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Originally posted by TravelerintheDark
reply to post by sharpmind77
I'm not sure what feedback I could add. You seem to define yourself very certainly. And I hope you don't take that comment as rude. I believe that is to our advantage to be certain of ourselves, while trying to remain open to the fact that there might be more to know.
[edit on 22-9-2008 by TravelerintheDark]
Originally posted by sharpmind77
Frankly inner observation and analysis is the most correct if you know what you are looking for, how it should be understood in order to be correct and then how to bring it into the 'real-world'
Originally posted by TravelerintheDark
I suppose it's because I have a fair certainty that the puzzle I'm trying to put together is missing pieces.
Originally posted by mapsurfer_
reply to post by sharpmind77
Well maybe consider this... God never intended denominational religion to be divisive to organize people into sects. Those are man-made ideas. And even followers of Christ, did not become an organized "group" until after he gave his life on the cross for a specific reason. The church is what subdivided thru history, and became distorted in it's beliefs. Do you think Jesus Christ would have wanted the people of earth to become divided on his account? No, this was the Church that formed after he was crucified that made those rules. So, if there is any critical thinking to be done, it should be taken up with the Church and organized religion. I believe Christ died for my sins, I have no problem with that.. but I am a free-thinker, I believe in science, evolution and the metaphysical. Some people will not agree that I am going to heaven, however *people* are not the ultimate judge. The problem is the Churches claim that the Bible, is the actual "word of God". I would agree that it is inspire by divine thought, but the actual "word of God"? If that were true, one would have to understand the "Language of God" which humans still do not understand. I believe God is merciful and tolerant, and mankind has made it much more complicated than he intended. The bottom line... The real church is in your own self.