HERE'S AN ARTICLE THAT SOMEONE RECENTLY POSTED.
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I just want to say something about the spirituality debate. You don't believe in God? That's OK, that’s your God-given choice, but why is it so important for many of you to mock those of us that do? If we're wrong, what have we lost when we die? Nothing! How does our faith in Jesus Christ bring you any harm? You think it makes me stupid? Gullible? Ignorant? That's ok too. How does that affect you? If you're wrong your consequence is far worse. I would rather live my life believing in God and serving Him, and find out I was right, than not believe in Him and not serve Him, and find out I was wrong. I believe in Jesus Christ!! He said deny me in front of your friends & I will deny you in front of my Father.
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The reality of it all....
I've talked to lots of people and read lots of articles about the perceived conflict between those that believe, and those that don't. The vast majority of people seem to have a "live & let live" mentality. Problems, conflict, and prejudice arises when anyone, or group, are vocal or influential enough to make changes to society as a whole... attempting to force their beliefs upon everyone else. Separation of church religion and government is a heated conflict and the source of many issues. Extremists on both side of any issue add fuel to the fire, which is usually sensationalized by the media, and political changes because of the conflict (generally some one or a group being offended) only adds to the conflict as government enacted laws to make everyone conform to beliefs that are not their own. Of course, none of this is new. For centuries upon centuries, there has been religious persecution as well as persecution by religions. And people still can not figure out how to simply "live & let live".
The day where religions stop forcing their beliefs upon society as a whole... perhaps that's the day when the resentment and conflicts will end. Those on both sides of the issue resent being told what to do, what to think, how to act, how to live, and what they should believe. And conflict will always be in the forefront as long as religion places moral judgement on others that don't believe as they do. Also, keep in mind that religions around the world are also in conflict with each other and have been forever. The bible its self is full of conflict & contradictions. Couple this with the picking & choosing of which scriptures are applied today, and which are not... add in hypocrisy, and this only adds even more fuel to the conflict. Religious wars are nothing new. In modern civil countries the battles and fighting is done in the court of public opinion and with the influence of church over government. Resentment abounds.... and always will. So why be shocked where you are confronted by it... no matter which perspective you have. Each is a victim of their own efforts.
As for me... Live and let live... I don't care for all the conflict and controversy...
Headed to the beach...
