Only read if you are NOT religious and/or do not believe in any 'supreme' being (othe

No point in being sarcastic in your comments back to me, I was being completely serious in mine.


It has been implied (if not stated directly, I'm too lazy to go back and look) that the christian mindset makes people want to do good things and be better people. People have also stated that on dark days they talk to god and feel better about themselves, so I don't see where my comment is so far fetched? (it might be over simplified...)

No point in being sarcastic in your comments back to me, I was being completely serious in mine.


It has been implied (if not stated directly, I'm too lazy to go back and look) that the christian mindset makes people want to do good things and be better people. People have also stated that on dark days they talk to god and feel better about themselves, so I don't see where my comment is so far fetched? (it might be over simplified...)

snip

About as much as if you took a picture of God and showed me. I would be convinced that you have a hand, a husband, and a cat.



I was referring to the feelings and emotions towards a physical being who can return the feelings.

Yea, I'd say she summed it up quite well. You're right.(for me)

I chose to forgive someone today. I had already forgiven them... but today it was done formally, if you will. I recieved the same in kind. This person has spoken out against me... and I against them. (on multiple occasions) I guess since we're only made in His image... we should be less understanding and compassionate to be more like Him.

Screw you! You person I forgave earlier today.... you know who you are...

Your comment can be read either way, and I have to tell you that it was so far off the mark (at least in the way that I think) that I read it as sarcasm. Because you were serious, I sincerely apologize. I did not mean to misunderstand you. You know, I'm realizing more and more how entwined my life truly is with God. There's just a whole different understanding when you walk with/live with God. You're not using God, God is molding you. It's such a part of me, that I have to go back and read your comments again, because I will have to give them honest consideration. Again, I'm sorry that I didn't do that the first time. I really think differently than this.

I think I might be seeing a pattern, but it might be because I want to see it.

People who went to religious school, who might have been religious before, usually come out agnostic (or change their views shortly in the future). I can name a large handful of people who fall into this category (including myself).

I think your first line is what this whole thread boils down to. One group of people saying "Prove it to me. And I want to see it."

and the other group saying "I can't prove it to you because you won't believe what I say, and God is invisible."

I cant see how you would believe me, no matter what I say. You say you will only believe a photograph. And I have a feeling, if I were even able to get you a photograph, you wouldn't believe. It is human nature to doubt. You have to chose, God will never allow you to be so convinced that the proof makes your choice for you.

BTW I don't mean this in a rude way at all.

Oh no. A photograph would do it for me.

So so so close Max, but still a little backwards.

I am not speaking for SlicKitty, but here is how I see it.

God makes me a better person. You know how you make new years resolutions? I would make them, then later see how differently God had changed me, in areas I didn't even know I needed to be changed in!

I will cry out to God, and totally freak out, and in the middle of it, God in his mercy, brings calmness. He gives me permission to come to him and cry out for peace, he delights in me "using him" that way.

Sometimes God does give me answers to things I don't know the answers to. Sometimes he gives me answers before I knew I had a question.

Believing in God has not made me feel more whole. I feel more broken, more "messed up", more flawed. But I feel loved and accepted where I am, like I can rest in him, and be forgiven, and restored. But definitely, the longer I have been a Christian, the more I see how far I have to go.

Am I using God for personal gain... yes, maybe. Just like I am "using" my husband for personal gain. I use my husbands love, and I give him my love. I walk hand in hand with my husband and he makes everything in my life more enjoyable. The same with God. I literally can't walk hand in hand with an invisible being, but I know he is with me. I know I am a delight to him, a joy. I love being a joy to him, and I love knowing he loves me. I love "loving him", whether in worship with my friends, or in quiet prayer.

I'll take that as being not sarcastic...



Thanks for the write up. Maybe my post wasn't as detailed/explanatory as I wished it to be, but your post agrees with some of the comments I made (at least in my head, or the way I meant to make them).

I think I might be seeing a pattern, but it might be because I want to see it.

People who went to religious school, who might have been religious before, usually come out agnostic (or change their views shortly in the future). I can name a large handful of people who fall into this category (including myself).

I doubt it brattycakes!!!!!! You would have it examined and pretty soon I would be hearing screeches of "photoshop!!!!"

Hmm, I've done both (religious and secular school), both for elementary and college. I will tell you up front that I spent years questioning and doubting, and also exploring other faiths/ideologies, etc. My husband was raised Catholic. He had no interest in religion at all, but in the last 2 years, he's developed a sincere interest in God. There's only 1 church he gives one hoot about attending, but he really WANTS to go there every week. He hauls me there! My husband is tattooed, has a pompadour, looks/is mean, and typically does not fit into church well (thus part of the reason for his disdain for religion in general), but his love of God has really become honest, and he really enjoys the church we've been attending. His whole life has become lighter, recently. I can see improvement in his health, happiness, joy, and more. I can't speak any more than that on his behalf...only what I see in him. It does make me happy for him, though.

Oh no. A photograph would do it for me.

i really can't wait to meet you and your husband.