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Element

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Everything posted by Element

  1. That is a fantastic point Steve, thanks for sharing. Gratefulness shouldn't stem from fear (i.e. being thankful that the vengeful God has spared us one more day), but from love. I always am inspired by people who do the right thing and feel human; but not by fear but though logic and understanding. I definitely am grateful for being who I am, being alive and knowing the people I do. I am grateful that everyone's lives are unique and that we (here on the forum and the people we know in real life) can all share and learn from each other's lives.
  2. AnneInTX, I feel like your question is a core question in all of those who are of the Universalist though or those who are of Fundamental thought and end up questioning their faith. And it is not bad to be either of those two things. Though I agree with Pete and FrErikWeaver's point of views, I'd like to reiterate that 'faith' as we know it is a degradation of what it initially meant. The definition of faith in current terminology is to believe in what the speaker religion is / believes in. Of course, Fundamentalist believe that their belief / faith is the only way. The definition of faith should be to believe in goodness and that everything will be alright because God is a loving individual, regardless of one's beliefs, race, gender or background. I feel Fundamentalist follow traditional thought of yesteryear (and the inevitable manipulation of that and it's own degradation) and thus ask you to 'have faith' in their understanding. But having faith that God is not vengeful, spiteful and lusting for blood sacrifice; and thus accepting of all mankind can be comfort enough that we are loved and blessed no matter what. Hope that helps.
  3. DrDon and NiteWatchman have got great points here IMO. In my own experience, I've found that most Fundamentalist and Evangelicals have had a very rough childhood or tragic past / event. They've found something that makes them feel whole, 'better than before / ever' or perhaps in a 'better than others', perhaps not consciously. Now, by no means am I judging them or pigeon-holeing them, but if one were to take away that security, then they'd feel empty or confused again. The concept of 'not knowing' is just too daunting for people to even grasp, that they call the approach of 'not knowing' as 'less powerful' and thus not 'the truth'. But this can be said about almost all interpretations of religion. That being said, I also find that most people who protect said book with such frantic fervor have admittedly not read the entire book; though always for strange and inconsistent reasons. These are the same people who are branding and telling others that 'their way is the only way'. If only facts, a rational approach and an open mind were enough to have a peaceful discussion without threats and name-calling. As previous posters have wisely stated, perhaps the interpretation of the 'Word of God' really is just a manifestation of the beholder's ego.
  4. Agreed with the posts here. This is just my view on the Commandment, but I've always viewed this as "do not place anything that isn't God above God Itself". As I believe that God is not a Christian, Jew or Buddhist, etc, all religions are not worshiping 'deities' but rather the same figure. And it light of that, placing anything whether it be a possession, person (religious figure or celebrity, etc) or even a hobby, to a position to be worshiped is against that Commandment. At least, that is my interpretation of it.
  5. I agree with Stanley; though it is idealistic, and makes perfect sense. School would be the best place to have a course, since it is a place of education and children really haven't solidified their biases (I hope). Though I sincerely doubt most parents would allow their child to attend such a course in school. The general perception in most believers of major religions in the classic sense is that anything that isn't part of their faith is immediately 'wrong'. It's the hive mind and the adherence to it, that makes this type of education almost impossible
  6. Hello all, I'm new to the site and am glad to be here. I've been a very open minded liberal for my entire life and have been raised this way. I consider myself a learner and also a Universalist. I read and watched John Shelby Spong and Carlton Pearson material and find that there is no better approach than just to understand, accept and love one another. I truly believe, and this may sound trite, that peace never hurt anyone, but fear / close-mindedness has always hurt people and peace. I feel that there is a lot of information on these types of places that we can all learn from and I look forward to partaking in helpful and meaningful conversations here with intellectual and open minded people!
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