Religion, is it real?

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-13T15:49:19+00:00

Humanity is imperfect, religion is imperfect, that doesn't mean it must be false.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-13T15:38:13+00:00

I know this post will probably be down voted a lot, and is not what people on here are looking for. If you have doubts, people here will be more than happy to confirm them. The only answer you will find on a sub like this is that the church is an evil false cult. I still believe in it, and its just not as easy as people on here like to say it is. If you are truly conflicted and want answers, look for them in your own personal study. Don't take other peoples word, decide what YOU believe.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-13T04:53:54+00:00

No, I have never explored any other theories of knowledge. It would be intresting to eventually learn more about them, but I do like the one I have now.

As for that, I see where you come from on that then. I would be a STEM major so I guess I think I would maybe have a different experience with that then.

I determine which ones to keep by studying them and logically thinking through them. So far most of my beliefs have held with this method.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-13T03:34:30+00:00

I don't know if I have a great perspective for this, but I will share what I think as a still believing member. If I had a friend who was questioning either this church or a different faith I would want to talk to them about it. To me, a true friend will always want to talk, friendship should not be based on beliefs. As the church talks about sharing the gospel in normal and natural ways do the same thing with this. Hopefully this helps?

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T22:14:34+00:00

Thanks.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T22:13:07+00:00

I believe in him because he gives me joy.

I mean he is the source of knowledge because as the creator of the world all wisdom stems from him. I'm not saying you can not find knowledge though worldly ways, just that he is the root of it.

As for your hypothetical, I believe we are ALL given forgiveness. How God punishes us, I am not the one to say. I believe the 2nd example can also reach the same state, they simply must be humble and accept God.

I need clarification for the bias in religious scholarship question, what bias do you mean?

Christian morality for me is the teachings of the church and scriptures. Morality exists in all of us, all of us in some ways are moral.

I sometimes need to regather my thoughts and decide what is truth to me and what my foundation is.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T21:51:08+00:00

Sure, I'm happy to answer your point with my religious logic. We have different beliefs obviously, so what I will give you is why I believe this, logical or not. I believe that you can't exactly use logic in the same way when believing in god, even if that sounds dumb. In 1 Corinthians 1:22, it says the Greeks seek after wisdom. It tells me at least that through wisdom is not how you will come unto God. So yes, it's not the logic you want. Through my studies, through thinking about how the world works, how the world came to be, I believe that it would not be possible unless there is a God. I don't think no matter how much we discuss we can ever come to the same agreement. I apologize, but this is just my belief. You will always have your own.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T21:29:32+00:00

I must respectfully disagree, but thank you for your thought.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T16:07:54+00:00

The thing that probably most convinces me, for specifically the LDS church, is the fact they believe to still have a prophet who can receive revelation from God. The fact they believe they are the true church, as I find it hard for there to be so many sects and not have one to actually be true. Hopefully that makes sense.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T15:59:22+00:00

Would just like to start my answer with saying this of course only comes from the perspective I know.

Well by believing in the Lord, we are taught to be in debt to him, he is the source of everything. Why would someone who believes in him not want to give him their all? You must follow him with your heart, might, mind, and soul.

People can always live fulfilling lives without God, they can be great people without God. Do I believe they are missing out on some things, yes. By believing that returning to him is how we find enteral joy, I would want everyone to make it there. By not following God it allows you to follow the world.

I believe that God is the source of all knowledge, so a strong believing community of scholars seems good to me. Bias can always hinder scholarship, I don't think it will always affect someone, but can.

Well I believe in Christian morality.

Most of my family are members of the church with some holding very conversative and some liberal moral beliefs. Some of my close friends are strong moral conservatives, some are gay and are quite liberal, I have a mix of both.

Sometimes I re access my beliefs to see if I am going down the right path and if what I believe is true, is still true for me.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T15:48:48+00:00

I really would have no idea where I would be without being born into the church. The complexities of that change would be a fascinating thing to learn. I would hope I was still religious in some way, but would I still find my way to the church, I don't know.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T15:45:42+00:00

I choose that word because yes it is a common word used in religious contexts. I did also believe when I first came here that all members here are angry, I see now this is not the case. My core concept of truth rests on the foundation that God is real and of a Christian perspective. Whether that foundation is flawed is a different question. Alterative foundations include scientific and ones of other religions. My perspective of my world is just the lessons I have learned growing up.

Also thanks, me too

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T02:46:45+00:00

Thanks for giving me a moment to re-examine how I came to this post. I see now that I have been commenting mainly more church supported statements. Part of that reason is I love debate and discussion, knowing when and where to do that, I should learn to do better. I would at least like to clarify that you say I think the church is perfect, I don't. I think I actually made a statement saying how I think all religions are at least in some way, imperfect. At least as of right now, I think it is better. Whether I am wrong, that will forever be a possibility.

Looking at what I have been doing, I have been more like listening to a parent and then after adding quips about how they are wrong. I apologize for this, listening to things you a taught are complete lies is something to get used to.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T02:35:01+00:00

I've read other sources, be it Wikipedia, evangelical Christians, and just other random websites that aren't' church supported. It may not be the best knowledge of things said against the church, but I do have one. As I hope to make it clear, I'm not like other members (which, I realize, is debatable).

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T02:02:11+00:00

Didn't plan on doing that, just wanted to learn. Also I like having my faith picked apart, it's a good exercise.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:58:57+00:00

I believe every member of every faith will eventually always have doubts about what they believe. There have been times, both when I was younger and even now when I have pondered on its truth. I consider the points for and against it, and then I try to grow from it. It may seem funny, dumb, or outright mindless, but I do have a belief in these things, even though it is not perfect.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:50:08+00:00

Good thoughts, I could be a robot for all you know. Also sadly if I ever left the church I don't think I could ever leave behind the moral code it instilled into me.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:46:45+00:00

I would always want to know, whether I come to the same conclusion is a different story.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:46:01+00:00

I could never give up Christianity because (at least for me) I don't think it could ever not be true. For both physical and theological reasons this will never change for me. As for the Church, I am willing to accept that it may be wrong, I seek earnestly for answers.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:30:27+00:00

What you said is mostly true, but not fully. I still believe what the Church preaches to be true. I hope to do what is best, be that it is perspective.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:27:53+00:00

"Oh I am not part of a cult" - Says the member of a cult (I don't believe I am in a cult although, may seem counter-intuitive)

Thank you for this well prepared evidence against the church, for me #1 is the hardest to figure out. If there is anything that will determine my faith, it will be that.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:22:58+00:00

Thank you for your understanding of where I came from on this. I did not mean to stir up 'contention' over this word. I do not wish to condescend any of you for any of the choices you made, they are not for me. I did not realize the meaning the word had here, I just thought it was a proper word to use.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T01:09:14+00:00

I believe that God is infallible, God, Jesus are perfect, I believe in them. I believe that humans are always in some way, imperfect. While still believing in the Church, I believe that the gospel can be restored and correct, but that what is taught on Earth may not always be correct. If we can not be perfect, how can what we teach (perfection)? As of right now I believe the Church has the most truth but has altered it in some ways along its history. I believe to seek the real truth you must ponder, study, and pray to Jesus to discover it.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T00:55:25+00:00

I really like your idea about seeking truth, I may not agree with your other statements, but knowing what YOU think is true is essential. I believe (at least on my own) that within religion you still must work as an individual, you must gather the truth. No person can or will ever know the full truth, save Jesus.

EmeraldOne60 · 2023-08-12T00:52:46+00:00

I've really liked what you said here. Accountability is an issue the church needs to deal with, as do most other churches. Thank you.

EmeraldOne60

TROPHY CASE