what I mean is I want to but there are so many religions and they all do things different. How do you choose a religion? don't we all worship the same god? I'm confused and not been baptized what do you think?
2007-03-13 02:32:01 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i was baptized, I don't go to church anymore. i have my own personal relationship with god. We communicate ever so often. He checks in to see how bad I've screwed things up, grabs me by the back of my shirt slaps me in the face like a dog and says "NO". My relationship with god is precious and is like no other. We play the Nintendo Wii together, We enjoy a burrito from the burrito truck. Like no other. god I'm weird. If you are good, and you ask for forgiveness, and are sincere in every aspect then yes. Heaven is for you.
2007-03-13 03:52:47 · answer #1 · answered by aphotic nostrum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not all religions worship the same god or gods. Not only that, but religions that claim to worship the same god(s) often are mutually exclusive. For example Christians believe that the *only* way to god is through Christ, Islams on the other hand say that Christ was a liar and is just a prophet but claim to worship the same god.
If you really must have a religion, I suggest you take the time to research the various ones, get to know many people in each and make the best informed decision that you can. Then as you live your "faith" constantly question it and challenge it. If it's right, it will stand up, otherwise no. I personally am an atheist as there is no proof for any religion and when critically examined most seem to be founded in stories and wishes.
2007-03-13 02:42:04 · answer #2 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First off let me say that I too have never been baptized. I don't go to church, and I don't follow one set religious sect. But that doesn't mean that I'm not a christian. I am, and I have a very strong faith. I just believe that there is more to God than church and religion.
The way I look at baptism is that there are two kinds. The first is where some old priest/preacher dunks you in a pool of cold water, says some pretty words...and voila...your saved. This is supposed to symbolize a cleansing of the spirit. Of being made knew. But cannot God do the same himself? Without the priest and cold water? I believe that there is a baptism of the spirit. You get this when you accept that God is your God. It is the release from your sins, and the beginning of a new spiritual life.
So yeah, walking in faith is hard when you don't follow one church or another. But did the disciples stop ministering to attend Sunday services? No, they were following God, and He didn't/doesn't need a church to relay His message.
2007-03-13 03:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by Rebekah 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the Bible it says nothing about not being allowed into heaven if you are not baptized. Being baptized is about the preacher, preist, man of God washing you as an agent of God. It is not a requirement of going to heaven.
I have a brother that lost a son a few years a go. Unlike myself, who has read and studied religions, he and his wife had no clue as to what happened to their child. We were with a preacher and the preacher was explaining why he couldn't have baptized the child...because he was dead. My brother and sister-in-law were in agony. I finally spoke up and confronted the preacher saying that in no way shape or form does it say that you MUST be baptized to go to heaven. He agreed and this short conversation made them feel much better.
Now, this mean preacher, for he was a meanie, wasn't going to tell my family that the child was with God. I don't think I ever heard those words leave his mouth. Since I knew more than he thought I knew, I was able to confront him and make my brother and his family feel better.
This is one of the many reasons that I don't go to church. This preacher not only acts as Gods agent, which he should, but he also thinks that he is God and I have ran across too many men of the cloth that are like this.
I believe and yes I have been baptized, but not until I was 25. I was forced to do it and have my daughter baptized also. I think that when you are ready it doesn't hurt but there is nothing written that your chances are any more or less going to heaven. All you have to do is repent, believe and live a life according to Gods word.
I hope this helps. God bless and good luck!
2007-03-13 02:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by Steff 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How do you choose a religion? That's a tough one. Ultimately you have to feel comfortable in the religion you choose and your following of that religion must be sincere.
For many people they "kid" themselves into following a religion, and go along with the dogma and the practices, even though they find them silly and may not believe in it all. Those are people that are in the "wrong" religion.
The more you feel that way, the more you are in the "wrong" religion.
I don't like or agree with any religion that says "ours is the only way, and for those that don't believe as we do and do as we do will go to hell!" My God isn't that arrogant, demanding, or insecure.
As for the "act" of being Baptized, well for my God, he knows what is in your heart and is less concerned with what you have done as a ceremony invented by man to appease man.
.
2007-03-13 02:55:41 · answer #5 · answered by non_apologetic_american 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can go to heaven as a Christian without being baptized. However, being baptized is a sign to God that you are dedicating your life to Him, and that you want to be His child and live a Christian life here on earth. It makes your decision to become a Christian more known to God. It doesn't mean that suddenly you stop sinning, it means that you make a concious effort to resist.
No, we don't all worship the same God. Jews and Christians worship the same God, Muslims worship Allah (which they say is the same god, but they have very different characteristics), and I believe that Buddhists and Hindus worship several gods.
I hope that helps!
2007-03-13 02:46:44 · answer #6 · answered by GLSigma3 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honey, what you need to do is pray about it. God will lead you where He wants you to be, whatever religion/faith that may be. When people question my choice of religion, I tell them that while one particular religion is good for them, it may not be for another person. However you chose to believe, it's a personal choice. Pray and read your Bible. While I do think that you need to be Baptized, I also believe that God knows your heart. If you repent & haven't been baptized yet, then I think that because God knows your heart, you will go to heaven. Now this is just my personal opinion on it. It doesn't mean that I am right. I don't think that anyone should push their beliefs off on another. Good luck and God bless you in your search.
2007-03-13 02:47:41 · answer #7 · answered by Crystal 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oh dear, I understand what ya going through. Im not staunch in my religion and I do not follow most of its practice. See, whatever I do, I believe its between me and God. I may believe in my religion but I think ppl from other religion will go to heaven as well. Some of us do not choose to be born in certain religions. Some of us do not have the opportunity to be exposed to other religions to compare which is the best for us. Ultimately, I respect all religions and one thing in common is, ALL RELIGIONS TAUGHT US TO BE GOOD HUMANS. I may not be a role model for my religion, but I try very hard to be a good human, to be humble, to be kind coz the hearts' contents is what matters. God will always know your intention, your thoughts and opinions. God knows your dilemma, your confusion and your reasons. I ll say its between you and God and no one shd be telling you this or that. :)
p/s- Who s the sad person who's giving the thumbs down to every answers here?
2007-03-13 02:51:07 · answer #8 · answered by Wish 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry about it. Those things are different rituals for different people from different scriptures. The essence of the scriptures is to wake up pure love for God, that is the central point. You find a religious proses in which will help you to purify your heart, that is what i did, and I'm not confused anymore. Baptized or not baptized, if one's heart is not pure and is full of sinful desieres, nobody is going to heaven.
2007-03-13 02:49:02 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus was baptized, did he being perfect need to be??
Baptism is a sign of a person acknowledging to the world of their commitment to God.
To enter into heaven all we need to know is the key meaning Jesus Christ by accepting him as Lord and Savior.
The criminal on the cross did not get off and get baptized and went back on the cross...and yet Jesus PROMISED him he would be with him in paradise.
God Bless
2007-03-13 02:45:41 · answer #10 · answered by Commander 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋