Gatekeeper
Shades of Reason
I still believe in G-d. Although not the G-d described in scripture. Most will call my version of G-d idolatry. I say if I'm wrong, I don't want to be right. It is very difficult to deprogram ones self from many years of indoctrination. I think many (Obviously) do come to the point where they question the 'status quo', however. I myself believe this to be the beginning of true understanding. If we do not question, then we cannot gain further insight. Indeed, doubt is one of the strongest tools for learning, imo.
Many atheist shun me, just as most Christians shun me. I'm kinda in the middle right now. I believe in G-d, but I fall short of believing in the the G-d described in scripture. He seems far too angry, and merciless, and mean, and blood thirsty to be real in my mind. Even so, I have somehow held on to a belief in something greater than myself. I think ones theology is useless in the grand scheme of things. I myself believe that a persons condition of heart is what matters most.
I have realized that my actions and attitudes effects the whole of society in one way or another. When I seek peace, and when I am mindful of my attitude and actions, I always seem to fair better then when I'm not. I try to show a degree of love for all people. I do so because I know we are all pretty much the same. We all have our hardships, we all make mistakes, we all suffer, and we are all in this life together.
With all that being said, I admire Jesus for what He did, and for His words, and for His passion for humanity. I somehow believe that He was touched by G-d in that He lived a lifestyle few of us could ever live. (G-ds Son? I certainly think so) I believe He loved G-d, and I also believe He loved us. He did however show a temper, and He rebuked many harshly. If Jesus were here today, He would most certainly rebuke many of the fundamentalists, evangelists, and many other self proclaiming Christians on this earth. They [IMO] are much like the Scribes, and Pharisees in our modern world. "Let He who is w/o sin cast the first stone"
How many Christians pick up the stone of judgment then bludgeon over the head those whom don't adhere to their personal theology? How many are willing to simply live and let live? How many show love, and compassion to all people? How many are mindful of what they themselves do? Instead of getting our own house in order, we so often take out their anger, and resentment, and bitterness, and hate on those who view things differently than we do. I don't know, I'm very frustrated with Christianity, and religion in general, and even more frustrated with myself. I know what I ought to do, but it is difficult to just let others be who they are without my personal judgments getting the best of me.
I follow Jesus in as much as He told me to love even my enemy. I personally believe love is the answer to the worlds problems, and also the answer to the condition of humanity. The problem is that very view value love above themselves, and their own desires. That is why we have such a screwed up world. It is a result of selfish desire, lack of mindfulness, and lack of love/compassion for those we share this world with. I do think that many are growing past our need to be right, however. I think there are many whom have realized the kingdom within. Maybe this will be true for me one day?
Can anyone else relate?
GK
Many atheist shun me, just as most Christians shun me. I'm kinda in the middle right now. I believe in G-d, but I fall short of believing in the the G-d described in scripture. He seems far too angry, and merciless, and mean, and blood thirsty to be real in my mind. Even so, I have somehow held on to a belief in something greater than myself. I think ones theology is useless in the grand scheme of things. I myself believe that a persons condition of heart is what matters most.
I have realized that my actions and attitudes effects the whole of society in one way or another. When I seek peace, and when I am mindful of my attitude and actions, I always seem to fair better then when I'm not. I try to show a degree of love for all people. I do so because I know we are all pretty much the same. We all have our hardships, we all make mistakes, we all suffer, and we are all in this life together.
With all that being said, I admire Jesus for what He did, and for His words, and for His passion for humanity. I somehow believe that He was touched by G-d in that He lived a lifestyle few of us could ever live. (G-ds Son? I certainly think so) I believe He loved G-d, and I also believe He loved us. He did however show a temper, and He rebuked many harshly. If Jesus were here today, He would most certainly rebuke many of the fundamentalists, evangelists, and many other self proclaiming Christians on this earth. They [IMO] are much like the Scribes, and Pharisees in our modern world. "Let He who is w/o sin cast the first stone"
How many Christians pick up the stone of judgment then bludgeon over the head those whom don't adhere to their personal theology? How many are willing to simply live and let live? How many show love, and compassion to all people? How many are mindful of what they themselves do? Instead of getting our own house in order, we so often take out their anger, and resentment, and bitterness, and hate on those who view things differently than we do. I don't know, I'm very frustrated with Christianity, and religion in general, and even more frustrated with myself. I know what I ought to do, but it is difficult to just let others be who they are without my personal judgments getting the best of me.
I follow Jesus in as much as He told me to love even my enemy. I personally believe love is the answer to the worlds problems, and also the answer to the condition of humanity. The problem is that very view value love above themselves, and their own desires. That is why we have such a screwed up world. It is a result of selfish desire, lack of mindfulness, and lack of love/compassion for those we share this world with. I do think that many are growing past our need to be right, however. I think there are many whom have realized the kingdom within. Maybe this will be true for me one day?
Can anyone else relate?
GK