I've made the decision to find religion....Now What??

[mredskins]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

That's the part of religion that causes more people to go to church so that more hands can pass the offering plate.

There is big money in religion, never lose sight of that. Some churches are just there for the money.

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box. Religion is the smile on a dog

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by mredskins

There is big money in religion, never lose sight of that. Some churches are just there for the money.

Don't forget the mind control. And the voting bloc power. And the need for control over all aspects of a society...

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by DynamiteRave

I don't think there is such thing as a "Christian lifestyle" Christianity is what you make it out to be.

I think it was Hog1 that had a quote in his sig that said something on the order of "Going to sit in church makes you as much of a Christian as standing in your garage makes you a car."

And it honestly makes a lot of sense. If you wanna go to church to help you gain a greater love a knowledge of God, go for it. But Christianity starts within you. You've already seem to have embraced God's love and sacrifice and not to minimize the importance of church, but the rest isn't so much important. As long as you have what you consider a healthy personal relationship with the Man upstairs. You're on the right track. Don't feel like you're in the wrong because you aren't living what others consider is, "right". From what I've read YOU seem to be the one with your heart in the right place.

...And this is coming from an agnostic.

I had this discussion with my pastor years ago when I lived in MD and attended his church.
I have tremendous respect for the man as scholar, pastor, and just a good dude. He told me "your a pretty good person....try to do the right thing....do a good thing or two for others when you do not have to and nobody is watching, etc.
HOWEVER, that won't get you to the gates!"
I always remember the passage he quoted (sadly not the reference) "No one comes to the Father if not through me". He also told me it is not the building that is important about a "church" but what you recieve inside. I view these things as good advice as I always pay attention to the building and it is ONLY my opinion, but if the building is..........to much, maybe they have lost some of their way?
BTW, that reference to the garage christian is one of the...truest things have ever read

[firstdown]

All I know is the preacher who married us did not say a word when I paid him $200 more then what he asked. When my wife asked if I paid him I said yes I gave him the $400 and she looked at me and said how nice it was I gave him a $200 tip. I said Tip? I thoght he charged $400 and as I looked around I noticed he had booked.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by firstdown

All I know is the preacher who married us did not say a word when I paid him $200 more then what he asked. When my wife asked if I paid him I said yes I gave him the $400 and she looked at me and said how nice it was I gave him a $200 tip. I said Tip? I thoght he charged $400 and as I looked around I noticed he had booked.

LOOOL...you've been on a funny streak lately. Good stuff.

[Trample the Elderly]

Originally Posted by firstdown

All I know is the preacher who married us did not say a word when I paid him $200 more then what he asked. When my wife asked if I paid him I said yes I gave him the $400 and she looked at me and said how nice it was I gave him a $200 tip. I said Tip? I thoght he charged $400 and as I looked around I noticed he had booked.

Jessica Hann wasn't cheap!

[Trample the Elderly]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

Don't forget the mind control. And the voting bloc power. And the need for control over all aspects of a society...

They can't do that! That's my schstick!

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

Philosophy, not religion is what you need. Religion is for sheep.


Bring on the pitchforks! lol

Like your avatar?

[MTK]

PJ5 saves all

[firstdown]

Originally Posted by BleedBurgundy

Don't forget the mind control. And the voting bloc power. And the need for control over all aspects of a society...

I guess your talking about the conservative right and Pat Robertson type.

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I guess your talking about the conservative right and Pat Robertson type.

I guess you're talking about baseless stereotypes.

Seriously, politics do not belong in this thread.

[Trample the Elderly]

If you're in the Richmond area and looking for a church, I recommend Hyles Baptist Church.

HYLES BAPTIST CHURCH

Preacher Ron shared a story with us about one of his street preaching missions downtown. He was approached by a crazy bum that he thought might do him or the candy-man harm. The Lord was with him that day because he had his favorite pistol on him. If the bum hadn't backed off he would've, "shot him in the knee for Jesus".

Now I'm not a Christian, but if I was, this would be my kind of preacherman. For those of you see things, differently, this is your kind of church.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box. Religion is the smile on a dog

are you what you are or what?

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I guess your talking about the conservative right and Pat Robertson type.

Nope. All religion. The practice of knowing the unknowable and using it to exert control over the masses has not been monopolized by any one faction. I can find good in most faiths, but I can find a hell of a lot more bad in the practiced religions and their leaders.