Has the Religion/Spirituality forum had an effect on your thinking?

Question

I have felt a strange compulsion to re-read the Bible. Also to furthur study Buddhist texts. But the Bible urge has surprised me.

Anyone else had a strange urge from coming onto this forum? And homicidal urges don't count...

Answer 1

Well I've always believed that every religion out there has truth to it to one degree or another. I think I've felt the urge to find out more of the true principles that are in other belief systems, and so far I've been pleasantly surprised to see how much different religions have in common, they just call these principles by different names.

Thanks

Answer 2

Hi A_delphic: At first R/S did not, for I was here to communicate my beliefs. Then, they were dissed and I had to step back.

So, I do write questions, and learn, and I have learned. For example, a few months ago I thought that I could answer questions so glibly that anyone could see I was right. And I truly am not as arrogant as this sounds. It is that I was comfortable with my beliefs. This happens to all people. The reality is that everyone tends to be comfortable with their own beliefs and has a hard time to see other's viewpoints. Since life is far from one sided, you have keep on looking at things from both sides. It is hard. So from this standpoint, it has affected me.

I'm re-writing my book from what I have learned here, and by the way, have some very interesting thoughts on the bible. I should send you an email with more info. However,

Just assume/believe the Bible is a spiritual book, writen by people who truly believed what they wrote. This is hard and out of the box, but, the bible is not a religious book. It is only when a group of people decide what the bible means in terms of dogma, doctrine, belief, etc, that the bible becomes the basis of many differert religions. Before that step, it is a spiritual book, about life, good, and bad, maturity, growth, etc. That is just a fact of this world.

This quote that gorgeoustxwoman provided is good:

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ" Mahatma Gandhi

If you read Shelly in The Case for Atheism, if you accept his premises, a reasonable person could never accept the bible. Thus, if you are facing a contradiction, check your premises, you will find one is wrong. Here is one. Sorry for the short remarks.

The bible is not prescriptive. (Why did Jesus not obey the bible and help stone the adulterress?). It shows how based on your beliefs, your life, and society can thrive or die. It shows good and bad. Sequentially, it goes from infanthood, to kids, to teens (with strict laws), and to young adults (conquering), to start a unique life (mistakes), and then to love, spiritual rebirth, struggle, and wisdom.

Here is the last comment: the bible is a spiritual book, that shows everything about life, good and bad, it is a book that one can learn from, it they look to understand the message. You must read and think thru the sequence and what it means.

What is the message: Love god with all your heart, love others. Find and use your talent, not all are called to preach. Be a good and faithful servant.

Ok, I still like proverbs. I like James. I like the Gospels. I like David. I like Psalms. Still do not like Revelations (not ready for it), or the early Bible, since, I have matured past it.

As you can tell, this is a little random and not necessarily an answer. But, I did try to answer your question. It was hard. There were some underlying themes in your remarks.

Answer 3

Yes A delphic, I totally agree since being on this forum it has provoked questions in me, and a new sense of wonder. I too picked up the bible again, because I wanted to see if what I read as a child still had the same meaning for me as an adult. And I can say with true enthusiasm, I still see the same message, that god is within us, and that we should not judge one another. And that we are blessed with great powers, but first we must see that we are. For me this was a validation that only through the acceptance of everyones faith, we will find peace and acceptance of ourselves. I
I wish you well

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Well, if homicidal urges don't count...

I've done more reading on *everything*, from scientology to Hesiod's theogeny to the Bhagavad Gita to the Nicene Council.

I have folders of articles about Judaism, Jesus, and bible resources on-line that have proved very helpful in understanding concepts foreign to me.

I've learned who the Gerrer Rabbe was, and who Albert Fish was (thanks a lot, Chris! -- now I have nightmares about him).

I'm stronger in my beliefs than I was before. I have more respect for some individuals than when I started, and less for others -- regardless of their religion.

.

Answer 6

It's had a negative effect-I just hadn't realised how many people were hopelessly steeped in meaningless dogma, clinging to a lot of theological nonsense like creationism. It's depressing to imagine in the 21st century some people still have a mindset that belongs in the middle ages.

Answer 7

Absolutely, this forum has helped me. I am constantly enriched by answers posted by Jews, whether they believe Jesus is the Messiah or not.

Also, for my first few weeks here, I was quite surprised at the bitterness that flows from many atheists.

Peace.

Answer 8

It made me realize just how accurate the Satanic Bible really is. I've also realized just how IGNORANT people can be... and that applies to no one religion in particular (though Christians are admittedly the most often ignorant).

Answer 9

Yes to pray for more people on this site for there healing of there minds bodies and souls Io see so many in need of a savior God is good God is love and he loves everyone here and everyone in the world he wants all to have a better life.

Answer 10

It has caused me to dive deeper into my faith and see for myself what it really says. The fact that I have a closer relationship with Chirst has been a positive by-product.

I have seen too many misquotes from the Bible and we all owe it to ourselves to find the truth by reading from our own religious sources as well as others. Knowledge is power. Wisdom is applying the knowledge.