Follow-up from my comment here...will be deleted later
"Why is it that I find Buddhism and Native American spirituality so much more beautiful and uplifting than Christianity? Why is it that I am eager to pick up a book about Buddhism, Zen, or Native rituals but refuse to read or hear anything related to Christianity?
The only explanation I have for this is the dislike I have for people of my own faith pointing their fingers and telling others they're going to Hell, all the shunning and intolerance of people who 'aren't them', the closed-mindedness and elitism some people express toward others who 'are lambs that have lost their way' (or as some may express, calling them 'goats' because to some Christians, goats are supposed to be evil)......
Why can't I find anything beautiful or wondrous in Christianity anymore? Why is it that all I see is hatred and intolerance. I thought Jesus taught us to love one another, but I simply don't see my fellow Christians showing love to anyone but those who are members of their particular church....
Am I betraying my own religion by studying other cultures and their beliefs? Does Jesus think I'm an idiot for not being a diehard Christian who only speaks to other Christians and noone else?
Have I lost my way by trying to open up and understand other people, to understand why they're so happy and at peace where here in America there's nothing but hatred and bickering?"
Tell me one thing that is beautiful, inspiring, uplifting, peaceful, joyous, or wonderful about Christians or Christianity...
(sorry this is just random
Without the Christian church,
If you ever get the chance Quad, find an old church around where you live. Hopefully there is one there with some art that will re-inspire you.
It's no seceret I'm a
I need to go to our old
Actually I took some photos of it before..
1, 2, 3, 4
“What kind of God do you
“One who loves all equally.”
“A God who loves even those who kill, rape, and destroy? Who loves those who curse It? Who loves those who make every act an act against it and all others to spread hate and fear?”
“I believe in God, who knows that, when a child is upset, you do not abandon them.”
I think that if people didn't twist Christianity to support their own narrow minded views, it would be like this.
And I find that beautiful
What Mr. Sanguine said. It is
I nothing to say on the matter, really, haven't been to a church in some time. But I can see where you're coming from, Quad. Definitely.
My aunt gave me a pretty good
"My first instinctive answer to your question would be that you are a "native, natural being" which I have talked with you about before. You are earth protective, earth loving, so it seems natural to me that the most basic and natural of worshiping would be right up your alley. I think that you, being an empath, react to the negativity that can come with other religions...it is kind of like the government right now...everyone pushing their own agenda rather than working together to one common goal, which is my religious opinion would be happiness and love, and getting the blessing of your afterlife. I may be naive...but it all seems like such a struggle to me sometimes. Every religion "one upping" the other. It can be very discouraging. I would like to be able to worship peacefully, and know that God is okay with me. I don't think any of your questioning is a bad thing....I think that you are finding your own way in life. Which is a good thing."
Your Aunt sounds like a
She is. I feel like I can