I took it as well (probably not the same test, I guess), and it turned out I wasn't a Buddhist but a spiritual person. I found it "insulting" because I was darn sure I was a Buddhist.Tora wrote: not so long time ago I took a survey, it uncluded fifty-something questions concerning my viewpoints and beliefs, those ones eventually were to define what religion suits me... It turned out I'm very close to buddhism :D
I'm young to determine it, it will come one day or not...
About Bible
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- MissLT
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.LennyeTran wrote:Catholics are Christians in a sense. You all believe in Jesus Christ.danyet wrote:Then you are probably a Catholic but not a Christian.illusion wrote:I'm also a catholic but I don't really read the Bible.
It is up to you to study scripture......not your priest!
I'm also a Catholic. Could you help me distinguish Catholics and Chirstians?. Hic, I wondered this question for a long time but I haven't any chance to express it. I expect your reply. Thanks.
- MissLT
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Vietnamese, right? Catholic is nguoi Cong Giao and Christian is nguoi Tin Lanh. I think you know the difference, right?TuanAnVu wrote:.LennyeTran wrote:Catholics are Christians in a sense. You all believe in Jesus Christ.danyet wrote:Then you are probably a Catholic but not a Christian.
It is up to you to study scripture......not your priest!
I'm also a Catholic. Could you help me distinguish Catholics and Chirstians?. Hic, I wondered this question for a long time but I haven't any chance to express it. I expect your reply. Thanks.
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I know the difference between Cong Giao and Tin Lanh. But Christian means Co Doc Giao as we translate it into Vietnamese. I don't know about Co Doc Giao. Please tell me the simplest thing to realise it.Vietnamese, right? Catholic is nguoi Cong Giao and Christian is nguoi Tin Lanh. I think you know the difference, right?
- MissLT
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Co Doc Giao is different. Christianity means dao Thien Chua, which means all branches believe in one God and Jesus Christ even though they have their differences. Christians (in general term) are people who believe in Christ. That's why I said I don't really see the differences between Catholics and Christians.
Never mind, cross the first two lines out. I didn't know Christianity means Co Doc Giao in Vietnamese. I just called it Thien Chua Giao.
Never mind, cross the first two lines out. I didn't know Christianity means Co Doc Giao in Vietnamese. I just called it Thien Chua Giao.
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May be I am wrong but to me “Co Doc Giao” and “Tin Lanh” are the same. Just another way to cal "Tin Lanh". The different between "Cong Giao" (Roman Catholic) " and the others is “Cong Giao” believes in Virgin Mary and the others don’t,. The priest in "Cong Giao" not allow to married but the others do.
- Danyet
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The reason Many Christians don't call Catholics "Christian" is because the Catholic Curch started in Rome, some 300 years after the first Christians appeared, at the time of Constantine who adopted Christianity as Romes state religion, where it became corrupted.
These Catholics introduced a mixture of pagan and Christian beliefs into their new religion. Some of these things were the introduction of the pagan holy day Sunday as the new day of worship instead of Saturday.
Easter.
Lent.
Christmas.
And the worship and praying to Mary and saints.
All of these things have roots in the pagan world.
Catholic priest also claimed to be able forgive other people's sins and actually charged fees for the "service". They also forbid the people to read the Bible and only the Priests were allowed to have a copy of the Bible. (Very few priests had copies of the Bible and even less had read it!) Regular people were killed as heretics for reading the Bible in those days.
Catholics also claim that their Pope is Christ's representative on Earth and that therefore the Catholic Church is the only authoritive body on Earth. For this reason the Catholics slaughtered an estimated 50 million innocent men women and children during the Inquisition. Many wre horribly tortured or buned alive, some were burned so slowly that it could be said that they were slowly cooked to death.
Fortunately in the 16th century during "The Reformation" people began to read the Bible for themselves and began to break away from this evil church.
These reasons and more are why Catholics are not considered true Christians by many. After all, who, after knowing all these things about the Catholics, would anyone want to stay in that religion?
Even so, there are many good poeple who are Catholics. I just don't know why they remain in such a church!
These Catholics introduced a mixture of pagan and Christian beliefs into their new religion. Some of these things were the introduction of the pagan holy day Sunday as the new day of worship instead of Saturday.
Easter.
Lent.
Christmas.
And the worship and praying to Mary and saints.
All of these things have roots in the pagan world.
Catholic priest also claimed to be able forgive other people's sins and actually charged fees for the "service". They also forbid the people to read the Bible and only the Priests were allowed to have a copy of the Bible. (Very few priests had copies of the Bible and even less had read it!) Regular people were killed as heretics for reading the Bible in those days.
Catholics also claim that their Pope is Christ's representative on Earth and that therefore the Catholic Church is the only authoritive body on Earth. For this reason the Catholics slaughtered an estimated 50 million innocent men women and children during the Inquisition. Many wre horribly tortured or buned alive, some were burned so slowly that it could be said that they were slowly cooked to death.
Fortunately in the 16th century during "The Reformation" people began to read the Bible for themselves and began to break away from this evil church.
These reasons and more are why Catholics are not considered true Christians by many. After all, who, after knowing all these things about the Catholics, would anyone want to stay in that religion?
Even so, there are many good poeple who are Catholics. I just don't know why they remain in such a church!
- jakeson
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My country, the Philippines, is the only Catholic nation in Asia and the third largest Catholic nation in the world after Brazil and Mexico. There are some 70 million Catholics in the Philippines, and I’m blessed to be one of them.
It must be noted that in Sacrament of Reconciliation or popularly known as confession, it’s not the priest who forgives sins and DEFINITELY no collection is made for it. “What you held bound on earth shall be bound in heaven,” Jesus has spoken in the bible. This is the foundation of Catholic’s Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Catholicism and Christianity are inseparable. But it doesn’t always follow that when you are a Christian, you are Catholic. There are so many denominations in Christianity but all believing in Christ as God and Savior; thus, called Christian, followers of Christ.
It must be noted that icons and statues are not worshipped. They serve as a reminder, just like when you have a picture of your loved ones in your wallet. You are reminded that they are present; they exist and could serve as your inspiration.
We don’t worship Blessed Virgin Mary. We honor Mary for her “yes” to being the Mother of Jesus. We ask for her to intercede to our prayers.
Now, there’s a difference between veneration and worshipping. It must be noted.
The gist of all of these things is respect to what others believe. If you’re Islam, Buddhist, Protestant, go on with your faith. It’s not insulting or mocking what one believes to be his way to salvation. After all, religion is just but a guide to achieving the final destination, and that is to be in communion with his Creator.
It must be noted that in Sacrament of Reconciliation or popularly known as confession, it’s not the priest who forgives sins and DEFINITELY no collection is made for it. “What you held bound on earth shall be bound in heaven,” Jesus has spoken in the bible. This is the foundation of Catholic’s Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Catholicism and Christianity are inseparable. But it doesn’t always follow that when you are a Christian, you are Catholic. There are so many denominations in Christianity but all believing in Christ as God and Savior; thus, called Christian, followers of Christ.
It must be noted that icons and statues are not worshipped. They serve as a reminder, just like when you have a picture of your loved ones in your wallet. You are reminded that they are present; they exist and could serve as your inspiration.
We don’t worship Blessed Virgin Mary. We honor Mary for her “yes” to being the Mother of Jesus. We ask for her to intercede to our prayers.
Now, there’s a difference between veneration and worshipping. It must be noted.
The gist of all of these things is respect to what others believe. If you’re Islam, Buddhist, Protestant, go on with your faith. It’s not insulting or mocking what one believes to be his way to salvation. After all, religion is just but a guide to achieving the final destination, and that is to be in communion with his Creator.
- Danyet
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Firstly, there is nothing written in the Bible that tells us to venerate anyone includung Mary, As a matter of a fact Mary is barely mentioned at all.
Secondly, there is nothing at all in the Bible mentioned about Mary acting as an intercessor for prayers. That is just plain looney! Where are you Bible quotes for that? Hmmm?
Thirdly, Whether or not you believe that priests can forgive sin doesn't change the fact that for centuries priests charged the people a fee for "Cofession".
If you did just a little research on your religion you would have found that catholicism is steeped in pagan roots and then perhaps begun your search for real truth.
If you knew just a fraction of lies spread and the atrocity caused by the Roman Catholic church you would find a better church unconnected with such despicable behaviour. It amazes me that this church has any members left at all, given the availability of the facts and knowlegde in general these days.
Secondly, there is nothing at all in the Bible mentioned about Mary acting as an intercessor for prayers. That is just plain looney! Where are you Bible quotes for that? Hmmm?
Thirdly, Whether or not you believe that priests can forgive sin doesn't change the fact that for centuries priests charged the people a fee for "Cofession".
If you did just a little research on your religion you would have found that catholicism is steeped in pagan roots and then perhaps begun your search for real truth.
If you knew just a fraction of lies spread and the atrocity caused by the Roman Catholic church you would find a better church unconnected with such despicable behaviour. It amazes me that this church has any members left at all, given the availability of the facts and knowlegde in general these days.
- Danyet
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- Pearl
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dear danyet,danyet wrote:I have read enough to know that the Koran is a boring fairytale for the simple minded and it's accompanying Hadith is for morons!shigore wrote:I want to ask you one question?
did you read the holy koran?
you read holly koran on the website, and there a lot of them make own website and writting anything ...
better for you getting holly quran from ksa
bye
pearl
- jakeson
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[quote="danyet"]Firstly, there is nothing written in the Bible that tells us to venerate anyone includung Mary, As a matter of a fact Mary is barely mentioned at all.
Secondly, there is nothing at all in the Bible mentioned about Mary acting as an intercessor for prayers. That is just plain looney! Where are you Bible quotes for that? Hmmm?
Thirdly, Whether or not you believe that priests can forgive sin doesn't change the fact that for centuries priests charged the people a fee for "Cofession".
If you did just a little research on your religion you would have found that catholicism is steeped in pagan roots and then perhaps begun your search for real truth.
If you knew just a fraction of lies spread and the atrocity caused by the Roman Catholic church you would find a better church unconnected with such despicable behaviour. It amazes me that this church has any members left at all, given the availability of the facts and knowlegde in general these days.[/quote]
I guess, I need not argue. If that's your opinion, let it be. You, coming from US, I'm not surprised. Religion is fading fast in that part of the world. It's a crime to hurt a dog, but it's legal to abort babies. I say sorry to some Americans, but that's the reality.
Go to the Philippines and experience how Catholicism is so much alive.
I need not do research to know the origin of my religion. I've learned so much in the seminary, pal. And nobody can shatter my faith, not even you.
Watch out, little knowledge is dangerous.
About Blessed Virgin Mary? I'm just very blessed to have that love for her.
Luke 1.46–55
Canticle of Mary
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
Secondly, there is nothing at all in the Bible mentioned about Mary acting as an intercessor for prayers. That is just plain looney! Where are you Bible quotes for that? Hmmm?
Thirdly, Whether or not you believe that priests can forgive sin doesn't change the fact that for centuries priests charged the people a fee for "Cofession".
If you did just a little research on your religion you would have found that catholicism is steeped in pagan roots and then perhaps begun your search for real truth.
If you knew just a fraction of lies spread and the atrocity caused by the Roman Catholic church you would find a better church unconnected with such despicable behaviour. It amazes me that this church has any members left at all, given the availability of the facts and knowlegde in general these days.[/quote]
I guess, I need not argue. If that's your opinion, let it be. You, coming from US, I'm not surprised. Religion is fading fast in that part of the world. It's a crime to hurt a dog, but it's legal to abort babies. I say sorry to some Americans, but that's the reality.
Go to the Philippines and experience how Catholicism is so much alive.
I need not do research to know the origin of my religion. I've learned so much in the seminary, pal. And nobody can shatter my faith, not even you.
Watch out, little knowledge is dangerous.
About Blessed Virgin Mary? I'm just very blessed to have that love for her.
Luke 1.46–55
Canticle of Mary
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.
- Danyet
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Your canticle of mary has nothing to do with Mary!
USA is probably more religious than Philipines, as most catholics do not even know what the Bible says because they have not studied it, you included. As a matter of fact you sound just as looney and brainwashed as the Muslims here on this forum. There is little difference between them and you. They refuse to do research too.
Do not think that you have Biblical knowledge just because you study in a seminary, particularly a catholic one.
USA is probably more religious than Philipines, as most catholics do not even know what the Bible says because they have not studied it, you included. As a matter of fact you sound just as looney and brainwashed as the Muslims here on this forum. There is little difference between them and you. They refuse to do research too.
Do not think that you have Biblical knowledge just because you study in a seminary, particularly a catholic one.
- MissLT
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Religions are fading fast in most part of the world. This is why atheist population is growing (I'm not gonna argue about atheism since in my opinion there is no such thing).jakeson wrote:
I guess, I need not argue. If that's your opinion, let it be. You, coming from US, I'm not surprised. Religion is fading fast in that part of the world. It's a crime to hurt a dog, but it's legal to abort babies. I say sorry to some Americans, but that's the reality.
Anyway, back to the topic, it's still really not legal for abortion. Bush Administration has been trying to ban it with little success, though. A woman has a right to do what's right for her body and condition. No government should interfere. Your example about dogs and fetuses are like apples and oranges, to me. I don't see the relation.
- jakeson
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[quote="danyet"]Your canticle of mary has nothing to do with Mary!
USA is probably more religious than Philipines, as most catholics do not even know what the Bible says because they have not studied it, you included. As a matter of fact you sound just as looney and brainwashed as the Muslims here on this forum. There is little difference between them and you. They refuse to do research too.
Do not think that you have Biblical knowledge just because you study in a seminary, particularly a catholic one.[/quote]
All right. All right. This is not a battle of who is smarter or who is dumber. Whatever you said, let it be.
I know myself, I know what I know, and I know how deep my faith is and I need not prove you that.
And, oh, don't be misguided by just merely hearsay.
USA is probably more religious than Philipines, as most catholics do not even know what the Bible says because they have not studied it, you included. As a matter of fact you sound just as looney and brainwashed as the Muslims here on this forum. There is little difference between them and you. They refuse to do research too.
Do not think that you have Biblical knowledge just because you study in a seminary, particularly a catholic one.[/quote]
All right. All right. This is not a battle of who is smarter or who is dumber. Whatever you said, let it be.
I know myself, I know what I know, and I know how deep my faith is and I need not prove you that.
And, oh, don't be misguided by just merely hearsay.
- Danyet
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Muslims know how deep their faith is too. So what does that really mean, nothing. You both can't be right, so having faith without knowledge is meaningless ....this is what the problem is in the world today.jakeson wrote: I know how deep my faith is and I need not prove you that.
Oh, and by the way, the Bible rather silent about abortion and ambiguous about when life begins so the catholic doctrine in abortion is just that....catholic doctrine. You have no right to judge people in America as being not very christian very over this issue.
- jakeson
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[quote="danyet"][quote="jakeson"] I know how deep my faith is and I need not prove you that.
[/quote]Muslims know how deep their faith is too. So what does that really mean, nothing. You both can't be right, so having faith without knowledge is meaningless ....this is what the problem is in the world today.
Oh, and by the way, the Bible rather silent about abortion and ambiguous about when life begins so the catholic doctrine in abortion is just that....catholic doctrine. You have no right to judge people in America as being not very christian very over this issue.[/quote]
Okay. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
And by the way, don't be too over reacting on what others believe in. You have also no right to judge other's faith. The best and the greatest thing you can do is to respect them.
[/quote]Muslims know how deep their faith is too. So what does that really mean, nothing. You both can't be right, so having faith without knowledge is meaningless ....this is what the problem is in the world today.
Oh, and by the way, the Bible rather silent about abortion and ambiguous about when life begins so the catholic doctrine in abortion is just that....catholic doctrine. You have no right to judge people in America as being not very christian very over this issue.[/quote]
Okay. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
And by the way, don't be too over reacting on what others believe in. You have also no right to judge other's faith. The best and the greatest thing you can do is to respect them.
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Andes wrote:
Consider the bible, you'd have to consider all of those writings. Exacly which bible are you reading that shows you the truth that that guy decided was the truth?
Interesting, uh?
Oh boy, you really need a bible to do that? The bible was written by a bunch of blokes. It's not a book, it's a collection of writings. These writings were chosen because someone happened to like those ones. The others were ignored because he didn't like those.all i know about bible is just:
it will tell you the truth and the way of eternal life in the name of Jesus christ...
Consider the bible, you'd have to consider all of those writings. Exacly which bible are you reading that shows you the truth that that guy decided was the truth?
Interesting, uh?
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- Rising Star
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Is it enough just to believe in something? Many people commit atrocious acts because they believe in the reason.LennyeTran Wrote: I don't believe in it, but you do. Thus, good for you.
Shouldn't we always question what we believe? Shouldn't we always challenge our own concepts and prejudice?
Recently, some research showed that what we 'believe' can affect our rationality and logical thought processes. When our brain is involved in belief or preference, the parts that control belief or preference become active, but so do the parts that control our emotions. So, our concepts, decisions and preferences are often blurred by our emotions. Remember Spock, the Vulcan, from Startreck; he was always complaining about this. Finally it has been proven by the use of cat scans.
So, read the Bible, by all means. But don't take it all on blind faith. Try to analyse it and criticize it as much as you can. Try to destroy its arguments. When you've tried really hard to do that and you still beleive in it, at least your belief is well founded on logical argument and not floating in the air.
Of course, it will still be 'faith' or 'belief', because there is no real proof presented to show that God exists. You will still be relying on 'belief' but you've tried to get as near to the truth as you can and be less prejudicial as you can. At least you're trying to leave the cave. (A reference to Plato, not an insult).
- Lalee
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I've read the Bible twice and I think it's a great book. It's full of wisdom.
Christians should always read the bible. If people would read it, they wouldn't believe in lies like Virgin Mary or they wouldn't hang pictures of so- called "saints" on their walls, lit candles and pray to them. That's just silly and nonsense. They can't do anything to help them.
Anyway, it would be good if you knew more about it.
Although it seems like a huge and boring book, it is not.
Through it God wants to show us the right path to salvation. Actually it's very easy to receive it. God doesn't ask too much from us.
Too bad people nowadays think that they need to be good and do good deeds to get eternal life.
Anyhow, read the bible. It's cool. :)
Christians should always read the bible. If people would read it, they wouldn't believe in lies like Virgin Mary or they wouldn't hang pictures of so- called "saints" on their walls, lit candles and pray to them. That's just silly and nonsense. They can't do anything to help them.
Anyway, it would be good if you knew more about it.
Although it seems like a huge and boring book, it is not.
Through it God wants to show us the right path to salvation. Actually it's very easy to receive it. God doesn't ask too much from us.
Too bad people nowadays think that they need to be good and do good deeds to get eternal life.
Anyhow, read the bible. It's cool. :)
- Tora
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wowowow!! can this be reffered to orthodox christianity?? I am not religious but can't keep silent when... I can Is it so important - all our believes and religions? does it really matter? you are a young and nice girl why to put you mind full of that religions and so on? :?Lalee wrote: If people would read it, they wouldn't believe in lies like Virgin Mary or they wouldn't hang pictures of so- called "saints" on their walls, lit candles and pray to them. That's just silly and nonsense.
- Lalee
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It doesn't matter if I'm young or old. It just bugs me when people follow others without knowing if what they're following is right or not.Tora wrote: wowowow!! can this be reffered to orthodox christianity?? I am not religious but can't keep silent when... I can Is it so important - all our believes and religions? does it really matter? you are a young and nice girl why to put you mind full of that religions and so on? :?
For instance, catholics here like to pray to idols which are statues of dead people called saints. Why don't they pray to God instead of those idols? Isn't God powerful enough to help them? They think they're true believers but there they are worshipping false gods.
Now if they read the bible, they would know that their church follows lots of beliefs the Bible is against.
- Oriani
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Wow!!! How odd!! I'm Catholic and we're( my family and Venezuelan) are not like that!!! My parents used to be like those in ur country but they realized that it wasn't good.We're still Catholic, but we don't believe in those Idols :? I know some do that and I don't understand, I mean, I don't get why Catholicism adopted that belief! :(Lalee wrote:It doesn't matter if I'm young or old. It just bugs me when people follow others without knowing if what they're following is right or not.Tora wrote: wowowow!! can this be reffered to orthodox christianity?? I am not religious but can't keep silent when... I can Is it so important - all our believes and religions? does it really matter? you are a young and nice girl why to put you mind full of that religions and so on? :?
For instance, catholics here like to pray to idols which are statues of dead people called saints. Why don't they pray to God instead of those idols? Isn't God powerful enough to help them? They think they're true believers but there they are worshipping false gods.
Now if they read the bible, they would know that their church follows lots of beliefs the Bible is against.
- MissLT
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Same thing for Buddhists who worship Buddha statues and do all kinda praying. I don't think it's nonsense, though. It's just a way to show your respect. Whatever fits you!Lalee wrote: For instance, catholics here like to pray to idols which are statues of dead people called saints. Why don't they pray to God instead of those idols? Isn't God powerful enough to help them? They think they're true believers but there they are worshipping false gods.
Now if they read the bible, they would know that their church follows lots of beliefs the Bible is against.
Last time, we had a huge argument in our world religions class about Muslims who chanted to hang the guys who did the caricatures. My teacher said one of the differences between a Buddhist, a Christian, and a Muslim is the way they show their worship. Even within each religion, there are people who worship in different ways.
- Lalee
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I don't understand either, Oriani.Oriani wrote: Wow!!! How odd!! I'm Catholic and we're( my family and Venezuelan) are not like that!!! My parents used to be like those in ur country but they realized that it wasn't good.We're still Catholic, but we don't believe in those Idols :? I know some do that and I don't understand, I mean, I don't get why Catholicism adopted that belief! :(
The only thing I know is that they have strange beliefs.
So I guess you go to church every Sunday, right? What's the first thing you see when you enter? Here most churches are scary, full of a bunch of statues.
The weirdest thing about Catholicism is that they worship Mary more than God. Why would I want to worship a woman who was just like me? The only difference between me and her is that she got chosen. She didn't remain virgin all her life so she was just a regular woman who got God's blessing and that's it.
- Tora
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I always thought that religion is a descreet agreement between you and god you worship - not the best "description" but still... why do you care about other people? follow your way and reach Heaven or whateverelse, but you can't make the world catholics and christian change! I have never read bible from cover to cover - I don't feel embarassed or something - I don't need it at this very moment - and it is my own business... like it is their own business to pray to god mary-not-vergin or idols
everyone has his own way to god
everyone has his own way to god
Last edited by Tora on Wed Sep 06, 2006 5:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Lalee
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I don't really know much about Buddhism so I can't say much about it. I guess they have a book they follow as well that's similar to the Bible?LennyeTran wrote: Same thing for Buddhists who worship Buddha statues and do all kinda praying. I don't think it's nonsense, though. It's just a way to show your respect. Whatever fits you!
Your teacher might be right but it really depends on the type of religion they're into.LennyeTran wrote: Last time, we had a huge argument in our world religions class about Muslims who chanted to hang the guys who did the caricatures. My teacher said one of the differences between a Buddhist, a Christian, and a Muslim is the way they show their worship. Even within each religion, there are people who worship in different ways.
Catholics and Christians both believe in the Bible, right? Now if in the Bible says that God does not like it when people worship other false gods, idols or whatever we want to call them...Why do they still do it? Isn't that stupid?
- Lalee
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Let me ask you something, would people know all the things they know already about God if they hadn't read the Bible?Tora wrote:I always thought that religion is a descreet agreement between you and god you worship - not the best "description" but still... why do you care about other people? follow your way and reach Heaven or whateverelse, but you can't make the world catholics and christian change! I have never read bible from cover to cover - I don't feel embarassed or something - I don't need it at this very moment - and it is my own business... like it is their own business to pray to god mary-not-vergin or idols
everyone has his own way to god
I don't think they would.
Now, Christians have a mission. They're supposed to share the Gospel to others and show them the right path. If someone is wrong about something, aren't you supposed to tell them that? They don't try to change anything. The only thing they do is letting people know that the way they believe in God is not according to what the Bible says. Now if they say they have their own way to believe in things, now that would be called stubbornness.
If they call themselves Christians, they wouldn't think that way because their beliefs are based on the Bible.
- Oriani
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Yes, I go to Chruch every Sunday, but fortunately me and my family don't believe such Idols! We recognize that Mary was Jesus's mom and about the Angel who told her about the baby. That's O.K; but those Saints and so on??? I don't like it.I mean, ok, they were good people when they were alive, but I don't understand why they have to be Saints and we have to pray them. Some people say that I'm not a good Catholic because of that, but why not?? I do Believe in Jesus Christ and God, I think is the most important thing. But I do love being Catholic and I respect it!!! :PLalee wrote:I don't understand either, Oriani.Oriani wrote: Wow!!! How odd!! I'm Catholic and we're( my family and Venezuelan) are not like that!!! My parents used to be like those in ur country but they realized that it wasn't good.We're still Catholic, but we don't believe in those Idols :? I know some do that and I don't understand, I mean, I don't get why Catholicism adopted that belief! :(
The only thing I know is that they have strange beliefs.
So I guess you go to church every Sunday, right? What's the first thing you see when you enter? Here most churches are scary, full of a bunch of statues.
The weirdest thing about Catholicism is that they worship Mary more than God. Why would I want to worship a woman who was just like me? The only difference between me and her is that she got chosen. She didn't remain virgin all her life so she was just a regular woman who got God's blessing and that's it.
- Tora
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I agree hereLalee wrote: Let me ask you something, would people know all the things they know already about God if they hadn't read the Bible?
I don't think they would.
Lalee wrote:Now, Christians have a mission. They're supposed to share the Gospel to others and show them the right path.
Muslims say they are doing particularly the same
I guess that every religion is based on some morality - this is the basis of people behavior. here is a quote from a book (after Somerset Maugham) I found not so long time ago - it coincides with my opinion completelyLalee wrote:If someone is wrong about something, aren't you supposed to tell them that? They don't try to change anything. The only thing they do is letting people know that the way they believe in God is not according to what the Bible says. Now if they say they have their own way to believe in things, now that would be called stubbornness.
If they call themselves Christians, they wouldn't think that way because their beliefs are based on the Bible.
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... You have thrown aside a creed, but you have preserved the ethic which was based upon it. To all intents you are a Christian still, and if there is a God in Heaven you will undoubtedly receive your reward. The Almighty can hardly be such a fool as the churches make out. If you keep His laws I don't think He can care a packet of pins whether you believe in Him or not...
this is just for me when I think about praying, visiting church and all that kind of stuff true christians are supposed to do (or not supposed to according to the bible) - if you follow god's law you are true christian and not matter how you pray and how you cross yourself
- Lalee
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So you love being catholic even when there are some things you disagree on? Isn't that odd?Oriani wrote: Yes, I go to Chruch every Sunday, but fortunately me and my family don't believe such Idols! We recognize that Mary was Jesus's mom and about the Angel who told her about the baby. That's O.K; but those Saints and so on??? I don't like it.I mean, ok, they were good people when they were alive, but I don't understand why they have to be Saints and we have to pray them. Some people say that I'm not a good Catholic because of that, but why not?? I do Believe in Jesus Christ and God, I think is the most important thing. But I do love being Catholic and I respect it!!! :P
I think you like it because all your family is into it too.
Why would someone love being part of a group when he or she didn't even understand it???
- MissLT
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Bunch of books, not just one like the Bible.Lalee wrote:I don't really know much about Buddhism so I can't say much about it. I guess they have a book they follow as well that's similar to the Bible?LennyeTran wrote: Same thing for Buddhists who worship Buddha statues and do all kinda praying. I don't think it's nonsense, though. It's just a way to show your respect. Whatever fits you!
But the Bible was written by men!!! For example, we know God doesn't like killing, but Christians believe in the Judgement Day. And the Bible says believe in Jesus Christ, for you'll be saved. However, what if a person who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ but a nice person and a person who believes in him but is a murder, who would be saved?Lalee wrote:Your teacher might be right but it really depends on the type of religion they're into.
Catholics and Christians both believe in the Bible, right? Now if in the Bible says that God does not like it when people worship other false gods, idols or whatever we want to call them...Why do they still do it? Isn't that stupid?
- MissLT
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I don't know. I asked Chris and he said it's more about respect than worshipping. Same like you respect Mother Teresa.Lalee wrote:
The weirdest thing about Catholicism is that they worship Mary more than God. Why would I want to worship a woman who was just like me? The only difference between me and her is that she got chosen. She didn't remain virgin all her life so she was just a regular woman who got God's blessing and that's it.
- Lalee
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Not exactly. God had to use men to write it. I don't think He has hands to do it Himself. :)LennyeTran wrote: But the Bible was written by men!!!
Listen to this:
2 Peter 1, 20-21
20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
LennyeTran wrote: For example, we know God doesn't like killing, but Christians believe in the Judgement Day. And the Bible says believe in Jesus Christ, for you'll be saved. However, what if a person who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ but a nice person and a person who believes in him but is a murder, who would be saved?
Although what I'm about to say might sound unfair, it's the truth. The murderer would be saved.
God only accepts the ones who believe in His son, Jesus. To him we are the same. All human beings have good and bad sides so there's really not much difference to God.
To Him, there's only one way for people to go to heaven and that's Jesus.
And through the Bible He gives us many examples.
In Exodus 12 there's this story about the Passover.
12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
13And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt
He asked the israelites to slaughter an animal without defect and with some of its blood they had to put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of their houses.
I bet there were nice and bad people before our eyes in those houses but, did God care about that? He only cared about the blood painted. If they saw the blood, that house got saved and if HE didn't, they were destroyed. As simple as that.
The only people who got saved were the ones who followed and believed in what God told them to do.
Even Egyptians could've gotten saved if they had believed in that.
The same goes with the story in Luke 23 about two criminals who were sentenced to death like Jesus was. Both of them were criminals and deserved to die on the cross but only one got saved. Did he do a good deed? Was he a good person? Only one of them recognized Jesus as the saviour by asking Jesus to remember him when He comes into His kingdom and we can see he got saved when Jesus told him that this criminal was going to be with Him in paradise.
Also there are more stories like these ones where God shows us that trying to be a good person will not lead us to heaven.
So we can conclude that going to heaven does not depend on our good deeds or how nice people we are.
- Lalee
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- Lalee
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I know what you mean but God doesn't care much what your point of view is. It sounds kind of selfish but how can we know the way we think it's right or not? How can we be 100% of that? I think He knows better than us.Tora wrote: this is just for me when I think about praying, visiting church and all that kind of stuff true christians are supposed to do (or not supposed to according to the bible) - if you follow god's law you are true christian and not matter how you pray and how you cross yourself
Isaiah 55
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
- MissLT
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- MissLT
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It seems like that to me, but respect can be seen as worshipping when it comes to religions. In Vietnamese, Virgin Mary is Me Maria or Me Dong Trinh (Virgin). They called her Me (Mother) Thien Chua (Jesus Christ) (Mother of Jesus Christ if you translated it). I don't know about English version. I have to ask Chris.Lalee wrote:Well to me, what they do with Mary is called worship. They even dare call her "Mother of God" Like, what the heck is that?LennyeTran wrote: I don't know. I asked Chris and he said it's more about respect than worshipping. Same like you respect Mother Teresa.