Me too! Edited to add: it's the "gag factor" not a statement against what others believe.

Why would it be difficult for someone Christ loves to sit through anything? How could that person not embrace the people gathered anywhere under any circumstances. Does embracing a stranger mean you worship whatever he or she worships? Do you as a Christian only sit through Christian services? I don't think so, or you wouldn't have posted anything here. By posting here, have you begun to worship other gods? Your actions answer your own questions.

Who is anyone to say who or who is not worthy of God's love and mercy? Is anyone perfect? Therefore, I advocate for kindness, for ourselves and for everyone else. If you wish to call kindness a world religion, so be it. I am guilty of advocating it - whatever anyone wants to call it. By embracing the spiritual journey of others, we leave the judgement of their journey to God and not to ourselves. It means I am not afraid to serve anyone anywhere with an act of kindness or compassion. I am not afraid of losing my relationship with God while in that service.

"

My daughter sat through a Bleckaday religious service in Ghana (attended by some of the members of her host family) that was very much like voodoo...it was wierd and strange. They did things that would never have happened at churches in the USA; she was glad to have had the experience, tho...it was different, but the people were dedicated, and that's how they worshipped God. It wasn't wrong, just different. We brought her up to be tolerant of other people's beliefs and right to believe whatever they want, and respect that part of them...it was a part of getting to know them and embracing their culture.
I guess my point is that you shouldn't make generalized statements for all people..some people have a view of things that reaches around the world and across the galaxy...some people's views don't go past the next block.
A friend of mine wrote a song about this issue with different religions and faiths and tolerance...his name is Greg Vickers and the song is "I'm Going to Heaven, and You're Not!" and it pokes fun at the intolerance of others...who think their religion is the only ONE way. Great song!! http://cdbaby.com/cd/gvickers

what a fascinating thread this is...

seems to me, Jim, that embracing another's spiritual journey is very different than becoming that journey...

like if I give you a hug, and we take a walk and share ideas... that's a journey walked together, yet separate...

the boundaries of our own beliefs are held in our hearts, hopefully enriched
by our sharing... and not a bit diminished in their purity and strength...unless we inside ourselves choose to change them...

imagine you can walk with everyone, love your God with enthusiasm openly, and join everyone's resources (including atheists) together...
what an opportunity!...

Yeah not only that, but when we witness God's love by just being ourselves in the presence of others who may be different it is transformative. That's why I always loved that St. Francis character - One day he led his small troop through a nearby town, telling those close to him that they were going to go preach. They got to the town and kept walking, and eventually came back to where they were staying.

So one of the guys says "Francis! I thought we were going to preach? But, we never said a word."

"Our presence was enough to demonstrate God's love and mercy." Francis replied.

Okay this is my version of the story, but it's close enough to the truth (I didn't get out my text books or anything).

Sometimes, you just have to show up...

ok Arlo, I get it. You love people and want make a stranger feel welcome. I have no problem with that.

May I ask, what your wife would do if she found out you went to an orgy where people offered you another woman? Heck, they even tell you the woman has more to offer you than your wife. They say you should embrace her for just a few minutes and see if you like what she has to offer. Would you want to sit through that crap Arlo? It might be fun but your wife might kill you if she finds out.

It's the same with someone that calls on the name of Christ. They are married. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying God would kill a Christian that opened themself up to other gods but, God might be real pissed off.
Jim

It is amazing how many words, parables, anecdotes and the like some of us are using to try to convey the simple concept of tolerance.....huh?
Or perhaps, it's more trying to convey that the concept of tolerance is a good thing, the right thing and something we as a race will need to survive in the future.
I suppose if it were easy, we would put many poets, songwriters, folksingers, writers and some other folks out of bussiness.....huh?

Oh brother. This is an absurd stretch.
Jim, I think the point is that one can embrace the person that may follow another God without embracing( or denigrating) the other God.

jim, by some strange twist of fate, I'm on my way to one of my favorite places on the planet this afternoon to breath in some interfaith tolerance and friendship. I'm going to The Guthrie Center tonight to see and hear Sarah Lee, Johnny and Annie perform. I'll try and channel some of the good vibes I always get there to you somehow.It's both the least and the most I can do.

I'll try and channel some of the good vibes I always get there to you somehow

Not just to him please! We can all use a dose of those vibes!!!

Hi Larry,
Yeah, I guess you are right. All these artists have been blessed with talent most of us could only wish we had. We listen, we learn, we dance and, we dream with them.

I believe God gives gifts to man and man chooses how to use them. God has given great power and trust without regret. May they all use that power to spread love across the world. Let's remember their journey is just that (THEIR JOURNEY). We should thank them for letting us tag along.

It's been a fun ride Arlo, Thanks. Keep your foot on the gas, we'll get there together alone.
Jim

I believe God is a figment of the imagination. An idea gone terribly wrong!!!!! I wish all the believers in God would stop killing people!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5znh58WITU8

la da daa daa da da

I've never "killed" anyone but I would like to give you a friendly spanking for insulting my intelagence.
Jim

ooohh snappy retort!!!! your really witty!!!