the water from my church), to intellectuals, professors, doctors, people who do not believe as I do. But they do not care what I believe, we all share a common belief in social justice and equality for all, that Jesus was sent to teach us the good news that God is Love. Some of us believe implicitly in the resurrection and others do not, in my own church we even have an atheist whose husband is a believer and who just likes to hang out with us!

One of the wonderful stories of Jesus is about his friend Thomas who could not believe Jesus had come back from the dead. Jesus appeared to Thomas and all his friends and said, "Here, touch my wounds, check it out!" What this story teaches me is that it is important to ask questions to try other paths, to doubt, because solid faith comes out of questioning and getting answers not just blindly believing.

So hopefully you don't feel torn to be here. God is present right here, you can tell by how gentle it is and how loving it is here, how calm. God is not just a Christian God, God is for everyone and there are many paths to God. Jesus said the same for the Good Samaritan when he taught that this man was far closer to God than the people of his own faith, because the man knew how to be a true friend to someone how would have gone out of his way to reject the Samaritan because Samaritans did not believe the same way. I think that many non-Christians here are people of God, because as Jesus said, "Ye will know them by the fruit of their labors ..."

Hope this helps ...

Love
Cat

[Why Syzygy]

34. Thank you.

I don't know if you kept up with my saga this summer at the "unfortunate" house with the "Christian" women... I wasn't a believer, and that was the cause of no end of turmoil and disruption for them. I felt at the time that even in my state I was much more "christian" than they, more secure. They were jealous, possessive, gossipy, self involved and insecure. Completely lacking in love. I thought their faith was very thin based on how scared they were that I was going to somehow take it from them, and how they kept using "baby christian" as an excuse for bad behavior. I have compassion for them, but living within those conditions was unacceptable. I have to say at the same time, I've been involved with both loving and non-loving Christians AND Pagans. The experience does not follow any labeling.

I was watching something or other on the History channel. There were old drawings of witch and Christian burnings, and torture and death of Adulterers. In THIS country, btw. That started me thinking that THOSE very people are our ancestors. There would be more killers survive, I suppose. Burning at the stake was mild compared to some treatments.

Our genealogy spans some real monsters. Buried in our collective psyches, and not always so deeply, are the archetypes of monsters who burn "sinners" at the stake, and worse. It's really quite amazing that our world even functions on a mildly sane level given the atrocities that hide in our hearts. It really puts other's behavior in new perspective.