Maybe they should try a Rain Dance instead?

[2ndAmendment (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Xaquin44

even though I do believe, I feel like I'm closer to being an atheist since my beliefs are very very very far from those presented in any organized religion.

But then without the guidance of God, the Holy Spirit, and God's word, you run the risk of becoming as confused spiritually as JPC. That is a very big risk.

[This_person]

Originally Posted by Xaquin44

even though I do believe, I feel like I'm closer to being an atheist since my beliefs are very very very far from those presented in any organized religion.

Sounds like you need the right congregation, the right group of people.

As a fairly religious person, my personal view is the worst thing for religion is the organized churches. Find a good small one, that thinks as you do (or, let's you think as you do).

[Xaquin44]

Originally Posted by 2ndAmendment

But then without the guidance of God, the Holy Spirit, and God's word, you run the risk of becoming as confused spiritually as JPC. That is a very big risk.

wow, that may be the meanest thing anyone has ever said to me.

I do not run that risk.

besides, I'm doing just fine without his 'guidence' (guidence? I thought we had free will?).

[This_person]

Originally Posted by Xaquin44

It shouldn't matter, but when people judge you by it it ends up mattering anyway.

And, that's where people are not "practicing what they preach".

I'm dead serious (not trying to get out of answering) when I say it's not mine to judge. I don't believe it is anyone but His to judge (and, I've got good guidance on that )

[2ndAmendment (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Xaquin44

wow, that may be the meanest thing anyone has ever said to me.

I do not run that risk.

besides, I'm doing just fine without his 'guidence' (guidence? I thought we had free will?).

We do have free will. But God does give us guidance when we ask for it and through reading His word.

Are you doing just fine?

[Xaquin44]

Originally Posted by This_person

Sounds like you need the right congregation, the right group of people.

I had one once .... but alas, all good things hehe

I'll not go into details, but suffice to say, I have no intrest in attending church anymore. It boils down (as it always does I guess) to people. If they don't get what they want (be it physical or mental or spiritual), they can do the most terrible things to get it, and when it's carried out in the name of god it's the worst.

[Xaquin44]

Originally Posted by 2ndAmendment

Are you doing just fine?

yes.

[ItalianScallion (Premo)]

Originally Posted by mAlice

I challenge you to back it up, passage by passage.

Unrealistic, but you can read the Gospel of John and see in the very first verse a major deviation from the truth about Jesus. Look for references about Jesus and, almost everywhere they talk about Him, they try to deny His Deity. They didn't succeed in all places so, now, their own book contradicts itself on that topic.

[mAlice (Premo)]

Originally Posted by ItalianScallion

Unrealistic, but you can read the Gospel of John and see in the very first verse

Please post them from each bible.

[2ndAmendment (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Xaquin44

I had one once .... but alas, all good things hehe

I'll not go into details, but suffice to say, I have no intrest in attending church anymore. It boils down (as it always does I guess) to people. If they don't get what they want (be it physical or mental or spiritual), they can do the most terrible things to get it, and when it's carried out in the name of god it's the worst.

Like I said, if you rely on an organization or a person you will be disappointed.

I have never found a church that I think has it completely right, but then I see through a mirror darkly as all do, so I may not have it completely right.

All Christian churches agree on the Gospel. The Gospel is the "definition" of Christian. Finding a group of like believers as long as what they teach is scriptural is key.