Propaganda

[kendokan]

I do hope I do not upset you, but this couldn't wait. Personally, I'm not to big on this whole church thing. I also think it is just my church, but whatever. I do pray to god every time i say something or do something regretful, but I do believe that you can connect with god without your church's help. Maybewhen I am older I will study Buddhism, but now, I will state what I know. Gautama was a prince, from a well being family, and enough not to see the dangers of the world. He took a venture into the open world and saw with his own eyes what was really happening. The rest is self explainable.

I am not anti-religious in case you are wondering. The fact is, my church called my school and asked about religion and politics. They are also very persuasive and try to get you to vote for the president according to what is better for religion. Personally, you can mind your own business and let the people decide for themselves. Let the president candidates be persuasive, that is their job, not the priest's. I try to avoid religion topics, because they can easily cause arguments. I am sorry if I offend you, but my own beliefs will stand, and you can not anger me, because I officially don't care.

[Andou]

I've never been to a church in my entire life so don't feel bad. Temples on the other hand--yes.

[Wes Nazo]

My parents were somewhat untrusting of religious leaders and never took me to church. They sort of turned me loose to explore different religions. My parents taught me to make logical decisions. After reading the Bible, I found that it flew in the face of what I considered logical and moral. I eventually turned atheist (actually I never believed in God in the first place, I simply found a name for something I already was). However I considered Buddhism, but I still follow the Noble Eightfold Path (again giving a name to morals I already followed.)

[kendokan]

The eightfold path was what gautama (buddha) taught. He also taught the middle way.

[drizzt]

this is going to start a HUGE fight guys. this was probably not the greatest topic to start a discussion on. im not griping just talking

[kendokan]

I'd rather have this thread banned than have a fight.

[bluhawq]

I'm a muslim so no we don't have priests that tell us what to do. We are allowed to pray by ourselves without going to the mosque or pray as a group where ever we want..Doesn't have to be in a mosque. Its flexible~ I'm not sure about Buddhism though I've seen my extended family on my mom's side practise it. My aunt is a very devout Buddhist but I still don't get the whole meaning though I'm pretty comfortable and satisfied with my own religion. Just wanted to understand a bit more.

[JohnHershman]

I guess I should say something.... I am a pastor... so this may be blown off as more propaganda.... but....

Christians need other Christians.... i havent met a single good Christian who lones it. The Bible says we are part of a body.... what would happen to the hand if it suddenly decided it didnt need to rest of the Body? it would die.... and the body would take a painful hit as well. that's why church is important.

Now as for church in politics.... I dont like it... I live the Buckle of the bible belt near Jerry Falwell who is an active political body.... I have come to this conclusion.... since Christians mature differently we should help them to grow rather than makeing sure they vote a certian way.... they should come to their own conclsusions as they grow spiritually. as for those who are not Christians.... we shouldnt force our views and politics on them through law, but we should activly win the to Christ so that they can grow and eventually change on their own.

[piggy]

i agree with john. if you are christian and think that you dont need to go to a church to find god. simply, dont do it. i've seen many christian slandering threads. why? did they do something to you?

john seems like a really nice guy to me. i used to be christian but after 7 years or so, i decided to stop going to the curch and my beleifs have changed slightly but it doesnt effect my kendo nor my personality in any way whatsoever.

i hope that because of actions taken toward the faith of others, things will settle down on this forum over time and we can get along. there wouldnt be so many conflicts if people would stop bringing this sort of stuff up. tolerance means that you have to tolerate it. not that you have to like it.

[Gregory]

http://www.photochimps.com/gallery/data/500/new_map.jpg



I love that picture, it really shows what is going on

It isnt anything "adult" but it is political/religion-ical

If this offends anyone Im sorry, it wasnt meant to, its just a really funny picture. If it breaks the rules in anyway can one of the mods delete it or one of you report it asap?

Thanks guys

[Stealth]

The fact is, my church called my school and asked about religion and politics. They are also very persuasive and try to get you to vote for the president according to what is better for religion.

Oh bittersweet symphony.