Is there a "religion" which........

FFH said:

One strange benefit of paying tithes and offerings is that many people in my life that harassed me in the past, when I wasn't paying tithes and offerings, seemed to strangely disappear from my life, it was weird. Remember just paying tithes won't work as well as when it's accompanied with an offering.

Try it for a few months and see what happens.

This is the main tithe and offering scripture. Click on it and read it in it's entirety.

Mal. 3: 11
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.

3 Ne. 24: 11
And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the fields, saith the Lord of Hosts.

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Tithing is unscriptural in the NT

Father Heathen said:

Sounds like racketeering.

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whats that??

God has set many religious choices in front of us for us to freely choose, and there are many good religions in the world, which have a purpose, which is to help many to progress in this life,

The LDS religion has the most truth.

FFH said:

Wow, 21, I forgot that part.

I know it's hard to wear garments IN THIS LIFE, but really is it that much of a sacrafice, in order to keep physically and spiritually safe from Satan's harm.

Satan is jealous of us, because we have physical bodies and a chance at becoming like God and enjoying what he enjoys. It's all worth it, keep looking forward to the prize, which is eternal life with God, our families and friends (those who obey God's principles and perform his holy ordinances found in the LDS faith).

My wife was the first person to join the LDS faith/church in her family. Her mother joined a year later and her father had already passed away, she has one brother and he has not joined, as have any of her extended family, but we've done all their temple work of those who have passed on.

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I understand the reasons for wearing them! I just find it difficult to adjust. Say if a couple went on holiday, do they never sunbathe? or go to the beach?. Half my holidays are spent round a pool sunbathing! I know you only get the garments once you go through the temple, but surely the same clothing should apply prior and I have seen LDS girls in strap tops and bikinis! I am still a little confused on when it is OK to take off the garment!

I am sounding really selfish arent I????

Dream Angel said:

I couldnt have explained it better myself!

Of course you can ask....to be honest I have never read the bible and do not know it very well. I am going by what I have heard and others understanding of it. For example, gay marriages, the death sentence, the way God commands people to be killed etc. Hmmm...other points which are not related to the bible, but to churches, The LDS Church - I had issues with the tithing and the undergarments idea when you went through the temple (to be honest, that is probably me being used to one way of life already! I dont Know for sure though! lol). To other christian churches - The Trinity idea. (Though as another thread I have started says, i am confused as to what exactly each denomination believes). There are other things, but I cant think of them right now! lol!

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If you believe in (a) deity/ies but don't want to be controlled by it/them - you want a lot of freedom - perhaps you should look into the Left Hand Path. There are religions in it other than Satanism (not that there's anything wrong with Satanism, it just seems to have a bad name to people who don't know much about it) and don't let people make you think it's "evil". Approach it with an open mind, willing to learn.

Father Heathen said:

Sounds like racketeering.

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Tithing was established in the Old Testament and Christ NEVER abolished this commandment.

Reiðrœska;1293028 said:

If you believe in (a) deity/ies but don't want to be controlled by it/them - you want a lot of freedom - perhaps you should look into the Left Hand Path. There are religions in it other than Satanism (not that there's anything wrong with Satanism, it just seems to have a bad name to people who don't know much about it) and don't let people make you think it's "evil". Approach it with an open mind, willing to learn.

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I have considered it before now...the only issue is that if there is indeed a Satan, then that will automatically prove that there is a God - which would solve my issue! (partly!)

Dream Angel said:

believes in "God", but is more relaxed for lack of a better word....

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Every religion, including Christianity, has branches of it that are more "relaxed", less dogmatic, and will allow you to explore. But quite honestly, you sound like a UU to me!

Unitarian Universalism is a religion that doesn't claim to have all of the answers, tho we are clear on certain core values like reason and respect, and that will give you the room to explore and grow in your spiritual journey, along with other UUs.

http://www.religiousforums.com/foru...sm/171-unitarian-universalist-basic-info.html
http://www.religiousforums.com/foru...3-frequently-asked-questions-about-uuism.html

Wandered Off said:

You may want to check into pantheism, panentheism, or deism. All are somewhat along the lines you mention.

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All of these are fine and important to check out during one's explorations. But they are not religions so to speak. They are theological positions on the nature of God. I am a panentheist (and a process theist, and an existentialist....) But my religion is Unitarian Universalism.

Dream Angel said:

I understand the reasons for wearing them! I just find it difficult to adjust. Say if a couple went on holiday, do they never sunbathe? or go to the beach?. Half my holidays are spent round a pool sunbathing! I know you only get the garments once you go through the temple, but surely the same clothing should apply prior and I have seen LDS girls in strap tops and bikinis! I am still a little confused on when it is OK to take off the garment!

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Of course they sunbathe and go to the beach! And they change out of their garments and into swimming suits when they do. They change into tennis clothes when they play tennis, etc. etc. You're right that we stress modesty even for members of the Church who have never been through the temple, but that doesn't mean that you need to go around covered from head to toe. It's possibly to dress modestly and still be stylish. That was one of the first things I can recall you mentioning to me when you first attended an LDS Church.

I am sounding really selfish arent I????

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No.

AK4 said:

Tithing is unscriptural in the NT

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Really? Could you provide some evidence for that statement, please?

Katzpur said:

Of course they sunbathe and go to the beach! And they change out of their garments and into swimming suits when they do. They change into tennis clothes when they play tennis, etc. etc. You're right that we stress modesty even for members of the Church who have never been through the temple, but that doesn't mean that you need to go around covered from head to toe. It's possibly to dress modestly and still be stylish. That was one of the first things I can recall you mentioning to me when you first attended an LDS Church.

No.

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Thanks Katz! Yes I do remember me saying that now you mention it!

Dream Angel, I just wanted to share this with you. Please don’t take this as any means to sway you to my religion, but I want to just give you a different perspective to consider taking in your search for whatever it is you find yourself looking for.

I view the Divine as an all-encompassing Essence of sorts. It is the energy/spark of life that flows through all. Our spirits are but mere small parts of it. It is us that sort of form the gods. That is, since we are a part of the Divine, not only do we receive from it, but contribute to it as well. I’m not saying that the gods don’t exist, but that our own thoughts, emotions, desires and so on contribute to their existence. We have gods for love, family, war, peace, hunting, work, and so on and so forth. These, according to my beliefs, are the manifestations of Essence of those qualities.

This being the case, then no god is “right” or “wrong”. All paths (religions) are just as valid as any other as ways of connecting to the overall Divine, no matter what form/s you use to worship through. Now this would mean that the “rules” and “laws” written by men about the gods have to be taken with great consideration. Being that so many disagree and that different gods reflect different qualities in men, you cannot just take one religion’s renderings as absolute fact. It takes searching one’s own heart and the willingness to search for the god/s that seem most to resonate with your own spark of Divine that is who you are. Only then can you even narrow down which religion adheres most closely to your beliefs. And for that matter, religion isn't necessary to believe anything, it’s a way to practice worship, so your own beliefs ARE your own religion.

Now, I’m not saying that you should believe all this, as I realize it can be a far cry from what a lot of people are familiar with and therefore have a hard time in mentally digesting, but if one looks at things in this manner they find a way to respect other religions’ concepts of deity, even if we don’t respect their actions with regard to what their deity wants. It also gives less worry about whether one is on the “right” path, as all paths have the same origin and the same destination, it is only the scenery that differs on each. If you can accept this, then you should be able to eliminate all worry about repercussions for choosing the “wrong” path and find your place in whatever religion resounds harmoniously with your spirit. Even if it is just your own and no one else’s.

AK4 said:

Tithing is unscriptural in the NT

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That is true. The NT actually requires you to give everything over of your possessions, not just 1/10th. I wonder how many of us are willing to do that.

• All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
  (Acts 2:44-45)

• There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
  (Acts 4:34-37)

Dream Angel said:

I understand the reasons for wearing them! I just find it difficult to adjust. Say if a couple went on holiday, do they never sunbathe? or go to the beach?. Half my holidays are spent round a pool sunbathing! I know you only get the garments once you go through the temple, but surely the same clothing should apply prior and I have seen LDS girls in strap tops and bikinis! I am still a little confused on when it is OK to take off the garment!

I am sounding really selfish arent I????

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Don't look to other LDS members for examples on how Christ wants us to live, none of us are perfect, only Christ.

Garments should be taken off when bathing, swimming, sports, etc.

lilithu said:

That is true. The NT actually requires you to give everything over of your possessions, not just 1/10th. I wonder how many of us are willing to do that.

• All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
  (Acts 2:44-45)

• There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
  (Acts 4:34-37)

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Wow, great post !!!

lilithu said:

That is true. The NT actually requires you to give everything over of your possessions, not just 1/10th. I wonder how many of us are willing to do that.

• All that believed were together, and had all things in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
  (Acts 2:44-45)

• There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
  (Acts 4:34-37)

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It has a deeper meaning than giving anything physical--you give all of you as a "tithe". Physical possesions mean little

AK4 said:

It has a deeper meaning than giving anything physical--you give all of you as a "tithe". Physical possesions mean little

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Except to those are looking for excuses not to part with them. Why do you think Jesus said it was so hard for the rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven?

AK4 said:

It has a deeper meaning than giving anything physical--you give all of you as a "tithe". Physical possesions mean little

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Interesting... so when Jesus said to "sell all of your possessions, give the money to the poor, and then follow me" we're not supposed to take that literally? It's metaphorical?

I can accept that. (Hey, I'm not yet ready to part with all of my possessions either, which is why I only tithe.) But I do wonder... how do you know when you're supposed to take what he said literally and when you're supposed to take it metaphorically? I mean, when he talks about the difference between sewing mustards seeds on rocky and fertile land that seems pretty obviously a metaphor. But when he says "sell all your stuff and come follow me" that sounds pretty literal to me. How do you know it's not?

lilithu said:

Interesting... so when Jesus said to "sell all of your possessions, give the money to the poor, and then follow me" we're not supposed to take that literally? It's metaphorical?

I can accept that. (Hey, I'm not yet ready to part with all of my possessions either, which is why I only tithe.) But I do wonder... how do you know when you're supposed to take what he said literally and when you're supposed to take it metaphorically? I mean, when he talks about the difference between sewing mustards seeds on rocky and fertile land that seems pretty obviously a metaphor. But when he says "sell all your stuff and come follow me" that sounds pretty literal to me. How do you know it's not?

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Good topic for a thread.

lilithu said:

Interesting... so when Jesus said to "sell all of your possessions, give the money to the poor, and then follow me" we're not supposed to take that literally? It's metaphorical?

I can accept that. (Hey, I'm not yet ready to part with all of my possessions either, which is why I only tithe.) But I do wonder... how do you know when you're supposed to take what he said literally and when you're supposed to take it metaphorically? I mean, when he talks about the difference between sewing mustards seeds on rocky and fertile land that seems pretty obviously a metaphor. But when he says "sell all your stuff and come follow me" that sounds pretty literal to me. How do you know it's not?

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Jesus only spoke in parables

Mt 13:34 - Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.
Mr 4:34 -He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Jesus is the God of the OT also. When talking to the multitudes he always speaks in parables and only to His disciples did He sometimes speak plainly. Where every it is God speaking to the masses in the OT its also a parable or has a higher meaning behind it.

The Word is still speaking to the masses and multitudes today. Those who God calls and chooses and gives eyes to see and ears to hear, He is speaking plainly, but to most of mankind right now its all parables and they wont understand or misconstrue His Word.

Proverbs 1:1-6 1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-- 6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. Did you know that the whole Word of God is a parable? Most do not know that. And Jesus said if you can understand just this one parable you can understand them all.

Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." 10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'" 13 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?

Anyone who God is speaking through, prophets and apostles, God is speaking in a parable. Look up the definition of parable and you may see what i am saying.

Hope this helps---