I think any religion that is worthwhile is much more practical than study. One of the places where religion stands or falls is whether their followers can live better lives. If religion can't do that, what's the point?
Eh. I feel it's both. I was reading about American culture converts (
not all are westerners) read a lot when they go into practice while others from other cultures are more practice oriented. For example, if I don't know what I'm believing in and don't understand it, why believe it? Then on the other hand, why would someone practice if they don't know the foundation of their faith beyond their god(s), prophet, or teacher? That, and I love reading. I guess different strokes for different folks. I honestly don't see how practice is better than study. If one loves to study, their practice deepens. That, and the study will have more meaning when it's a reflection of the practice.
Revelation isn't teachings for practical living like other parts of the bible. Its about prophecy in relationship to world events as they pertain to religion. Its there to be unsealed by those who claim to be the followers of the Returned Christ.
I can't really comment. I know you used to be Christian but since you have a Bahai twist, I wouldn't know spiritually unless I speak with a practicing christian. There were a lot of symbolism, I guess, in revelations. That's the part I couldn't get through.
Its good you found a practice in Catholicism that worked for you, but there are other ways of approaching the practice of Christianity other than Catholicism. Understanding scripture and symbolism unlocks new perceptions and ways of practicing.
I
love Catholicism. If I went back to Christianity, it would be Catholicism. I don't know any other faith that is closer to Christ than a living and sacramental relationship with him. I've been to many other churches and they don't give me that type of devotion. Study, yes. Charismatic, yes. Worship and devotion. No. That and as a convert, I'd be more likely than many to study my bible. Many older Catholics were told not to read their bibles. I am seeing that change.
That's good to understand it literally, providing you appreciate there are diverse approaches to the same scripture.
Yeah. Took awhile. When you live it, you see the bible come alive in The Church. If you're just studying it and finding what's wrong with it, then yes, The Church will be that of satan. What can I say?
Because there is a better way of understanding the resurrection that makes better sense to me, and others like me.
Different strokes?
It is a shame really. Christianity is part of our culture and who we are. I have continued to make the teachings of Christ part of who I am. It would be a huge loss not to have that.
That's what I don't like really. Christianity is part of my culture but it does not make up who I am as a person. Im glad, though, I wasnt raised in a faith. It makes it easier to find what connects to me not just part of my outer family.
I think its good for you to practice Buddhism. Maybe in the future you can look at the Teachings of Christ from a new perspective that isn't so negative.
How do you look at killing and sacrifice as positive? Analogy or not, its wrapped around sacrifice. Thats kinda like saying one day I'll support the death penalty because I will one day see justice in killing human beings.
The practice is beautiful. The foundation is not. I like some books in the OT palsm and further. I dont agree with heirarchy religions.
I wouldn't want any part of a religion like that for sure.
We have different definitions of religion. If you do something in your faith, have doctrine oral or written, and live it, to me, thats religion.
Then that sounds like the best religion for you at this stage in your life.
This stage?
We took refuges for the rest of our lives.
Some things are literal, and others symbolic. We need to learn the wisdom to distinguish the two.
I can see that. When you say symbolic to a christian, youre saying his faith isnt a fact but symbolic or a metaphor. It depreciates that persons faith.