Subject:  Hi Diane |
Author:
Tammy
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Date Posted: 15:22:03 03/21/02 Thu
In reply to:
Diane
's message, "Hi Tammy" on 09:06:19 03/21/02 Thu
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Have got the book in my hands already,
>though you will note in my thread to Raven that it
>took some doing. Have started reading it too - and
>like I said - it's not unlike the writing I do myself
>which comes from my interpretation of the Holy Bible.
>I don't know at this point whether Raven has started.
Well I'm glad that you've decided to read it. Just remember that the Bible is just a tad longer, *L* so it may be a little harder to dive into for some people.
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Raven has said that he prefers the
>occult/wicca teachings over the Bible, though he has
>never read it himself and has never really looked at
>the differences to compare. Most people don't give the
>Bible much of a chance - perhaps like yourself. It is
>not so straight forward as you might think.
I think that I gave it enough of a chance for the approx. 10 years I considered myself Christian. I have read it entirely, and also went to study groups for a while during my youth. I believe I gave the book a fair chance. And I don't believe it's "so straight forward". Perhaps that's why people create their own interpretations. I'm not sure about Raven's reasons, as I've really only skimmed through the postings here. But my leaving "Christianity" for numerous reasons, also had a lot to do with some attutudes I've encountered from people who call themselves Christian. But that's a rather long story... But I'm sure you know what I mean, or have encountered those people yourself.
>But the point I was trying to get across to Raven is
>that it is fine to think there are misconceptions
>about the occult, but there are also misconceptions
>about Christianity. Most people judge a religion by
>the actions of the leaders. Yet prophesies in the Holy
>Bible place on these leaders the lion's share of the
>blame for society's ills too.
I agree, there are misconceptions about many religions. That's why I think it is so good of you and Raven to try to see the other's point of view.
>Now doesn't it seem a little paradoxical that the book
>would blame it's own spiritual leaders for things
>going wrong?
Not paradoxical exactly. I think the bible contains some contradictions, and other material that simply can't be understood by some in today's society. And people living when the bible was written, made mistakes just like people do today.
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I'll keep that in mind, Tammy. But I was
>hoping to find similarities between our beliefs,
>rather than point out the differences - and to clear
>up some misconceptions, not unlike Raven himself. You
>see, the truth is, I think it's time that the two
>sides come together out of love and trust, to find the
>truth - and not keep running away from each other out
>of fear.
I think there are more than two sides. *L* But, an understanding unity between Christianity and other belief systems would be a beneficial thing in my opinion.
>My understanding though, is that he is not really sure
>of what he believes, so he felt that it was unfair to
>him if he should have to read the Bible (especially
>the New Testement) without my doing the same on my end
>- by reading Scott Cunninghams's book. Like I said, I
>don't know whether he's keeping up his end of the
>bargain - but I know I am.
I think it's normal, at least at some point in your life, to question things, and try to find your way.
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If I get the chance I'll slip over
>there. I think that bouncing ideas off each other in
>debate is a fine way of testing our own beliefs, and
>finding the truth for ourselves.
Just keep in mind, that there's an answer to that man's side of the debate out there somewhere. I've just been unable to find it.
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~And what if Buddha himself points to
>Christ? Would that make you a little more open-minded?
I think I'm about as open-minded as they come. *L* Buddha encouraged people to search for the truth in his teaching before accepting anything. Buddhists also practice tolerance, meaning that we try to live in harmony with all, regardless of race or religion. Prince Siddhartha was born before Jesus, (500 or so years, I believe) so I don't think he would have pointed people that way exactly. But Buddhism encourages some basic points that I believe are, or should be common in both religions. Such as the love for all beings, how to grow in wisdom, to understand yourself, and to have concern for the welfare of others.
Ok, I'll stop before I end up writing a book. *L* But if you're looking for similarities between religions, maybe you should pick up one of the Dalai Lama's books. You may be surprised. And they're not written for only those that are Buddhist, but are meant to be beneficial to all people.
-Tammy
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