Pew Forum Religious Knowledge Survey: Atheists and Agnostics Score Highest

[ceo]

As a Brian that was raised in the same evangelical faith as cindylou, there is a certain "spin" that is put on all of the scripture to make it positive and relevant to believers in modern times.

Raised in the church here too. Went to private christian school K-3, till we moved. When we moved the public school system where we were was actually pretty good, so off I went. Pretty much stopped going to church too. Oh I went a few times with parents or friends, but wasn't interested.

Around age 20 I started going to church again, got "saved", "baptised" yada yada. Was real into church, studying the bible, learning as much as I could from pretty much every "teacher" I could listen to. Of course I had enough sense not to just believe every interpretation. Funny how the same scripture can be interpreted so many different ways to fit whatever need/want arises.

I lead bible studies, prayer groups, people to christ. I served a few roles in the church over the course of several years. I was very involved. Oh and I didn't see myself as "religious", I had a "relationship".

I used to "judge the fruit" too, cindylou (I can speak christianese fluently). At least for a while. But then I was reminded that I don't know the hearts, only god does. But it sure is easy to say, "he's going to hell, and she is too!" and justify it through scripture. Thank god I wasn't condemning people to hell for all that long.

But hey, I kept learning and studying. I mean, I had questions about inconsistencies in the scriptures, so I had to. As I began studying actual history, oh were my eyes opened.

All of what I say in regards to the bible and religion or spirituality will be disregarded by christians of course, because I don't believe in the "holy trinity" and many other reasons. I am merely a heretic, who is damned to hell (well at least by christians).

 

[Lancer55]

"Poncio Pilato at 10 o'clock!" lololol

 

[cindylou]

This is where it gets upsetting. I'm not upset w/ anyone, just an idea, and right now, I just need more sleep. ha. I have a daughter that must be coming down w/ something. These debates can be fun at times but they leave me feeling very vulnerable because its so personal to me. I've quit talking about it IRL but it's hard when you feel like you want to tell someone "If only you could see what I see!" but I guess that's what you are trying to tell me and it keeps going in circles.

What disturbs me is this: I've only been a Christian for a little while, just a small number of years, but there is a huge difference in my life, the way I see and hear things, I can talk to God. So, am I crazy? That's what it has to be. I'm delusional. Or a liar.

 

[Strongbow]

I will take this fucking survey tear it in half, shove one half up your ass, and the other half down your throat mutha fucker.

 

[just...v]

This is where it gets upsetting. I'm not upset w/ anyone, just an idea, and right now, I just need more sleep. ha. I have a daughter that must be coming down w/ something. These debates can be fun at times but they leave me feeling very vulnerable because its so personal to me. I've quit talking about it IRL but it's hard when you feel like you want to tell someone "If only you could see what I see!" but I guess that's what you are trying to tell me and it keeps going in circles.

What disturbs me is this: I've only been a Christian for a little while, just a small number of years, but there is a huge difference in my life, the way I see and hear things, I can talk to God. So, am I crazy? That's what it has to be. I'm delusional. Or a liar.

You are not delusional, Cindylou, or a liar. You found something good in your life, it makes you happy and you want to share it cause u care about others and want to see them happy too. I think you are one of the good ones. Others may not see the world as you see it, but that does not make your beliefs any less true. Stick with what makes You happy and don't let anyone make you feel bad for that.

 

[OMEGA]

Cindy ill go to Church with you!

 

[miplank]

I will take this fucking survey tear it in half, shove one half up your ass, and the other half down your throat mutha fucker.

lol

 

[ceo]

This is where it gets upsetting. I'm not upset w/ anyone, just an idea, and right now, I just need more sleep. ha. I have a daughter that must be coming down w/ something. These debates can be fun at times but they leave me feeling very vulnerable because its so personal to me. I've quit talking about it IRL but it's hard when you feel like you want to tell someone "If only you could see what I see!" but I guess that's what you are trying to tell me and it keeps going in circles.

What disturbs me is this: I've only been a Christian for a little while, just a small number of years, but there is a huge difference in my life, the way I see and hear things, I can talk to God. So, am I crazy? That's what it has to be. I'm delusional. Or a liar.

I don't think anyone is upset with you either. I'm certainly not. If your religion/relationship is making you happy, that is wonderful. I went through the same thing. Believe me, I was very into it. Wanted to learn as much as I could. Read and studied almost everything I could get my hands on.

I used to go home after listening to the preacher and do my own research to find out if I believed what he was saying. I felt it was my obligation/duty to do so (not for anyone else, just for me). Much like the Bereans who, "received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11) It was that kind of dedication to the truth that lead me to believe...differently.

 

[cindylou]

Right, I forgot...you've got that covered...



What's it like to sit in judgement?

it's sometimes lonely at the top

 

[cindylou]

lol good. I wasn't sure if you were trolling me or having fun w/ me lol If you want, tell me what you believe sometime