And do you think if the Abrahamic Triad United - it will resolve the problem between them or the world would become such a peaceful place?
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And do you think if the Abrahamic Triad United - it will resolve the problem between them or the world would become such a peaceful place?
And my best regards for your honesty. I see you ask people to allow you your choice of belief freely. I always have. I am no man's judge, regardless of whether or not we may agree. My one statement has always been this one, borrowed from Charles Schultz via Snoopy: "Has It Ever Occurred To You That You Could Be Wrong?" That is the premise upon which I base my life, that I could be wrong after all. There is no shame in admitting that one doesn't have all the answers or cannot explain everything. The universe is vast, and we live in a tiny speck of it. There are new discoveries being made every day. Things we thought we knew, we now have to rethink because along comes something that makes the puzzle pieces harder to fit together. But we live and learn and grow.
I never discount Science, without it, I would have a hard time living a fairly normal life. I just say that Science cannot explain everything anymore that a God-fearing "Bible-thumper", your term, I believe, can. The evidence lies on the side of Science for those who wish to have things they can see and feel. For those to whom faith is enough, the question is settled.
For me, I need both, so I'm a little different. You have a wonderful day, mon ami. And, yes, a preacher and an atheist can be friends, for I will never judge you. You must follow your own path, as I must follow mine.
Pen
Here is a bit of a personal paradox. I believe that I am right in my religious beliefs, but I know that I could be wrong. If I did not think I was right then I would change. I also think that there are others that are wrong. Where I live there is a big KKK. I frankly believe that they are wrong, I just can’t help it. I can’t bring myself to say it’s OK to preach hate. But I cannot force my beliefs on another, I could talk until I’m blue in the face and still not convince another. What can I do? What I’m saying is I don’t think that any of us can change the world for the better by force or with hatefulness. There will be division as long as time exist. We should be able to love each other and feel concern for each other in spite of our differences. Most of the people I love disagree with me in religion and politicks, but I love them and want them to have the best possible life. That is not hard for me and I can’t understand why it is hard for others.
When it comes to living life on earth it should not be such an issue that we cannot get along. We should treat others with love and respect. If not for the sake of others but for our own benefit. It can’t feel good to be full of scorn and anger. That’s my opinion.
I hope I haven’t offended any Klan members. I know many who are otherwise nice people.
"Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace " -Lennon
What I am wondering Pendragon, is do you think that those atheist friends of yours are going to burn in hell?
I didn't mean for that to sound snarky, so I'm sorry if it did, but I honestly want to know. I have always had friends from many different faiths, and there are many different faiths (and lack of faiths) within my family.
But lately a thought has begun to knaw away at me: 'Do my friends think I'm going to Hell?'
I'm a good person, and I don't like the idea that I am being judged (not by God or anything, but by my friends).
It's a bit of a tricky question to pose to people you know (in real life) so I thought I'd put it to you (you always seem so open to query).
Thanks in advance.
Aunty xox
Do I think anyone is going to burn in hell might be a better way to phrase it. Unfortunately, yes, I think there will be those that will. But, I have no right to say who will or for what reason. I also think a lot of people who think they are bound for the pearly gates are in for a big surprise at the end of the road. And again, I cannot put anyone in or out; I am no man's judge.
But if love is the key, as Jesus taught, I have often found more love from those who profess nothing than those who claim Christianity. I have an illness, quite treatable, with modern medicine. I'm Bi-Polar. The Christian Churches I was with threw me out as demon possessed. I hold no animosity, it is their own loss, not mine. God opened another door.
Why if love is the key, should those who love enough to give their lives for others be cast into hell, as Jesus Himself said that was the Greatest Love? I believe there will be those who make it that the entirety of religion would cast away and those who will miss the boat in spite of their alleged piety.
This is not a double standard. This is using love as a guide as Jesus did.
I hope this answers your question. God bless. Pen.
As I write this post, I keep the following Bible Verse in mind:
"And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose."
(Romans 8:28, New International Version)
In my personal opinion, Christians, Jews, and Muslims worship the same God, but differ in their views of Jesus as The Messiah. I personally choose to be a Christian and am well aware others do not share my beliefs.
According to the book of Genesis, all human beings are created in God's image:
"So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them."
(Genesis 1:27, New International Version)
With this verse in mind, I believe practicing Christians, Jews, and Muslims go to God in search of His purpose for them. Some people will accept Christ as the Messiah and others will not. Since God created Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other human beings in His image, He does not want any of His Children to suffer, but gives everyone the option to follow Him.
It is not for me to say how God's mind works. As a Christian, I personally choose to recognize Jesus as the Son of God, who died and rose from the dead in order to save Humanity from eternal destruction; I cannot find any other example of the Supreme Being sacrificing its Offspring to save Humanity in such a way. Muslims, Jews, and others disagree with me about Christ. Although I do not share the views of Muslims and Jews about Christ, I applaud their search for God and hope they will find peace.
I base my opinion on the Holy Bible, which gives several examples of Christians/Followers of God who are at odds against those who deny God and Christ. Some Jews, Muslims, and others will convert to Christianity, some will not. It seems to me the world at large continues to ignore God. The best I can do, in my opinion, is walk the Christian path I have personally chosen, pray for others and myself, and ask for God's will to be done over mine.
"Open thou mine eyes,
that I may behold wondrous things
out of thy law."
(Psalm 119:18, King James Version)
May God bless you and your loved ones now and forevermore.
:thumbs_up
Sincerely,
Uncle Lar
Finite Life and Eternal Damantion = unjust God
Eternal Damnation for mere unbelief in a God? = Unjust God.
Even in our Human Societies we have outlawed Torture as a Punishment.
"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,'
declares the LORD."
(Isaiah 55:8, New International Version)
I believe it is very important to keep in mind that a Finite Being (Human) cannot fully comprehend the Infinite (God).
Sincerely,
Uncle Lar
Uncle Lar,
I believe that you spoke beautifully. It is a hard saying when you believe that someone else stands condemned, however like God it is not what you want for them and that is evident in your compassionate postings. I agree with you.
I would like to add that a person’s beliefs or the way that they choose to worship or not worship has nothing to do with me or anyone else. It has to do with them and God. So as a Christian I believe that I know the truth. I know I do, of course. However, so do faithful Jews and Muslims. We all believe that we have the answer and that is one more thing we have in common. Before we can all get along we must first get along with ourselves. How many divisions are there among the Jews or the Muslims or the Christians? Thousands. I agree with very few Christians, but I still love them and believe that I need to be a light unto the world. Do I try to teach them? Of course. Generally speaking, I believe that we are all convinced that we need try to teach others the truth. So the Muslim is praying for my soul just as I am praying for his. What a loving relationship. And isn’t this the beginning?
We should have more
I’m trying to do what is right
What can I do to be better
I love my neighbor
I fall short
God created us for his pleasure
and less
I’m right
you need to …..
I hate those darn…..
you’re going to hell
God doesn’t recognize you
The list goes on and on. It is so easy to correct another man’s sin, but difficult to even recognize one’s own sin.
Another thing to consider is that we all start from a different spot on this journey that is life and we will all end in a different spot. That can’t be helped. Some people will always question and search out a higher truth. Some people will never question what they are told and just follow like sheep. Some people will become confused and disillusioned by all of the division. We each just have to correct our own mistakes and accept that others are just not where we are and that doesn‘t make them less or more correct. There will always be someone with a better and a worse understanding.
I love the process. I love learning. I love growing.
Very well said, motherhubbard!
Your comments ring true.
I hope all will find salvation and peace someday soon.
Sincerely,
Uncle Lar
But what I can comprehend is a whole race from it's infancy to it's final judgement divided by religions and according to same said subject divided by eternal fates. Sorry to be flippant, if the atheists, hypocrites, and the believers that sat in the wrong pews are incorrect, why not condemn us to an eternal ghetto garbed in sackcloth and forced to perform janitorial duties. Heh. While the righteous believers are set in an eternal gated Bel-air community with visiting rights to their relatives "left behind".
Coy, yes, but principles straight from the heart.
As Love is the God I worship, I think we are somewhat on the same page Brother Pen.
Thankyou for your meaningful response.
Those who have banished you are clearly blinded, but luckily love (and God in your eyes) is eternal, and there is always another door.
Walk through it with faith (I'm sure you already have), for nothing is worse than waiting outside, taking no chances and having no love.
Ko aku mihi nui me taku aroha ki a koe e hoa,
Aunty xox
Even with above:
Finite Life and Eternal Damnation makes God Unjust. We should not try to justify the unjustifiable even for a God.
Even as human beings we have outlawed Torture. For God to Torture for all Eternity for mere unbelief in him - makes God the most vilest, hideous monster that human mind can concieve - there is nothing loving about such a God. There is nothing compassionate about this God. Therefore the quicker we get rid of these kinds of understanding of God then so much better for us.Quote:
I believe it is very important to keep in mind that a Finite Being (Human) cannot fully comprehend the Infinite (God).