Interfaith Talk

[HamsterLady]

I would love to see if we could have a group where we can all discuss our varying religious beliefs. Ask a question, get an answer. Please do respect that this is NOT a place to call names or belittle other people's beliefs. I will try my best to do that as well. I just have so many questions about different beliefs and I think the whole world would be a lot more peaceful if we understood each other.

Okays...here's my 1st question:
What do you believe happens when you die?

I believe people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior go to Heaven and other people go to hell. I don't think anything you "do" affects that really. I do believe there are exceptions for babies and others who can't comprehend concepts like this. I don't believe baptism has anything to do with this, I think baptism is a step to show publicly your belief.

[TAWANDA]

I believe the body and spirit are seperated. People bury or cremate the body (some cultures burn the body on an open pit). The spirit however, I believe goes to a place that most of us know as "paradise" while the spirit awaits judgement from God.

Okay I answered your question. Will you answer mine?

Before the time of Christ being born and living on the Earth, what do you feel happened to David, Noah, Abraham and all the others because they were living at a time before anyone knew of Christ and could accept Him as a personal Savior?

[HamsterLady]

I believe the body and spirit are seperated. People bury or cremate the body (some cultures burn the body on an open pit). The spirit however, I believe goes to a place that most of us know as "paradise" while the spirit awaits judgement from God.

Okay I answered your question. Will you answer mine?

Before the time of Christ being born and living on the Earth, what do you feel happened to David, Noah, Abraham and all the others because they were living at a time before anyone knew of Christ and could accept Him as a personal Savior?

What a great question! :twoclap: I honestly had not thought of it before...I will have to put that one off for a little while until I figure it out. :)

[psipsina]

I believe that our essence is eternal and timeless and so is continually reborn into different nows. What each of those nows may be is beyond my comprehension. I try not to worry about what each of those nows may be and instead fully enjoy this present moment.

[jenninshelby]

I consider Christianity a knock off of Zoroastrianism.. I am wondering if anybody else would agree with me? :sherlock:

[zion777]

I believe the body and spirit are seperated. People bury or cremate the body (some cultures burn the body on an open pit). The spirit however, I believe goes to a place that most of us know as "paradise" while the spirit awaits judgement from God.

Okay I answered your question. Will you answer mine?

Before the time of Christ being born and living on the Earth, what do you feel happened to David, Noah, Abraham and all the others because they were living at a time before anyone knew of Christ and could accept Him as a personal Savior?



Christ was the ultimate sacrifice, Prior to Christ, people had to sacrifice animals such as doves lambs etc. that were without spot blemish or any defects for the atonement of their sins.

[TAWANDA]

I consider Christianity a knock off of Zoroastrianism.. I am wondering if anybody else would agree with me? :sherlock:

From my understanding of the zoroastrian religion, it was the religion of the wise men who visited Christ after his birth. So I don't feel that it is what we would consider mainstream Christianity. However, I do believe that they had some very Christian like beliefs and some of their symbolism is shockingly close to some major religions now. Very interesting.

Thanks for bringing that up.

[TAWANDA]

Christ was the ultimate sacrifice, Prior to Christ, people had to sacrifice animals such as doves lambs etc. that were without spot blemish or any defects for the atonement of their sins.

Correct! These teachings came from the old testament.

My question is though because of the atonement a lot of people believe that they can just simply "believe" and it doesn't matter what they "do" in life because they are automatically forgiven. In my understanding of the old testament, it was such a physical thing and great sacrifice for them to spare an animal that was so perfect that I don't think we can casually get by in life by merely thinking we believe. I think we must sacrifice to help our fellow man and give the perfect gift of obedience/repentence as a testament of our faith. I guess my point is that it is more than just a belief in a greater power.

Anyone with me?

[Defenderofthefaith]

Great thread, AspergersKitty!

[jenninshelby]

From my understanding of the zoroastrian religion, it was the religion of the wise men who visited Christ after his birth. So I don't feel that it is what we would consider mainstream Christianity. However, I do believe that they had some very Christian like beliefs and some of their symbolism is shockingly close to some major religions now. Very interesting.

Thanks for bringing that up.

I thought it came was around before all that? I thought they were really the first religion to have a good and evil/bad concept.

[TAWANDA]

I thought it came was around before all that? I thought they were really the first religion to have a good and evil/bad concept.
Yes I meant before the time of Christ. I believe the old testament establishes though that Adam and Eve were taught good/evil by God. They most likely passed that on throughout the generations.........so I believe the concept probably existed since the begining of time.

Zorastrianism is very interesting.

[Ladyxmess]

I consider Christianity a knock off of Zoroastrianism.. I am wondering if anybody else would agree with me? :sherlock:

I think that if someone is not a fan of the Bible, this is a very interesting start to a lot of Religion.
Christianity was not the first, nor will it be the last.....


And for the questions...I think our bodies go nowhere when we die-I believe our essence is absorbed back into the universe to be used again where needed.

I believe that all people must act louder than they believe. I do judge, and I judge your actions...and I expect to be judged by mine.

[jenninshelby]

I think that if someone is not a fan of the Bible, this is a very interesting start to a lot of Religion.
Christianity was not the first, nor will it be the last.....


And for the questions...I think our bodies go nowhere when we die-I believe our essence is absorbed back into the universe to be used again where needed.

I believe that all people must act louder than they believe. I do judge, and I judge your actions...and I expect to be judged by mine.


I find your thoughts on what happens after we die interesting.. Almost like recycling? Kinda cool what you think about it.. So would that be reincarnation or something more?

I am kinda surprised you think we should judge and you expect to be judged by others. Is that not kind of like playing God?

[Ladyxmess]

I find your thoughts on what happens after we die interesting.. Almost like recycling? Kinda cool what you think about it.. So would that be reincarnation or something more?

I am kinda surprised you think we should judge and you expect to be judged by others. Is that not kind of like playing God?

I guess it would be close to reincarnation....I've never given it a lot of though, it just feel right to me. I could be a part of the rain that feeds the tree...I think recycled is more how I see it.


I believe everyone judges, that is how we choose our friends, the people we do business with, judging is the gut feeling we have about someone.

I think when "Judge not lest ye be judged" was written, it was meant as...make sure you are not doing the same as you are blaming someone as doing. I have not figured out how not to judge...I judge everyone on OLS that posts...I have an opinion of them because of that.

Godlike would be the end judgment as far as I'm concerned-where I am to end up when my flesh gives out...my common sense is based of judgments and choices that I make in my daily life.

[dmbsituation]

I would love to see if we could have a group where we can all discuss our varying religious beliefs. Ask a question, get an answer. Please do respect that this is NOT a place to call names or belittle other people's beliefs. I will try my best to do that as well. I just have so many questions about different beliefs and I think the whole world would be a lot more peaceful if we understood each other.

Okays...here's my 1st question:
What do you believe happens when you die?

I believe people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior go to Heaven and other people go to hell. I don't think anything you "do" affects that really. I do believe there are exceptions for babies and others who can't comprehend concepts like this. I don't believe baptism has anything to do with this, I think baptism is a step to show publicly your belief.

Being a Calvinist (christian), I believe as you that when we die, we'll stand before God and face our judgement, in the realization that not a single one of us deserves Heaven and God will pass judgement in whatever manner he sees fit.

I believe the body and spirit are seperated. People bury or cremate the body (some cultures burn the body on an open pit). The spirit however, I believe goes to a place that most of us know as "paradise" while the spirit awaits judgement from God.

Okay I answered your question. Will you answer mine?

Before the time of Christ being born and living on the Earth, what do you feel happened to David, Noah, Abraham and all the others because they were living at a time before anyone knew of Christ and could accept Him as a personal Savior?

In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, Lazarus was poor when he died but was welcomed to Heaven by Abraham (who was rich). So Abraham was in Heaven. I'm not sure about other people that died before Christ died and rose.

Interesting subjects!

[Defenderofthefaith]

I believe that all who die are asleep until Judgement Day. I could be wrong, though. Guess I will find out when I pass from this life.

[zion777]

I believe that all who die are asleep until Judgement Day. I could be wrong, though. Guess I will find out when I pass from this life.

What about the thief on the cross, when Christ said to him, (paraphrasing her)

I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

[Defenderofthefaith]

Biblical scholars aren't sure where the comma was supposed to be. With the sentence construct in English it could be rendered: Today I tell you the truth, or I tell you the truth today--you will be with me in Paradise. Most ancient languages such as Greek and Hebrew were written as symbols from right to left not left to right as we read it today. Chapters, verses and punctuation was added much later.

[zion777]

Biblical scholars aren't sure where the comma was supposed to be. With the sentence construct in English it could be rendered: Today I tell you the truth, or I tell you the truth today--you will be with me in Paradise. Most ancient languages such as Greek and Hebrew were written as symbols from right to left not left to right as we read it today. Chapters, verses and punctuation was added much later.

ok that is interesting, never heard that


Ok what about the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16: 19-31

[Defenderofthefaith]

That was a parable, and probably not meant to be taken literally. Again, I am not certain.

[zion777]

That was a parable, and probably not meant to be taken literally. Again, I am not certain.

ok you really got me thinking here, Ok i got another

what about Elijah taken to heaven in chariot and horses of fire in 2Kings 2 :11

[luvey]

I am an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. The Universal Life Church accepts all people and religions and promotes freedom of religion. It is a full spectrum interfaith ministry, non-denominational church. It doesn't matter if you are Catholic, Wiccan, Pagan, Methodist, Jewish, etc. all are accepted and treated equally.

[Ladyxmess]

I am an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. The Universal Life Church accepts all people and religions and promotes freedom of religion. It is a full spectrum interfaith ministry, non-denominational church. It doesn't matter if you are Catholic, Wiccan, Pagan, Methodist, Jewish, etc. all are accepted and treated equally.

I am also ordained through ULC...pleased to meet you formally, Rev. LOL:wavy:

[luvey]

Very cool Rev. Ladyxmess! :halo:

[Defenderofthefaith]

ok you really got me thinking here, Ok i got another

what about Elijah taken to heaven in chariot and horses of fire in 2Kings 2 :11

Remember, it is appointed for men to die once and then the judgement? The Messiah stated that John the Baptizer was Elijah...

[chinchilla]

I don't think it's knowable what happens after we die, so I don't have any particular beliefs. Although I don't necessarily believe in heaven, hell, or reincarnation, I don't disbelieve either. Anything is possible and there's a lot about the world (and beyond) that we just don't know.

[HamsterLady]

Wow everybody! I am glad to hear from all of you. :welcome:


I am an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. The Universal Life Church accepts all people and religions and promotes freedom of religion. It is a full spectrum interfaith ministry, non-denominational church. It doesn't matter if you are Catholic, Wiccan, Pagan, Methodist, Jewish, etc. all are accepted and treated equally.

That's neat, I'd love to hear more about it. How are church services held? Do you guys use a book to read out of of? What holidays does your church have?

[zion777]

Remember, it is appointed for men to die once and then the judgement? The Messiah stated that John the Baptizer was Elijah...

I have never heard that, where is that in the Bible?

I like these discussions.

[luvey]

Wow everybody! I am glad to hear from all of you. :welcome:




That's neat, I'd love to hear more about it. How are church services held? Do you guys use a book to read out of of? What holidays does your church have?

This might sound confusing. My religion choice is Methodist. I am ordained through ULC. I was ordained so that I can officiate weddings, funerals and baptisms. The whole concept of The Universal Life Church is religious freedom.

"The Universal Life Church has no traditional doctrine, believing as an organization merely in doing "that which is right." Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is right for him or her as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. They do not stand between the member and their God.

The ULC’s stated beliefs are as follows: Objective: Eternal Progression. Goal: A Fuller Life for Everyone. Slogan: To Live and Help Live. Motto: Do That Which is Right. Maxim: “We Are One."

[psipsina]

This might sound confusing. My religion choice is Methodist. I am ordained through ULC. I was ordained so that I can officiate weddings, funerals and baptisms. The whole concept of The Universal Life Church is religious freedom.

"The Universal Life Church has no traditional doctrine, believing as an organization merely in doing "that which is right." Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is right for him or her as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. They do not stand between the member and their God.

The ULC’s stated beliefs are as follows: Objective: Eternal Progression. Goal: A Fuller Life for Everyone. Slogan: To Live and Help Live. Motto: Do That Which is Right. Maxim: “We Are One."

Thats really cool Luvey!!!

[TAWANDA]

You know, in humanities we are studying about the COUNCIL OF CARTHAGE
For those of you who haven't studied about that time frame, should do so.
I think for me it has really cleared up some things about how the NEW TESTAMENT
was put together. I don't discount the Bible but I do see where there are a lot
of religious differences created through it.

I am still facinated to know that despite the teachings of Christ and the apostles, only 10-15 percent became Christians during the 1st hundred years after his death. It wasn't until near the end of the 4th century that Christianity was even an official religion of the Roman Empire.

So if you take into account 4 centuries=400 years and then the council of Carthage where the Christian leaders were put together to decide what Christians would believe in their faith since there were so many differing viewpoints.........you quickly begin to see how there could be so much misunderstanding of scriptural accounts.

It doesn't make the Bible untrue by any means but people who do not have a clear understanding of Roman history who are trying to interpret for themselves what it is to mean--really need to go back and try to understand Roman Culture and what was acceptable then.

[Ladyxmess]

This might sound confusing. My religion choice is Methodist. I am ordained through ULC. I was ordained so that I can officiate weddings, funerals and baptisms. The whole concept of The Universal Life Church is religious freedom.

"The Universal Life Church has no traditional doctrine, believing as an organization merely in doing "that which is right." Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is right for him or her as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others. They do not stand between the member and their God.

The ULC’s stated beliefs are as follows: Objective: Eternal Progression. Goal: A Fuller Life for Everyone. Slogan: To Live and Help Live. Motto: Do That Which is Right. Maxim: “We Are One."
Thanks for explaining the ULC...you did a much better job than I could. I too became a Minister so I could officiate weddings and perform funerals. I haven't done one for about 2 years-since we've moved to Idaho.
I honestly could not come up with a name to what I believe...it's a mish-mash of all the studies I've done over the years.

My main focus has been working with people who are struggling with a spiritual path, I help them find a place where they feel comfortable & want to grow within it.

[dmbsituation]

You know, in humanities we are studying about the COUNCIL OF CARTHAGE
For those of you who haven't studied about that time frame, should do so.
I think for me it has really cleared up some things about how the NEW TESTAMENT
was put together. I don't discount the Bible but I do see where there are a lot
of religious differences created through it.

I am still facinated to know that despite the teachings of Christ and the apostles, only 10-15 percent became Christians during the 1st hundred years after his death. It wasn't until near the end of the 4th century that Christianity was even an official religion of the Roman Empire.

So if you take into account 4 centuries=400 years and then the council of Carthage where the Christian leaders were put together to decide what Christians would believe in their faith since there were so many differing viewpoints.........you quickly begin to see how there could be so much misunderstanding of scriptural accounts.

It doesn't make the Bible untrue by any means but people who do not have a clear understanding of Roman history who are trying to interpret for themselves what it is to mean--really need to go back and try to understand Roman Culture and what was acceptable then.

Very good point! As a Calvinist, I often read works by believers and non-believers because people that don't believe in God/Christ often have true freedom to interpret the text in the most insightful manner. So many people run with their own interpretation (which is based on what they were raised in) rather than relying on historical figures that spent their lives dedicated to interpreting the scripture of any religion.

[Defenderofthefaith]

It's best to rely on the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit for the correct interpretation of the Scriptures He authored. Of course one must always study the text within the proper historical context and apply exegesis, rather than eisegesis. Not all scholars know the Truth personally.

[dmbsituation]

It's best to rely on the Ruach HaKodesh/Holy Spirit for the correct interpretation of the Scriptures He authored. Of course one must always study the text within the proper historical context and apply exegesis, rather than eisegesis. Not all scholars know the Truth personally.

Too true. But many believers have a problem with exegesis as their pre-conceived notions often blind them to the text, as I'm sure happens in many religions and various subjects around the world.

[Defenderofthefaith]

Too true. But many believers have a problem with exegesis as their pre-conceived notions often blind them to the text, as I'm sure happens in many religions and various subjects around the world.

Very true.

[HamsterLady]

Hey all, was looking for a siggie and came across this one:
"It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God"-Thomas Jefferson

[Defenderofthefaith]

Thomas Jefferson is not exactly someone I would like to emulate in the faith department. He edited a copy of the Scriptures to say what he wanted it to say.