like how he works and stuff? do i have to conform to what my pastor believes and what he teaches and what everyone else thinks??
2007-12-14 17:56:58 · 48 answers · asked by yeahxitsxsarah 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Absolutely you are allowed - I would even say encouraged. It is important to examine, question and seek - to learn for ourselves and find what rings true for us. It is a Pastor's job to try and convince you that he is right and most are open to dialog about doubts and different ideas. Some can even help a person see the similarlities in what they believe and the teachings of the church - giving you the comfort of knowing that you are surrounded and supported by like minded others. Even if your ideas are not exactly the same, often you will find some common ground.
Bottom line is you are responsible for what you think, believe, do and say in this life, not your pastor. Best to use your own judgement and trust your instincts, in most cases.
Peace!
2007-12-14 18:02:08 · answer #1 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you not be allowed, this counties laws allow you freedom of religion and freedom of speech. You don't have too allow yourself to have your own thoughts because you have your own thoughts anyway, no one person or organization can make you believe in some thing or tell you how to think, unless you allow them too. Learn what they teach and discuss it and move on don't ever drag an issue that someone else has their own opinion, take what you want and understand from your pastor and the rest is his opinion. If he wants you to conform then change churches, he is not God and to conform to anyone else’s beliefs when you don't believe the way they do is wrong. Use your head and always watch out for those who say they know God and you must follow what I say or you will not go to Heaven. These type of people are a joke and full of crap. Good luck and if I were you I would change churches.
2007-12-14 18:18:18 · answer #2 · answered by Johnny 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely, everyone has the right to think/believe whatever they choose! If your question is, can you be Christian (I'm assuming b/c you said pastor) and have your own thoughts on God, I say yes to that as well.
Depending on what religion you are really determines how much room for interpretation there is. If your pastor reads the Bible one way, yes he has a lot of schooling on religion and God, but at the same time your relationship with God is between you and him. I know even among pastors there is a bit if dissent when it comes to interpretation of the texts... some believe that the stories are meant as fables to teach a lesson, others take a more literal stance. Things like birth control, abortion, homosexuality... the church takes a very strong stance (and again, depending on religion here) but there is nothing explicitly in the bible that says yay or nay on these topics. It tells you "thou shall not kill" and that means different things to different people. Some people think that birth control is a form of killing, some people think abortion is killing... you really just have to find your own answer. If you use the bible to guide you, great.
2007-12-14 18:12:05 · answer #3 · answered by bIGrED 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The problem with everyone having their own beliefs is that these beliefs can be incompatible. How do you know what's right and what's incorrect?
Christians believe that the Bible is the source of reliable information about God. So in fact, it's not what your pastor thinks that's necessarily right, but what the Bible teaches us. The Bible is God's message to us.
Now it's not as simple as that. There will be some areas where interpretation of the Bible differs and God simply has not given us a conclusive answer to our questions. For such matters, you may have to agree to differ.
On the other hand, if you are an inexperienced Christian, then it may be a good idea to rely on the advice of more experienced Christians until you have had a chance to study enough to form your own opinion.
2007-12-14 18:04:00 · answer #4 · answered by Raichu 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are definetly allowed to have your own thoughts. That is why everyone is unique. I am a Christian and believe that you can not be forced into believing anything that you can't. Your pastor is speaking the Word of God and how you receive it is up to the Holy Spirit. There are certain things you will believe because it touches your life and others around you. Don't let people force anything on you. God will reach you one way or another.
2007-12-14 18:03:27 · answer #5 · answered by Angie 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can think whatever you want to think. God gave everyone free will. Nothing I mean nothing is stopping you from thinking a certain way. But if you wish to be accepted by all those important to you, you need to conform in some ways.
Who is right? Everyone on the planet who just ate some weird fungus or the one individual who decided that eating fungus is just plain stupid. But who knows maybe that fungus is just cheese that looks like fungus and tastes great.
I don't believe every single individual in your church believes what your pastor says word for word. Its all about the end message in the stories he's telling. Unless you're part of some cult, I don't believe your pastor is trying to mislead you.
2007-12-14 18:05:39 · answer #6 · answered by yongjiujunshi 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes essentially. But remember that Jesus when he was 12 years old has his own thoughts about God, based on the scriptures. Then you allow God's Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all wisdom. But at the same time if you go to church, you should follow what your church teaches. But you can always change church's only if you feel you are not growing in your spirit unto the Lord. But that is the last resort. God bless.
2007-12-14 18:41:48 · answer #7 · answered by Uncle Remus 54 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. God gave you intellect (so you can understand) and free will (so you can choose). What your pastor says maybe true, but it's up to you whether to believe him or not. But of course you have to have a reason for believing or not believing. First you understand, then you choose. If what he says is beyond human understanding (like the mysteries), you just have to believe. When you believe, you can be wrong.
2007-12-14 18:11:42 · answer #8 · answered by art 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Pastor is not going to write you a letter of recommendation to God, It is up to each person to learn, and weigh in on your finding's and that is where your faith begin's development, there is no magic words or ceremonies, your relationship to God is a personal one.....a pastor's theological view may just be his own, and by all means, your entitled to your views. and if thats not allowed in your church?
there are plenty of churches out there.
2007-12-14 18:07:54 · answer #9 · answered by Al 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i believe that you can believe what you want you need to be one with God talk to him he will answer you but your pastor is there to instruct you to teach you what he knows what God has put in his heart to teach but it is your own will to believe no one can make you believe or do what he says i love God i am not perfect but i always try to do my best and let my heart show me do you know where you can find all the stuff he teaches and what you need to do it all in the bible that is our guide it teaches right and what not to do read it it helps i am trying my best talks to God believe with your heart and you will be answered i garentee it hope i helped God bless you
2007-12-14 18:04:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋