New Guy...Have some Deep Questions..

[Sola'lor]

Ok well heres my story. My name is Cory and im 19 years old. As a little kid i was brought up as a baptist and went to church every sunday. As i got older, i stopped going, but would still consider myself a baptist. Well up until about 2 years ago, i started to question my faith and what i believed. Well now im just lost and want to here some answers, now i understand that some of my questions are very wide spread and may not be able to be answered.

Welcome. It's good to have new people. I'm glad you have question about your faiuth and I hope you may find your answers. Though I'm not sure how much these forums are going to help. There are so many different views most people stick to what they already believe. But that's not to say you wont learn anything. Just have fun.

Here are some of my questions. If there is only one god that is the creater of the earth, does that mean that every other religion that believes in something else is wrong?

I believe that there is only one religion that contains 100% of the truth and authority to perform ordinances necesary for salvation. I don't think other religions are wrong or bad. They just don't contain the fullness of the truth. They contan parts of it. I don't think God rejects these people either. God loves all people and will bless them according to the understanding they have. Most religions bring people to God and help them to be better people. The people in those religions are for the most part good honest truth seeking people. There's nothing bad or wrong about that.

If we are ALL god's children, why are there different races and different religions?

Well if you look at another thread some will argue that race is the result of society and has nothing to do with genetically similar groups. But I think genetic variation comes from environmental adaptation for the most part and isn't related to our status as God's children. Different religions come from the willingness of people to listen to the truth. Also peoples understanding of the truth. I also believe God will reveal things at the level of understanding of the people that the religion was revealed to. There are lots of other factors as to why there are different religions and not all of them good.

How accurate is the bible??

I think it's fairly accurate but I don't think it is 100% accurate or literal.

If it was originally written over 2000 years ago, and written in (hebrew?) and the english language isn't even that old, how was it translated to be read the exact way it was meant to be?? To me it would be like playing a game of telephone...by the time the story got back to you, its going to have changed in some way.

This is an excellent point. I don't believe the Bible is the complete word of God. It contains many truths and helps us come closer to God. It is a historical record that while not perfect helps us know of God' relationship with humanity. We shuold learn as much as we can from it but know that it isn't perfect. But what you want to believe is true or literal is up to you. That's another reason why there are so many religions, people's personal interpretations.

Also, how come all these biblical stories of people who had visions or talked to god, and miracles such as the parting of the red sea never happens today?

Because this is how God communicates to His prophets. And it actually does happen today. Maybe not parting a sea. But how would parting a sea help people in our times?

 

[Autodidact]

You'll have to exucse me quote whole paragraphs.. I'm am new and not sure how to do otherwise.

I must say that just being "good" will not do any good come judgement day. God sent his only son to die for OUR SINS... he was the one perferct sacrifice without spot or blemish. We must be forgiven of our sins here.. and then live holy and righteous.
Sin will not enter heaven.

Don't you find that it saves a huge amount of time and trouble when God sends his one chosen prophet to clear everything up for you? Now, how to tell whether some anonymous guy on the internet is God's chosen prophet...that's a little more difficult.

 

[ABLATT]

Don't you find that it saves a huge amount of time and trouble when God sends his one chosen prophet to clear everything up for you? Now, how to tell whether some anonymous guy on the internet is God's chosen prophet...that's a little more difficult.

Everyone that is saved are God's ambassadors.
The fact that I just happened to come online is my own doing.
And I'm not an anonymous guy...

 

[Autodidact]

Everyone that is saved are God's ambassadors.
The fact that I just happened to come online is my own doing.
And I'm not an anonymous guy...

And how do we know whether you are saved? Since you violate God's laws regularly, without even being aware of it, let alone repenting, it seems very unlikely. Are you not guy?

 

[ABLATT]

And how do we know whether you are saved? Since you violate God's laws regularly, without even being aware of it, let alone repenting, it seems very unlikely. Are you not guy?

I have been forgiven of my sins.. therefore I am saved.
I don't violate any commandments in God's word.

Nope, female.

 

[Autodidact]

I have been forgiven of my sins.. therefore I am saved.
I don't violate any commandments in God's word.

How do you know you're forgiven? Don't you have to wait to die to find out? What about the sins you haven't acknowledged, are you forgiven of them too?
Is there any possibility you might be mistaken in your understanding of those laws?

Hmmm, so you don't think that Christians are bound by the purity laws in Leviticus? Then why do you call homosexuality an abomination?

Nope, female.

My apologies for the incorrect assumption.
Do you wear pants?

 

[islam means peace]

Surely there is no God but Allah as the Holy quran clearly say surah al-akhlas

"Say: He is Allah, the One and Only!
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not nor is He begotten.
And there is none like unto Him."we all are the creation of Allah (GOD) .

why people are divided into different groups the answer to this is

All mighty Allah (GOD) has send several messenger to guide us. infact the message of all the messenger is the same that" we have to worship only Allah"
the difference is just because that as the passage of time people make changes in
there religion just for their own interest and for getting little benefits in this world.


How accurate is the bible what we believe is that Prophet Eisa (may Allah be pleased with him) is the prophet of Al-mighty Allah. And the book reveled on him Injeel (now christen call it bible) what we believe is that Injeel in surely the word of Allah (GOD) just as we believe in Holy Quran as the word of Allah we believe Injeel as the work of Allah. but the curtly bible is not that Injeel which was originally revealed to Prophet Eisa (may Allah be please with him) .

The only book which is now in pure form is the Holy Quran.the other book like Taureet revealed on Prophit Mausa (may allah be pleased with him), Zabbor on Prophet Dawwod (may Allah be please with him), Injeel on prophot Eissa (may Allah be pleased with him) an others are changed by their people and even the language which they are reveled in not currently present.

As a Muslim we believe in all the Prophets and Book reveled but the Holy Quran is the only book which is present in its pure form as Al-mightly Allah has taken the responsibility by himself to keep it pure so for about 1400 years there is not a single word change in the Holy quran.

What i suggest you to study the Islam , Read the Holy Quran , you will find all of your answerers and your mind will be in peace.

If you want any help from me please feel free to ask, I am happy to answer your any question.

 

[islam means peace]

Surely there is no God but Allah as the Holy quran clearly say surah al-akhlas

"Say: He is Allah, the One and Only!
Allah, the Eternal, Absolute;
He begetteth not nor is He begotten.
And there is none like unto Him."we all are the creation of Allah (GOD) .

why people are divided into different groups the answer to this is

All mighty Allah (GOD) has send several messenger to guide us. infact the message of all the messenger is the same that" we have to worship only Allah"
the difference is just because that as the passage of time people make changes in
there religion just for their own interest and for getting little benefits in this world.


How accurate is the bible what we believe is that Prophet Eisa (may Allah be pleased with him) is the prophet of Al-mighty Allah. And the book reveled on him Injeel (now christen call it bible) what we believe is that Injeel in surely the word of Allah (GOD) just as we believe in Holy Quran as the word of Allah we believe Injeel as the work of Allah. but the curtly bible is not that Injeel which was originally revealed to Prophet Eisa (may Allah be please with him) .

The only book which is now in pure form is the Holy Quran.the other book like Taureet revealed on Prophit Mausa (may allah be pleased with him), Zabbor on Prophet Dawwod (may Allah be please with him), Injeel on prophot Eissa (may Allah be pleased with him) an others are changed by their people and even the language which they are reveled in not currently present.

As a Muslim we believe in all the Prophets and Book reveled but the Holy Quran is the only book which is present in its pure form as Al-mightly Allah has taken the responsibility by himself to keep it pure so for about 1400 years there is not a single word change in the Holy quran.

What i suggest you to study the Islam , Read the Holy Quran , you will find all of your answerers and your mind will be in peace.

If you want any help from me please feel free to ask, I am happy to answer your any question.

 

[Charity]

Im also not THAT familiar with the bible, ive read parts of it and didn't really understand it, kind of like reading shakespeare. I've read basically about revelations and the raptures. and the basic stuff you learn as a kid.

Welcome to the Forum and I hope you find the answers you are looking for. There are many different beliefs here, you will probably find something to fit exactly what you want, that depends on you and your convictions. I'm sure just about anyone will be willing to share their view with you.

Actually the Bible is not that hard to understand, but you may need something that makes it even more simplified like a NIV version. I like reading several versions and interchanging them.

Since the book of Revelation is dealing with a lot of prophecy, it would help if you started with the basic Bible history and work your way through. Also you mentioned that you read "the raptures". The word rapture is not in the Bible, it is a term used by man referring to Christ's return.
Don't let your self be confused by different opinions, to your own self be true. Only you know what you feel in your heart....It's up to you

Wishing you the Best
Charity

 

[tigger]

Being a young person myself (21) I found myself asking the same questions. I remained active in my church and I loved the people that were there... However I just had to know for myself, the 20's are a decade of decision and I felt I needed to decide then where I standed with God, whether I was going to be a devote Christian or a claimed Christian... I have always believed in God but I didn't know how that would affect my life. I decided to make it more of an act of faith rather than looking for evidences because being somewhat familiar with the stories of the scriptures it never seems like God gives you evidence, He works more through faith. So I really commited myself to finding the truth, and I felt I needed to try several things. I really focused on prayer and study of the Gospel, I applied the teachings in my life. God spoke with his children those days, and I know God will speak to us (maybe not literally but I can't deny the feelings I get concerning answers that I've recieved) and I recieved my answer. It's not easy being right, because there are thousands who want you to question what you feel is true. But once you've found the truth, that's all that really matters as long as you hold true to it for the remainer of your life.

I don't know if I'm saved, even though Christ paid for my sins it is up to me to continue on in my life striving to be more like Christ. I need to continue to read and study the scriptures. I need to continue to study the words of the Prophets and the other servants of God.

Religion isn't just going to church every Sunday or whenever, to me its a lifestyle and one that needs to be commited to for the remainder of your life. God wants obedient children, no matter who are. You just have to make sure you are following His rules and not ones made up by men.

 

[BruceDLimber]

Hi, Cory; welcome to the neighborhood!

It may interest you to see this passage from the Baha'i scriptures, which explain that ALL the great religions are in fact from God and part of a single Divine Plan!:

"That the divers communions of the earth, and the manifold systems of religious belief, should never be allowed to foster the feelings of animosity among men, is, in this Day, of the essence of the Faith of God and His Religion. These principles and laws, these firmly-established and mighty systems, have proceeded from one Source, and are rays of one Light. That they differ one from another is to be attributed to the varying requirements of the ages in which they were promulgated."

--(Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 13)


I wish you all the best, and good hunting!

Bruce

 

[Bishadi]

Here are some of my questions. If there is only one god that is the creater of the earth, does that mean that every other religion that believes in something else is wrong?

In a sense, yes!

Which means the truth can only operate in ONE fashion

If we are ALL god's children, why are there different races and different religions?

Culture and the ‘evolution of knowledge’. Even as a group may suggest evolution is untrue, the truth is even their knowledge is evolving and a perfect example of how faith’s diverge. See the Schism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East-West_Schism

How accurate is the bible??

Like a ‘national geographic’… the intent is fairly good but the wordings are misleading in some contexts based on the lack of certain knowledge.

If it was originally written over 2000 years ago, and written in (hebrew?) and the english language isn't even that old, how was it translated to be read the exact way it was meant to be??

The history of the bible has many opinions. As the story of Noah’s flood can be traced to back on stone tablets (Sumerian http://www.earth-history.com/Sumer/Clay-tablets.htm )

To me it would be like playing a game of telephone...by the time the story got back to you, its going to have changed in some way. Also, how come all these biblical stories of people who had visions or talked to god, and miracles such as the parting of the red sea never happens today? Im just at the point where i consider myself to be agnostic because im not sure what to believe. Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

Miracles are only ‘undescribed’ phenomenon; the truth is magic does not exist.

Talking to God is like talking to the mirror; god is never separate as ‘being’ the ‘beginning and ending’ or the alpha and omega, he is basically everything all at once; we live within existence; God; the total! Look around and speak to God any time you have a chance, and say thanks and that you’re happy to be alive.

So you want the truth in a nuts and bolts style; no fibs?

light is life. Electromagnetism is electric and magnetic field’s at perpendicular planes (a cross)… to follow the evolution of knowledge an identify that all life is based from ‘light upon mass’… then you will find.

Life: Purposed to continue as when 2 meet, if the association is ‘good’ the combination will live longer. If one, isolates and does for the self, least no consideration to the total, then bad; a loss to the common is imposed. We as consciousness are the only thing in existence that can ‘create’ a loss to the common by choice. Each person is capable of being the worst evil ever written but we all have that unique ability to see an occurrence and make ‘wise’ choices in compassion.

Be as a wave upon the pond. Learn and develop knowing that each choice is interacting you with existence; do good… and never be a loss to the common, bad.

This is what the truth (understanding) is all about!

Light is life. Sound familiar? Well now you can understand what it means.

The ‘new’ is here and it is you, (the younger generations) that will be able to begin the truth without any corruption of religion, government or institutional interference.

Are you ready to open up the truth?

 

[Kcnorwood]

Ok well heres my story. My name is Cory and im 19 years old. As a little kid i was brought up as a baptist and went to church every sunday. As i got older, i stopped going, but would still consider myself a baptist. Well up until about 2 years ago, i started to question my faith and what i believed. Well now im just lost and want to here some answers, now i understand that some of my questions are very wide spread and may not be able to be answered. (Also, Im not sure if this is where this thread belongs, If it needs to be moved, please feel free to do so) Here are some of my questions. If there is only one god that is the creater of the earth, does that mean that every other religion that believes in something else is wrong? If we are ALL god's children, why are there different races and different religions? How accurate is the bible?? If it was originally written over 2000 years ago, and written in (hebrew?) and the english language isn't even that old, how was it translated to be read the exact way it was meant to be?? To me it would be like playing a game of telephone...by the time the story got back to you, its going to have changed in some way. Also, how come all these biblical stories of people who had visions or talked to god, and miracles such as the parting of the red sea never happens today? Im just at the point where i consider myself to be agnostic because im not sure what to believe. Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

The best advice I can personally give you is to research these things yourself. Because if you don't you are going to get a LOT of very jaded anwsers. Take what everone here says with a grain of salt & go from there. I would not be surprised if you have already got some PM's from people on here....

 

[No0ne]

Ok well heres my story. My name is Cory and im 19 years old. As a little kid i was brought up as a baptist and went to church every sunday. As i got older, i stopped going, but would still consider myself a baptist. Well up until about 2 years ago, i started to question my faith and what i believed. Well now im just lost and want to here some answers, now i understand that some of my questions are very wide spread and may not be able to be answered. (Also, Im not sure if this is where this thread belongs, If it needs to be moved, please feel free to do so) Here are some of my questions. If there is only one god that is the creater of the earth, does that mean that every other religion that believes in something else is wrong? If we are ALL god's children, why are there different races and different religions? How accurate is the bible?? If it was originally written over 2000 years ago, and written in (hebrew?) and the english language isn't even that old, how was it translated to be read the exact way it was meant to be?? To me it would be like playing a game of telephone...by the time the story got back to you, its going to have changed in some way. Also, how come all these biblical stories of people who had visions or talked to god, and miracles such as the parting of the red sea never happens today? Im just at the point where i consider myself to be agnostic because im not sure what to believe. Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

Ask your self what you dont want to believe, therefore leaving you with the thing's that you are willing to believe, and from that you can make a choice of your own.

You must think what do you really need...do you really need to know the stories man has told within the bible to know the god that you believe? You dont have to go through man to know the god that you believe, just your self, and that one is needed.

Try not to define your self, by the thing's man has defined, for from a diffrent point of view, I would say your at a point of choice holding all the information, wondering which way to go with it, and thinking what to bring with you while you move down that way that you have picked, for that's not agnostic, just another person on this wild roler coaster called life, you just stoped and looked around... Will you still go on as is?

I insure you there are not meany other place's where you could go and everyone there would be willing to help you, church serve's as a "GOOD" function as that.

If you wish to make your own temple, treat it "GOODLY"

I'm sure like everyone els, you have alot of information, I wont tell you what you should do, for you allready know what you should do, just relax there's alot of track on your ride, And you will need...
1.Food
2.Water
3.Air
4.Shelter
5.Entertainment
6.Love
Those are the 6 group's that are flesh need's, for god will only want one of them from you...Ask your self this, Do you need to go where other men do to give that to god?

Dont buy god a birth day card..make your own...

 

[Charity]

No one knows for certain exactly how many mistakes there are in the Bible. The earliest attempt to figure that out took place in the early 1700s and listed about 30,000 mistakes based on a survey of 100 copies. Today, people have about 5300 copies of the New Testament to work with and those who study the mistakes estimate they number between 200,000 and 300,000.

Of course, most of those mistakes are not meaningful. Most are simple spelling errors where the intended word is clear. A few of them, though, are significant.

For instance, the phrase "born again" in the NT is almost certainly a term Jesus himself never used. Instead, it's most likely an addition. Instead of "born again", Jesus most likely meant "born from above" -- if he said it at all.

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (Jesus did speak these words)
Phil you know I'm always right :slap: (ha ha)

 

[Autodidact]

Being a young person myself (21) I found myself asking the same questions. I remained active in my church and I loved the people that were there... However I just had to know for myself, the 20's are a decade of decision and I felt I needed to decide then where I standed with God, whether I was going to be a devote Christian or a claimed Christian... I have always believed in God but I didn't know how that would affect my life. I decided to make it more of an act of faith rather than looking for evidences because being somewhat familiar with the stories of the scriptures it never seems like God gives you evidence, He works more through faith. So I really commited myself to finding the truth, and I felt I needed to try several things. I really focused on prayer and study of the Gospel, I applied the teachings in my life. God spoke with his children those days, and I know God will speak to us (maybe not literally but I can't deny the feelings I get concerning answers that I've recieved) and I recieved my answer. It's not easy being right, because there are thousands who want you to question what you feel is true. But once you've found the truth, that's all that really matters as long as you hold true to it for the remainer of your life.

I don't know if I'm saved, even though Christ paid for my sins it is up to me to continue on in my life striving to be more like Christ. I need to continue to read and study the scriptures. I need to continue to study the words of the Prophets and the other servants of God.

Religion isn't just going to church every Sunday or whenever, to me its a lifestyle and one that needs to be commited to for the remainder of your life. God wants obedient children, no matter who are. You just have to make sure you are following His rules and not ones made up by men.

So by assuming it was true you discovered that it was true? See the problem there? Why not assume that it isn't and see where that leads you? Or better yet, assume neither and try to figure it out.

 

[UnityNow101]

I have an idea. Throw away the books about God and throw out what anyone has ever told you about God. See what remains.....Does the same God remain or was your image of God always a reflection of someone else's ideas concerning a creator?

I agree with Autodidact. Go into the search with the impression that NONE of it is real and begin from there. If you go into it with an idea of what God should be, you will begin to justify any belief system and idea. Never be afraid to stand alone. It is the fear of what others will say that holds us back from truly finding out the truth in things.

 

[Ant0nio]

Ok well heres my story. My name is Cory and im 19 years old. As a little kid i was brought up as a baptist and went to church every sunday. As i got older, i stopped going, but would still consider myself a baptist. Well up until about 2 years ago, i started to question my faith and what i believed. Well now im just lost and want to here some answers, now i understand that some of my questions are very wide spread and may not be able to be answered. (Also, Im not sure if this is where this thread belongs, If it needs to be moved, please feel free to do so) Here are some of my questions. If there is only one god that is the creater of the earth, does that mean that every other religion that believes in something else is wrong? If we are ALL god's children, why are there different races and different religions? How accurate is the bible?? If it was originally written over 2000 years ago, and written in (hebrew?) and the english language isn't even that old, how was it translated to be read the exact way it was meant to be?? To me it would be like playing a game of telephone...by the time the story got back to you, its going to have changed in some way. Also, how come all these biblical stories of people who had visions or talked to god, and miracles such as the parting of the red sea never happens today? Im just at the point where i consider myself to be agnostic because im not sure what to believe. Any input would be awesome. Thanks!

All religions come from God. So they're all good.

Also, The biblical stories where people had visions and talked to God, and miracles still happen today, they just aren't talked about. If you want to know God and talk to God, I know the method to do this.

It will allow you to see the Light of God, and hear the Sound of God.

After some practice, you can visit heaven even!

 

[BucephalusBB]

If you want to know God and talk to God, I know the method to do this.

It will allow you to see the Light of God, and hear the Sound of God.

After some practice, you can visit heaven even!

Wait, you're talking about beer right?
(just kidding, you don't actually need to show me the way you have been talking about for 45 posts)

Also, The biblical stories where people had visions and talked to God, and miracles still happen today, they just aren't talked about.

People talk about every fart they let go, but not about miracles?? I don't believe that..

 

[Kcnorwood]

All religions come from God. So they're all good.

quote]


I don't think so...