Aside from perhaps certain forms of Satanism (That I am aware of). A common bond I have seen in teachings from various faiths is compassion and love. In Christianity, Jesus speaks of love, unconditional love, no? In Buddhism, this state is likened to that of 'nirvana', where one realizes they are unified with all, and thus true compassion can be expressed. Hinduism is similar to this. Pagan religions express their compassion for nature, fertility, concern for humanity, and yes, love. I am sure there are statements from every religion a person of another faith could agree on - bias aside that it's another religion. Even Satanism, which states that one should not limit one's potential by guilt - can be taken as good advice. A Christian or Buddhist may say: Yes, don't let guilt control you, but act freely out of love. Religions differ on their opinions about statements such as that, for Satanists also say manipulation and control of others is good, because they do good for you. The greatest bond throughout many organized religions, as I see it, is that we wish to be saved. From ourselves, from sin, from evil, from desire, from illusion, from inherent flaws. Humanity wants to be safe, to go beyond itself. To reach the divine. Perhaps it is not a matter of being saved from our current state, but rather, an attempt to stop fleeing from ourselves. Look in the mirror and sit with your inner demons. To accept oneself, not as evil or bad, or flawed or perfect, is to gain some sort of ground in maturity, spiritually and otherwise. Imagine that? Being a light to yourself.
Start watching the news more these days, the end of days has begun. You will soon be watching it unfold.
The times will change, like the seasons. If our season has ended, so be it. Our death is the life of another.
You might believe that, but the Bible states that when God returns to this world, every knee will bend, and every mouth will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord. Everyone can have an opinion, but only the Bible speaks with truth and authority.
It's my opinion base on the fact that a number of the stories in the Bible are being verified. Which means my opinion is based in part on verifiable evidence, with the knowledge that greater discoveries are yet to come. Such as Noah's Ark.
And still an opinion based on those facts, yes. Another person may see those facts and believe them to be something different.
Well when you have an extra Biblical story of the Red Sea Crossing chisled in granit, and Pharoahs army coral incrusted between Solomens pillars marking that spot, and on the bottom of the sea floor. I'm not sure how you can see something different, unless you really don't want to believe what was written in the Bible, and stone.
I don't see anything different, but I believe the cause of this fact to be different. You see? Fairy tale can be based on fact. I see the facts, I see the evidence, but I think it the Bible wrote the causes to be of religion, where I see the causes as simply based on historical and natural occurences.
^I agree. Facts can be arranged into various theories, and I see no reason for buying into the Christian theory. On the other hand, my opinion is also based on some facts, though they are different ones, broader than just one book and things that support that book. I look at all religions and look for common threads, and also look to science. I figure if there is a god, or some sort of universal force or spirit, then it wouldn't have been only revealed to one people at one time in one place. All of mankind would have been able to experience it (though they describe it in their own ways, according to their culture, their expectations, etc). Thus, comparison of all faiths would give one a broader understanding of this force. I said everyone would be able to experience this force/god, which is why I include scientists and examine their findings. This universal force would not be unscientific. Might go BEYOND science, but it would also exist within science. I realize I could be wrong, because none of us are perfect, and I've only been looking for a few years. What bothers me is when people refuse to accept the fact (yes, fact) that they might be wrong. Any theory or belief can be grounded with facts (really, if they aren't, it's just a fantasy), but those facts could have been arrayed in an incorrect way; no matter how well it works within itself, it may not work with reality. This is why I'm always striving to take the biggest view I can. But I know (as you're sure to quickly point out) that I have no monopoly on truth.
May I add . . . If the universal force goes beyond science, then it cannot exist within science, but rather, science must be a part of that greater existence. "might be wrong" is more of a possibility than a fact. It might have been revealed to one people at one time if the universal force had a personality, and chose a favorite civilization.
Well then the Jews have to be the luckest people on earth. The waters on either side of them would have to be pushed back and held in position for hours, and the water would of been a thousand feet towering above them. And the ground below them would have to be bone dry. And the sea would have to of returned to normal just as the last Jew stepped out of the water because Pharoahs army was right behind them. Yes, this was just one of those natural occurences. Since you say this was just some historical and natural occurence, could you tell me where on earth this has happend in the past?
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=33168 There's a bit of info for ya. Also, a .PDF file link describing many of these Biblical accounts in scientific terms. http://www.europhysicsnews.com/full/33/article6.pdf A simple page about the Red Sea Crossing: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cambridgeshire/2967039.stm
I cannot imagine any reason why God should hide himself from all of mankind for all our existence, except for the Jews, and still claim to be everyone's father, who loves all his children. That idea does not make any sense to me. I don't really see this God as having a personality, either. Also, since it seems clear that we are all MADE of this universal force/substance/energy, that it is impossible for God to be only revealed to one people at one time. God is always accessible, and is only hidden by our own ignorance. Also, I said "exists withing science but also could go beyond it" meaning that it doesn't nullify science, as some religions seem to think their is a duality there. I see no such duality.
Oh...my feelings. You've hurt them. Listen, if you need me, I'll be over in the Love & Sex Forums jerking off until the rapture.