Opinions on Religion

Luz - posted on 07/21/2009

No matter what denomination we belong,it's about our relatinship with God,where we stand with Him,do we give time knowing Him? It's about having a personal relationship wih our LORD,spending time and talking and getting to know HIM! Is it awesome that our Lord CHRIST is always there for us 24hours a day,a great relief that we can always count on HIM!!!

Anna/Tori - posted on 07/21/2009

Without God in our lives, we wouldn't know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going to. He loves and misses us so much that he sent His son Jesus Christ to earth to teach us. He yearns to hold us in His arms again, yet, He gave us free agency to choose for ourselves. He also gave us the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion and help us know what is right and wrong if we invite Him to do so. I feel that it would hurt Him if we didn't teach our children about God, especially when we know he exists. My prayers will be with you and your children LisaMarie. Keep the Faith and God Bless. ;-)

Abigail - posted on 07/18/2009

I was raised in a christian home but my mother always told me to do what made me happy. I tried the christian thing and I tried the catholic thing...it didn't work for me. I am a pagan and that is what makes me feel happy and secure. I plan to raise my daughter with her knowing that I'm a pagan but there are several religions out there. I don't want her to do something just because that's what I believe. I want her to do what makes her happy. You can't force your kids to believe something, at least you shouldn't. I think it's best to let them choose the path that is best for them on their own time.

Abigail - posted on 07/18/2009

I was raised in a christian home but my mother always told me to do what made me happy. I tried the christian thing and I tried the catholic thing...it didn't work for me. I am a pagan and that is what makes me feel happy and secure. I plan to raise my daughter with her knowing that I'm a pagan but there are several religions out there. I don't want her to do something just because that's what I believe. I want her to do what makes her happy. You can't force your kids to believe something, at least you shouldn't. I think it's best to let them choose the path that is best for them on their own time.

Leslie - posted on 07/18/2009

I believe that it is imperative that children are raised knowing who their Creator is: God! Our culture speaks so much about "self worth", but when they know how loved they are by God and that He sacrificed his one and only Son so that they could spend eternity with Him, they will receive an understanding of how truly valuable they are, far surpassing anything that the world has to offer.

Debra - posted on 07/17/2009

Study, educate yourself, read the Bible, read books about the Bible and pray. God will lead you to find Him if you search for Him with all your heart.

Candyce - posted on 07/17/2009

I am soooo not religious, it's not even funny. I believe in God, I love him, and I trust him to guide me. Does that mean I have to go to a church where they try to get me to believe exactly as they do? No, my family and I study on our own. I don't try to choke anyone with my own beliefs, though I'm always ready to enter any kind of conversation. I think it's good to raise your kids with a belief in someone bigger than all this, knowing that he's not dead, and knowing that he likes it when they have fun. That's where religion tends to get it wrong, I think. Their God is dead, only brought to life through the words of men who have been dead for eons. If he spoke to them, and he can speak to a preacher, why can't he speak to your kids? He might have to use your mouth at first, just to get through, but they'll learn to hear him and make their own decisions as they get older.

Tamara - posted on 07/17/2009

Quoting Amanda:

It is really sad for me to read all these posts and see how many people do not have a personal realationship with the one who created them. If there is one thing I want to give to my children, it is to teach them who Jesus is and how very much he loves them. It is not forced, it is a relationship built on love and trust. It is not safe for them to grow up without knowing Jesus , the Bible tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. I want my children to be with me in eternity, but more than that I want them to have the peace of Jesus in their hearts while they are on this earth. Praying together and reading the Bible together keeps our family close. My teenage daughter actually wants to spend time with her mom and her family and I credit that to her relationship with Jesus. She has had some very turbulant times but Jesus has been her anchor and has brought her back around. And I also just read a statistic that only 1% of couples that pray together get a divorce compared to 75% who don't. I pray that you will become passionate about Jesus again and can pass that on to your children.

Ah but I do.  I have a relationship with my Goddess and my God.  They are my parents, friends, and siblings.  Please don't assume that simply because some people don't believe in your idea of the Divine that they have no belief in it whatsoever.

Tamara - posted on 07/17/2009

Quoting Lydia:

Quoting Donna:

Ya Gina! My thoughts exactly. I like Wicca too, but because my daughter is only 6 years old I am not practicing it just yet. I want to when she is older and can only hope I find my way to peace and enlightenment.

Donna - why wait? Wicca doesnt absolutely require formal ritual to practice it. You can start meditating and talking to the gods/goddesses as you would an imaginary friend. Spellcasting takes quite a bit of focus and visualisation - you could practice these so that when you are ready you will be able to participate in spellcasting more confidently. Your daughter doesnt even need to see/hear/know anything about this if you dont wish her too. I have never taken to formal ritual as a regular thing - I consider talking to my higher power to be just as effective if I do it while meditating as when I am driving to work or doing housework etc.

Agreed.  I have stopped using candles for the time being since I have a toddler and we all know that toddlers and open flames don't mix. :)  What I do is a lot of prayer and meditation, esp. after she goes to bed.  I recommend Diane Sylvan's book, The Spirit Within, as a great starting point to constructing your spiritual practice.

LaCi - posted on 07/17/2009

Quoting kathryn :

lisamarie connelly it is defently not safe for our kids to grow up without god if u could see what was going on the spirit side u would not think twise but to educate your children to follow god for only with god are we protected and are under his wing if we dont have god satan can get us any way he wants (drugs, acholisim, abuse, prostitution,) and led alone all the things the devil wants us to be like pedofiles and murders, all sick things that are from satan. but i think u should bring your kids up to know god and pray with them everyday ask for the blood of jesus to be on them so no harm can come to them children are presious and those who dont try and show god to there kids will be acconted to when the end of days come we will have to be the once answerable to god for what we have done and if we dont teach our children about god thats our fault but if we do teach our kids about god and do it the best we can but then they dont want to follow god then thats there choice.
pray to god everyday. just like the song
read your bible pray everyday pray everyday pray everyday and youll grow grow grow
forget your bible forget to pray forget to pray forget to pray forget your bible forget to pray and youll shrink shrink shrink

god help u with what ever u descide but it is harmful not to teach your kids about god and what did god say (suffer not the little children to come under me ) god loves kids the most u should teach him to them

hahahahahahahaha

I had a LOT typed, but decided that was enough.

Michelle - posted on 07/17/2009

We do what my sister's consider "religion light." I had the kids go to a Sunday school that wasn't too agressive in the brimstone area until they were teens and able to make their own choices. As a family we attend services at two Protestant churches (depending on where we are at the time) when we feel the need or it is part of a larger family function. I think you should focus on the sense of community that a church can provide and participate at a level you are comfortable with. An absence of organized religion won't be detrimental as long the tenets which also make for polite society are stressed. Sunday schools for children spend a lot of time talking about the 10 Commandments and things like the "Golden Rule." These things are unlikely to cause any fearfulness of the afterlife and are good societal rules to live by. So as long as they are picking up that and the sense of community and needs of a community - there doesn't need to be any heavy handed type of aggressive organized religion.



I think it's ok to pick and choose what parts you like and don't like, as long as you don't profess to be a firm member of one denomination or another and then reject something that they have a definite opinion on. It seems to me that encouraging activities like volunteering, checking on elderly neighbors, helping out family members, and generally being thankful for your own personal blessings doesn't need a religion to make them valid.

Laura - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Mary:

Hi, my name is Mary. As you can guess I was raised in a Catholic house hold. I rebelled as all good teanagers do (sarcasum) but never turned my back on God or so I thought. One day when I was busking at a spiritual fair, I decided to only sing pure songs. It was a turning point for me. A woman stopped to talk to me. She told me that God told her to talk to me. To cut a loooong story short I have learnt that Jesus in after relationship with us. He did not come to bring organised religion, not that organised religion is all bad, you can actually have relationship with God in it but if you think about it Jesus had the problems with the Pharasees and the Saducees, (I know I have misspelt it, but try to get my heart here) He loves us so much and His word says that it is God that plants us in the body of Christ. No we should not forsake meeting with other believers. I had it discribed this way... when i have fresh hot chips they are too hot to bite into right??? But if I put one aside, it will cool down and I can eat it. As believers when we stick together we should rub off on one another and keep oneanother hot in love and faith, what the devil likes to do is get us off on our own, then we cool off and he can deceive us. Single soldiars die my pastor always says. It is so true. We are to be aware of the wiles of our enemy but not fear him. Jesus has overcome the world and with His Spirit living in you 'ain't no mountain too high'... It is through relationship with the Holy Spirit living in you that you can do all things, and we truely can. I am living proof. I do not promote any particular religion, I promote relationship with the living God who is our intimate saviour. And yes He requires us to be in the body of Christ. The body of Christ was never ment to be devided into all these different religions. But thats what you get with man I suppose. We cain't always agree. And we wont so expect it. But I recommend that you do pray and ask God to show you where He wants you. And then stick it out no matter what. Because He is the God above all our circumstances and He knows what is best. He is after all our perfect loving Father. Talk to Him, He is alive. Mary Couper

Laura - posted on 07/16/2009

Bree:



I totally agree with you. I have just found God in my life and I have asked Him to come into my heart. I grew up Catholic and only practiced thru High School and then drifted away. I just never felt the connection there. God has recently led me to meet some new people in my life playing volleyball at the YMCA. The team I joined prayed after the second game on the court. I did not know what I had gotten myseld into. I asked the guy that started the prayers, what religion he was and he said Christian. I wondered, I am Christian too, but I have never thought of God being present on a Volleyball court. Later that week he emailed me and asked me if I ever wanted to know any thing about God that I could ask him anything. I thought about the email for about 3 days, and then asked away. The rest is history. Today I am actively going to church every Sunday, attending Sunday school classes, and letting God live thru me everyday. I have never experienced this before. I just recently got baptized again in my friends pool. My friend Herb ( the one who helped bring me closer to God) was there along with one of the Pastors from my Church. It was the best day of my life. Herb told me that betting baptized again is like the outward sign of what you have done on the inside, inviting God to come into your heart, and allow him to live thru you.

Laura - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Bree:

God is LOVE and there is no reason why they have to be scared of heaven or hell. The best way, in my opinion, is to teach them truth, which is the Lord Jesus Christ. He will take care of you and them, which it sounds like you already know that. Plus living for Jesus is not religion, its just a way of life. Do good and love each other, that's all it is..I will be praying for you Lisamarie, because God will lead you in the right direction, just let HIM!! God Bless you and your beautiful children.

Lydia - posted on 07/16/2009

Quoting Donna:

Ya Gina! My thoughts exactly. I like Wicca too, but because my daughter is only 6 years old I am not practicing it just yet. I want to when she is older and can only hope I find my way to peace and enlightenment.

Donna - why wait? Wicca doesnt absolutely require formal ritual to practice it. You can start meditating and talking to the gods/goddesses as you would an imaginary friend. Spellcasting takes quite a bit of focus and visualisation - you could practice these so that when you are ready you will be able to participate in spellcasting more confidently. Your daughter doesnt even need to see/hear/know anything about this if you dont wish her too. I have never taken to formal ritual as a regular thing - I consider talking to my higher power to be just as effective if I do it while meditating as when I am driving to work or doing housework etc.

Charlie - posted on 07/15/2009

i think all religions are beautiful , yes there are extremists that drag their religion through the mud , but generally most religions are about having hope + faith , my child will grow up knowing about people from all walks of life and their religion , i personally think all religions are basically talking about the same higher power , a power they have chosen to give a name , weather its , Jesus , Jehova , Buddah , or mother nature .

i feel that the fact we are all from different cultures has influenced our views and beliefs in that higher power , i am a great believer in Energy , but i also believe in evolution , i think it is a childs right to make their own decisions after being well informed on all possibilities , i cant stand it when people push their beliefs on others .

Patti - posted on 07/15/2009

In reply to Beth Meyer's comment. That was very well put. Thank you. Your comment was nice to see. My favorite verse is "One day EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Donna - posted on 07/15/2009

I agree with you, that there should be some kind of religion within the household, but not overdoing it. All children should follow some kind of religion, primarily what the parents believe in, but like you said, not to the point that the children are scared in any way. I was born & raised a Catholic, and my son was baptions and raised for his 13 years to believe in the religion.

Kathryn - posted on 07/15/2009

lisamarie connelly it is defently not safe for our kids to grow up without god if u could see what was going on the spirit side u would not think twise but to educate your children to follow god for only with god are we protected and are under his wing if we dont have god satan can get us any way he wants (drugs, acholisim, abuse, prostitution,) and led alone all the things the devil wants us to be like pedofiles and murders, all sick things that are from satan. but i think u should bring your kids up to know god and pray with them everyday ask for the blood of jesus to be on them so no harm can come to them children are presious and those who dont try and show god to there kids will be acconted to when the end of days come we will have to be the once answerable to god for what we have done and if we dont teach our children about god thats our fault but if we do teach our kids about god and do it the best we can but then they dont want to follow god then thats there choice.
pray to god everyday. just like the song
read your bible pray everyday pray everyday pray everyday and youll grow grow grow
forget your bible forget to pray forget to pray forget to pray forget your bible forget to pray and youll shrink shrink shrink

god help u with what ever u descide but it is harmful not to teach your kids about god and what did god say (suffer not the little children to come under me ) god loves kids the most u should teach him to them

Mary - posted on 07/15/2009

Hi, my name is Mary. As you can guess I was raised in a Catholic house hold. I rebelled as all good teanagers do (sarcasum) but never turned my back on God or so I thought. One day when I was busking at a spiritual fair, I decided to only sing pure songs. It was a turning point for me. A woman stopped to talk to me. She told me that God told her to talk to me. To cut a loooong story short I have learnt that Jesus in after relationship with us. He did not come to bring organised religion, not that organised religion is all bad, you can actually have relationship with God in it but if you think about it Jesus had the problems with the Pharasees and the Saducees, (I know I have misspelt it, but try to get my heart here) He loves us so much and His word says that it is God that plants us in the body of Christ. No we should not forsake meeting with other believers. I had it discribed this way... when i have fresh hot chips they are too hot to bite into right??? But if I put one aside, it will cool down and I can eat it. As believers when we stick together we should rub off on one another and keep oneanother hot in love and faith, what the devil likes to do is get us off on our own, then we cool off and he can deceive us. Single soldiars die my pastor always says. It is so true. We are to be aware of the wiles of our enemy but not fear him. Jesus has overcome the world and with His Spirit living in you 'ain't no mountain too high'... It is through relationship with the Holy Spirit living in you that you can do all things, and we truely can. I am living proof. I do not promote any particular religion, I promote relationship with the living God who is our intimate saviour. And yes He requires us to be in the body of Christ. The body of Christ was never ment to be devided into all these different religions. But thats what you get with man I suppose. We cain't always agree. And we wont so expect it. But I recommend that you do pray and ask God to show you where He wants you. And then stick it out no matter what. Because He is the God above all our circumstances and He knows what is best. He is after all our perfect loving Father. Talk to Him, He is alive. Mary Couper

Angie - posted on 07/15/2009

I think several of you ladies forget...Here on Earth matters...but ENTERNITY is the most important!!! I guess we'll know when its judgement day...

Elsie - posted on 07/15/2009

It is definitely better for children to grow up without religion, the Greek word for religion means supersticion. What a child needs to be taught is about God and His Son Jesus Christ. The bible (which God has told me is true) states that God made the earth and all that is in it, He also sent His son Jesus to teach, heal and forgive. He allowed Jesus to be crucified to take the sins of the world on himself thereby forgiving us our sins if we truly repent. It also talks about Heaven and Hell, but if one obeys His laws and truly beleives one does not need to fear Hell. This is the Christian point of view - this used to be a Christian country, but unfortunately Britain has fallen to the wayside. Sent with Christian Love Rev.E.Wheeler.

Amanda - posted on 07/15/2009

It is really sad for me to read all these posts and see how many people do not have a personal realationship with the one who created them. If there is one thing I want to give to my children, it is to teach them who Jesus is and how very much he loves them. It is not forced, it is a relationship built on love and trust. It is not safe for them to grow up without knowing Jesus , the Bible tells us that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. I want my children to be with me in eternity, but more than that I want them to have the peace of Jesus in their hearts while they are on this earth. Praying together and reading the Bible together keeps our family close. My teenage daughter actually wants to spend time with her mom and her family and I credit that to her relationship with Jesus. She has had some very turbulant times but Jesus has been her anchor and has brought her back around. And I also just read a statistic that only 1% of couples that pray together get a divorce compared to 75% who don't. I pray that you will become passionate about Jesus again and can pass that on to your children.

Barbara - posted on 07/15/2009

I grew up with religion, my mom didn't make it seems as if it was the end of the world if we didn't go to church. She took us, we had fun, and we loved it. I took my kids to church and they liked it. The atmosphere was loving, funny, kind and supportive. We have since moved from that state, but, the teaching is still in us. And now that they have children of their own, they want to take them to church so that they can know of God. I personally think that when children grow up knowing about God, the foundation of doing the right thing is much stronger. It worked for my family, myself, my kids, and now they want the same foundation for their kids. So it is a personal thing, but it is also a wonderful thing. It allows you to know more about yourself and how you want to raise your children.

Jackie - posted on 07/15/2009

Whatever "religion" they choose, it's Jesus Christ that saves.

Emma - posted on 07/15/2009

I am so sorry to hear that you felt that it was God's judgement that you were sick. Again, sounds like there was a lack of understanding of who God is, how much He loves you and an emphasis on a relationship with Him. I can totally understand why you felt so released to walk away. Glad your burden has gone. BUT don't ever give up on the best thing out, a relationship with the one who created you, and knew you even before you were formed!

Jakki - posted on 07/15/2009

When I was 17 I gave up the fundamentalist Christinaity that I had been brought up with. Wow - it felt sooo good. I felt as if a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulders. Now I bring up my kids to believe in cause and effect eg if somebody gets sick it's because they were infected by a virus, not that God intended them to get sick. Or iff an earthquake hits a country, it's because there was a seismic fault, God wasn't punishing them for their sins. It's very liberating, and easy for kids to get their heads around it.

Emma - posted on 07/15/2009

Hi Lisamarie, I was interested in your post. I also believe in God with all my heart. The first thing I want to say is that 'religion' is us trying to find a way to God by doing good works, behaving well, you name it, you try it. Christianity - which is a 'relationship' with God is different from every other 'religion' you will find. The great thing is that you believe in God, have you ever asked him to reveal Himself to you? To show you who He is? I can say that I have done just that and have been totally blown away. For those who haven't been brought up to believe in God, it says that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, (Jesus), that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life. It also says that those who seek will find and those who knock the door will be opened up to them. Jesus died that we could have a relationship with God, not by our works or standards cos they are NEVER good enough, but through accepting that Jesus died and took all that separated you from God, so you could come back to a right relationship with Him.

To answer your original question, religion isn't the answer but a relationship is. Jesus said He is the way, the TRUTH and the life. I want to bring my children up into the truth and know that they have experienced a relationship with God for themselves. This world isnt safe, religion is good works, which way would you rather bring your children up in? I know there will be many comments from my late reply. I will do my best to answer.

Michelle - posted on 07/14/2009

my church is an awsome church .We are non denominational and believe God is a God of love, compasion, not condemming. He is a forgiving God, He sent his only son to die on the cross for us, and to go to heaven all you have to do is believe that with all your being, truely. I think all children and grown ups should be taught the correct gospel, but most are scared from what the have been taught, and most teachings are from what the people think not whats in the bible. You shouldnt fear God, The God kind of fear is to fear him, turning his back on you , or leaving you, not that he going to judge you. He says in his word, if you sin, all you have to do is repent ( and mean it) and you are forgiven. God is an awsome God , and my children know about him and are very active in our church and go on mission trips, and im a supervisor in the nursery of my church. I pray people to find a church like ours, we are truely blessed with a pastor that really teaches the Word and in such a way you undertand it so clearly.

Blake - posted on 07/14/2009

Lisamarie, let me begin by complimenting your beautiful family! I was raised in a Christian home, and this is what I have learned. Man-made "religion" never works, and usually isn't very healthy. However, when one comes to know the Lord personally, one finds that it's no longer about "religion", per say, than a "relationship." Even though I went to church weekly with my family, it was in growing and maturing and seeking God by reading His Word that I began to have better understanding. Here's some homework for you as well: study history and you will see that just about every civilization that did not found itself on the Lord God failed. So, yes, it's safe for your kids to grow up without religion, but not without a relationship with Jesus Christ. As far as church, God's Word teaches that we should assemble together. If you can find a healthy, Bible believing church, then you and your children will benefit from it, rather than be brainwashed or stifled. I must say, sweetheart, that I would hate for you to be passionate about a religion and not passionate about Jesus! Once you know Him, you'll easily see the difference! May I suggest you get a Bible, NIV is an easy read, and begin in the book of John! Just read and have a seeking heart. God will do the rest!

Sara - posted on 07/14/2009

Very safe :) When I was growing up my mom was a Catholic but she certainly didn't act like one. By that I mean that she was constantly putting people down (including myself and my two sisters) and being mean to others, including strangers. Nowadays I basically raise my children without knowing God. I don't believe that there is just one higher power out there (if there are any) and tend to teach my children morals instead. I agree with someone else on here who wrote that religious does not automatically = good. I think it is far more important to teach our children manners and morals and let them decide for themselves when they grow up what type of religion/spiritual beliefs they will have.

Chrissy - posted on 07/14/2009

Do what you think is right and not what everyone else thinks is right. I hope that you find a good way but what I have done is make sure that my Kids know who God is. That is all you can do cause when they get older then they will make there own on who and what God is to them. Just make sure that your kids know Manners are and that they have to treat people with respect but make sure that they dont trust everyone they meet cause we all know that the world is sick and twisted. Teach them to take care of them selfs cause something might happen they u or your husband might not be there.

Melissa - posted on 07/14/2009

Untill you find in your own church, it would be wise to teach them at home your beliefs of Jesus. Remember, God is love and you can not go wrong with teaching them point.

Lin - posted on 07/13/2009

Quoting Crystal:

I feel sorry for a lot of you ladies who have posted commenting that you don't believe and/or TRUST in Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. You really don't know what you're saying 'no' to!

As Jesus hung on that cross I recall the last words he spoke before he died..."Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do". I pray that you (unbelievers) really think hard on this and search the scriptures. There is a heaven and a hell, and I praise God that He loved me enough to give His only Son to die for me so I could live eternally with Him! HE IS THE ONLY WAY!

gracebiblestudy.com

Jesus had a lot of great ideas on how to be good to others.  Don't use him to troll.  Thank you.

Tamara - posted on 07/13/2009

Quoting Crystal:

I feel sorry for a lot of you ladies who have posted commenting that you don't believe and/or TRUST in Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. You really don't know what you're saying 'no' to!

As Jesus hung on that cross I recall the last words he spoke before he died..."Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do". I pray that you (unbelievers) really think hard on this and search the scriptures. There is a heaven and a hell, and I praise God that He loved me enough to give His only Son to die for me so I could live eternally with Him! HE IS THE ONLY WAY!

gracebiblestudy.com

Please don't feel sorry for me.  While I appreciate and do attempt to follow much of what Jesus taught, I found that Wicca as a vast whole is much more in tune with my heart and soul than Christianity.  :)  What my daughter finds to be in tune with her heart and soul is her business and her choice to find.  The same will be so with any other children we have.

Jenifer - posted on 07/13/2009

Please don't waste your time with prayer or pity for me, Crystal. I've read the scriptures, and I don't have any doubts about my atheism. Do you worry that perhaps you've picked the wrong religion and you should be worshiping Allah or Zeus instead? No? Well then maybe you can understand how I view Christianity.

Johnny - posted on 07/13/2009

I must agree with Jenny, there is absolutely no need to feel sorry for non-believers. I desired as a younger person to have faith, because I thought that it was necessary for happiness, but now that I've accepted that I just do not believe, I am still perfectly content. I do not worry that I do not trust in Jesus Christ, I am absolutely comfortable in the idea that he is not the only way. Being told this repeatedly has done nothing to make me believe it. I do not worry about what will happen when die, I am personally quite interested to see what really does await us upon death. Will I spend eternity burning in hell for my sins? Perhaps, but for me, it's just one of a myriad of infinite possibilities. Just as likely as joining up with an alien spaceship trailing behind a comet as the Heaven's Gate cult believed. Not believing in God as a higher power has not stopped me from seeing the limitless beauty of our universe and all that has been created within it. During times of stress and duress, I have never felt the need to turn to God, and I have made it through each time stronger and more certain of my own abilities. I am grateful that God, Allah, Jesus, etc are there for those that believe and seek their answers through religion. But no one need feel badly for those of us that do not follow this path.

Jenny - posted on 07/13/2009

There is absolutely no need to feel sorry for me or any other non-believer and I find it extremelly condescending for you to say that. I live my life based on reason and evidence and religion provides neither of those things for me. I have read the bible, attended a Christian church, practices Wicca and studied all of the major religions and some of the minor religions. I am a contributing member of society and have a very solid value structure based on, again, reason and evidence. I have dealt with grief, birth and loss without religion. I have experienced beauty, humilty and awe without religion.





As Richard Dawkins says "We are all atheists about most of the gods that societies have ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further."

Crystal - posted on 07/13/2009

I feel sorry for a lot of you ladies who have posted commenting that you don't believe and/or TRUST in Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. You really don't know what you're saying 'no' to!

As Jesus hung on that cross I recall the last words he spoke before he died..."Forgive them Lord, for they know not what they do". I pray that you (unbelievers) really think hard on this and search the scriptures. There is a heaven and a hell, and I praise God that He loved me enough to give His only Son to die for me so I could live eternally with Him! HE IS THE ONLY WAY!

gracebiblestudy.com

Johnny - posted on 07/12/2009

I consider myself an agnostic. I do not believe one way or the other that there is a god. I was not raised with religion in the home, my mother is a lapsed Anglican (like an Episcopalian) and my father is best described as a fundamentalist atheist, completely & totally believing that there is absolutely no God. My husband's religious background is unique, in that he was raised in a sect of Canadian Russians called Doukhobors who are pacifist, vegetarian farmers who believe that worship is needless and one shows faith in God through peaceful life & toil. He considers himself an agnostic as well, and while we will be sharing his history & culture with our children, we in no way plan to raise them according to Doukhobor principles.





I have always wished to have faith, I have sought to have faith, searched my heart & many religions, with the blessing of both of my parents. I have read the bible, the Book of Mormon, the Torah and the Koran. I have never felt like God exists as anyone has described in any religious group, and whenever I pray, I feel an emptiness. When I was around 12 years old, I began to search for religious understanding, and no matter which religious group I have been with, the moment everyone begins to pray, I look around and wonder, are they getting something from this? I began to understand that I lacked faith in the idea of a "higher power". I finally realized that while I do believe there is such a thing as God, I do not believe we are required to worship, but simply live full lives and respect the earth & other creatures. I have always found my solace in the works of Rumi and the idea that God can only be found in ones own heart, as the only time that I understand God is when love of family, friends, the earth, etc, is being felt & expressed.

And that is what I will teach my children. And if they find they have religious faith, they are welcome to explore it and I hope it brings them the solace and fulfillment that it seems to bring so many of the faithful. I do think that we should guide our children using our own set of beliefs, but ultimately no matter what we tell them, they will make that decision for themselves one day. In order to give them an understanding of many religions, of philosophical ideas, and their place in our lives, we attend a Unitarian Universalist church and will be sending them to lessons through there.

And I second the suggestion of the movie Religilous. For the questioners or non-believers, it's a must see.

Lin - posted on 07/12/2009

No one grows up without religion.  If nothing else, they grow up believing "I never thought about it, I don't know, I don't care."

Spirituality is a journey, and everyone's on a different part of different paths.  I think it would be a great example for your children to know that you have some beliefs yet haven't found a community that resonates with you.  Explore yourself and encourage your kids to explore themselves; give them the resources to explore ALL options so that your child/children's decisions on faith are based on the heart, not because "that's what mommy does" or "my friends think this is so cool".  I mean, as long as your child/children are being kind and true to themselves and to others; have a sense of beliefs that stand on their own without the approval of others; and express them on a regular basis; what more could you ask for in the parenting-religion department? 

Today (well, Sunday) I went to a UU service for the first time and it really struck a chord with me - I really felt at home and my family did too.  (My husband and I are of very different faiths.)  I'd recommend you check one out near you.

If you're looking for more information about other religions, I recommend www.religioustolerance.org.  It does not promote one faith over another, is accurate, and very comprehensive.

Blessed Be!

Lin, a practicing Wiccan who believes that candles can certainly help worship, but are certainly not a requirement. ;)

Tammy - posted on 07/12/2009

There is no black or white when it comes to Christ. You either live for Him or you don't. Christainity is about a relationship with Christ. It is not about religion. Teaching your children about Jesus is a good thing. Jesus did not die so religions can brain wash us. Find a good church that will teach about the bible and not man's ways. I attend Emmanuel Christain Center and they have wonderful programs for kids, there is also some great adult things to. They teach about the bible and not the worldly things that other church's talk about. My daughter was rised up in this church and she is a joy to have. This church is not going to fix your problems or tell you how to raise your kids but it will teach you how God wants you to. If you have a Bible read the gospel book of John. Ask God to revel His words to you, and I pray that it will change your life. I am not a religionest freak or anything but I do live a more peaceful life knowing that God is in control, and I do love the lord Jesus, He has brought me comfort when I need it. He also saved my husband life 5 years ago. Please read this with an open mind because Jesus does love the sinner and He wants to wash you clean. Also I suggest you play KTIS 98.5 instead of the music that is out there for your kids, get them into something better than the profanity,violent, and sexually stuff that is played on the other stations.

Melanie - posted on 07/12/2009

I was raised in a southern baptist church and attended until i was about 15. I stopped going to church b/c that particular one was boring and they put the "fear of heaven and hell" in you, however i still had faith. But i stopped going to church and i allowed myself to walk with un-godly people. Taking advice from them and participating in the same activities as them. Including drugs and alcohol which severely affected my life in a bad way and my walk with Christ. As time went on I got married and we had our daughter who is now 3. My parents took her to church one day and she loved it. She was dragging me out of bed begging me to go to church. I have never been to a church like this one. It is awesome! Now i actually look forward to going every sunday and i dont get bored! It is a non-denominational church called Wave Church. I recommend you check out the website at Wavechurch.com. You can get in contact with leaders in the church and ask them any questions you have. Just please be careful Lisamarie who you take advice from. Just pray to God and ask him for guidance and be open to listen to him. He is an awesome God!

Tina - posted on 07/11/2009

I am a strong Christian woman. Ever since my kids were born they have been raised in a Christian home. They love going to church and my daughter is in Christian school. I wouldn't change a thing. They both know God loves them, we have family devoitions nightly, we talk about God all the time. I love the church we attend. It is non denominational. I love the worship time, the pastors are great, the kids ministry is awesome. God is good! I will continue raising my kids in a Christian home. I was as a child and I love how it helped me through life's ups and downs.

LISA - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Michelle:

i do not believe in organised religion....after some years i started looking into buddhism...so far, i like what i have learnt and kids still learn basic principles of right and wrong according to the laws of karma....one of the things i like most about it is it teaches compassion for all beings....good luck with your questions!!

okay not being mean but just my opinion... this is not meant to be an attack on anyone... but this confuses me... if something has a name and has organized laws to follow it is organized... and if we mean freedom to believe in anything we want that is organized too... as long as there is a group of people who believe the same ways and abid by the same rules than it is organized...  organized means arrange to structure into a whole or order, to form into a group... now Buddhist are a group of people who believe the same thing already it is organized because it is named as a group am I correct?

Every religion is organized... now if I make up some bogus belief and have no followers to form a group and follow me then maybe i could be considered unorganized but even then if my belief has laws and ways of life stated for me to believe it is still organized correct?

I just need this clarified because so far I have never seen anything in this whole word or outside of this world that isn't organized... everything has an organized way of existing 

LISA - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Michelle:

i do not believe in organised religion....after some years i started looking into buddhism...so far, i like what i have learnt and kids still learn basic principles of right and wrong according to the laws of karma....one of the things i like most about it is it teaches compassion for all beings....good luck with your questions!!

okay not being mean but just my opinion... this is not meant to be an attack on anyone... but this confuses me... if something has a name and has organized laws to follow it is organized... and if we mean freedom to believe in anything we want that is organized too... as long as there is a group of people who believe the same ways and abid by the same rules than it is organized...  organized means arrange to structure into a whole or order, to form into a group... now Buddhist are a group of people who believe the same thing already it is organized because it is named as a group am I correct?

Every religion is organized... now if I make up some bogus belief and have no followers to form a group and follow me then maybe i could be considered unorganized but even then if my belief has laws and ways of life stated for me to believe it is still organized correct?

I just need this clarified because so far I have never seen anything in this whole word or outside of this world that isn't organized... everything has an organized way of existing 

LISA - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Michelle:

i do not believe in organised religion....after some years i started looking into buddhism...so far, i like what i have learnt and kids still learn basic principles of right and wrong according to the laws of karma....one of the things i like most about it is it teaches compassion for all beings....good luck with your questions!!

okay not being mean but just my opinion... this is not meant to be an attack on anyone... but this confuses me... if something has a name and has organized laws to follow it is organized... and if we mean freedom to believe in anything we want that is organized too... as long as there is a group of people who believe the same ways and abid by the same rules than it is organized...  organized means arrange to structure into a whole or order, to form into a group... now Buddhist are a group of people who believe the same thing already it is organized because it is named as a group am I correct?

Every religion is organized... now if I make up some bogus belief and have no followers to form a group and follow me then maybe i could be considered unorganized but even then if my belief has laws and ways of life stated for me to believe it is still organized correct?

I just need this clarified because so far I have never seen anything in this whole word or outside of this world that isn't organized... everything has an organized way of existing 

LISA - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Michelle:

i do not believe in organised religion....after some years i started looking into buddhism...so far, i like what i have learnt and kids still learn basic principles of right and wrong according to the laws of karma....one of the things i like most about it is it teaches compassion for all beings....good luck with your questions!!

okay not being mean but just my opinion... this is not meant to be an attack on anyone... but this confuses me... if something has a name and has organized laws to follow it is organized... and if we mean freedom to believe in anything we want that is organized too... as long as there is a group of people who believe the same ways and abid by the same rules than it is organized...  organized means arrange to structure into a whole or order, to form into a group... now Buddhist are a group of people who believe the same thing already it is organized because it is named as a group am I correct?

Every religion is organized... now if I make up some bogus belief and have no followers to form a group and follow me then maybe i could be considered unorganized but even then if my belief has laws and ways of life stated for me to believe it is still organized correct?

I just need this clarified because so far I have never seen anything in this whole word or outside of this world that isn't organized... everything has an organized way of existing 

LISA - posted on 07/10/2009

Quoting Michelle:

i do not believe in organised religion....after some years i started looking into buddhism...so far, i like what i have learnt and kids still learn basic principles of right and wrong according to the laws of karma....one of the things i like most about it is it teaches compassion for all beings....good luck with your questions!!

okay not being mean but just my opinion... this is not meant to be an attack on anyone... but this confuses me... if something has a name and has organized laws to follow it is organized... and if we mean freedom to believe in anything we want that is organized too... as long as there is a group of people who believe the same ways and abid by the same rules than it is organized...  organized means arrange to structure into a whole or order, to form into a group... now Buddhist are a group of people who believe the same thing already it is organized because it is named as a group am I correct?

Every religion is organized... now if I make up some bogus belief and have no followers to form a group and follow me then maybe i could be considered unorganized but even then if my belief has laws and ways of life stated for me to believe it is still organized correct?

I just need this clarified because so far I have never seen anything in this whole word or outside of this world that isn't organized... everything has an organized way of existing 

LaCi - posted on 07/10/2009

I'm an atheist, I wasn't raised to be one. I'm raising my son in my evil atheist ways. When he's old enough to understand religion, he can believe if he would like. But I'll be teaching it just like I would teach greek mythology.