Differences between people who have religion in their lives or not...

[Gloria25]

My fav podcaster raised this topic a while back as her opening on one of the shows...

 

 

Like the video, she pretty much listed ways how people who have a belief in a higher power and how that belief affects other aspects of their lives (i.e. charity, caring for others, being part of a community/support system, happier/healthier lives).

 

I also agree with the video. For me, religion isn't something to do on Sundays. It's a way of life. I am far from perfect and from the sins I have and will continue to do - pretty much have resigned my fate to go to hell and pray some day God will allow me into heaven after I done my time in hell for all my sins.

 

But, I believe because of religion, I am into certain things like volunteering, charity, and I see/do things in this world based a lot on my beliefs. I also believe religion gives me a resource for support at times.

 

For me, someone's connection to a higher power is important if I'm dating them seriously. I believe if someone has that in their life not only do we have something in common, but I can be rest assured that they will/will not do certain things; and, if/when we have kids - I can be rest assured we will be able to give our children instruction to benefit them morally. I think religion is something people do not take into consideration until the kids arrive and sometimes that can bring a lot of conflict.

 

Now, there are some people that go to the church under false pretenses to pick up church going women cuz they want an obedient woman and/or want to profit/benefit from the good of the church....I've seen those on TV and in real life. So, gotta watch out for those guys.

 

So yes, I can't put my finger on it, but I believe you can sorta tell the difference between people who have religion in their lives and who do not. Their life decisions, involvement in community, charity, etc - IMO, are tell tale signs.

 

Have you noticed this difference in people who have religion in their lives vs. who do not?

Edited June 28, 2015 by Gloria25

[CarrieT]

I'm an occultist. Have been for 40+ years (even whilst exploring Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Jaainism, Hinduism, and a handful of other isms...)

 

I met a man who went through a similar path of exploration, converting from Judaism to Christianity (Lutheran).

 

He married me in spite of my devout occult beliefs because our core philosophy on how we view life and how we treat other people are essentially the same.

 

Go figure.

[pie2]

Have you noticed this difference in people who have religion in their lives vs. who do not?

 

It is not uncommon that I notice someone and sense a peace and love in the person, only to find out that s/he is Christian. I can feel they have a true spiritual connection in their lives, and are really trying to walk the walk (not just talk the talk).

 

There are other times that I get to know someone and I can sense that s/he is living a religious lifestyle and working hard to follow the rules. I have sensed an over-zealousness that cannot last forever. There are religions that state if you work hard, you'll earn your path to greater reward, and these people are working as hard as they can! There's an urgency in how they approach life. Unfortunately, that's not how we really get to know God's love.

 

For me, someone's connection to a higher power is important if I'm dating them seriously. I believe if someone has that in their life not only do we have something in common, but I can be rest assured that they will/will not do certain things; and, if/when we have kids - I can be rest assured we will be able to give our children instruction to benefit them morally. I think religion is something people do not take into consideration until the kids arrive and sometimes that can bring a lot of conflict.

 

I hope you find the right match. But it seems like a connection to God isn't near the top of your priorities now. So, if you match up with someone to whom spirituality is important, can you see how you two might clash?

 

Until you're walking on the right path for God, it's unlikely that He'll send you someone who is.

[Robert Z]

I had to ditch religion before it completely ruined me. I realized that I could never be happy if I had to live like a Jew from 300 BC. And anything less would require a lifetime of guilt and fear of eternal damnation.

 

I will never forget this one local pastor whose wife was famous for destroying vacuum cleaners. She would go into a rage and smash the thing against the wall. So he was regular at the local vacuum store.

 

My mother was very religious but was out of control half the time and slapped the crap out of me if she got angry. And screaming screaming screaming! That is mostly what I remember from my childhood.

 

My fathers best friend from high school became extremely religious and was known for beating this children. He would often do it right in front of us. And TODAY if he did what he did then, he would be arrested for child abuse.

 

Sorry, but I don't see all of this alleged peace and tranquility that is claimed. I think it is mostly a façade used to justify one's beliefs. And some people are just happy. In fact happiness is to a large extent genetic. So the first question in my mind is how genetic happiness relates to religion. Maybe you would be just as happy if you were doing fire dances and howling at the moon, as long as you believe.

 

 

I've never been so happy as when I fell in love with my escort. If I was any happier I might have popped!!!

Edited June 28, 2015 by Robert Z

[pie2]

I've never been so happy as when I fell in love with my escort. If I was any happier I might have popped!!!

 

Unfortunately, the happiness you experienced is a fleeting emotion.

 

Sin feels good (at least at first). Not surprised you found yourself happy when you were indulging in such pleasures. If it were easy to avoid the temptations of sin, everybody would do it! But in the end, you'll always find destruction.

 

What faith in Christ brings is joy; a much deeper, stable experience based on a strong foundation. While some people might be biologically predisposed to be "happier", all walks of life can relate to the peace and joy of knowing God. If you haven't truly known God, you might find this hard to believe and understand.

[Gloria25]

Until you're walking on the right path for God, it's unlikely that He'll send you someone who is.

 

Agreed to a point....

 

I believe it will be difficult for me because while I have strong religious beliefs, I do waiver in practice and have no intention of changing that.

 

I mean, one reason why I didn't marry years ago cuz that would require me to make my husband the head of the household and I wasn't having that. I also drink, watch porn, have tattoos, curse:o...and, don't need/want some dude constantly rebuking me for those practices. But, at the same time, I don't want some dude who is just "out there" like an animal w/o no connection to God.

 

Yet, I dress very conservatively (well, unless I'm on a date, in the bedroom and/or with a dude), and I guess some people can't tell I have another "side" to me that isn't as religious

 

So, I guess sometimes you can't have a middle ground?

[pie2]

So, I guess sometimes you can't have a middle ground?

 

With God, there is no middle ground. You're either for Him or against.

 

But being for God doesn't really include the things you mentioned (not swearing, etc). The only thing that ultimately matters is whether or not you've given your heart to Christ.

 

Gloria, you do seem to be a woman of paradoxes! You seem to have so many ideas about how to approach life, but sometimes they conflict . For example, I think I know your favorite podcaster's recommendations, but you don't follow them! And you dress conservatively, but have another side to you. You want to have fun, but it seems you sometimes want something serious.

 

It can be sad to read your posts when you seem to struggle to reach your goals. No one wants to see you sad! Have you ever thought about talking to a Christian counselor? It might help you get more insight into what being a Christian really means (not rules!...just living in a relationship with God), and what you're really trying to achieve in life.

 

Anyway, you're a very smart woman, and I know you have strong beliefs about how you want to live your life. I wish you the best.