10-28-2010, 10:50 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-28-2010, 10:54 PM by kristy1111.)
Monica, thank you so much for the two links - can't wait to check them both out!
Yeah, and it amazes me that it's only in THEIR way of thinking that it can be shown (by their standards) that people are satanic for believing in reincarnation! Like their way is the "one and only truth", so to speak. Cross their line, and venom is released. I know this from experience...sigh.
I don't believe the Bible is the word of God, either. I get THE worst looks, comments, and "sentences" to hell (as if they are my judge and they know where I'm going). I have actually had people cast "spells of rebuke" upon me and call me Jezebel (the real one). I've been accused of being a demon disguised as an angel of light. News to me. I'd think I'd know if I really WAS one....no? Yes?
I have had many experiences where I can use the Bible to discuss it with them and since it doesn't agree with what they believe in, they find any and all kinds of excuses to disregard what I say. Usually it's that I'm not "translating it correctly".
By the way, I love all the Edgar Cayce stuff!!
I tell them this, too. They tell me that "God's ways are not man's ways" and that even though it might sound 'harsh' to me (the Bible's version of God), it's how God works, and not liking it isn't gonna change it. So I better get my act together before it's "everlastingly too late".
It has been my experience that when I read most things from Christians, including the Bible, I can feel a big pot of fear being stirred up. Not my own fear, but it's like everything is a "recipe" for fear from them. "Do this...or ELSE!!" I tell them that I am not even God (in their perspective of things) and I would NEVER do things to my own children that our "loving" heavenly father (their version of "him") would do to his own children. I also tell them that their god supposedly created them just the way they are, including WITH all of their tendencies or "weaknesses" to "sin". And then he wants to punish us for all of that if we don't straighten up and fly right? ha! Nice guy.
Me, too, especially since I had once believed I belonged to the "one and ONLY true church on the face of the earth - that's what my particular religion taught. We were taught that all other faiths were "an abomination before god" and that they spoke certain truth from their lips, but it was "far from their hearts".
I have watched Christians lately turn into venomous dragons towards me because I support gay rights (I'm straight, but I believe all people deserve the same rights). They think I am a satan loving, disgusting, vile, horrible demon. I've had them openly tell me that they are excited for me to meet my maker at the pearly gates and burn in hell (if I go to the pearly gates, I doubt I'll be burning). They are actually amused and excited at the prospect of me suffering. It's a very sad thing indeed. The hatred in them towards me is so powerful that I almost expect to see them foaming at the mouth and going into convulsions. It's seriously a sight to behold.
Anyway, I love hearing other peoples' viewpoints when they are presented the Christian's view of truth (such as this video). I can't stand all the fear they swing out at people. I wouldn't WANT to worship a god "father" that did such terrible things to his children - and even his own son (having a son die a horrible death because God is so jealous and "needs" things). I've had enough problems with cruel dads in this lifetime...I don't need the "big guy" to be that way, too. haha... ;o)
Yes, thank you...any help would be appreciated. I love to hear as many insights as I can.
(10-28-2010, 10:31 PM)Bring4th_Monica Wrote: The most we can hope for is to offer a suggestion that these scriptures can be interpreted either way, and a person isn't 'satanic' for believing that there is scriptural support.
Yeah, and it amazes me that it's only in THEIR way of thinking that it can be shown (by their standards) that people are satanic for believing in reincarnation! Like their way is the "one and only truth", so to speak. Cross their line, and venom is released. I know this from experience...sigh.
(10-28-2010, 10:31 PM)Bring4th_Monica Wrote: Of course, if you don't accept the Bible as the 'word of God' (which I personally don't) then the scriptures aren't relevant in the decision of whether to believe in reincarnation.
I don't believe the Bible is the word of God, either. I get THE worst looks, comments, and "sentences" to hell (as if they are my judge and they know where I'm going). I have actually had people cast "spells of rebuke" upon me and call me Jezebel (the real one). I've been accused of being a demon disguised as an angel of light. News to me. I'd think I'd know if I really WAS one....no? Yes?
(10-28-2010, 10:31 PM)Bring4th_Monica Wrote: But I find the Biblical support to be useful when discussing with Christians, because it gives them some viewpoints in alignment with their beliefs.
I have had many experiences where I can use the Bible to discuss it with them and since it doesn't agree with what they believe in, they find any and all kinds of excuses to disregard what I say. Usually it's that I'm not "translating it correctly".
By the way, I love all the Edgar Cayce stuff!!
(10-28-2010, 10:31 PM)Bring4th_Monica Wrote: Ultimately, I tell them that I cannot accept their version of 'heaven' and 'hell' and the idea that 'God' would sentence MOST of the world's population to eternal torture, just because of their beliefs. I just can't believe in a God like that. Reincarnation is much more merciful and compassionate than sending souls to 'hell.'
I tell them this, too. They tell me that "God's ways are not man's ways" and that even though it might sound 'harsh' to me (the Bible's version of God), it's how God works, and not liking it isn't gonna change it. So I better get my act together before it's "everlastingly too late".
(10-28-2010, 10:31 PM)Bring4th_Monica Wrote: The whole idea of "don't believe in reincarnation or you'll open yourself up to demons" is very fear-based.
It has been my experience that when I read most things from Christians, including the Bible, I can feel a big pot of fear being stirred up. Not my own fear, but it's like everything is a "recipe" for fear from them. "Do this...or ELSE!!" I tell them that I am not even God (in their perspective of things) and I would NEVER do things to my own children that our "loving" heavenly father (their version of "him") would do to his own children. I also tell them that their god supposedly created them just the way they are, including WITH all of their tendencies or "weaknesses" to "sin". And then he wants to punish us for all of that if we don't straighten up and fly right? ha! Nice guy.
(10-28-2010, 10:31 PM)Bring4th_Monica Wrote: When I left Christianity, I felt fear and doubts for several years.
Me, too, especially since I had once believed I belonged to the "one and ONLY true church on the face of the earth - that's what my particular religion taught. We were taught that all other faiths were "an abomination before god" and that they spoke certain truth from their lips, but it was "far from their hearts".
I have watched Christians lately turn into venomous dragons towards me because I support gay rights (I'm straight, but I believe all people deserve the same rights). They think I am a satan loving, disgusting, vile, horrible demon. I've had them openly tell me that they are excited for me to meet my maker at the pearly gates and burn in hell (if I go to the pearly gates, I doubt I'll be burning). They are actually amused and excited at the prospect of me suffering. It's a very sad thing indeed. The hatred in them towards me is so powerful that I almost expect to see them foaming at the mouth and going into convulsions. It's seriously a sight to behold.
Anyway, I love hearing other peoples' viewpoints when they are presented the Christian's view of truth (such as this video). I can't stand all the fear they swing out at people. I wouldn't WANT to worship a god "father" that did such terrible things to his children - and even his own son (having a son die a horrible death because God is so jealous and "needs" things). I've had enough problems with cruel dads in this lifetime...I don't need the "big guy" to be that way, too. haha... ;o)
(10-28-2010, 10:48 PM)gharghur Wrote: Thank you Monica, very well put.
Kristy, if you need additional information after reviewing Monica's post, I'll try to help.
Religions, overall, are good. They help people to believe in something greater than themselves and offer hope when times are bad. Religious dogma, is not good. It restricts ones growth and free will.
Yes, thank you...any help would be appreciated. I love to hear as many insights as I can.