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In the 6 years I’ve had this blog, I have periodically shared about my own spiritual beliefs, but have always done so in a way that I’ve never forced them on others or made people think that MY way was the ONLY way.

Yet, it never ceases to amaze me how the extreme born-again Christians will perch themselves on city corners and in public parks, or even walk up to me in a Starbucks while holding a bible in their hands and begin spooning scripture down my throat; telling me that unless I follow “the book” and believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins, I will never be saved.

Um....really? And who asked you?

And what I find utterly amusing about these devout and devoted Christians, is that they seem to quote the bible as if they were robots; having been programed. They just repeat the words like they’re trying to believe it themselves and making ME believe it at the same time.

And do you know what? I’m really over these people doing this while holding my tongue; trying to be respectful of their beliefs, when they have absolutely no respect for mine.

So here’s my vent to all you trying to save me born-again Christians, who know the ONE and ONLY way to God.

Now it’s my turn to speak.

The Bible

Has it ever occurred to any of you that the bible is a book that has been trampled on and revised a hundred times by MAN to manipulate and control you into not really understanding God at all, but rather what MAN wants you to believe?

And if you truly believe that God gave me a free will, why would He try to manipulate and control me?

And if you truly believe that God made me unique and individual, why would He tell me that there is only ONE way to know Him?

And if you truly believe that God is a loving God, why would He judge the way so many of you do?

You see, I KNOW that I judge. I ADMIT that I judge. But I am well aware that my judgment comes from my own human judgment, not from a book that I have twisted into God’s judgment and then preach about it in His name.

And another thing, you all believe that the version of the bible you carry is THE bible. Yet, if there are so many versions of the bible, what makes you think that your version is the correct one?

Many years ago when I was on a 7-day solo spiritual retreat, I heard a voice while I was meditating one day that said to me, “Don’t ever read the bible, Ron. In fact don’t even pick it up, because that book has nothing to do with me. If you really want to know me, listen to me in your heart because I speak to everyone differently.”

God

Throughout my 57 years on this planet, I’ve had many one-on-one conversations with born-again Christians about God that have always ended the same way. They will say they are open to hearing it, yet they will never look me in the eye, they always look away. And at the end of the conversation they will immediately go back to that ROBOTIC way of speaking, and say there is only one true way to know God.

So really, there is no point in speaking with them about God at all.

I always get the feeling while talking with a born-again Christian that they feel sorry for me, thinking to themselves, “Until you believe the way I do, you will be lost.” Not ever realizing that THEY are the ones who appear lost.

You see, the God I know has never preached or forced me to believe anything.

I have a free will to either believe in Him or not believe in Him.

And just for record, I DO believe in a God – very much so. And I also believe in a Christ.

But the God I know doesn’t come from a book. He comes from inside me.

And even if I didn't believe in God or Christ, that still wouldn't delegate whether I go to heaven or hell. Because God comes in many forms.

So dear born-again Christians, allow me to conclude this post by saying one last thing…

You are free to believe whatever you wish. And I’m happy you know the ONE way to God and that you're saved.

But will you do me a big favor?

For the love of God, stop preaching to me because I’m already friends with Him.

As a matter of fact, He’s the one who told me to write this.

Amen.

56 comments:

  1. Amen! I so agree with you on this Ron. I particularly hate it when people knock on my door wanting me to listen to them spouting about 'their' religion, namely Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons, I politely tell them I'm not interested and shut the door before they can say any more.

    .....If you really want to know me, listen to me in your heart because I speak to everyone differently.”....


    that is so true!

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  2. I am sorry you have had so many run-ins with people who have turned you off to Christianity, Ron. I've heard similar stories from other bloggers. For some reason, I have never been approached by anyone besides Mormons and JWitnesses. In fact, the only time I've seen any sort of proselytizing was in college. I guess they stick with the big populations and ignore the burbs.

    As a follower of Christ, I apologize for those who have offended you, Ron!

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  3. I just flat won't engage with people proselytizing. Even my brother-in-law who is a priest doesn't push religion on me, knowing where I stand. I know too much about history and science to put any stick in the Bible or any other religion's code book, and I happily walk my own nontheistic spiritual path.

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  4. Ron, I wanted to stand up and cheer after reading this post. Thank you for putting into words what I have always wanted to say. People are free to believe however know God. But I don't appreciate them trying to force their beliefs on me and telling me it's the only way to know God.


    I have my OWN relationship with God, thank you.

    "As a matter of fact, He’s the one who told me to write this."

    Loved that!



    Have a wonderful week, Ron

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  5. Good morning Pearl!

    " I politely tell them I'm not interested and shut the door before they can say any more."

    That's actually the best thing to do because they don't hear or have interested in what you had to say anyway. It's their way or no way. I try to be polite and listen while they talk, but it does no good. This post is my way of speaking back :)

    Amen.

    Thanks for stopping by, m'dear! Have a lovely week!

    X

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  6. Thank you, Valerie. I had to say this because it's been on my mind for the past week. If they can tell me how they feel, I have every right to tell them how I feel. And it's unfortunate, because I do know that not everyone who is a born-again Christian might be this way, however all the ones I've run into are, and they ruin it for the ones who aren't.

    "Man rewrote the bible to follow man's rules, which change according to man - not God."

    Couldn't agree with you more.

    "Whilst I don't like being rude, deep down I feel like giving them a piece of MY mind. And believe me I have a lot to say!"



    I don't like being rude either, but sometimes they don't give you any choice.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a happy Monday and week!

    X

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  7. Good morning Bijoux!

    "As a follower of Christ, I apologize for those who have offended you, Ron!"



    No need to apologize, my friend, because you have never offended me in the least. In fact, I know your beliefs come from your heart because I can feel that in you.


    As I shared, I'm a believer in Christ as well. Just not in the traditional way.


    Thank you for stopping by and sharing on this topic, Bijoux. Have a wonderful week!


    X ya!

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  8. Hey there Secret Agent Woman~

    "I just flat won't engage with people proselytizing."

    Yes, that's actually the best way to handle it.

    " I know too much about history and science to put any stick in the Bible or any other religion's code book, and I happily walk my own nontheistic spiritual path."

    You GO, girl!



    Thank you for stopping by and have an awesome week!


    X

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  9. Hola Denise~

    " People are free to believe however know God. But I don't appreciate them trying to force their beliefs on me and telling me it's the only way to know God."

    Yes, that's my point. People have the right to share their own beliefs with each other, and share them openly. However, it's been my experience with many born-again Christians that they force their beliefs on me; having no respect for my own. It's their way, or NO way. And quite frankly, I'm sick of it.

    "I have my OWN relationship with God, thank you."



    Same here.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a terrific Monday and week!


    X

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  10. Hey there Rob!

    Yes, I know you've shared a few posts on your own blog about this same topic, so I know you know what I mean. I've had a couple experiences lately that caused me to write this post because I'm over it. If they can tell me what they think, so can I.

    "I'm a Christian and I go to a really fabulous church, but for many people, I'm sorry to say, religion is like a drug. It's just another way to get stoned and ignore reality. They really are the lost ones."

    I too consider myself a Christian, except it's not in a traditional or religious way. Nor do I preach to everyone that MY way is the ONLY way. I know what I believe in my heart, and that's that.

    "And if we all wind up in Hell, at least we'll be in good company! Can I get an "Amen"?!?!"

    HAHAHAHAHAHHAHA! Yes, AMEN! And according them, I AM going to hell. So, I'll see ya there!



    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaaabulous week!


    X

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  11. AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! No one will ever make me believe there is only one way to a God who is so big. Those who think there is are putting him in a box He doesn't belong. You and I think much alike on many issues.

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  12. It makes me extremely sad when I hear of people who have these encounters. Religion can be a confusing area, and we're all messy people trying to make sense of of a messy world. I've actually addresses issues with the bible in some of my posts (if you're interested), and it's probably no secret where I stand. But I would prefer to come alongside people and work with them to help deepen their walk with God instead of shouting condemnation like the Westboro bunch. I've never been a fan of the "holy huddle" crowd. After all, JC spent his time with the "questionable" people of the day, and Paul routinely made it a point to learn about cultures not familiar with his teachings. May God touch your heart as to HIs truth and bless you today and always.

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  13. Hey there Lisa!

    " Religion can be a confusing area, and we're all messy people trying to make sense of of a messy world."

    Yes, I agree with you. Which is why I do not follow any particular religion or faith, other than listening to God inside me.

    " I've actually addresses issues with the bible in some of my posts (if you're interested), and it's probably no secret where I stand."

    Yes, I do know where you stand, but you do so in a very gentle way that allows others to be open to hearing your voice. You don't force or preach. You simply share the way you live and let others take from your words what they wish.

    As I shared, I do believe in a God and a Christ, very much so. But not in a religious or traditional way.

    Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and feelings on this post, Lisa! Very much appreciated and respected.

    Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  14. Hi Ronnie,

    Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier today. It's always a treat to hear from you!

    You have written a post that is fascinating. Because the subject of God is vast and yes, not always easy to understand. I have always believed in God but would never consider a fellow human being who doubts or does not believe in God as below me. Like for yourself, force feeding of religion is a turn off for me. That is dogma, and it lacks any tolerance, acceptance or anything compassionate. Spirituality is another matter...
    For those who believe, he/she/it is everywhere and in all of us. When we can be quiet, we can hear and feel our connection to God.
    Thank you for a very open and courageous post. Be well and see you soon.
    xox

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  15. Oh Ron! I have so much to say on this subject. As you may know, Mo and I were 'Born again' Christians, for 21 years and in all those years we were totally embarrassed by these extremists. I have to say that most were not far behind the extremists though.

    At first we were able to (using our pastors advise) leave anything we couldn't get to grips with or accept, on the shelf until we could. Eventually our shelves were overflowing with what we couldn't accept. We learned to just leave all those things there and continue on with our integral roles in the church.

    The time came when we just couldn't continue. We left the church, but not before putting two very important points to our pastor. He had no intelligent answers. In fact his answers were unbelievably stupid, and he knew it really. The Bible didn't cover these points, so he had no answers.
    I can't tell you the two questions I put to him. I don't have the room :)

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  16. Hiya Lisa!

    No, not at all. As I said, you're approach is very gentle and open. I've never felt that your were preachy in the least. In fact, I love how you weave various quotes within you written words. I very much enjoy your blog.

    You GO, girl!

    X

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  17. "So dear born-again Christians, allow me to conclude this post by saying one last thing… You are free to believe whatever you wish. And I’m happy you know the ONE way to God and that you're saved. But will you do me a big favor? For the love of God, stop preaching to me because I’m already friends with Him. As a matter of fact, He’s the one who told me to write this. Amen."

    BRAVO RON!! AMEN INDEED!

    Any and ALL extremist are totally-super-scary. For realz.

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  18. Bonjour Barb!

    You are so welcome. LOVED your post today!!!!!

    " I have always believed in God but would never consider a fellow human being who doubts or does not believe in God as below me."

    Me either. In fact, I know many people who are atheists and yet, we can have conversations with each other and we NEVER get defensive or force-feeding about our own personal beliefs. If someone doesn't believe in God, so be it. They have just as much a right not to believe as much as I do believe. And I most certainly don't have the right to try to convince them.

    " force feeding of religion is a turn off for me. That is dogma, and it lacks any tolerance, acceptance or anything compassionate. Spirituality is another matter..."

    Agreed!

    "For those who believe, he/she/it is everywhere and in all of us. When we can be quiet, we can hear and feel our connection to God."



    Love the way you said that, Barb!


    Thank so much for stopping by, my friend, and for sharing your thoughts and feelings :)


    Have a maaaavelous week!


    X to you and D!

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  19. Hiya Babs!

    Yes, I do remember you sharing with me that you and Mo were both born-again Christians for 21 years.

    Your comment was very interesting to read about your experience. And yet, I'm not surprised.

    "We left the church, but not before putting two very important points to our pastor. He had no intelligent answers. In fact his answers were unbelievably stupid, and he knew it really. The Bible didn't cover these points, so he had no answers."

    I kind of experienced something similar when I spoke to a priest, when I was in my 20's. I asked him a question that he really couldn't answer. He fumbled, stuttered and stammered, until I said, "Thank you, you just gave me my answer!"

    "I can't tell you the two questions I put to him. I don't have the room :)"



    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Love it, Babs!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post. Muchly appreciated!


    Have a terrific week!


    X to you and Mo!

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  20. Jay of The Depp EffectMonday, April 29, 2013

    Oh, you get a great, big, fat, 'Amen' from me for this one, Ron.


    I used to be oh-so-tolerant too, and engaged born-agains and Jehovah's Witnesses etc in discussion .. until I realised that 'discussion' isn't exactly in their lexicon. They don't listen, they don't think, they just ... spout. And lecture. You're right, they sound like robots.



    I remember one time I was walking in a street near my home when I was accosted by a friend-of-a-friend who wanted to know if I would come to his church one day. I told him I was a Quaker and he looked at me solemnly for a moment before touching me on the arm and saying sadly 'I will pray for you'. I found that truly offensive. I had - and have - my beliefs and my relationship with the Eternal but just because it wasn't his way, I was 'lost' and I think he really believed that I would go to hell. Good grief.

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  21. oh what a weighty subject, i could write paragraphs, but i won't. everyone can argue or debate until we're blue in the face about right or wrong. i won't bash or speak bad about any faith. just kind of feels unchristian like and what really is the point and purpose anyway. rather than judge i try to understand the why. i never understood how people say how much they love God and in the same breath say they hate someone. i don't understand how people can ask God for forgiveness, but refuse to forgive people and i will never understand why people don't think that God has standards and will accept whatever worship people give him, when i, a human, won't accept or tolerate any behavior from someone i call a friend. heck i have standards, why shouldn't he. now the thing is, we can talk, but show me only from the bible what the bible says. don't scream, don't argue and don't shout it out. i believe the bible is God's word so i'm willing to accept it because i believe that to be his standard. i don't tell him how i want to worship him, he tells me. we don't go to work and do our own thing, we do what our employer tells us.

    i imagine that the people back in noah's time got tired of him preaching about a flood, but only 8 people, those who were on the ark, survived. makes me wonder, ron.

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  22. There is a group that meets at a local B&N cafe one evening a week. I'm guessing they are born again, but may be of another religious belief. I've only seen them there a few times but they were just talking amongst themselves and not being loud or obnoxious about it. That I think is just fine. Maybe they meet at the cafe because they don't have a meeting room available or maybe they are hoping people will hear them discussing the bible and want to join in or become part of the group but they didn't approach anyone that I noticed. I'm sure the cafe wouldn't allow them to get loud or bother other patrons anyway.
    There is another regular who I see at that cafe a lot who brings his bible and sometimes talks with some of the other regulars. About what, I don't know, because they are quiet about it and they seem to know each other so it's a more personal thing. Those religious types I don't mind in the least. And I sit there reading Mountain Astrologer and Reiki books and Buddhist magazines and they make no mention of it. We all coexist there quite nicely together.
    Oh, of course, there are others... like you mentioned. We've seen them in the city, on the street corners, etc. We've even had the JW's in our neighborhood quite a few times. I don't open my door to them. It's not that I'm being rude but with people who have such extreme beliefs I just feel it's better to not get into discussions with them.


    Interesting topic, Ron.

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  23. Hey there Meleah!

    "Any and ALL extremist are totally-super-scary. For realz."

    Thank you. And that pretty much sums up my point.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X

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  24. Hiya Jay!

    ".... until I realised that 'discussion' isn't exactly in their lexicon. They don't listen, they don't think, they just ... spout. And lecture. You're right, they sound like robots."

    Yup! They don't listen, they don't think, they just...spout. So there really is NO talking to them about God. It's their way or no way.

    " I told him I was a Quaker and he looked at me solemnly for a moment before touching me on the arm and saying sadly 'I will pray for you'. I found that truly offensive. I had - and have - my beliefs and my relationship with the Eternal but just because it wasn't his way, I was 'lost' and I think he really believed that I would go to hell. Good grief."



    See! That's exactly what I'm talking about. They all same the same thing, "I will PRAY for you." Pray for WHAT??? And it's the 'sad look' they have on their face that kills me. Like, I feel so sorry for you because you don't know the WAY :(


    Thanks for stopping by, Jay! Have thanks for sharing on this post! Have a super-duper week!


    X

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  25. Ron,
    I haven’t had any righteous, religious fanatics approach me in public, YET. And I have to admit, I’m relieved. Because if one of them would get pushy with me, I would most definitely get snippy.


    I’m a firm believer that we all have the right to believe (or not believe) in what we choose. But I draw the line with forcing it down someone else’s throat. I also think it’s pretty darn ignorant (as in stupid) to think that “your” religion is the ONE AND ONLY when there are what? Dozens of religions out there that claim to be the ONE AND ONLY. How can that be? They all can’t be THE religion! Just like you said: “…there are so many versions of the bible, what makes you think that your version is the correct one?”


    EXACTLY!!


    “And if you truly believe that God gave me a free will, why would He try to manipulate and control me?”


    THAT is exactly right! If God wanted us to follow and be controlled, he would have made us sheep, not humans with unique minds with free will.


    This post is absolutely PERFECT! And, if I ever do get approached in the future, may I borrow this:


    “You are free to believe whatever you wish. And I’m happy you know the ONE way to God and that you're saved. But will you do me a big favor? For the love of God, stop preaching to me because I’m already friends with Him.”


    BRAVO!! I applaud you, my friend. THAT is absolutely awesome! And more truth than all those “bibles” combined!!


    (((HUGS)))

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  26. Hey there V Girl!

    LOVED your comment, girl! You pretty much expressed all the things in between the lines of this post, which I didn't.

    " rather than judge i try to understand the why. i never understood how people say how much they love God and in the same breath say they hate someone."

    Thank. you.

    " i will never understand why people don't think that God has standards and will accept whatever worship people give him."

    Amen! Many people seem to forget that God has different forms (or ways of worship) and that those forms are how He expresses Himself to THOSE people. It's like what SuziCate shared in her comment. You can't put God in a box.

    "i believe the bible is God's word so i'm willing to accept it because i believe that to be his standard."



    And I respect your belief in the bible that way. But I have never heard you preach or condemn anyone for not following the bible. And that's my point. Believe what feels right for you, but allow others to do the same. Which you do.


    Again, I loved your comment and thanks for sharing it. Have a most excellent week, Val!

    X

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  27. Hiya Mary~

    "Those religious types I don't mind in the least."

    Absolutely, I don't mind those religious types in the least. Because they're respectful.

    " I don't open my door to them. It's not that I'm being rude but with people who have such extreme beliefs I just feel it's better to not get into discussions with them."



    THAT'S what I'm referring to in this post. It's better to not get into a discussion with them because there is really no point.


    People are free to believe whatever they wish. But that doesn't give them the right to preach it to me. I would never do that to them about my beliefs. I will discuss my beliefs openly if asked, but I would never tell them that MY way is the ONLY way.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a fantastic week!

    X

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  28. Helloooooooo Pam!

    "And I have to admit, I’m relieved. Because if one of them would get pushy with me, I would most definitely get snippy."

    HA! I used to be very respectful and nice at first, but it's gotten to the point where I just say, "Stop...I'm not interested."

    " But I draw the line with forcing it down someone else’s throat. I also think it’s pretty darn ignorant (as in stupid) to think that “your” religion is the ONE AND ONLY when there are what? Dozens of religions out there that claim to be the ONE AND ONLY. How can that be? They all can’t be THE religion!"



    You see, that's my point. And that's why I'm not part of any specific religion. But at the same time, I can respect and honor their beliefs because THAT feels right for THEM. THAT'S how God SPEAKS to them. So be it. But where I draw the line is when someone from any specific religious group tells me that what they believe IS THE WAY.


    And yes, you can borrow that line - HA!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Pam! Hope you had a super Monday and week ahead of you!


    ((((( YOU ))))))


    X

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  29. You're welcome! Have a great week my darling friend!!

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  30. I'm all for people following religion, as long as it makes them happy. But I've always had this one question: What about the billions of souls who died before Christ showed up? Are they damned to hell? And what about followers of Buddha, Muhammad, or Khrishna? In God's eyes are the people who follow these gods any less worth saving?

    Also makes me wonder whose religion is the "correct" one (if there is such a thing).

    Again, I'm all for religion, as long as it sets a positive example and doesn't ask that people sacrifice themselves or others in the name of an invisible deity.


    Oh, and I'm all for the separation of Church and Starbucks. Heh...

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  31. Herman, you brought up some EXCELLENT points!!

    "What about the billions of souls who died before Christ showed up? Are they damned to hell? And what about followers of Buddha, Muhammad, or Khrishna? In God's eyes are the people who follow these gods any less worth saving?"

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    According to the born-again Christians I have spoken to, there is only ONE God and ONE way. So yes, all the rest of us won't be saved :(

    "Also makes me wonder whose religion is the "correct" one (if there is such a thing)."

    I do not follow any particular religion myself. However, if people get something from a particular religion or faith, then fine. My objection is when they preach to me and say that what I believe is wrong.

    "Oh, and I'm all for the separation of Church and Starbucks. Heh..."

    Bwhahahahahaha! HILARIOUS, MAN!!

    Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrrrreat week!

    X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

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  32. Please tell me you have seen this:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPOfurmrjxo

    Remember I'm Catholic... so when my oldest son showed it to me I was at first like, "Oh honey nooooo" but then I LISTENED to it and wow... so much truth. Just the first minute... "but he LOVES you!" Something to think about. Yup, still Catholic. But this video really is an interesting opening to great discussion like your blog post. Your last part made me laugh outloud!

    While you are talking to God, can you please ask him what is up with Nicki Minaj?!?!

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  33. OMG, Katherine....that was HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    "but he LOVES you!"

    Bwhahahahahahahhahaahaha! I'm dying laughing!

    And no, I hadn't seen it.

    And I'm gonna go back a watch the whole video later tonight, when I can sit down and enjoy it. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing that clip!!! Didn't you LOVE George Carlin???

    "While you are talking to God, can you please ask him what is up with Nicki Minaj?!?!"

    Bwhahahhahahahahaha!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent week!

    X

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  34. Goood morning Mel!

    Wasn't the video of George Carlin HILARIOUS??? I am so glad Katherine left the link last night :)

    AWESOME comment, dear lady, and I hear ya on ALL the wise words you shared.

    "And I had a lot of 'undoing' to do, things to toss out, and 'stuff' to embrace as 'possible' that I thought was utterly impossible. Wow was it a journey and a half to get to 'here'."

    Same here. It's taken me years to come to know God, but I've come to place of HOW to listen and take His guidence - one-on-one.

    " Does it 'endear' me to the Big Guy and make me 'better than'? Nah--pretty sure it makes Him laugh...but it somehow helps me get centered and focused so I can LISTEN."

    And I think that's wonderful. Anything that allows us a relationship with God is individual and should be respected. And I DO respect that. But where I have a problem is when others tell me that their way is the ONLY way. And quite frankly (as you can tell from this post) I'm a bit over it - HA!

    " I struggle to believe they're taking their 'marching orders' from the Big Guy and it appears more of a personal, human agenda. And I can hear Him sigh....."

    Bingo! It appears more of a personal, human agenda. And they every right to take their marching orders from the Big Guy, but those are THEIR marching orders, not mine, and should not be preached as THE marching orders for everyone.

    "LOL I'm gonna go talk to Joe Peschi and have him take care of that with his baseball bat.. ;-)"



    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You CRACK ME UP!!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing on this post, dear lady. ALWAYS enjoyed and appreciated!


    Have a SUPER week!


    (((((( You)))))


    X

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  35. This post is one that I will most likely print and hand out to the born-again Christians you speak of, who have done the same thing to me. I don't give a darn what someone believes because we are all entitled to our own. But why do these people think they know God better than anyone else and put down other religions and practices? And they seem to focus a lot on Satan. If they have such a strong connection to God, why do they seem to talk about hell and damnation so much?

    It all sounds very contradictory to me. Like you said, I judge too. But not in the name of God.

    Ron, you have a great way of sharing your thoughts and feelings about something and being very strong about it. But you do it in a way that permits us to fill in the blanks, allowing us to ponder it for ourselves.

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  36. Hey ho Robert~

    "And they seem to focus a lot on Satan. If they have such a strong connection to God, why do they seem to talk about hell and damnation so much?"



    Yes, thank you so much for bringing up that point because I have noticed the same. They seem to talk a lot about hell, damnation and the devil. I am aware that there is evil in this world, but by constantly focusing on it only gives it more power; perpetuating it.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thank you for your supportive words. Yes, I do share my thoughts and feelings strongly, but try to do it in a way that lets everyone feel for themselves. And ponder, yes.


    Have a grrrreat week!


    X

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  37. Ron, I had to come back tonight to read everyone's comments. Very interesting to hear other viewpoints and opinions. Great comments!

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  38. Thanks for stopping back, Matt! Yes, great comments indeed. For me, comments are the best part of a post - the discussion.

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  39. Ron,

    I read this the other day and it really stuck in my heart. I grieve over the way (what I call) super Christians act. I can't embrace the judging and the hate they have. I know Jesus said to LOVE. And he did not agree with the Bible Thumpers of his day. In fact, they crucified him. The worst Christians I ever witnessed were a bunch of theological guys on a message board in Christian Mingle. Truly awful the way they talked and argued over God, the Bible, and "the way". As a new Christian at the time, I was appalled. So hear, hear! I hear ya and I applaud you.

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  40. Thank you, Angelia!

    You shared EXACTLY what I meant by this post.

    THANK YOU.

    (((((( You ))))))

    Have a faaaaabulous week, my friend. And again, CONGRATULATIONS on hearing the great news!

    X to you and your family!

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  41. Jay of The Depp EffectFriday, May 03, 2013

    'It's the sad look on their face'


    EXACTLY! It makes me want to behave in a very un-Christian way!

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  42. Let's just say that the born agains are the most close minded people I've ever met. Enough said.

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  43. Hiya Jen!

    THANK. YOU.

    Amen!

    Thanks for stopping by, girl. Have a terrific week!

    X

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  44. Bravo, Ron! I couldn't have said it better myself. And this is exactly why I am no fan of organized religion myself. Your type of proselytizing is the kind I can get behind!

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  45. Religion is such a fascinating topic, Ron. As a "Cradle Catholic," it seems that I've been around religion all my life. It wasn't until I became an adult, however, that I "met" God, if that makes sense. And no, He wasn't forced onto me, ha!
    I sympathize with folks whose religions mandate they go door-to-door preaching. That's something I'd never be comfortable with. I don't believe most people come to God that way. Not in today's culture anyway.
    Sadly, it does seem that some people who claim they're "saved" become robotic. I'm not sure that was ever God's intention. I think Jesus taught us that LOVE is paramount -- love of God, love of neighbor. If we truly loved others, we wouldn't force-feed them anything, would we?
    Thanks for an interesting post today.

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  46. Helloooooooo Debbie!

    " As a "Cradle Catholic," it seems that I've been around religion all my life. It wasn't until I became an adult, however, that I "met" God, if that makes sense. And no, He wasn't forced onto me, ha!"

    I LOVED that! And me too, I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school for 8 years. And like you, when I became an adult, that's when I REALLY met God. So yes, that's makes perfect sense.

    "Sadly, it does seem that some people who claim they're "saved" become robotic. I'm not sure that was ever God's intention."

    No, I don't think that was God's intention at all. In fact, some of the most inspiring spiritual people I've met, were people who never even talked about God, they just LIVED what they believed in God.

    " I think Jesus taught us that LOVE is paramount -- love of God, love of neighbor. If we truly loved others, we wouldn't force-feed them anything, would we?"



    Bingo! You are soooooooooooo right!


    And as I shared, I do believe in a God and a Christ, most definitely. Just not in the traditional way.


    Always a delight to read your comments, Debbie. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a lovely week!


    X

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  47. Howdy Mark!

    "And this is exactly why I am no fan of organized religion myself."



    Same here.


    I know organized religion works for some people because it forms a community of like-mindedness and support. However, I choose to know God on my own. Personally.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week!


    X to you and Tara!

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  48. Gooooooood Morning Suzi!

    " No one will ever make me believe there is only one way to a God who is so big. Those who think there is are putting him in a box He doesn't belong."



    AMEN! AMEN AMEN!


    And THANK YOU, Suzi!


    Have a FANTABULOUS week, my friend.....X

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  49. Ron, I love you! This is the best thing I have ever read on a comeback to these kind of born-again Christians. BRAVO!

    And you are correct, they are the ones who always appear lost but they don't see it.

    "As a matter of fact, He’s the one who told me to write this."



    ROFL!!!


    Thank you for sharing this. Made my day!

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  50. "As a matter of fact, He’s the one who told me to write this."

    Abosultely brilliant post, Ron! I know full well what it's like to have these losers approach you when you're minding your own business and try to "save" you. I'd like to tell them to "save" their time and go bother somebody else.

    These people really are like robots; they're so emotionally messed up that they clamp on to religion like it's a life preserver on a sinking ship and they're determined to drag you along with them.

    I'm a Christian and I go to a really fabulous church, but for many people, I'm sorry to say, religion is like a drug. It's just another way to get stoned and ignore reality. They really are the lost ones.

    Excellent post, buddy, thanks so much for sharing. And if we all wind up in Hell, at least we'll be in good company! Can I get an "Amen"?!?!

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  51. Well written and well said, Ron.

    'Has it ever occurred to any of you that the bible is a book that has been trampled on and revised a hundred times by MAN'

    YES. Man rewrote the bible to follow man's rules, which change according to man - not God. I have always said that the church was run by man-made rules but my other half argues against it. I hate being accosted by born-again christians. Whilst I don't like being rude, deep down I feel like giving them a piece of MY mind. And believe me I have a lot to say!

    Now I'll calm down and wish you a happy Monday.

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  52. Hey there Matt~

    Thanks, bud. I really needed to say this, could you tell? HA!

    Have a supa' week and thanks a bunch for stopping by!

    X

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  53. There's nothing quite like a little you....and a little George Carlin at 5am. And there's nothing like having your own personal relationship with G-d. It's taken me years to come into my own with Him. I tend to run the opposite direction when chased. (*snickering* He-who-got-winded-trying-to-catch-me can validate that one.) And I had a lot of 'undoing' to do, things to toss out, and 'stuff' to embrace as 'possible' that I thought was utterly impossible. Wow was it a journey and a half to get to 'here'. But boy....it's been worth it.


    There are a lot of holes in the Bible--no matter which copy you read. And I've read a whole array of 'em on my quest to GET answers, to make it all make sense. There are some powerful bits in each of them. And holes--at least to this 'logical' person. Torah is a sacred book and I treat it as such. I won't set something a top of it, I practice rituals prior to and after reading, yadda yadda..... Does it 'endear' me to the Big Guy and make me 'better than'? Nah--pretty sure it makes Him laugh...but it somehow helps me get centered and focused so I can LISTEN. (LOL I'm wordy in ALL places!) I treat every 'sacred book', respectfully. It's important to me to BE respectful of everyone's relationship with their Creator/G-d/Maker/Higher Power. It's my 'job' to be respectful and loving and care about others......no matter what. I don't have to endorse someone's 'stuff', but I can still care about their life. And do. And as you well know--that ain't zackly the easiest task for me. But I've come to understand what I'm NOT about, and I've come to understand that living what I'm NOT about isn't exactly being honest or 'true' to me.
    I don't like being threatened-- not with a gun or a knife, not with emotional blackmail and certainly not with eternal damnation. My G-d doesn't work that way.
    I don't like being boxed in to one way of doing things. There's more than one way to get to things done, to get to where you're suppose to be--My G-d doesn't work that way.
    And I am not a fan of being told who I have to talk to, when I'm of 'sound mind' and I know who I need to talk to. Don't reroute me--My G-d doesn't work that way either.
    I celebrate for anyone and everyone that has their own relationship with their Maker. I LIKE to think that it's something to celebrate. But sometimes I'm left with an impression that makes me sad. I struggle to believe they're taking their 'marching orders' from the Big Guy and it appears more of a personal, human agenda. And I can hear Him sigh.....
    LOL I'm gonna go talk to Joe Peschi and have him take care of that with his baseball bat.. ;-)

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  54. I'm happy to know you're not put off or offended by my approach. And very happy you don't think I come off as "preachy." That's the last impression I want to give!

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