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I have seen that many feel that if you were brought up in a household that had anything whatsoever to do with Christianity (specifically), then your childhood was full of abuse, terror, beatings, molestation, fear, etc.
Many households do have these things, as terrible as it is.. but it can be present regardless of ideology or religion.
originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: Akragon
Oh you're still here!!
It wasn't your post in particular that prompted that statement...
I want to know how to "accomplish" forcing oneself to believe something - how do I implant the belief in the resurrection (or the miracles) when I simply don't believe it, and never did? I hardly think that, at age 55, there is some magical formula that will change my brain into believing it.
I just don't.
I never did.
originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
Yes, abuse is found in many homes. The thing is, that some kids are so sensitive (like, apparently, I was) that even reciting the Prayer of Humble Access was enough to leave me feeling insufficient and confused. I don't recall my parents EVER bringing up "sin" or "God" or "Jesus" at home, and we definitely were not abused or threatened with hell for not measuring up. (We did, however, as was common in those days, learn to respect the wooden spoon my mother wielded above her head when we got too unruly! Also, the 'wrath' of my father - when we'd argue, if it got out of control, one of had only to yell, "DAD!!" and things calmed down quite quickly. LOL!!) Ah, the 60s.
Yet, I think when Servant said my childhood was terrible he was referring to what he perceived as a shortage of Bible-stuff during my childhood.
Maybe I'm mistaken, though.
I really wish that, as in your case, your parents would have taught you simply how to explore it yourself rather than teach what you "should" find.
According to Christian teachings it is required you believe and have faith in Jesus birth, death and resurrection and to follow/believe his teachings.
He proved that there is life after death and to not fear death. For death is not eternal but life is.
What does it mean to believe in him
I admit I may have anger issues when it comes to organized religion and I am deeply bias towards a Gnostic path; that is the knowledge of transcendence arrived at by way of interior, intuitive means and all spirituality's that approach developing a uniquely person journey in that way.
Sorry but NO.