You mean all those movies about Moses and Jesus are just fiction?

Funny thing, faith. Some historical writings indicate that there is a God. I was raised a Catholic. I have seen nothing to disprove my faith.....therefore - I believe, and it makes me feel good.

No apologies are necessary here, Ice! As Geoff says under this categorey, if folks don't like the topic or particular members, they can ignore them. I just wanted to respond mainly to your first statement. As I said, as carnal as I am, I'm no one to preach. But what you have to understand about Christians in particular, is that they do have a mandate to spread the Gospel. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus Himself made that clear.

I'm guessing your thoughts on that are probably a lot like mine: It's not the fact that people share their faith, but rather, how they share it. Far too many believers have a self-righteous, holier-than-thou approach and basically beat others over the head with the Bible. Truth be told, that's what turned me OFF from Christianity for years...that, and hypocrisy. Of course, by certain believers, I myself would be judged a hypocrite. I mean, hey, look at my avatar! And I know folks have seen how racy I can get in my posts. (There's even a poll on who's nastier, me or Part! ) But these are precisely the self-righteous type of believers to which I'm referring. What they fail to grasp is that Christ didn't come to convert "righteous" people; He came to transform sinners, and I certainly qualify! The holier-than-thou crowd neglects the grace of God in their techniques and in their lives. They forget that they, too, were just as vile and filthy in God's eyes as the worst sinner you can dream up, I don't care how "goody-goody" they were/are.

That's not to say that once converted, we're free to sin all we want. I readily confess that I'm not up-to-par on the moral level as I should be. But the difference is, the self-righteous won't admit their flaws. Jesus didn't condemn people who cursed (He hung out with Peter, who had a sailor's mouth on him!), or prostitues, or drunkards, or even homosexuals. Now, He didn't condone their behavior either. But my point is, what He did rail against and the sin that riled Him up more than any other was self-righteousness. The 4 Gospels are full of examples.

I guess what I'm saying, Ice, is that while you may not agree with what Christians believe and don't like them speaking out about their faith, try to understand that they believe they have a mandate to share it. Now, if one gets in your face and bashes you over the head with the Bible, you have my permission to kick his ass...In fact, I'd probably help you! [/b][/quote]Very well said Snake. I totaly agree with you.

So only Christians can go to heaven?

I guess I'd better go and re-pack. Looks like I'm gonna need some shorts and sandals.

So only Christians can go to heaven?

I guess I'd better go and re-pack. Looks like I'm gonna need some shorts and sandals. [/b][/quote]well honestly plaw depending on who you ask you may be going there. From a strictly biblical point of view I've heard that the only way to get into heaven was to accept Jesus Christ as your savior, and from what I know of Judiasm I believe you consider him a prophet and not your savior. So according to that thought then you would.
I've had other people who have said (which is what I believe) that as long as you live a good life, are a good person etc.. then you would go to heaven.

Thanks DM, I feel much better now.

One of my big problems with religion is that there are so many "major" ones, each with a different belief system and concept of God, the afterlife, etc., that how do you know whose is right?

Thanks DM, I feel much better now.

One of my big problems with religion is that there are so many "major" ones, each with a different belief system and concept of God, the afterlife, etc., that how do you know whose is right? [/b][/quote]I think we know which one isn't right; the one that says if you crash a plane into a building you get to live happily ever after with a bunch of virgins.

The religion that's right is the one that you follow. Key word being "follow". Some people subscribe to the ala carte religion. They pick the things in the religion that fit them. For it to work (getting to heaven), it's got to be the other way around.

Who has hijacked Plaw's account?! :p To be extremely cautious I suggest you to follow all three major religions. They have three different days of worship so it wouldn't overlap. Be a Muslim on Fridays, a Jewish on Saturdays and a Christian on Sundays. Guaranteed to be admitted to heaven!

Seriously though, all extremists of different religions believe unless you go by their religion you'd go to hell. I don't agree. Heaven and Hell is what you do and the choices you make in the way of your life.

This topic has diverted from the original question. Do you believe in afterlife and if you do, do animals have also one? It is pretty interesting if we stick to the argument.

Thanks DM, I feel much better now.

One of my big problems with religion is that there are so many "major" ones, each with a different belief system and concept of God, the afterlife, etc., that how do you know whose is right? [/b][/quote]I don't think it has to do with whos is right I think every religion has the same "core values" *except Islam extremism* none of them would say its okay to kill an INNOCENT person or steal etc. So as long as you follow your religion then you are a good person and God would accept you.


But in all reality we will never know. Any Holy Book can be picked apart and have passages that say anything from everyone goes to heaven to everyone goes to hell, humans will never really know.

There are many similarites between Christians, Jews and Muslims. They all believe in the Old Testament. They all believe in Angels. They even all believe in Saint Michael the Arch Angel. Jews and Muslims both believe that Jesus Christ was a Prophet while Christians believe that he is God. very interesting I thought.

DS

Wow, I actually have time to post more than 3 lines :p

I was raised Catholic, was forced to go to CCD every Tuesday, all that stuff. However, I never really "believed" in Jesus. A few years ago I was told that it meant I was Jewish, I looked into Judaism, and I tend to agree with a lot of it, so I'm in the process of converting. Definately not orthadox though, still gotta eat my shrimp
Heaven and Hell- It really depends. I dont necessarily believe that people are going to burn in "hell" forever or what have you. If (and a big if) there is an afterlife, the "bad" people will just cease to exist, while the rest of us have fun. Heaven, Its really had for me to discribe it. There is no way that one place can furfill(sp) everyone's vision and make everyone happy.So I would imagine that everyone's heaven would be diffrent. However, I've been somewhat doubting an afterlife lately.Another though about Heaven I've had is that its all an illusion Again hard to describe exactly what I mean by that.
As for an "animal heaven"- Absolutely not. I'm sorry but religion is purely a human concept, same as reasoning. Dogs do not sit around contemplating the mysteries of the afterlife.

Yes, there is an afterlife for animals too. They are part of the creation and since God breathed into everything his divine breath, they sort of share our immortal soul. Plus, I can't even image a perfect happiness (the one you are suppose to enjoy in Heaven) without my pets' company. I expect to find them waiting for me there when I die.