FurryFury
Addict of Sensation
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2005
- Posts
- 29,460
Religion, Blessings, Tolerance, Philosophy and Choices!
The short version is:
I believe we should all strive to be nice. LOL!
I don't believe or disbelieve in a God. Well I lean more to disbelief a quiz just said. *snickers* Gotta love quizes!
I do not subscribe to any particular religion. I feel more religious or rather spiritual, outdoors than in a church. Churches make me angry and that makes me want to cry and/or hit something..
The long version and it turned into a bit of a rant, sorry 'bout that, is:
I do not normally enjoy talking about religion because folks tend to be so rabid. Especially here in the Bible belt.
I am your fence sitter. The agnostic. I neither believe nor disbelieve in God or any higher power.
I believe what I can touch, hear, feel, eat, smell and feel in my, well, for lack of a better word, soul. I believe in people, animals, the ocean, love (now), pain, flowers, cream filled glazed donuts, sunsets, hugs and pleasure (that hurts no one else). I believe that we should all try to be the best that we can be. I believe in giving every person I see my eyes, for a brief moment, and a smile. It’s the least I can do and it might brighten someone’s day. I believe in saying sorry when you screw up, and sometimes, even when you don't. I believe in saying when you don't know something and asking questions!
Now I was raised in a very restrictive religion, which some would label a cult. By the time I was three, I was singing and preaching in front of congregations. Yes. Three. “Dear God please bless my Mom and Dad and Teddy Bear Too, please keep us all together and God? God, bless you!”are the partial lyrics of one song I sang then.
By the time I was in grade school I went door to door by myself “converting” people.
By nine, I was the youngest person ever baptized (full water immersion) in our church. My Mother was a teacher; my Father was a missionary in South America as a teen and a part time Preacher. I wanted to be all of those things. My parents were my heroes. They were wonderful, passionate, creative, larger than life people. Everyone wanted to be around my parents.
In fifth grade though, some things happened to shake my certain little world and make me WAKE UP and ask questions. Now I could be wrong but I think a LOT of people just sort of blindly follow the religion they were raised in and never really examine it or, well, a lot of things. I did. I discovered so much. I like me better now. I have given up most of the restrictions placed on me!
Now some would say but Fury? Why did you get married in a church then if you do not believe in God?
Two reasons, first, my husbands wanted to. Second, what if God does exist? Why not have his blessings on our unions? What could it hurt?
Now some of you might ask me why I had my kids confirmed and baptized in a church. Again there were more reasons than one. First of all at that time my evil ex was taking my daughter to a restrictive, cult like church, not very different than the one I was raised in, which he knew I would hate.
I began to take my daughter and son to a loving, tolerant, church in an effort to show her, another view of religion before she got more damaged from the other. Also, my ex, (who I helped put through law school, btw) kept threatening to take me to court ALL the time. Here in the South, it could help my case to be part of an established, “normal” religion if he did. Especially considering that his was so strange!
And finally again, what could it hurt to have God’s blessing on their souls for goodness sake? I was even prepared to take catechism classes and become a confirmed member of the church for my kids. I will do anything for my kid’s sake. Fortunately the bastard died before that! Thank you death!!! This is the one time Death has done me a favor instead of ripping my heart out.
So how do I feel about God (assuming he exists which as previously noted, I don't)?
I feel that if God is a kind, loving, caring and tolerant God, then he will understand and respect that I am trying to do my best in life, to not hurt anyone if I can help it, and that will suffice. If he wants me to “know” he exists he has the means to do so. In the meantime I am not working against him.
If however, God doesn't care, and is a rules tyrant, who let my Father die, when my Father trusted in God so very much? Fuck God! That what I feel.
Now my wonderful Husband believes in God because he chooses to. He subscribes to the “Why not, it’s better than nothing and gives us hope that there is more after death.” philosophy.
My son has been a big believer, attending Boys Bible Club for years though, no doubt that is also for the fun of playing with his friends and the snacks! He is a very sweet, sincere thoughtful child. I support my kids in their interests and passions no matter what they have an interest in. (Excluding, drugs, hurting others, and proselytizing, none of which have come up so far!)
I believe many churches are wonderful, community, resources, for people. Which, in my opinion, people should take great advantage of and support. Frankly I look at them as a place you can pick and choose what you like and disregard what you do not.
Someone asked me recently if I was offended when people said "God bless you." When someone says “God bless you?” I am fine with that. I do think is it a tad arrogant of them however. To assume their God is one we all want blessing us is arrogant in my opinion. And I do believe they do not mean to say “The higher power of your choosing bless you,” but usually their flavor of Christian God and only theirs, cause they and only they, have it right, bless you. I do think they believe and hope that maybe someday you will understand that and get it right like them
However I will respect and defend their right to say that!
As a story teller by profession I have a range of clients who go from wanting me to leave out religion altogether lest it offend a member of the public, to for an example, at Christmas wanting me to only talk about “Baby Jesus’ Birth” rather than “sacrilegious” symbols like Santa!
Those were two actual examples of clients, and believe me, I have every stripe and flavor in between, as well. My preference is to, (Surprise!), not be restricted. If a story has, God, Zeus, or Kali in it and I want to use it for a theme, I'd like to be able to use it! I can usually tell a story anyway and work around it, but I wish some folks were just more tolerant!
I know a great deal about religions, bibles and other texts on the subject because during my questioning period I researched the hell out of it. Much I have forgotten by now. *laughs *
I think that we have power within ourselves. We have therefore, responsibility to do our best, get up off our asses and make life happen. And I don't mean we can't be human. We should forgive ourselves often when we screw up! If we aren't screwing up, then we are probably not trying to DO things!
We are also limited by our knowledge and energy, we can't be, nor should we try to be, perfect in fact perfect, is a dirty word to me. I believe most people use religion because they don't want to face their own selves. I believe if you are unhappy with your life you must identify what specifically you are unhappy with and take steps to change it, and yes, change yourself, to make those things better.
Saying that is just the way I am and I can't change is a big fucking lie and damages you, likely the people around you, and possibly society as well. Sure you can cry and wallow in self-pity all you want. I will support you doing that, but then MAKE some changes! Take your power, your responsibility and make your life better. It’s hard. I have many things I am working on. You take baby steps and then lose ground but change is not only possible, it is great at times! Some things take years of small steps and losing ground to change but it is worth it.
One reason all these Ala-non or whatever 12 step programs don't work for me is because imo, part of their credo is that you give your power over to a higher being. You are essentially let off the hook. I believe. Told whatever is not your fault. Okay and that would be fine, if some higher being would take care of things. Yes I know Alanon and simular programs have helped many and that there is more to it. Good! I think that is great! Good for those people, I'm glad you have found help there. It's just not right for me.
So far, in my experience and I have tried many times, in church, in ala-whatever meetings, I have been very sincere in turning my problems and life over. I have been so ready to be used for a higher beings will, but I got nothing, nada, zip. Since I was serious about making my life better I then decided to do it myself. Through effort, research and whatever resources I could gather I have done so, and hey, that is what works for me.
Some folks tell me church, God and religion keeps them from killing people or being a horrible person. Good! Keep that up then! If it works for you, truly! That is great! I'm happy for you!
I believe it is likely when we die that, there is nothing. I hope I'm wrong.
I know when my Father died that I felt his “sprit” was there still for at least an hour. That gives me hope that there may be more. I would like there to be more, an afterlife if you will. I would like to believe my Father could see me now if he wanted to. That he is part of a great cosmic consciousness. I want to believe that he has acquired a greater tolerance and understanding. I want to believe that he is smiling at me, liking my choices and me, understanding both.
I do believe that scientifically it makes sense that whatever makes us, well, our spirits, souls, energies; whatever is that "US essence", that stuff must go somewhere. It makes sense to me that this stuff would be converted into something, rather than just die or be completely gone.
So that is FurryFury’s thoughts on this subject or most of them anyway. Now back to the fun! Rant over.
If you have read this far, I have a little joke/story for you!
Reincarnation story or joke. I heard this from the wonderful story teller, Len Cabral. He told it better than I will, he is pure joy to listen to or be around! I wanna be like him when I grow up, glowing with joy, and serene!
Okay once upon a time this was this man. He wasn't a very nice man but he thought very highly of himself. He had a good life overall. He didn't appreciate his life though.
Near the end of it he became convinced that there was such a thing as reincarnation. He studied up on it for a long time. He decided that when he died he would be reincarnated into something even more wonderful than he currently was and spent many long hours pondering what he might become.
So he decides he will be something magnificent but still rails against actually dying. He fights death until the end becoming bitter and *****le, driving every one away from him.
Finally he dies alone, with no one to come to his funeral and only his solicitor to take care of his final wishes. One of those wishes was that he be buried in the ground without benefit of a coffin or any sort of funerary rights. Thus to better facilitate his reincarnation or so he believed. Ah the dreams he had of becoming something of myth, or a great figure in history but it was not to be.
One day out of his simple old fashioned burial... (Something his solicitor had to go to a great deal of trouble to arrange, let me tell, you as such things are considered a health hazard and illegal these days.) ...Out of his grave came a weed.
No, that is not the end yet.
The weed was eaten by a little bird.
Later the bird makes a, um, deposit. Okay? Shit y'all!
That means that despite all his thoughts of glory and reincarnation, the man...
really...
didn't change...
through reincarnation...
one...
little...
bit.
Fury
*Hugs and donuts for all!*
The short version is:
I believe we should all strive to be nice. LOL!
I don't believe or disbelieve in a God. Well I lean more to disbelief a quiz just said. *snickers* Gotta love quizes!
I do not subscribe to any particular religion. I feel more religious or rather spiritual, outdoors than in a church. Churches make me angry and that makes me want to cry and/or hit something..
The long version and it turned into a bit of a rant, sorry 'bout that, is:
I do not normally enjoy talking about religion because folks tend to be so rabid. Especially here in the Bible belt.
I am your fence sitter. The agnostic. I neither believe nor disbelieve in God or any higher power.
I believe what I can touch, hear, feel, eat, smell and feel in my, well, for lack of a better word, soul. I believe in people, animals, the ocean, love (now), pain, flowers, cream filled glazed donuts, sunsets, hugs and pleasure (that hurts no one else). I believe that we should all try to be the best that we can be. I believe in giving every person I see my eyes, for a brief moment, and a smile. It’s the least I can do and it might brighten someone’s day. I believe in saying sorry when you screw up, and sometimes, even when you don't. I believe in saying when you don't know something and asking questions!
Now I was raised in a very restrictive religion, which some would label a cult. By the time I was three, I was singing and preaching in front of congregations. Yes. Three. “Dear God please bless my Mom and Dad and Teddy Bear Too, please keep us all together and God? God, bless you!”are the partial lyrics of one song I sang then.
By the time I was in grade school I went door to door by myself “converting” people.
By nine, I was the youngest person ever baptized (full water immersion) in our church. My Mother was a teacher; my Father was a missionary in South America as a teen and a part time Preacher. I wanted to be all of those things. My parents were my heroes. They were wonderful, passionate, creative, larger than life people. Everyone wanted to be around my parents.
In fifth grade though, some things happened to shake my certain little world and make me WAKE UP and ask questions. Now I could be wrong but I think a LOT of people just sort of blindly follow the religion they were raised in and never really examine it or, well, a lot of things. I did. I discovered so much. I like me better now. I have given up most of the restrictions placed on me!
Now some would say but Fury? Why did you get married in a church then if you do not believe in God?
Two reasons, first, my husbands wanted to. Second, what if God does exist? Why not have his blessings on our unions? What could it hurt?
Now some of you might ask me why I had my kids confirmed and baptized in a church. Again there were more reasons than one. First of all at that time my evil ex was taking my daughter to a restrictive, cult like church, not very different than the one I was raised in, which he knew I would hate.
I began to take my daughter and son to a loving, tolerant, church in an effort to show her, another view of religion before she got more damaged from the other. Also, my ex, (who I helped put through law school, btw) kept threatening to take me to court ALL the time. Here in the South, it could help my case to be part of an established, “normal” religion if he did. Especially considering that his was so strange!
And finally again, what could it hurt to have God’s blessing on their souls for goodness sake? I was even prepared to take catechism classes and become a confirmed member of the church for my kids. I will do anything for my kid’s sake. Fortunately the bastard died before that! Thank you death!!! This is the one time Death has done me a favor instead of ripping my heart out.
So how do I feel about God (assuming he exists which as previously noted, I don't)?
I feel that if God is a kind, loving, caring and tolerant God, then he will understand and respect that I am trying to do my best in life, to not hurt anyone if I can help it, and that will suffice. If he wants me to “know” he exists he has the means to do so. In the meantime I am not working against him.
If however, God doesn't care, and is a rules tyrant, who let my Father die, when my Father trusted in God so very much? Fuck God! That what I feel.
Now my wonderful Husband believes in God because he chooses to. He subscribes to the “Why not, it’s better than nothing and gives us hope that there is more after death.” philosophy.
My son has been a big believer, attending Boys Bible Club for years though, no doubt that is also for the fun of playing with his friends and the snacks! He is a very sweet, sincere thoughtful child. I support my kids in their interests and passions no matter what they have an interest in. (Excluding, drugs, hurting others, and proselytizing, none of which have come up so far!)
I believe many churches are wonderful, community, resources, for people. Which, in my opinion, people should take great advantage of and support. Frankly I look at them as a place you can pick and choose what you like and disregard what you do not.
Someone asked me recently if I was offended when people said "God bless you." When someone says “God bless you?” I am fine with that. I do think is it a tad arrogant of them however. To assume their God is one we all want blessing us is arrogant in my opinion. And I do believe they do not mean to say “The higher power of your choosing bless you,” but usually their flavor of Christian God and only theirs, cause they and only they, have it right, bless you. I do think they believe and hope that maybe someday you will understand that and get it right like them
However I will respect and defend their right to say that!
As a story teller by profession I have a range of clients who go from wanting me to leave out religion altogether lest it offend a member of the public, to for an example, at Christmas wanting me to only talk about “Baby Jesus’ Birth” rather than “sacrilegious” symbols like Santa!
Those were two actual examples of clients, and believe me, I have every stripe and flavor in between, as well. My preference is to, (Surprise!), not be restricted. If a story has, God, Zeus, or Kali in it and I want to use it for a theme, I'd like to be able to use it! I can usually tell a story anyway and work around it, but I wish some folks were just more tolerant!
I know a great deal about religions, bibles and other texts on the subject because during my questioning period I researched the hell out of it. Much I have forgotten by now. *laughs *
I think that we have power within ourselves. We have therefore, responsibility to do our best, get up off our asses and make life happen. And I don't mean we can't be human. We should forgive ourselves often when we screw up! If we aren't screwing up, then we are probably not trying to DO things!
We are also limited by our knowledge and energy, we can't be, nor should we try to be, perfect in fact perfect, is a dirty word to me. I believe most people use religion because they don't want to face their own selves. I believe if you are unhappy with your life you must identify what specifically you are unhappy with and take steps to change it, and yes, change yourself, to make those things better.
Saying that is just the way I am and I can't change is a big fucking lie and damages you, likely the people around you, and possibly society as well. Sure you can cry and wallow in self-pity all you want. I will support you doing that, but then MAKE some changes! Take your power, your responsibility and make your life better. It’s hard. I have many things I am working on. You take baby steps and then lose ground but change is not only possible, it is great at times! Some things take years of small steps and losing ground to change but it is worth it.
One reason all these Ala-non or whatever 12 step programs don't work for me is because imo, part of their credo is that you give your power over to a higher being. You are essentially let off the hook. I believe. Told whatever is not your fault. Okay and that would be fine, if some higher being would take care of things. Yes I know Alanon and simular programs have helped many and that there is more to it. Good! I think that is great! Good for those people, I'm glad you have found help there. It's just not right for me.
So far, in my experience and I have tried many times, in church, in ala-whatever meetings, I have been very sincere in turning my problems and life over. I have been so ready to be used for a higher beings will, but I got nothing, nada, zip. Since I was serious about making my life better I then decided to do it myself. Through effort, research and whatever resources I could gather I have done so, and hey, that is what works for me.
Some folks tell me church, God and religion keeps them from killing people or being a horrible person. Good! Keep that up then! If it works for you, truly! That is great! I'm happy for you!
I believe it is likely when we die that, there is nothing. I hope I'm wrong.
I know when my Father died that I felt his “sprit” was there still for at least an hour. That gives me hope that there may be more. I would like there to be more, an afterlife if you will. I would like to believe my Father could see me now if he wanted to. That he is part of a great cosmic consciousness. I want to believe that he has acquired a greater tolerance and understanding. I want to believe that he is smiling at me, liking my choices and me, understanding both.
I do believe that scientifically it makes sense that whatever makes us, well, our spirits, souls, energies; whatever is that "US essence", that stuff must go somewhere. It makes sense to me that this stuff would be converted into something, rather than just die or be completely gone.
So that is FurryFury’s thoughts on this subject or most of them anyway. Now back to the fun! Rant over.
If you have read this far, I have a little joke/story for you!
Reincarnation story or joke. I heard this from the wonderful story teller, Len Cabral. He told it better than I will, he is pure joy to listen to or be around! I wanna be like him when I grow up, glowing with joy, and serene!
Okay once upon a time this was this man. He wasn't a very nice man but he thought very highly of himself. He had a good life overall. He didn't appreciate his life though.
Near the end of it he became convinced that there was such a thing as reincarnation. He studied up on it for a long time. He decided that when he died he would be reincarnated into something even more wonderful than he currently was and spent many long hours pondering what he might become.
So he decides he will be something magnificent but still rails against actually dying. He fights death until the end becoming bitter and *****le, driving every one away from him.
Finally he dies alone, with no one to come to his funeral and only his solicitor to take care of his final wishes. One of those wishes was that he be buried in the ground without benefit of a coffin or any sort of funerary rights. Thus to better facilitate his reincarnation or so he believed. Ah the dreams he had of becoming something of myth, or a great figure in history but it was not to be.
One day out of his simple old fashioned burial... (Something his solicitor had to go to a great deal of trouble to arrange, let me tell, you as such things are considered a health hazard and illegal these days.) ...Out of his grave came a weed.
No, that is not the end yet.
The weed was eaten by a little bird.
Later the bird makes a, um, deposit. Okay? Shit y'all!
That means that despite all his thoughts of glory and reincarnation, the man...
really...
didn't change...
through reincarnation...
one...
little...
bit.
Fury
*Hugs and donuts for all!*
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