The Christian missionaries wanted the Nordic Sami tribes to reject their "Pagan" ways and accept the "real Jesus". The ones who didn't were threatened, imprisoned, tortured or executed. Their shamans' drums burned. Their way of life crushed. Their culture obliterated. But after all, the missionaries loved them and wanted them to accept "the one true religion".

The Christian missionaries wanted the American Indian tribes to reject their "Pagan" ways and accept the "real Jesus". The ones who didn't were threatened, imprisoned, tortured or executed. Their way of life crushed. Their culture obliterated. But after all, the missionaries loved them and wanted them to accept "the one true religion".

Some contemporary missionaries and fundamentalists want every one else to reject their personal spiritual ways and accept the "one true religion". The ones who don't are threatened, belittled and insulted and, were it still accepted (in some places it still is), probably would be imprisoned, tortured or executed as well. Their way of life would be crushed. Their culture would be obliterated. But after all, the missionaries love them and want them to accept "the one true religion".

Is there a pattern here? We all create gods (or none) to fit our own psyches. But woe to them who don't conform to our vision of what should be. The truth is that nobody knows for sure. Sometimes some of us may see a sliver of light coming through a door that seems to be open just a crack but that's about all most of us are going to get in this plane of existence. It's pretty much any body's guess as to what may or may not be on the other side of that door.

No matter how good intentions may be, when some one starts pushing their own beliefs on some body else is where the true evil begins. History has shown that time after time. It is not any one's place or business to tell some one what or how to believe. The doctrines and dogmas of mainstream religions have been formed from other people's thoughts, not some divine entity. We may ask for guidance on our individual paths but when it comes down to it we all have to stumble along, trying to find our own way. And no one
should have the right nor the authority to impose their way upon another. That is the true evil.

Hahaha you know sometimes my first instincts are right. Closed mindedness has it's drawbacks. If Jesus had not preached to the lowly, the prostitutes, or the people surrounding him, because his father feared he would end up being just like them, Christianity would be a whole different religion. But, that's the one we'd have if this guy was in charge.

In fact it is the one many of us have because of the corruption and influence of lousy preachers, small minded teachers, and those who have fallen miserably short in communicating the words of love and forgiveness clearly written for anyone who will see.

I think it's just time to say a little prayer for those who need to be right, whatever their circumstances, here on the forum or around the world. And I'm betting those prayers will be heard from many religious traditions, and even from those who know no religion, or want one. What they will all have in common is a transcendent heart... Which, in the end will not be found wanting.

Are you talking to (or about) me Arlo? If so, I think it's time you banned me from your board. You may not like my next message.
Jim

I don't think believers in God advocate killing others. Esp God himself. He is a God of love. Thanks for thinking I am tolerant. While I believe Jesus is the only way, I do not wish to argue religion with others & want to be nice in sharing my views. I do believe we Christians are supposed to share our faith in Jesus. The church we go to & belong to is a Presbyterian church that is a part of a denomination called the Presbyterian Church in America. What I love about them is that all they care about is faith in God & not how you dress & don't mind folks with long hair. Arlo would certainly be welcome there. I'll leave you with the link to a good section on their website:

http://www.pcanet.org/general/beliefs.htm

Interesting discussion & we appreciate Arlo's input as well.

Do you read the news? Have you read the Bible?

I am a jealous God! If you don't believe in me you will burn in Hell!

Kill all the Canaanites...rub them out!!!!

THere is a huge religious component to all the madness in the world and you religious people need to cut it out!!! You need to learn to play nice with others!!!!

Well...you COULD ban yourself if you wanted...it sounds like that's what you've been trolling for all along. This is the second time you've mentioned it. Do you LIKE being banned from people's websites?

To whoever wants to "share" (exert) their beliefs on me, if it's your way or the highway, I'll take the highway and find my own way, thank you. There may be times that I'm lost but there's always something over the next hill or around the next corner that adds to who I am and who I can become. They may be wonderful or terrible but they are all part of this circle we call life and not some beginning, middle and end-all that some one is trying to, gently or otherwise, force down my throat "for my own good".

Posting this because, well.... just because.

"God's Song (That's Why I love Mankind)" by Randy Newman

Cain slew Abel Seth knew not why
For if the children of Israel were to multiply
Why must any of the children die?
So he asked the Lord
And the Lord said:

Man means nothing he means less to me
Than the lowliest cactus flower
Or the humblest Yucca tree
He chases round this desert
'Cause he thinks that's where I'll be
That's why I love mankind

I recoil in horror fro the foulness of thee
From the squalor and the filth and the misery
How we laugh up here in heaven at the prayers you offer me
That's why I love mankind

The Christians and the Jews were having a jamboree
The Buddhists and the Hindus joined on satellite TV
They picked their four greatest priests
And they began to speak
They said, "Lord, a plague is on the world
Lord, no man is free
The temples that we built to you
Have tumbled into the sea
Lord, if you won't take care of us
Won't you please, please let us be?"
And the Lord said
And the Lord said

I burn down your cities-how blind you must be
I take from you your children and you say how blessed are we
You all must be crazy to put your faith in me
That's why I love mankind
You really need me
That's why I love mankind

Oh, crap! Now I've made Randy a target!

I have feeling Randy can handle it; he's been one before.

You people act as if I am out to condem you all to hell. Nothing is further from the truth. I think I have said enough. I'll try to make it to one of your shows Arlo. Maybe we could get together and have a nice meal and talk face to face. Sometimes it's hard expressing yourself without being able to look into the eyes of another.
Peace out,
Jim

the funny thing about religious people whodo this holy moly crap is that I hate the way they make me feel. i don't want to be angry and point to others and say you need to cute that out! Deep inside I am not that kind of person. then they start up with their God stuff and how they represent the one true way and its damnation for everybody else and I turn into something evil and full of yucky yucky hateful yucky feelings and I just don't really want to feel that way. I am just tired of all their hatred and hate mongering!!!!!

I don't believe in hell. So, it's not that I think you're condemning me to hell. But some folks (hint, hint) seem to be trying awfully hard to create such a place here on earth.

Somewhere I read that religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell; spirituality is for those who have been there.
P&L, Kevin

I walked away from the born again stuff for I never found the joy other's got out of it. The biggest question I had always asked was, "How could god send someone to hell who never asked to be here?" But for years I hid in a bottle.
Then years latter after a bad marriage I felt was for life... In 1994, I ended up feeling free and happy like the born again stuff I was suppose to be about. Soon after feeling so good I heard Little Texas sing God Blest Texas for the 100th or so time while always singing it Rocking Down angels from the Promised Land. I said to myself, "Thats what happened. We all came down from above. Boy have we been told some trash about these latter days we are in..." It was quite an awakening. From some stuff to back it up too. =But now I like Tom Paines religion and patriotism: "The world is my country. its people my brothers. And my religion is to do good."