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Do you go to church every Sunday?

I believe that faith in God (Father, son and Holy Spirit) and being part of a body of believers (church) is an essential part of a person's life. I was curious to see how many others fell that way and if not, Why not?

Sat. Mar 24, 8:20am

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No, because I don't believe in the exsistance of a higher being/power. I think such belief is vitally important for many people, but essential for everyone it certainly is not. I find your choice of subject line interesting though, given your ultimate question. The two aren't always related. But if your faith of choice is helping you on this journey, I wish you well and hope for your success.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 8:26 AM

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no, i do not go to church every sunday or ever. church was part of my childhood - a very boring and judgemental part.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 8:39 AM

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No. I haven't been to church in over 12 years and I don't intend to ever go back. I think that religion is an important cruch for some people to develop morality, but I think that it is decidely possible to transcend the need for structured religious teachings.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 8:50 AM

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yes i go every sunday and feel bad for anyone who has not found a god of their own understanding.....better to believe in him and find out its not true than to not believe and find out it is!!!

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 9:50 AM

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My faith is very strong and I am also very spiritual. Having said that I decidely feel the opposite in church. I do not go there because i do not feel close to god there. I think it's wonderful for those that do, but it's not been a positive place for me.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 9:53 AM

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going to church every sunday does not make you a christian

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 10:48 AM

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Absolutely not - as child, the hypocrisy I saw every time I got dragged to church was confusing and disturbing. Even if I believed in a god, I wouldn't go to one.

These days I only enter churches for historical/sightseeing purposes.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 10:52 AM

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I try and go to church most Sundays but it all depends on my schedule. I will be attending tomorrow. My church believes in all religions and there is no judgment there. It's completely different from the Baptist church I grew up in. My fundy family does not even consider this a Christian church but all that matters to me is that this church, and my own personal belief in God (as I see him/her) is my path, and no one else needs to choose this.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 11:59 AM

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No, for many of the above reasons. Even though I was somewhat taught to question fath in my Catholic upbrining, in the end, you had to believe, OR ELSE. I have found no use in my life for fearing God. Also, I have found no use for people who attend church and are, in my opinion, not good people outside of the church. For example, I have known people who attend church every week, but they are outright racist.

I do believe in some sort of higher power outside of my control that ultimately decides my fate. I just don't call it God, and I don't assign a book of teachings or a set of rituals to my belief in it, and I don't need to attend a service with a congregation each week to solidfy or justify or verify my belief.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 1:27 PM

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I'm Catholic. I go to church every Sunday. I believe what the Catholic Church teaches.
I agree that to be a Catholic, you *should* believe what the Church teaches - OR ELSE. ...or else, don't be a Catholic. There are plenty of other religions out there that may suit your opinions and desires.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 2:27 PM

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I do go to church almost every Sunday, at least since Thanksgiving time. I have been a Christian for a long time and at times have felt much closer to God than others. I have tried various churches and while most of them seemed pretty good, I never felt connected to the people or to God. So I kept going to my weekly community Bible studies and felt like that was my "church", my worship time. With the current church I feel connected in every way and feel that my kids are learning something as well. We are also going to Sunday school so that probably makes a difference. In my opinion, you can still learn and grow and have a wonderful relationship with God/Jesus on your own, but it seems when you are part of a body of believers (church, Bible study, choral/music group) and the goal of that group is to worship/praise and learn about God, you can grow so much more and on a deeper level.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 5:43 PM

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I go to church weekly. I try not to be a hypocritical Christian. I feel that does no good to the Church as a whole. I'm sorry so many have had bad experiences with that. I have a strong faith in God and I also believe that it is possible to get by without church, but to have a church to call home is so important to strengthen one's faith.

Saturday, March 24, 2007, 7:51 PM

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I'm a born-again Christian, but I'm bothered by these religious threads.

I came here to get healthy, not have a discussion about God. Take that somewhere else, please, out of respect for those who don't necessarily believe in the Judeo-Christian faith.

Sunday, March 25, 2007, 8:25 AM

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I don't believe in god.

Sunday, March 25, 2007, 6:18 PM

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what about God? : )

Sunday, March 25, 2007, 8:42 PM

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Yes, I sure do.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 10:30 AM

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I BELEIVE THE SAME AS YOU OP! MY HUBBY AND I TRY TO GO EVERY SUNDAY BECAUSE LIKE IT SAYS IN THE BIBLE YOU SHOULD FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS. BUT LIKE ANOTHER POSTER SAID, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT RUNNING THE CHURCH DOOR DOWN AND BEING INVOLVED DOESN'T NOT MAKE YOU A CHRISTIAN. JUST LIKE JUST DOING GOOD DEEDS OR ANY OF THOSE "THINGS". ITS HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE. AND HOW YOUR HEART IS. ONLY JESUS KNOWS. Ü

Monday, March 26, 2007, 10:31 AM

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church, to me, is just like any other religious cult that asks you to give your time and faith and money in exchange for an invisible promise that you find within yourself in the end. especially with all of the child abuse that's come out and been swept under the carpet in many congregations. how can a church preach that love between two people of the same sex is against god, but when their own commits the "sin" and against young children at that, it is supposed to be forgiven? utter nonsense. i believe in karma and energies.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 10:58 AM

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SAD

There is so much child abuse these days. There is more and more crime and more media that has lowered the moral structure of the whole world. Unfortunately, walking through a church's doors does not make that filth drop off of anyone, only Christ can do that, when a person turns thier whole hearts to Him. People will continue to have a tendency to sin, but God will be found by those who seek Him. Churches that believe in God and the Bible as the Holy Word of God will always teach against immorality of every kind, includiing homosexuality. But some churches have put God's word aside to be a society pleasing place that will serve up a man-made Jesus who approves of everything. That's a hyprocrisy I don't hear much about and it is so sad.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 12:37 PM

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homosexuality is not a type of immorality. prejudice is. pray for forgiveness.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 12:39 PM

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so let me get this straight...god created adam & eve, then they populated the world? through incestuous relations? if not, then how? this is all gobbledy-gook to me. i just do not get it.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 12:48 PM

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to 12:39..you didn't read the comment. She said IF you believe in God AND IF you believe that the BIBLE is His HOLY WORD, Then you will find all types of immorality listed including Homosexuality, as ABOMINATIONS. But if you don't believe, you were given free will to choose your own path anyway. You are free to make up your OWN value system as you choose. Try not to let it bother you if that's the path that is for you.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 1:08 PM

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the word "if" does not appear any where in the referred to comment. the poster's language presupposes that homosexuality is a kind of immorality. i am not in the least bit bothered by the path i have chosen, nor do i feel a need to judge or preach to those who believe and live differently. but when someone is blatantly bigotted and says it is all in the name of religion, i need to call that person on it. i don't think jesus gave a hoot about who his apostles were in love with or who they were having sex with. homosexuality has been around for as long as people have been, like it or not. are you actually suggesting that you are better than someone who loves another member of their gender?

Monday, March 26, 2007, 1:18 PM

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Adam & Eve

So you believe that your grampa was a monkey? Okay, makes sense.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 1:25 PM

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Heh, 12:48, that one always got me too.

1:25, take an anthropology class and take pride in your primate ancestry.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 1:31 PM

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i prefer to believe that my ancestors EVOLVED rather than were born to people who, firstly can't obey their god, and secondly had sex with their brother's and sisters. but, from what i've heard and experienced, incest is a way of life for many hard-core religious zealots. can you explain how adam and eve populating the world makes any sense, or do you just want to laugh in the face of science and blindly move on?

Monday, March 26, 2007, 1:38 PM

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To 1:18

I am full of compassion for you. I know that your road has it's special heartbreaks. I hope that you will someday know that when a person who believes in God and also believes that His word is real and true (I believe), and they communicate thier view of immorality, that it is God's word on the subject. It is not hate for you. God loves you.
Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26, 27 denounces the sin not the sinner. But it also speaks words of hope and redemption in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. I know of several people that left the gay lifestyle behind with God's help and through Exodus International.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 2:03 PM

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you can take the compassion you have for me and shower it onto the legions of children who've been and will be abused and raped by priests who also claim to spread god's word. i don't buy into the whole idea of changing my lifestyle to appear more holy to you or your church but instead defend my right, dare i say my "god-given right" to love another as i would be loved, regardless of the gender of that person. how can you feel so sorry for me when i have not committed any crime, yet still listen to a holy father (the pope) as he ignores all of the scandal? i think you're full of more than compassion....

Monday, March 26, 2007, 2:10 PM

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like I said , you have free will. God Bless You.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 3:26 PM

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i don't need, nor do i want, you or your god to bless me, thanks anyway. i guess you have no answers to a question posed by someone you think is gay? are you unable to carry on a conversation about your beliefs when they are questioned? can you not explain the bigotry behind the pews? here is your chance to enlighten someone. or you could let god speak through you and enlighten me.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 3:36 PM

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I'm sorry I missed your question. I'll do my best to answer it.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 4:04 PM

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4:04 poster

I think the question was does she/he believe in God. The answer is NO.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 4:07 PM

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To 4:04 poster: I think the lady or gentleman is asking you to answer for the Pope. Can she e-mail him in rome? GIMME A BREAK.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 4:22 PM

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8:25 am poster

as a born again Christian You know it is your job to spread the word. If it be through a post on here or out in the world...How can you sit and say take this somewhere else Come On this may be the only way some ever hear about god and his love.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 6:44 PM

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After reading all the post all I can say is May God Have Mercy on Your Souls. There will come a time when you all will remember reading this thread and realize God does exsist that day may be to late. I don't know how anyone could walk through their lives so blind. What do you think allows you to wake each day? The grace of God!! I know you may think that god is not real and may have trouble believing that he does exsist, Its by faith that I know. One more thing we are saved by grace not by good deeds. So no one is perfect and yes there are false prophets that will say one thing and do another, just look past them form your realationship with god. They will have to stand before god one day and answer for their wrongs as will you and I.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 6:57 PM

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i go every week

Monday, March 26, 2007, 8:25 PM

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6:57, you make my skin crawl.

Monday, March 26, 2007, 9:07 PM

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the question was how can you follow people who preach about loving each other, but not of the same gender, when some of the very same preachers have molested children of the same sex? it's okay for them, but not for those who truly love for the sake of love, not sexual gratification? how can a priest take a vow of celibacy and then rape a child? and then continue to have his congregation support and even listen to him? why aren't these men put behind bars for life? how can you support an institution, the church, that turns a blind eye to the misdeeds / crimes of its highest authorities in order to save face? it's disgraceful in my eyes and i have yet to hear a reasonable argument in favor of these men.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 8:01 AM

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I worship my scale every morning.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 9:24 AM

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I don't answer for anyone's sins. Only my own. I don't follow any man. I follow Jesus Christ, and get my direction and meaning from Him and my bible.
I don't need your approval, as you don't need mine. If all of your ilk are moral and blameless in your opinion, then more power to you. Like I said, there are "Churches" that have chosen to please people of the "new morality" that does not resemble what was always held as moral. These churches however must eject the real Christ and his Bible to do so. The Bible says that there will come a day when what is wrong will be called right and what is right will be called wrong. That day has come, worldwide. But there is another day coming. If you don't care about these things, that is your choice. God DOES love you. If you don't care about that, nothing more needs to be said. Do well in your life. Take care of yourself.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 9:29 AM

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i am not asking for your answers to others' sins. only why you continue to preach to others to follow those who molest. or those who allow it to go on without recourse. how can you respect the institution at all any more if there is so much wrong with it, being people-pleasing and all? how do you know that I am not speaking the word of god, by condemning the sinful acts of those who would be holy and spiritual leaders? how can you know who jesus chooses to spread his word? because you disagree with my message, maybe you are not quite ready for the changes god has in store for you? like was mentioned earlier, this may be the only place some people gain the enlightenment...including you.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 9:46 AM

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The thread starts, "I believe in G-d (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) - and then asks us if we agree. So really, she is asking who is a believing Christian, who also attends church. She is alienating any of us who may believe in G-d, but are not Christian. And it is NOT a Judeo-Christian thing, as Jewish people do NOT believe in the father, son and holy ghost. I believe in G-d, and am the same religion as the man, Jesus Christ, who was born a Jew. And half of the people on this board are screaming, "G-d have mercy on your soul!" For christ's sake, you think Jesus wants to punish people who believe the same as what he was taught growing up? And then you say that church is the place for acceptance and love? Quite frankly, WTF?!

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 12:05 PM

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you must adhere to the structured guidelines for the acceptance and love...

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 12:09 PM

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I wasn't going to comment on any of these religion-themed threads but after watching them casually the last few days, I finally have to chime in.

"God" doesn't reward you if you are loyal due to fear of what happens to you after you die. You should live your life being a good person for the sake of being a good person, so you can sleep better at night knowing that if you die in the middle of the night you weren't a hypocrite.

The reason so many of us reject organized religion today is because there is so much judgement and fear in it. THINK about it-is that the message you really think "God" (and Jesus, Allah, Buddha etc.) wanted to send? I'm sure the higher powers are horrified by the way the so called churches and their followers try to perpetuate beliefs by fear, and condescension.

God is accepting, loving, and doesn't really give a shit if you bow down to him (or her!) so much as how you REALLY live your life. Who do you think you are fooling? God isn't a compliment whore.

Ultimately it doesn't matter who you believe in, or what you believe in if you are a good person. God doesn't even care if you've been baptized, ever went to any church or synagogue, or even heard of the bible. Do you think good people in other countries that were born into native tribes are going to be "condemned" for not embracing jesus? That is pure CRAZY. If you want people to embrace religion, stop preaching hate and fear. It's counterintuitive.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 12:24 PM

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When someone chooses to follow God and believe in the Bible...there is only one truth.
Men are human and thus flawed and weak. I appreciate your communication, and of course I am outraged and saddened whenever I hear of anyone hurting or abusing anyone. I was raised Catholic but I grew up with questions in my heart, but I always loved God and still do.
I have found the answers to most of the questions and now I have a wonderful loving and personal church. No one is there to look holy to anyone else, people are sincere and feel like family. We are asked to believe totally in God and the Bible. We try to help each other with struggles..it's not perfect but I think we are very blessed there. But I have to say that what the word of God says is not negotiable to us, our truth is our truth. My pastor is an honest man that gives his calling his whole heart. I hope you understand. It is not personal. I think I would like you in real life. I want you to know that God loves you and He always will. We all have to decide what to believe with all our hearts. Your choice is your choice. I wouldn't tell you something definitive about how to breed horses, because I am not a horse breeder. But I have chosen to believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible and what it says there, that is my chosen path, so that's why I am telling you all this. I believe in all of it, you may think that I am wrong, but I seen miraculous power and I have decided for me, forever.
Thanks again for writing out of your heart. I understand where you are coming from. There is evil and damage in many hearts, that's part of this world we live in. stay well.....

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 12:47 PM

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12:47, the damage isn't in our hearts. It's in your warped mind.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 12:53 PM

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Jewish

I am a Jew, that believes that Jesus is the Messiah. All jews are awaiting the Messiah, or supposed to be, according to thier faith. There are many Jews that believe as I do. There were many Jewish leaders in Jesus's time that believed in Him too but most were afraid, according to the scriptures. If the Jews had recieved Him then, the gospel wouldn't have been preached to the gentile (non-Jews).

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 12:58 PM

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don't you think that parishoners in other congregations believed that their pastors were also honest men, only to find out years later that they were preying on their children? (note: that's "preying", not "praying"). i can see how someone might blindly have faith in a god or other higher power, but to have such faith in a man, who you yourself described as flawed and weak, is nonsense to me.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 1:06 PM

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who is it that's calling themself god and speaking to all of the homosexuals? is the voice of god only genuine to some?

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 1:07 PM

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I love that episode of South Park where the world ends and they all end up in Hell. Someone asks "so who got it right?" and it was the Mormons, all walking around heaven with big smiles and offering everyone homemade cookies.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 1:17 PM

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I don't go to church. I was raised Catholic and was brought up fearing God. I believe in being a good person. I believe in thinking for yourself. I believe organized religion has a lot to do with brainwashing. I believe in finding yourself-by yourself. I believe in the Universe and it's amazing energy.

I believe some of us are born to be sheep and some of us are born to change the world.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 4:01 PM

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Church

I try to go every Sunday. The Lord grounds me and going to church helps me. Thanks for asking and getting a good exchange going.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007, 5:37 PM

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check out this link to a relevant topic discussed on the cnn blog today...

Link

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 11:28 AM

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I was raised catholic, went to catholic school, went to church every sunday, was confirmed etc. and then realized that I really didn't understand some of the teachings/rules of the church. And the answers really didn't feel right in my heart.

Like why couldn't women become priests? Why can't two men or two women who love each other and want to spend their lives together get married? Why is love wrong? Why is birth control wrong (when bringing a child into a family that doesn't want it is more wrong if you ask me)? Why is sex before marriage wrong (I don't remember being told that Adam and Eve were married, yet they had LOTS of kids apparently? Why would God not allow unbabtized babies into heaven?

My questions could go on and on, and none of the answers I've been given make any logical sense or feel right to me. So I stopped going to church. And feel much more comfortable and at peace having my own personal connection to God without any of the hoopla that I feel goes along with the catholic church (I realize this thread is not just about catholic church, but that is my experience). I don't think I need to go to a physical place to worship God, since technically he is everywhere.

I understand that many people get a strong sense of community and support from their church, and that is wonderful, but it is not for everyone.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 12:31 PM

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i've often wondered why mary was good enough to be the chosen mother of god, but not good enough to become a priest, if she so wished.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 12:34 PM

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To the 4:01 poster, and anyone else who can answer - why are Catholics taught to fear G-d? I never understood that! Especially when it seems, in most religions, we're told that G-d loves us. If he loves us, why should we fear him?

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 1:33 PM

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1:33, why were you taught to fear the "O" in God?

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 1:37 PM

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yeah, that is strange. why do some people leave out the "o"?

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 1:42 PM

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Not 4:01 poster...

...but I am Catholic, and I was not taught to fear God. I was taught to have a healthy respect for God's authority, just as I have respect for my earthly father's authority.

And when I was a teenager and broke the rules, I did 'fear' my dad. That is how I should feel about my Heavenly Father.

Although, I don't fear God in this way as much as my earthly father, because God is much more patient, understanding, and merciful.



Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 4:49 PM

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The 4:01 poster...

If you fear God, then you will go to church, you will listen to whatever we say, and you will give us your money. You will have children that will also be taught to fear God, come to church, and give us their money. And so on and so on... We will control you through the fear of God.

That was my experience, at least. I'm sure everyone has a different church experience. I don't need anyone to tell me to sit, stand, and kneel. I can talk to "God" in my own way, in my own time, and at my own will.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 6:30 PM

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i fear the idea of some ethereal being who lives in some magic clouds with the souls of those who worshipped him, reigning over me and condemning me to eternal torture if i don't fall in line with the other "good" catholics and comply with the church's teachings, in my actions, thoughts and feelings. i fear for the unreached potential of the children who are forced into compliance and then raped or otherwise abused by the very "holy" men who are supposed to be shaping them spiritually. and for the parishoners who allow this to go on so that they can still hold onto their blindly followed religion.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 7:50 AM

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No judgement zone

Not the previous poster. Jews do not spell out the word G-d because His name is never to appear except in the holy books and texts. It is a unique element of Judiasm. As a Jew I am equally puzzled at Christians that spell the name with a small "g". All proper nouns are spelled with a capital letter, wonder how that is explained among Christians. Most certainly do not want to start a battle here, only looking for information.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 7:58 AM

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personally, i usually use a capital "G" when i am not on the computer.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 8:42 AM

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thank you 758, that is a cool factoid for non-jews to know.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 9:07 AM

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Wow! Lots of interesting thoughts on religion. I have to weigh in on the side of church go-ers. I attend regularly and, my experiences at church have all been good, meaning that it has improved my life - throughout my life.

I was taught about a loving “Heavenly Father.” (Keyword: Father) He is the Father of our world, and our spirit family. He was and is the perfect Father. He loves us better than the best of earthly fathers. He has, and I’m sorry if this offends some of you, declared that there is a right way to live. However, He has given us a wonderful gift called “choice.” Choosing to live the way He has advised, results in good consequences.

Imagine a good earthly parent, advising his kids not to play on a busy street. If the child doesn’t play in the street, he’s away from the danger of street traffic. If he does, he may not get hit by the next car --- he may even be safe for years, but, if he continues to play in the street, his odds of getting hit are pretty high. The thing about our Heavenly Father, is that He actually knows when a car is going to hit us. He’s warned us that the cars are there, but He doesn’t tell us which one is going to get us --- now, we choose.

He, like any loving parent, realizes we must learn from our own mistakes - even though He has told us the right way. That is why He gave us the gift of repentance. When we figure out that He was right, we have the ability to come to Him and tell Him we’re sorry – we should have listened. And He forgives us and He loves us, whether we’ve obeyed Him or not, and no matter what we choose. That does not change the fact that He hopes we choose His way, because He knows it will bless us – and that is what He wants for us (just like a loving parent!)

Believing that the world is flat, does not make it so. It doesn’t matter how many people you get to believe it with you. Truth is truth. There is a God. That is truth! I hope those of you who have had bad experiences with a church do not quit looking. Church is where we learn what he wants to tell us, where we get our instructions from Him. You just have to find the right church, where you hear his true voice – not a counterfeit.

(I hope I haven’t offended anyone in using his name. My religious belief is that I am using it with respect, so it is acceptable.)

My best wishes to all of you….


Thursday, March 29, 2007, 12:57 PM

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12:34 poster

She had a highest position - that of Jesus' mother. Why would she want to step down?

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 1:01 PM

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i totally agree that "truth is truth", but how can you just declare that "there is a god. that is truth!" ?? that's your OPINION, not a fact. it IS an opinion and it cannot be proven. how can you be sure that the people who are interpreting the Bible for you, or who have in the past, are/were corret in their interpretations? who's to say that other interpretations are incorrect? it is indeed NOT A TRUTH, but an OPINION.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 1:04 PM

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maybe she wanted to be a working mother...maybe she should have had the right to do/be whatever she wanted, or at least do/be what the men in her society were allowed to do.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 1:05 PM

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Truth is truth

I do KNOW that there is a God. I do not need to prove it to you. You do not need to believe it. Your belief in it or disbelief has nothing to do with truth. And, for that matter, what I believe has nothing to do with it. I have seen enough evidence in my lifetime to know. Figuratively speaking, you could say that I've seen the space shuttle view, but sorry, I don't have pictures to show you.

If you question my knowledge, seek for the proof yourself. It's there.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 1:30 PM

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Another perspective on the "G-d," from another Jewish girl - this is what I was taught, anyway. You can write the word anywhere you want; it doesn't have to only be in a holy book. But, once it is written, the document is not allowed to be destroyed or touch the ground (if you, for example, accidentally drop a prayer book on the ground, you are supposed to pick it up and kiss it.) It's just a sign of respect for both the name and the entity.

Actually, even Hebrew prayer books, the name of G-d (the hebrew name) is abreviated to just two letters that don't even come close to spelling out the whole name; it's only on rare occasion that you see the full name written out in Hebrew.

As the internet wasn't really an issue when I was in Sunday School (and I'm only 24; technology moves fast!), we weren't taught what to do on such a forum, where there is no paper, etc. So, I'm sticking to the hyphenation.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 1:45 PM

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okay, i get it. you believe that what you believe is the truth. i believe that you are wrong. god forgive me.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 1:51 PM

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Thanks to the 1:45 poster, I had forgotten that (kissing book that falls on the ground)

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 2:05 PM

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God/Church

Of all the comments I especially enjoyed the comment from 3/29/07 12:57
My beliefs are so much like yours...I was very blessed to have been raised in a Christian home and to believe in God as my heavenly Father. With the problems we have to face in todays world, it is hard for me to even imagine having to face them without God ...He gives me a peace that no one can understand unless they have been there. He is my breath. In His Word He tells us Blessed are they who have not seen yet still believe..That is why I know I am blessed...

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 2:19 PM

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Music and God

I heard a composer say, when he was questioned about how one goes about composing a symphony, that He opened himself up and it was as if someone started pouring the music into his heart and he would begin to hear all the separate parts become one and his heart became that symphony, then he only had to transcribe this magnificense to be able to share it. Miraculous and exactly as God's love is to me. As time goes on I see all the parts coming together and He is magnificent and I am so blessed by Him in my life that I would like all to come to know and experience His great love.



Thursday, March 29, 2007, 9:51 PM

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Wonderful. Now 9:51 is bombarding all these creepy religious threads with her beatific, irrelevant musings. Glory be.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 10:33 PM

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9:51 Thanks for your thoughts. I find them uplifting.

Thursday, March 29, 2007, 10:49 PM

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To 10:33

You feel creepy about someone who has something that you have not experienced, so you have decided that it is not true.
I have never been to China, but I have heard of it, I have seen pictures, met people who say they are from this place that I don't know personally. It has had some facsination for my mind and my heart so I have decided to go find it for myself this September. Now I could have decided that the existance of such a place was actually a big legend or that the offered trip to go there..a big scam to get my money. I could decide to reject references to this pretend place because I don't want to be tricked. But because I believe that it is probably there, I am investing myself to go there.
The search for God is as old as mankind. I have always told people that say "I don't know if God is real", to ask Him. Something as simple as "If you are there could you let me know?" I know you will probably not believe this but most have told me that something happened when they did that. Some want to know if He is really there or not. If He is, don't you want to know? That is a question no one can answer for you, but a decision for God has been a life renewing step for me and for hundreds that I know personally.
The end to drug addiction and alcoholismin occured in one instant, by the hand of God for my husband 7 years before I met him. Now everyone tells me how much he helps them, inspires them, counsels them, helps them see the nature of God's love and many don't know that so few years ago he was part of the dredge of humanity, immoral, lost and living on the streets of NY. We have many reasons to share the hope and love of God. Those are just a few of them. As for me, I want ALL the blessings I can get in this lifefor me and my loved ones..I don't want the tinsel..I want the JEWELS.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 10:17 AM

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you can't expect to be taken seriously by comparing your "belief" in god and all that goes with it and your "belief" in china!! i'm not even going to start explaining why it's a nonsensical analogy.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 10:24 AM

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10:17 - I agree with you totally. Congratulations to your husband for his life changes!

Friday, March 30, 2007, 12:27 PM

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Mm, so 10:17 is as far out in left field as the one ensconced in her music=jesus raptures. Some of us don't need the myth of god to make ourselves into better people...it's a shame your husband can't give himself the credit he deserves for his own strength.

My complaint was that she copied and pasted her remark that has no bearing on the topic other than the whole god thing into several threads.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 12:36 PM

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as far as the china analogy...if you can pinpoint heaven on a map, show me pictures of heaven, find stock market trades from heaven, introduce me to people who have been to heaven, buy me something with a stamp that has been shipped from heaven, show me money from heaven, tell me about or speak the language of heaven, charter a cruise or plane to heaven, introduce me to people from heaven, obtain a visa to visit heaven, or otherwise provide me with a way to prove heaven exists, much in the same way you can prove china exists, than i will be more inclined to turn the other ear and give a listen. otherwise, the comparison is moot.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 12:54 PM

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I came here to get healthy, not have a discussion about God. Take that somewhere else, please, out of respect for those who don't necessarily believe in the Judeo-Christian faith.

AMEN TO THAT!

Friday, March 30, 2007, 1:00 PM

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To 12:36

I enjoyed reading both comments that you mention. These women seem like they found some thing happy and meaningful in thier lives. The natural instinct of a generous heart is to share something that has benefitted you.
If you are fulfilled and you love your life and have all your answers, then great, good for you.
Some people are still in that process, thier hearts are searching. These writers are offering some positive guidance. I love positive passion. Not insulting or tearing others down to make oneself feel better. By the way, you also have the right to copy and paste your negativity onto all of the other threads if that makes you happy.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 1:16 PM

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i usually do not involve myself with discussions that i don't want to participate in...otherwise, i'd be participating....

Friday, March 30, 2007, 1:27 PM

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to 3/30 1pm

given that over 80 comments have been made, i'd say that we're not all here to please you. as has been stated in many threads of many types of topics, if you're not interested, move on. there are plenty of discussions to particpate in. if you don't find one that interests you, you can always begin a new thread.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 1:47 PM

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can a church-goerplease explain where cain met his wife? is "sister" another name for her?

Friday, March 30, 2007, 2:30 PM

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Heh, V.C. Andrews has nothing on the old testament when it comes to brotherly love.

Friday, March 30, 2007, 2:58 PM

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I suppose if there were 80 or more offspring that were all related to you and there were no other families around and the objective was to "be ye fruitful and multiply" YOU could think of a better solution..get over it!

Friday, March 30, 2007, 10:04 PM

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hi. um, i asked about cain's wife and where she came from. i wasn't trying to be offensive, i just thought i could get an answer on this thread. i just assume that she would have had to have been his sister, right? well, when i did not get a response before i left the computer yesterday, i checked out my question on google. i read a great page, "answers in genesis", i think, that tried to answer many commonly posed questions. it explained that the gene pool was not so mutated and genetically altered yet at the time the first humans were created. it went on to say that through sinning, adam set in motion the whole mutation / gene deterioration thing, and that it would take hundreds of years to start producing noticable effects. by the time, as explained on the site, cain married his wife, she was probably one of many thousands of people who had come from the descendents of adam & eve, and although related by blood line, was probably far removed from his immediate blood line. eventually, there were enough generations to mix with and you didn't have to go for your sibling. i must say, it was interesting to read. it pointed out to me that even people who follow the teachings of the church, at least at one time, sought answers too. i had always thought that these stories were just accepted at face value and that was that. a little education goes a long way! but thanks for taking the time to post an answer to my question. i can see that god has you spreading the word, too.

Saturday, March 31, 2007, 8:50 AM

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One's religion is a deeply personal thing. It is easy to criticize what you don't understand. I don't go to church and I am a good person regardless. Just be nice and accept that many people in the world think differently from you. The world would be a boring place if we were all clones.

Sunday, April 01, 2007, 4:55 PM

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No.
Why? The Christian faith excludes those who don't belive. Judging others makes them feel superior and great about who they are. Its false and bizarre.

Sunday, April 01, 2007, 9:38 PM

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9:38, your comment isn't entirely accurate. That desire for a (false) sense of superiority stems more from human nature. If not based on religion, then skin color or social class or paycheck size or neighborhood. Besides, don't most religions - all structured by a hierarchy of men, mind you - have the if-you-don't-join-us-you're-going-to-hell clause buit in?

Sunday, April 01, 2007, 10:25 PM

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10:25
Hmmm, interesting comment. and point well taken

9:38

Sunday, April 01, 2007, 10:31 PM

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The answer to you question about having the if you don't join us clause, is "No," they don't all have that built in.

Sunday, April 01, 2007, 11:58 PM

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That's why I wrote "most", not "all".

Monday, April 02, 2007, 12:11 AM

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Sorry, I misread.


Monday, April 02, 2007, 6:48 AM

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Christianity is at it's worst a highly successful cult

Tuesday, April 03, 2007, 7:01 AM

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sigh...here we go again

Tuesday, April 03, 2007, 8:32 AM

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i was flipping through channels on sunday morning and watched a bit of a show with an evangelical preacher explaining the bible to his congregation. it was seriously like he was a dungeon master in dungeons & dragons.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007, 8:41 AM

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Christian programs for 8:41poster

Try Joel Osteen. They are many gifted teachers on the Daystar Network. Look at Joyce Meyer. You can even watch her online. She is great and she has written lots of wonderful books. But if you heart is locked into the idea that you don't need God in your life, that's your choice.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007, 9:21 AM

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Bonnie S. Thurmond

I never intend to go back to church either. When I was going to church, it never made me feel any better. Now I have a better way to serve God, which is to have your own one on one relationship with God. I start my day off by thanking Him for waking me up in the morning, I thank Him for my job, my family, that I have food to eat. I also read three scriptures from the Bible everyday. I feel much better now that I have stopped going to church. I didn't see the point in going, if it wasn't going to make me feel any better.

Sunday, October 30, 2011, 7:36 AM

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I go to church most Sundays but like many I understand that the people that you encounter in a church setting tend to be judgmental. I also believe that this is a weight loss site and I wonder about one's need to bring religion into all things. Just my two cents.

Monday, October 31, 2011, 12:54 PM

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yes I attend every Sunday ahh its so good to be part of the family of church of teh Roman Catholic Church

Tuesday, November 01, 2011, 9:18 PM

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Do you go to church every Sunday?

After living both lives, first as a non believer and then as a Christian, which BTW is a way of life & not a religion, I couldn't now imagine living my life without a purpose and not knowing what will happen with me when it's my time to leave this body and start living in the spiritual eternal life.... It's so sad to see so many just feel that when you go, you just go......
John 3:16 & 3:17

Monday, November 07, 2011, 3:01 PM

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Why do you people have to argue about EVERYTHING!!

Tuesday, November 08, 2011, 1:45 PM

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Your right! It is a way of life but why must others feel the need to convert everyone. I understand that is the it is the will of God, however, is it really the will of God for others to be so judgmental? No! I don't honestly believe that God wants or even wills that. Christians are just as imperfect as others. The only difference between Christians and non Christians is that Christians are saved by faith through grace. I don't like the way some Christians act as if they are above everyone else when in God's eyes I believe every sin is equal. Even the ones committed by Christians. In the end it is God who is the judge and not man!

Tuesday, November 08, 2011, 1:59 PM

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I owe my life to accepting Jesus

I owe my life to accepting Jesus into my heart. I was extremely sick with multiple sclerosis. My friend invited me to church. I, like most of you, didn't and still don't care much for 'religion.' But after 8 months of sitting in the pew, one night I practically crawled down to the alter. On my knees, I ask Jesus to take away the fear of this horrible disease. (My eye sight was practically gone) I cried my heart out and then when I left, I realized that my sight was restored. That was about 18 years ago. All I know is, once I was blind and now I can see.

Thursday, November 10, 2011, 11:40 PM

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