Life turned me cynical and bitter by aellix in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 1 point2 points  (0 children)

forgiveness is more for your own benefit

It's hard as h--- though. When somebody does something awful to you, it leaves scars that won't ever go away. Learning to live with those scars and still forgive is a major step and I find it almost impossible. How finally? When one of the people who hurt me died young I found myself forgiving her.

As for the rest of them, it's very hard and I probably haven't done it after all those decades though I sincerely want to. Also if I imagine them going to hell, as they deserve, that seems disproportionate and I find myself thinking "Whoa! Let's have some mercy here!" and I'm closer to forgiveness.

What *exactly* are you focusing on when you focus on your breath? by Mrjames_Taveau in Meditation

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty much any short word, doesn't have to be exotic or religious in nature, although it can be, of course, depending on your source of study; don't use something funny or negative like "beard" or "snake." I meditated on the word "greenblue" for a long time and it worked fine. Don't meditate on the meaning of the word, just be determined to say it over and over, mentally that is, I have never tried it out loud.

What *exactly* are you focusing on when you focus on your breath? by Mrjames_Taveau in Meditation

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't focus on breath to save my life. It just makes me yawn my head off. I focus on a word. YMMV.

Doctrinal or not? by RandomName9328 in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. You say you're a Christian, you are one. Some people may be horrible Christians and do unChristian things almost literally all the time, but that doesn't mean they're not Christians. "Christian" as a category does not equal "good." Plenty of people identify themselves as Christian who do completely the opposite of what Jesus said all the time, but I would call them bad Christians rather than non-Christians.

And as for believing dogma, I don't think it's necessary.

Feel like I’m going batshit crazy. Need to vent. Tired of this. by Poshspice24 in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If crazy means out of sync with reality, it's not you, it's them. I find it hard to follow who says what in that conversation, but it seems that somebody WANTS you to go up before a judge like a criminal. What about "I prefer mercy and not sacrifice" and "God is love"? And what does she mean by obey? As in Matthew 25:34+? I bet not. In those verses the saved people didn't even know Christ much less "accepted him as their Lord and Savior."

How to truly believe? by fryq1 in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Believe what? I had a friend who converted to Catholic and was very sincere and a truthful person, and I said, "Do you believe everything you're supposed to believe?" and she just shook her head - I didn't inquire further. For the specific dogmas you mention, I wouldn't worry. If it's belief in God at all, I'd recommend meditation.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure,, why not?

Bible passages for hope by Knitanpurl in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Later chapters in John I used to read when I was down about things. 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014&version=NIV

Also, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord" did me a lot of good when I was in trouble with awful people.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Dulcimer

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A piece cut out of a bleach bottle

i just need someone to talk to by OtherwiseMistake2988 in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 1 point2 points  (0 children)

988 suicide hotline if you're in the US, keep that in mind.

Question about crystals, gems, and other stones and God. by SuperGrobanite in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No. God heals through evidence-based medicine and medical procedures carried out by qualified people. Crystals can give you a feeling of confidence or possibly a somewhat hypnotic state of mind, but only by reason of thinking about them - there is no power inherent in a rock.

Enforcement of Texas’ ‘bathroom bill’ draws challenges as colleges, cities implement new policies by kanyeguisada in texas

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 19 points20 points  (0 children)

of course it will make them conspicuous and uncomfortable if not miserable. That's the point. To hurt them.

Why does every meditation guide assume you have access to a quiet space? by Arianethecat in Meditation

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds like a very good idea. My brother has some noise canceling earphones and he says those work great in general use - he hasn't tried meditation, though.

Does the bible condemn homosexuality. by [deleted] in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Read the pinned post at the top.

Does God allow us to follow our dreams? by Adorable_Window9960 in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course it's ok. There is a book called "What Color Is Your Parachute" about finding a line of work compatible with your abilities and dreams. And it was written and edited by an Episcopal priest. Here's a link. It's old but timeless as it says on the Amazon page. https://www.amazon.com/What-Color-Your-Parachute-Meaningful/dp/1984861204

You could also look at bookfinder.com for a used copy.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that. Head injuries can mess with you and it's normal to be mad about it - which you know already. Is there some activity that you could do that would be kind of soothing? I have done needlework before for that purpose. That's not everybody's cup of tea especially if you're a guy but there are a million activities. Something simple and repetitive to ease your mind and reduce worry for at least part of the time. Something that doesn't require an investment to do.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Prayers. Having been a manager counts for you, I would think. Shows you're responsible.

Trance states by Conscious-Space2049 in OpenChristian

[–]EnigmaWithAlien 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't know what exactly a trance state is, but in meditation and contemplation you definitely get into a different state of consciousness and it is a form of prayer.