What denomination are you?

How could she not like donuts?!!!

 

I was reluctant to post a response here, because like someone else said, I enjoy hearing what others believe, but my own beliefs are very different and I don't want to come across as argumentative. I was raised Methodist, baptized, confirmed and had a great upbringing, but I always felt like there were "truths" that I wasn't connecting with in church. I have read about a great many religions because I'm always interested in what others believe and especially from an anthropological point of view. What I found was that my personal beliefs align most similarly with Native Americans. I think that there is not one true religion- though I do believe in Christ. I think that people of other religions can and do have deep, meaningful relationships with God. My relationship with God has always been important and I have had some amazing spiritual experiences. I applaud anyone who goes to church- or temple, or mosque. I feel God's presence for ALL his children in all places where they seek him, but I haven't found a building that feeds my soul. I know this all probably sounds "un-Christian" but it is my truth. I feel God in Nature- I feel God in everyone and everything and I believe we are not to condemn or judge anyone else, but treat others with God's compassion and love. God has given us an amazing gift of life- our own lives and this amazing planet and I believe we have a responsibility to take care of it, nurture it, and make the world and it's people a better place. I have a very strong ethical and moral code within me (God). When I see wrong things happening it's so hard for me to understand- doesn't everyone have these ethics within? Apparently not- or they are being drowned out by life's distractions. But it is not for me to judge- only to keep doing what I believe is right and spread truth and love. I also do not believe in hell. I think people create hell and many live in hell here on earth, but I don't believe God will condemn you to "hell" for eternity. I can't understand that because God is so full of love. so....long story to say, no denomination here, but I am a faithful, spiritual person trying to live in a way that best serves God and His creations.

 

:angel:FYI.....Catholics are considered Christian :angel:. For some reason people think that if you are Catholic, you are not Christian. Our beliefs in Christ as our Lord is the fundamental basis of Cathoicism.:angel:.......{hugs to all and please no tomatoes!...lol} I am a devout Roman Catholic (and conservative and old fashioned and country....ect!! ) Love you guys!! God Bless us all!!!!

 

I don't think Jackie was implying that Catholics can't be Christians. A personal relationship with Christ (by accepting His gift of salvation through his death on the cross for our sins and His resurrection) is the ONLY way that you can be a Christian. Denomination has nothing to do with it. She's saying that although her dad was brought up in a Catholic church, he did not accept Christ as his personal Savior until years later, thus becoming a Christian. Churches are full of members who are not Christians, because they have no personal realtionship with Christ. Church membership does not equal being a Christian.

 

I know Catholic Christians, and Catholics that are not. I know Baptists that are Christians, and Baptists that are not. Dad's family were NOT Christians, even though the attended the Catholic church faithfully. Mom's family has some who are, and some who are not. Again, what church you attend does NOT make one a Christian, but one's acceptance of Christ.

Actually, we have been talking recently about the Reformation and Martin Luther, and some of the practices of the Catholic church at that time that led up to that.

 

I didnt think that Jackie was implying anything. It is just that so many people have so many misconceptions about the Catholic faith, I did not want anyone thinking we dont accept Christ as our Savior and our Lord or that Catholic are not Christians. The way it was worded (no offense, things get "lost in translation" in typing kwim?) it seemed like that if you are Catholic, you would not be Christian.:wink:

 

It is a good thing that the Catholic Church of today is not as the same as back then.......(I'll fess up, havent read up on Refprmation or Martin Luther for 15 years or so...cant remember the details.....)

 

I believe it's not the same as it was back then. Yes, you will still find of "bad" among the priests, but you'll also find "bad" among Protestant ministers, too. I think the important thing is what the Church does with those "bad" when they are discovered. Do we excuse their behavior and allow it to continue, or do we hold them accountable for their actions?

 

oh I agree. I fanyone does wrong, they should be held acountable. The liberal media these days puts a huge spotlight on every single solitary mistake that the Church makes. That being said, IMHO, they tend not to report as harshly the mistakes of other Churches....

 

For the record, I'm a Christian.

I don't wish to judge you or be argumentive and don't wish to be sour apple of the group, but I can't be silent about your stance on God, of the Holy Bible. You're right, god can't send anyone to hell, because your god doesn't exist. God of the Holy Bible does, in fact, send people to hell for not repenting of their sins and receiving Jesus Christ as their Savior for dying on the cross for those sins. God of the Holy Bible and of our entire universe (meaning the One and only God) is absolutely perfect, completely holy, without any sin. You see, God gave us the Law (the Ten Commandments) and it is by the Law in which we are judged. Have you ever lied, even a little white lie? Then you are a liar. Have you ever stolen, even a little something? Then you're a thief. Have you ever hated someone, even just a little bit? Then you've committed murder in your heart, according to God's word. Those are only three of the ten commandments, but we all have broken every single one and none of us will be found guiltless before God for these sins we've committed.

Jesus came to be the sinless sacrifice for our sins. He died on a cross for our sins against God. We are imperfect and will not be found blameless before God on judgement day. None of us can ever be good enough to get into heaven and all deserve eternity without God, into eternal damnation in hell, but Christ paid the price for us to be spared that. And because of that, if we repent of our sins and receive Christ, sincerely, we will be spared from eternity in hell and will be in eternity with Christ. (Thank you, Jesus!!!!) Through Jesus, we are justified and only those will enter into heaven. Anyone who rejects this will receive judgement before the Great White Throne of God and will be condemned to hell for all eternity.

Sorry for the rant, but it truly saddens me to hear people say they don't believe in hell, because regardless of what you believe, it exists. I can say I don't believe in gravity, but if I jump off a building, the law of gravity still stands and I'll plung to my death. Sadly, this is happening to souls every day who choose not to believe in what is and are plunging to their death.

Lovetruesoul, I hope you see the compassion in my post, not the judgement. This is what I'd say to you in person, but in person you could here the tone of my voice. I'm not sure if my words came across the way I wanted them to, but please know I said this with a pure, concerned, non-judgemental, and compassionate heart. I hope you can "hear" that. I don't have time right now, as my dh just got home and we have some things to do, but if you want scripture for what I just said, I'll be happy to get that for you so you can see where I got what I just said. Otherwise, I encourage you to read God's word from the KJV version or any that branch from it for easier understanding. Hell is a real place and it's not here on earth. It is my prayer that you won't go there, but don't trust in a lie that you won't just because you don't believe it exists.:cry:

 

When I was teenager we moved to a town an hour outside of the city. There was a new A/G church starting there. Since that's the kind of church we'd been attending, we went with it. About a year in, they hired a youth pastor.

To make a VERY long, sad story short, this man ended up having an affair with one of the teens. Instead of truly dealing with it, General Council (the national A/G governing body) only required that he reconcile with his wife and go to counseling for one year before he be allowed to serve again.

He broke the law. He broke God's law. He was a pedophile, for all intents and purposes. I guess what I'm saying is that I fear this happens more often that anyone would care to admit. With Catholics being one of the largest denominations in the world, it only seems like they have a higher percentage of offenders.

 

An A/G church I attended briefly had a similar issue Amie. But it was the head Pastor and he had an ongoing affair with a member. Both were married. He was fired immediately.

 

I agree 100 percent! You said what I was thinking~just couldn't put in words that way!!

 

Oh, he was fired from that church, but allowed to retain is ordination and return to the ministry in another church a year later.

 

Oh wow! This guy (and I'm not sure I am saying this right) was totally banned for the ministry (or something like that).

 

He should have been removed from the pulpit, all right/priviledges that goes with being ordained removed. I won't say he should NEVER be able to return, but only after MANY years of mentoring and then only if the mentor/committee/whatever feels it appropriate. Plus, if any laws were broken (ie: juveniles involved), charges should be pressed.

 

my father & stepmother were (and still are) atheists, and that's what i was taught as a child..

dd and i currently attend a nazarene church..learning all sorts of new stuff.

 

WOW. I just have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post!:angel:

 

Whoa! I can not believe I missed this post! I too really enjoyed reading this! I am not good at quoting scripture but I think it goes something like - If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, If you believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. Please don't throw things at me if I am wrong! That is what came to mind - but like I said I am not really good at that.

 

If anyone believes in his heart and confesses with his mouth that Jesus is Lord, he will be saved.