God, are you listening?

[chasingmidnight]

Just some of my thoughts on religion:

A lot of religious people believe that praying is thinking words in your head, that's all you have to do and God will hear you. But if that's praying, what about all the horrible things we think about people when we're angry? When we think we hate someone and wish them dead, are we really praying for their death? Does God answer prayers like that? Is there a god?

What about the bible? Some of my family is strictly religious, to the point that they believe that if you don't think every word in the bible to be true, you go straight to hell. If God really loves us so much, would he send us to hell for something so trivial? And can you really help what you believe?

Everyone makes religion into such a big deal. They want to convert everyone they know to be Catholic or Christian. But does it really matter? If you're happy in yourself and if what you believe makes you a better person inside, can't everyone just accept that and leave you alone?

[---Arawn---]

I think that depends on your view of God. If you're catholic, yes, God knows what you're thinking when you're angry and he will not answer those "prayers" because he's infinitely good and the stuff. And being infinitely good and the stuff he will always be ready to forgive you, so you won't actually go straight to hell, as long as you regrets what you done. I personally don't believe on those things. To me god is just the creator of the universe and a good conscience. If you do things right you're rewarded with good things. Some call this Karma...

[Aeolus]

Just some of my thoughts on religion:

A lot of religious people believe that praying is thinking words in your head, that's all you have to do and God will hear you. But if that's praying, what about all the horrible things we think about people when we're angry? When we think we hate someone and wish them dead, are we really praying for their death? Does God answer prayers like that? Is there a god?

What about the bible? Some of my family is strictly religious, to the point that they believe that if you don't think every word in the bible to be true, you go straight to hell. If God really loves us so much, would he send us to hell for something so trivial? And can you really help what you believe?

Everyone makes religion into such a big deal. They want to convert everyone they know to be Catholic or Christian. But does it really matter? If you're happy in yourself and if what you believe makes you a better person inside, can't everyone just accept that and leave you alone?


First of all, God listens to everything. Jesus says if we hate our brothers or think vile thoughts, we have already sinned. If we look a woman over, we've commited adultery. It really puts things in perspective, everyone has an innate evil within them.

But there is hope, Jesus died for all our sins, knowing full-heartedly the evils we as humans create in our lives and the bitter hate in our hearts. The man beside him on the cross was a killer, but Jesus forgave him. It really helps you appreciate what He did for us. We can't be perfect, so the Son acted as a mediator on our part to bridge the link for imperfect man to perfect heaven. As long as you hold this as true, you are saved.


As for why we can't all just get along? There is a question that has awaited it's answer since the early philosophers began thinking in terms of ethics.

[chasingmidnight]

I call it Karma, yes.

[dracosn]

In the end I don’t think it really matter what you believe in as long as you believe in something and try to do good in yours and others lives. Remember the rule of three which actually translates to other sayings in all of the good books. It really shouldn’t matter people should get along but for stupid reasons they go out and end up killing themselves or others and that doesn’t solve anything now does it.

[sai-fujiwara]

One reason for me to not believe everything the bible says is that in the New Testament, you can find many different things that Jesus says that contradicts with the laws of the Old Testament. Another reason is that one of the books was written when Solomon was furthest away from God. So why should we listen to the words of a confused man as though he speaks like a messenger from the heavens above?

And God is everywhere. (Except for the places that are damned, i.e., Hell) So why shouldn't he be in your thoughts also?

I think that praying really has to be words from the heart, but not many can do that, (only when they mean it), so most just settle with words in your head that are directed at god. "Heavenly Lord" and all that shmitt.

Religion might be such a big deal because there are idiots out there that believe that if you do not believe in what they believe in, you are obviously going to have to need therapy which they will deliver them self.

Believe in what you want, and who cares of what other people think? Listen to the competition, evaluate, you might change your mind down the road, but who cares.

As always and with sleep drawing ever closer.

Sai

[Aeolus]

One reason for me to not believe everything the bible says is that in the New Testament, you can find many different things that Jesus says that contradicts with the laws of the Old Testament.


That is because Jesus represents a new age in man's relationship to God. The Old Testament gives situational rules for the Hebrews' physical and spiritual survival at the time.

[Octopus-face]

The people who piss me off are the young-earth creationists. They can kiss my only 6,000 year old earthen ass! You hear that Wolter!

[Stephen Knight]

Boy... that was intelligent.

[Captain Death]

I don't personally believe in God or the words of the bible (I have tried reading it, but I can't force myself to believe so I don't). However, I always liked the notion I heard somewhere that God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is no.

It annoys me when people force their beliefs onto you. That's no way to gain a true follower. People have to make their own decisions on what they choose to believe else their views will be tainted.

[J.L.R.]

To KEEP this thread on track, and since we are talking about prayer... specifically to God...

As stated above, Biblically speaking God does answer all prayers, yes, no, or wait.

[Aeolus]

I don't personally believe in God or the words of the bible (I have tried reading it, but I can't force myself to believe so I don't). However, I always liked the notion I heard somewhere that God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is no.

It annoys me when people force their beliefs onto you. That's no way to gain a true follower. People have to make their own decisions on what they choose to believe else their views will be tainted.

I use to think that way. I can't say that I still agree, but it is important to give people their 'space', if you catch my drift.