A Quiet Retreat
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A Quiet Retreat
I don't know about you guys, but I like to have quiet moments of meditation... just reveling in the glory of being alive.
Life, after all, is a blessing. And some people were asking for clarification on my spiritual practices/beliefs.
I believe.
I believe that there is a supernatural element. I saw it today. You see it in the faces of the evangelicals praying to Jesus, the Unitarians meditating on the nature of a higher power. You see it in the face of a Muslim bowing towards Mecca. You see in the face of a Buddhist buried deep in concentration. You see it in the face of a Taoist as he rejects the hedonistic lifestyle of our fast-paced and materialistic society. You see it in the faces of the Wiccans as they ponder the natural religions of the earth. You see it in the eyes of the stargazers and the pagans as they too wonder what our mother Earth holds for them. You see it in the Catholic rosary, the blank stare of an nontheist, you see it everywhere. This is the mystery that confronts us all.
I don't know what to call it, where it lives, what it does. Call it God, call it gods, call it our inner light, call it the spirit of love and truth, call it Yahweh, call it Allah, call it Vishnu, Brahma, or a hundred other names.
Call it reason, call it blind faith, call it stupidity, call it self-improvement. Call it whatever you want. I don't know what exactly it is, and that's what makes it sacred.
This is the transcendent mystery of life. This is what we face. We sing our last serenade to the struggle of life and death, we cry out in defiance of death, we rise inside against the forces of closed-mindedness and hatred.
This transcendent mystery is best explored with peace and love. And that's what I believe in. I don't know if it's God. No matter what you believe theologically, I will always embrace. You can believe that your shoe is the supreme ruler of the universe, and I won't care. That's all I ask for... peace and love.
Don't like it? Then deal with it. But don't make me believe what you do.
In all things, embrace a free and open heart and mind, before making hasty judgments through and through, and above all embrace peace and love. By joining our hands we will build a new and better world.
To this good earth and our inner light I write this.
Life, after all, is a blessing. And some people were asking for clarification on my spiritual practices/beliefs.
I believe.
I believe that there is a supernatural element. I saw it today. You see it in the faces of the evangelicals praying to Jesus, the Unitarians meditating on the nature of a higher power. You see it in the face of a Muslim bowing towards Mecca. You see in the face of a Buddhist buried deep in concentration. You see it in the face of a Taoist as he rejects the hedonistic lifestyle of our fast-paced and materialistic society. You see it in the faces of the Wiccans as they ponder the natural religions of the earth. You see it in the eyes of the stargazers and the pagans as they too wonder what our mother Earth holds for them. You see it in the Catholic rosary, the blank stare of an nontheist, you see it everywhere. This is the mystery that confronts us all.
I don't know what to call it, where it lives, what it does. Call it God, call it gods, call it our inner light, call it the spirit of love and truth, call it Yahweh, call it Allah, call it Vishnu, Brahma, or a hundred other names.
Call it reason, call it blind faith, call it stupidity, call it self-improvement. Call it whatever you want. I don't know what exactly it is, and that's what makes it sacred.
This is the transcendent mystery of life. This is what we face. We sing our last serenade to the struggle of life and death, we cry out in defiance of death, we rise inside against the forces of closed-mindedness and hatred.
This transcendent mystery is best explored with peace and love. And that's what I believe in. I don't know if it's God. No matter what you believe theologically, I will always embrace. You can believe that your shoe is the supreme ruler of the universe, and I won't care. That's all I ask for... peace and love.
Don't like it? Then deal with it. But don't make me believe what you do.
In all things, embrace a free and open heart and mind, before making hasty judgments through and through, and above all embrace peace and love. By joining our hands we will build a new and better world.
To this good earth and our inner light I write this.
- turtbub
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Hmm. It's a nice thought, I agree, but here's the thing. Each religion is so different. I respect those with different beliefs than mine, but that doesn't mean I think that they are right in any way shape or form. Just like they do in return for me.
We all worship different "gods" and we can't all be right. That's what makes religion so tough. Because no matter what, someone IS wrong.
If that makes sense.
We all worship different "gods" and we can't all be right. That's what makes religion so tough. Because no matter what, someone IS wrong.
If that makes sense.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
- 309756
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Right. According to your tradition.
I'm actually reading a book called "Restless Souls" that explores the effects of postmodernist or religiously liberal groups on the development of subcultures and ideologicla movements throughout American history.
Did you know, for example, the diversity of theological opinions within Protestantism alone encompasses several hundred different versions of the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed, and other statements of faith?
79% of Americans believe that salvation is possible for those of a different sect. So not everyone agrees with you.
I'm actually reading a book called "Restless Souls" that explores the effects of postmodernist or religiously liberal groups on the development of subcultures and ideologicla movements throughout American history.
Did you know, for example, the diversity of theological opinions within Protestantism alone encompasses several hundred different versions of the Lord's Prayer, Apostle's Creed, and other statements of faith?
79% of Americans believe that salvation is possible for those of a different sect. So not everyone agrees with you.
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Perhaps, pandasandpenguins, you believe that we are all wrong, to some extent, and are all right, to some extent?
G-d is not a man, that He should be deceitful, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
- turtbub
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Yeah, I'm a bit confused. Religion is pretty black and white. Do you think that EVERYONE is right or that NO ONE is right?
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
- A! Elbereth
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
I think the viewpoint is a way to be at peace with all religions and avoiding confrontation. Like a centrist for religion. No need to try and correct me though, it's only an opinion.
I, however, can't believe without encountering countless confrontations.
I'm very thankful for that.
I, however, can't believe without encountering countless confrontations.
I'm very thankful for that.
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
^ she's brilliant.
Right, like a moderate.
I'm not saying that anyone is right or wrong. The essay is talking about spirituality. Spirituality comes in many forms. And whether it's "right" or "wrong", it's beautiful to see people connect with being themselves.
Right, like a moderate.
I'm not saying that anyone is right or wrong. The essay is talking about spirituality. Spirituality comes in many forms. And whether it's "right" or "wrong", it's beautiful to see people connect with being themselves.
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Originally posted by pandasandpenguins@Sep 18 2005, 09:03 PM
^ she's brilliant.
Right, like a moderate.
I'm not saying that anyone is right or wrong. The essay is talking about spirituality. Spirituality comes in many forms. And whether it's "right" or "wrong", it's beautiful to see people connect with being themselves.
[right][/right]
But is that all spirituality is about? Connecting with yourself? Shouldn't it be about connecting with G-d?
G-d is not a man, that He should be deceitful, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
- turtbub
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
I'm with XFog here. Religion isn't about finding "yourself". It's about finding yourself some, yes certainly, but more about finding God.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
- Toy Soldier
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Ruth I was forgotten, I won't be forgotten, never again... says:
lol, dont think they have tigers on farmsthough :/
Angel Breaks says:
i was thinkin that but fuck it macdonald was progressive he knew tigers were the future
- turtbub
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Most religions believe in the same G-d, they just have a different view of Him. Allah is the same as the Christian G-d, as is the Hindu g-ds, which are different forms of their one G-d.
I UTTERLY disagree.
I don't think my God (I'm a Christian) is the same "god" that other religions worship. Because we have different bibles, different theologies, different beliefs. I don't think that other religions can worship the same God and then be sentenced to Hell.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
- Toy Soldier
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
I just read it somewhere...esepcially with Allah and the Jewish G-d. The Jewish G-d is in the Old Testament and in the New Testament (although the Jews don't believe in the New Testament.). Islam sees Jesus, though not as the Son of G-d, they see him as a Prophet, plus the Angel Gabriel is also mentioned in the Qu'uran. G-d created everyone, and so these religions base their religion on him mainly (though Christianity also focus mainly on Jesus and Islam focus's on Muhammad.). Also, in the references, they all says there is one G-d and only one G-d. Thats why I believe they all believe in the same G-d.
~*~R~*~
~*~R~*~
Ruth I was forgotten, I won't be forgotten, never again... says:
lol, dont think they have tigers on farmsthough :/
Angel Breaks says:
i was thinkin that but fuck it macdonald was progressive he knew tigers were the future
- 309756
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Right. Islam argues that Christians and Jews are People of the Book and they will have an opportunity to enter heaven given their obedience to what they know of Scripture.
Evangelical Christianity is by far the most exclusive of the belief systems discussed. Even liberal Protestant or Roman Catholic believers allow for the possibility of a God transcending creed. Welcome to the postmodern world.
Evangelical Christianity is by far the most exclusive of the belief systems discussed. Even liberal Protestant or Roman Catholic believers allow for the possibility of a God transcending creed. Welcome to the postmodern world.
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Originally posted by turtbub@Sep 21 2005, 02:56 PM
Most religions believe in the same G-d, they just have a different view of Him. Allah is the same as the Christian G-d, as is the Hindu g-ds, which are different forms of their one G-d.
I UTTERLY disagree.
I don't think my God (I'm a Christian) is the same "god" that other religions worship. Because we have different bibles, different theologies, different beliefs. I don't think that other religions can worship the same God and then be sentenced to Hell.
[right][/right]
[/b]
What about Judaism? Isn't the Christian G-d the same as the Jewish G-d, according to Christians? And yet you'd have no difficulty saying a practicing Jew would go to Hell.
G-d is not a man, that He should be deceitful, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Yes, the Jewish God is the same Christian God. However, I believe that Jesus is also God, and a part of the trinity and that He is the only way to heaven.
And I DO have difficulty saying it, for your information. It kills me, literally causes me physical pain, to think of Jews and Catholics who are SO CLOSE to the truth (in my opinion, mind you) will be in Hell.
So don't think I just say it like anything else. Don't ever assume what I'm thinking.
And I DO have difficulty saying it, for your information. It kills me, literally causes me physical pain, to think of Jews and Catholics who are SO CLOSE to the truth (in my opinion, mind you) will be in Hell.
So don't think I just say it like anything else. Don't ever assume what I'm thinking.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
- !XogFog
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
G-d is not a man, that He should be deceitful, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. (Numbers 23:19)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
The fear of the L-RD is the beginning of knowledge; foolish ones scorn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)
The beginning of wisdom is to aquire wisdom; from your every acquisition acquire understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
- turtbub
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Re: A Quiet Retreat
Thank you. Apology accepted.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Romans 5:8 "God demonstrates His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Theresa
"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." Sir Winston Churchill
There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.