My father was a self ordained Hard Shell Baptist, and my mother was an American Indian. That will put you in the middle, but I find that it has made me understand my Creator's intentions better. There has been a voice inside me since I was about six, and I knew it wasn't just me thinking. The words that come to my mind are,'Believe in me." , and I knew that voice wasn't talking about me, but to me.
I don't know why but early as I can recall, I just believed in God as well Ina I mostly knew "about" the God of my understanding, but didn't feel a personal attachment. Now I do, but again, it is faith He is real makes me "feel" that attachment So good to see you Love seeing that puppy as well I saw a Cha-weenie (I think that is how you spell it) yesterday and fell in love I hope to have a dog again soon, hugs, denise
There wasn't much tolerance even among Catholics in my town. Early Catholic settlers built a big, beautiful church on a hill in town. It still stands out over the town. Later they built a two story brick school, nun's residence and a house for the priests. These earlier settlers got rich off lumber and river boats. Later, there was a flood of German, Polish and a few Russian and other families. Some were farmers, most were poor. The Catholics in the grand church on the hill didn't want to have to mingle with these pheasants. So, they pooled their money and built another Catholic church/school/residences on another hill in town, about 5 blocks away. These buildings were all just red brick and plain looking. Early this past spring the church was torn down. The school and nun's residence has been long gone. All that is left now is a large empty lot and the vacant priest home. I was baptized, educated and married there. The other church is still going strong. This is the church just before demolition.
In the town that I grew up in, we had two churches: a Bethel Church (the Bethel denomination later merged with the Covenant denomination) and a Lutheran Church, and there was a Catholic Church not far away. Growing up in the Bethel Church, we knew that the Catholics were going to hell and we weren't too sure about the Lutherans. Mostly, we pretended that they were real Christians just in case we were to learn later that God was okay with them. I suspect that they felt much the same about us. That was the general feeling among those in my church, but it wasn't a hatred really. We felt sorry for them because they were going to hell, but that didn't mean that we had to hate them. I didn't get a lot of that from my immediate family; it was stronger among others of my relatives. Nearly everyone who attended the Lutheran Church literally lived on the other side of the railroad tracks, and we didn't have a lot to do with one another. One weekend, a friend of mine from school was over at the house. He rarely came over because we lived a few miles apart. An uncle and aunt were visiting with my parents when we came into the house and went through the dining area, where they were, and into my room. After we got into my room, I could hear my mom and my aunt talking, and then my aunt said, embarrassingly clearly, "But he's Catholic, isn't he?" The tone was so obviously one of disapproval. I waited for my mom to defend him, but no one did. My friend pretended that he hadn't heard, but I'm sure he did. I don't think he ever came into our house again.
Aww…that sure is a good example of intolerance Ken. As you know, Catholics and Lutherans believe Jesus was the Son of God. It clearly states in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life". Sure, the Catholics have certain rituals and beliefs that you can't find anywhere in the Bible but the most important belief is believing that Jesus is the Son of God. All believers have different ways of worshipping. It's between Catholics and God regarding that they pray through Mary to reach God instead of through Jesus. Praying through Mary isn't supported in the Bible but praying through Jesus is. But we are not to judge them. God is also clear about that. Many people who are members of denominations are not really believers…even if they teach sunday school. But only God knows for sure who is a genuine believer and who isn't. I'm talking about the ones who say they are Christians but aren't. If someone says they are absolutely NOT a Christian, well then that's obvious that they're not…no judgement needed there, by us nor by God..
Well a forum is a real good place for all the discussion of many topics. Everyone seems so kind in forums, so I believe no matter what a person believes can be discussed if they are reasonable to understand that we all have different beliefs and customs. We are all intelligent enough to be on forums that may be the way to solve some of the worlds problems in a small way and have fun too! The world is really a nice place except that in the news some terrorist say otherwise and kill you if you're not like them which is lunacy. These terrorist kill all not only Christians. God help us all, amen.
We are I think a diverse people with diverse ideas. I hope I have never been critical. I am open to anyone sharing their faith, their beliefs in a friendly atmosphere.
For me, I leave theology to the theologians, give me a way to live has always been my mantra. I choose kindness and service.
I will be hosting a multi faith Xmas dinner this year. Atheist/agnostic, pagan, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, and Jew. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends. They will be bringing some yummy food with them. Honeyed Apricots!
It seems all religions believe their religion is the true one. So then most have to be wrong, right? I know growing up Catholic that we were taught that Ours was the true religion. That's why it doesn't make sense to me. How many Gods are there? We don't believe things written now, how can we believe something written so long ago? I'm not an atheist but I'm not a Catholic anymore either. I believe their might be some form of energy guiding us....maybe. I am tolerant though...of all sides wether political or religious ....unless it's way left or right. I live my life by the Golden Rule and Common Sense.