DVDizzy Forum

carter1971 wrote:I am a Christian, Roman Catholic specifically. While some may consider it a stretch to believe in a creator, I find it just as much a stretch (more, really) to believe that our intellect and consciousness evolved from the Big Bang.

Also, most religions teach peace and love as core values. Many problems in the world today have to do with people not following their religions properly, not with the religions themselves. I can assure you that God is disappointed with many of his "followers" and does not endorse their activities, particularly acts of violence committed in His name.

PapiBear wrote:

Simba3 wrote:Great poll question PapiBear, though I didn't see my answer there. I usually consider myself agnostic. I believe in Jesus Christ, but not necessarily in all the ways that many people do.

Care to elaborate on that?

Disney's Divinity wrote:I'm an agnostic Christian. I believe in a creator/God, although sometimes I question the certainty of the Bible (considering it was ultimately written by men, not by God). And, personally, I usually don't agree with the idea of Church, because I feel that every individual has to decide for themselves what is righteous (either from the Bible or personal experience). In the end, I think love of others is the ultimate rule, regardless of religion.

What does "agnostic" mean?

I'm pretty sure it means that you don't deny the possibility of a creator/superior being, but you don't deny the fact that there's no evidence to support it either. At least, that's what I've always held it to mean.

Dictionary.com wrote:1.

a. One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God.
b. One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism.

2. One who is doubtful or noncommittal about something.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/agnostic

Not all religions claim to be the one and only religion that is right. Many people practice religions that aren't as mainstream as Christiniatity and Judaisim and these religions are more on reflecting on one's self, rather than recruiting new members everyday. And some people in mainstream don't believe their religion is right for everyone. I certainly don't believe my religion is right for everyone. I tend to compare religions as a whole to Santa Claus.
Let me explain...
When you were a kid your parents told you about Santa Claus. A merry fat elf who had elves working for him that made toys for ALL the boys and girls of the ENTIRE world. Some of you may have questioned how, but that didn't mean you didn't believe in him. You might have wondered how Santa made it all around the world in one night. Your parents probably told you "magic" or "his reindeer are very fast". Certainly a lot of Christmas movies each have their own take on how Santa does all he does. That's all you ever really needed. And when you went to school and the older kids would tell you there was no Santa and explain why there could never be a Santa, you probably called them bad names and ran off. Because NO ONE could tell you there was no Santa. It didn't matter that very little of it made sense, you knew in your heart, there was a Santa Claus.

Religion is like that. People might tell you, "Its scientifically impossible to create a planet and everything on it in 7 days." They might tell you, "A man cannot walk on water.", they might tell you, "The earth cannot in itself be a living being.". They might even tell you, "Religion is a tool to explain the unexplainble in the past, but science now proves there was nothing magical or miracle about it."
But do you care? Do you sit there and change your mind all of a sudden because someone told you its impossible? Why? Why don't you listen? Because in your HEART you know the TRUTH. It doesn't matter if you believe in one God or dozens, no one can tell you otherwise. It doesn't matter science can say we came from one celled creatures who eventually evolved into fish, and then into mammals, and then into us. You don't need that. You don't have to believe it, because to believe it, may just break your heart. For some, they believe it, and you know what? That's all right too. Because no matter what, whether you believe in Creationisim or Evolution, you still have to BELIEVE in it.
And on which religion is the right one? IMO, EVERY religion is the RIGHT religion....for SOMEONE. I tried to be a good Christian, Christianity and I never seemed to fit together. For 18 long years, I tried. I finally found who I am. I am Wiccan. Wicca was always in me. In my heart. From the time I was 4 years old, I have no outside stimuli to Wicca. I never knew of a "goddess", probably never heard that word, and yet, I felt and talked about her, as someone talks about God. I thank my parents for being understanding about it. And when I finally found Wicca, accepting me regardless. Such is life. I have no problem with other religions. I don't advertise mine as the best and only solution. Its the best solution for me. But not for everyone. Perhaps if more people were more accepting of other religions, rather than continue to stereotype and persecute other religions, this world would be a better place. Some people may dislike or even hate me for being what I am. I am disheartened about that, but I don't let it bother me. I don't let people change me and I won't try and change anyone else. That's how religious wars, online and off start. Because people are out to convert someone. The people who want to convert will come to you. Its okay to talk about your religion to others who may not share your beliefs, but don't expect them to say, "Gee! I want to be that!". Respect their beliefs. They will respect your's. I have Christiain, Buddist, Jewish, Athiest, Agnostic, Wiccan, and Native American Spirituality friends. Some of us even get together for a movie, dinner, or theme park now and then. We sometimes discuss religion, but never in the sense of, "My religion is better.". And that's how we remain such good friends. I know this has been a long rant/post, but I hope someone read this and takes something good from it and applies it to their life.

Simba3 wrote:I can try to elaborate a little, but part of the basis of being agnostic is acknowlegding that you don't believe there is enough evidence out there to prove creationism over evolution (or vice versa). I believe in Jesus Christ - I believe that he existed, but I don't necessarily believe in ALL the stories of the Bible, nor do I believe that the words of the Bible should be interpreted so literally.

Dottie wrote:I was baptized as a Roman Catholic. I believe or maybe I don't in a higher being, but I do not believe in the Catholic Church.

Dottie wrote:Sometimes I wonder if I am an Atheist, but then I pray when I want to and feel the need for it.

Dottie wrote:I might believe in God, but not as the God from the Bible, but God as a higher being who loves us and to a certain extent leads us.

Prince Ali wrote:I'm a non-denominational Christian and proud of it, baby! Whoo!

While we're on the subject, I'm going to tell all of you to read 1 Samuel 16:7. It is, without a doubt, my favorite verse!

PapiBear wrote:

Simba3 wrote:I can try to elaborate a little, but part of the basis of being agnostic is acknowlegding that you don't believe there is enough evidence out there to prove creationism over evolution (or vice versa). I believe in Jesus Christ - I believe that he existed, but I don't necessarily believe in ALL the stories of the Bible, nor do I believe that the words of the Bible should be interpreted so literally.

Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

Simba3 wrote:

PapiBear wrote: Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God?

That is where the agnostic would kick in, because the only way I can answer that question is with an: I don't know.

PapiBear wrote:And man, I'll tell ya....He takes care of me. Even when I think my prayers might be answered late - He is ALWAYS right there on time, giving me just what I need. I have been truly amazed by what He does in my life, and it just deepens my faith in Him, which is, honestly, what I want.

indianajdp wrote:The last straw for me was when my grandmother, a lifelong Catholic, dying of Alzheimer's in a Catholic nursing home, was denied communion. The reason? She was not of the right mind to receive the body of Christ.

indianajdp wrote:The last straw for me was when my grandmother, a lifelong Catholic, dying of Alzheimer's in a Catholic nursing home, was denied communion. The reason? She was not of the right mind to receive the body of Christ.