L_Lawlliet wrote:
do you believe in god??
i personally do not believe, but i want to know if you do...
today my family made me go to mass and to confess my sins to a priest, even though they know i do not believe. While i was in mass the priest kept saying things about how atheist people were wrong and looking at me all the time... that made my family get angry with me and somehow it made me feel kind of sad...
I'm sorry for your situation. I don't believe in confessing to a priest because Jesus came to be our intercessor. I'm not a scholar, or a theologian or even a church-goer but my life experiences have taught me to have faith...See my name?
I won't debate my beliefs because I don't have the ability to change a person's heart, only God can do that. Christians are supposed to be living examples of the benefits of following Christ, not judging and condemning people. Jesus hated the religious people of his time for their rules and belief that you can earn salvation, AND their hypocrisy. Salvation can't be earned- it is a gift that simply has to be accepted. I'm not trying to be controversial but I guess the gospel is offensive. I know that I can never be innocent or perfect- the only thing I try to do is ask God to guide my steps. It's not an easy way to live; you have to make a choice everyday. Jesus isn't a pacifist - He didn't die because he didn't want to fight back. He knew his crucifixion was the purpose for his life. You have to choose him over all others if you are a follower--- That means even sacrificing something that means everything to you- a person or a comfort. I can see why people would rather not believe. It is NOT easy; I struggle everyday, and fail most of the time. I guess I am repeating myself at this point.
He came to set us free from rules and rituals---- but if he calls on you--- you can't be indecisive. You have to make a choice.... I wish people would consider who Jesus really is rather than looking at his 'supposed' representatives. Good luck to you on your journey.
It scares me to post this last final bit, but as I was writing, this verse kept going through my head so I feel like I must: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose ye this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)"
Last edited by FaithHopeCheese on 26 Dec 2009, 7:30 pm, edited 2 times in total.