A Confession

Well first off I must admit I'm no fan of the Christian concept of "god". I say that up front because those of you who profess this omnipotent force as a kind of "sugar-daddy" that looks like you, attends to your gripes and watches over things while we all suffer what befalls us and remains silent while demanding loyalty and love so that we might possibly earn the flyer miles to be admitted to his holy mansion in the sky...you might wanna stop reading so that I don't upset you further which, of course, is not my intention.

That said, I do believe in a living power that animates the universe. It makes my heart beat, my thoughts churn (at 3am!), my liver carry on 500 enzyme functions, while atoms and planets whirl about in a timeless dance by "its" power. To me, God IS life...not some anthropomorphized, vain, absentee landlord standing above us all in judgement. The intentional separation of God from life itself was a distortion of man and the birth of the greatest pyramid scheme in history--aka "religion"--invented by man to control others for obvious reasons.

Now let me add something so that I'm clear as that frosted window on your slimy shower :
I have no doubts that religion can be a tool for some to use that allows their hearts to grow large and do good works. Therein lies the contradiction--a foolish and even nonsensical story accepted as gospel truth can, in the right hands, become a powerful instrument of love. The story itself isn't the love. It's the "transmutation" of the story by the human heart that alters the words into a powerful force. In this instance the words are irrelevant, while the human heart IS God doing good works. I'm reminded of a Taoist poem:

" When the fish are caught, the traps are forgot; when hares are snared, the snares are forgot."

 

Let me start by thanking you for your reply. I am not offended by anything you said, for a multitude of reasons. Reason one being that it is not my intention, nor my duty to change your mind on the matter. That is, in my opinion anyways, one of society's main problems today. Everyone insists on changing the minds of those who differ in thought from themselves.
I wont address all of the things in your message as I dont want to come off as "that preachy Christian", but there are a few points I would like to make.
1) You reference christianity viewing God as some sort of "sugar daddy " that is expected by Christian's to answer thier every beckon call.
To this I say, you are right. Many Christians have adopted this doctrine over the generations. I wont get into all the details, but I will say that to some, God is expected to behave like a genie in a lamp. In reality, that is not God. Many people are pushed away because they have been taught to just pray about thier sorrows, and if you pray enough you'll get your miracle. This is irresponsible teaching. When these people dont get the miracle, they retreat from God.
This leads to #2.
There is nothing anyone can do to "earn flyer miles to join Him in His holy mansion in the sky" aka Heaven. All that is asked is repentance and acknowledgment.
This "pyramid scheme" has been around since the beginning of time. It wasnt written by some slush fund manager. It has been authenticated by historians time and time again.
You close your message talking about religion being used as a tool for some to, basically be more loving and better people.... Bingo! You're already a better Christian than you realized. God is love. God is not a genie in a lamp. God is peace of mind.
I havent always been a believer. I went through much of my life thinking religion was nothing more than a security blanket for the weak. All I'll say is this. Since the day I admitted that I am weak, I've walked with security.
Have a blessed day!

 

Who says politics and religion don't mix?! The last two posts couldn't have been more respectful of two different views that all too often only work to sow division in our society. Kudos to you both.

 

Man made religion is definitely a tremendous control mechanism and jesus spoke much about its folly and empty promises. The creator wants a daily relationship with you, not some homenous domenous chanting and ritualistic BS in a room full of strangers. "Religion" is man's feeble attempt to get into right relations with the creator without being in the relationship with Him that is required.

The people that stand out in your life as religious hypocrites and jerks and holy rollers and pushers.. Well.. They probably are. Very few of them likely know the Lord and many of them are in for a surprise. Be gone from me you workers of iniquity for i never knew you.

I was an athiest BTW. Until God proved me and all my explanations wrong.

 

I was an athiest BTW. Until God proved me and all my explanations wrong.[/QUOTE]

Love this!
I was talking with my wife about something the other day. I believe that in a lot of cases, if someone isnt raised In the church, but comes to know the lord on thier own through pitiful circumstances, they can attain a more intimate and realistic relationship with God.
My wife, having been raised in the church, agrees.
Just food for thought‍.

 

10-4

 

"ain't no atheists in a foxhole when the shells start coming in"

 

Love this!
I was talking with my wife about something the other day. I believe that in a lot of cases, if someone isnt raised In the church, but comes to know the lord on thier own through pitiful circumstances, they can attain a more intimate and realistic relationship with God.
My wife, having been raised in the church, agrees.
Just food for thought‍.[/QUOTE]


Thanks. When i say proved me wrong i mean it in the most crushing sense. When the Lord wants a man on his knees he will squash him right down under a heavy burden onto them. I thought i could handle anything by myself. I was tough, i couldnt be broken. but i was wrong.

Throughout the bible the characters who God builds up are all broken first. Jesus didnt hang out with the mighty nobility, he shamed them by going straight to the hookers and lepers and building them up. He uses the broken and weak, having no use for the mighty and self righteous. If you find yourself broken and weak one day, call out to Him. Its okay to fall apart. Maybe even required.