reply to post by OldThinker
LOL sorry OT. got distracted.
Lie 1) The Good go to heaven, the bad go to hell.
I don't believe this. Never have. Even when I was a methodist. I don't believe you go to the corner when you are bad. If God is all loving, he
doesn't banish someone to an eternity of suffering. Seems silly quite honestly. If there has to be an indeology followed I think the theory where
people are removed from God's love, till their soul reaches a point to where they are ready to come home is much more feasible. That really "hell"
is being removed from God's love, and is voluntary.
I am a reincarnationist. And you can't learn everything you need in one lifetime. learning patience, love, understanding, empathy, selflessness. It
can take quite a few times. The more you learn, the more your soul becomes a part of God/Goddess. Till you become perfect and your soul melds with
them. There is not punishment, but you have to stand before them and review your life.The harder your life is, the higher up on the evolutionary soul
ladder you are, because it is a more intense lesson you gotta learn. Some reincarnationists theorize that Jesus was someone who did this quickly, and
was almost perfect.
You sit with your Deities and your friends and plan your life, to incorporate the incidences that help you achieve your goals.
Lie 2) You can earn God’s favor/salvation with your good works
No. Because people can do good works just to try to earn brownie points so to speak, but with selfish intentions. Like making donations specifically
for a tax break. or working at a charity for social status, or to make oneself look good. The heart has to be pure and it has to be selfless, to be
legitimately for the welfare of others without expecting anything in return.
Lie 3) Christianity is a bunch of don’ts
I believe that since christianity offers redemption, people use it as a get out of jail free card. I find most christians to be hypocrites, or only
christians on sunday. And their beliefs don't work into their everyday life. And they pick and choose what they want to follow. Also see number 2.
They use it to control others.
Lie 4) Christianity is a made-up myth
Myth no, religion created by man. Yes. The very basis of christianity is a very good premise to live by. But has been warped and twisted to someone's
agenda.
Lie 5) The Church is a building
Depends on the church. I think a "church" can be anywhere. God doesn't need steeples and expensive stained glass. But if those particular followers
make them feel better, so be it. There is some beautiful architecture out there. But quite frankly, I think the money should go to the needy. And I
don't believe the 10% of someone's hard earned salary should go to maintaining a fancy building.
Lie 6) If you are sincere, that’s all that matters.
Depends on sincere in what. If it is good things, then yes. If all you can do is give a loaf of bread to someone who really needs it, and all you can
give is that loaf of bread, that is charity in the most sincere and giving form. YOu have to do it because you want too. Not because religion or
belief dictates, only because you as a person want to genuinly help someone.
