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4 people online in the last 60 minutes - 0 Canucks, 0 Canucks In Hiding and 4 Visiting Canucks. (Most ever was 233 at 09:22:13 Fri Sep 21 2007) |
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jessiebabe I'm Asleep  1605 posts    
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As Debbey mentioned that she doesn't like us taking the threads off-topic, I thought I'd start a new thread for this.
Well, I would say that Orthodox Judaism, Christian Fundamentalism, and Muslim Fundamentalism are all forms of 'organized religion' ~ and those branches tend to have heavy emphasis on following rules and such. While Christian Fundamentalists claim that all you have to do to be 'saved' is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Personal Saviour, it actually goes far deeper than that. They say that you're not allowed to do things like look at porn, masturbate, or have pre-marital sex. Now I have my own personal reasons for opposing porn, but I'm not going to condemn other people who like looking at it. As for what my own personal beliefs are, I used to say that I was a Progressive Christian. However, now I would say that my beliefs lean more towards Esoteric Christianity. Progressive Christians tend to read the Bible in a very figurtive sense - and they tend to deny the validity of the miracles that are mentioned in the Bible. As far as for how the earth formed, I don't really have any strong opinion on that. For the most part, I probably believe in theistic evolution - although I do believe it's possible that Adam and Ever might have existed. As far as the Great Flood goes, many cultures and religions have their own variations of the Great Flood story, so I probably lean more towards believing that the Noah's Ark story is a bit localized. As far as Jesus goes, I do believe that Mary was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and a virgin at the time of Jesus' conception. I believe in the Bethlehem story, and I believe that Jesus performed many miracles in His lifetime. I believe in the death and resurrection, too. So I do believe in much of the supernatural aspects of the Bible. What I don't believe, though, is that accepting Jesus is the only way of being 'saved' - or that God cares what we do in our personal time, as long as we don't harm others.
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CanuckYank I'm Asleep 1930 posts   Mood Now: 
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There's one thing I'm wondering. Isn't there a difference between spirituality and mysticism? Like spirituality is just having a relationship with God without all the rules and rituals of organized religion. While mysticism focuses more on the metaphysical and getting closer to God? Does anyone know?
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Emily_Garfunkel  I'm Asleep 6565 posts  Mood Now: 
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I know lots of people who consider themselves to be 'spiritual but not religious'. That's where I lean myself, although my beliefs do still lean Christian. I know many Fundies go on about Christianity is not a religion, it's a relationship. Yet it is them who go on about all kinds of rules that we have to follow in order to be 'saved', even though they claim that it's as simple as saying the 'sinner's prayer' and accepting Jesus Christ into your heart. Of course, I believe that we all have a duty to follow the golden rule, which is to treat other people the same way we would like to be treated. All the rules that concern 'sexual morality' and other stuff should be a thing of personal choice, though.
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debbey  I'm Asleep 4646 posts    Mood Now: 
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I think many say they are Spiritual.. and really don't know what it is
 Spirituality is Faith in The Divine.. There are 2 steps to God... *Angels* and Jesus Christ... Jesus is King of Angels and sits beside God... *Angels* are Messengers from God.. as The New Testament (Christian Bible)... Letter to The Hebrews... (Hebrews) the letter tells.. Prophets (God talks through Prophets in the Old Testament).. have been replaced by *Angels*... *Angels* have brought News of the Son (The Messiah) messenger from God... Jesus is someone for *Angels* to worship as the Son is the radiance of God's Glory the exact representation of His being... Jesus rose from his Crusifixtion as the Holy Spirit of God.. and delivers His messages through *Angels* This is why I don't mind telling you, I am of the United Church of Canada... as... Rev Dr. Malcom Sinclair's constant reminder to me is to step outside of The Text.. The New Testament.. is mostly 'Theory'.. it's not a 'historical reference' of Jesus' Life.. although, Jesus' Teachings are recorded in the New Testament and the Writer's are perhaps, theorizing the birth of The Christ.. another reminder from Dr Sinclair... You have to step outside of The Story.. Mary - The Virgin... it's theory.. Think out of The Story and when does the 'soul or spirit' enter the baby? All we can do is theorize... So think about this... to the Writer's of the Time.. and not knowing of Spirituality... could Jesus have been the Chosen Spirit? or *Angel* deemed King? I only started reading The Bible in the last few months... and it's really only when I am questioning my thoughts... which really, I have no clue where these thoughts come from or do I? I will say... Jesus listens, Jesus' Love is Pure and Unconditional Cheers!  ps: Merry Christmas! on this day of the birth of The Christ.. God Bless us All.. 
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TragicallyHipper  I'm Asleep 7322 posts  Mood Now: 
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Maybe the phrase 'spiritual but not religious' does get thrown around a bit loosely. I think what they usually mean is they don't subscribe to any of the established religions, but they do still feel a spiritual connection to God - or, at least, they are open to the idea that God could make a personal affect on our lives. It's also distinct from deism, which is the belief that God created the universe - and then stepped back and just let everything take its course. I think Christian Mysticism or Esoteric Christianity is the belief that focuses on having a personal relationship with Jesus, without all the rules and regulations of Christian Fundamentalism. I'm not sure if I'm being clear about this - as it's kinda hard to explain.
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canadabound  I'm Asleep 1030 posts  
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I respect other people's beliefs, as long as they don't try to push them ontome.
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jimbo9 I'm Asleep 12277 posts  Mood Now: 
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Inner faith would describe the nature of my beliefs.
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jessiebabe I'm Asleep 1605 posts
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Esoteric Christianity is distinct from Evangelical Christianity ~ because, contrary to what Evangelical Christians may say, they do focus so much on what you can or can't do. They go on about how 'it's not a religion, it's a relationship with Christ' ~ then they'll tell you how to dress, what music to listen to, what to watch, how to vote, and they'll make judgements of your salvation based on stuff like that ~ in spite of the fact that they claim that all you have to do to be 'saved' is to say the sinner's prayer and accept Christ into your heart. Esoteric Christianity, on the other hand, focuses more on having a relationship with Jesus Christ and getting in tough with your inner spirituality - and not so much on what you should or should not do.
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TragicallyHipper I'm Asleep 7322 posts Mood Now:
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I think 'inner spirituality' is the very term that separates Esoteric Christianity from Orthodox Christianity. You would never hear practicioners of the latter use that term. In fact, they would most likely denounce the former as 'occultic'. As far as people who call themselves 'spiritual but not religious', the protagonist of Judy Blume's 'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret!' would probably describe herself as such. Throughout the book, she does some soul seeking - and, at the end, she decides that neither Judaism or Christianity is for her. She did seem to have a somewhat casual relationship with God. She would not be a Deist, because Deists do not talk to God - as they believe that God just created the universe, and then stepped aside. However, I think Esoteric Christianity focuses on much deeper form of spirituality then the SBNR types usually do.
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debbey I'm Asleep 4646 posts Mood Now:
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Yes, I guess you are right... in regards to people who say 'Spiritual'.. TragicallyHipper that's very good reference to use 'Are You There, God?'...
I have never read this book.. I have only read, that a few of you have read it I think, people also say... I am Athiest or Spiritual.. as both are non-denominational.. and like you say people have their 'Faith'... it's 'personal Faith'... which in some ways is good.. they don't feel the need to be part of any denomination or read The Bible or to even discuss their 'Faith' Which basically is the way I was... This forum...  look at all the change... One thing I have never minded saying... I am of The United Church.. even when I was a little kid... I have always taken Pride in being apart of this Church.. Lately, last 6 months + or so I have been reflecting trying to figure out if this is because of my Church or my parents.. My mom was very Spiritual and my dad to a certain extent.. although my dad always seemed prophetic to me.. and my mom believed in *Angels*...I guess, I have never felt intimidated by my Church... They don't push anything on us... although, lately, since that day sitting on the Beach was the beginning of a personal relationship with Jesus... I can't really explain all of this.. If you go back to the 'Removing God from Society' topic in Inspirational... that day sitting on the Beach... I did say a Prayer for all of you... and asked God for the wisdom to be able help you with all your struggles in regards to being American... and your struggles with 'Faith'... and now I am trying to figure out when Jesus became so predominant in my life... lately and sort of... I mean where do all my inspiring thoughts of Jesus come from?.. when I think about it ... I guess, it was the work assignment I had... when I greeted Rabbis... Imagine that... Feeling a big sense of Jesus around Jews... that's a little over a year ago.. and it just keeps building... into little stories... It's very fascinating for me... I have never been an overly religious person as I have said quite a few times.. I love going to Church for the social and for Spiritual Expression... I am able to put my thoughts into words... Today, I have to go to my friend from Church's.... Celebration of Graham's Life Service... God Bless.. Enjoy The Day! Cheers!
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AprilWineChick  I'm Asleep 7847 posts  Mood Now: 
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Conservative Catholism does have some things in common with Evangelical Christianity, with all their rules and rites to follow. The difference is, though, Conservative Cathilics at least admit that 'actions are just as important as faith' - even if I don't entirely agree. That's why I'm looking more into liberal Catholicism.
 BTW, read my PM and my post in 'Does It Really Matter...'
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TragicallyHipper I'm Asleep 7322 posts Mood Now:
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Well, it is nice to have other people to discuss your faith with - but spirituality should be a personal thing. I think all of us should follow the Golden Rule - treating other people the same way you want to be treated - because it makes the most sense, and a little bit of kindness does go a long ways. If we all work together, we can make this world a better place. As far as for rules that dictate personal hobbies and interests, nobody should pass any judgements there. As long as nobody is being harmed, just leave it be.
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debbey I'm Asleep 4646 posts Mood Now:
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I am going to be a little busy for the next little while..
What do you all think of the concept of 'Soul Mates'... You are not too young to start to think in this direction... Take your mind off of fantasy and into reality... so to speak and also, I have 3 'Text' to 'Ponder' and 'Reflect' upon.. and write about.. Also, today, at our Writer's Guild Meeting at Church... held in the Library... There was a book that jumped out at me and captured my interest... 'Soul Mates' ~ Honouring the Mysteries of Love and Relationship.. I don't know if I really ever bought into 'Soul Mate' as such... I guess, I have spent a lot of time 'alone' so.... I guess, I have become rather shy in regards to one on one love... or deep love.. Well there have been a 'few moments' where I think there has been a spark... but... I am still alone.. Anyway, maybe it's just lack of confidence within... that makes me think that there isn't........ I will let you know what I think after reading Cheers!
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AprilWineChick I'm Asleep 7847 posts Mood Now:
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I think a soul mate is someone that you are spiritually connected to. It could be possibnle to have more than one, I think - and it doesn't necessarily have to be a romantic interest. It's an interesting topic. I'll have to study more on this.
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debbey I'm Asleep 4646 posts Mood Now:
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Yes! AprilWineChick...
This is sort of along my the same line of my thoughts.. 'SoulMate' someone you may feel a 'Spiritual Bond' to... and generally speaking... someone who 'grips your soul'... and if it's someone who is a non relative...it's a 'deep love'... and should evolve into 'relationship'... Anyway, I haven't had time to read the book.. and have just started.. tinkering with MySpace and my own page a little bit Anyway! Enjoy the day!  Cheers!
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jimbo9 I'm Asleep 12277 posts Mood Now:
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to recognize that karma; could be a year or even a day. You hope the other person reciprocates.
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AprilWineChick I'm Asleep 7847 posts Mood Now:
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In a way, Hallie may be a soulmate of a sort. We often share dreams.
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jimbo9 I'm Asleep 12277 posts Mood Now:
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thats another good definition of one.
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debbey I'm Asleep 4646 posts Mood Now:
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Hmmmm! OH YEAH! What happens and do you think it's possible if there is more than one person?... In my case there are/was 2... both of the opposite sex... one is sort of a friend... definitely a really good acquaintence.. and the other...  Anyway, all part of 'Life's Mysteries' Cheers!
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jimbo9 I'm Asleep 12277 posts Mood Now:
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If it was meant to be ; will happen-sometimes with a kick in the butt to that other person!! LOL Make sense?
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