How about more stuff to fuss about? Eh?
Some time ago I dropped my kids off with my sister for a while so my wife and I could go somewhere together. She and her husband are devout Baptists. They hardly speak a sentence without the words Jesus, Church, God, prayer or some other phrase from their religion. She works for the church and they are both deeply involved in its ministries. The weekend we left our kids with them they took my kids to church with them with our blessings. "Just try not to get them saved," I joked. I do not follow her religion but I am comfortable with them having it and trust them with our kids.
While standing in her living room, however, I mentioned Buddha one single time and she raised her hand and said loudly, "I don't want to hear it!"
Christianity is an aggressive religion. Christians, especially Evangelicals, believe it is their mission to "win the lost." I, too, used to do that. I have preached, led musical services, preached on the street and taught many classes. I know how aggressive the teachings and belief are. I am not one who speaks about Christianity without any knowledge of its inner workings. I was more involved than most Christians ever are on a ministry and insider level. I never understood, though, how offensive and rude my constant preaching and God talk was to non-believers. If I had known I probably would not have cared. After all, "they were wrong and I was right." Know what I mean?
I was wrong. Dead wrong. Now that I am not a Christian I suppose it might be karma that I suffer through so much in-my-face Christian attitude. I only wish there was a way for me to explain how Evangelical and/or Right Wing Christians appear to non-Christians or maybe even to liberal Christians. There's a song I used to sing, "they'll know we are Christians by our love." This is how Christian attitudes should be. First Corinthians 13 provide Christians with a definition of love. If they lived those words not only would anything others said not offend them but they would see past the words and look to the person.
It is not loving to a brother to treat his beliefs as my sister does mine. Is it? I do not say they should become Buddhist but there are things about my beliefs I'd like to mention sometimes. But the mere mention of the man's name (Buddha was a man, not a god, btw) is unacceptable. It does not matter that my choosing to follow Buddha's teaching has revolutionized my life, given me more peace than I ever had, and makes every day tolerable. It only matters that what I believe is "false" and "evil" and "wrong" and therefore should not be discussed. This is the attitude I have a problem with.
Christians are offended by the word "Buddha." It took my wife years to get over me having a tiny little Buddha on my desk. Christians are so convinced of the rightness of their religion any time someone hints that it is not perfect they cry about being offended, that they have been "attacked," etc.. Rather than having compassion and showing loving kindness to others, they flame out with indignant self-righteous anger. And still they wear their WWJD wrist bands. Go figure.
Let me make a prediction. It is a prediction that will be "offensive." I predict quite a few Christians will read this post and see nothing more than "Christian bashing." Though all I have attempted to do is explain how certain attitudes are offensive it is the words themselves that will give offense to some. I am in for some more flames.
So why even bring it up? Because I long for the day when Christians will peep out of their box long enough to realize that there are good people that do not, will not and even cannot follow their faith but who could be friends none the less. I long for the day when I am not judged by my entire community merely because I have a Buddha to remind me of my beliefs rather than a cross. I long for the day when I can find a friend down the road who will accept my belief and have a true conversation rather than searching for friends across the country on a site like this.
Nobody said it better than Mr. King, how great it will be when we are all judged by the "content of our character" and nothing else, not our color, our heritage, or our religion. I fear the dream will never come true for Mr. King or I.
Copy & paste to friend: (Click inside box; Ctrl + C to copy; Ctrl + V to paste)
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read more blogs!
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magnolia57
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Aug 11 @ 10:41AM
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nicely said 
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missliss78
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Aug 11 @ 10:47AM
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"they'll know we are Christians by our love." This is how Christian attitudes should be.
Agreed.
I am enjoying your blogs.
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musicianfriend
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Aug 11 @ 11:51AM
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Here you are again..bashing my religion...my religion that has helped and feed millions..
How many benevolent organizations do Buddhist have? I would like to know about that part of your religion..
Buddhist come from India....China...and Japan...
Lets have some history..
How about the "Rape of Nanking china" The Japanese army took over the city and plundered and raped everyone they could get ahold of...
China..a Buddhist nation has murdered millions and millions...of human beings..their own country men...
India...was and in some places still is..a nation of starving people all the while cows run around and are deemed as a sacred animal..
Im sorry..but your continual bashing of Christianity is disgusting to say the least..then you say your tollerent?...
Im sorry to break the news to you..but you are one of the MOST INTOLLERENT people in these threads..
Pretending to be a 'good person' when all the while..you are not...Your a fake..
Christians are offended by the word "Buddha." It took my wife years to get over me having a tiny little Buddha on my desk.
Christians are NOT offended by the word Buddha..We are more offended by the so called buddhist arrogant attitude and constant bashing of Christianity...
And as far as your wife having a problem with your little buddha statue on your desk...Who wouldnt...its a little rock..and you worship it.. 
You worship a statue...What has the little statue done for you? What sacrifie has that little statue done for humanity?
Where is your bible that predicts things that will happen in the world? You dont have one...you have no proof that Buddha does anything for anyone...
Buddhist nations have committed some of the most incredibile atrocities..
Christians are so convinced of the rightness of their religion any time someone hints that it is not perfect they cry about being offended, that they have been "attacked," etc.. Rather than having compassion and showing loving kindness to others, they flame out with indignant self-righteous anger. And still they wear their WWJD wrist bands. Go figure.
More bias from you in that paragraph...hatred and bigotry..
Let me make a prediction. It is a prediction that will be "offensive." I predict quite a few Christians will read this post and see nothing more than "Christian bashing." Though all I have attempted to do is explain how certain attitudes are offensive it is the words themselves that will give offense to some. I am in for some more flames.
So then..your sort of a trouble maker?
So why even bring it up? Because I long for the day when Christians will peep out of their box long enough to realize that there are good people that do not, will not and even cannot follow their faith but who could be friends none the less .
I have friends of different faiths..and some have no faith at all..We all get along just fine...
This is why...no one does what you are doing here...bashing others..Your are not Buddhist...your are arrogant..
I long for the day when I am not judged by my entire community merely because I have a Buddha to remind me of my beliefs rather than a cross. I long for the day when I can find a friend down the road who will accept my belief and have a true conversation rather than searching for friends across the country on a site like this.
I would assume the reason you are having problems is because of your arrogant mouth...bashing others..then sitting back trying to act superior to others..
Your a real piece of work..
Again..you have the inablity to accecpt the consequences of YOUR actions..I am pretty sure you have blown your mouth off to these Christians..and offended them so they dont like you..
So..in true fashion...instead of looking inward as to what YOU may have done to offend others....instead...because of your inmaturity..you blame everyone else..
I feel sorry for you..You are living in your delusion...You cant do this..what your doing right here on this page..and except everyone to like you...I would avoid you to in the town square..Your a trouble maker..
I dont see any Christians bashing anyones religion on these threads...and as far as you once being a Christian..I would assume you didnt do your homework very well...you must not have read your Bible very well.....and then again...not everyone is destined to be Christian..
We know this...and as far as Im concerned..Its your ship...you sail it where ever you wish..Its not my concern..In my world..you can be whoever you wish to be..until you step on me...then...i have the right to defend myself..
Play nice sir....quit trying to stir up trouble. Your wife may have even encouraged these nice folks to try to help your children learn something other than your arrogant attitude...by giving them a religion that teaches people to be humble..but yet..strong...The Bible teaches us not to be unequally yoked...I bet its hard for your wife to deal with this situation...and probably hard for you too..You live in two different worlds..
I think you arrogant and have probably caused your own problems in your community.....thus earning their disrespect because of your judgemental attitude......after all...I can tell just by what you write..you think your better than everyone else... 
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pinkypaula2
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Aug 11 @ 11:53AM
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WOW what a incredible blog bet i have ever read   
i know exactly where youre coming from i to was in a hell,fire,brimstone church, had my mind so twisted had a nervous breakdown, im no longer call myself a christian im a very spritual person, i no longer have the fears i once had, we should always remember judge not that you be not judged, to each his on i get soo tired of people preaching to me telling me i shouldnt do this or that they need to look at their on selves first, i walk away form them, they say you should be in church i say for what to act like you  kudos for you
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musicianfriend
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Aug 11 @ 12:04PM
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Oh by the way...here is the some of the history of Buddhism and its beginnings..
The KINGS son started this religion....So lets think a bit.....is ANYONE going to go against the Prince? I think not...Figure it out for yourselves....
But that doesnt really matter..Everyone can do what he wishes...Freedom of choice...
If your son was 'witnessed too...perhaps that was his 'good' karma? Who knows..Everything happens for a reason...right?
Your child will be witnessed by many different kinds of people his whole life...Good people..bad people..
If he happened to become a Christian..the worse thing that could happen is that he would not make illegitimate babies...abort his babies, your grandchildren...work hard to support his family...be good to his neighbors..abide by the law...and treat you like a king when you are old....Sounds good to me..
The day of the Buddha's birth is widely celebrated in Theravada countries as Vesak.[13] Various sources hold that the Buddha's mother died at his birth, a few days or seven days later. The infant was given the name Siddhartha (Pali: Siddhatta), meaning "he who achieves his aim".
During the birth celebrations, the hermit seer Asita journeyed from his mountain abode and announced that the child would either become a great king (chakravartin) or a great holy man.[14] This occurred after Siddhartha placed his feet in Asita's hair and Asita examined the birthmarks.
Suddhodana held a naming ceremony on the fifth day, and invited eight brahmin scholars to read the future. All gave a dual prediction that the baby would either become a great king or a great holy man. (DONT FORGET..HES THE KINGS SON)[14] Kaundinya (Pali: Kondanna), the youngest, and later to be the first arahant, was the only one who unequivocally predicted that Siddhartha would become a Buddha.[15]
While later tradition and legend characterized Suddhodana as a hereditary monarch, the descendant of the Solar Dynasty of Ik?vaku (Pali: Okkaka), many scholars believe that Suddhodana was the elected chief of a tribal confederacy.
Early life and marriage
Siddhartha, destined to a luxurious life as a prince, had three palaces (for seasonal occupation) especially built for him. His father, King Suddhodana, wishing for Siddhartha to be a great king, shielded his son from religious teachings or knowledge of human suffering. Siddhartha was brought up by his mother's younger sister, Maha Pajapati.[16]
As the boy reached the age of 16, his father arranged his marriage to Yasodhara (Pali: Yasodhara), a cousin of the same age. According to the traditional account, in time, she gave birth to a son, Rahula. Siddhartha spent 29 years as a Prince in Kapilavastu. Although his father ensured that Siddhartha was provided with everything he could want or need, Siddhartha felt that material wealth was not the ultimate goal of life.[16]
Well...at least this prince was smart...material wealth is NOT the road to happiness..
Who is going to go against the Kings son?
Im dont mean to negate this man...but I dont see how hes superior to other men...
Im sure he was not perfect..but who is going to tell anyone? Hes the Kings son...
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dharmaseeker
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Aug 11 @ 1:12PM
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I don't think you read a word I said. Is this diatribe of yours what constitutes a Christian attitude?
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invisible1
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Aug 11 @ 1:13PM
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convinced of the rightness of their religion Who is to say that any religion is not right?
My sister has followed Buddhist beliefs for years though all us siblings were raised as Catholic Christians.
My attitude toward any religion is that individuals who follow their faiths teachings & beliefs, & are morally upright & do not hurt others are following the right religion for them. It is not what faith it is, it's having constant commitment to that faith.
Good blog!
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POPO
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Aug 11 @ 1:20PM
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As a man who believe's in God, I don't own a cross, never have never will, I don't believe all Christians are fanatics nor ascribe to that thinking, in every group be it religious political or otherwise, we see those who are extreemist, sadly we even see that within our own families, or cultures were most comfortable with. It makes me wonder at times with these people, what went wrong? The idea started out noble enough, but somewhere in the process of learning their belief or value system, they lost the most important message of all, LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU..(even if you don't believe he's the son of God) he makes a great point
Like you, I've known many who have went too far with their belief system, it happens in all faiths and in all walks of life! Some call it "Passion" for what they believe in, some call it being so filled with the "Spirit" others call it "Knowledge" some don't even realize how "Ugly" their "Love" has become.  But regardless if it's a Radical Muslim, Radical Christian, Radical Atheist, Radical Anything, be it religion, politics, control, power, arrogance or hatred for those who are different or think differently is down right Ugly.
As we have seen here mostly on political and religious threads the hatred that spews and breeds more hatred, all because our opinions differ with another.We see it from all sides of the spectrums, sometimes were lured into saying something we normally wouldn't say in a typical conversation, whether were defending our cause, beliefs or values, right or wrong, we engage the fight, I have been guilty of this myself... 
What I have noticed is, the people in the Blogs are more tolerant then in the threads, People tend to be more accepting of opinions and beliefs here then there.
Which makes the blogs in my humble opinion a kinder gentler place to visit without being bashed or trashed for every word or thought we post. I've met some good men in here and allot of really fantasic women  I didn't come to MD to date or hate, I came here to post in political threads and raise my concerns with the direction of this nation.Yet found myself posting more and more in the blog forum, I'm sure your thinking Popo what does this have to do with this blog? 
In the blogs we have people from all walks of life, all religions, all political views, and so on, but for the most part about 98% of the blogs I have read, are just people expressing their thoughts on life.Only a few have risen to the level of being fanatical. There is a women here maybe reading this who is Buddhist, I happen to be a Christian for argument sake, I highly respect her and think she is the bomb I would never impose my beliefs on her, nor would I ever judge or compare her beliefs to mine.She has always treated me kindly and with great respect as I do her, what ever our differences are, they mean nothing to me, as I find her to be genuine real and sincere, oh and kinda cute..  Hi Mom.. 
I don't judge people based on the color of their skin nor their belief system, however, I will have a debate even spirited debate and hopefully make my case as to why I believe as I do. The few things that I have a problem with is when someone bashs God,Women or Country those three I happen to love dearly, in that order. If they feel they have a right to bash or trash any of the three, I feel I have the right to defend any of the three. 
I do not find your post offending....
I agree with your post..... as long as it doesn't stereo type all, their are Christians out here, who absolutely understand fanatics come in all walks of life, and because they attach a name to them self simular to ours, doesn't make us one of them, or agree with how they are. I don't like being around anyone who is fanatical in anything unless it's my dream girl  professing her Love for me.. then it's on...  but she hasn't shown herself yet.. Popo tapping his foot..where are you baby! 
Good post.. Hopefully it will make all people take pause and evaluate how they treat each other.
Popo
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dharmaseeker
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Aug 11 @ 2:00PM
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Ms. Musician... ...now let me reply to your misconceptions.
First Buddha was a man, not a god. I do not worship him or anything. I do not believe in a god the way you do. I am agnostic.
Second, there are many Buddhist benevolent societies. In Buddhist countries monasteries provide a lot of help to the community. And they are entirely supported by their community. They are not allowed to draw a salary so they depend entirely upon the good people they teach. I visited a Vihara in Houston where nearly a dozen monks are completely dependent upon their people.
Buddha lived in India 2500 years ago. Most Buddhists now live in Tibet, Southeast Asia, China and Japan. The versions practiced are very different. The Hindu religion has a version of "Buddha" in their pantheon but this "Buddha" is not what I or other Buddhists follow. As a Theravada Buddhist I follow the simple and basic teaching of Siddhartha Gautama who became Buddha.
Gautama's story is a beautiful one of love, sacrifice, and incredible teaching. He was a pacifist, too. Just because people in countries where Buddhism is practiced act horrible does not mean they are doing as he taught.
Before you go saying how bad Buddhist countries have acted let me remind you that Hitler and Germany was was Christian. There are as many or more horrible and murderous examples of what nations have done in the name of their God, be he Christian, Hebrew or Islamic.... the same god with different names.
Christians are offended by the word Buddha. I should know. Look how it made you.
I could write a book about the Bible... I actually have... but I won't bring any of that up here. Believe it if you choose. I do not. Buddha's teaching fills many volumes and ancient Buddhist teaching fills many more. None of it is treated like god's word or considered "infallible" or "inerrant." It's good human ideals written by a very good human to help other humans live without suffering. The principals of his basic teaching are timeless and completely effective. They are used in a generic form by many counselors. They actually differ very little from that which Jesus was taught.
The rest of what you write I don't know how to respond to without making you more angry. I do not need to justify my belief nor am I anything you say I am. I would suggest you learn more about Buddhism. Buddha taught as Christ taught, to love others and not judge. I'm sure you will not do that but it is your loss.
I have not judged you, ma'am, you have judged me and taken offense where none were offered nor intimated. Are you angry because I am Buddhist and talk about Christianity or because I used to be a Christian and am not any longer?
There are many things I could say about Christianity which I have not. If I was as you say I am I could not live in harmony with my wife as I do and I would not be telling my children they can choose Christianity if they wish.
I can say that since I gave up Christianity and became a Buddhist, as in one who follows the teaching of a man called Buddha, I have never been more at peace in my heart, I have learned what love means, I have understood what selflessness and forgiveness and loving kindness is. I have also been very saddened by people all bound up in rules and religion and attitude but Buddhism, unlike Christianity, does not demand I go out and force people to believe as I do nor does it teach me to hate those who are not Buddhist. I write these notes hoping someone will hear and break through to understanding. That is why I write them, not to make you angry or be a "trouble maker." I have peace. Do you?
I do not understand why you did not read the post as it was written, as a way to explain how others who are not Christians feel and are often treated. The few who have agreed with it understand what I mean. Why do you not?
I am sorry that you are so angry and offended. If you do not read the words as they are written without bias there's nothing I can do.
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Josuha
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Aug 11 @ 2:29PM
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Here's the bottom line.
If you don't like someone's religion, walk away.
You have a right to believe what you want.
You also have the right to leave..
This horse has been beaten into small pieces on this site and it goes no where.
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dharmaseeker
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Aug 11 @ 2:51PM
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I wonder why some comments post instantly and others take a while? Hmm.
It is my understanding, Joshua, that a blog is a place where people write about things they think about so others can read and respond. At least that's part of what it is for.
Like another person who comment said, he's here to participate in discussion. I am also trying to understand things I do not understand, like why the simple things I wrote set some people off like Roman candles. There are those who enjoy hurting others and then there are a few who seek ways to keep from doing that. I am of the latter.
If I can figure out how to relate with my family and this community and be myself and share my beliefs without offending then I have accomplished something.
If there is talk and discussion, even argument, then something is accomplished.
A little note about Buddha to Ms. Musician, it is true Buddha was a prince but he renounced his kingdom entirely and became an ascetic--a wondering monk--six years or so before he became Buddha. He never exercised his authority at all. He renounced it. His love and compassion is what brought people to him. That and his teaching that really works.
I am glad that there have been readers and respondents to these blogs. I thank you all, even Ms. Musician. Maybe we can all learn a little more about ourselves and others through such interaction.
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Fayvorite
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Aug 11 @ 3:07PM
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Sometimes it is hard to control one's own emotions and subjects of polictics or religion seem to set some people off. When they answer emotionally with intent of malice it is difficult for me to read what they have to say. When they answer with a difference of opinion but without malice I enjoy reading. I love being open minded and letting the light in.
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dharmaseeker
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Aug 11 @ 3:24PM
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I do partially understand Fayvorite. To a Christian, if their faith turns out to be wrong their entire world, world view, and eternity explodes into nothingness. It's a very frightful thing. Been there, done that, have the bruises.
There is no malice in anything I write against Christianity as there is with many posts specifically because I know what it's like to have the world crumble. There is the hope that through discussion and differing opinions people will be encouraged to examine their own religious practice and see how it matched up with the founder and teachers of that religion.
Our greatest problem in this country is that too many people think with their emotions (or sometimes their genitals) and not their head. Another problem is that people make assumptions and react rather than discovering what someone else is saying and/or who they really are without assumptions.
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ttomtarr
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Aug 11 @ 3:35PM
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The Moslems ! How did they get left out of this sh_t storm? Somebody always takes a poke at them. But hey, they have an excellent saying:
When you throw a stone into a pack of dogs, the one hit howls.
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southernlass
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Aug 12 @ 2:30AM
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I'm just sorry to read about all of your unfortunate experiences with Christians.
Personally, if I were one to get on here and blog every other day or so, I could write almost exact same blogs about secular humanism style folk, or "new atheists" as they are often called today. Now these guys are rabid. They'll give a Christian a run for their money any day of the week. You need to pop over to the Religion forum and take a gander at these peeps because we're talking hate oozing out of these people's pores!
After you watch some of them go after the Christians, you'll have new insight into what's going on all over the world right now, not just our country, and it's putting Christian people on the defensive, imo.
I agree with you in that I don't care for in-your-face anybody, Christian, atheist, or any other religion, but there are some folk out there that are now giving Christians a run for their money, and you need to see the other side of the coin, imo. Come on over to religion and if you can, try to remain neutral and just observe for awhile. You'll be shocked, friend, I'm not kidding you. Might give you some new material for your blogs..
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dharmaseeker
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Aug 12 @ 7:49AM
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Thank you for your comment southernlass. I do understand what you mean. I think people react in religion like they react in love, they turn to hate rather than just walking away.
I understand how in Christianity a real challenge to their faith threatens a person's entire world and so there is a strong reaction. I do not know why athiests hate Christians and religion in general so much unless they have a guilty conscience. Maybe athiests hate the idea of control and most religions exercise some form of control.
What a world this would be if we could all get along and respect each other, wouldn't it?
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MrPaul
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Aug 15 @ 12:44PM
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When I Say "I Am A Christian"...
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost!"
"That is why I chose this way."
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need someone to be my guide.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
and pray for strength to carry on.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
and cannot ever pay the debt.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
my flaws are too visible
but God believes I'm worth it.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartaches
which is why I seek His name.
When I say..."I am a Christian"
I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority.
I only know I'm loved.
-Author Carol Wimmer - Copyright 1988
What a world this would be if we could all get along and respect each other, wouldn't it? Not all are bad, not all are good. But we are all one on this earth
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