When dealing with a chronic illness of any kind, religion always seems to come in somehow. At this point I dont find it helpful to me, but having everyones input now and then might open up a door for me. I dont exclude that possibility. In the meantime I voice my thoughts & listens to everyone elses, but if I am confused about something or have a question, I will address it.
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How many people are........
- Thread starter EB24
- Start date
lovingBenandCambree
New member
I am very much a spiritual person and very religious. I find that it is during my toughest moments that I am able to get through with the strength of the Lord. I have found that strength to give me strength that I didn't know I was capable of having and peace of mind that can come from nowhere else that I have found.
Emilee
Emilee
serendipity730
New member
I would prefer the word spiritual to religious, because I do not follow the rules of a particular church. I was raised Catholic, which was not a good fit for me. Now, I am attending a Unitarian-Universalist. So, no I am not religious, but I woud say that I am somewhat spiritual.
<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>Mockingbird</b></i><br><blockquote>Quote
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>JazzysMom</b></i>
This is an issue that I have fought with internally since having my daughter. My cousin who is a Minister said that I NEED to get by daughter baptized. <hr></blockquote>
I agree with you on that point. =-) It's kind of silly to baptize a baby when the baby has no idea what's going on. =-) Much more meaningful after the child grows up and chooses herself to participate in the baptism, knowing what it means. =-)<hr></blockquote>
I agree...Although I am a Christian and "dedicated" Reilly, I understand your point. In my religion, (Baptist) we choose to dedicate our children rather than baptise them. Simply put, we, as parents make a "pledge" to raise our children in a Christian home, and in the manner that we feel best.
I am so happy to see that everyone on this discussion has been so civil, regardless of everyone's differing opinions. When it all comes down to it, everyone will not agree, and we all have our opinions.
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>JazzysMom</b></i>
This is an issue that I have fought with internally since having my daughter. My cousin who is a Minister said that I NEED to get by daughter baptized. <hr></blockquote>
I agree with you on that point. =-) It's kind of silly to baptize a baby when the baby has no idea what's going on. =-) Much more meaningful after the child grows up and chooses herself to participate in the baptism, knowing what it means. =-)<hr></blockquote>
I agree...Although I am a Christian and "dedicated" Reilly, I understand your point. In my religion, (Baptist) we choose to dedicate our children rather than baptise them. Simply put, we, as parents make a "pledge" to raise our children in a Christian home, and in the manner that we feel best.
I am so happy to see that everyone on this discussion has been so civil, regardless of everyone's differing opinions. When it all comes down to it, everyone will not agree, and we all have our opinions.
I have found religion to be very helpful to me. I'll tell you an incident that happened to me 3 years ago while i was in the midst of massive hemoptysis. I was coughing up large amounts of blood continuously ( while i was in the hospital) . All i could think of was "when is it gonna stop" . At one point when i went to take a breath in to cough the blood out, i was unable to get a breath and was gasping and realized at that moment i was going to die very soon. I was weak and tired and unable to breathe. Something inside me told me to talk to God out loud and all i could get out of my mouth was " PLease God". At that moment the most amazing thing happened. I felt the gurgling stop and was able to breathe again. ( i get chills when i write this because i remember how amazing it was ). I was holding the plastic tub they gave me to cough the blood into ,and it was so much, if i recall correctly it was maybe equivalent to about a large 20 oz. cup. When i had my pulmonary embolization that afternoon, the doctor said i had a huge broken area in that blood vessel, and it was one of the worst ones he has seen. I thanked God over and over for saving me that day. Now i know some will say its probably just a coincidence, but i believe it was divine intervention. I was slowly watching my life bleed right out of me that morning, and nothing seemed to stop it ....till i asked God. I had swayed a little from my religion before that episode, but since then, have started going back to church. I feel the least i can do is spend some time devoted to the lord after he saved my life. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
I'm not a religious person, though I was baptized as a Catholic. Throughout my life, I've found religion to be more hurtful than helpful. I lost contact with a good friend over religious beliefs, and that upset me deeply. She didn't agree with my views on some topics just because of her religion and so we drifted apart. I believe, perhaps, in a higher power, but an entity in particular. I do have my own 'religion' (more of a way of life, really) but I won't explain it here as it would probably get me some 'interesting' responses. ^_^ All I can say is that I believe in a type of spirituality, but I don't turn to it to help me get through the hard times. My family and friends are what helps me in that department. I find a physical hug from my boyfriend more comforting than prayer (no offence meant by that statement, by the way). It's just how I am personally.
Very astute comment, Mockingbird. If I'm a Buddhist, I'm not a very good one. But labels, schmabels, right? Thomas Merton, who was a Trappist monk, wrote that he didn't see any reason why you couldn't be a good Christian <i>and</i> a good Buddhist. Food for thought, anyway.
Q
Q
Well, if it wasn't a coincidence, then it's certainly strange why tons of people in life-saving circumstances asked the gods for help, but were largely ignored... it seems that those who recover attribute it to something magical, while the greater number of people who didn't are forgotten (since, after all, being dead, you "can't come back for a refund").
I view religion as one of those (mostly harmless) things that persists largely because people don't know better. Unless it's one of the harmful strains, or one that's just outrageously silly/demeaning (as opposed to just factually unsupported), I prefer to live and let live.
I view religion as one of those (mostly harmless) things that persists largely because people don't know better. Unless it's one of the harmful strains, or one that's just outrageously silly/demeaning (as opposed to just factually unsupported), I prefer to live and let live.
Mockingbird
New member
<blockquote>Quote
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>WinAce</b></i>
Well, if it wasn't a coincidence, then it's certainly strange why tons of people in life-saving circumstances asked the gods for help, but were largely ignored... it seems that those who recover attribute it to something magical, while the greater number of people who didn't are forgotten (since, after all, being dead, you "can't come back for a refund"). <hr></blockquote>
Ha ha, if god helped everyone who asked, this world would be rather overpopulated, wouldn't it? =-) I see what you're saying, though. Just because someone is saved from a life-threatening incident, that doesn't automatically mean a higher power was involved.
Did you ever see the movie Bringing out the Dead? I forget if the scene was in the book as well, but there was the part where Marcus (Ving Rhames) was talking about how a girl jumped off a cliff and "Was saved by Jesus" =-) Then the main character (forget his name, Nicolas Cage, anyway) said, Oh, yeah, i remember hearing about that, where the girl got blown back by the wind." Then Marcus said, "No that wasn't no wind that was Jesus!" Anyway, I got reminded of that part. =-)
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>WinAce</b></i>
Well, if it wasn't a coincidence, then it's certainly strange why tons of people in life-saving circumstances asked the gods for help, but were largely ignored... it seems that those who recover attribute it to something magical, while the greater number of people who didn't are forgotten (since, after all, being dead, you "can't come back for a refund"). <hr></blockquote>
Ha ha, if god helped everyone who asked, this world would be rather overpopulated, wouldn't it? =-) I see what you're saying, though. Just because someone is saved from a life-threatening incident, that doesn't automatically mean a higher power was involved.
Did you ever see the movie Bringing out the Dead? I forget if the scene was in the book as well, but there was the part where Marcus (Ving Rhames) was talking about how a girl jumped off a cliff and "Was saved by Jesus" =-) Then the main character (forget his name, Nicolas Cage, anyway) said, Oh, yeah, i remember hearing about that, where the girl got blown back by the wind." Then Marcus said, "No that wasn't no wind that was Jesus!" Anyway, I got reminded of that part. =-)
Emily65Roses
New member
If you are and it helps you, then rock on. I myself, am not.
I consider myself to be very religious. I was raised catholic but don't agree with everything in the catholic teachings. I love going to church and I pray all the time because I find comfort in it. I, at this point in my life, don't question the existance of a higher being. I know one is there. I think that this is a completely personal thing though. I, like Diane, had too many miracles in my life to be simply chalked up as "coincidences."
Margaret
Double Lung tx 11.11.04
Margaret
Double Lung tx 11.11.04
I always tell people (which is ironic considering I am not religious) that God answers everybody. It might not be the answer we are looking for (such as in curing an illness or saving someone from death),
but he answers. There use to be shows on television, one was called "Touched by an Angel" & I cant remember the other name......both shows gave the same answer to people who questioned why God would let terrible things happen. Basically its not for us to understand, but there is a reason........ be assured. I dont know if church going Christians actually believe this, but it seems to put people at ease when I have witnessed them struggling with their faith.
but he answers. There use to be shows on television, one was called "Touched by an Angel" & I cant remember the other name......both shows gave the same answer to people who questioned why God would let terrible things happen. Basically its not for us to understand, but there is a reason........ be assured. I dont know if church going Christians actually believe this, but it seems to put people at ease when I have witnessed them struggling with their faith.
Wow, what a question....I find myself more spiritual than religious, I am Presbyterian though. I look at it this way, faith is a spiritual thing...without faith, what do you have? I do pray as well..I pray for my friends who are suffering, who are infirmed, or who just need some support., I pray that my kids are safe.... I have CF, a very rare nerumuscular disease as well as autimmune issues, I will die...who knows when, but I will that is a fact and I have come to terms with that. I have faith and hope to see my kids graduate from high school, you know what I will see them with their caps and gowns on. I have faith that I have a day of comfort, if I don't that particular day then I pray for relief the next day. You see, spirituality is important to me, it helps keep me going. If I didn't have faith, I think I would have died a few years ago....I would have just given up, sat in a corner and just wilted away. Faith has kept me strong and has kept me fighting. I guess it's the Norwegian in me LOL!
Hugs, Cepaciagal
Hugs, Cepaciagal
Yes, EB24, I am "religious" if thats the word we are using. My faith has helped me overcome so many obstacles. It's unreal! WinAce, you are right. Prayers are not answered the way we want them to be answered all the time. The Bible teaches that God will never leave us or foresake us, but it doesn't promise us an easy road or an easy life free of trials and difficulties.
Just a bit of insight:
Even if someone is not a believer, the teachings of Christ are so positive and great to live by. I can't think of anyone better to model my life after. I mean think about it. He respected everyone, loved everyone, didn't think He was better than anyone, was a man "of no reputation", he helped anyone in need that he came in contact with (even on the sabbath), and taught people everywhere he went, and on and on I could go. Pretty good guy I think.
ccflewallen
Just a bit of insight:
Even if someone is not a believer, the teachings of Christ are so positive and great to live by. I can't think of anyone better to model my life after. I mean think about it. He respected everyone, loved everyone, didn't think He was better than anyone, was a man "of no reputation", he helped anyone in need that he came in contact with (even on the sabbath), and taught people everywhere he went, and on and on I could go. Pretty good guy I think.
ccflewallen
We can use religious or spiritual. I should have phrased it better. Who believes in a higher being?
I personally have heard two very good comments made about religion and God. The first was, if God answered everyone's prayers, there would be no hero's, no doctors, no death, and heaven wouldn't have a purpose because we would never die. The second was that God answers each and every prayer, but it may not always be the answer we want.
I personally have heard two very good comments made about religion and God. The first was, if God answered everyone's prayers, there would be no hero's, no doctors, no death, and heaven wouldn't have a purpose because we would never die. The second was that God answers each and every prayer, but it may not always be the answer we want.
If adversity is necessary for a meaningful existence, though, that makes Heaven rather superfluous, wouldn't you agree? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> You really can't consistently believe that, on the one hand, bad things are bad (and won't exist in Heaven), and that bad things are good (thus, that Heaven won't have something absolutely necessary for the good life). And <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28812p">on the second sentiment</a>...
That in both cases, God supposedly acts in a way which is indistinguishable from no god at all, is pretty suggestive. But, of course, you believe what seems most likely given your unique perspectives and experiences...
That in both cases, God supposedly acts in a way which is indistinguishable from no god at all, is pretty suggestive. But, of course, you believe what seems most likely given your unique perspectives and experiences...
Mockingbird
New member
WinAce, you're operating on the assumption heaven will be just like life on Earth except without the pain and suffering. That's how they portray heaven in hollywood, i know, but since we won't be having our bodies anymore, I think things might be a little different than that. =-)
And about the onion article, I'm assuming you were trying to link to the one you posted a while ago about the child asking to be cured by God and God replying, "My will be done". That issue has already been adressed on this thread by ccflewallen:
"The Bible teaches that God will never leave us or foresake us, but it doesn't promise us an easy road or an easy life free of trials and difficulties."
Love comes in many forms; sometimes it even may seem like cruelty until you see the bigger picture. =-) Or, like the God episode on Futurama: "When you do something right, no one realizes you did anything at all." Or maybe you saw the movie, Bruce Allmighty. They all have the same message. =-)
And about the onion article, I'm assuming you were trying to link to the one you posted a while ago about the child asking to be cured by God and God replying, "My will be done". That issue has already been adressed on this thread by ccflewallen:
"The Bible teaches that God will never leave us or foresake us, but it doesn't promise us an easy road or an easy life free of trials and difficulties."
Love comes in many forms; sometimes it even may seem like cruelty until you see the bigger picture. =-) Or, like the God episode on Futurama: "When you do something right, no one realizes you did anything at all." Or maybe you saw the movie, Bruce Allmighty. They all have the same message. =-)