julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
Jul 3, 2014 16:02:54 GMT
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Post by julieb on May 12, 2017 18:06:16 GMT
I'll just add my opinion: I don't think anyone should tell another person that the way they exercise their faith, and how they find connection with their god or creator, is wrong. Exactly my thoughts.
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Post by snowsilver on May 12, 2017 19:03:33 GMT
I've been thinking about this one all day.
First, I don't call myself religious. I call myself a great sinner saved only by throwing myself at the foot of the Cross in humble gratitude.
That said, the person I want to be most like is my beautiful Savior. I want to emulate His love, His graciousness, His kindness, His all-encompassing compassion. The only way to emulate the model is the study the Pattern. The fact that I fail so often is proof that I am not spending enough time with His Word and on my knees.
So, yes, I do study the Word of God on a daily basis. I set aside a worship time. I find that doing so helps me get through each day with more love for my neighbors and for my family and for the world as a whole.
When a day comes that I think I don't have "time" for my study, I know without question that I need a priorities check.
My hope is to stand before the Great White Judgment Throne in the end and have my God say to me, "Well Done!" I can't reach that without spending time with Him. I just can't.
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Post by Sam on May 12, 2017 19:16:00 GMT
I've been thinking about this one all day. First, I don't call myself religious. I call myself a great sinner saved only by throwing myself at the foot of the Cross in humble gratitude. That said, the person I want to be most like is my beautiful Savior. I want to emulate His love, His graciousness, His kindness, His all-encompassing compassion. The only way to emulate the model is the study the Pattern. The fact that I fail so often is proof that I am not spending enough time with His Word and on my knees. So, yes, I do study the Word of God on a daily basis. I set aside a worship time. I find that doing so helps me get through each day with more love for my neighbors and for my family and for the world as a whole. When a day comes that I think I don't have "time" for my study, I know without question that I need a priorities check. My hope is to stand before the Great White Judgment Throne in the end and have my God say to me, "Well Done!" I can't reach that without spending time with Him. I just can't. But....do you tell others that "without doing this one's faith is not grounded firmly"? If you don't, then you are finding your way as you know and allowing others to do so in their own way as well, which is the most caring and appropriate way. Seems to me, everyone has their own personal path where religion is concerned and studying is not as important to some as instinctively living the teachings. Others find solace in reading the bible daily and seeking answers within it. Surely, the best thing about embracing your own religious belief is that it can be done in many ways, none of which should be judged by the sons or daughters of any God, but by the God himself? Which all boils down to, woman in OP should keep her sticky beak to herself and let others worship in the way they wish to.
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Post by pondrunner on May 12, 2017 19:33:12 GMT
I've been thinking about this one all day. First, I don't call myself religious. I call myself a great sinner saved only by throwing myself at the foot of the Cross in humble gratitude. That said, the person I want to be most like is my beautiful Savior. I want to emulate His love, His graciousness, His kindness, His all-encompassing compassion. The only way to emulate the model is the study the Pattern. The fact that I fail so often is proof that I am not spending enough time with His Word and on my knees. So, yes, I do study the Word of God on a daily basis. I set aside a worship time. I find that doing so helps me get through each day with more love for my neighbors and for my family and for the world as a whole. When a day comes that I think I don't have "time" for my study, I know without question that I need a priorities check. My hope is to stand before the Great White Judgment Throne in the end and have my God say to me, "Well Done!" I can't reach that without spending time with Him. I just can't. And this is all very good. However it is worh noting that the parable of the workers demonstrtes that the reward is the same for all who do the work they were asked to do. One should not measure another against the measure that was set for oneself, but only to do as one has been individually called.
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Post by workingclassdog on May 12, 2017 19:59:01 GMT
I am faithful to God. And what others do is not my business to judge. She is judging. And that is why people who hate issues with religion use that as a reason or one of the reasons and I get it. What one person does or doesn't do is between her(him) and who they pray to (in my case i am Christian).. Now that said, there is always room for improvement (for me).. I could be better. I should be better. But I fall flat sometimes. Does that make me any less 'religious'? That is between me and God only. Now I don't say I don't ever judge, I do. In my head. And I try not to. I can sit in church and look around and think something of someone.. like the late arrivals that disturb everyone else... I start doing the whole eye roll thing.. Well maybe those people got in an accident, or they got lost if they never been to that church. I don't know and I judged them. Then I rein it back in. But I am human and I make mistakes (but don't tell my husband.. cause I tell him I never make mistakes and I am pretty much perfect) .
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Post by jenjie on May 12, 2017 21:09:04 GMT
Sam said "do you tell others that "without doing this one's faith is not grounded firmly" I thought the OP question was what are your thoughts on it, not whether you judge others on it? Imho best practice is to read the Bible every day. I'm not going to randomly tell you what you should be doing. However, *if you sought counsel from me* because you were struggling in your faith, I might ask if you read your Bible regularly. I might recommend it as a best practice. And it's something I would teach in a group. But I wouldn't randomly make assumptions about what your faith life looks like, nor insert myself uninvited.
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Post by Sam on May 12, 2017 21:25:03 GMT
Sam said "do you tell others that "without doing this one's faith is not grounded firmly" I thought the OP question was what are your thoughts on it, not how do you judge others on it? Imho best practice is to read the Bible every day. I'm not going to randomly tell you what you should be doing. However, *if you sought counsel from me* because you were struggling in your faith, I might ask if you read your Bible regularly. I might recommend it as a best practice. And it's something I would teach in a group. But I wouldn't randomly make assumptions about what your faith life looks like, nor insert myself uninvited. Well, I quoted the part and then carried the thought on. As far as I was concerned the additional "If you don't, then you are finding your way as you know and allowing others to do so in their own way as well, which is the most caring and appropriate way. " should have been fairly easy to understand and non-judgemental. Maybe I should have said 'as I assume you don't'? I certainly hope you are not passing judgement on ME when you say you wouldn't "randomly make assumptions about what your faith life looks like, nor insert myself uninvited"?
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Post by jenjie on May 12, 2017 21:27:42 GMT
Sam said "do you tell others that "without doing this one's faith is not grounded firmly" I thought the OP question was what are your thoughts on it, not how do you judge others on it? Imho best practice is to read the Bible every day. I'm not going to randomly tell you what you should be doing. However, *if you sought counsel from me* because you were struggling in your faith, I might ask if you read your Bible regularly. I might recommend it as a best practice. And it's something I would teach in a group. But I wouldn't randomly make assumptions about what your faith life looks like, nor insert myself uninvited. Well, I quoted the part and then carried the thought on. As far as I was concerned the additional "If you don't, then you are finding your way as you know and allowing others to do so in their own way as well, which is the most caring and appropriate way. " should have been fairly easy to understand and non-judgemental. Maybe I should have said 'as I assume you don't'? I certainly hope you are not passing judgement on ME when you say you wouldn't "randomly make assumptions about what your faith life looks like, nor insert myself uninvited"? Not at all! I'm sorry if I misunderstood. I've been doing a lot of running today and peaing in snatches. Looks like reading comprehension is not my strong suit today. ETA I meant general you, not YOU you. 😊
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Post by Sam on May 12, 2017 21:32:09 GMT
Not at all! I'm sorry if I misunderstood. I've been doing a lot of running today and peaing in snatches. That one sentence stood out to me. Looks like reading comprehension is not my strong suit today. ETA I meant general you, not YOU you. 😊 Thank you - I may not have communicated the sentiment well, but it was not meant as a negative comment at all.
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Post by jenjie on May 12, 2017 21:34:11 GMT
ETA I meant general you, not YOU you. 😊 Thank you - I may not have communicated the sentiment well, but it was not meant as a negative comment at all. 💗
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Post by mollycoddle on May 12, 2017 21:48:52 GMT
Isn't she being judgmental? Not religious, but I thought that people are not supposed to judge others.
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Post by flanz on May 12, 2017 22:00:52 GMT
I'll just add my opinion: I don't think anyone should tell another person that the way they exercise their faith, and how they find connection with their god or creator, is wrong. Does this apply to Westboro Baptist folks too? I agree with the concept in general, but I have some lines in the sand, for sure. Not sure I can articulate them properly, but I know 'em when I see 'em. As long as someone is not spewing hate or causing harm directly or indirectly, I believe they have the right to practice their faith however they see fit. I am pretty sure that many people here would say that I am not religious but I do consider myself to be a religious liberal. I am a Unitarian Universalist and UUism is a liberal faith. I'm an atheist and humanist, but I respect those who are Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Catholic, agnostic, etc. I don't use the word God, but I relate to Spirit of Life.
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Post by anxiousmom on May 12, 2017 23:10:22 GMT
"In my Father's house are many rooms.... ". You have chosen to live in one, and she another. I do 't think it's a right or wrong, but each of us chooses our way to relate to the Father. However, I bristle at others who want me to go to rooms that are not comfortable for me. And it sounds like you do too. I love this. I read something years ago that said religion and faith and how we practice our beliefs are like a big beautiful stained glass window with all different colors of glass...but that the same sun shines through them all to make a beautiful image. That always stuck with me too...something about how we all practice our faith and yet when it is all seen as a whole, we are one big beautiful piece of art. I am terrible at conventional/traditional religion. I am, however, a very spiritual person and I think my relationship with God and Jesus and all his people is pretty strong. I hope that instead of someone judging HOW religious I appear based on their yardstick they judge me based on behavior...the one where I strive to treat everyone with dignity and love and compassion and forgiveness and...well, you know, all those red letter traits Jesus wanted us to exhibit. The verse that I strive to live up to? The one that says (paraphrasing) 'that which you do for the least of my brothers you do for me.' I figure if I keep that in my mind as I walk my path, God and I will be cool.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 1, 2024 19:14:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2017 23:51:57 GMT
We had an interesting discussion yesterday at a meeting, about reading the bible (or your faith's holy book whatever that may be). One woman was adamant that people who call themselves "faithful" must be reading/studying scripture every day. She said that without doing this one's faith is not grounded firmly. Or something. I disagreed. Heck, religion is my "business" and I don't read scripture every day. I might quote a psalm or other passage to someone in the hospital but I'm not sitting down with my bible and doing some sort of study every single day. This woman probably thinks I'm a heretic. But, she is self-employed part time and has the luxury of hours of free time every day. I said that many people don't have that. Many people are up in the morning getting kids off to school, getting themselves off to work where they stay all day, then they come home and do dinner, laundry, kids' stuff, and fall into bed after that is all done. She said "well they could be listening to scripture or a commentary on their way to work." I said "yes, but maybe they want to listen to a murder mystery instead!" I don't think she approves of me. Just wondered what the Pea hive thought. eta: The discussion was about specifically reading and studying scripture, not prayer in general. My religion does not require the reading of any book to be considered faithful.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 1, 2024 19:14:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2017 0:33:09 GMT
My religion does not require the reading of any book to be considered faithful. My world view does not compel me to read any particular book every day nor does it lead me to consider myself a lowly sinner in need of "saving". Just a human who can always be doing more to right the inherent injustice in the world.
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Post by GamGam on May 13, 2017 1:36:29 GMT
"In my Father's house are many rooms.... ". You have chosen to live in one, and she another. I do 't think it's a right or wrong, but each of us chooses our way to relate to the Father. However, I bristle at others who want me to go to rooms that are not comfortable for me. And it sounds like you do too. I love this. I read something years ago that said religion and faith and how we practice our beliefs are like a big beautiful stained glass window with all different colors of glass...but that the same sun shines through them all to make a beautiful image. That always stuck with me too...something about how we all practice our faith and yet when it is all seen as a whole, we are one big beautiful piece of art Thanks for sharing this concept with us. ❤️It resonates so beautifully, and I 'll think of it each time I'm in my Church surrounded by stained glass widows.
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Post by txdancermom on May 13, 2017 2:36:30 GMT
I consider myself religious, but the last time I read the bible daily was in the religion classes I took in college.
imho, reading the bible is only a part of being a religious person. It gives us a guide on the early church and what it means to be a christian. Living as a christian and behaving in a christian manner is just as important.
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,757
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on May 13, 2017 5:42:58 GMT
I am a Jesus follower - wouldn't classify myself as "religious" just because I think it had a meaning for many that is negative. I think some people think religion= rules and it's not about that for me. I guess there's one rule - love Jesus and love others. I do my best - sometimes I fail and that's ok. Other than that, I think there's just some "best practices" that are definitely a good idea to do to be able to follow the only rule (love Jesus and love people) and those would include prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship with other believers, etc. I wouldn't judge anyone regarding those things - as for me, I'm actually pretty terrible about reading the Bible.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on May 13, 2017 13:14:27 GMT
I'll just add my opinion: I don't think anyone should tell another person that the way they exercise their faith, and how they find connection with their god or creator, is wrong. Does this apply to Westboro Baptist folks too? I agree with the concept in general, but I have some lines in the sand, for sure. Not sure I can articulate them properly, but I know 'em when I see 'em. As long as someone is not spewing hate or causing harm directly or indirectly, I believe they have the right to practice their faith however they see fit.I am pretty sure that many people here would say that I am not religious but I do consider myself to be a religious liberal. I am a Unitarian Universalist and UUism is a liberal faith. I'm an atheist and humanist, but I respect those who are Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Catholic, agnostic, etc. I don't use the word God, but I relate to Spirit of Life. I completely agree with what I bolded.
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Post by nlwilkins on May 14, 2017 0:30:42 GMT
Actually, I would not like to be called religious. To me that insinuates that I am more about the religion I belong to than the personal relationship I have with God. Religious people go to church every Sunday, visit the sick and poor and then feel they are better because of it. These actions have no bearing on your salvation. They are done because the Lord instructs us to do so in His Word. They are done because they make our Lord happy and because we have a heart that feels better for having done so. In my opinion "religious" people are missing the heart and making the Lord happy part and many are doing those things for show to make sure everybody knows how RELIGIOUS they are.
My mother read the Bible and prayed EVERY day as did many of her friends and prayer warriors who supported her as a missionary. Yes, she was a missionary and the term religious would not apply at all. She worked for an interdenominational organization, Child Evangelism Fellowship. Because of this, she did not attend just one church. Every Sunday she visited a different church so as to not show favoritism. She was a widow with four children doing the work of at least three people. Yet she was able to have time for personal devotionals every day as well a lead us children in family ones. Believe me, that woman was awesome and was not a holier than thou type person. There are people all over the world who cried at her passing.
So being religious is not something I strive to be. Having a personal relationship is more important. That means I need to read the Bible regularly, study it and store His Words up in my heart for when they are needed. Do I achieve this goal? Sadly, I fail many times, but that does not mean I give up. I find that personally, I am a happier person and better able to handle what life throws at me when I am on the path, reading His Word Daily, and praying morning, noon and night.
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Post by jenjie on May 14, 2017 21:12:39 GMT
nlwilkins I would have loved to have met your mother and no doubt would have enjoyed her company.
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