Religion is a touchy subject. Most people feel strongly about their faith and can get very upset if that faith is questioned. I am sure that in my attempt to give my views on religion I will upset a lot of my readers. I do believe though that sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the big picture. Why do you believe what you believe? Do most religious leaders practice what they preach?
Most people get their faith from their parents and other family members. Those are the people we trust and especially as children we believe whatever they tell us. But is that reason enough to continue to believe things that in some cases just don't make sense. When you were younger your parents told you there was a Santa Claus but as you got older and more mature you realized that the dude doesn't exist. Of course my discussion will be based on Christianity. I know less about Islam and other religions so I will not try to act like I am all knowing. All of my thoughts are based on years of studying the Bible and reasoning on the scriptures. Let's get started.
All "good" people do not go to Heaven. I know that may come as a shock to a lot of you but it's true. Don't take my word for it though, look it up. Nowhere in the Bible does it ever say that this is going to happen. God created the Earth for Man to live on and he didn't change his mind. Bottom line. Think about it, if someone told you that you and your family and friends could live forever on the Earth and never get sick and die or die and go to "heaven" and float around or whatever people plan on doing when they get there, which would you choose? I am sure that 99.9% of the time people would choose Earth because this is what we know and this is where we are meant to be. Make sense? I thought so.
The religious leaders are the ones that bear the most responsiblity for the misinformation that's floating around. The Bible says that God's true people would have nothing to do with politics and yet Rev. Jesse, Rev. Sharpton, The Pope, Oral Roberts, Jerry Falwell, and a lot of others can't seem to pull themselves away from the cameras to tell anyone who'll listen to go vote or even run for office themselves. Roberts even insinuated that another country's leader should be assasinated a few weeks ago. Amazing. Don't pay attention to any of these clowns. They are all money hungry hypocrites. Read, study and search for what the truth is and when you find it you will know.
Because of these religious leadrs a lot of people claim to not even believe in God. A lot of people have started to believe that going to a particular place and worshiping God is not necessary. They believe that as long as you are a good person and have a personal realtionship with God then you're ok. This is what happens when people start relying on their own reasoning. In fact that line of reasoning doesn't even make sense to me.
Ok I guess I'll get off my soapbox now. The point is that we are all imperfect and we all make mistakes. But when it comes to your spirituality we must take it seriously. God doesn't accept just any kind of worship. He gives very specific instructions and it is our job to search and find those instructions as well as others who worship the same way, live by those instructions and then and only then will you become acceptable.
Dedicated to GeorgiaPeach.
25 comments:
Hey King, I totally agree with you...I agree with the statement "...it is our job to search and find those instructions as well as others who worship the same way, live by those instructions and then and only then will you become acceptable." That's something that is key... Now THAT is what has worked for me...It is our responsibility to go out and search for the truth for ourselves instead of automatically just believing everything we hear...Thought I was the only one who thought like this...
Good post...
LadyLee
I think you meant to say Pat Roberts...
"All "good" people do not go to Heaven."
This is true. The Bible gives specific instructions about salvation. Repentance, confession, acceptance of Christ as the Savior. Good works on Earth does NOT equal salvation.
There are so many televangilist out there, and many of them started with what I believed to be sound doctrine, but it seems the larger they get, many of them lose sight of the gospel. That's why is important to study and show yourself approved.
I have said many times that going to church does not make one righteous. I grew up in a church where I would see people seemingly in worship during the service, but cursing someone out before they can get out the door good after service. I do believe that going to church is an important part of one relationship with God...that is, if you are going to a place where there is true worship and not just traditional practices for the sake of saying "we go to church". Being in fellowship is our way of holding our brethren and sistren accountable. Worship and fellowship in the House of the Lord is extremely important.
Anyway I could go on and on addressing certain issues...but I'll wait until the discussion gets started. Good post.
Thanks LadyLee. I hope that a lot of people think this way...
BrownSoul you're right I meant Pat Roberts.
I also think that a lot of people don't realize that how they worship is actually tradition.
yes Jackie when I say "instructions" I mean the ones in the Bible and yes I consider myself a Christian. I don't however think that everyone who calls themselves a christian really is a christian.
"do you believe that the bible is an authored book, like any other?"
Ah, Jacquelyn brings up an interesting point. Many people don't feel that the Bible is reliable because the words were written down by man. Some people even claim that it contradicts itself.
My views...It is the inspired Word of God written down by men. I can't say that I've read any contradictions in the Bible. If you've ever studied the gospels, though, then you may see slight differences in some of the accounts especially with regards to the crucifiction. Does this mean that these are lies? No, I don't think so. Consider 3 different people who witness something, but their accounts may have some different details because their points of view or participation in the event may have been different. In the end, what they recalled was essentially the same.
C'mon people, let's build.
I agree with BrownSoul... The Bible is the inspired Word of God written down by men. A lot of people just don't believe that... But if God created the whole universe, time, etc., then I feel like He could easily inspire men to write down what He has to say to the world...
But that just runs smack right back into the King's point: people have to investigate everything (including this) for themselves.
Aaaah……Thank you for dedicating your post to me. I feel so special.
**Before I begin, I am not trying to offend anyone with the comments I am about to say. Different upbringing. Different opinion****
I was raised in a religion where many of the concepts you talked about were practiced such as the belief that everyone does not go to Heaven, and government it a wicked system and not to get involved with politics and sort (of course you abide by the laws of the land). And so much more (that of course you must know about DDot). Till this day I constantly compare the religion I was raised in with surrounding religions. I have yet to be moved by any other religion. I have tried to attend "Religion B" and a lot of them did not focus on teaching, whether there was a lot singing and other events that I did not find relative. "Religion B" are also very lenient about certain sins and practices. "Religion A"**shakes head in dismay*** . "Religion A" allows ordained homosexual priests, they idolize Mary and The Cross. To corrupt, if you ask me.
As someone who is seeking spirituality I look at the seeds of the religion and look for any contradictions to The Bible. Even though it my seem odd, I actually like the fact that I am currently in limbo because I have the ability to choose my religion whether than being in a religion because that is how I was raised and it’s all I know. Many of my peers that were in the same religion as me go through this phase because our religion is extremely strict and as youth there are far to many temptations so we tend to display avoidance.
How do you feel about a preacher that displays gaudiness. Minister Bishop Eddie Long has a following of I believe close to $100,000 here in Atlanta. He wears flashy jewerly, drives a Bentley and lives in a multi-million dollar mansion.
Oh, I am sorry. I am all off topic.
Fortunately since switching to Voodoo I no longer have to worry about being good at all.
Peach - I remember driving through Jonesboro on a Saturday and being stuck behind an SUV adorned with every cheap gold-colored fixture possible. Gold lettering on the sides read "Reverend $lappy Jone$" (or something like that) and advertised his church. Are you sure there's nothing in the bible about gaudiness being next to saintliness?
lol....I don't know. I was asking everyone else..lol.But that is too funny.
This subject must not be interesting to anyone.
"do you belive that the author of the bible was an actual witness to the events that take place?"
Again, another good point because I don't want to be misleading. Not every author in the Bible was a witness (by way of being present at the time of events) to what they wrote about. Genesis is an example. Moses is believed to be the author of Genesis (and the other 4 books of the Pentateuch), but he was definitely not present at the beginning of creation. It is my belief that God gave Moses these accounts just as he gave him the commandments.
The point I was trying to make with the "3 different accounts" scenario is that a few different details in stories that are essentially the SAME does not equal contradiction.
It's very interesting to me but unfortunately I had to leave and so i haven't been in on the discussion. I might leave this one up for a day or two.
Good point, Brownsoul...
I never thought of it that way (the 3 witnesses not equalling a contradiction). I learned something new today!!
Interesting viewpoint, ddot. My views are a little too extreme for most to handle. Liked to read the dialog, but I didn't want t weigh in today.
GeorgiaPeach brought up "flashy" preachers. Now, is there wrong in Christians having nice things? No. But the problem comes when showing off nice suits, cars, and multi-million dollar homes becomes part of the sermon. I personally am tired of hearing this particular justification..."if the world can have nice cars, homes, and clothes, shouldn't God's people be able to enjoy the same?" The world tends to idolize these things...should God's people do the same? I think not.
GP
I have learned that some people are going to be flashy and gaudy no matter what profession they choose. My father in law is a Bishop- he drives a BMW that says "Bishop" He didn't buy the car we did (the Church that is) we voted and decided to buy the car. We felt that he deserved it. He used to drive a 10 year old Caddie that was on it's last leg. Some people who see him and his nicely dressed wife don't know that they gave up their entire life savings to build up the Church have no retirement because of it and continue to give. They are not flashy but in this state if you wear anything other than Wranglers and boots you are considered flashy. They don't change behind closed doors like many Christians that I know. (Like myself. I tend to curse when no one is around I have to ask for forgiveness for this) and in my 14 years of being a member of the family I have yet to hear them talk bad about anyone. (Non family that is)
Now Mrs. Tommy Weeks on the other hand-OH my Bad I meant Juanita Bynum. I think that she is too flashy, I didn't like that at her wedding she felt inclined to not only flash BOTH of her 7.7 Karat diamond rings but also to have the wedding televised with all of the "TOP NAME" preachers in attendance. At that point she lost me.
She has a huge following of people who love her and respect her. So she is doing her job. The fact that she is flashy may be the thing that draws someone to Christ. They see her and say, well hey if she came out from the hood and can still wear a little bling then maybe this Church thing aint so bad.
God can use the Jawbone of an ASS to speak to people.
Other people will not however determine MY relationship with GOD. On the day of judgement it will be me and God. We will be discussing MY behavior, MY faith and my treatment of his children. Whether people are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindi, Wicca, agnostic or otherwise, I am to treat them with respect.
(Unless they make me mad at walmart and then they will feel the full fury of my wrath)
ER, anyway. We have to work out our soul salvation for ourselves. I am a firm believer that GOD holds us accountable for what we know. (It truly is our responsibility to search for answers ourself)
On the same subject (sorry to be so long winded) I don't think that I would place much faith in a doctor who wore gold dookie braided chains and had platinum teeth nor would I expect a judge to be bumpin NWA driving an escalade, windows down- rolling on 22's either.
The occupation we decide to have
seems to determine our level of Flash. I would hate to think of MCHAMMER in a conservative preachers suit after all that dancing and blinging he did. OH WAIT! He is in a preachers suit...
So is Rev Run - Heck we even have Gangsta gospel. Thank god that Lifesavers come in so many flavors.
;o)
I agree with Brownsoul also - even in a secular world if you ask three people who witnessed a car accident what they saw... They will all say something different but it was still the same accident. One may say - I saw glass flying everywhere - another may say- I heard the tires squeel, and the third may say, I could smell gas leaking.
Ok end of soapbox - stepping down, who is up next?
Lord Please forgive the typo I said god instead of GOD!
(Ms P ducks as lightening flashes)
I would have an issue with MYSELF if I get upset about a preacher being flashy... Personally, I could care less. Because that is between that person and God. What the heck does that have to do with me? Nothing.
I REALLY started not caring when I read in the book of James something to the effect that those in such callings and teaching positions are held at a higher accountability than the average person.
God provides for me. Me getting upset over a what a preacher has or does not have does not have anything to do with me and my salvation, or my personal relationship with God...
I agree with Ms. Peculiar... in the end, on judgement day, it's you and God.
Ms. Peculiar, I'm glad you shared your father-in-law's BACKSTORY. I have found that many preachers have similar backstories. (I'm nosy about such things like that... I tend to snoop around and check things out). I'm glad God looks at the heart of a man, and is not like us, where we look at outer appearances and make all our judgements on that alone.
Church is also a way for us to gather and fellowship, which we're told to do also. I just posted this on someone else's blog, hmmmm...but we're irresponsible to blindly accept what we're told, we're to study His Word. We can't go beyond what we know (not what someone else know's). I recommend a good concordance.
Nice post, Ddot.
Jackie- I believe that the Bible was authored by God and written by men. Since I am a Christian, yes I feel that the Bible holds the truth. While other religious books have good principles in them I don't think that they stand up under intense scrutiny like the bible always does.
GP- I was like you at once and considered myself in "limbo" and I researched other religions but nothing...NOTHING holds up to the TRUTH.
BrownSoul I totally agree with you when you explained why some of the Gospels seem a little different. The Bible NEVER contradicts itself.
Singlegirl- I totally resect your point of view. At one point in my life I tried to convince myself of similar beliefs but for me it didn't hold water. I believe the Bible is the inspired word of God so i can believe EVERYTHING written in it. God loves everyone but he has requirements as to how to serve him. He does not accept all worship. Bottom line. the prophecies alone, prove that the Bible wasnt authored by a man. But again i respect your opinion on the matter.
Jackie actually the 10% rule was given to the early worshipers of God but what a lot of people don't realize is that rule was done away with when Jesus came. Preachers and the like know this but they don't tell their congregations because they'd be losing a lot of money. They have a lot of blood on their hands
best blog yet king....great points and truths unveiled by all who share here....my views:
going to church doesnt make you a christian any more than eating at mcdonalds makes you a hamburger. ok, silly analogy, but in this society we as christians are more focused on NUMBERS, building a bigger barn to meet in, the concept of being KINGS KIDS, of presentation over substance.....
true the bible is written by men, didnt have a "bible" the first few hundred years after jesus....king james version is only hundreds of years old....in a nutshell, christianity comes to this...
you dont go to hell for not going to church, for not being "good", for not giving your money, for being a homosexual, adulterer, liar, thief, etc....bible emphatically says we go to hell for not believing and accepting the sacrifice jesus made in his death, and accepting forgiveness through his resurrection...all other doctrine pertains to daily life, is subject to many interpretations. which is why we have a world view that is skewed, look how many denominations have arisen, all being THE ONE....
for me, and the bible says this...pure religion is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction....we certainly have not fared well there.
i applaud groups as jesus people usa in chicago, have known these freaks for 30 years...community of over 600, have revitalized slums of chicago, buying highrise tenements and remodeled into apartments for those in need, feed thousands several times daily, operate over 16 businesses to provide for all they give, help all in nedd, not just attempting to get them into chirch, but discipling, long term rehabilitation of mind and body....visit the elderly, provide a stable life for children on the streets...this is who christians should emulate....
by the way king its pat robertSON, not that it matters...plenty of charlatans, and then there is billy graham, genuine, giving, knows how to affect change in people, not flashy, not into self promotion....we in this country have "westernized" christianity, thinking we are IT. where is humility, where is service, where is appreciation of all we are blessed with, how many people make quiet time to reflect on their life, their phenomenal blessed world they live in....
religion divides by promoting elitism...haughty, condescending bigots rather than true religion which promotes genuine compassion, forgiveness, helping the needy while not enabling their struggles.
the other thing about modern christianity is that we are more about presentation, fine clothes, orchestrated services, smooth transition, pumping up the flesh, rather than giving of ourselves, sacrificing....you are right king, tithing is old testament, jesus tells us to give ALL.....another travesty, building giant barns adorned with modern oohs and aahs rather than simple reaching out to the poor, the fatherless children, the children of moms with no help, working two jobs to provide basics....all of us, reach out and change a life around us, share and be blessed....
last comment, our minds will NEVER fathom the reality of god.....cant get ther with reasoning..faith, an elusive, impossible to see gift...realize this, even our believing in god, accepting his free gift comes from him, he opens our eyes, our hearts....NO place for self-righteousness or haughitness..NOTHING is worse than spiritual pride, and manipulation.... the bible IS the inspired word of god....simply put. your mind may want to confuse by questioning the what ifs, the knowing it was authored by men, but it is inspired, which makes it even more miraculous, it was not written in a few days or even years, took a lot of time, from MANY diverse men, all inspired in their writings....either your eyes and heart are open or they are closed, for now
ken of louisiana, a profane saint.....(no, not a saint in the catholicvernacular, rather the bible proclaims all belivers to be saint,s i am simply a profane one...honest and uninhibited....best blog yet king...you do impress!
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