Hi..

[Eve]

Hello, I am a Christian but I am thankfully now open to more of the journey of faith. I am a new member and would like to find out who here believes in God and why they do.

 

So speak up. Please also add which are your favourite films.. and why because I love films.

 

: )

[disgracian]

Hi Eve,

 

I believe in nature and the universe. I think both are big and wonderous enough that I wonder why anyone would feel the need to look to anything else for inspiration.

 

I speak out against organised religion. I'm not well liked around here. I have the infractions to prove it.

 

Cheers,

D.

[Lovelybird]

Hi, I am a christian too, I don't know about organized religion, but I do know Lord

 

why I believe? because God is real, in my life, and many others' lives. God is a rewarder for those who diligently seek Him. Of course the journey won't be easy sometimes, but very well worth it. The joy and peace and prosperity are what we reap. Nuturing the relationship with Lord and talking to Him each day is amazing

 

Congradulate !

 

by the way, did you ever read Joyce Meyer's books and CD's? she talked about her journey with Lord, the struggles, the victories, the tears , the joy, quite inspiring, if you want to deepen your walk with Lord, then her books may give you some tools. merely knowing her experience with Lord, then I would think " I can have that too, I can experience that too"

[nopainnogain]

Please also add which are your favourite films.. .

 

: )

 

Dazed and confused. Its a great movie.

[Eve]

Dazed and confused. Its a great movie.

 

Not heard of that film. I like independant films mostly.

[Eve]

I believe in nature and the universe. I think both are big and wonderous enough that I wonder why anyone would feel the need to look to anything else for inspiration.

 

I think it is a natural thing, hardwired into us to look for God. Those who dont (from my observations) are stuck in a cycle of essentially repeating the behaviours of someone whose religious zeal has got on their nerves in one way or another. Usually this goes unacknowledged. Or, I have come across those who are repulsed by the language usually associated with Christianity/religion - which I can understand in many respects. I have come across others who simply prefer science and just dont listen to any other perspective. I have nothing against science whatsoever (I MUST use scientific means of observing and measuring behaviour everyday in my work, so yes, I understand the importance of being able to be objective and critical) but generally, day to day I prefer people who are open to the possiblity that maybe they could be wrong on any subject, especially the whole deity thing!! Surely the strength of God being real in one instance in the entire history of the world outweighs unbelief? Then there are others who simpy take their core ideals from popular culture.

 

I believe that people tell you exactly who they are so I believe you when you say that you speak out against organised religion. Well, I think we all know deep down what is right and what is wrong. All I hope is that what you say in these instances provides substance and guidance towards what is good because if not, you are just as bad as those you are speaking out against. I think that this is the real challenge, christian or not. Anyhow, I wont try and change you Hun.

 

I adore nature. Dont like deserts though... too much can go wrong.

[Eve]

And when I was at my lowest and ready to exit this world by my own hands, He called my name and told me he loved me and everything would be alright. All I had to do was trust him.

 

: )

 

Nice to meet you. I know what you are saying and I am glad that you live.

 

God is good.

[Eve]

Hi, I am a christian too, I don't know about organized religion, but I do know Lord

 

why I believe? because God is real, in my life, and many others' lives. God is a rewarder for those who diligently seek Him.

 

Hello Lovelybird,

 

So you are not into organised religion? I think that Church can really be a good place for some. At the moment I prefer Church without Christians in it! I go to a beautiful Church in my lunch break and have a chat with God whilst eating my sandwiches but mostly I dont go Church anymore. I love the syncronicities of the life in faith. I am glad that we are not alone in making these connections and I am grateful to God for the simple things in life.... Although I wouldnt mind having my own island, with my own cinema.

 

I like Joyce. I can imagine being able to have a laugh with her.

[disgracian]

I think it is a natural thing, hardwired into us to look for God.

I wouldn't be so specific. I think we are perhaps hardwired to look for something "more", something "greater". Something ultimately that will explain those unsolvable questions like why we are here and what it's all about. Usually that path gets funnelled down to looking for god because that's usually the only choice society gives us.

 

Allow me to play devil's advocate for a moment. Isn't it funny how people who believe in aliens, for example, are marginalised and laughed at. Is (intelligent) life elsewhere in the universe really all that far-fetched? We're proof that it exists somewhere, so why not somewhere else as well? When you think about it, we actually have slightly more evidence to believe that than we do to believe in gods.

 

It can be interesting what you can learn when you turn preconceived thinking on its head. For that reason alone, it's a worthwhile exercise.

but generally, day to day I prefer people who are open to the possiblity that maybe they could be wrong on any subject, especially the whole deity thing!!

It has been my observation that those least likely to be open to this possibility are those that believe, not the other way around.

 

Non-belief is usually the product of doubt, which by definition is far more open minded than belief. Doubt is healthy.

All I hope is that what you say in these instances provides substance and guidance towards what is good because if not, you are just as bad as those you are speaking out against.

I like to think so.

 

Cheers,

D.

[quankanne]

I have the infractions to prove it.

 

really??! I think you're actually pretty cool. I know we can frustrate each other, but I sincerely do respect your input because interestingly enough, it strengthens my faith. A bit ironic, don't you think?

 

I am a new member and would like to find out who here believes in God and why they do.

 

welcome aboard, Eve – I think you'll find this place a Godsend, though at time you may just end up frustrated when it seems like the lines of communication are just boogered up :laugh:

 

movies? Spiritually enticing ones are definitely "the Passion of the Christ" and "Shadowlands" and "The Lord of the Rings" ... books are my preferred interest though. Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is a fantastic spiritual read, in every sense of the word ...

 

I'm a believer, Catholic Christian to be precise. I don't think I've ever known a time when I *hadn't* believed, I think I'm one of those people who was born with a strong sense of my faith and spirituality, and for that I'm grateful. Probably the simplest way to describe my belief is "I am his, and He is mine."

 

TBH, it amazes (and humbles) me that there is someone who loves me without doubt or hesitation, even despite my ugly moments .... Kinda sets the standard in my relationships with others, you know?

 

quank,

who truly believes "God is good"

[Eve]

I wouldn't be so specific. I think we are perhaps hardwired to look for something "more", something "greater". Something ultimately that will explain those unsolvable questions like why we are here and what it's all about. Usually that path gets funnelled down to looking for god because that's usually the only choice society gives us.

 

H'mm.. I am always careful of not falling victim to semantics! I feel we have said the same thing in many respects! BUT, the difference lays (I think) in HOW an individual considers whether they have a soul. Now, I have a saying, 'the truth is above us all'. I developed this saying after realising the futility of lies. How come we cant simply pretend something is true when it is not? Where does this come from - This sense of imbalance, even if we really want something to be true? I would say that we each have the propensity to look to greater things and the society which we are born into has a history of sayings, stories.. a collective remeberance of the potential of those who have come before us but I see the same script being repeated throughout the eras. BUt I see that individuals throughout history have acted and lived because of something beyond themselves or their society. Where has this energy and focus come from? In total, I believe that we have the ability to tap into something beyond ourselves, sometimes by choice othertimes not by choice but this 'something' seems to be what is actually guiding society via individuals.

 

Allow me to play devil's advocate for a moment. Isn't it funny how people who believe in aliens, for example, are marginalised and laughed at. Is (intelligent) life elsewhere in the universe really all that far-fetched? We're proof that it exists somewhere, so why not somewhere else as well? When you think about it, we actually have slightly more evidence to believe that than we do to believe in gods.

 

 

 

Ah, so you are saying that as equally as the belief in God is alien to a non believer the presence of aliens is also an equally relevant topic. I dont know Hun. I do not believe in aliens. Well, the impact of an alien species on my personal cognitions and interactions with others is not the same as a convenant given by God. In total, God Has essentially said to us in the Bible that all routes are going to be tested and only the narrow path will remain. After looking into the whole alien thing I do not consider the alien conspiracy theory to be this 'narrow path'

 

Although I can easily imagine the US Government working with aliens in secrecy.

 

I understand your stance though in many respects. I hope that deep down you value the essence of 'knowing' what you know and that there is the possiblity that absolute truth does exist and it is not something to fear.

[disgracian]

We have said much the same thing. I just think that not everybody, in their search for higher meaning, looks for god. Many, like myself, look to nature or to Eastern spiritualism, meditation, science, all sorts of things. I think it's more than just a semantic difference too. I think the idea of god is (or originally was) to put a human face on the universe. I for one think the universe is more appealing without one.

 

Regarding the aliens, I'm not trying to suggest they visit us or that they are our path to salvation or anything. It's not even particularly relevant, I just picked it as an example of the point I was trying to make. Namely that their existence isn't (in my opinion) as far-fetched as some of the things we take for granted as being true on a daily basis. It's a worthwhile reminder of the value of questioning everything, even that which seems self-evident.

 

Cheers,

D.

[Dark-N-Romantic]

Eve,

 

I am Christian by faith. I am because from since I was younger, I knew there was something beyond this world. There were things greater than us out there. That this place isn't here because of some accidental act of science, but by something of superior intelligence and power. It so happens I believe it is the God of the Bible that I learned about. For His words, my walking and talking with Him, and the flashes of insight He gives me, I know there is something more and that this world has to end in order for their to be true love, happiness, and peace.

 

I love films as well. I am not going to say I am a buff, but I have my gems, and each have their own reasons why I like them. Being such a large number, It would make no dent in getting to know them.

 

 

DNR

[nopainnogain]

Not heard of that film. I like independant films mostly.

 

this one is independent. You should check it out. It has a lot of classic cars

[Eve]

I think it's more than just a semantic difference too. I think the idea of god is (or originally was) to put a human face on the universe. I for one think the universe is more appealing without one.

 

I just dont understand how you can be satisfied with your end point! I could not stop searching until I found out one way or another!! I HAD to know, once the experiences began to mount. I simply HAD to know!

 

Maybe you are simply lazy?

 

: ) (Darkly cheeky smile)

 

I like eastern philosophy much muchly. Two of my most favourite books are 'Thoughts without a thinker' and 'Buddism and psychotherapy'. The only thing which I dislike about the whole Buddism thing is my inability to turn the peaceful moments into something touchable. Its like I read .. whatever, then cant relay back what I have read person to person. Meditation is something which I am looking into since reading 'Syncrodestiny' by Deepak Chopra (LOVE HIM!) .. I will have to research the origins of the sited incantations more before going into any of that though. I really do not have time for any weird stuff happening - I know better after watching 'The Mummy' not to mess around with incantations.

 

*Eve considers for a moment*

 

Anyhow, from the posts which I have read so far from yourself I would have thought meditation to be a bit dodgy ground for a professional heathenite such as yourself Disgracian?

 

: ) (Cheeky grin)

 

Where are the smilies on this site?

[Eve]

this one is independent. You should check it out. It has a lot of classic cars

 

What? with whats-his-name in it.. Jennifer Lopezs ex.. the one with the big head... cant remember his name.

 

... Ben Affleck, thats his name.

 

I have googled the film and the synopsis sounded very good.

 

My favourite films include,

 

. Happy go lucky

. 40 year old virgin

. Knocked up

. Anything with Adam Sandler and the curly headed man who is always in his films - Rob schnieder

. Crime and punsihment in suburbia

. The hand that rocks the cradle (so wrongly funny in parts)

. Monster

. The squid and the whale

. Shark vs eagle

. Alien vs predator (Ha!, too funny!)

. The exorcism of Emily Rose

. Jumper

. All star wars, matrix, star trek movies. Just about anything sci fi

. Equlibruim (one of my most favourite films of all time)

. That Jacob cartoon with Ben Affleck

. The Prince of Egypt

. Back to the future films

. The Omen trilogy (that Delia was seriously evil - so funny in parts)

 

I will think about some more later.

[Eve]

because from since I was younger, I knew there was something beyond this world. There were things greater than us out there. That this place isn't here because of some accidental act of science, but by something of superior intelligence and power. It so happens I believe it is the God of the Bible that I learned about. For His words, my walking and talking with Him, and the flashes of insight He gives me, I know there is something more and that this world has to end in order for their to be true love, happiness, and peace.

 

So have you been following the faith since childhood? I used to have some pretty spiritual experiences when I was a child but never really thought about them very much at the time. Its only now thinking back that I really am in awe. I like knowing God is there for me. I am glad to finally really know this and must admit to really appreciating the insight and sense of love and balance I now have. I like sharing stuff more now. I think I was a bit of a doormat before because there wasnt really a beginning or end point to things. Now, I am glad to just be me.. the me I always wanted to be inside but I dont think it can be learned. It is a gift.

 

So, hello dark and romantic. Pleased to meet you Hun.

 

Go on, name a few films.

[quankanne]

I just dont understand how you can be satisfied with your end point! I could not stop searching until I found out one way or another!! I HAD to know, once the experiences began to mount. I simply HAD to know!

 

Maybe you are simply lazy?

 

ouch.

 

maybe the poster *did* an exhaustive search and this belief he holds is the one that satisfies/makes sense the most to him.

 

in order to appreciate your own spiritual journey, you've got to learn to respect others, even if they don't parallel your own because they are highly subjective to the owner.

[Eve]

ouch.

 

maybe the poster *did* an exhaustive search and this belief he holds is the one that satisfies/makes sense the most to him.

 

in order to appreciate your own spiritual journey, you've got to learn to respect others, even if they don't parallel your own because they are highly subjective to the owner.

 

Well, I hope that Disgracian understands my post because you did not understand my humour one little bit.. Well, I am British after all. There are no guns here so we generally say what we want!

 

My aim is a form of friendship Darling. Anyhow, Disgracian can defend himself. Thats why I like him!

 

*Gosh those Texans take everything literally*

[Enema]

I've got a pile of infractions too... don't post as much as I could here because a number of people have amazingly thin skin.

 

Atheist ex-christian here.

[disgracian]

I just dont understand how you can be satisfied with your end point! I could not stop searching until I found out one way or another!! I HAD to know, once the experiences began to mount. I simply HAD to know!

So did I for a time. But quank is sort of right, I have probed and tested the god angle as thoroughly as I know how before reaching this conclusion. For a time I tried very hard to believe, I wanted to believe but it just wasn't possible. Along the way, I came to realise that what I was chasing wasn't even as good as what I already had. So I stopped.

 

I've also come to the conclusion that sincere belief isn't a choice anyway.

Maybe you are simply lazy?

Lucky for you you're British.

The only thing which I dislike about the whole Buddism thing is my inability to turn the peaceful moments into something touchable. Its like I read .. whatever, then cant relay back what I have read person to person.

It can be annoyingly abstract, can't it? I struggle with the language and the way they frequently use words that don't really mean what they're trying to convey. Overall I find it philosophically much more robust than Abrahamic religions, but like anything it has its limits.

Meditation is something which I am looking into since reading 'Syncrodestiny' by Deepak Chopra (LOVE HIM!) .. I will have to research the origins of the sited incantations more before going into any of that though. I really do not have time for any weird stuff happening - I know better after watching 'The Mummy' not to mess around with incantations.

LOL! Well, incantations, meditation, prayer, none of it means anything more than what you intend for it to mean.

Anyhow, from the posts which I have read so far from yourself I would have thought meditation to be a bit dodgy ground for a professional heathenite such as yourself Disgracian?

Meditation is a very practical exercise even (or perhaps especially) after you strip away the mysticism, one that I have been using for years now, with noticeable benefits to my concentration and mental acuity. It's just a process of learning how to both relax and focus your mind.

 

My journey started with the introductory concepts such as focusing all attention on a part of your body (in my case the tip of my nose, and the sensation of breathing), and also visualisations. The first thing you realise is just how addled and easily distracted the mind is, constantly drifting to thoughts about the day, the past, the future. The first few sessions were the opposite of what I'd expected; I'd go home more exhausted than before.

 

Gradually, I got better and better at it. And once you realise that you can focus your mind exclusively on your nose for 10 or 15 minutes, it becomes apparent that you can use that focus and discipline to turn your mind onto any task: in my case, programming, algorithms, problem solving, etc. From there you use the basic forms of meditation to get your mind and body into the required state to perform deeper, more analytical meditation.

 

Along with beer, it got me through university.

[Sarita12385]

Hiya Eve and welcome

 

I'm a muslim (gasp) Was born a Catholic but converted to Islam several years ago. I could go on and on why I made the "switch" but I think that would be a new topic on its own. I've always believed in the higher power, in God, heaven, angels, all of it, Islam, for me, shed more light on these beliefs than my original Catholic teachings.

 

Favorite film? I'd have to say Homeward Bound (oldie but goodie) and Moulin rouge

[Shygirl15]

Hello there!

 

I'm a Christian (Lutheran) who was raised a Muslim..lol

 

I have never been happier and in peace since I converted to become a Christian 15 years ago

[Final Girl]

Hi Eve!! :) I'm Christian (a practicing Catholic) and as you might guess from my username I LOVE scary films!!

[Eve]

Meditation is a very practical exercise even (or perhaps especially) after you strip away the mysticism,

 

What sort of meditation do you practise? The themes within meditation which I have encountered are all about deeper connection to God.

 

I must admit that I am glad that you have a sense of humour and did not take any of my comments wrongly.