I thinking of becoming religious

Originally posted by whodey
So you seem to be saying that we have freedom by making up our own rules.

Not necessarily. You argue later in your post that we "all innately know that we are to live by the golden rule".

So surely if we follow our own religion and we are honest with ourselves then the "golden rule" would be a component of every bodies personal religion would it not? And we would not be 'making it up'.

Originally posted by twhitehead
Not necessarily. You argue later in your post that we "all innately know that we are to live by the golden rule".

So surely if we follow our own religion and we are honest with ourselves then the "golden rule" would be a component of every bodies personal religion would it not? And we would not be 'making it up'.

Ah yes, the Christless Christianity. Of course, if you think that you can deliver yourself from what ails ya and don't need supernatural intervention for anything at any point, simply because you got it all under control, then I suppose it will work for ya!!

According to Christ, however, whoever the Son sets free is free indeed!! According to him, sin enslaves us and, therefore, we need him to set us free from time to time. Of course, ultimately sin brings death so I guess you will be on your own there as well. 😉

I thinking of becoming religious
What advice can the panel give please?
I'm not sure thinking is sufficient. Get involved, participate. Find a religious community and see if you feel like you belong. If not, try another, and so on until you find one that suits or you decide against the idea.

Originally posted by divegeester
Actually no. I am interested in viewpoints and suggestions as we all are.

And it took you 15 days to go from thinking of giving up religion to thinking about becoming religious? You may be interested in something, but I doubt its anyone's viewpoint.

Originally posted by rwingett
And it took you 15 days to go from thinking of giving up religion to thinking about becoming religious? You may be interested in something, but I doubt its anyone's viewpoint.

Don't be obtuse. The two positions are obviously there to create discussion.

If you are interested in a more personal exchange them pm me and I will be happy to discuss my personal views with you.

Originally posted by whodey
Ah yes, the Christless Christianity.

No, a Christianity-less religion. You said that the rule of 'love your neighbor' was one we all know innately and thus Christianity cannot claim to own such a rule.

Of course, if you think that you can deliver yourself from what ails ya and don't need supernatural intervention for anything at any point, simply because you got it all under control, then I suppose it will work for ya!!
I simply don't think the term 'supernatural' has any valid meaning.

According to Christ, however, whoever the Son sets free is free indeed!! According to him, sin enslaves us and, therefore, we need him to set us free from time to time.
And according to others, there are other needs etc. However, you have not yet actually given any reason for believing that Christ was right or that his message is more believable than say Mohammed's.

Of course, ultimately sin brings death so I guess you will be on your own there as well. 😉
And of course, ultimately, by 'death' you mean 'eternal punishment in hell'. But of course you cannot explain what that is all about or why I should be punished, or what the punishment achieves. You just announce "this is how it is because the Bible tells me so".

Originally posted by generalissimo
if you're going to be christian, choose catholicism.

Amen.

Originally posted by twhitehead
[b]No, a Christianity-less religion. You said that the rule of 'love your neighbor' was one we all know innately and thus Christianity cannot claim to own such a rule.

I never said that it owned such a rule. I merely said that it points to it as the golden rule within all of our hearts. In addition, it is a guide to how to deal with mankind when we break this rule, which we all have.

Catholicism : Amen & amen! Where else can you get the Eucharist? The body of Christ .... (John 6) To whom else should we go?

Originally posted by whodey
I never said that it owned such a rule.

You implied it when you assumed that the rule alone makes a 'Christless Christianity.'

In addition, it is a guide to how to deal with mankind when we break this rule, which we all have.
I don't understand. I guide to whom?

Originally posted by divegeester
What advice can the panel give please?

I would ask you instead of becoming religious give your life over to Christ.

Originally posted by RBHILL
I would ask you instead of becoming religious give your life over to Christ.

... In Religion.

Originally posted by divegeester
What advice can the panel give please?

I wouldn't have thought this is something you decide. I'm not religious, but I was brought up by a religious parent so I've got some experience with the notion.
I would guess your 'religiousness' develops either because of your upbringing - that is, your parents and family were also religious - or because of some sort of 'revelatory' experience you have.
I wouldn't think you can just one day get up and decide ... 'hmmm, I think I'll become religious today.'

Originally posted by daniel58
Amen.

you're an embarrassment.

Originally posted by generalissimo
you're an embarrassment.

Are you embarrassed yet?