:(Growing up in a christian world!!

[FatCatScandal]

Hey there.. i think this may be my second or 3rd post here, and my first topic. My buddy AC told me to come and post here so I thought I would post this topic which i accidently just posted in the General forum, but i suppose this will get a wide range of views from both, which is good because I always like to hear other peoples opinions of things...

I am sorry but I hate the fact that I grew up in a christian world. The only religion I ever was allowed to look indepth into at school was christianity.. we covered others but only briefly.. and most schools don't even bother doing that.

I also hate how (for example when i lived in america) parents forced kids to go to church to get confirmed and all that shit when they really didn't believe in it.

I think that religion should be a choice.. hell it even says that in your fucking bible. Yet all these CHRISTIAN EVANGALISTS constantly try and convert you because there religion is the one true religion... BULLSHIT it is.

I personally am a pagan... and there are alot of pagan faiths... contrary to belief (of christians) it has nothing to do with devil worship because they don't believe in the devil.. infact the christans stole their idea of the devil form one of the male gods, the consort to the lady, who generally appeared as a horned god.

I feel that religion should either not be taught in school at all, along with no prayers being said etc etc.. or they all should.. with a prayer for every religion. I don't care if a country is predominantly christian or not.. but the way I saw it in america was that parents forced there kids and were terrible christians themselves but thought just going to church and forcing there kids (at fistpoint) would save there souls.. they were christian out of FEAR, and not LOVE.

I am not telling anyone that religion is right or wrong.. its just wrong for it to be forced upon you, and when something is forced upon you you reject it. Christianity will collapse within the next century or so.. maybe sooner... and thats going to be what was talked about by jahovas witnesses as the apocalypes or whatever... because to them their faith ending would be the end of the world.

So whats your views on this? Do you think its right to force religion on people? Have you ever had it done to you? Are you Religious, Athiest, or open minded? ATM I am pretty open minded and have been exploring Paganism myself and there core beliefs are things i have believed in all my life.

[FatCatScandal]

haha this topic has gone a bit insane in the general forum as you saw MZ...

[Jimsween]

Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

[willbill]

isnt nihilist where you dont care about anything? but if you don't care about anything, how can you be nihilist?
by the way, has anyone seen the Big Labowski? theres something about nihilism in there i think...
and no i dont think religion should be forced... i grew up where my mom forced religion on me early on... but then i took my dad's view, who doesnt care about religion or believe in any god... i mean, it'd be nice if when i died thered be a heaven and i'd live forever in happiness, but thats just not realistic, so i don't really believe in it all that much... unfortunatly... oh well just my two cents

[FatCatScandal]

At 6/12/03 12:26 AM, jimsween wrote: Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

well i don't know where your from but it was over here and to everyone i know aswell.. you musta gone to a pretty shit school.. but i suppose that its better not being taught religion at all than being taught a flawed one and being told thats what you had to believe.

[Alejandro1]

At 6/12/03 12:26 AM, jimsween wrote: Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

Thanks for pointing that out Jim, I was just about to say that. In fact, the schools have to call Christmas break, winter break, and easter break, spring break, because they might "offend" someone of another religion.

BTW, there is much debate going on in several states whether or not to teach religion (creationism in peticular) in public schools.

[Jimsween]

At 6/12/03 12:33 AM, FatCatScandal wrote:

At 6/12/03 12:26 AM, jimsween wrote: Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

well i don't know where your from but it was over here and to everyone i know aswell.. you musta gone to a pretty shit school.. but i suppose that its better not being taught religion at all than being taught a flawed one and being told thats what you had to believe.

There could be three things going on here, 1) you dont live in America, 2) you went to school many a year ago, 3) you went to a private school.

[Jimsween]

At 6/11/03 11:46 PM, mwazzap wrote: By the way, I kill evangelists. Okay, no I don't. But I do try to hit them with my car whenever I have the chance. Ok, well, I only have a permit, but um. Ya, I will. Trust me, Ill get those nuns/preists for what they did to your mind/butt.

Ohh you scare me so much, I may not practice Catholisism anymore (I was raised catholic) but I, unlike you, have an educated reason why I don't. Frankly you seem just as blind as an orthodox Catholic.

[Rosenthorp-I]

I think Religon Should be outlawed it would help wiht a lot... GOD WOULD STOP TELLING US TO KILL EACH OTHER... and no one can act like there better than someone else...and that whole palestinian and israelie thing can finally end!...cause they both say that god gave them that land so outlaw religon and no more figting! sounds pretty Good to me tell me what you think

[FatCatScandal]

At 6/12/03 12:35 AM, alejandro1 wrote:

At 6/12/03 12:26 AM, jimsween wrote: Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

Thanks for pointing that out Jim, I was just about to say that. In fact, the schools have to call Christmas break, winter break, and easter break, spring break, because they might "offend" someone of another religion.

BTW, there is much debate going on in several states whether or not to teach religion (creationism in peticular) in public schools.

okay you were in american public schools.. that don't teach religion but it gets forced upon you by your parents.. I lived there for a year.. and my GF who was an atheist got forced to go through a catholic confirmation for fear of being beaten by her dad and nearly everyone i knew was forced to go to church...

religion is taught over here in england however.. and they do go into all religions when you are younger.. but by the end of your schooling all you do is look into christianity which has to be the most boring religion of all.

The best one i looked into was hinduism.. I agreed with alot of their principles and thought that their way of life was alot better.. low and behold.. its a pagan religion.. no wonder. I am not a hindu, but all the pagan relgions are pretty much the same, the main variations are the names of the gods they believe in, and some of their practices and rituals. But they all have the same core beliefs, all good people, all heading for the same thing.

My friends dad.. who is a hindu... got given this book... one that aparantly gets done telling you about your life, certain things that will happen... and one part said that he would never die in a plane crash...

I am sure you remember the TWA plane that was supposed to go down, allong with the planes that crashed into the world trade center... he was supposed to be on both of those planes and last minute got called away to something.. also it happend on a plane that flew out of england too. Just some food for thought...

[Jimsween]

At 6/12/03 12:50 AM, mwazzap wrote: ye, its illegal in public schools, but in private, they can still make u pray. I my self im creating decent amongst episcopals (where do they come up with these annoying sects?) at my school.

Your quite the hypocrite, you complain about religions brainwashing people and forcing thier beliefs yet you do the same thing.

[Jimsween]

At 6/12/03 12:46 AM, FatCatScandal wrote:

At 6/12/03 12:35 AM, alejandro1 wrote:

At 6/12/03 12:26 AM, jimsween wrote: Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

Thanks for pointing that out Jim, I was just about to say that. In fact, the schools have to call Christmas break, winter break, and easter break, spring break, because they might "offend" someone of another religion.

BTW, there is much debate going on in several states whether or not to teach religion (creationism in peticular) in public schools.

okay you were in american public schools.. that don't teach religion but it gets forced upon you by your parents.. I lived there for a year.. and my GF who was an atheist got forced to go through a catholic confirmation for fear of being beaten by her dad and nearly everyone i knew was forced to go to church...

I dont see the problem here, if she is an athiest than she has no reason not to go besides it being a waste of time. And It might interest you to know if you tell your priest that you do not belive in the religion it would be a sin for them to confirm you. I wasnt forced to go to church but I still dont see a problem unsless you belive in another religion, which would only be a problem if they were forcing you to do the communion and such.

religion is taught over here in england however.. and they do go into all religions when you are younger.. but by the end of your schooling all you do is look into christianity which has to be the most boring religion of all.

I thought that the king of england threw out all other religions but the church of england, or was it just catholicism.

The best one i looked into was hinduism.. I agreed with alot of their principles and thought that their way of life was alot better.. low and behold.. its a pagan religion.. no wonder. I am not a hindu, but all the pagan relgions are pretty much the same, the main variations are the names of the gods they believe in, and some of their practices and rituals. But they all have the same core beliefs, all good people, all heading for the same thing.

You agree with the caste system??? Because that is a main part of the Hindu religion. Your not lying to me because I am very well read in all religions and you would be a fool to try to pull a fast one on me.

My friends dad.. who is a hindu... got given this book... one that aparantly gets done telling you about your life, certain things that will happen... and one part said that he would never die in a plane crash...

I am sure you remember the TWA plane that was supposed to go down, allong with the planes that crashed into the world trade center... he was supposed to be on both of those planes and last minute got called away to something.. also it happend on a plane that flew out of england too. Just some food for thought...

Not really, odds are something like that will happen alot, I mean there are 7 billion people in the world and if something like that happens your bound to want to go telling people. Plus, it's impossible to predict the future because even the slightest thing changes the future completely (chaos theory).

[AntiClock]

i already answered this question in the general forum so ill just paste my answer here.

At 6/11/03 11:32 PM, FatCatScandal wrote: So whats your views on this?

I tink for the most part i agree with you, faith should not be enforced on people, it will only make people more rersistant towards religion. I think it's a personal choice and that all religions and beliefs should be respected regardless of what I think is right or wrong.

However, i feel i need to point out something you wrote here:

Are you Religious, Athiest, or open minded? ATM I am pretty open minded and have been exploring Paganism myself and there core beliefs are things i have believed in all my life.

what do you mean religious OR open-minded? im a farely open-minded person, but at the same time i am infact a relatively religious person too. Does religion make me intolerant of certain ideas or sensitive towards certain issues against my religion? not really. I am open-minded to any kind of mentality and then base my own opinion on it, but in the end i accept people for whom they are.

[Jimsween]

At 6/12/03 01:01 AM, mwazzap wrote: cause i know mine is right.

lol.

Har Har

No. Because in all seriousness, atheism isn't the belief that there is no god. It is the disliking of religion. A meaning against, theo meaning belief, latin. Therefor, I am soly impressing upon others the idea that religion is wrong and dangerous.

a·the·ism ( P ) Pronunciation Key (th-zm)
n.

Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.
The doctrine that there is no God or gods.
Godlessness; immorality.

We base our words on latin but the meaning is not always completely the same as the latin meaning, or else a hippopotomus would be a river horse.

Besides, since when has being a hypocrit been bad? God says you can't kill, but he and some other "holy people" can occaisonally. Bush wants to wage a war on drugs, but did coke for several years.

Who said that those werent bad, when your a hypocrite on an issue that means that your opinion is much less valid on that issue because you yourself are doing the same.

Life is riddled with hypocrisies, I just hope than mine has the least of them.

Huh? I think you mean is instead of has.

[JMHX]

Someone please tell me what the hell all these different people are doing here. Damn, they're worse than the DAG!

[FatCatScandal]

At 6/12/03 01:00 AM, jimsween wrote: I dont see the problem here, if she is an athiest than she has no reason not to go besides it being a waste of time. And It might interest you to know if you tell your priest that you do not belive in the religion it would be a sin for them to confirm you. I wasnt forced to go to church but I still dont see a problem unsless you belive in another religion, which would only be a problem if they were forcing you to do the communion and such.

The fact is it is supposed to be a choice and she was forced at Fist point by her oh so loving christian parents. if you don't think that is wrong, then i can't really explain it to you any more.

religion is taught over here in england however.. and they do go into all religions when you are younger.. but by the end of your schooling all you do is look into christianity which has to be the most boring religion of all.

I thought that the king of england threw out all other religions but the church of england, or was it just catholicism.

We have a king now? or are you talking about henry the VIII? Either way.. that was a long time ago and the contry has progressed and changed alot since then...

You agree with the caste system??? Because that is a main part of the Hindu religion. Your not lying to me because I am very well read in all religions and you would be a fool to try to pull a fast one on me.

As I am said I am not a hindu, so no i don't believe in the caste system. But I do think it is a good way of doing things. I am not 100% which pagan path to follow but the one i am going into detail in at the moment is the Asatru. Its one that feels right.

My friends dad.. who is a hindu... got given this book... one that aparantly gets done telling you about your life, certain things that will happen... and one part said that he would never die in a plane crash...

I am sure you remember the TWA plane that was supposed to go down, allong with the planes that crashed into the world trade center... he was supposed to be on both of those planes and last minute got called away to something.. also it happend on a plane that flew out of england too. Just some food for thought...

Not really, odds are something like that will happen alot, I mean there are 7 billion people in the world and if something like that happens your bound to want to go telling people. Plus, it's impossible to predict the future because even the slightest thing changes the future completely (chaos theory).

Correct the future is not completly forseeable, but i do believe in the probability of the future. If you have a job, it is most likely that you will be working monday to friday... and that you will be going to work every day.. probably.. Thats a bad example but i have seen the future before. I had dream of my girlfriend(ex now), Cheating on me with a guy called damien.. who i have never met or seen a picture of... it only lasting a few seconds, her then taking me to a wide open space, telling me all about it, and forgiving me... 5 months later it happend.. and i did forgive her... because at that point in my life i couldn't handle being alone.

I have had conversations in dreams with people I hadn't met yet and then when it happend it blew my mind.

But i don't believe that it all happens that way.. because sometimes when i realise that I have had a dream of what happend, I know what the whole conversation is, and know how it will end and then change what is said or just stop.. or carry it on if i liked the outcome.

Like i said.. the future is probably predictable...

Probably meaning certain people have the ability to see the probability of what the future will be.

At 6/12/03 01:02 AM, mwazzap wrote: he's for the caste system?

Nope i never said that.. I said that hinduism was the most fun religion and the most interesting religion that i learned in school. and that their belifs are pretty cool... I said nothing about me believing in everything they had to say however...

(oh ya. well im learned in comparative religion too. :P

I kinda am too.. self taught hehe...

I loooove mythology)

Hellz yeah so do I... think that was my main attraction to the pagan relgions at first... till i started reading and found out that their core beliefs are things i have believed my whole life and it blew my mind away...

[RydiaLockheart]

Even though I'm a Wiccan, I got confirmed to get my mom off my back. So to make things easier on myself, I chose the name Brigid. Not only is it a nod to my part-Irish heritage, it is also the name of a Wiccan goddess. So, in reality, taking the name was a symbol of my defiance. Yeah, that was kinda stupid, but it was the best thing I could come up with back then.

[FatCatScandal]

At 6/12/03 02:14 AM, Rydia_Lockheart wrote: Even though I'm a Wiccan, I got confirmed to get my mom off my back. So to make things easier on myself, I chose the name Brigid. Not only is it a nod to my part-Irish heritage, it is also the name of a Wiccan goddess. So, in reality, taking the name was a symbol of my defiance. Yeah, that was kinda stupid, but it was the best thing I could come up with back then.

Do you really think that it was right that you got confirmed tho? Just wondering.. what type of wicca do you follow? How long have you been practicing? This stuff interests me cos you don't exactly see or know many pagans.. or at least i don't, other than myself i can say that I am only in contact with maybe 3 other pagans.

[FatCatScandal]

also by brigid, is that the same as Bride/bridget/Diana?

[RydiaLockheart]

At 6/12/03 02:21 AM, FatCatScandal wrote: also by brigid, is that the same as Bride/bridget/Diana?

Brigid and Diana are two entirely different goddesses. Diana is better known by her Greek name, Artemis.

I have been practicing Wicca for almost 5 years now. I'm a Dianic Wiccan. They focus more on goddesses than gods. Some don't even worship male deities. Up until about a decade ago, the Dianics only accepted women into their covens. I'm a solitary, though, so I don't have to worry about a coven.

As for the confirmation thing, my entire family has enough problems already. I didn't need to create any more. I felt bad about it at first, but my guilt turned to relief once I knew the whole thing was over.

[misterx2000]

Not sure if this was deleted or posted elsewhere, but I believe it has relevance.

First off, Christianity, Islam and Judaism are actually 3 branches of basically similar things, one God, etc. Christianity came 2nd.

I understand that some think it's "cool" to be rebellious, and break out of the societal mold they were formed in. So nurture has a role in forming one's opinion.

I think religion teaches you morals and ethics and how not to screw yourself up by killing and generally doing bad. You'd be surprised how many people don't think of consequences.

Finally, even if you are totally against religion, please respect other's choices, whatever they may be. And vice versa. Give others at least this common courtesy...

thanks.

[FatCatScandal]

At 6/12/03 04:17 AM, Rydia_Lockheart wrote:

At 6/12/03 02:21 AM, FatCatScandal wrote: also by brigid, is that the same as Bride/bridget/Diana?

Brigid and Diana are two entirely different goddesses. Diana is better known by her Greek name, Artemis.

Diana being light and Bride being Moon or something? I am not fully versed on wicca, as i said, i follow the asatru, but all the pagan faiths a pretty damn close together and all a acurate (in comparison with modern day faiths.. and we barely have any history to look back on because of those damn newday religions killing us all)

Mb its Diana and BRIDE who are the same person.. and I just assumed brijid was Bride I thought was Diana.

I have been practicing Wicca for almost 5 years now. I'm a Dianic Wiccan. They focus more on goddesses than gods. Some don't even worship male deities. Up until about a decade ago, the Dianics only accepted women into their covens. I'm a solitary, though, so I don't have to worry about a coven.

Yeah.. personally I believe that women are better at wicca for they are naturally more in tune with nature and things. I am very intersted in wicca, and was going to follow it.. but i think shamanism is probably more me.. Either way, i am an empath, a Healer, and at random times i can forsee the most probable Future.

I am solitry myself.. but then... I guess most shamans are. I don't know. I am not all the way there yet. I have just always had some natural abilities. But i don't suppose you on anyone really cares so I will shut up now.

As for the confirmation thing, my entire family has enough problems already. I didn't need to create any more. I felt bad about it at first, but my guilt turned to relief once I knew the whole thing was over.

Fair enough... I still think its kinda harsh tho.

[House-Of-Leaves]

Okay, I didn't get past the first few posts and decided to type.

Please, kids. Don't hate ALL CHRISTIANS for whatever you've suffered. Those are individuals driven by doctrine and church, not Christ.

To say you hate all Christians is just as bad as racial descrimination. You can disagree with views, you can practice whatever religion you want to. But for the love of whatever deity you worship, don't use such a broad generalization!

Don't you realize that's like a woman being mugged by a black man, then suddenly hating all black men? It's the same thing! You're lumping all Christians in the same group.

How much research have you actually done into what people believe? How many Christians have you actually talked to? The ones you usually hear from are those that want you to convert to their DOCTRINE, not their God. God is always secondary.

No, I'm not preaching. I don't give two shits what you believe religiously. Hell, I practiced Wicca for years. The bottom line is, I'm very Christian. But I'll be damned if I'm like those evangelical assholes that think good deeds and money will get you into heaven. I don't need a building or a human being to tell me who or where my God is. Don't lump me in with the ones you claim have hurt you so badly.

My next question: if Christianity makes people feel good, and it doesn't really hurt you, why go to the trouble of hating them? Honestly. You have every right to say, 'This isn't what I believe.' You're so angry because people tell you you're awful for not believing in God.

How hypocritical is it to tell me that I'm just as awful because I DO believe in God?

Why yes, Mr. Pot, this is Ms. Kettle. What? I'm black?

*lol*

Please, use your heads when you think about this.

[FatCatScandal]

At 6/14/03 07:51 AM, House_Of_Leaves wrote: Okay, I didn't get past the first few posts and decided to type.

Please, kids. Don't hate ALL CHRISTIANS for whatever you've suffered. Those are individuals driven by doctrine and church, not Christ.

I know this, and I don't hate any christians. Some of my best friends ahave been bible bashers... hell one of my friends for a while was a vicar... 90% of christians are driven by "doctrine and church" as you say tho.

To say you hate all Christians is just as bad as racial descrimination. You can disagree with views, you can practice whatever religion you want to. But for the love of whatever deity you worship, don't use such a broad generalization!

Who said anything about hating christians? I am sure some people have said they hate christianity... i haven't said that.. but i do hate what it has become and the way people have been treated by this "loving religion"

Don't you realize that's like a woman being mugged by a black man, then suddenly hating all black men? It's the same thing! You're lumping all Christians in the same group.

people learn from their experiaces... if set black man mugged some white woman... and it shook her up and she had heard that black people are bad muggers then she couldn't help to think this way... people only know what they are told and what they experianced... she wouldn't know any better.. i don't hate anyone myself.. and my only worries in life are where the next meal is coming from, where i am staying.. and the boredem

How much research have you actually done into what people believe? How many Christians have you actually talked to? The ones you usually hear from are those that want you to convert to their DOCTRINE, not their God. God is always secondary.

Lots, i have done the basics of many religions.. gone into depth on a few... especially christianity... I did a GCSE in it and scored rather well.. my point being is i do know what I am talking about.. and I completly see where you are coming from... the point I was making is that either all religions should be taught, or none, and that kids should have a complete choice over their belifs and the parents should show them all religions.. I can see why they wouldn't want to, but its not about what they want.

No, I'm not preaching. I don't give two shits what you believe religiously. Hell, I practiced Wicca for years. The bottom line is, I'm very Christian. But I'll be damned if I'm like those evangelical assholes that think good deeds and money will get you into heaven. I don't need a building or a human being to tell me who or where my God is. Don't lump me in with the ones you claim have hurt you so badly.

Who said anything about you in particular in any of their posts? and this isn't what the post was about.. the questions i asked at the top are what its about.

All the same i have enjoyed what you have wrote so far and enjoyed writing this reply

My next question: if Christianity makes people feel good, and it doesn't really hurt you, why go to the trouble of hating them? Honestly. You have every right to say, 'This isn't what I believe.' You're so angry because people tell you you're awful for not believing in God.

Who's hating the individuals? once again i was talking about being forced to go to church as kids, religions being taught unfairly in school... full perspectives not given, evangelists, etc etc.

How hypocritical is it to tell me that I'm just as awful because I DO believe in God?

I haven't said it.. I have however said it is horrible forcing upon people and all the other stuff I have stated.

Why yes, Mr. Pot, this is Ms. Kettle. What? I'm black?

*lol*

Haha nice one.

Please, use your heads when you think about this.

Okay.. please re-read the origional questions :)

/ooc (out of context/character) why did you stop the wicca?

[House-Of-Leaves]

At 6/14/03 09:28 AM, FatCatScandal wrote: At 6/14/03 07:51 AM, House_Of_Leaves wrote

To say you hate all Christians is just as bad as racial descrimination....

Who said anything about hating christians?...

I'm totally slimming down the quoting here. :D But, I suppose I should have stated that it was mwazzap I was addressing more than anything. And any number of people on the NG BBS that hate Christians/Christianity just for the sake of doing so. Not you specifically. :)

He DID talk about hating Christians. Killing them, whatever. Yeah, I know he was being a smart ass. But still.

Don't you realize that's like a woman being mugged by a black man, then suddenly hating all black men?...

people learn from their experiaces...

No, I don't think that's acceptable. I can understand having a fear because he -looks- like the guy that did it, just like any white man, too. But I'm talking about serious hate. Learning from an experience shouldn't have to include hating an entire race for one man's doing.

No, I'm not preaching...

Who said anything about you...

Again, all of this is trimmed down so it doesn't become rediculously long.

I mentioned myself because I pride myself in being one of the most open minded Christians I know. I konw others like myself, too. And there's more people out there like me than you'd think. That's all. Ones that don't judge at all, simply because it's not our job.

I know it wasn't specifically about the original question, but it did pertain. Yes, I believe that people should have the right to choose their religion, kids and adults alike.

But see, we already /do/. If someone's being religiously oppressed by parents...blame the parents! Not the entire religion!

All the same i have enjoyed what you have wrote so far and enjoyed writing this reply

Thanks. :) I'm SO glad you responded nicely and intelligently. Even though it all wasn't really directed at you. It's been a pleasure.

My next question...

Who's hating the individuals? once again i was talking about being forced to go to church as kids...

This still had everything to do with individuals. You can't blame a religion or a deity for something that your parents or teachers did. That's all I meant to say, really.

I suppose that's sorta like...people assuming all americans are the same and blame US for what our President does. If your parents forced you to do something like that, then point the finger at them, not their religion. It's only fair.

How hypocritical is it to tell me that I'm just as awful because I DO believe in God?

I haven't said it.. I have however said it is horrible forcing upon people and all the other stuff I have stated.

Why yes, Mr. Pot, this is Ms. Kettle. What? I'm black?

*lol*

Haha nice one.

Thanks! :D

/ooc (out of context/character) why did you stop the wicca?

Because it made me miserable. I enjoyed it for quite some time, then I realized...well. That it was totally feeding into my mental instabilities. And I firmly believe that once the fire has been started for Christ, it doesn't go away. I was very, very involved with my Church in high school, but they did something that made me very angry and I decided to turn away from the religion.

See, I'm speaking from experience here. :) I made the same mistake, blaming the whole religion for one church. But I was young. I know better now.

Eventually, I realized that I'd made Christianity way too hard before. I was trying to get saved on merit badges, and it doesn't work. There's one criteria: christ. That's it. Simple. Without him, no amount of good deeds will do anything. I was tired of feeling like I had to be perfect. I don't have to be perfect for Him.

That's all. :)

[SiC-MaGgOt-FrEaK]

i myself hav ehad christianity forced upon me and its not fun, everyone at the church including my father and mother we're terrible christians, they were and stillare complete hypocrits. their actions contradicted EVERYTHING they supposedly lived by that was in the bible, sicne i was 13, i prety much lsot faith in god and every other religion and i am athiest. please dont take offense to this, becuase i think everyone has a right to pick a religion they want, but this is what i have picked, there are some christians who are good people, but the majority or as i said complete hypocrits. the downfall and crumble of all these churches and etc. is inevitable in my opinion, and now ill shut the fuck up and fuck off back to my dark corner =D, stay sic everyone

[Kenney333]

Yes i really dont think religion should be forced on anyone, because taking them to church at a young age can affect them for the rest of their lives by giving them ignorant stern beliefs in what they were told. If religion is something that was meant for them theyll find it by themselves, using christianity for an example, if it is all true and all really that important than people dont need to be taught it, it should be part of them like an emotion.

Think about it, if everyone on the earth suddenly forgot everything about religion and christianity, then it wouldnt even exist anymore, and i cant belive that anything that is supposidly that important can exist only in peoples memory from when other people taught them about it. But the things that matter most would would still be around like well love and compassion and people. The problem is that when you are taught religion at a young age, you may tend to think religion is more important then other people, and no concept is more important than a life.

[bumcheekcity]

At 6/14/03 04:23 PM, Kenney333 wrote: Yes i really dont think religion should be forced on anyone, because taking them to church at a young age can affect them for the rest of their lives by giving them ignorant stern beliefs in what they were told. If religion is something that was meant for them theyll find it by themselves, using christianity for an example, if it is all true and all really that important than people dont need to be taught it, it should be part of them like an emotion.

Completely. If children aren't old enough to cast a vote for a political party, then they aren't mature enough to believe in a Supreme Being. That was my way of getting out of Church.

At 6/12/03 12:26 AM, jimsween wrote: Huh, I dont know what this guy is talking about because religion isn't taught in public school.

That explains why I spent the last 11 years listening to some teacher preach about the magnificence of Jesus and last year dumping the Christian lessons and learning about other religions. I assume things work differently in the U.S. you don't teach religion in public schools but you print "in god we trust" on your money and include god in your pledge of alliegance.

At 6/14/03 04:53 PM, bumcheekycity wrote:
Completely. If children aren't old enough to cast a vote for a political party, then they aren't mature enough to believe in a Supreme Being. That was my way of getting out of Church.

Unfortunately, children are baptized at one or two years of age, this is what's called indoctrination. Other religions act similarly when it comes to "their" children.