I Believe In God. Why Do You Have A Problem WIth That?

Tsk tsk.. 'philistine' is actually a derogatory term that follows much more connotation than a belief in religion. ;) I always try to keep it at a respectful level but it can be a bit hard when the opposing beliefs just appear to be a bit ignorant. I'll never go as far as to name calling someone. I'll try and keep it at a sarcastic humor style.

I remember a couple of specific members that have definite problems with anyone believing in God or ANY religion. Just like a few other people I've encountered, perhaps people believing in religion is a threat to them. I'm serious. This is the same as several all-out Christians and those of other religions (encountered those more). Atheism and other religions are perceived as a threat, a falsehood, something to fight, supress and discourage. No basic respect is alloted to anyone with a differing viewpoint. In my experience these people are invested in their faiths but others are afraid of people pointing out flaws in the religion. I've said before that people have found their own answers and paths. If not, they'll find them in due time. If one asks for perspective on a religion or a way, introduce them but be mindful of their beliefs. (There was one time a discussion like this on mylot was turned into a "ha ha you believe in religion, you suck" type discussion). I've no problem with other people's beliefs. I've seen Christians of varying degrees here, Muslims, Pagans, and more (especially if the member didn't reveal it!). My own personal belief system does have room for tolerance. Maybe it helps that I'm not in any religion but simply questioning what religion and reality are. I have some beliefs, some experiences and some questions I've invested in, but in the end... no real answer...Just a life to live.

i do not believe in God. But I believe in one thing that is balance of nature and a true power that is around us. The god is a constant with the help of which we keep honesty and do good things.

your right relgious belief is personal, and private when you shove it down someone's throat and I don't me you personally but you in general meaning the public it is not going to be well reserved because people will resent it, let's say I was muslem I am not but let's say I was and I cornered you and starting saying allah is the one true god, you tell me you believe that Jehovah is, I disagree with you, I tell you you are a poor misguided soul and you will go to hell because you have not accepted allah, you tell me that you are not interested in this conversation but I will not let up, I will tell you you are wrong, I will start quoting the koran I will judge your actions and say Allah does like that you are a sinner. I have not respected the fact that you asked me not to talk to you about my religion, and that is shoving something down someones throat and all that does is anger people, if you truly want to witness to someone you do it gently, lovingly, quietly without righteous indignation and you do it with someone that is interested in hearing all the wonderful things you have to say about your personal faith and your religion. again that is you in general not you the person

Ok... I was christened as a baby, and for very many years, I tried to follow the Christian faith, but it wasn't right, nor comfortable for me, so I changed my path. I know my ethics, and as a pagan, take great exception to being called a Philistine. I think you should practice what you preach, here. I know a lot about the Christian faith, and others. I am not averse to entering a church and observing the service and the ceremony, and I love to learn about other people's religions and embrace them. I think you'll find that most pagans will tell you that nobody is wrong in what they believe, and everybody is right, and has the right to believe what they feel comfortable with. Yes, there would be a lot less friction if people like yourself accepted the "non-believers" as you call them, for what they are and what they believe, for they are no more incorrect than you. "Non-believer" has no meaning at all to me, because we all believe in something. Just because you don't agree with what we believe in, doesn't give you the right to rudely call us Philistines and Non-Believers. I wouldn't dream of using such negative words to you, even though I'm not a part of your belief system. You are right to believe in God, and your church, just the same as I and my fellow pagans are right to believe in their deities and sacred spaces. Brightest Blessings, in perfect love and perfect light.

i have absolutely no response to yer discussion other than /cheer! and bravo.. i agree with pretty much everything you had to say lol btw where ya been? my mylot is glitching up a storm lately. hope alls well ;hugs;

I like to think I am a fair and open minded person. I may not believe in the same things as the next person but as long as they accept that then there is no problem. The only time I do have a problem is when religious people insist that they are correct in their beliefs and are unwilling to leave those who do not believe alone. Forgive me if I am wrong but as far as I know, the only types of religion to be told to spread the word are Islam and certain branches of Christianity (by that I mean any monotheist religion which believes in Christ as a saviour). This may be incorrect but I have never heard of another religion doing that. If someone is open-minded enough with me, I am perfectly willing to converse with them. What I personally dislike is religious people coming to my door and telling me that they believe in the "truth" and if I "know the truth" without giving a single thought as to my own beliefs. I doubt very much they would like it if someone else did the same to them. I also feel that there are times when it is simply not appropriate. On here for example, you have posted this discussion, it is about religion and religous responses are expected. However, if someone has posted a particular question about their own particular beliefs then I don't think it is right that others should go along and tell them they should believe something else.

I do believe in our Almighty God, You believe that you have a mind but did you see it?, you believe theres an air to breath and feel it, but did you see it? The existence of God can be proven by using science, history and the Bible. God's pronouncement and prophecies can become our stronghold in believing that He exist. The words of our Lord Jesus in Matthew 24:5, 7 showed how his prophecies are coming to pass right now in our time, including the proliferation of deceivers, the occurrence of wars and rumors of wars, famine, pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places. Any wise person will surely believe in the existence of God because no one will exist without him. the existence of the almighty God is a big controversy over time among the people who believe in God. Different religious denominations introduce him in Different ways. The Muslims call him Allah, the protestant and born again call him Jesus. they believe Jesus is the Father, Jesus is also the Son, and Jesus is the Holy Spirit. thats why they refer to him as A God Jesus, Jesus the Father, Jesus the Son, Jesus the Holy Spirit. According to the they are but one person, the person of Jesus.During the time of Moses the name of God never became the of contention and even during the time of the Apostles and the first century Christians, there had been no debate regarding the name of GOD. Why is it because all of them knew the truth. They had our Lord Jesus Christ with them. Its was very easy on their part to know what the name of God was because Jesus revealed it to his disciples. Moses, on the other hand, heard the name of God right from the angel's mouth. Nowadays, there is a great need to come up with a strong basis which could used to clarify and prove a thing, an understanding, and a belief. The different concepts/theories of knowledge, like in calculating energy, the different scientific theories, lines, figures and texture in architecture are just some of the bases which used in the fields that were cited. But in matters concerning spirituality, do you know which is recognized as a strong basis of faith? It is the Bible, the Bible is said to be the oldest known best-selling book of all times, which has been translated into more than 100 languages.http://www.angdatingdaan.org

I agree with you. Everyone has each point of view but people should not rudely answer ones discussion if they are against it. Lot's of people believe in God but we are not forcing others to believe as well. We each have our own beliefs and we have to respect that.

You know what Sparks, I understand totally what you are saying here. I am the worst one when it comes to spouting off my mouth or fingers, just what ever pops into my brain first. You think at my age I would have long learned to curb the beast that is my tongue. I have bridled it some. There are things I am passionate about and those things are what will generally set me off in what others might construe as rudeness, when actually I do not mean it to be at all. Religion is one of those things. I learned early on in mylot that those kind of discussion, unless started by a friend where as Nova says I will not have to defend my stance, are discussions I need to stay away from. I do not wear my faith on my shirt like a badge but it is the core of my person. It has taken me many years of growing and educating myself to rid my mind of the things that were ingrained as a child. So much of what I was taught was nothing less then brain washing. So when I stumble onto a discussion that makes me want to scream out in it's insanity I now just move on. I realize my opinions are just that, they are mine. For me they are quite strong and with reasoning and what I believe intelligence, so i get quite frustrated if I am talking or corresponding with someone who will not even give my thoughts a second or two to make sense. I can be ferocious in the defense of my beliefs and opinions. Oh boy have I learned here in mylot it is better to walk away, and move on.

Since your religion is personal and you are not a person that is pushing their religion onto anyone, you are not the people they are upset about so you shouldn't let it make you too upset.I think they are tired of being told they Have to believe or they will go to hell.I find telling a non believer that they are going to hell a waste of time. Why?If they don't believe in your G-d, then they don't believe in hell either.I am like you, my religion is very personal and I don't have to recruit anyone.And I find it wrong when non believers are rude to believers and when believers are bullies to non believers.I must be rare. Whenever I find something that i don't understand, I look into it and see if I can understand it after some study or I just leave it alone if I am not interested.I don't demean anything Just because I don't understand it.

From what I have seen, people who do not believe in god are most commonly the people who have had miserable experiences in the past. They are more often god-haters than having no faith in the existence of the almighty. They insult theists with ridiculous remarks against god, and radiate constantly the negative energy out of their inner turmoil. I, for one, am never going to let myself be least affected by what atheists have to say about the existence of god. I experience the presence of god everyday and sincerely follow the path he guides me through. Although I don't believe much in idol worship, I pray to the almighty power that is controlling us.

In our country ,many people believe in buddhism but not god. And in other countries ,the people has his own believes . Believe is a good thing, it can help you encover difficulty . People have different believe , you cann't make everybody believe in god like you .

You make me laugh when you talk about negative reaction to things we don't understand or believe. If you want to talk about being rude, that is like the pot calling the kettle black. When your so called vocal go out and spread the crap, I mean word, they are completely obnoxious in trying to get anyone and everyone who believes differently than them to see the light. if you don't want to be taunted or belittled for just being sheep, I mean yourselves, then go away and leave the rest of us alone. Ask for trouble and it shall be given, seek trouble and you shall find it, knock and don't be surprised if the guy who opens it tells you to get the f*ck off his porch! Don't interfere with my life and I won't interfere with yours is all the tollerance I am prepared to give you.

No one should ever compromise their personal convictions and beliefs for another. Just this week my family and some other walked out of a church we went to for a very long time. They have brought in new things not bibilcal and are selfish and mean to people. It pretty much came down to control of the members and not allowing freewill or personal ministry and a lot of double standards. While they tolerated people for smoking they told a man who had turned his life around and gave his heart and life to Jesus when they learned he had AIDs from his mistakes. They did not want him around them or their children. The acted like he was a leper. He is a clean man and nice and is paying a heavy price for his sin. They suddenly acted like he was poisonous. He was very hurt and left. His blood is on their heads. Lots of other things that just finally some of us had enough and though it tore us apart to leave family and friends still choosing to stay we stood on our convictions and have a living room group of about 30 people now.

"I can hear some of you now, saying - I don't have a problem with it, I just don't want it shoved down my throat. Then don't listen when I talk about it" I dont have a problem with it...Do what you do and I'll do the same..and I partially agree with the whole walking away, dont listen thing HOWEVER when snide, bible bashing comments are constantly directed at a nonChristian (and we have a few ppl like htat in here in fact I have my very own personal stalker online) then walking away or not listening isnt an option.. "For those who are actively involved in their religion, they are going to use whatever medium they can to *spread the word*." I disagree on that....I am very active in my spiritual path but I do NOT concern myself with "spreading the word"..its not my place to. Now if someone asks questions then I'm more than happy to share but I dont hound ppl with my path by any means, I dont try to convert and so on...in fact I do just the opposite because my personal path is just that..MINE and PERSONAL...

I'm Christian (I believe in God, as in the God in the bible) and I'm spiritual (this covers too many things... but I believe in Karma, and ghosts, and the power of positive thinking, etc). But one thing I do know, is that rudeness is intolerable to me. I do my best to live by the "Golden Rule"... to "do unto others as I would have them do unto me". I think that if more people in this world kept that "rule" in mind, there would be a lot more acceptance. Unfortunately, especially on mediums such as mylot and "duh net", people feel they can hide behind their computers, and mouth off and be "rude". It's abhorring really. It IS possible to have strong viewpoints that reflect acceptance of other differing views, and not be politically correct every moment.

i have a lot of room for tolorence i believe in God and i am an action person i try to live by example. God tell us not to judge and i try my hardest in any situation not to do so. i am no way near perfect.

My approach to God is simple. I believe. My approach to religion is equally simple. I don't believe. But I would never dream of telling any religious adherent that they were wrong, and if you look closely you will see that I live my life broadly in line with the Anglican Church, because that was the branch that I was brought up with. I do object to the fact that there are religious groups and individuals that insist on pushing their own set of standards and beliefs as the ones that others should endorse, without making any allowances for the fact that there might be differing perspectives. When this happens to me on myLot I become especially peeved.

most times, it because they are either jealous or scared.. do you agree?