Judgement based on Religion

This is sparked by an interesting conversation about religion on a friend's page. I'm so passionate about it that I felt is was necessary to post it on my blog. All that I have said is from a conversation.

About the Ten Commandments
Truth be told, if you are looking at it from a religious stand point then God wrote them. This is where faith comes into play. I believe in God. That doesn't mean I make it my personal vendetta to make everyone be afraid and or shove it down their throats. It's unfair and not right. There are so many different beliefs and if you ask me, in some way they are all in a way symbolically the same. Treat others the way you want treated. Don't cause harm to anyone else, and find a balance within. Why should we as human beings limit our spiritual growth by subjecting ourselves to one narrow belief when there are so many more out there we can all learn wisdom from? In the long run, it's about faith. You have it or you don't. Either way, it's not my place to judge you or anyone else for their beliefs. That's not why I'm here. I'm amazed by the fact that with all the talk of free speech, there are people who would try to use scare tactics as a way to force someone to believe the way they believe. The fact of the matter is, if we wish to have freedom of speech, then we need to be able to listen to a person who is standing on a soap box preaching against that which we ourselves have held up and fought for our entire lives. We must do this without fear of judgement or incitement to riotous acts. When it comes down to it, belief in any system, no matter which religion, is a personal choice and should be respected. I meant it when I told Tracie that she has more discipline than I...such a beautiful thing to try to live by. That's not to say that hers is the only way. Just the whole idea of finding the balance within your self to live in such a disciplined manner is something I'm not sure I could accomplish.


If we look at the Bible as a nothing more than a record of history, then we must assume that what we read in there is an account based on the perception at the time. ie, Moses went up the mountain and came down with ten laws we were suppose to live by...The Ten Commandments. Who am I to say that isn't correct. I'm not sorry to say, I believe in the story and that it is accurately depicted in the Bible. That is where my faith is. However, that doesn't mean I sit in judgement of others whose faith is elsewhere. Faith is a word that stands for a lot of things. It is something we should have in humanity and ourselves. It's easy to lose and hard to get back. It should be treated with respect and should be shared when asked about...not used as a tool for fear. Fear breeds hate and that is a disease that needs vaccinated. James, be yourself first and always. I would trust that above any blind leading the blind individual who doesn't want to listen to how you feel about a subject that should be used to lift people up, not bring them down.

About War

I know that I said all I had to say, but that changed when you said you don't know of Christians who are going out and starting wars. We can start with the Crusades and work our way to the present. The fact more people have died in the name of Christianity then any other religion. I too believe in God and Jesus, but-I know the history and recognize the validity and wisdom of listening to others who believe different. I have learned the difference between religion and spirituality by listening to my fellow humans. I have but one simple question to ask...how can any of us be a work in progress if we are not willing to listen to one another? That is for all of us to do and the only way we can learn. Having an open mind and seeing all the wonderful things and people in this world is why we are here...So many times we have all judged one another for no other reason then because we are unwilling to open our hearts and minds to understand one another. We are fighting a battle even now. That battle is one of hatred. It's dressed in the clothing of terrorism and even carries a gun. How can we, as a species survive if we are unwilling to do the one thing God commanded. Treat others as we wish to be treated. (Joann's paraphrase) I understand the reason for all that you have said. However, isn't it always better to forgive and understand then to condemn and accuse when we by all rights have no legs to stand on. Tami said simple and best...Judge not lest ye be judged. We can all quote the Bible. We all have a different perception when it comes to what things mean. I think we can all agree on the simplest of terms that has been placed on us though, treat those the way we want treated. If we can all do that simplest of things...then I believe we could and would be able to put a stop to so many things that are going on int he world today. With an open mind and an open heart we can all make a change.

In truth, I am a Christian, I have very strong beliefs about the Bible and what it means to me. I don't believe it should be used as a weapon of fear but rather as a way to convey love and understanding. I have said it before and I'll say it again. I have a lot of friends of other religions. I have learned so many wonderful and wise things from them. Their spirituality has touched my life more than any threat of going to hell ever could. I respect the right to have different beliefs and respect the fact that there are those out there who have and can teach me something different that will make me grow as a person. Why should we fight about something that is suppose to lift us up as people and make our souls grow?