Faith and hope...dilemas

[fluffy]

Ok........we all know Jim is a spiritual man........he meditates and reads up on faiths.............but he doesn't attach too strongly to any particular faith.

I on the other hand am a lost sheep...........i haven't a clue which direction to go in..........and it's not for lack of research.

So what i want to know is, what is YOUR faith/or spiritual belief.?.......why should i look into it?........and what has it done for you??
and we can hopefully get some interesting chats going.

fluffy

[Filomena]

I've also done a little bit of soul searching the past couple of years regarding faith.

What I used to revere before has definitely changed. I find it hard to accept dogmas and practices now just because they've always existed.

Longevity doesn't mean it's factually correct, or the only way to practice your belief in God.

I've been in a really deep questionning phase lately. I can't seem to accept anything unless I ask "Why?" a thousand times, and try to get to the root of the problem.

Fluffy, the best thing for you is to look around you and ask yourself, what do I know and what do I feel is right? Does it make sense?

There's an interesting debate that's going on right now in the scientific community about Science and God. Some say that evolutation is all about Science, and to keep God out of it. Some have come up with a new theory called Intelligent Design -- all about God being the one creator that started Evolution. Unfortunately, it also talks about original sin and all the fables of the bible, and that gets on my nerves.

I think they're both right, but none of them are entirely correct.

In my opinion, God is Science. The beginning of life is a miracle. He uses Science for maintenance.

Well, it's a start. But what an interesting topic this is, once you start asking questions.

[fluffy]

Exactly........it's an awesome subject........but sometimes i feel too unworthy to even begin the questioning process........ i try, but find myself lost..............
i can totally understand why some people (particulary in the states) have found themselves looking out for teachers and gurus to guide them and answer questions............
The only people we have are specifically affiliated to their own faiths.......for example if i go to my local church of course the minister will preach Church of Scotland Protestantism.............
and we have virtually no Budhists or Taoists or even Jews in Aberdeen........the local synagogue is in someones living room............

lost lost lost..............yet so found in so many other ways........sigh

fluffy

[Michele Hernandez]

I also feel like a lost soul in many ways fluffy...

I come from a catholic family by origin on my mother's side, and went first to catholic, and later to public school..I was introduced to the philosophies of Meher Baba, meditation, the correct 'breathing' , etc at the age of 14. I currently practice no faith, but I have never considered myself an athiest. I believe in the importance of faith, in having faith about the unknown. I don't always achieve perfect faith in everything, but that is what I strive for.

I think a lot of the stress we go through is emotional and mental, that is why I believe that relaxation, attitude and how we take care of ourselves is important. And fun! that is the most important of all, to enjoy life , to celebrate it while we can.

I found this it is called The Avatar by Meher Baba. I don't know that much about him, but it is interesting. http://www.avatarmeherbaba.org/erics/avatar.html
http://www.avatarmeherbaba.org/erics/index.html

[Jimenem]

I'm am a Bible believing Christian. I believe everyword in it, I believe that the KJV Bible in Complete, Flawless, and Everlasting. (I said KJV because it was the only version translated WORD for WORD individually. . . nothing was distorted from the original manuscripts)

I go to a baptist church but describng my faith with the word Baptist would be innacurate, because not even all baptists can agree with eachother.

I believe Jesus Christ was the sacrifice provided to redeem us of all of our sins, and save us from everlasting torment in hell. And that he came back to life on the third day (conquering death so we won't have to).
I believe the Jesus was not only the Son of God, but God himself embodied, which brings the whole trinity aspect of God into play. It's really hard to believe, but that's why it's called a FAITH. It takes faith and faith alone. You can KNOW what the Bible says, and be a good person, and all of that, but unless you truly believe what the Bible says is true, and ACCEPT Jesus'/God's self sacrifice, then I believe every effort is null and void. You don't have to be a perfect person, that's impossible all you have to do is realize that God is wholly forgiving, and that he's already paid the price for your screw-ups, and ask for forgivness through prayer, and he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and clense us from ALL unrighteosness.
There's alot of philosophy tied in with my religion as well, like the sovereigndy(sp?) of God. It can get a little confusing. Luckily it's not a requirement, blind faith is completely acceptable. As long as the faith part is truly there. I barely touched the tip of the iceberg here.

Christians (I won't say "are not" instead I will say) SHOULD not consider themselves "Holier than thou" we should be humble, and helpful, and surrender our lives to God's will. . .alot of people don't like that part, and frankly alot of christians don't do it. . .myself included at times. And that's when we become depressed, but when we finally do give up and let God work through us. . .rather than trying to do his work ourselves, that's when we reach get a certain high, more pleasurable than ANYTHING this world has to offer. . .and honestly it becomes addicting. Ah it's so wonderful and worth it.

Let me reinforce that we all come from different backrounds and alot of our beliefs ARE different and may contradict one another. . .let's not debate, just inform. . . please do not try and debunk anyones religion. . .it would probably be entirely pointless, and cause fights. So take this opportunity to learn about eachothers beliefs rather than trying to convert eachother. If you dissagree with anything. . .PLEASE keep it to yourself. . .
Thank you

[fluffy]

Of course.............as i always say........my mind is open.........except perhaps for scientology..........lol..........and even that's only because Hubbard was a crafty bugger and openly quoted 'the way to get rich is start a religion'............kinda suspicious don't you think............lol....

But lets get lots of opionions and ideas down........we're a mixed bunch from all over the world...........it's fascinating stuff....

fluffy

[jimliker]

i hope this answers ur question fluffy thats what i believe in :

Be a winner, not a loser

By his grace, we have gotten human birth. By his grace, we have been initiated on the path. By his grace, we will one day get release from vicious cycle of 84 lakh`s species. His grace is ever flowing, as he is an embodiment of love and compassion. After initiation it is our responsibility to follow path as instructed by the Master. By his grace we start making efforts. When we make efforts, he showers more grace. Because, when people of this world pay wages for our labor, then why not that Almighty?

It hardly matters whether we are born in a village or city, are illiterate or scholar, whether our life is easy or hard, living in east or west, have rented room or a castle, traveling by bicycle or by Limousine, posses only a single pair of clothes or wardrobe full of clothes, eat simple bread and salt or continental food, have only one friend or whole world is knowing to us. What matters is that how much love we have developed for the Master, how much efforts we are making for our return to true abode. No doubt, materialistic things are required for living in this horrible world. But, we should utilize them for fulfilling our aim, instead of being utilized by materialistic things.

After the game, king and pawn go to the same box.

Our aim is clear. Procrastination and laziness are obstacles in our path. When God realization is said to be the real aim of human life, then how can this task be postponed for later phase of life, when life is so uncertain. We may honestly make many plans, but God will do what he has decided. We do not know about the time period for which we are provided human birth. Moreover, our physical ability is decreasing day by day. If we do not utilize best part of day or life for primary objective of life, what can we expect from the worst time, when things will be out of our control.

If we refuse to be made straight, when we are green. We will not be made straight, when we are dry.
Make hay while the sun shines.

We often say that we have no time for spiritual exercise, although we may aspire to do so. But, we should not forget that we have exactly the same hours per day as a past or future person may have. Study of history reveal that many persons have achieved their aim in spite of much adversity. Then, why not we? We are provided with food to eat, clothes to wear, and shelter for living.

There is nothing on earth you can not have, once you have mentally accepted the fact that you can have it.
Those who wish to sing always find a song.
Where there is a will, there is a way.

Master proclaims that we can do it. But, we say that we can not tread the path of spirituality. If we are not able to walk on divine path, then he has not initiated us. Initiation by a perfect Master indicate that we can do it. Reality is that we are not doing it. We have enough time and energy for eating, laughing, gossiping, chatting on Internet, doing professional work, meeting with relatives or friends, enjoying life. But, no time for meditation.

If God is for us, who can be against us.
We are double armed if we fight with faith.

No doubt, the path is difficult. But, it is not impossible. History pages are full of people who have done it. He is not hiding himself from us, but we are hiding from him. He is eagerly waiting for us at the eye center. We have to prove our love and longing to meet him in actual deeds.

It is greatest of all mistake to do nothing because you can do a little. Do what you can.
God does not ask about our ability, but our availability.
With your entire focus on the goal, you will reach levels of achievement that you never thought possible.

He is ever ready to release us from prison of birth and death, if we follow his instruction. What we need is -desire, determination, dedication, passion, patience, and persistence on the path.

Victory at all cost, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.
We should be a winner, not a loser.

[fluffy]

wow...........such belief and passion...........i'm in awe.........

are you a Sikh?........i'm really not sure.......

fluffy

[wonderbunny]

I was a real good little bunny in my younger days. Church youth group, choir, etc. I got older and drifted away from church, but I was always spent hours alone (call it meditating, I called soul searching/daydreaming. Thats when God and I 'figured stuff out'. I went through a period reading every book there was on 'self help' and then 'religions' and then astronomy and then Fung Shei; Finally I came back home. Yeah, insteresting stuff, some is pretty creative! But when you realized God was the master, and every idea came from Him. Its rather fascinating. People take credit for his ideas. Those ideas and thoughts never would have happened if God didn't want them to happen. So its seems kind of arbitrary now doesn't it? He'll give you that million dollar idea if he wants you to have it now won't he? He can also take it away somehow. Its his master plan. You never really know what the meaning of life is, but the journey is what matters; oh, and how you treat people.

[fluffy]

You never really know what the meaning of life is, but the journey is what matters; oh, and how you treat people

yeah....i have the utmost belief that this searching in me is the crucial part......it's this process which will make me understand..........

fluffy

[Jimenem]

This is very interesting stuff. . . it's amazing how a bunch of completetly different faiths all have one thing in common. . .Love. Which is why I believe Love is so incredibly complex, indescribable, uncontainable, and so full of passion. It's the epidemy of blind faith and self sacrifice. . .hmm. . .deep thoughts. Love is the key folks. . . Jesus said, Love one another. Heck even secular songs speak of Love, thats how powerful it is. . . only God (by whatever name you call him) could've come up with something so. . .amazing, or even awesome (refering to the literal sense of the word.)

When it boils down to the bare essentials. . .love is the only reason most of us get out of bed every morning, it's the search for love that drives most of us. . .even if you're married, everyone is constantly searching for love, at the very least subconciusly. It's just the question of what kind of love, and to what extreme are we searching. I honestly believe love is what keeps us alive. It gives us something to live for apart from material things.

[fluffy]

Jimenem i do believe you are a romantic at heart...........don't lose it...
But i agree completely..................love is all there is at the end of the day...........it takes us into the world and if we believe in a faith it should take us out too...................

i just don't know which faith is right for me........

fluffy

[Anna Chalova]

Fluffy<=>LOVE

[fluffy]

awe..............bless..........you are great.......

fluffy

[Niobe]

I can absolutely identify with you, Fluffy, in wondering about all the many beliefs and faiths out there. I'm not sure I would consider myself 'lost' though. I feel comfortable where I am, even if it's not in a defined faith.

I was christened Church of England, but do not hail from a religious family. I find myself not disbelieving in 'God', but not entirely believing in him either. If anything, I would look to a more all-encompassing type of theory where a particular faith was not necessary, as "all roads lead to Rome".
I would never condemn another religion or criticise a person of any faith. It is their belief, and I know where I feel comfortable.

I find all the discussions here fascinating and it is great to hear everyone's perspective.

Mind you, they do say, the two subjects you should always avoid for serious discussions are politics and religion. Look at all the trouble it causes sometimes.....