Why do some people continue to detract pope Pius XII?
Pius XII entlisted a Jew to save him from the Nazis "I’m not a believer, I don’t go to church, but if I found myself before Pius XII I’d get down on my knees, because if my children and I are in existence, we owe it to him." Silvio Ascoli, Roman, class of 1945, was emotional as recounted the story of his father Bruno, "of the Jewish race" according to the norms of the infamous racial laws, whom the Vatican saved from deportation by enrolling him in its Guard. Last June the Cardinal Secretary of State spoke about this: "In October 1943, aside from the police and the Swiss Guard, there was also the Palatine Guard. To protect the Vatican and the extraterritorial holdings there were some 575 Palatine Guards.. Thus, the Secretary of State asked the powers occupying Italy to be able to take on another 1425 people for inclusion in the roles of the Palatine Guard. The Jewish Ghetto would just a little distance away…". Now a new witness testifies to the help. "My father was born in 1910, my granfather’s family belonged to the Jewish community in Ancona, and his sister with her husband were to be deported to Auschwitz." Bruno, who died in 1970, was the son of a mixed marriage and didn’t frequent the Roman Jewish community. On 28 October 1938, just after the racial laws went into force, the man asked to be baptized. But it was too late to escape the jaws of the regime which were closing around the Jews. The parish priest tried to help him, writing that Ascoli had attended catechism since August of that year, but it didn’t make any difference. "My folks tried to approach the Ministry of the Interior, attesting that they weren’t enrolled in the Jewish community. But the response was that whoever had a Jewish parent, and couldn’t prove he belonged to another religion at the time when the racial laws went into effect, was considered to be a Jew. My father was baptized to late. for my family this was a terrible blow." Thus the Ascoli were forced to declare at the Governor of Rome’s offices their membership of the "Jewish race". Two years later, in 1940, Bruno married in church, a Catholic, Maria Bianchi, even though the marriage could not have civil effect. "My mother married him knowind that things could go bad." The couple found a place in the via Famagosta in the Trionfale quarter. In October 1943, after the arrival of the Germans in the capital, Bruno Ascoli became a wanted by the police. "One day the fascists and nazis showed up at the house and asked for my father. Luckily, he was out. My family managed to let him know not to come back." Bruno escaped and briefly found a place in the loft of the repair shop of a tire dealer. "He stayed there for two week, and my mother went secretly to take him something to eat. But at the end of October, the tire dealer made him leave because it had become too dangerous to keep him there. That is when, thanks to the concern of an uncle who worked in the Vatican Museum as an usher, my father came to be enlisted in the Palatine Guard." Bruno Ascoli became an auxiliary of the Pope’s honor guard, and could live at the Vatican. "He saved his skin! He stayed there for a few months. There are photos which show him in the Palatine Guard uniform within the walls of the Vatican. In December 1943 he got precious safe-conduct papers from the Holy See attesting to his membership in the Pope’s honor guard." Silvio, the son, explained that he was in a kind of rotation, in the attempt to save as many persecuted people as possible. "In the first months of 1944, the Holy See told my father about another hideout, in the Via Mocenigo, near the Vatican walls, close to a wood warehouse. This proves there was an organized network of aid and assistance. I also told this to my children: if the Vatican had not helped my father, I would not be here. I believe that Pope Pacelli chose well: no public denunciations which would have provoked acts of repression – I don’t dare imagine what would have happened had the SS entered the Vatican – but rather give concrete help to the persecuted." Here's a link but it's in Italian but I think some of you can read it. http://www.ilgiornale.it/a.pic1?ID=220674
Religion & Spirituality - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Pius XII actually did a very good job of balancing things - the last sentence of your quote sums it all up quite well. "I believe that Pope Pacelli chose well: no public denunciations which would have provoked acts of repression – I don’t dare imagine what would have happened had the SS entered the Vatican – but rather give concrete help to the persecuted." He was smart and no doubt guided by the Holy Spirit. He didn't want to provoke the Nazi's into shutting the whole thing down and imprisoning everyone (the Nazis were planning on doing this eventually if they would have won the war) but rather he worked quietly to ensure that as many lives as possible could be saved. Thanks for posting this......
2 :
pius xii's concordat with franz von papen (when he was still cardinal pacelli) removed the church' support from the catholic labour unions - hence clearing away one of the most serious obstacles to the nazi's introducing their race laws. the argument is that pacelli made it easier for hitler to effect the holocaust, so against the dozen or so jews he 'saved' one has to balance the 6,000,000 he helped towards the einsatzgruppen and the death camps. pacelli's case is actually quite complex. i think examination of the role he (and the church) played in the war is entirely legitimate.
3 :
Please, stop trying to present it all in a better light. You are desecrating the memory of the many people who died. Fact is, the vatican did very little. A few people helped does not compare to the millions murdered. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pius_XII#World_War_II
4 :
I agree. No serious scholar contests the evidence that Pius XII took direct and indirect measures to save Jews from the Nazi death machine. At the start of World War II, Pope Pius XII’s first encyclical was so anti-Hitler that the Royal Air Force and the French air force dropped 88,000 copies of it over Germany. Here is a link to the Summi Pontificatus: Encyclical of Pope Pius XII on the Unity of Human Society, October 20, 1939: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/pius_xii/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_20101939_summi-pontificatus_en.html Unfortunately the Soviet Union and others had been trying to convince the world that the Catholic Church was pro-Nazi since the death of Pope Pius in 1958. Here are some sources: + The KGB made corrupting the Church a priority: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YTUzYmJhMGQ5Y2UxOWUzNDUyNWUwODJiOTEzYjY4NzI= + The KGB campaign against Pius XII: http://www.the-tidings.com/2007/021607/difference.htm + Pius XII and the Jews: http://web.archive.org/web/20010919100700/http://www.weeklystandard.com/magazine/mag_6_23_01/dalin_bkart_6_23_01.asp + http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/a/ww2jews.html See also "The Myth of Hitler’s Pope: How Pope Pius XII Rescued Jews From the Nazis" by Rabbi David G. Dalin which has compiled further overwhelming proof of Pope Pius XII"s friendship for the Jews beginning long before he became pope. With love in Christ.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
What didn't the Vatican include "Mein Kampf" on their index of prohibited books
What didn't the Vatican include "Mein Kampf" on their index of prohibited books?
"Index Liborum Prohibitorum" was a list of books produced by the Vatican that any good Catholic should not read. It was discontinued in 1966. It included most of the works of Satre and Andre Gide, and certain works by Francis Bacon, Flaubert, scientific writing such as Galileo and Copernicus (presumably later amended once they realised the Earth did in fact go round the sun) and political work such as that of Jeremy Bentham among many others. However, "Mein Kampf" (1924) by Adolf Hitler was never banned, yet books were added to the list in the years following the publication of this book. Why was this book not banned?
Religion & Spirituality - 5 Answers
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1 :
History suggests there was an unsavory relationship between the Vatican and Berlin during WWII. The idea that they wouldn't include that book on their list adds to my suspicion.
2 :
Are you suggesting they should have banned it based on who the author was or what the book contained? Because I don't think you've read it, and I think you're saying that because it was a book Hitler wrote it should have been on there. Besides that, the Vatican had a very tenuous relationship with that era of Germany. The whole non-involvement during the Holocaust springs to mind.
3 :
>>What didn't the Vatican include "Mein Kampf" on their index of prohibited books?<< I'm curious how you know that, since "It has proved to be somewhat difficult to get a complete list of books included on the Index." (Modern History Sourcebook) http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/indexlibrorum.html
4 :
Pope Pius XII was a friend of Hitler's when Pius was the Archbishop of Berlin before becoming Pope. The Pope never spoke out about what Hitler did during the entire period, including but not limited to, the Holocaust. Further, Jews were considered by the Church until Vatican Council II, 1960-1963, to be the people responsible for Jesus' death. I'm not surprised the Vatican didn't ban "Mein Kampf." How DO you know what books were banned on that list since it isn't easy to get?
5 :
You forgot that the Bible was also on that list of banned books! "Mein Kampf" was actually written by a Jesuit (Father Staempfle) so it doesn't surprise me that it would not be banned by the Vatican.
"Index Liborum Prohibitorum" was a list of books produced by the Vatican that any good Catholic should not read. It was discontinued in 1966. It included most of the works of Satre and Andre Gide, and certain works by Francis Bacon, Flaubert, scientific writing such as Galileo and Copernicus (presumably later amended once they realised the Earth did in fact go round the sun) and political work such as that of Jeremy Bentham among many others. However, "Mein Kampf" (1924) by Adolf Hitler was never banned, yet books were added to the list in the years following the publication of this book. Why was this book not banned?
Religion & Spirituality - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
History suggests there was an unsavory relationship between the Vatican and Berlin during WWII. The idea that they wouldn't include that book on their list adds to my suspicion.
2 :
Are you suggesting they should have banned it based on who the author was or what the book contained? Because I don't think you've read it, and I think you're saying that because it was a book Hitler wrote it should have been on there. Besides that, the Vatican had a very tenuous relationship with that era of Germany. The whole non-involvement during the Holocaust springs to mind.
3 :
>>What didn't the Vatican include "Mein Kampf" on their index of prohibited books?<< I'm curious how you know that, since "It has proved to be somewhat difficult to get a complete list of books included on the Index." (Modern History Sourcebook) http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/indexlibrorum.html
4 :
Pope Pius XII was a friend of Hitler's when Pius was the Archbishop of Berlin before becoming Pope. The Pope never spoke out about what Hitler did during the entire period, including but not limited to, the Holocaust. Further, Jews were considered by the Church until Vatican Council II, 1960-1963, to be the people responsible for Jesus' death. I'm not surprised the Vatican didn't ban "Mein Kampf." How DO you know what books were banned on that list since it isn't easy to get?
5 :
You forgot that the Bible was also on that list of banned books! "Mein Kampf" was actually written by a Jesuit (Father Staempfle) so it doesn't surprise me that it would not be banned by the Vatican.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
How am I supposed to believe in religion when I am thinking these thoughts and not getting any answers
How am I supposed to believe in religion when I am thinking these thoughts and not getting any answers?
I have a great dilema which I just cant get over. I want to believe in something but it's just so difficult to "believe" once you bring logic into the question. I think of ancient greece, persia and rome. they had their own set of mythologies which at their time they believed was the supreme order of the world. however, in modern times we ridicule how they could have believed in such absurd things. however arent we doing the same thing? wont people from the future look down on us and laugh about how ignorant we are? of course the vatican and others will say that they have proof with a messiah and miracles but so did the greek, romans , persians, and chinese. if you talk with muslims they'll say all people who arent muslim will go to hell. if you talk to christians and most other religions they'll say the same thing. now how does this work out? of course i think about evolution and then i think of the creation theory which sounds absurd. i think of dinosaurs and i think of religious people saying the earth is only 12,000 years old. religion just seems like a device made my prehistoric man to control people and abide by a certain set of moral codes. of course some priest or something will answer this question and say god LOVES us all and he CREATED EVERYTHING....right. On what basis are you going on? you were born into a christian family and from birth they told you to be faithfull to jesus. if you were born in saudi arabia, you'd have grown up to be a muslim. now if your religion is based only on the LOCATION you were born in and what religion your PARENTS were, how is this fair? PLEASE SOMEONE GIVE ME SOME INPUT BESIDES THAT GOD LOVES US ALL. TELL ME THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE THINKING THE SAME THING I AM.
Religion & Spirituality - 16 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the short answer is your not supposed to belive in reglion if it doesnt work for you and as you can see a bit og logic can disprove alot of reglion
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This is God's Answer to YOU! "Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts). Holy Quran Chapter 2:118 The people of the Book ask thee to cause a book to descend to them from heaven: Indeed they asked Moses for an even greater (miracle), for they said: "Show us Allah in public," but they were dazed for their presumption, with thunder and lightning. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear signs had come to them; even so we forgave them; and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority. Holy Quran Chapter 4:153 But never did a single one of the signs of their Lord reach them, but they turned away therefrom.Holy Quran Chapter 6 Verse 4 If thou couldst but see when they are confronted with the Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back! Then would we not reject the signs of our Lord, but would be amongst those who believe!" Holy Quran Chapter 6 Verse 27 Those who reject our signs are deaf and dumb,- in the midst of darkness profound: whom Allah willeth, He leaveth to wander: whom He willeth, He placeth on the way that is straight.Holy Quran Chapter 6:39 They swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that if a (special) sign came to them, by it they would believe. Say: "Certainly (all) signs are in the power of Allah. but what will make you (Muslims) realise that (even) if (special) signs came, they will not believe."? Holy Quran Chapter 6, Verse 109 When there comes to them a sign (from Allah., They say: "We shall not believe until we receive one (exactly) like those received by Allah.s apostles." Allah knoweth best where (and how) to carry out His mission. Soon will the wicked be overtaken by humiliation before Allah, and a severe punishment, for all their plots. Holy Quran Chapter 6, Verse 124 Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or thy Lord (Himself), or certain of the signs of thy Lord! the day that certain of the signs of thy Lord do come, no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its faith. Say: "Wait ye: we too are waiting." Holy Quran Chapter 6, Verse 158
3 :
That pretty much sums up my reasoning. I was sitting in church when I was 12 years old, asking myself the same questions.
4 :
You're not alone in your thinking my friend, but there are answers. I'm not gonna sit here and tell you what they are. It is something you have to discover for yourself. Don't be discouraged or give up hope. Start with this, what can it hurt to sincerely ask God if he is real? Nobody will think any less of you. We have all pondered the same thing, but it is your place to find out.
5 :
How do we know your logic isn't flawed, for that matter how do you know that
6 :
You already have your answers. Religion is the means by which the powerful keep the uneducated poor with large families to feed and faithful to the church through fear of hell. You already know the history (as far as we know it) of this planet, do you still want to be involved in an organization that says it was crated in 6 days 12000 years ago? How does the bible explain dinosaurs? And their skeletons still around? Why does their god permit the horrid atrosities that take place here to happen? Why does he permit the weather to bring such absolute devastation? If there is a god, then he would control the weather. If you still want the copanionship of people in a warm environment, check out universalist unitarians or just get real andaccept the fact you're a free thinker, an atheist. I figured that out by myself at 8 years old and wouldn't go back to sunday school after that. My best to you in your search for the truth. I think you're there already, just don't know it yet.
7 :
I believe in God, a Great and Noble Creator of all. I have no faith in religions.
8 :
Because religion isn't something that you simply profess it needs to be manifested in your deeds which is why we will each have our deeds weighed and accounted for. So simply being raised in the right religion wont benefit you much, you need to put your faith into action.
9 :
You make an excellent point. Religion is just another invention of man. One of his earliest inventions and his worst. He invented religion when he came down out of the trees as a way to control the masses. He rubbed two sticks together and created fire and said let there be light and there was light. Shaman and Witchdoctors knew what they were doing it gave them a way to explain all the mysteries of life so they became the wise leaders and just as they do today they can explain every thing with God. Why would anyone want to believe?
10 :
The people of ancient Greece and Rome were trying to do the same thing we are now - connect with something greater than ourselves. A believer would say connect with God but if you have mind enough to know there probably is no God, it doesn't mean your search is over. We still have spiritual needs - the need to understand and connect with our own humanity, the need to love ourselves, to feel important, special and needed, the need for self-actualization. Some religions will survive because they help meet those needs. The rest will probably blink out of existence someday just as we do when we die. I feel just like you and probably did even more so a few years ago. When I first realized I was atheist, I was really frustrated that I couldn't just make myself believe as I wished. Then I realized the reason I wanted to believe in god was because it was easier than having to think about it. The thing is, once your realize there is no god, you never stop searching, thinking and growing. Unlike religion that tells you they have it all figured out and you just have to accept it.
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listen bro, first correction, dont follow what ppl say or do . use logic and common sense and read the religions book. It portray the religion. Let me tell u. I m a student of comparative religion studies. All the religion in the world are named after some leader or saint or the place where it originated for eg. after a leader like christians after jesus christ. Judaism after the tribe of Judah, Hinduism is a geographical name. Islam does not follow any man made thing. It is peace . Arabic word Salama.in hebrew Shalom . Islam is the religion of peace. Jesus was a muslim, he followed peace and saw was moses and abraham and Isaac and david solomon....noah.. Adam. they followed peace and One god They didnt ask ppl to worship them they asked ppl to worship and follow one God and submit to him only, that is the religion of peace.. Basically Islam means peace.It is to testify that is ther is only one god and Muhammed is the last and final messenger of God. It is the only religion that follows peace .that names peace. The followers of peace are the Muslims. Dont narrow the word religion, religion is a way of nlife. And Islam is the only religion that teaches u the conduct to follow the way of life. No where in the bible does the word bible come, but in the quran it is mentioned, as e gave jesus the injeel and david the psalms... so also wid other religions, idol and material worship are illogical i mean, Man should Worship his CREATOR not the CREATION. The media has played a major role in mis potraying the picture of muslims. A 52 year Muslim man marries a 19 year girl will come on the front headline but a christian or atheist or american father raping daughter will not be convered at all. Why? because that is common in the west rape and seducing and degradation of values of humans. Why? because If muslim word comes, the papers are sold faster. Muslims value human life Brother if you are logical and reason the truth then read the Quran, you'll find solution to all your problems , How much obsenity,crime,vulgarity,insecurity is there in the world, Islam removes all such and brings you into peace. you cant judge a religion by what the media shows. They show a bomb attack , and then report a Quran was found... wake up people . No where in the quran does the term Holy war come. Jihad means to struggle and strive, the media shows it as holy war. It is all false. Have you met any muslims...ofcouse there are black sheep in every community but the Majority Muslims are peace lovers. Read the Quran. It is the last and final testament of God. Islam teaches love,kindness to fellow men, peace, harmony, family, compassion. You ll get translation of the quran at the site www.islamicity.com/mosque/SURAI.HTM Dont just listen to what he or she say about something . If you see a bashed up mercedese benz will you blame the car that is is so bad or the driver. To know about the car you ll have to read its catalogue to know its value and speciallity. It is the same case. The Holy Quran is the only book in the entire world that says of it self:" This is the book where in there is no doubt." Read it and you will know the truth . By the way the fastest growing religion in the world Is Islam .Why?And it is not spread on gun point. Ask them.
12 :
What you need to do is to see the whole picture and not pay so much attention to the parts. It's rather like looking at a prism, the main colour is the White Light and this breaks down into various colours which can all dissolve back into the White Light. Religions would be similar. If I may, I'd like to quote the words of an author/healer as he puts it best: ------------------- ONE PRESENCE [The following is a Monthly Letter of April 1948, written by Dr Murdo MacDonald-Bayne, who established a healing centre "Sanctuary of the Silent Healing Power" based in South Africa at the time.] My dear friends, The other day I was in the company of several people, all animated with a friendly spirit, there was perfect harmony until one said he was of a certain religious faith. Immediately there was a coldness and the spirit of happiness disappeared because of the struggle to conform to certain beliefs. This happy group of people were on the verge of breaking up when I stepped into the breach and I want to tell you of this experience because it is a common occurrence with most people. I am sure this experience will help you also to help others to see beyond beliefs. For this is most important to us all. I spoke to them and explained that we were first of all human beings in whom the one Life is the only Reality and which we all depend upon for our existence and if we would take a few minutes to think we would see that beliefs were utterly false if they caused antagonisms and separation. If our beliefs divided us then we could not live in that "One Presence" of God inherent in each one and which was never antagonistic to Itself in any individual. This was the only truth and there could be no other and we must learn to think purely from the Presence within, for in this Presence there is no separation, no religions or differing cults or organizations, no nationality, or anything else that separated one Spiritual being from another. Now this is a tremendous truth and requires our earnest consideration. If we try to conform to a particular belief there is a constant struggle, but there is no need to struggle to "live." We live without struggle, but when we struggle to conform we put Life in a prison of our own making. Perhaps you grew up with your beliefs, but since then you never questioned them to see if they were true or not, and all your efforts were merely to adjust your actions to the dictates of another. You will see that this struggle, this effort to conform, to imitate does not lead to understanding but makes you a hypocrite and insincere to yourself and others. Hence you do not know what you really think, what you really feel, because you never doubt the pattern you are trying to conform to. To think clearly you must be free from prejudices, attachments, and the ideas of others. You know that God is Love, Wisdom, Healing and is omnipresent. You accept this as true, yet you will not discern that which is untrue, with the result that you perpetuate that which is false. If you will adhere to your divisions in nationality, in religion and the differing creeds and cults, politics, etc., then you cannot think purely, for you will only think in accordance with your belief which separates you and this is utterly false for the "Presence" cannot be divided against Itself. The "Presence" is indescribable and that which can be described is not the truth. But by becoming aware of the hindrances to your understanding, by discerning them, by confronting them, by penetrating them with pure thought you will free yourself from them, and thereby realize the Presence that is harmony, poise, love, understanding, wisdom, healing. Then you will become conscious of the falseness of all things that separate one from another. You will see these hindrances with their subtle variations that prevent you from living in the "Presence" that is Omnipresent and Eternal. The present is immortality, there is neither past nor future in the "Presence" for the "Presence" is always present and to live in the Present is Reality. The past is but experience and the future but hope tinged with apprehension. The "Presence" is the only "Life", the "One" and only Reality which gives rise to the individuality, and the individual who realizes this gives expression to the "Ever-Present Presence" which is all there is. This is Infinity and Infinity must include all as there is no outside It. The mind has a tendency to divide Spirit from matter, but when we look deeper we see that matter separate from energy does not exist and energy separate from Intelligence cannot exist and this Intelligence is the Spirit which is not only the "Presence" but IS the Omnipresence. It makes things by becoming the things It makes. So you see that all your hindrances are self-created through the illusion of separation, therefore they have no power except the power you give them. Therefore do not fight them, nor pacifically endure them, but become conscious that they are false. You become free by examining them, free from all attachments, free from all beliefs, free from all prejudices, free from all comparisons. If your mind is suffocated with these there cannot be true understanding of the "Truth that sets you free." The "Presence" requires no effort to express Itself. It Itself is pure action and in this there is freedom in the individual who realizes it and this is the supreme cosmic awareness in you. When you look around you, you will see a world in ignorance but that should not discourage you for it cannot affect the final issue. The world, ignorant of the truth, becomes an arena of competitive systems of material and spiritual conflicts which create quarrels. In the material sense there is the desire for security and this leads to a means of piling up wealth and possessions which only bring sorrow and conflict which lead to war between individuals and between nations. And in the spiritual sense there is the desire for immortality and this leads to the acquisition of virtue which leads to antagonism and separation; thus virtue becomes a vice. Man has separated the world into the material and the spiritual, but there is no separation anywhere, the one is but the expression of the other. The visible is but the expression of the invisible, what we see on the objective plane is but the result of the conscious manifestation of the Infinite, therefore every particle we see or feel is Infinite. Man, made in the image and likeness of God, is given power to discern the true nature of God. By this understanding we are able to see that which is false and a hindrance to the true expression of God in man. The more this is realized the greater is the awareness of God's manifestations. I want you to think, firstly, are you aware of the fact that you are conscious, and that this consciousness can be none other than the Infinite Consciousness individualized in you? For there can be no other Consciousness, the Infinite being all there is, and from this centre of Consciousness in you all thought and action must flow. I want you to think, secondly, are you aware of your thoughts? Or are you just reacting to things as they come to you? If you are just reacting then you are controlled by your environment, but if you can discern your thinking you can control your environment. You can become the active positive centre around which everything must move. It is your duty to become this positive centre not only to yourself but to the Divine Intelligence/ Love/ Being. Realize that the ether of space is the unparticled sea of Divine Mind and flows according to the direction given to it both by God and by you. It moves in the direction in which it is sent. This ether is the medium in which all things are created and through which all things are connected. It does not impair or retard the force you send into it, and it brings back to you precisely what you send forth. It transmits all mental currents from one to another, from Angels to men and from men to Angels. No wave or thought vibration can be impaired. Through the ether we can contact anyone, to heal or help those who ask. Through the ether we can contact spiritual forces in a fraction of a second and their aid is given immediately. Now try to realize what I have given you. It is better than rare silver and the rarest of gold, for no treasure is like unto it. * * *
13 :
There are good satisfactory logical answers to be had. You are only looking in the wrong place for authoritative answers. You are taking what other people say about religion, assuming it's authoritative, and believing it before testing its truthfulness for yourself. I am a physicist. Believe me, you should be researching on your own more. For example, evolution vs creation. You assume that to be a Christian means that you must believe that the earth is 12,000 years old. That's not true. That belief is not a prerequisite for being a Christian, and that belief is not what the Bible says anyway. You made two errors there. The Bible only says that God created the universe. It does not say how he did it, or how long it took him. Very few Christians believe that the earth is 6000 - 12,000 years old. Those who believe in the young earth never heard of James Ussher--the author of that miscalculation, or know why he was wrong. As opposed to what the Bible does not say, now consider what the Bible says: If you want a convincing scientific revelation to say the Bible is right, you should consider what the Bible says about the process by which God started the universe: "Let There Be Light." "Let There Be Light" is religious for "Big Bang". "Let There Be Light" is more scientifically descriptive than Big Bang. The Bible is the only religious text to correctly state the huge though obscure fact of how the universe was created. And it did so 2400 years before AT&T researchers discovered the cosmic background radiation. If you were logical, that should impress you. Moses wrote that down about 1400 BC. How did Moses know? Moses camped out with God on Mt Sinai for 40 days. If you could camp with God for 40 days, what would you ask? You equate Christ with the Greek myths. But you did not research the origin of mythologies, and what makes the Bible stories so different from them. You need to research the origins of your beliefs and put your beliefs to the test. The Bible stories were written by eyewitnesses. The stories of Greek mythology were not. Homer is the origin of most of the Greek myths. But unlike the authors of the Bible, Homer did not eyewitness anything. Homer was blind. Born blind. In order to earn a living, he entertained the Greek armies by telling outrageous stories. What Bob Hope did for US troops, Homer did for ancient Greek troops. So the text of the Greek myths were built upon entertaining stories. Homer goal was to make money by entertaining. Christ and his apostle's goal was to show people that God exists and loves them. While Homer received money for his trouble, Christ and the Apostles got trouble for their toil. They received executions instead. People don't want a God, even if God loves them. While you are right in saying that the goal of many religions is to teach a moral code, that is certainly not the goal of Jesus. You cannot lump all relgions together. That's illogical. And trusting in Jesus is no more a religion than trusting in your mother. It's a relationship, not a religion. Jesus saves; not a religion. Jesus's goal is not to teach morals, but to make friends. Yeah, Jesus teaches some good morals like the Golden Rule, but that is a distant second to his real purpose. You are also right in saying that location and parents affect your beliefs. But in the end you believe what you want to believe. Your beliefs are your own responsibility. Your are accountable for whatever you do and believe. That's a truism regardless of circumstance. I may have been born into a Christian home, but that doesn't make me a Christian. Likewise, I may have been born in a garage, but that doesn't make me a car.
14 :
Man is a strange creature. We have an advanced intelligence and self awareness. Since we are aware, we know of the world around us.... and we want to no more. This is all part of a higher intelligence. Our spirits, as we percieve, are calling for the answer. We always want answers for everything, because we are intelligent enough to ask.... if a dog loses it's family in a flood, it will not grieve, it look for it's family or try to just survive. You may call it stupidity, but it is just that they do not have the ability to tell. Now my point on god. If we look at ancient times, when all these religons came about, the world was mainly ruled by empires and civilizations. Greece, Egypt, Persia, Babylon, Assyria, Israel, where all civilizations that had a main religon. The reason was that god was order. Ancient times was filled with war, and destruction, and so the gods were created to bring order. It put the public in line, and it gave them the answers to life, so they would shut up. This allowed order without the rulers having to waist so much power. And this made them stronger. Many powerful empires in ancient times were led by religon... and tried to destroy each other. Babylon invading Israel was an attempt to remove judiasm, and gain more power. Removing the center of one religon made that nation less powerful. Religon was a major reason for empires to exist, because the gods provided order, and reason. God is our savior, while humanity pledges wars everywhere. The world is slowly dying in our hands,as we suffocate it. God is our way to get over grief. And that is the only reason i believe religon shud exist. Worship, prayar, service to a figure. Why? Why does god need our love? He probably doesn't.. as i said above, religon should just be for help with grief, an outlet for despair. Of course many do not want that. They want the order and power that religon brought in the ancient times. To them theworld is horrible, the world is wrong, and they need obedience to a fake symbol so they can fix it. The truth is, the world was a beautiful ,wonderful place before we showed up. It was al in natural balance and harony... we just made it look evil. Religon is succesful because not of god's loves. nope. Not for heaven, either. It is succesful because of fear. Fear of hell, burning, punishement. Parents do not want their kids to burn, so they raise them the same way, and on the cycle goes. And thier r different versions of what god wants. And pple get pissed off at others that don't share the same idea. And they start wars, and destruction. The reason they do it is because they all want salvation... but it has to be the same... if one person is different from you, they are halting the perfection of the world... and they must be destroyed.... Religon should be to help us, not scare us, enslave us, murder us....
15 :
-I had a dilemma like this a few years ago when I was in 8th grade. Here's what I came up with: -If no religion is doing it for you, because of your logic, then you may have already found something to believe in: yourself, your reason. Belief, that is faith, is not confined to following a book or worshiping a higher being. It's simply a matter of holding on to something- an idea, a person, a goal, or even a fear, so that you feel a need to live. If their is something you want to do, have, know, or tell the world, then you have a reason to live. You have faith. -If pure logic on your part negates what you see in religious beliefs, then you believe in some, if not most of the things you've learned in your life. You have to figure out what you already believe in, even if it doesn't seem so important, and turn it into some kind of goal, something that you want. You have to also make sure you want it enough to go on with your life, and that would be the faith you are looking for. If you want it enough, you'll realize that alot of the questions you ask are probably pointless to answer. You and I don't need to know why we're here or what we are sopposed to do if we have set a goal for ourselves, and enough common sence to know what is odviously the right and wrong thing to do in a given situation. If you can believe in something, and seek to accomplish or aquire it, their is no point in believing in anything else. The only thing you can believe in, with absolute certainty, is what you want, because only you can figure out what you want. -That is easier said then done of coarse. Even if you do find your faith, it will probably be tested by others or by nature. You just have to make sure you have enough faith to get up in the morning and do your thing. Also keep in mind that faith is not an excuse to get what you want at the expense of others. That is where your sense of right and wrong needs to kick in. Quoting someone else: "It's not about changing the world... it's about respecting the will of others, while having your own." -To summerize, religion and faith are not one and the same thing. You need faith, you don't really need religion. To have faith is to have something to believe in, with an appropriate goal. That goal could be something you want, something you want others to have, or something you want to pass on to the next generation. As long as it keeps you wanting to live, your in good shape.
16 :
A lot of people are thinking the same way you are. me included. i am Unitarian (don't ask). i don't believe in any supreme power. i also think religion was invented when we couldn't understand the world around us but now that we have real explanations for the world (evolution included) religion serves a different purpose. it still lets people know what they can not understand (death) but also gives people reasons for doing something. people need a purpose for their life which is why they cling to religion. it is much easier to cling to a higher power controlling your destiny then it is to think were on our own. however, many religions teach lessons we should all live by (love one another etc.) but you should do them for the good of the world, not for an afterlife promise. best of luck to you. you'll never have all the answers, but maybe its better that way.
I have a great dilema which I just cant get over. I want to believe in something but it's just so difficult to "believe" once you bring logic into the question. I think of ancient greece, persia and rome. they had their own set of mythologies which at their time they believed was the supreme order of the world. however, in modern times we ridicule how they could have believed in such absurd things. however arent we doing the same thing? wont people from the future look down on us and laugh about how ignorant we are? of course the vatican and others will say that they have proof with a messiah and miracles but so did the greek, romans , persians, and chinese. if you talk with muslims they'll say all people who arent muslim will go to hell. if you talk to christians and most other religions they'll say the same thing. now how does this work out? of course i think about evolution and then i think of the creation theory which sounds absurd. i think of dinosaurs and i think of religious people saying the earth is only 12,000 years old. religion just seems like a device made my prehistoric man to control people and abide by a certain set of moral codes. of course some priest or something will answer this question and say god LOVES us all and he CREATED EVERYTHING....right. On what basis are you going on? you were born into a christian family and from birth they told you to be faithfull to jesus. if you were born in saudi arabia, you'd have grown up to be a muslim. now if your religion is based only on the LOCATION you were born in and what religion your PARENTS were, how is this fair? PLEASE SOMEONE GIVE ME SOME INPUT BESIDES THAT GOD LOVES US ALL. TELL ME THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE THINKING THE SAME THING I AM.
Religion & Spirituality - 16 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
the short answer is your not supposed to belive in reglion if it doesnt work for you and as you can see a bit og logic can disprove alot of reglion
2 :
This is God's Answer to YOU! "Say those without knowledge: "Why speaketh not Allah unto us? or why cometh not unto us a Sign?" So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts). Holy Quran Chapter 2:118 The people of the Book ask thee to cause a book to descend to them from heaven: Indeed they asked Moses for an even greater (miracle), for they said: "Show us Allah in public," but they were dazed for their presumption, with thunder and lightning. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear signs had come to them; even so we forgave them; and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority. Holy Quran Chapter 4:153 But never did a single one of the signs of their Lord reach them, but they turned away therefrom.Holy Quran Chapter 6 Verse 4 If thou couldst but see when they are confronted with the Fire! They will say: "Would that we were but sent back! Then would we not reject the signs of our Lord, but would be amongst those who believe!" Holy Quran Chapter 6 Verse 27 Those who reject our signs are deaf and dumb,- in the midst of darkness profound: whom Allah willeth, He leaveth to wander: whom He willeth, He placeth on the way that is straight.Holy Quran Chapter 6:39 They swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that if a (special) sign came to them, by it they would believe. Say: "Certainly (all) signs are in the power of Allah. but what will make you (Muslims) realise that (even) if (special) signs came, they will not believe."? Holy Quran Chapter 6, Verse 109 When there comes to them a sign (from Allah., They say: "We shall not believe until we receive one (exactly) like those received by Allah.s apostles." Allah knoweth best where (and how) to carry out His mission. Soon will the wicked be overtaken by humiliation before Allah, and a severe punishment, for all their plots. Holy Quran Chapter 6, Verse 124 Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or thy Lord (Himself), or certain of the signs of thy Lord! the day that certain of the signs of thy Lord do come, no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its faith. Say: "Wait ye: we too are waiting." Holy Quran Chapter 6, Verse 158
3 :
That pretty much sums up my reasoning. I was sitting in church when I was 12 years old, asking myself the same questions.
4 :
You're not alone in your thinking my friend, but there are answers. I'm not gonna sit here and tell you what they are. It is something you have to discover for yourself. Don't be discouraged or give up hope. Start with this, what can it hurt to sincerely ask God if he is real? Nobody will think any less of you. We have all pondered the same thing, but it is your place to find out.
5 :
How do we know your logic isn't flawed, for that matter how do you know that
6 :
You already have your answers. Religion is the means by which the powerful keep the uneducated poor with large families to feed and faithful to the church through fear of hell. You already know the history (as far as we know it) of this planet, do you still want to be involved in an organization that says it was crated in 6 days 12000 years ago? How does the bible explain dinosaurs? And their skeletons still around? Why does their god permit the horrid atrosities that take place here to happen? Why does he permit the weather to bring such absolute devastation? If there is a god, then he would control the weather. If you still want the copanionship of people in a warm environment, check out universalist unitarians or just get real andaccept the fact you're a free thinker, an atheist. I figured that out by myself at 8 years old and wouldn't go back to sunday school after that. My best to you in your search for the truth. I think you're there already, just don't know it yet.
7 :
I believe in God, a Great and Noble Creator of all. I have no faith in religions.
8 :
Because religion isn't something that you simply profess it needs to be manifested in your deeds which is why we will each have our deeds weighed and accounted for. So simply being raised in the right religion wont benefit you much, you need to put your faith into action.
9 :
You make an excellent point. Religion is just another invention of man. One of his earliest inventions and his worst. He invented religion when he came down out of the trees as a way to control the masses. He rubbed two sticks together and created fire and said let there be light and there was light. Shaman and Witchdoctors knew what they were doing it gave them a way to explain all the mysteries of life so they became the wise leaders and just as they do today they can explain every thing with God. Why would anyone want to believe?
10 :
The people of ancient Greece and Rome were trying to do the same thing we are now - connect with something greater than ourselves. A believer would say connect with God but if you have mind enough to know there probably is no God, it doesn't mean your search is over. We still have spiritual needs - the need to understand and connect with our own humanity, the need to love ourselves, to feel important, special and needed, the need for self-actualization. Some religions will survive because they help meet those needs. The rest will probably blink out of existence someday just as we do when we die. I feel just like you and probably did even more so a few years ago. When I first realized I was atheist, I was really frustrated that I couldn't just make myself believe as I wished. Then I realized the reason I wanted to believe in god was because it was easier than having to think about it. The thing is, once your realize there is no god, you never stop searching, thinking and growing. Unlike religion that tells you they have it all figured out and you just have to accept it.
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listen bro, first correction, dont follow what ppl say or do . use logic and common sense and read the religions book. It portray the religion. Let me tell u. I m a student of comparative religion studies. All the religion in the world are named after some leader or saint or the place where it originated for eg. after a leader like christians after jesus christ. Judaism after the tribe of Judah, Hinduism is a geographical name. Islam does not follow any man made thing. It is peace . Arabic word Salama.in hebrew Shalom . Islam is the religion of peace. Jesus was a muslim, he followed peace and saw was moses and abraham and Isaac and david solomon....noah.. Adam. they followed peace and One god They didnt ask ppl to worship them they asked ppl to worship and follow one God and submit to him only, that is the religion of peace.. Basically Islam means peace.It is to testify that is ther is only one god and Muhammed is the last and final messenger of God. It is the only religion that follows peace .that names peace. The followers of peace are the Muslims. Dont narrow the word religion, religion is a way of nlife. And Islam is the only religion that teaches u the conduct to follow the way of life. No where in the bible does the word bible come, but in the quran it is mentioned, as e gave jesus the injeel and david the psalms... so also wid other religions, idol and material worship are illogical i mean, Man should Worship his CREATOR not the CREATION. The media has played a major role in mis potraying the picture of muslims. A 52 year Muslim man marries a 19 year girl will come on the front headline but a christian or atheist or american father raping daughter will not be convered at all. Why? because that is common in the west rape and seducing and degradation of values of humans. Why? because If muslim word comes, the papers are sold faster. Muslims value human life Brother if you are logical and reason the truth then read the Quran, you'll find solution to all your problems , How much obsenity,crime,vulgarity,insecurity is there in the world, Islam removes all such and brings you into peace. you cant judge a religion by what the media shows. They show a bomb attack , and then report a Quran was found... wake up people . No where in the quran does the term Holy war come. Jihad means to struggle and strive, the media shows it as holy war. It is all false. Have you met any muslims...ofcouse there are black sheep in every community but the Majority Muslims are peace lovers. Read the Quran. It is the last and final testament of God. Islam teaches love,kindness to fellow men, peace, harmony, family, compassion. You ll get translation of the quran at the site www.islamicity.com/mosque/SURAI.HTM Dont just listen to what he or she say about something . If you see a bashed up mercedese benz will you blame the car that is is so bad or the driver. To know about the car you ll have to read its catalogue to know its value and speciallity. It is the same case. The Holy Quran is the only book in the entire world that says of it self:" This is the book where in there is no doubt." Read it and you will know the truth . By the way the fastest growing religion in the world Is Islam .Why?And it is not spread on gun point. Ask them.
12 :
What you need to do is to see the whole picture and not pay so much attention to the parts. It's rather like looking at a prism, the main colour is the White Light and this breaks down into various colours which can all dissolve back into the White Light. Religions would be similar. If I may, I'd like to quote the words of an author/healer as he puts it best: ------------------- ONE PRESENCE [The following is a Monthly Letter of April 1948, written by Dr Murdo MacDonald-Bayne, who established a healing centre "Sanctuary of the Silent Healing Power" based in South Africa at the time.] My dear friends, The other day I was in the company of several people, all animated with a friendly spirit, there was perfect harmony until one said he was of a certain religious faith. Immediately there was a coldness and the spirit of happiness disappeared because of the struggle to conform to certain beliefs. This happy group of people were on the verge of breaking up when I stepped into the breach and I want to tell you of this experience because it is a common occurrence with most people. I am sure this experience will help you also to help others to see beyond beliefs. For this is most important to us all. I spoke to them and explained that we were first of all human beings in whom the one Life is the only Reality and which we all depend upon for our existence and if we would take a few minutes to think we would see that beliefs were utterly false if they caused antagonisms and separation. If our beliefs divided us then we could not live in that "One Presence" of God inherent in each one and which was never antagonistic to Itself in any individual. This was the only truth and there could be no other and we must learn to think purely from the Presence within, for in this Presence there is no separation, no religions or differing cults or organizations, no nationality, or anything else that separated one Spiritual being from another. Now this is a tremendous truth and requires our earnest consideration. If we try to conform to a particular belief there is a constant struggle, but there is no need to struggle to "live." We live without struggle, but when we struggle to conform we put Life in a prison of our own making. Perhaps you grew up with your beliefs, but since then you never questioned them to see if they were true or not, and all your efforts were merely to adjust your actions to the dictates of another. You will see that this struggle, this effort to conform, to imitate does not lead to understanding but makes you a hypocrite and insincere to yourself and others. Hence you do not know what you really think, what you really feel, because you never doubt the pattern you are trying to conform to. To think clearly you must be free from prejudices, attachments, and the ideas of others. You know that God is Love, Wisdom, Healing and is omnipresent. You accept this as true, yet you will not discern that which is untrue, with the result that you perpetuate that which is false. If you will adhere to your divisions in nationality, in religion and the differing creeds and cults, politics, etc., then you cannot think purely, for you will only think in accordance with your belief which separates you and this is utterly false for the "Presence" cannot be divided against Itself. The "Presence" is indescribable and that which can be described is not the truth. But by becoming aware of the hindrances to your understanding, by discerning them, by confronting them, by penetrating them with pure thought you will free yourself from them, and thereby realize the Presence that is harmony, poise, love, understanding, wisdom, healing. Then you will become conscious of the falseness of all things that separate one from another. You will see these hindrances with their subtle variations that prevent you from living in the "Presence" that is Omnipresent and Eternal. The present is immortality, there is neither past nor future in the "Presence" for the "Presence" is always present and to live in the Present is Reality. The past is but experience and the future but hope tinged with apprehension. The "Presence" is the only "Life", the "One" and only Reality which gives rise to the individuality, and the individual who realizes this gives expression to the "Ever-Present Presence" which is all there is. This is Infinity and Infinity must include all as there is no outside It. The mind has a tendency to divide Spirit from matter, but when we look deeper we see that matter separate from energy does not exist and energy separate from Intelligence cannot exist and this Intelligence is the Spirit which is not only the "Presence" but IS the Omnipresence. It makes things by becoming the things It makes. So you see that all your hindrances are self-created through the illusion of separation, therefore they have no power except the power you give them. Therefore do not fight them, nor pacifically endure them, but become conscious that they are false. You become free by examining them, free from all attachments, free from all beliefs, free from all prejudices, free from all comparisons. If your mind is suffocated with these there cannot be true understanding of the "Truth that sets you free." The "Presence" requires no effort to express Itself. It Itself is pure action and in this there is freedom in the individual who realizes it and this is the supreme cosmic awareness in you. When you look around you, you will see a world in ignorance but that should not discourage you for it cannot affect the final issue. The world, ignorant of the truth, becomes an arena of competitive systems of material and spiritual conflicts which create quarrels. In the material sense there is the desire for security and this leads to a means of piling up wealth and possessions which only bring sorrow and conflict which lead to war between individuals and between nations. And in the spiritual sense there is the desire for immortality and this leads to the acquisition of virtue which leads to antagonism and separation; thus virtue becomes a vice. Man has separated the world into the material and the spiritual, but there is no separation anywhere, the one is but the expression of the other. The visible is but the expression of the invisible, what we see on the objective plane is but the result of the conscious manifestation of the Infinite, therefore every particle we see or feel is Infinite. Man, made in the image and likeness of God, is given power to discern the true nature of God. By this understanding we are able to see that which is false and a hindrance to the true expression of God in man. The more this is realized the greater is the awareness of God's manifestations. I want you to think, firstly, are you aware of the fact that you are conscious, and that this consciousness can be none other than the Infinite Consciousness individualized in you? For there can be no other Consciousness, the Infinite being all there is, and from this centre of Consciousness in you all thought and action must flow. I want you to think, secondly, are you aware of your thoughts? Or are you just reacting to things as they come to you? If you are just reacting then you are controlled by your environment, but if you can discern your thinking you can control your environment. You can become the active positive centre around which everything must move. It is your duty to become this positive centre not only to yourself but to the Divine Intelligence/ Love/ Being. Realize that the ether of space is the unparticled sea of Divine Mind and flows according to the direction given to it both by God and by you. It moves in the direction in which it is sent. This ether is the medium in which all things are created and through which all things are connected. It does not impair or retard the force you send into it, and it brings back to you precisely what you send forth. It transmits all mental currents from one to another, from Angels to men and from men to Angels. No wave or thought vibration can be impaired. Through the ether we can contact anyone, to heal or help those who ask. Through the ether we can contact spiritual forces in a fraction of a second and their aid is given immediately. Now try to realize what I have given you. It is better than rare silver and the rarest of gold, for no treasure is like unto it. * * *
13 :
There are good satisfactory logical answers to be had. You are only looking in the wrong place for authoritative answers. You are taking what other people say about religion, assuming it's authoritative, and believing it before testing its truthfulness for yourself. I am a physicist. Believe me, you should be researching on your own more. For example, evolution vs creation. You assume that to be a Christian means that you must believe that the earth is 12,000 years old. That's not true. That belief is not a prerequisite for being a Christian, and that belief is not what the Bible says anyway. You made two errors there. The Bible only says that God created the universe. It does not say how he did it, or how long it took him. Very few Christians believe that the earth is 6000 - 12,000 years old. Those who believe in the young earth never heard of James Ussher--the author of that miscalculation, or know why he was wrong. As opposed to what the Bible does not say, now consider what the Bible says: If you want a convincing scientific revelation to say the Bible is right, you should consider what the Bible says about the process by which God started the universe: "Let There Be Light." "Let There Be Light" is religious for "Big Bang". "Let There Be Light" is more scientifically descriptive than Big Bang. The Bible is the only religious text to correctly state the huge though obscure fact of how the universe was created. And it did so 2400 years before AT&T researchers discovered the cosmic background radiation. If you were logical, that should impress you. Moses wrote that down about 1400 BC. How did Moses know? Moses camped out with God on Mt Sinai for 40 days. If you could camp with God for 40 days, what would you ask? You equate Christ with the Greek myths. But you did not research the origin of mythologies, and what makes the Bible stories so different from them. You need to research the origins of your beliefs and put your beliefs to the test. The Bible stories were written by eyewitnesses. The stories of Greek mythology were not. Homer is the origin of most of the Greek myths. But unlike the authors of the Bible, Homer did not eyewitness anything. Homer was blind. Born blind. In order to earn a living, he entertained the Greek armies by telling outrageous stories. What Bob Hope did for US troops, Homer did for ancient Greek troops. So the text of the Greek myths were built upon entertaining stories. Homer goal was to make money by entertaining. Christ and his apostle's goal was to show people that God exists and loves them. While Homer received money for his trouble, Christ and the Apostles got trouble for their toil. They received executions instead. People don't want a God, even if God loves them. While you are right in saying that the goal of many religions is to teach a moral code, that is certainly not the goal of Jesus. You cannot lump all relgions together. That's illogical. And trusting in Jesus is no more a religion than trusting in your mother. It's a relationship, not a religion. Jesus saves; not a religion. Jesus's goal is not to teach morals, but to make friends. Yeah, Jesus teaches some good morals like the Golden Rule, but that is a distant second to his real purpose. You are also right in saying that location and parents affect your beliefs. But in the end you believe what you want to believe. Your beliefs are your own responsibility. Your are accountable for whatever you do and believe. That's a truism regardless of circumstance. I may have been born into a Christian home, but that doesn't make me a Christian. Likewise, I may have been born in a garage, but that doesn't make me a car.
14 :
Man is a strange creature. We have an advanced intelligence and self awareness. Since we are aware, we know of the world around us.... and we want to no more. This is all part of a higher intelligence. Our spirits, as we percieve, are calling for the answer. We always want answers for everything, because we are intelligent enough to ask.... if a dog loses it's family in a flood, it will not grieve, it look for it's family or try to just survive. You may call it stupidity, but it is just that they do not have the ability to tell. Now my point on god. If we look at ancient times, when all these religons came about, the world was mainly ruled by empires and civilizations. Greece, Egypt, Persia, Babylon, Assyria, Israel, where all civilizations that had a main religon. The reason was that god was order. Ancient times was filled with war, and destruction, and so the gods were created to bring order. It put the public in line, and it gave them the answers to life, so they would shut up. This allowed order without the rulers having to waist so much power. And this made them stronger. Many powerful empires in ancient times were led by religon... and tried to destroy each other. Babylon invading Israel was an attempt to remove judiasm, and gain more power. Removing the center of one religon made that nation less powerful. Religon was a major reason for empires to exist, because the gods provided order, and reason. God is our savior, while humanity pledges wars everywhere. The world is slowly dying in our hands,as we suffocate it. God is our way to get over grief. And that is the only reason i believe religon shud exist. Worship, prayar, service to a figure. Why? Why does god need our love? He probably doesn't.. as i said above, religon should just be for help with grief, an outlet for despair. Of course many do not want that. They want the order and power that religon brought in the ancient times. To them theworld is horrible, the world is wrong, and they need obedience to a fake symbol so they can fix it. The truth is, the world was a beautiful ,wonderful place before we showed up. It was al in natural balance and harony... we just made it look evil. Religon is succesful because not of god's loves. nope. Not for heaven, either. It is succesful because of fear. Fear of hell, burning, punishement. Parents do not want their kids to burn, so they raise them the same way, and on the cycle goes. And thier r different versions of what god wants. And pple get pissed off at others that don't share the same idea. And they start wars, and destruction. The reason they do it is because they all want salvation... but it has to be the same... if one person is different from you, they are halting the perfection of the world... and they must be destroyed.... Religon should be to help us, not scare us, enslave us, murder us....
15 :
-I had a dilemma like this a few years ago when I was in 8th grade. Here's what I came up with: -If no religion is doing it for you, because of your logic, then you may have already found something to believe in: yourself, your reason. Belief, that is faith, is not confined to following a book or worshiping a higher being. It's simply a matter of holding on to something- an idea, a person, a goal, or even a fear, so that you feel a need to live. If their is something you want to do, have, know, or tell the world, then you have a reason to live. You have faith. -If pure logic on your part negates what you see in religious beliefs, then you believe in some, if not most of the things you've learned in your life. You have to figure out what you already believe in, even if it doesn't seem so important, and turn it into some kind of goal, something that you want. You have to also make sure you want it enough to go on with your life, and that would be the faith you are looking for. If you want it enough, you'll realize that alot of the questions you ask are probably pointless to answer. You and I don't need to know why we're here or what we are sopposed to do if we have set a goal for ourselves, and enough common sence to know what is odviously the right and wrong thing to do in a given situation. If you can believe in something, and seek to accomplish or aquire it, their is no point in believing in anything else. The only thing you can believe in, with absolute certainty, is what you want, because only you can figure out what you want. -That is easier said then done of coarse. Even if you do find your faith, it will probably be tested by others or by nature. You just have to make sure you have enough faith to get up in the morning and do your thing. Also keep in mind that faith is not an excuse to get what you want at the expense of others. That is where your sense of right and wrong needs to kick in. Quoting someone else: "It's not about changing the world... it's about respecting the will of others, while having your own." -To summerize, religion and faith are not one and the same thing. You need faith, you don't really need religion. To have faith is to have something to believe in, with an appropriate goal. That goal could be something you want, something you want others to have, or something you want to pass on to the next generation. As long as it keeps you wanting to live, your in good shape.
16 :
A lot of people are thinking the same way you are. me included. i am Unitarian (don't ask). i don't believe in any supreme power. i also think religion was invented when we couldn't understand the world around us but now that we have real explanations for the world (evolution included) religion serves a different purpose. it still lets people know what they can not understand (death) but also gives people reasons for doing something. people need a purpose for their life which is why they cling to religion. it is much easier to cling to a higher power controlling your destiny then it is to think were on our own. however, many religions teach lessons we should all live by (love one another etc.) but you should do them for the good of the world, not for an afterlife promise. best of luck to you. you'll never have all the answers, but maybe its better that way.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Did I commit the unforgivable sin
Did I commit the unforgivable sin?
I am referring to Mark 3:29, where he speaks of Blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. When I was sixteen or so I was an atheist and stumbled across a site that had pictures of upside down crosses in the vatican. Looking back at it now I realize how naive I was and that the vatican would never harbor such things, that the photos were fakes. However, back then I was too dumb to realize that. I sent the pictures to a friend and suspected that the church was up to no good. I thought maybe there was some link to Satan; that the devil was somehow involved. I never specifically mentioned the Holy Spirit, but the vatican is a work of his, isn't it? I mean, to some degree doesn't the vatican represent the work of the Holy Spirit? I have just recently converted back to Christianity and now I am hit with this. It sucks. Even if I am condemned to hell, I'm still going to follow the faith...though I feel awful and am fearing death. What's your take on this? Did I commit the unforgivable sin? Also, I want to say to be honest with your feelings. What I've found is that my Christian brothers and sisters try to protect and reassure me, so I don't want compassion to sway your judgement. God bless. Thanks for your responses, it's really appreciated. Just wanted to mention that one person had stated that the vatican was a work of man, not the Holy Spirit. Do you agree with this? I am just trying to figure out who the offense was against, the church/God/Jesus (all of which can be forgiven) or the Holy Spirit (which can't be forgiven).
Religion & Spirituality - 31 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
just ask for forgiveness. :]
2 :
You did not. There is no sin that is unforgivable - if you believe that God is merciful and benificent.
3 :
just be righteous. don't let religion rule your life.
4 :
wow and to think that i was concerned about touching myself in the bathroom last night was bad. ur in far more trouble. lol
5 :
GOD is a forgiving GOD,truly repent and dont give up hope.
6 :
exacally! ask for forgivness and and fel sorrow in your heart as you do so. you WILL be forgiven man.
7 :
Tell it to Jesus in prayer. You will be forgiven. We all did things that we look back at and kinda winch at now. This is why God gave us his son. Salvation is ours through Christ. The answers that the people are giving you aren't out of compassion, but what we firmly believe. Ask your pastor.
8 :
Nothing you did before accepting Christ can be an unpardonable sin.
9 :
In my eyes there is no unforgivable sin and as long as you accept it was a sin and refrain from doing again. Merely ask for forgivness and accept the holy father and his son in your heart and in your sole and you will be forgiven and aloud to pass through the holly gates
10 :
What that passage is actually referring to is to witness the divine power of the Holy Ghost but to give credit for it to Satan or demonic powers. And it is a lifelong rebellion, not just a fleeting thing you did in your ignorant youth. God knows your heart.
11 :
this is like some reverse knowlege person
12 :
Great question, we have all done things in our past that seem unforgivable. The good news is that God forgives ANY sin. The unforgivable sin is not accepting Jesus and His Holy Spirit, which fills you. If you think about it, this makes sense. God sent us Christ who takes away all our sins. If we die without knowing Christ, this is a sin that is not forgivable, make sense? Feel secure in your salvation :-)
13 :
Absolutely no-you have not committed the unforgiveable sin, and no, again-the vatican is most definitely not the work of the Holy Spirit, especially when you consider the translation of vati-canus essentially means "habitation" of foul spirits. The vatican is Satan's mailing address on the earth. Period.
14 :
The "upside down cross" is the mark of "Saint John the Divine." He was so impressed with Christ and his sacrifice for man, that when he was impaled, he begged the Romans to not stake him as they would an ordinary criminal (as they did the Christ). So, they hung HIS cross upside down so that he would die in a manner different than his savior. This way, to St. John, Christs sacrifice would still be the "more holy" even than his sacrifice for Christ and his Church. So, the upside down Cross is also known as the "Cross of St. John the Divine." In no way is it unholy. However, since most of society never hears this story, they automatically assume, because its upside down, 'something must be wrong.' Someone must be disrespectful, but that's just ignorance, which you no longer are : ) So, no, you did NOT disrespect the Church, YOU THOUGHT you were STANDING UP FOR IT! http://www.lutheransonline.com/lo/206/FSLO-1134561205-111206.JPG
15 :
The fact that you fear God evidences that you have not commited and unforgiveable sin. I strongly believe that you are definately not condemned.
16 :
No big deal. All you did was pass on some tacky pictures.
17 :
I am a christian. No you did not commit the unforgivable sin. You are not going to hell if you love Jesus, and repent of your sins and turn from them. I know it is hard because satan is out to steal from us our joy. If ou have a personal relationship with Jesus you are saved. You will not be going to hell unless you turn your back on Jesus, which is unforgivalbe if you do and die. But hopfully you won't. YOU ARE SAVED. see you in Heaven really soon after the rapture
18 :
God is unconditional love. God forgives all. God also doesn't have silly preferences over how you love him/her/both. If you fear God, you must have a difficult time loving God. You must have a difficult time living. Forgive yourself! God IS Love. If you believe God is less than love and feels anything less than love for you, you have created a false God. That God you speak of (the hate, the damnation, the unforgiving, etc) is a God created in the image of man. Read some Neale Donald Walsh. God Bless!
19 :
You did what any human being do. You went through a stage of your life when you did things, you thought was right. If you believe in god, and god made us, then god should expect these things from us right? Kinda like the associative property. But either way, don't let religion rule your choices. Choose morality and logic over things that may or may not be true. :) pEACE
20 :
The inverted crucifixes themselves I'm afraid are enough to condemn you. If only you hadn't originally turned your back on God you might still have redemption. However what you said about following the faith dispite being bound for hell is good, as your message might prevent other children from meeting a similiar fate.
21 :
The unforgivable sin was when the Catholic Church knowingly moved pedophile priests to another parish where they could molest other children, instead of having them brought to justice.
22 :
A. As a Nonbeliever Before you became a believing Christian, if you were not aware of the laws and did not commit to following Christ, by definition you are not capable of committing "blasphemy" or "heresy" which can only be done by a church member under the laws. You might have committed an apostasy or other transgression, but these are forgiveable since you did not have knowledge or understanding that this was disobeying any laws. B. As a Christian The Holy Spirit is comfort and healing that comes with forgiveness, it is loving speech instead of inciting more division unforgiveness. The only unforgiven sin is "unforgiveness" because it blocks God's will. As long as you forgive yourself, seek to correct the fault, and ask God's help to heal and correct, then the spirit of your actions is in line with the Holy Spirit and not against it. As long as you speak and act in the spirit of "Charity" that is the spirit of Christ or "Christianity." So please be charitable, loving and forgiving toward yourself and others, and God will do the rest! Only if you refused to forgive the church or yourself, and kept spreading unforgiveness by angry thoughts, words, or actions, that could not be healed until all was given to God through repentance and forgiven. However in this case, it seems you are not only aware but sincerely sorry for your fault. And you are using it to understand an important distinction, which is good. As long as you accept Jesus' gift of forgiveness that allows the Holy Spirit, God's healing comfort and grace, to enter and correct the fault. I think the only reason this bothers you is God is using it to teach you something, so once you find the right answer you will know it is fine.
23 :
Here's how I've always looked at this question, (BTW I'm agnostic but see the goodness in true Christianity, which is what appears to be what you are following...emphasis on true) When cursing the Holy Spirit, I believe that to do something like that you either a) have to be ignorant of your actions at the time or b) to have so far away from the Faith that, and so against the Lord that you would never have any desire to turn towards the light. In your case it sounds that you were ignorant of your actions, and are extraordinarily regretful of your actions. I say your golden and to not worry about it.
24 :
My take on this is that you are very young and naive. Do not allow churches to instill fear of hell into you. The churches have been lying, do some research ,open some books ,you will find out the truth.
25 :
While I am not a minister, I would say that you are most likely ok. Make sure you ask for forgiveness, however, don't think that just telling us is going to make it ok. I will let better minds than mine explain the unforgivable sin to you. But I will say that if you had truly committed that sin, you would not have come back into the fold and you would not be feeling this guilt now. Does that make sense? Anyway, welcome back. And may God bless you. Edit: To those of you who explained the St Peter Cross, thank you. I admit I was wondering. I saw a representation of the Last Supper done with crosses, and I couldn't figure out who the upside down one represented. At the time, I figured it was Judas. Now that I know the truth, the carving makes much more sense.
26 :
Now that you are a Christian , God says to go and sin no more . Study the life of Paul who was the killer of Christians . His life and words are very inspirational . It's not about conversion it's about being saved . I don't think you were before . Make it your study to do all the things you didn't do right the first time . Baptism etc. Read the whole Bible . You will find the help you need there and in prayer .
27 :
What bible did you read... there is One and only one "unforgivable Sin". do you know what that is? God says that a man can be forgiven for any crime against god except one. He will even forgive you for Murder. (although your still going to hell) But God said that to "Take your own Life" is unforgivable. And no the vatican, catholosism and and even the pope are not works of the Holy Spirit. They are The work of Men. Find your faith!!! Lose your Religion!!!
28 :
1) The upside down cross is known in Roman Catholicism as St. Peter's Cross. This is due to Church history, which claims that Peter was crucified upside down. The RCC teaches that the pope is the successor of Peter - in other words, that Peter was the first pope (bishop of Rome). So, it is quite likely that the pictures were accurate. The most likely place to find St. Peter's Crosses is in Rome. 2) You may be correct in this analysis. Let's assume that the Vatican *is* a work of the Holy Spirit. Is it certain? Can it be confirmed? Did you know that it was? The gospel passages where some blasphemed against the Holy Spirit: Mat 12:22-32, Mar 3:28-30, Luk 12:10. Mat is most detailed, and it seems clear that the sin arose after the exorcism of a demon (something that only David had done in scripture - see verse 23). The Pharisees - the scholars of scripture, who new better than anyone except Jesus what was of God and what was not - claimed that it was the power of "Beelzebul" which Jesus used. This was not spoken in ignorance, but with understanding. The intent was to discredit the work of God being done through Jesus by means of the Holy Spirit. (It *seems* that they were opposed because he, not a priest of any rank, was performing the work of God). Thus, it appears that blaspheming against the Holy Spirit requires 1) that you believe in God 2) that you recognize the performance of an unambiguous work of the Holy Spirit 3) and then you discount the Godly miracle by claiming that it was performed by some agency or power not Godly. I think you're safe. Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com
29 :
Mortal sin or not, I don't think that you would be in this state of repentance if you had committed this act. There is much debate on what this means anyway. And there are many 16 year olds that are scholarly enough to be able to accomplish a sin that hardly anyone recognises anyway. If you are Catholic, go to confession and get on with life.
30 :
God bless your heart, The greatest gift our God has given every living soul is salvation through our Savior Jesus Christ. Excepting his sacrifice and acknowledging that he died for our sins and rose again to fulfill the prophesies than we can be saved. Don't let the enemy try to convince you that you are condemned, Only God will judge. Ask for forgiveness with your heart and you will be forgiven.
I am referring to Mark 3:29, where he speaks of Blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. When I was sixteen or so I was an atheist and stumbled across a site that had pictures of upside down crosses in the vatican. Looking back at it now I realize how naive I was and that the vatican would never harbor such things, that the photos were fakes. However, back then I was too dumb to realize that. I sent the pictures to a friend and suspected that the church was up to no good. I thought maybe there was some link to Satan; that the devil was somehow involved. I never specifically mentioned the Holy Spirit, but the vatican is a work of his, isn't it? I mean, to some degree doesn't the vatican represent the work of the Holy Spirit? I have just recently converted back to Christianity and now I am hit with this. It sucks. Even if I am condemned to hell, I'm still going to follow the faith...though I feel awful and am fearing death. What's your take on this? Did I commit the unforgivable sin? Also, I want to say to be honest with your feelings. What I've found is that my Christian brothers and sisters try to protect and reassure me, so I don't want compassion to sway your judgement. God bless. Thanks for your responses, it's really appreciated. Just wanted to mention that one person had stated that the vatican was a work of man, not the Holy Spirit. Do you agree with this? I am just trying to figure out who the offense was against, the church/God/Jesus (all of which can be forgiven) or the Holy Spirit (which can't be forgiven).
Religion & Spirituality - 31 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
just ask for forgiveness. :]
2 :
You did not. There is no sin that is unforgivable - if you believe that God is merciful and benificent.
3 :
just be righteous. don't let religion rule your life.
4 :
wow and to think that i was concerned about touching myself in the bathroom last night was bad. ur in far more trouble. lol
5 :
GOD is a forgiving GOD,truly repent and dont give up hope.
6 :
exacally! ask for forgivness and and fel sorrow in your heart as you do so. you WILL be forgiven man.
7 :
Tell it to Jesus in prayer. You will be forgiven. We all did things that we look back at and kinda winch at now. This is why God gave us his son. Salvation is ours through Christ. The answers that the people are giving you aren't out of compassion, but what we firmly believe. Ask your pastor.
8 :
Nothing you did before accepting Christ can be an unpardonable sin.
9 :
In my eyes there is no unforgivable sin and as long as you accept it was a sin and refrain from doing again. Merely ask for forgivness and accept the holy father and his son in your heart and in your sole and you will be forgiven and aloud to pass through the holly gates
10 :
What that passage is actually referring to is to witness the divine power of the Holy Ghost but to give credit for it to Satan or demonic powers. And it is a lifelong rebellion, not just a fleeting thing you did in your ignorant youth. God knows your heart.
11 :
this is like some reverse knowlege person
12 :
Great question, we have all done things in our past that seem unforgivable. The good news is that God forgives ANY sin. The unforgivable sin is not accepting Jesus and His Holy Spirit, which fills you. If you think about it, this makes sense. God sent us Christ who takes away all our sins. If we die without knowing Christ, this is a sin that is not forgivable, make sense? Feel secure in your salvation :-)
13 :
Absolutely no-you have not committed the unforgiveable sin, and no, again-the vatican is most definitely not the work of the Holy Spirit, especially when you consider the translation of vati-canus essentially means "habitation" of foul spirits. The vatican is Satan's mailing address on the earth. Period.
14 :
The "upside down cross" is the mark of "Saint John the Divine." He was so impressed with Christ and his sacrifice for man, that when he was impaled, he begged the Romans to not stake him as they would an ordinary criminal (as they did the Christ). So, they hung HIS cross upside down so that he would die in a manner different than his savior. This way, to St. John, Christs sacrifice would still be the "more holy" even than his sacrifice for Christ and his Church. So, the upside down Cross is also known as the "Cross of St. John the Divine." In no way is it unholy. However, since most of society never hears this story, they automatically assume, because its upside down, 'something must be wrong.' Someone must be disrespectful, but that's just ignorance, which you no longer are : ) So, no, you did NOT disrespect the Church, YOU THOUGHT you were STANDING UP FOR IT! http://www.lutheransonline.com/lo/206/FSLO-1134561205-111206.JPG
15 :
The fact that you fear God evidences that you have not commited and unforgiveable sin. I strongly believe that you are definately not condemned.
16 :
No big deal. All you did was pass on some tacky pictures.
17 :
I am a christian. No you did not commit the unforgivable sin. You are not going to hell if you love Jesus, and repent of your sins and turn from them. I know it is hard because satan is out to steal from us our joy. If ou have a personal relationship with Jesus you are saved. You will not be going to hell unless you turn your back on Jesus, which is unforgivalbe if you do and die. But hopfully you won't. YOU ARE SAVED. see you in Heaven really soon after the rapture
18 :
God is unconditional love. God forgives all. God also doesn't have silly preferences over how you love him/her/both. If you fear God, you must have a difficult time loving God. You must have a difficult time living. Forgive yourself! God IS Love. If you believe God is less than love and feels anything less than love for you, you have created a false God. That God you speak of (the hate, the damnation, the unforgiving, etc) is a God created in the image of man. Read some Neale Donald Walsh. God Bless!
19 :
You did what any human being do. You went through a stage of your life when you did things, you thought was right. If you believe in god, and god made us, then god should expect these things from us right? Kinda like the associative property. But either way, don't let religion rule your choices. Choose morality and logic over things that may or may not be true. :) pEACE
20 :
The inverted crucifixes themselves I'm afraid are enough to condemn you. If only you hadn't originally turned your back on God you might still have redemption. However what you said about following the faith dispite being bound for hell is good, as your message might prevent other children from meeting a similiar fate.
21 :
The unforgivable sin was when the Catholic Church knowingly moved pedophile priests to another parish where they could molest other children, instead of having them brought to justice.
22 :
A. As a Nonbeliever Before you became a believing Christian, if you were not aware of the laws and did not commit to following Christ, by definition you are not capable of committing "blasphemy" or "heresy" which can only be done by a church member under the laws. You might have committed an apostasy or other transgression, but these are forgiveable since you did not have knowledge or understanding that this was disobeying any laws. B. As a Christian The Holy Spirit is comfort and healing that comes with forgiveness, it is loving speech instead of inciting more division unforgiveness. The only unforgiven sin is "unforgiveness" because it blocks God's will. As long as you forgive yourself, seek to correct the fault, and ask God's help to heal and correct, then the spirit of your actions is in line with the Holy Spirit and not against it. As long as you speak and act in the spirit of "Charity" that is the spirit of Christ or "Christianity." So please be charitable, loving and forgiving toward yourself and others, and God will do the rest! Only if you refused to forgive the church or yourself, and kept spreading unforgiveness by angry thoughts, words, or actions, that could not be healed until all was given to God through repentance and forgiven. However in this case, it seems you are not only aware but sincerely sorry for your fault. And you are using it to understand an important distinction, which is good. As long as you accept Jesus' gift of forgiveness that allows the Holy Spirit, God's healing comfort and grace, to enter and correct the fault. I think the only reason this bothers you is God is using it to teach you something, so once you find the right answer you will know it is fine.
23 :
Here's how I've always looked at this question, (BTW I'm agnostic but see the goodness in true Christianity, which is what appears to be what you are following...emphasis on true) When cursing the Holy Spirit, I believe that to do something like that you either a) have to be ignorant of your actions at the time or b) to have so far away from the Faith that, and so against the Lord that you would never have any desire to turn towards the light. In your case it sounds that you were ignorant of your actions, and are extraordinarily regretful of your actions. I say your golden and to not worry about it.
24 :
My take on this is that you are very young and naive. Do not allow churches to instill fear of hell into you. The churches have been lying, do some research ,open some books ,you will find out the truth.
25 :
While I am not a minister, I would say that you are most likely ok. Make sure you ask for forgiveness, however, don't think that just telling us is going to make it ok. I will let better minds than mine explain the unforgivable sin to you. But I will say that if you had truly committed that sin, you would not have come back into the fold and you would not be feeling this guilt now. Does that make sense? Anyway, welcome back. And may God bless you. Edit: To those of you who explained the St Peter Cross, thank you. I admit I was wondering. I saw a representation of the Last Supper done with crosses, and I couldn't figure out who the upside down one represented. At the time, I figured it was Judas. Now that I know the truth, the carving makes much more sense.
26 :
Now that you are a Christian , God says to go and sin no more . Study the life of Paul who was the killer of Christians . His life and words are very inspirational . It's not about conversion it's about being saved . I don't think you were before . Make it your study to do all the things you didn't do right the first time . Baptism etc. Read the whole Bible . You will find the help you need there and in prayer .
27 :
What bible did you read... there is One and only one "unforgivable Sin". do you know what that is? God says that a man can be forgiven for any crime against god except one. He will even forgive you for Murder. (although your still going to hell) But God said that to "Take your own Life" is unforgivable. And no the vatican, catholosism and and even the pope are not works of the Holy Spirit. They are The work of Men. Find your faith!!! Lose your Religion!!!
28 :
1) The upside down cross is known in Roman Catholicism as St. Peter's Cross. This is due to Church history, which claims that Peter was crucified upside down. The RCC teaches that the pope is the successor of Peter - in other words, that Peter was the first pope (bishop of Rome). So, it is quite likely that the pictures were accurate. The most likely place to find St. Peter's Crosses is in Rome. 2) You may be correct in this analysis. Let's assume that the Vatican *is* a work of the Holy Spirit. Is it certain? Can it be confirmed? Did you know that it was? The gospel passages where some blasphemed against the Holy Spirit: Mat 12:22-32, Mar 3:28-30, Luk 12:10. Mat is most detailed, and it seems clear that the sin arose after the exorcism of a demon (something that only David had done in scripture - see verse 23). The Pharisees - the scholars of scripture, who new better than anyone except Jesus what was of God and what was not - claimed that it was the power of "Beelzebul" which Jesus used. This was not spoken in ignorance, but with understanding. The intent was to discredit the work of God being done through Jesus by means of the Holy Spirit. (It *seems* that they were opposed because he, not a priest of any rank, was performing the work of God). Thus, it appears that blaspheming against the Holy Spirit requires 1) that you believe in God 2) that you recognize the performance of an unambiguous work of the Holy Spirit 3) and then you discount the Godly miracle by claiming that it was performed by some agency or power not Godly. I think you're safe. Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com
29 :
Mortal sin or not, I don't think that you would be in this state of repentance if you had committed this act. There is much debate on what this means anyway. And there are many 16 year olds that are scholarly enough to be able to accomplish a sin that hardly anyone recognises anyway. If you are Catholic, go to confession and get on with life.
30 :
God bless your heart, The greatest gift our God has given every living soul is salvation through our Savior Jesus Christ. Excepting his sacrifice and acknowledging that he died for our sins and rose again to fulfill the prophesies than we can be saved. Don't let the enemy try to convince you that you are condemned, Only God will judge. Ask for forgiveness with your heart and you will be forgiven.
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