WHO IS YOUR GOD and WHERE IS IT.......

[Willy]

Becca,
I think one of the neatest things was when our minister told the children, (during the Children's Sharing Time part of the service),
That sometimes Church can seem boring.
He told them that churches were built by man for God but that the beauty of the Earth itslef was God's "church". He went onto say that the feeling of spirituality derived from respecting nature was one he considered rather holy in his opinion. (...and not to worry if you missed a few Sundays going to the Grand Canyon or the beach... but to enjoy nature.) Boy did those kids seem relieved!

[sapphire]

I don't believe in one god.. I believe in many gods and goddesses... but I do believe in one ...being.. spirit that was around before everything and everyone..a creator.. ageless and sexless..

where are my gods and goddess? all around us.. they are in the air that we breath.. the water we drink.. the food we eat...

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Willy.. I love the church you belong to.. they seem so open and accepting.. thats so refreshing...!!


Sapphire

[pudding450]

Originally posted by Anto:
Hi Pudding,
Here I am! So you're thinking I'm just a little clever baby... Well I don't know if you're right... I'm 22, I study philosophy (just ending my thesis)... I though philosophy was an excellent way to open one's mind and to learn thinking about questions by oneself...
Yes, my mother is catholic and I went with her to church when I was a child...Now I'm quite intelligent to go there by myself. I went across the ideals of teen-age, now I decide what belive and I belive in Jesus and in his love with all my mind, heart and soul!
Standing before the Cross all human beliefs, human logic fall down!! Nothing can explain the deeper sense of our existences without that cross...But I know you cannot understand what I say, did you ever feel loved by your Creator? I feel. Did you ever have an explanation to human no-senses? Jesus is the answer! Do you know St. Francesco d'Assisi? Try to read something about him if you want to try to understand what I'm saying...
I hope you will...
Bye
Antonella

Saint Francis of Assissi: 1182?-1226.....Son of a wealthy merchant In 1209 he began to preach, Francis exemplified humility, love of poverty, and joyous religious fervor; he is also associated with a simple love of nature and humanity and is often depicted preaching to birds.


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Anto, I have read the Bible and studied religion for many years when I was younger, I have not felt anything. It has not been for a lack of trying. I have stood before the Cross and felt nothing sacred, but did feel for those who created the beautiful works of art that is in the church.
I felt loved by my parents who created me, but never by a Creator. I understand perfectly what you are saying I just can not feel that way.........

What makes you think I thought you were a clever bambino? 22 Hmmm, What are you writing your thesis on? What do you plan on doing when you graduate school?

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Becca, I can relate better to the Natives better, they give thanks to the earth for providing them with everything they need to survive, I just can't get the Holy Spirit part, is it just believing to you, or do you feel a profound change. I don't know if its just a matter of convincing ones self of if something changes you. Mybe I'm just to sceptical.
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Willy your church sounds like a big family,




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pudding

so put on a happy face....

[This message has been edited by pudding450 (edited 08 May 2000).]

[Willy]

Sap & Pudding,
I go to a very exceptional church, where the minister, before each sermon, states, "this is my interpretation". He never claims, "This is what God said", but instead, offers examples, sites his references, etc.
It is a very social church with "outreach" programs that extend beyond political, social and religious boundries.
The church is chastised from the religious right for not promoting hatred against homosexuals or for it's offering of "communion" to anyone. If Christ said all are welcome to his table.....who are WE to judge WHO that is?
The church embraces diversity and works beyond political borders.
My son's know they are free to think what they will because God gave us free will and a mind to think with. (Once when my boys were small they asked about mud slides in S. America...my In-laws started to tell them some people were bad and were being punished by God...I almost died and pulled them into another room where I gave a quick explanation of Plate Tectonics!...I couldn't believe in this day and age anyone still thought that way...)
Once, when my youngest witnessed (a Catholic Service he thought was "weird"), I told him it was like visiting another country...."Partake in what you know and feel comfortable with, observe with an open mind that which seems foreign to you and respect the differences....because that's what experiencing life is all about."
(It may be wrong...but I am awfully proud of my boys...and they have such good hearts!)

[Anto]

HEY Pudding!
Happy to read you know Francesco (I call him only by name...a way to be more confident!) and also happy that you studied the Bible.
I didn't mean that you could not understand me because of ignorance...The problem is that a man can't study God, he can't know Him from books or from what other people have said, you can't learn to love or feel loved...you just fall in love!!
I've said to you about St. Francesco 'cos he was a man like many others, young, rich, "famouse" among his friends, he was becoming a knight...but he had a sudden stop (a war) He start to feel in a way unknown before that moment, he started to feel loved by God...
It could seem to you a simple story, but I can say to you (no reason to lie) I feel loved too by God. In my life I had some periods in which I felt doubtful and I went a little far away from Church and - I tried - also far from God, but... but - could you belive me? - each time the Holy Person of Jesus recall me with infinite patience and love. My life has no-sense without Him, I'm not particularly holy, but when one mmets God he cannot resist! I'm not a nun too, I want to marry, as soon as possible, and have children.
Well, you asked about my thesis, it's on Aristotle. I chose the historical course of degree in Philosophy. I "met" every types of agnosticism or atheism...I'm still a catholic going to Church and -above all- beliving in God...
I hope I didn't bore you,
[Francesco teachs: every christian has to be happy! Our lives were saved...we must be joyluf!
see you,
Antonella

Pudding, it's hard to explain, but it's a feeling that I get that I know that spirits are around. I don't believe it's something that you can find in a book. Part could be my upbringing? It's just always been a part of me.

Willy, I think if I went to a church like the one you go to, I might not have run away as fast as my feet could carry me. I'm glad the minister says, "his interpretation." I always had a problem with saying it was "God's word," and people saying that God talks to them. I wondered why he didn't talk to me too.

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Gaol, Dilseachd, Cairdeas

[pudding450]

Becca, I have read many books to get different points of view to see if any hit home, I think your right when you say it has always been a part of you. We talked before abouy religion being pushed upon us, so I don't think its that or I would believe in something also......

Willy your church does sound very open and receiving of everyboby, and it seems that you could go just to hear a point of view that almost everyone could agree with.......

Anto, I knew you did not mean that I did not understand because of ignorance, but because I have never experienced what you have. My husband has always told me that I live like the bible tells you to. My husband was raised catholic like you, but does not believe in his religion, his choice is a god of energy, not male or female. I have thought about that concept also but things just seen too fer fetched to me, Depak Chopra has some interesting books which I have read, and they are similar too what my husbanb believes, I guess I just have to wait and see what happens.......Is your thesis on Aristotle almost complete? or are you just starting?
No your point of view is interesting to me not boring. Who knows soneone might just say something to convince me or give another point of view for me to think about.







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pudding

so put on a happy face....