Thief
Rogue Theologian
hope
I see billions of people and heaven is seeking a reflection of itself.....in us
with so many to choose from.....why choose out of mediocrity?
I hope to be one of the few
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I'd Like an Argument, Please
- Thread starter Spockrates
- Start date
I see billions of people and heaven is seeking a reflection of itself.....in us
with so many to choose from.....why choose out of mediocrity?
I hope to be one of the few
Spluh!
Thief
Rogue Theologian
Kelly of the Phoenix
Well-Known Member
Because one can try to follow Jesus instead of focusing entirely on denominations conjured up by others, especially those in the last few hundred years or so.
Amen!
The latter, of course.
Gleesh!
Thief
Rogue Theologian
is that gleesh.....as in.....gee wiz get a life?
or just knock it off and go take a nap?
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
Actually its the past participle of Glish which means meds worn off
In ordinary parlance is usually used in its interrogative form.
Thief
Rogue Theologian
I just took a sleeping pillActually its the past participle of Glish which means meds worn off
I think I will just go take a nap
It's an Amy Wongism (Futurama).
Demonslayer
Well-Known Member
Right, hope of heaven that's my list of one. For those who are particularly fearful of their eventual not-being, religion provides the (false) promise of always-being.
What else we got?
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
That is one thing to ask. Should afterlife be a concern of religion in any way?
It seems to me that belief in an afterlife does not require a religion, nor does religion require a belief in an afterlife.
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
It's normally used in the coercive sense to get the individual to suck up aspects of a given religion they might find unpalatable. It's a cosmic hedge bet. The proverbial dangling carrot. It's always a safe claim because no one can prove any assumptions about a so-called "afterlife" wrong. It's really little more than a bastardization of the psychology of reward and punishment. There is nothing to lose in any religion making such claims. A total win/win. Plus it adds several nice pages to the full colour marketing brochures.
In all fairness, relying on afterlife scenarios simply highlights how little a given religion truly has to offer. Those that place a strong emphasis on an afterlife, be that an eternity bowing and scraping before the object of their adoration or being surrounded by 72 rather angry Virginians, know that their bold claims can never be disputed and they need only play the faith card to support their claims. It's a great way to sell a religion that is years past its expiration date because the claim cannot be debunked in any definitive way.
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Unveiled Artist
Veteran Member
I have two views on this: one with a denomination and one without.
You are still Christian regardless which you choose.
I find a benefit for Christians to be in a denomination because when they find one they are comfortable with it let's that person be with others in the body of Christ. Since that is what it is meant by finding a church-you are finding the body of Christ. "Where there is more than one, I am here" type of thing.
With that said, I don't see denominations in and of itself bad. For a more flexible set of denominations, I'd probably say go to a non-denomination church. Find a smaller rather than those mega churches and possibly talk with the pastor about your questions.
That's if you like community, studying, and being with like-believers. A lot of liturgical denominations help not just doing worship hour but they (if you find the right liturgical church) really help you grow deep into your faith.
Another than about picking denominations, there is no perfect body of Christ. In any faith and views within it there will be new and/or challenging teachings that believer may need to be motivated to understand--especially if they know it is part of their faith but they can't find a way to accept it. That's normal.
For example, I don't believe in gods but Buddhism has a pletheroa of gods. I don't believe in shaping religious teachings so they can mess with my poetic brain; but, in The Buddha always talked in analogy, so that's how I understand the gods is through analogy.
I am learning to be more comfortable with things that are either foreign to me or I just plan do not get.
Same with denominational teachings.
On the flip side,
Why do you need a denomination to walk your faith? The body of Christ is everywhere; you don't need to be a part of a congregation to come together in Christ. That, and what type of nature do you have? Is it more spontaneous or disciplined? Maybe finding a denomination is going against how you naturally live your faith. Kind of like containing it in a box because others tell you to do so.
As for other religions, you said you are Christian. Why or what about Christianity that you adhere to that may make you want to turn from a religion that, in my opinion, should be your life? How do you change realities?
It is certainly disappointing to notice the frequency with which barely disguised threatening is presented as a "reason to believe".
Religion should accept being so... pointless.
Demonslayer
Well-Known Member
I think the two are commonly associated no? I mean most people with religion believe in a soul and an afterlife. The major religions that most people fall under broadcast their version of heaven/nirvana, and typically explain to followers how to get to this place.
On the other hand, how many atheists do you know that believe in an afterlife?
I'm not saying religion is required to believe in an afterlife, or that all religious people believe in an afterlife, but the two are tied up pretty intimately aren't they?
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
The concept of winners and losers was around long before Donald Trump started belching on and on and on and on... about it.
The association certainly exists. I don't know how to tell whether it is common. I do know that I very much find it unhealthy, particularly when it is given any emphasis. All the more when it is taken as a literal truth.
There are a few. It is not a healthy belief for us, either.
Gosh, I sure hope not. Religious is supposed to be worthy and healthy.