I am an Aquarius and they say we were born before our time. Like a Gemini I see the two sides of every issue, but unlike them, I don’t wrestle with which side is the right side. Everything in my world is gray. Both sides can be right depending on who they are right for. I choose what feels most right for me, and sometimes I might even tell you that my way is the right way because of how much I have informed myself on the subject, (have your baby at home, breastfeed, eat vegetarian), but that’s the internet me. If you sat down with me in my home and we shared a pot of tea, I’d like to think I’m way quieter about my values. I’m also a much better listener than talker. I like to learn about who people are and why they are the way they are. I will speak my truth if the subject arises, but I won’t push it on you. I don’t want to offend you, but also I genuinely don’t think there is only one way.
Take religion for instance. I was raised in a non-religious home, yet I was intrigued by my friend’s families who attended church. After I graduated high school I began to explore religion for myself. As a Westerner living in a Judeo-Christian society, and not knowing any other route to salvation, I went to a few different Christian churches. In every one of them I felt uncomfortable. I liked the warm feeling of community, but the words didn’t ring true, and I didn’t like being told to repeat things I didn’t believe in. I felt like a guinea pig in a huge, yet completely voluntary brain washing experiment. Finally, resigned by my lack of passion, I stopped trying to find God in a church. A few years later I met someone who profoundly changed my outlook on spirituality and unbeknownst to him at the time, helped me understand the web of life and gave me my truth. It was who I was all along, but I had never stopped to listen to my heart.
I call myself a Pagan now. Not a Wiccan, although I did try on that witches hat for a while. I follow an Earth-centered spirituality, close to Darwinism in that it’s based on science, but I don’t think Darwinism speaks as much to the magic of the Universe, and I definitely believe in magic. My beliefs are more along the lines of Aboriginal people. When we say grace at dinner time we thank Mother Earth for our food, for it is she who supplies the soil and holds those plants up until they are ready to be harvested, and who provides the rain and receives the sunlight. Instead of God I speak of the Universe. I speak of the Goddess and the Creator, the mother of all life.
Yet I am still interested in and intrigued by the other world’s religions. I follow blogs by women of all faiths and I am as interested in their posts on religion as I am on their attachment parenting. I love learning about why people believe what they do, and why it speaks louder to them than anything else. I don’t often find all the answers I am looking for, so I keep on searching. It seems to me that the world’s religions are not too different from one another. Yet there is some kind of power that compels people to choose one over the other, or to disagree over which is best, and who will go to Heaven when the other guy is certain to go to Hell. That, I do not really understand. Maybe from a historical perspective I do. But from a heart perspective I am baffled that our world society will treat one another so badly over something so deeply personal. Why are you right and I am wrong?
Aren’t we all, at our core, mostly good? I know some of you might disagree, and I admit I have very liberal views on the subject. But even the criminal has a story. I do not believe that one wrong act should define a person as evil. People who have done wrong things in their lives were children once. Someone loved them. And if they weren’t loved, they were robbed of their innocence. We pass the buck and say “God loves him.” Great, but why can’t we too love the criminal? Why always give it up to God? I love the criminal. I have compassion. I am interested in the story behind the act. The story behind the person. As an aside, who among you have heard of restorative justice? I think it’s pretty amazing.
In Chandelle’s post Integration, she speaks of her internal struggle for goodness. Even though she has renounced religion, she finds herself a part of a Quaker community. Not because it’s a religious group but for the sense of community and a feeling of being a part of a something good. I get that.
My husband gets it even more. He grew up Catholic and describes himself as “a recovering Catholic.” Guilt is his middle name. He has often brought up the subject of us attending church if for no other reason than being a part of a greater good. I couldn’t get past the kneeling and Amen’ing, but I’ve supported him if he wants to go. I have gone to church a few times over the years. I witnessed a good friend’s Baptism because it was important to me to be there for her. I even chose to receive a blessing. I loved the feeling of being there, but again, I couldn’t attend regularly in true faith for myself.
Chandelle’s friends think if she wants community she should join a book club. Me? I join groups that, for me, are similar to religious groups, by the power of their values. I haven’t gone for about a year (due to retiring leaders and moving) but La Leche League and the like-minded friends I met there became my heart and soul community. Our meetings were like what I imagine Bible studies to be, except we were learning about breastfeeding while chatting over muffins. Now that I am living in Victoria again, I am thinking about rejoining a vegetarian group. Vegetarianism is another value that defines me. And yet, these days I find myself feeling more and more supportive of the real food movement as it is defined by the Weston A. Price Foundation, who totally rejects vegetarianism! So would I even be welcome in a local vegetarian group? It’s almost like a religious homosexual worrying about being rejected by their church! Ack!
I think that real food-eating-vegetarians are as close to goodness and a diet can be. Maybe this is why I am one. I do good things for my body all the while saving animals from the butcher. And then I still find ways to be nice to people who eat meat.
At the root of all my choices is my sense of wanting to be good. To be seen as a good person and to be one. In high school people knew me as “the nice girl” and it was a label I actually liked to wear. And at the end of the day, after my posts are published telling you that breastfeeding, co-sleeping and homebirthing is best, and the computer is put away, the nice girl is still who I am at my core.
Related posts:
Sweet Melodie, of course you are the nice girl,& so much more! You are the well informed did her research girl,the not afraid to share her views girl, the proudly stands up for what she believes in girl, the compassionate, understanding & generous friend girl, you are simply the awesome girl we are all very grateful for!
I love a girl that not only tells it like it is, but doesn’t soften the facts up for anybody. I find your posts intriguing, open-minded, & they often offer a fresh perspective. I don’t find them pushy & they have inspired me to be the best I can be, by helping me make informed choices. So, I thank you nice girl, not only have you benefited my family, but have also helped me find my roar & reminded me to embrace my power! Cheers Awesome Lady!
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Thanks Miss Trishy. That was a lovely way for me to start out my morning.
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Thanks for this post. I’ve been wanting to unsubscribe from your blog for awhile now but hadn’t gotten around to it. This post gave me the inspiration to do so.
Also, you were initially right. You won’t find God in church, but He is the Bible, so start there.
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Since nothing in the Bible ever spoke to me as truth I don’t think I would find Him there either. It’s too bad you feel the need to unsubscribe to me based on our differences. Oh well.
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It’s funny how many “recovering Catholics” there are. My husband is Catholic (and Italian, which makes it even more intense), and we’ve been talking a lot recently about how he was never interested in religion when he was young because he always understood it as a “this is the way it has to be” kind of thing instead of something deeply personal that can be different for everyone. Right now he’s got me reading about Buddhism
St. Louis Smart Mama´s last [type] ..The Mom Who Never Has A Camera
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
My husband really likes Buddhism too. I love it myself. It’s lessons have something that speak to me on a deep level as well.
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I’m impressed with your strength and bravery for opening up such a strong topic. I see you’ve already lost one subscriber, and I’m sorry for that. As for me, I think you were a little answer to prayer to help me find my own bravery.
I have quiet time every morning with the Lord and today it focused on finding the strength and balance to openly share my beliefs on my blog without turning people off. I often hesitate about boldly announcing that I’m a born-again Christian because of the worldly, prejudiced views that are often automatically assigned to me. Admittedly, most people come by these views the same way I base my views on them: TV, news reports, the loudest and proudest of the group.
I, however, have a very quiet, very deep relationship with Christ. One based on the Bible and not necessarily on religion (though I’m active in my protestant, non-denominational church). Shannon is very right. You don’t always find God in church; but you will find him in scripture. Jesus even warns (loudly!) about tradition and law. Ceremony is not the heart of God.
Only one challenge to you–look in scripture, not church if you’d like to know more about Christianity. That’s unfortunate, but true. I personally like Paul’s letters, while the gospels leave me a little dry, though you get a good look at how liberal and radical Jesus was. Your choice.
I love that you’ve searched for spirituality and found it. I agree that there is magic in the world. And I wish that people would set their sights on those things, and not of worldly, man-made things.
You’ve inspired me to softly address my beliefs in a more direct way on my blog. You’ve done a beautiful job of it yourself.
Oh, and my husband is a recovering Catholic too!
Amanda´s last [type] ..Sunday Inspirations
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Thank YOU Amanda for your thoughtful response. I have never spoken about religion or spirituality on m blog before today, except as a short reference to my belief system on my About Me page. I was actually inspired to write this after reading Chandelle’s post, so it is neat that it has had a trickle down effect. I suppose there is always a risk we take when we write about who we are at the core. it makes a lot of people uncomfortable. At times I wasn’t sure I would hit publish but I guess the longer I have been blogging the braver I get.
The reason I like your response to this so much more than Shannon’s is because you took the time to explain whey God is found in Scripture. See, in my experience of reading the Bible at intervals throughout my life and listening to preachers read it aloud, is that it either 1) didn’t make sense to me and 2) didn’t strike me as something I wanted to learn more about from hearing it spoken aloud.
It’s hard to actually have a conversation about everything with someone over a blog, but there are a number of other reasons I have for rejecting Christianity for myself. But one day I would love to sit with someone who could explain it all to me. I did meet someone who was my friends Minister’s wife who was very helpful and I wanted to go over to her house and learn more but I was worried she would feel like she was expending all this energy teaching me things only to have me stick to what I believe in already. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time in feeling like they could turn me, so unless someone shows an interest in telling me more, I don’t push or ask.
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Melodie,
Thank you so much for writing this post.
After I left Mormonism I flirted with the pagan tradition. I even joined a group of other pagans, but I couldn’t wrap my head around the rituals. I felt completely foolish! So I don’t really identify as a pagan, but that sort of reverence for the earth is central to my spirituality.
And I LOVE knowing that somebody else considers herself a “real food vegetarian.” I feel so lonely out here sometimes! I’m trying not to feel dependent on labels in my life anymore – and not a moment too soon because I really don’t fit anywhere in particular – but they do make life easier, and that pressure can be frustrating.
It’s depressing to see the comment at #2. Religion has much potential for bringing out the goodness in people, but it seems much more common that it’s used as a stick to beat anyone who isn’t perceived as sufficiently dogmatic. Here you are, opening yourself in such a compassionate, non-judgmental manner, and that inspires someone to reject you wholly? I hope the rest of your comments are more supportive. Thanks for sharing yourself so bravely.
Chandelle´s last [type] ..in the garden
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Thanks Chandelle. I don’t like being dependent on labels either. I guess it’s just that our society forms itself around them that I feel like I want to be able to put myself somewhere among them, or maybe create my own.
Re; Paganism for me, I have only attended a couple of rituals and they were actually very early on before I even accepted Paganism as something that was right for me. Since then I have never found a group of other pagans I feel comfortable with enough to do more. But also, since many of them are based on Wicca, and those I feel less comfortable with, I guess I am more of a solitary practitioner/believer.
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I suppose people have the right to subscribe or unsubscribe from blogs as they wish, but how immature to include a jerky comment proclaiming it! Silly person. Anyway, like you I enjoy reading a variety of perspectives. I disagree with you on pretty much all your conclusions other than that you are nice!
I was a Methodist but became Catholic, and mostly love it. The thing I dislike is that, like the Protestant churches I previously attended, the churches are full of people who don’t believe what their own church teaches. If you are really interested in Christianity, you might learn more by reading works by theologians
& church leaders than by just checking some out. Especially on the intellectual level you seem to be craving! I can recommend some specific books if you like!
One thing I liked in Methodist churches was a frequent reference to a “faith journey” meaning you are constantly growing and changing in your understanding of and relationship to God (ideally growing wiser & closer to him as you age!). I’ll say a prayer for you to find truth on your faith journey!!
Maman A Droit´s last [type] ..Sunday Surfin
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I knew you would make a comment and I am glad you did. Are you speaking of the Jesuits? I don’t know too much about them but find them fascinating from what I do know. Thanks for speaking up. I really appreciate your comment.
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Dear ones,
The only thing that hits me profoundly from this post is how we so often try to mold “truth” into making it what we want it to be. This saddens me greatly. God is God. We should ask Him who He is instead of looking to each other to find Him. We are not God.
Truth be told: Sin can not enter heaven and even a person who is “mostly good” still makes mistakes. Even if we tried our very best, one small sin can keep us from eternal communion with God.
The good news is that God has provided a solution for those who believe Jesus is God incarnate, that He died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day. The sinless man, fully God, died a torturous death so that we, who believe, might be justified and able to spend eternity with Him. It’s called grace – unmerited favor. We do not deserve heaven, but God extends his merciful hand to us. God himself died for you who believe so that you might have a relationship with him! It’s so beautiful!
Dear ones, there is no other way except by the blood of Jesus Christ. Glorifying God is our chief end, not to glorify ourselves.
Where do you start this journey? Confess your sins to God, repent and turn from your life of sin and self-service and acknowledge Him as God. We can not know true religion until we ask God Himself to reveal Himself to us and He does, in the Bible.
Truth is often not what we want to hear, but when we accept it we find great freedom. Don’t just take my word for it, go to God’s Word.
If this post makes you angry that I am trying to force something on people you should know that I, a human being, can not force you to believe a single thing. Your will belongs to God. So if you feel forced, that may just be God’s Spirit pleading with you to repent and come to Him. Do not delay.
What would you do in my shoes if you thought there was only one way? You would do everything you can to save those who you see on a road to hell. I share all these things because I care. If I did not care I would not have posted at all.
May Jesus Christ be near all of you in this hour.
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Katy, I am not at all angry by what you have posted, and I love people who so strongly believe in what they believe in to feel that it is their duty to spread the word. I have a special palce in my hearts for Jehovah Witnesses who come to your door on their mission to save others and help save themselves. However, my only question for you is how do you know Jesus is the only way? There are a lot of Muslims who would disagree with you. A LOT of them. They truly believe that Allah is the way. Why is your way more right than theirs? Because the Bible tells you so? The Koran tells them their way is right. This is where I am stuck. How can one way be the right way? Why can’t all ways be right? And if Heaven is the gift to Christians in the afterlife, well maybe there is another kind of beautiful place for other people. I don’t know the answers, but I question how other people feel they do. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful I’m just really curious.
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Katy Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I love the lyrics to this song.. it expresses how to write about the love God would be an endless task http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics.....ofgod.html
Jesus himself said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
So you have a few possiblities:
1) Jesus is who he said he is: God
2) Jesus was a really good con artist
3) Jesus was a lunatic
In studying the prophecies of the old testament there were over 300 predictions of Jesus coming. They were specific things that were to happen. If you look particularly at Isaiah 53 it gives a very descriptive explanation of what takes place on the cross. These prophets were men who were given word from God hundreds of years before Jesus was born. Every single prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus.
It has less to do with how we or any other religion feels about truth. At the end of the day God knows and we should ask him to give us ears to hear and eyes to see.
I would be happy to discuss this further with you if you are interested. It really helps me to learn more about God and is a real blessing. I find no greater satisfaction or privilege than knowing my Creator personally and I never take it lightly when others discuss these sensitive topics.
Katy´s last [type] ..Fall Food Ideas
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I believe Jesus lived and I don’t think he was a lunatic (in a bad sense of the word) or a con artist, but I don’t really believe that the people who wrote the Bible got the story quite straight historically-speaking. While I said above that I believe in magic, I also don’t believe in things that just can’t happen, like walking on water. The world Jesus lived in was not as academically-minded as we are today. Things people didn’t understand were seen as magical events because there was no other way to explain them. That only accounts for a small part of the Bible, I know, but stories have a way of changing over time, so while I think most of it in general is true, I do think that people (especially when society started driving out the pagans) changed the Bible quite a bit in order to attract more people to Christianity.
Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
By the way, I thought those lyrics were beautiful.
Glenda Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
What a wonderful post! That was the best thing that I ever did in my life. Have you read One thing you cant do in heaven? It is such a wonderful book! It talks about in Heaven we wont be able to tell people the truth and about Salvation and Jesus since everyone there will already know so we need to do it now. A good friend wont let their friends go to hell they will tell them about Sin, Christ and Salvation. How we need to turn from our sins as well. Love it and thanks for the post!
Glenda´s last [type] ..Who Knew!!!
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Katy Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Thanks Glenda, I have not heard of that book. I will have to check it out!
Yes, I do believe that the Bible is completely inspired by the Holy Spirit and is the only foundational writing that we, as Christians, can stand on firmly. The Bible is my presupposition in this debate. Reason being, the more I study the Bible for what it is the more firm I become in my Christian thought. Beyond the knowledge that I have in the Bible, I have a relationship with Jesus which includes outnumbered answered prayers, witness of His work in others lives, and the blessing of His presence and His purpose in my every day life. I really do believe that Jesus is more than just a story. He is everything to me. He is alive today interceding for me even as I pray for all the readers of this.
The only truth I can give you is what I have found in God’s intimate dealings with me. Your knowledge of Truth can only come from God and it starts by reading his word for yourself asking him to reveal himself to you in reading.
John 3:3
“In reply Jesus declared, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’”
I encourage you to read the rest of this story about Nicodemus in John 3.
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The issue I have with telling people what to do (breastfeed, co sleep, whatever) is it makes one look like a self-righteous know-it-all. I breastfed both my kids for a year but wagging a finger at others doesn’t make me feel like a better mom than them. That’s why I wrote this post. I hope you’ll read it and offer your opinion…
http://babyminding.com/2010/08.....-the-hate/
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Chandelle Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Jennifer, I read your post, and I couldn’t agree more. Here comes a long comment about how much I agree!
I used to be a militant “lactivist” (and also a militant homebirther and cosleeper and Waldorf advocate and vegan…and the list goes on). Then I had a daughter who could not nurse due to oral-motor dysfunction. So my girl was bottle-fed, sometimes with donor milk, sometimes with formula.
I walked away from that experience with nothing but compassion for mothers who bottle-feed. Before, I believed that anyone could nurse if she really wanted it, if she had the proper education and support. I was a breastfeeding activist and training as a lactation consultant, but I could not nurse. So now when I see a woman feeding her baby with a bottle, I don’t assume I know ANYTHING about her, her history, her body, or her relationship with her child.
For the first year after my daughter was born, I rarely left the house because I couldn’t stand the way I was treated by other mothers. How could I relate what it was like to bleed into a pump at 3 am while my daughter screamed, draped across my lap, shrunken and yellow? Instead I stayed quiet, while they assumed they knew all about me, secure in their righteousness.
So I have a very different approach now. And it’s the same with homebirth. I believe in homebirth, and my daughter was born at home, but my son was malpositioned and after 60 hours, I went to the hospital. I believe in vegetarianism, but I have respect for people who go out of their way to find meat from small, local purveyors. My daughter slept better – we ALL slept better – when she was in a bed by herself. Alternative education methods are not appropriate for everyone. I put my son in preschool before he was 3 years old, and before I would have said that was way too young to be on his own, but the truth is that he thrived in preschool and our relationship improved.
So I agree with you. I used to be a self-righteous know-it-all, and I still am sometimes! But I’ve learned my lesson through a series of humbling, often devastating experiences. And now my only questions for parents are: do you love your child? Do you follow your instincts? Do you educate yourself? In my opinion, if the answers are yes, whatever comes after that is good enough. I think we parents do enough self-hating on our own – what we need from other parents is support.
Chandelle´s last [type] ..in the garden
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Trishy Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Well put Chandelle, I love your 3 questions & comment about how hard we are on ourselves. We need support & understanding for sure.
I was humbled after having a C-Section with my first, I had no idea how easily things could become complicated. I wanted a Natural Birth, but in the end was thrilled to have my baby safe in my arms. I was surprised at how openly complete strangers judged me, criticized my choices & never even asked how I felt about everything! I try never to judge a book by it’s cover, & this reinforced that ten-fold.
I also had no idea how hard it is to do your best everyday for your baby & family. After having my second child, I was humbled again at moms with more than two, I vowed to hug the next mom I met with twins.
It didn’t take long to meet one at a local baby store, I told her she deserved a hug, & asked if I could give her one, her eyes welled up & she almost collapsed in my arms.She was so happy to be acknowledged for all the hard work, love & dedication it takes to always put your best foot forward. I think I got just as much out of it too. I have never bumped into her again, but for that brief moment we bonded, words were not even necessary & it sure felt great.
Take care mama’s & always practice compassion <3
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Jennifer Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Thank you Chandelle! That’s what I was getting at. I have a daughter with Sensory Processing Disorder. We don’t always get to do what we would like to do in a “perfect” world when raising our children.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding – Why All The Hate
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I hope you don’t think I’m a finger wagging know-it-all. I am not sure if you have read my blog before but that’s not the way I roll, and I think ym readers would agree with me. While I do think breast is best and home birthing is a safer option, I speak from a place that is either only my personal experience or based on information. This is not a preachy blog. It’s a place where breastfeeding and attachment parenting moms can find support and vegetarian recipes. As of late it has become a personal sounding board for myself as I seek to express more than what I originally started this blog for. I hope will you stick around to learn more about who I am on the internet as well.
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Chandelle Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
For what it’s worth, Melodie, I haven’t found you preachy at all. For that reason, your blog is one of the few that I still read on parenting topics.
Chandelle´s last [type] ..in the garden
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Jennifer Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 8:58 am
No, no. I’m sorry I didn’t mean you, I meant it’s hard to walk that line and it’s why I don’t bring up my two years of nursing unless someone asks or it’s part of the general conversation among mothers. After visiting some iVillage forums I was struck by how those mothers came across so I wrote about it and I wanted your opinion since you are a proud nursing mom. Sorry that it came across the wrong way.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Breastfeeding Versus Bottle Feeding – Why All The Hate
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Hi.
This is the first blog post of yours that I have read. I have to say that I will be subscribing. I like your honesty.
I too have battled with religion and most associate with paganism.
Religion is such a personal choice and it takes courage to talk about it. You leave yourself open and vulnerable to others. I agree with you that people are mostly good. If you live your life well, in the end, you will end up in a good place.
I know with my children, religion will be their decision. I will never force it upon them. My mother took us to church growing up, but it was very inconsistent. She was/is christian. Essentially my sisters and I have all followed our own paths with religion. One is christian, but does not attend church. The other is 7th Day Aventist and goes to a college of that religion. I want my children to have that same opportunity to form their own beliefs.
Thank you again for this post.
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Hi Amanda,
It’s nice to know that when I lose some I win some, so thanks! I agree with you that religion should be a child’s own decision. I will be happy for whatever my children choose that speaks most to them. A long time ago I had a friend who became Christian and her family rejected her. It was very very sad. I went to church with her a number of times to show my support. Our children need to be supported for whatever they believe in. They need to know that they are loved not only by the deity they choose but by their family as well.
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I wish I had the right words to express what I thought about your blog post but alas, for the first time in my life, I’m at a loss for the words. Just know that I loved it and it gave me so much to think about/consider. (as well as all the comments already written-what great discussion!)
I just subscribed so that I don’t miss anything else you post
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Thank you Jenn.
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Hi there.. I wont be unsubscribing to your blog.
I was raised Catholic then was Pagan for 6 years….now I’m a born again Christian. My cousin came over and told me about Jesus. I knew about him and everything there was a change in here. I couldnt explain it.. Long story short (I have been planning to tell my story on my blog) I too gave my life to Christ. There has been a change in me and it was the best thing I could have done since deep down I knew Jesus was the way. I have been Christian since Sep 7 2008 now. For those who say they want to unsubscribe that is just foolish. Did Jesus turn his back from the lady at the well? He KNEW her and HE talked first to her! So for you to be so ugly to Mel is just crazy. I pray that God will soften your heart. You know for years that’s a reason why I didn’t believe in Christians. A lot of them I knew were like that. They saw my life and me being Pagan and wanted to stand clear from me. They judged me! Why would I want to be something when they those type of people were judging, hateful and rude? I didn’t. I know that whatever church you go to there are people that aren’t saved and are like that….ugh I have so much more to say but I dont want to write a book. Thank you for your honesty and your post!
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Melodie Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Thank you Glenda! I wouldn’t have guessed you were once Pagan but I’m happy that you found Christ. Maybe one day I will. I don’t think I will, which will lose me some listeners/readers, but the fact that the world is open to us and all possibilities exist is just one more reason, for me, to accept people for who they are.
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Glenda Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I know people that know my now could have never guessed. And when I tell them they are very surprised. I used to say that I would never be a Christian or believe in what Christians believe too. If I was going to be something I wanted to be something with all my heart… Strangers used to come by and tell me about Christ I would scare them away by telling them I was Pagan! I used to think oh well! I think what did it was seeing my cousin, the joy she had and the genuine change in her and her life. It was real and He was too! I had read the Bible on and off growing up and it didnt do anything for me then. When I gave my life to Christ. Believing in my heart that he was the son of God and that he came to die so that we can have eternal life and that my sins could be forgiven and I could have a new start, it was easier. I asked to be changed and for Him to mold me into the woman He wanted me to be and asked to show me with my Bible, it was desired to read my Bible. I started in the New Testament with John and believed ever word since it is the truth. It was amaing i didnt want to put it down. There are some books are are really good to read. The Case for Faith and the Case for Christ. If you get a chance you should read it. The author wasn’t Christian and he was trying to prove against Christianity. Anyways I’m here if you have any questions about my faith or the Bible. I’m glad my cousin came and talked to me even though she knew I was a Pagan. She admits she did hesitate since she knew how I was, but I think since she was my cousin I chose to open my ears a little more. Some people will not like you cuz of it ( I know first hand) and they are the ones that need to look in their heart and find who they really are. They probably have issues with themselves and honestly shouldnt calll themselves Christians if they want to ignore, stand clear, judge, talk bad about, and stick their nose at you. You don’t need those types of people subscribing to your blog anyways! ((hugs))
Glenda´s last [type] ..Who Knew!!!
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Katy Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Glenda! Thanks for sharing! I rejoice in your new salvation! I do believe we are all on a different journey and we shouldn’t belittle another person in where they are at in the journey to find truth. We were once in their shoes too. It saddens me when Christians misrepresent. Our testimony is so important for those who need the Love of Christ!
He is Lord!
Katy´s last [type] ..Fall Food Ideas
I’m at a similar place, Melodie. I grew up in an agnostic house. In my teens and twenties, I did believe in a God, but at some point, I admitted to myself that that belief was gone. I can’t really put my finger on where I’m at. Some days I feel Pagan, other days atheist, sometimes Buddhist. I’m trying to find a belief system that incorporates all that – not easy!
At the core of it all, though, really I just want to leave this world a little better than I when entered it. That’s more important to me than “what” I am.
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Melodie Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 1:27 am
I totally agree.
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As a spiritual but not religious person who has quite a distrust of organized religion, I really liked this post. I thought you expressed open mindedness and tolerance, and I think it is unfortunate (although not surprising from my perspective) that more dogmatic religous folks responded negatively. From time to time I have posted on my blog about my views on religion (http://schmoopybaby.blogspot.c.....ality.html) although I’m quite sure I don’t come across half as nice as you! Probably because I’m not
Shana´s last [type] ..Here’s a clue…
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You also haven’t lost me.
Kudos for the post – I have yet to “out” myself on mine because of the waves it would create with in-laws. If I had to label myself accurately I would say I’m “Agnostic Atheist with Pagan Tendencies”. Raised Baptist but it always felt like just stories, I never really believed. And having a Biology background in college makes/made me a firm believer in evolution. Someday I’ll look more into Pagan beliefs. Husband is christian but does NOT believe in organized religion and does not go to services. We’re going to let our son figure things out himself.
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Juliette Reply:
August 30th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
“Agnostic Atheist with Pagan Tendencies”
Oooh I like this.
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Melodie Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 1:28 am
Me too. Sounds like where I was in college actually.
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Krista Reply:
August 31st, 2010 at 10:44 am
LOL thanks Juliette! It’s taken me almost 40 years to get there.
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I am 100% firm in my faith. What I like about it is that every, and I mean every, question about spirituality has been answered. From the Bible. Nothing is rationalized, nothing is assumed. It has been clearly shown to me in the Bible. And I am a questioner. I had all those same questions about Heaven and Hell and about “how do you know which religion is the right one?”. I read the scripture about their being only 2 groups. The rightous and the unrightous. I was shown from the Bible how there can only BE one way to truly worship God in the way he expects.
Everything. Makes. Sense.
That is the key for me. I don’t feel brainwashed or that I am doing something that I don’t feel is right. It is completely and utterly refreshing.
I am a Jehovah’s Witness. We get a bad rap sometimes and there is a bad “stigma” about us out there but we are merely Bible teachers and love what we do. I would love to try to answer ANY questions you might have!!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy´s last [type] ..Taco Twist Bake
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Hi Debbi – Thanks so much for your comment. Did you see one of my above comments about loving Jehovah’s Witnesses? I really appreciate you guys for believing so strongly and wanting to spread the word. I befriended a lovely man who was a JW (can I say that?) who taught me sign language when I was a waitress and he was one of my regular customers. Some of the first signs I learned were for God, Heaven, Bible and church. He even brought me a Bible as a gift one day.
The only thing I ask you, like I have been asking the others is why if your Bible right and the others wrong. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, I just don’t understand. When we want to know the truth we go to many sources to prove that to us. Christians only appear (from what I am seeing today) to use the Bible as their reference guide to prove their beliefs. Why do you think that your Bible more right than other Holy books? I ask this with an open heart and mind.
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That is a very valid question. This is something that really takes more than a couple of sentences to explain but I’ll try.
First there are the number of ACCURATE prophesy’s that the Bible has fullfilled that would be impossible for humans to do. There are many.
The contents of the Bible have scientific evidence that human researchers discovered much, much later. Including the origin of the universe, the shapes of the planet and animal life. As science continues to advance, even many scientists have concurred with what the bible has said which gives it way more credibility.
Also the fact that it was written by about 40 men, who were “regular” people over a period of 1610 years, so obviously they didn’t write it together, yet their writings agree, even to the smallest detail. Various portions are intertwines expertly, showing that it was inspired from God and not man.
This is a quote that was taken from one of our publications.
“Clearly, all religions do not lead to the same God. But there is one group that stands apart from all others—Jehovah’s Witnesses, now numbering over seven million around the world. By advocating and adhering to God’s Word, the Bible, they have done what no other group or organization has been able to do, namely, unite people of diverse nationalities, languages, ethnic backgrounds, and races in worship of the one true God, Jehovah.”
The Koran and the Book of Morman were written after the Bible by men who claimed to supercede Jesus. I am pretty sure that both Muslems and Mormans acknowledge the Bible as an accurate Holy Book but they use the other books for their primary information rather than the Bible. The Bible gives NO indication that anybody would supercede Jesus. I just read an article about this but I can’t find it. But everything in the Bible points to Jesus being the last which would mean that anything written by men claiming other information, would be false. There are even scriptures warning about “twisting the scriptures” and warning against writings afterward. I don’t have the exact scriptures but if you at all want to continue with this conversation, I would be more than happy to get some exact scriptures.
Please let me know if you have any more questions. Our objective isn’t to “brainwash” anybody, we just want to be able to teach those with an open heart and those with questions. In a world with so much insecurity with politics, religion, terrorism and natural disasters, I am in complete peace and do not fear the future at all. I’m not sure many can truly say that!!!
Don’t worry, I don’t jugde people on their views of religion and I don’t pick my followers based on that. I avoid the blogs that promote their religion A LOT if I don’t share their views but I certainly don’t blame someone for sharing their questions and beliefs!! My blogs have NOT focused on religion but I do enjoy talking with those with a hearing ear!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy´s last [type] ..Taco Twist Bake
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I was also raised in a non-religious home, but I was also raised in a very religious community. And so, I often felt like the odd one out. My desire to fit in, and to be the ‘nice’ girl, led me to embrace Christianity.
I had a moment of clarity – one of few in my life – when I realized that I didn’t really believe in the religion so much as I believed in fitting in. I believed in conforming and doing what was expected of me. Which would be fine, but I was in a fairly committed position within my church community and that was uncomfortable for me.
I found a spiritual home at a Unitarian church, which allows me to explore spirituality and feel a sense of belonging without any internal conflict. And I remain a joiner, trying to be the nice girl. I’m OK with that. We all have a need to fit in, and so I strive to fit in by becoming part of other organizations. And then I strive to balance it, at least a little, and consider my own needs outside of belonging.
Amber´s last [type] ..Letting Them Win
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It is nice to see a straightforward conversation on the table. Being an ordained minister I would have to say the Bible is part fiction, part history, part literature. The letters were written before the gospels. Each gospel written at a different time by a different author to a different audience. We belive the Bible is the “inspired” word of God,not all literal. If you go literal, you will end up scratching your head. i believe in God’s presence with us every day and we can live with that wareness. We do have free will and choices to make, but God wants to guide us in our lives. I dont think Christianity is the only way to God. I am Christian for many reasons bec for the most part they are moving more toward respect for every person and for the earth – other religions treat women and children awful with no rights- my western thought. Jesus has much to say to us about how we live with one another and how we take care of the earth. The Jews were blunt honest with themselves in the Old Testament. Adam and Eve is a story they developed to explain God and creation and so on. I dont take it literal. It is a book about faith which cant always be taken literally – I like to weave other traditions and spiritualities into my way on the journey bec they have a lot to offer too. Just a few of my thoughts on this subject which could go on and on. it is important to have something and to raise our kids with some way to live other than what they learn in school and the competitive world of sports and computers. there must be more to live and this earth than getting ahead. thanks for listening. Rev. Jane
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Katy Reply:
October 27th, 2010 at 11:16 am
Jane,
Kindly, my one concern with your above statement is that you agree with Jesus teachings, but you do not think He is the only way to God.
If you believe Jesus’ words in the gospels you would also believe that He is the only way to God the Father. John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
There are other statements and analogies (such as John 10) that illustrate that He is the gate… He is the only way.
I am saying a prayer for you in your search for truth. May God’s Spirit guide you in your quest!
Blessings,
Katy
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Melodie Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 12:52 am
I always appreciate prayers Katy. You are sweet to do so. However, I don’t really believe everything in the Bible is true. Someone else (an ordained minister) just left a comment that resonated with me saying that “the Bible is part fiction, part history, part literature.” That the “Bible is the ‘inspired’ word of God, not all literal.” For me, this makes the most sense. For me this allows for there to be many paths to God. I believe, as many do, that there must be many paths, because not everyone finds Him the same way. Yet we are all blessed with the freedom to believe in our own way. Thank you so much for reaching out and leaving a comment.
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Katy Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 10:36 am
If we only believe part of the Bible, how do we know what is true and what isn’t? When it records what Jesus himself said, by 4 different authors at four different times when they didn’t even have copies of each others’ writings.
Just believing what we want is basically saying to God “I will trust what I want about you.” When He has clearly given to us for our sake!
God has revealed Himself to us in His Word, the Bible. It is really shaky ground to say that you only believe part of the Word of God.
There will be a day when we will all stand before and give an account. There will be two groups of people
Group 1) Those who believe Jesus(God) lived a sinless life, died on the cross to suffer for those who will believe in Him, and rose from the dead after three days. Afterward He appeared to many people before he ascended to the right hand of God the Father.
Group 2) Those who thought they could be good and earn their way into heaven only to find out their only hope was through the blood of Jesus.
If you think I am narrow minded, please take it up with God. Jesus really did say “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
I beg of you to take God at His Word and not try to choose what to believe.
For the sake of your salvation I pray His angels might minister to you this day that your eyes would be opened to the fact that we are completely at the mercy of Jesus Christ, the God-man, who lived a perfect life and took the punishment for our sin.
With deep sincerity,
Katy
Melodie Reply:
October 28th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Thank you so much for commenting. Everything you said really resonates with me and I so appreciate that being true with you being an ordained minister. Thank you!
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