A Sanctuary?

I have become rather despondent lately about this site, or rather, how to properly use this site. I am confused and becoming ever more afraid to post anything more than affirmations of prayer to someone in need, yet to express my beliefs is becoming harder and harder for me to want to do.

I was so excited at the possibility of what this site could bring when it was first opened (and I just had to be one of the first to post!). Yet I was wary too, because I just knew that contentions would arise and stated beliefs would often become a basis for debate (no matter how much we all tried not to make it so), just as opinions in all the other forums do, I suppose, but I guess I was hoping for something a little different here. What that ‘something different’ was suppose to be, I wasn’t sure.

While I understand that community is a good thing when it comes to spirituality, it is really something different when it comes down to our individual beliefs and practices, isn't it?

I cannot and do not want to disparage this forum, because the potential to learn about all sorts of other faiths, traditions, beliefs and insights is just way too good an opportunity to deny anyone of. And religious studies of all sorts, is something I have always had an interest in, too.

I guess, firstly, I was hoping to find those of like mind and heart; those of my own faith that I could talk to and discuss things with, because, after all, if I want to practice and strengthen my own particular faith, I can only truly find it among those that are on the same wave length - or path - as I am. I actually wanted to find knowledgeable people within my own faith that I could connect with. For it is really only those within the same faith can understand my specific needs and concerns when it comes to practicing “our” beliefs properly.

I suppose I am feeling left somewhat wanting; still alone, in a way, with my faith in here...

I also was hoping to find about how other religions are practiced, the beliefs (and/or history) behind these practices, as they stand alone. For instance, what is one basic practice in say, Buddhism or Islam, and how does it specifically help you in your own quest for peace and comfort and restoration. That sort of thing.

Does anyone understand?

This is difficult to express because it automatically implies a desire for division, yet this is absolutely the last thing that I would want to create among us, but the reality is, the practice of different religious beliefs does this.

I don't want to continually have to defend or define what my beliefs are every time I post something, unless specifically asked to do so, and on a specific concept within my faith. My faith is practiced differently and it is based on different reasoning and beliefs than others and I want to discuss issues with like-minded individuals to help deepen my own understandings.

This concept should not be news to anyone, and it is not an issue that can be ignored, at least for much longer, because I believe that it has already begun, really, just in a very polite, yet ‘round-a-bout way.

Maybe I was/am being a little over-optimistic about what I can expect on this site and how good it will be for me to even participate, if I cannot find something other than posts that almost seem to “beg” me to respond in an opinionated manner and vice-versa. (Yeah, I know – this one is strictly a “me” problem here…)

Does anyone understand what I am trying to say?

Altered State

Let me see if I understand what you are saying...

You would like to see some of the more positive aspects of other faiths besides just Christianity that help people reach enlightenment or inner peace; things like meditation and the different forms.

What you don't want to see happen is someone come down on them for their practices because it is not what this other someone considers "kosher," for the lack of a better word.

You would like to see these other things explained in depth or at least in some detail so you can study it, perhaps try it, and not have anyone judge or condemn you for it.

How am I doing?

And as for your own faith, that of Christianity, so far it seems (to me, anyway) that you are the only one that has stuck your neck out and have been able to quote chapter and verse on what and why you believe.

I'm a little disappointed myself because there is a member here that knows so much about Christianity, the Bible, the writers of The Word. Not mentioning any names because I don't want to put her on a spot... but I'm still hoping.

I don't know... there may be some that are still a little afraid of what to post since it's been drummed into us to stay away from the topic of religion. Now that we have this forum, we want to keep it and don't want to cross any lines.

Perhaps I'll venture out here... I've always been interested in the ties between Judaism and Christanism. Maybe ... possibly... we could get someone who practices Judaism to state a point and the Christians can tie it to our own faith WITHOUT argument, but just a revelation.

Am I anywhere close?

are we talking about religon or spirtuality (sp)

Angie, what is YOUR meaning of spirituality?

Living creatures created to be enjoyed by us, the sky is spiritual it brings peace, the earth because it gives food animals because they bring both food and protection, etc

Right on! Enjoying nature in general! It can bring a great sense of peace... listening to the wind in the trees, watching and listening to the waves of the ocean crashing against the rocks, watching a sunrise as well as a sunset.

music, listening to someone read a book

I think of a sanctuary as a place to go where you aren't bothered...by anything and that includes a discussion of beliefs. Sharing, yes. Debate, no.

I would think that discussions could be managed in chat rooms...or in PM adequately. I had hopes that this would be the place to come and say, Hey folks, I'm really battling not getting to church... and receiving religious icons of support or verses or maxims of credit back. (As those don't always occur in another forum of support. I think they still can be, but this forum takes some of that from the other forums? IDK.)

I think it's a forum where someone can come and ask for prayer for a loved one, or a situation, or just for an answer to their own prayer.

A sanctuary is where you don't have to explain what you believe, imo. You don't have to think too hard. You go and receive unconditional respite.

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AlteredState01 said:

Does anyone understand what I am trying to say?

Altered State


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Yes........ I understand every word of your first post and I agree with it in every way possible, for: How can I claim to be a Christian and yet not accept all people as they are, as Christ did and would do again if He was to return unto us.... living amongst this world in human form?

If YOU have not already read the THREAD I started in the Spiritual Section... please do so now.

LINK: http://forums.psychcentral.com/showf...6&fpart=1&vc=1

LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( )))

My PROMISE:

To extend ACCEPTANCE for all that come here seeking help..... To listen without JUDGMENT.... To leave my HARSHNESS at the door.... and While I may not agree with every word I see I shall never condemn another persons feelings.... But most of all - I promise to walk a mental mile in your shoes before I reply.

* * * * * * * * *

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How can I claim to be a Christian and yet not accept all people as they are, as Christ

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IMO, We can't always accept others just the way they are because we are HUMAN. We have human limitations. We are not Christ. He didn't/doesn't have the same limitations we do.

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I had hopes that this would be the place to come and say, Hey folks, I'm really battling not getting to church... and receiving religious icons of support or verses or maxims of credit back. (As those don't always occur in another forum of support.

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I don't see why it can't be that, too.

I may be wrong, but to simply share, without asking questions and having them answered, we'd all have to be of one accord. Some are struggling and may be looking to becoming "of one accord."

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SeptemberMorn said:
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How can I claim to be a Christian and yet not accept all people as they are, as Christ

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IMO, We can't always accept others just the way they are because we are HUMAN. We have human limitations. We are not Christ. He didn't/doesn't have the same limitations we do.

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I understand........ and yet I know "Through Christ All Things are Possible" - this is what I lean upon when I encounter people (to see and to treat them all equal) no matter their age, status in life, religious belief, sexual preference, nationality, or color of their skin... etc - and while I may fail at times, I succeed more than not.

To ME this is what God has enabled me to do..... and one of the things that many others look up to me for, like me for, even that of my husband. I guess in all I have been able to forgive and to accept people beyond the norm, for I was given to me as a SPIRITUAL GIFT of and from God.

................. WE are ALL given SPIRITUAL GIFTS from GOD and I know each is different.


LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs )))

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AlteredState01 said:
I suppose I am feeling left somewhat wanting; still alone, in a way, with my faith in here...

I also was hoping to find about how other religions are practiced, the beliefs (and/or history) behind these practices, as they stand alone.

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This IS a sanctuary.

(((((AlterState01))))) . . . I'm certain there are others here with whom you can connect spiritually. But, it takes a while for a forum to cover a multitude of topics, ya know? Patience . . . .

I got an ideal......

Why not start another THREAD and TITLE it in a way that it invites people who want to come to grow with YOU (and ur heart) in SPIRIT...... leave a short POST that states what you are looking for with in your thread, making sure to list what your religious belief / name is.

I will come to share, learn and grow with YOU!!!!


LoVe,
Rhapsody - ((( hugs )))

You are right, jennie, patience...

This is not a word that comes into my mind very often! Thanks for the reminder.

AS

What??? Me start?? Why me?? Why do I get to start the "division"?? (Oh, right, 'cause I brought it up....)

You have said what I was thinking, Rhapsody. I honestly didn't know what would happen if I attempted this (chicken to, really, truth be told), but I suppose there is only one way to find out?

Gee, all of a sudden, I am feeling very naked and vulnerable...


AS

Why don't we just let the Holy Spirit lead?

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{AS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I think it is a good idea if we all stated our beliefs if it is allowed here. no debate or someone telling us we are wrong for OUR beliefs. No one trying to convert others to their religion. We are all adults here as I see it.

Eph 4: 4-6 "One body there is, and one spirit, even as you were called in the one hope to which you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all [persons], who is over all the through all and in all."

Eph 4:13-14 "until we all attain to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ; in order that we should no longer be babes, tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in contriving error."

Mt 7:13-23 "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.
“Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? Likewise, every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit. Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. Really, then, by their fruits YOU will recognize those [men].”
“Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord,’ did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness.”

Mt 16:6, 12 “Jesus said to them: “Keep YOUR eyes open and watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees….Then they grasped that he said to watch out, not for the leaven of the loaves, but for the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Ga 5:7 “YOU were running well. Who hindered you from keeping on obeying the truth? This sort of persuasion is not from the One calling YOU. A little leaven ferments the whole lump.”

2Ti 3:5-7 “…having a form of godly devotion, but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. For from these arise those men who slyly work their way into households and lead as their captives…always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”

2Cor 6:14-17 “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what portion does a faithful have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I shall reside among them and walk among [them], and I shall be their God and they will be my people.” “ ‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ Says God, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”, “ ‘and I will take YOU in.’ ”

Re 18:4 “And I heard another voice out of heaven say: “Get out of her, my people, if YOU do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind.”

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These scriptures do not apply just to faiths other than Christianity. For within Christendom, there are many, many sects that separates us. Even popular ones! Do I believe there are false teachings among Christendom? You betcha!

If we are already divided by our “same teachings,” how could we possibly consider being of “one accord?” We cannot. One must discern whether or not their faith contradicts itself through its doctrines/interpretations, and its works v. Biblical teachings. If there is hypocrisy and contradiction, it is not “producing fine fruit,” then it is false teaching (and God taught us how to recognize this).

I can think of three main sects in Christendom in North America just off the top of my head that rely more on their own doctrines and other books then that of the Bible. Would I choose to follow those teachings? NO. Do they call themselves Christian? Yes, they do.

You betcha! I agree! But there's nothing to say that a small group, like here, can't reach "one accord." ... at least those of us who call ourselves Christian and maybe not in everything, but at least in the fact that God does exist and that He gave His Son to redeem us.