Do any of you mix Christianity with other beliefs?

[fttrsbeerwench]

"Green Man- The Achetype of our Oneness with the Earth" By William Anderson
This is a book that points out the use of a single "pagan" symbol's incorporation in to Christianity. I have this and have read it several times.. It has tons of photographs showing the green man image worked in to catherdrals all over Europe.

It was my understanding that this practice was often used as a "recruiting" tool. Before inquisitions, certain things like this were used to try and show pagan or heathen religous groups that Christianity was "cool". This was most prevailant in the Germanic region, because this area( most likely the origin of Wicca) was deemed as the most barbaric. Even the image that we know of as the devil was once a pagan symbol. Although, the meaning behind a horned creature was interpreted VERY differently by the two sects. One as a consort of great power and male prowess, the other, the culmination of evil.

 

[AMP]

Only if you fit

I can read the words on the page, but I hear Catholic exclusionary tactics loud and clear through 2 Timothy 4:3-4.......

 

[AMP]

I believe that tha gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls could very possibly hold some credence. And, you shouldn't have to apologize...we should all accept the fact that others have views that don't always fit our own. Who are we to judge another? Also, don't apologize, because you were given the gift of "reason" and the ability to think...you're just using those gifts!

Lots of things "hold credence." They lead me to question, but I don't feel that I am missing something. Wonder how many non-Catholics feel like they are missing out on Rosary Beads? I don't question my faith in Christ, but I do question parameters set by religions (like who SAYS no one comes to the Father except through Me - you can't tell me that all Jews are going to Gehenna because Christ, the Son of God, who preached tolerance and forgiveness, uttered something the Catholics twisted to their own good; I want to know WHO said those words, and how they came down thru the Aramaic, the Greek, the Latin, and flowed in to the Lingua Pura).

I judge all the time, 'cause I was raised Catholic. Then I feel lousy about myself and look around for my surplice, 'cause I'm Catholic. Sorry, it's late, I'm getting goofy.

 

[AMP]

Call yourself what you will, but your faith and practices will have to stand before the Father at judgment.

But...but...but... didn't Christ simplify things for us? Two commandments "To love the Lord your GOd with your whole heart, your whole mind, and your whole soul; and to love your neighbor as yourself." He didn't mention that your faith would have to stand, just your practices. And if you get those two right, is God gonna judge whether you accepted Christ or Mohammed or Buddha or a Ring of Oaks?

:cringe:

 

[2ndAmendment]

But...but...but... didn't Christ simplify things for us? Two commandments "To love the Lord your GOd with your whole heart, your whole mind, and your whole soul; and to love your neighbor as yourself." He didn't mention that your faith would have to stand, just your practices. And if you get those two right, is God gonna judge whether you accepted Christ or Mohammed or Buddha or a Ring of Oaks?

:cringe:

Matthew 5:17-18
17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

John 14:6
6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 19:16-22
16Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" 17So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." 18He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, ""You shall not murder,' "You shall not commit adultery,' "You shall not steal,' "You shall not bear false witness,' 19"Honor your father and your mother, and, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."' 20The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" 21Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Jesus and the disciples taught that the law was not abolished and that we were to follow them, but that our sins (when we mess up) are forgiven by the only sacrifice needed, Jesus on the cross, but we must accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and ask forgiveness in His name when we sin.

 

[2ndAmendment]

So how do you feel about the Bible with regard to the fact that it was written by "humans" (who, regardless of how "lead by God" they are) who are very fallible? And, don't get me wrong...I grew up in the Catholic church, and still attend, and believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins...but I also believe that there are other possibilities, and not ALL of what is written in the Bible is "all there is". I do know that when the books of the Bible were being selected, no women's writings were selected...why? Because of the patriarchal society that existed at that time. And, no, I'm not a feminist...I'm just saying that isn't it possible that with regard to other writings that were left out of the selected books, couldn't there have some texts that could quite possibly have created an entirely different "Christianity" than the one we know today?

I'm just not willing to accept "this book was created and it's perfect" as an answer.

I believe that God gave us the raw materials to work with, but, that, ultimately, our salvation is up to us, not Him or "the Book", and that NOTHING is perfect, including the Bible, especially considering the changes it has gone through in translations over the centuries. Remember, it was re-written during the reformation, to suit the Protestant belief systems...something that was led by a "human"...not by God.

The Bible is written by humans guided by God. If it is not the Perfect Word of God then what makes the account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus true? If that is not true, how are you forgiven? Believing the word of God and God's plan is where faith comes in. We are to have the faith of a little child. That means in the face of all human doubt and reasons not to believe that humans can conjure up, we are to believe God's word and His way.

 

[aps45819]

I ritually sacrifice a fir tree on the date of the winter solstice and then prop the corpse up in my living room and decorate it for Christmas.

 

[Hello6]

Serious ? for 2A and any other who has an opinion

What in your opinion is the most harmful cult/religeon? I was reading a bunch of stuff about Scientology which creeped me out and got me to wondering what an educated christian thinks about Jehovia's witnesses and other wacky cults. 2A, I consider you the educated Christian and don't mean any of this as an insult in any way, cause, normally anything I have to say about it isn't nice.

 

[2ndAmendment]

But, but, but.... the Romans steamrolled other beleifs to fit into their version of Christianity. I don't take issue with the Bible, but with the history of the words in the Bible. Didn't they rewrite it to make it the King James Version? By COMMITTEE in 1611? How do you get a committee to rewrite the word of God? I am sure the Catholics with itchy ears in Luther's time did not realize they were giving rise to some very sound denominations.

I wonder if Christ's journal was one of the gnostic gospels the Church freaked out over and subverted into nothingness. (yikes, apologizing for herecy before someone hits me with bad karma... )

2ndA, glad to see you back!!

Constantine declared Christianity to be the official religion of the Roman Empire. He did not rewrite the Bible. Some beliefs came into existence like the deification of Mary (female deity) and the trinity (polytheism). but you will not find these ideas in the Bible.

No, it was not rewritten. It was translated into the English of the common man at the time. They were as diligent as they could be to be true to the original meaning. I think the use of "wine bottle" instead of "wine skin" was a mess up since an old bottle does not split like an old wine skin when you put in new wine.

The Bible has been translated many times, but the meaning has been preserved. The translations have been to bring the Bible into the languages of different peoples or into the common language use.

I admit I have not read most of the gnostic gospels, but what I have read does not contradict the Bible. The gnostic wittings are often not as clear or have no time line or supporting circumstances in them.

 

[2ndAmendment]

I believe that tha gnostic gospels and the Dead Sea Scrolls could very possibly hold some credence. And, you shouldn't have to apologize...we should all accept the fact that others have views that don't always fit our own. Who are we to judge another? Also, don't apologize, because you were given the gift of "reason" and the ability to think...you're just using those gifts!

Every one of the Dead Sea Scrolls that have been examined so far confirm that the Bible translation we have today is correct in meaning.

 

[2ndAmendment]

I can read the words on the page, but I hear Catholic exclusionary tactics loud and clear through 2 Timothy 4:3-4.......

You read the words of God. Whether you believe them or not is your free will.

 

[mAlice]

......................

 

[marianne]

I have seen a growing trend among Christians who feel they are "missing something" and have noticed a growing group who meld things like Pagan practices, Buddhism, and Kabbalah with their Christian practices and beliefs as a way to fulfill this need. I was wondering if any of you out there meld/practice Christianity with other beliefs?

Yes, I do. I was raised in a pretty strict and active Roman Catholic family. When I questioned about other religions to my CCD teachers or parents, my questions were always brushed aside. When I was in college, in addition to studying math & statistics, I minored in philosophy. I took quite a few philosophy of religion courses so that I could finally learn about other religions. This changed my life as I began to understand why different people act the way they do. For example, if you follow the bhagavad gita, you will do whatever it takes to fulfill your duty (the tricky part is figuring out what is your duty).

After learning about lots of different religions, I tended towards Mahayana Buddhism. The thing I like about this denomination of buddhism is it is so accepting of other practices. One of my buddhist teachers considers Jesus, as well as many other religious beings, buddhas. I visit catholic churches as well as buddhist temples and when I think of Jesus as a buddha it somehow makes sense to me.

 

[2ndAmendment]

Lots of things "hold credence." They lead me to question, but I don't feel that I am missing something. Wonder how many non-Catholics feel like they are missing out on Rosary Beads? I don't question my faith in Christ, but I do question parameters set by religions (like who SAYS no one comes to the Father except through Me - you can't tell me that all Jews are going to Gehenna because Christ, the Son of God, who preached tolerance and forgiveness, uttered something the Catholics twisted to their own good; I want to know WHO said those words, and how they came down thru the Aramaic, the Greek, the Latin, and flowed in to the Lingua Pura).

I judge all the time, 'cause I was raised Catholic. Then I feel lousy about myself and look around for my surplice, 'cause I'm Catholic. Sorry, it's late, I'm getting goofy.

Rosary beads are from the Roman perversion of Christianity. The repetitive prayer it encourages is in direct contradiction of scripture.

Matthew 6:5-8
5"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to (E)stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
6"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Jesus said no one comes to the Father except through Him.

John 14:6
6Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John was the only gospel written by a disciple. He was there when Jesus said this. Some of the gnostic gospels also say this. And yes, most of the Jews will not make it. According to the book of Revelation, only 144,000 Jews will be saved, 12,000 out of each of the twelve tribes.

Revelation 7:1-12
1After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. 2Then I saw another angel coming up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He called out in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: 3“Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” 4Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. 5From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, 6from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, 7from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, 8from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.
The Great Multitude in White Robes
9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

 

[2ndAmendment]

I ritually sacrifice a fir tree on the date of the winter solstice and then prop the corpse up in my living room and decorate it for Christmas.

Do you worship the tree? I might have a tree, but I certainly don't worship it. The winter solstice is an instance in time. Sometime I am cognizant of when it happens and sometimes I'm not. It is only another instance of time in another day.

 

[Hello6]

......................

I must be on iggy.

 

[mAlice]

I must be on iggy.

 

[2ndAmendment]

What in your opinion is the most harmful cult/religeon? I was reading a bunch of stuff about Scientology which creeped me out and got me to wondering what an educated christian thinks about Jehovia's witnesses and other wacky cults. 2A, I consider you the educated Christian and don't mean any of this as an insult in any way, cause, normally anything I have to say about it isn't nice.

There are lots of cults. Any group that does not teach that there is one God, Y'howah, (For Jehovah Witnesses, there is no J in Hebrew, the language of the Israelites) and that He came as man, Y'shua (Jesus), and dwells in and empowers believers in Y'shua as the Holy Spirit is a cult. Most cults rely on reading this or eating or not eating that or giving so much or yadda yadda. They rely at least in some part on self earning something or being good enough. Many have a book that they revere other than or in addition to the Bible.

Christians do not follow the commandments because they can earn salvation. They follow the commandments because they love God and the sacrifice of Himself as Jesus. Christians read and believe the Bible because it is the "owner's manual" of life. The Bible reveals to us what God wants us to know about Him and about His plans for us and the world. There is no additional books needed or revered. Christians may read study guides and other books about God or the Bible, but they are not considered authoritative or an addition to the Bible.

 

[2ndAmendment]

I must be on iggy.

Nope. Just replying in order as I read the posts.

 

[Chris_]

"Green Man- The Achetype of our Oneness with the Earth" By William Anderson
This is a book that points out the use of a single "pagan" symbol's incorporation in to Christianity. I have this and have read it several times.. It has tons of photographs showing the green man image worked in to catherdrals all over Europe.

It was my understanding that this practice was often used as a "recruiting" tool. Before inquisitions, certain things like this were used to try and show pagan or heathen religous groups that Christianity was "cool". This was most prevailant in the Germanic region, because this area( most likely the origin of Wicca) was deemed as the most barbaric. Even the image that we know of as the devil was once a pagan symbol. Although, the meaning behind a horned creature was interpreted VERY differently by the two sects. One as a consort of great power and male prowess, the other, the culmination of evil.

Yes, I have read that, also...that the devil's "appearance" was taken from something Pagan, however, most Pagans don't "believe in" Satan, as Satan is a product of the Christian mythos, and has no place/doesn't exist in most Pagan beliefs/practices.