Comments on: Some religious discomfort http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/ Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:12:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Patti Blount http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-376 Patti Blount Tue, 03 Jul 2007 19:22:35 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-376 Josh-I guess you didn't get my comments in response to the blue, furry monster. I said that if I wanted a lollypop bad enough, I might try to ask him for one. And as far as human accomplishments, either yours or mine, they will eventually end because human effort and will is limited. Just know that, at that point, God is there. Also, I wanted you to know that I, too am analytical. Josh-I guess you didn’t get my comments in response to the blue, furry monster. I said that if I wanted a lollypop bad enough, I might try to ask him for one. And as far as human accomplishments, either yours or mine, they will eventually end because human effort and will is limited. Just know that, at that point, God is there.
Also, I wanted you to know that I, too am analytical.

]]> By: Nils http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-375 Nils Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:59:33 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-375 Dear Patti, there are others subscribed to the comments RSS. At least try and make your comments interesting and fresh. You're repeating yourself, the guy said no, And I Don't Like Caps. Josh, you can delete this comment if you think it's butting in. But there <em>is</em> <a href="http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/cat_microsoft_blue_monster_series.html" rel="nofollow">a blue monster</a>, ya know. It even comes in <a href="http://greenbanana.wordpress.com/2007/04/21/blue-monster-coincidence-flattery-or-rip-off/" rel="nofollow">a furry version</a>. Dear Patti, there are others subscribed to the comments RSS. At least try and make your comments interesting and fresh. You’re repeating yourself, the guy said no, And I Don’t Like Caps.

Josh, you can delete this comment if you think it’s butting in.

But there is a blue monster, ya know. It even comes in a furry version.

]]> By: Josh http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-374 Josh Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:20:22 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-374 Patti: I appreciate your convictions, but I'm sorry - they're just not for me. Perhaps I'm too analytical. Perhaps it's all just too fairy tale-like for me. Perhaps it's because I think that human accomplishments come from human effort, perseverance, and other such traits, rather than some great power in the sky. I don't know what it is - hell, maybe it's all of those things - but I can't choose to ask God for anything, because by my standards and thoughts, God isn't up there to ask. It's like me trying to convince you to walk over to your closet and ask the blue, furry, 9 armed creature for a lolly pop. You don't <em>believe</em> in the blue, furry, 9 armed creature, so I certainly can't convince you to go ask him for a piece of candy. Sorry. Patti: I appreciate your convictions, but I’m sorry – they’re just not for me. Perhaps I’m too analytical. Perhaps it’s all just too fairy tale-like for me. Perhaps it’s because I think that human accomplishments come from human effort, perseverance, and other such traits, rather than some great power in the sky.

I don’t know what it is – hell, maybe it’s all of those things – but I can’t choose to ask God for anything, because by my standards and thoughts, God isn’t up there to ask. It’s like me trying to convince you to walk over to your closet and ask the blue, furry, 9 armed creature for a lolly pop. You don’t believe in the blue, furry, 9 armed creature, so I certainly can’t convince you to go ask him for a piece of candy.

Sorry.

]]> By: Patti Blount http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-373 Patti Blount Mon, 02 Jul 2007 21:01:16 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-373 What about a sign that He stirred me to connect with you? He does work through his children. Someone commented on their website in reference to something I wrote that I had quasi-Buddhist leanings and that I was a mystic. I don't really know what they meant, but whatever. That was just a sidebar. Anyway, if you'd like to read it, it is on LettersfromLeavers.com. They were asking people to share why they left the church system. So, no, politically correctness is not part of my mode of operation so He is fine. Josh, God does love you personally, and if you have a problem with that, I am wondering what your relationship with your Dad was/is? Many people react negatively to that hallmark and amazing truth because of childhood wounding in that area. It has been hard for me to open up and receive that love. It took going to India this past January so He could crack my heart and manifest His love to me. It was so powerful and yet gentle. But that's another story. You know, Josh, you could ask God for fireworks, ya know-no harm in that either. What about a sign that He stirred me to connect with you? He does work through his children. Someone commented on their website in reference to something I wrote that I had quasi-Buddhist leanings and that I was a mystic. I don’t really know what they meant, but whatever. That was just a sidebar. Anyway, if you’d like to read it, it is on LettersfromLeavers.com. They were asking people to share why they left the church system.
So, no, politically correctness is not part of my mode of operation so He is fine.
Josh, God does love you personally, and if you have a problem with that, I am wondering what your relationship with your Dad was/is? Many people react negatively to that hallmark and amazing truth because of childhood wounding in that area. It has been hard for me to open up and receive that love. It took going to India this past January so He could crack my heart and manifest His love to me. It was so powerful and yet gentle. But that’s another story.
You know, Josh, you could ask God for fireworks, ya know-no harm in that either.

]]> By: Josh http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-372 Josh Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:29:10 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-372 I say I'm going to continue not believing in any personal god (Christian or otherwise), and continue being Buddhist. The harm in seeking "Him" is that I don't believe in "Him" (or "Her", or "It", if you want to be politically correct). If God exists and really wants me to believe, he knows where I'm at, supposedly, and he knows what it would take to convince me. Say, a glowing angel appearing with a signed letter from the Man himself, or perhaps a great booming voice. Some stirring of the emotions isn't going to do it for me. Until a solid "response" from this god appears, I'll pass. If you call that "playing with god", so be it. I say I’m going to continue not believing in any personal god (Christian or otherwise), and continue being Buddhist. The harm in seeking “Him” is that I don’t believe in “Him” (or “Her”, or “It”, if you want to be politically correct). If God exists and really wants me to believe, he knows where I’m at, supposedly, and he knows what it would take to convince me. Say, a glowing angel appearing with a signed letter from the Man himself, or perhaps a great booming voice. Some stirring of the emotions isn’t going to do it for me.

Until a solid “response” from this god appears, I’ll pass. If you call that “playing with god”, so be it.

]]> By: Patti Blount http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-371 Patti Blount Sun, 01 Jul 2007 12:54:44 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-371 What I was trying to say is that I don't feel obligated to "save" you as you and someone else mentioned. It is God's responsiblity, and He is well able to do that. But I don't think He violates our will in that, but He's chosen to let us desire Him first, and He's put that desire in us if we will respond to it. I don't know anything about a "Christian God," but just the one and only God, creator of the universe. All I am telling you is if you tap into your desire for God and seek Him, He will be found by you. Now, if you shut down the God-given knowing that He is true, than, you're right, nothing will result from that. He will let us live in our delusions if we so choose, in fact, if we love unrighteousness more than the truth (His existence) than He, Himself, will send a strong delusion in our lives. I pray the fear of God for you. So, it's not just that my choice of religious path is working for me, it's whether or not I am walking the true path or not. I'm sure you know that truth is not subjective; if that were so, we in our imaginations could just create something we would feel good about. How deceitfulyl blind would that be? Also, consider that "religion" (the church system) has presented God and His Son incorrectly or even harmful to growing close to Him. That may be some of your problem with "Christianity." I agree with you, if that is part of your unbelief. But there is another way, and that is communicating to Him directly, as He desires, and then, He, the Spirit of truth, will lead you into all truth. What would be the harm in that? If He's not true, He won't show up or answer you. Now, if you play games with Him. He will know that, and could possibly choose to keep silent, also. What do you say, Josh? The choice is yours. What I was trying to say is that I don’t feel obligated to “save” you as you and someone else mentioned. It is God’s responsiblity, and He is well able to do that. But I don’t think He violates our will in that, but He’s chosen to let us desire Him first, and He’s put that desire in us if we will respond to it. I don’t know anything about a “Christian God,” but just the one and only God, creator of the universe. All I am telling you is if you tap into your desire for God and seek Him, He will be found by you. Now, if you shut down the God-given knowing that He is true, than, you’re right, nothing will result from that. He will let us live in our delusions if we so choose, in fact, if we love unrighteousness more than the truth (His existence) than He, Himself, will send a strong delusion in our lives. I pray the fear of God for you.
So, it’s not just that my choice of religious path is working for me, it’s whether or not I am walking the true path or not. I’m sure you know that truth is not subjective; if that were so, we in our imaginations could just create something we would feel good about. How deceitfulyl blind would that be?
Also, consider that “religion” (the church system) has presented God and His Son incorrectly or even harmful to growing close to Him. That may be some of your problem with “Christianity.” I agree with you, if that is part of your unbelief. But there is another way, and that is communicating to Him directly, as He desires, and then, He, the Spirit of truth, will lead you into all truth. What would be the harm in that? If He’s not true, He won’t show up or answer you. Now, if you play games with Him. He will know that, and could possibly choose to keep silent, also. What do you say, Josh? The choice is yours.

]]> By: Josh http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-370 Josh Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:43:05 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-370 Hi Patti, I'm glad your religious path is working for you. I'm not Christian, and I don't believe in the Christian God, so your advice won't work for me; but thanks anyway! Hi Patti,

I’m glad your religious path is working for you. I’m not Christian, and I don’t believe in the Christian God, so your advice won’t work for me; but thanks anyway!

]]> By: Patti Blount http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-369 Patti Blount Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:06:41 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-369 HI-I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, as the son of God. The Holy Spirit called me out of "going to church," with all the shenanigans going on, and into a home meeting for 3 years. Now. he is calling me and my husband out of that so that He can "have us to Himself," so to speak. I am hearing His voice and getting to know Him better and better, as a result. And I do believe, as God has said, that "if you seek Him that you will indeed find Him." If your heart's desire is to find God, He will not hide Himself from you. He hears you everytime you address Him, and He will answer you, in His time. HI-I’m a follower of Jesus Christ, as the son of God. The Holy Spirit called me out of “going to church,” with all the shenanigans going on, and into a home meeting for 3 years. Now. he is calling me and my husband out of that so that He can “have us to Himself,” so to speak. I am hearing His voice and getting to know Him better and better, as a result. And I do believe, as God has said, that “if you seek Him that you will indeed find Him.” If your heart’s desire is to find God, He will not hide Himself from you. He hears you everytime you address Him, and He will answer you, in His time.

]]> By: Josh http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-368 Josh Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:24:21 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-368 Richard: Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in feeling a bit out of place. You're definitely right about this: <em>One of the biggest challenges if you’re looking at Buddhism or Hinduism and live in a Christian world with a Christian family is having that openness there.</em> Buddhism (and I would assume Hinduism, which I truthfully know next to nothing about) calls for truth and honesty... but I feel like being totally open about what I believe (or rather, what I DON'T believe) will cause a lot of discomfort. The preachers at my mom's church know that I'm Buddhist and seem fine with it, but I think many of the people at the church knew, they'd be upset. It's a tricky situation to say the least. Thanks for the luck. I wish you the same. Richard: Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in feeling a bit out of place. You’re definitely right about this:

One of the biggest challenges if you’re looking at Buddhism or Hinduism and live in a Christian world with a Christian family is having that openness there.

Buddhism (and I would assume Hinduism, which I truthfully know next to nothing about) calls for truth and honesty… but I feel like being totally open about what I believe (or rather, what I DON’T believe) will cause a lot of discomfort. The preachers at my mom’s church know that I’m Buddhist and seem fine with it, but I think many of the people at the church knew, they’d be upset.

It’s a tricky situation to say the least.

Thanks for the luck. I wish you the same.

]]> By: Richard http://system13.org/2006/10/25/some-religious-discomfort/#comment-367 Richard Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:35:53 +0000 http://system13.org/?p=164#comment-367 I'd say I'm in a similar situation. You're not alone. I attend a church weekly with my wife. I even help them as a sound technician. I class myself as more Hindu than Buddhist, though I tend towards Advaita which is very similar and I take note of some Buddhist teachings. Same basic ideas, different pretty pictures. I'm technically agnostic. Like you I feel that there is a little dishonesty by ommision. I'm also not comfortable with all of the things said or sung in the services. Most people there will assume that I'm Christian. The clergy and people who know me know about my Hinduism. Debate can be interesting though in general we just get on. Sometimes I've wondered if I should compensate by making things more visible - as a Hindu that could be wearing a tilak (orange dot) or red string around the wrist (which people won't recognise). I think that would just cause pain for some people so may be more trouble than it's worth. Some people do try to witness. Some people can get upset. I think in some people they are not doing so well. At the other end of the scale I've met some Christians who are quite happy for me taking the path that I am. Something from Hinduism is the idea of Satya which means Truth, but also stands in my oppinion for things like openness and honesty. It can be difficult at times, but it often works well. One of the biggest challenges if you're looking at Buddhism or Hinduism and live in a Christian world with a Christian family is having that openness there. I wish you the best of luck in your ongoing practice. I’d say I’m in a similar situation. You’re not alone. I attend a church weekly with my wife. I even help them as a sound technician. I class myself as more Hindu than Buddhist, though I tend towards Advaita which is very similar and I take note of some Buddhist teachings. Same basic ideas, different pretty pictures. I’m technically agnostic.

Like you I feel that there is a little dishonesty by ommision. I’m also not comfortable with all of the things said or sung in the services.

Most people there will assume that I’m Christian. The clergy and people who know me know about my Hinduism. Debate can be interesting though in general we just get on. Sometimes I’ve wondered if I should compensate by making things more visible – as a Hindu that could be wearing a tilak (orange dot) or red string around the wrist (which people won’t recognise). I think that would just cause pain for some people so may be more trouble than it’s worth.

Some people do try to witness. Some people can get upset. I think in some people they are not doing so well. At the other end of the scale I’ve met some Christians who are quite happy for me taking the path that I am.

Something from Hinduism is the idea of Satya which means Truth, but also stands in my oppinion for things like openness and honesty. It can be difficult at times, but it often works well. One of the biggest challenges if you’re looking at Buddhism or Hinduism and live in a Christian world with a Christian family is having that openness there.

I wish you the best of luck in your ongoing practice.

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