Word of God

[virtuistic]

If you're not big on random bouts of Christian tolerance ranting, you should probably skip this post.

1 John 4:7
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.This was my bible verse of the day, and my first thought when I read this was, "And that includes the gays, Mr. Phelps

Comments

[mattador]

Amen, sister.

And as for footnote #1, well, even Jesus had his GTFO moment in the temple.

Re: Just one perspective...but...

[virtuistic]

Go communism! \m/

You realize we're going to Guantanamo now, right?

[virtuistic]

AMEN.

[virtuistic]

Word up! Oh-em-gee fellowship, my friend.

I really never did a lot of focusing on the commandments. I always felt at odds with them because of the "honor thy father and mother" thing, and I often felt really convicted and insulted by that (given the fact that my mother was/is BATSHIT CRAZY.) I've started reading the bible though, I'm trying to get cover-to-cover... marking the verses I like along the way. It's been really soothing.

[notashamed]

have i mentioned that I love you? CUZ I LOVE YOU :D

[virtuistic]

I LOVE YOU TOOOOO!

[kpachayagolobka]

People often ask me why I don't go to church, and automatically assume I'm not Christian. Technically I was raised Baptist, but my parents have taken me to many different churches-- I've been to Catholic services, Episcopalian, three different Baptist churches (and yes, there IS a difference), and Quaker services as well

[virtuistic]

I'm in the process of trying to find a church too. I may have, but it's hard for me because I typically take issue with organized religion because I think God is a profoundly personal being.

I really also take issue with the petty squabbling between the denominations, and I think people should get over who has the "right" interpretation... and just love the truth for what it is. Illusive, mysterious, everpresent, and beyond human comprehension.

Still, I think Christian community is important. I know it keeps me more honest, more involved, more spiritually active. It's been a really strange battle. After growing up in a Lutheran church that bored me intellectually and infuriated me with their intolerance of other denominations (including other Lutherans! Seriously, Wisconsin Synod vs. Missouri Synod? Give me a break!), but the tradition of it comforts me greatly and I do love the people there. Still, I need a church that believes doesn't spout intolerance on any level, and I'm finding that those are pretty difficult to find.

[kpachayagolobka]

I think that your second sentence there is precisely the sentiment that I was looking for. I also just don't know that I believe in "God" so much as a higher power and the ideals that the different religions all have in common-- respect, love, truth, charity, and humanity. The essence of it all is what matters.

I think also that a community is helpful-- I know a lot of people going through difficult times right now who have turned to their church groups for help in finding a path through it all. It's not for everyone, but for the people who can do that I think it's a very special and very important thing-- sometimes I don't know if I wish I could find that same support, but I'm very happy for my friends who can.

[matt_doyle]

Still a cool post.