It is often said that you should not talk politics or religion, but I’m going to break that rule today. Don’t worry, I am not going to try to preach to you, or sway you to my religion, though.
As I think we all know, the Philippines is a very Catholic Country. The last statistics that I saw indicated that the Philippines was about 80% Catholic. The percentage of Catholics in the country has been falling in recent decades, but overall the country is still primarily Catholic, there can be no doubt.
Back in 1990, when Feyma and I first met in person and married, it’s funny, we did not talk about religion much before we married. That is a real basic topic, and I suspect that we were a little different in not having that conversation before our wedding. I assumed Feyma to be a Catholic, since that was so common here. I personally was born and raised Catholic myself. However, when I finished high school and went out into the world for myself, I decided to leave the Catholic Church. I am not anti-Catholic, but it just did not serve my spiritual needs. I never felt fulfilled by reading or reciting prayers that were memorized. I longed for something a little more spontaneous. However, I thought to myself that since Feyma was Catholic, I would simply return to the Catholic Church, mostly for family harmony, and simplicity.
After our wedding, a few days passed. I started feeling guilty, and that I should have told Feyma about my feelings regarding spirituality before the wedding. I decided that we needed to have the talk, so I opened it up gently with Feyma. I explained to her how I was born and raised Catholic, but had left the Church. I told her that it was my plan to return to Catholicism, having married her, and that our family would be Catholic to please her.
After I explained all of this, Feyma told me that this was also an issue that she had been concerned about. She knew that I was Catholic, because I had documents like my Baptismal Certificate, and other ceremonial certificates from my Catholic childhood. I had brought these documents with me to present to the Church for our Wedding. Feyma told me that when she saw that I was Catholic, she decided to return to the Church. About 5 or 6 years before we were Wed, she had left the Catholic Church for many of the same reasons that I had done so! So, we were practically identical in terms of our religion and our religious path that we had followed in life.
Over the years, this is something that we have had a bit of a chuckle about many times. I left the Church and returned for her. She left the Church and returned for me!
What a coincidence!
Wow!! I don't have time to write what I want to right now but please leave this topic up Bob. I will come back in a few hours….Steve
Maayong buntag Bob
My wife is a very strong Catholic so for the sake of the children and to make the marriage easier I decided to become a Catholic. This was not a big change coming from the Reform religion. I feel that better for children to be brought up in a strong church. So for my marriage religion was all discussed before our marriage and basically a non-issue.
With most of the non Catholic population in Midanao, do you know the percentage of Catholics in just Midanao?
😕
Hi Steve A – Once a topic goes up, it will always be here! I'll look forward to your comments….
Hi Larry – Maayong buntag pud. The percentage of Catholics in Mindanao is more than 70%, so it is still a very significant majority here.
hi bob, want to ask how's your religious life since you have kids already?
Hi Bob
Me and Ann similar to you and Feyma, me and Ann, both catholic and i left the faith like you but Ann never left, but like you i feel i need to re-join and have started going back to church and i don't know why but i feel i should but there is a funny thing, when i go to church i feel better, no idea why and sometimes we go to the local church, the service is held in bisaya which i don't understand but i can follow through years of catholic faith, anyway as i am coming away from the service i feel happy and contented, i can't explain it any more than this
But starting life and a new family in the philippines i think it is important to participate in local life and religion is a big part of that, so, tryiong to re-join, haven't got there mentally yet but trying 😕
Hi jose – I have no problems with my religious life. How about you, how is your religious life?
Hi rick b – As it turned out, Feyma and I did not return to Catholicism, we are Protestants now. Finding a good service in English can be tough.
Bob… Funny you brought up this topic now… My next two postings were something similar based on events last weekend (marriage license) and Piat (sort of… Wait and see!). I am getting baptized for our wedding… I hope the holy water doesn't burn or boil!
Hi John Miele – That's a bit of a coincidence, don't you think? I'll look forward to reading your articles!
kamusta bob
i would say im christian i guess that was the church my mom and dad brought me to when i was young,although i dont follow a certain religion im am a firm believer in god and good and bad.i also feel karma has a big impact on our life.my fiancee goes to 7 day advent church.to be truethful i dont really know the differance .i believe if we all love and respect god in our own way then were ok.
salamat bob
Hi Ron W – I am in total agreement with your view!
Bob, would it have hurt you to crack a smile at your wedding 🙂
I was raised a Catholic as well, then when my wife came here on a fiance visa we had only 90 days to get married. The Catholic church said it was mandatory to go thru 12 weeks of pre marriage counseling (for a fee) . How ironic that a priest who never has been married is going to counsel me on how to have a good marriage . NOT. Church here in U.S. is BIG Business.
I was married in a Baptist Church where I was welcome with open arms. I am still married after 23 years and I still pray every day.
Hello Bob,
A nice little story, I am a firm beliver that you should be able to talk about any subject that interests you, whether that about religion, politics, sex or what ever interests you, as long as the person you are talking to is open minded enough to discuss it.
We all know that religion and politics can be emotional subjects, why I do not know because both originated by word of mouth in the first place. Both subject are very complex and effect each of us in different ways. Personally I am a confirmed agnostic, so I take an interest in all religions,the effect on people and countries.
It always pays to keep on open mind, as that is how we gain knowledge
Have a good day
Steven
P.S I will not comment any further as I will only get myself into trouble
Hi Neal In RI – Ha ha… I guess I couldn't squeeze out a smile because it was just too hot! 😆
I can't tell you how much I agree with your sentiments.
Hi Steven – No trouble so far! Hopefully it will stay that way too.
There's more to this subject than some think at first glance. I was never a Catholic but knew it was importantto my wife so I decided to convert … to me the organized form of the relgion has little significance, it's the personal beliefs and acions of the person that counts.
Well, imagine my surprise when I found I can't become a Catholic. Yep, because I was married previously in a recognized Christian church, the Catholic church does not recognize my divorce and thus my current wife and I are bigamists, living in sin, can not take communion or participate in other sacraments of the Catholic church. In attempting to change my own religious affiliation I ruined my wife's official religious practices as well.
A way out? Oh yes, I must prove, as in a civil court, with witnesses, that I was never baptized in a Christian church … and get my ex-wife to agree to the nullification of our former marriage … neither of those things are likely to happen … so just like people who have to live with a disease or some other pleasant thing that crps up in a person's life, my wife and I are forever left out of what was once a very important part of her life.
Am I mad (a little). Am I sad? You better believe it. (note to those who are divorced and thinking of marrying a Catholic whose practice of Catholicism is important to them … you should go to your local Diocese and obtain leaglly (under Canon law) advice before you make final decisions. There are a _lot_ of interpretations floating around the Internet and people's local parishes that do not conform to Catholic law. Something to consider).
Hi Dave Starr – As far as I recall, you and I have never discussed this topic before. Your story is quite interesting. Combining your experience and Neal in RI, it is amazing that the Catholic Church does little to welcome in people who wish to join the flock. It is almost as if they try to keep people out. Strange…
Well Bob, I may be the first one to get in trouble on todays post, but this is not a light hearted discussion in my mind like DVD9's or a good restaurant. I'll start by giving you some of my background. I met my wife because we were both of the same protestant background. My wife was actually working alongside your language teacher back then. We both asked each other many questions regarding our religious beliefs as we both hold these beliefs as our life cornerstones rather than an afterthought. (Before I proceed, further I want everyone to know I am not referring to anyone's comments above or anyones experiences other than my own). I don't push my beliefs on anyone but I do feel an urgent need to tell others about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to forgive the sins of those who accept. I do this because I love them and no other reason….just as I would try to help someone if I saw them driving over a cliff. We are told to spread this news to others in the New Testament. But they have to make the decision from there…I'm not going to "beat them over the head".
The Bible is the only document that has used prophecy thousands of years in advance to show us its authority and show us the correct direction…. That the only way to God is through acceptance of the death of his Son.
Denomination doesn't mean anything, as long as you know (and accept) the truth of the Bible. Being in a denominational "club" or "going to church" will not bring you to God.
Hi Bob, in your post you end with the words…… " what a coincidence"… maybe it wasn't…. maybe the big man upstairs had a hand in it !!
I've walked a similar path to yours, brought up Catholic…. left home and the church as well, later in life joined a protestant church in the UK.
I do prefer to simply call myself a Christian (albeit a poor one !) rather than use a denomination.
lots of valid points made by other posters even with this tricky subject. Like the suit by the way !!
hi bob,
there is a Christian bible believing church behind Gaisano Mall, near San Pedro College, pastored by Arnel Tan. He has an english worship service to cater to some missionaries that go there. You might want to give it a visit.
Hi Bob,
Interesting topic! I'm basically an agnostic married to a non-practicing Catholic Filipina with no interest in going to church. Before we got married we discussed religion. It went something like this;
I said, " I have no intention of attending church."
She said, " Neither do I. "
That was 19 years ago and the subject hasn't come up since then. We were married in a civil ceremony at city hall ( in Canada ) with a Lutheran minister presiding over the ceremony. He happened to be on call that day.
I come from a rather diverse family religion-wise. My mother is a Pentecostal-Spiritualist married to my father who is an atheist. That eventually didn't work out. My brother converted to Roman Catholicism and my sister became a Baptist minister. I prefer a more personal sense of spirituality as opposed to organized religion, but I still like to listen to those old-time Pentecostal hymns!
Hi Bob – Quite interesting topic. Up in "Ilocandia" you'll find the Aglipayan Church (Philippine Independent Church) quite prominant. In the Phils itself, The Aglipayan Church is the third largest Christian chuch, after Catholic and Inglesia ni Cristo. I believe it's alligned with the Episcopal Church in the USA.
Asawa-ko was Aglipayan and converted to Catholicism prior to our marriage in London. I was born and raised Catholic, so I guess it was the "switcheroo" for us – the pinay changing for the kano! 😆
Hi Bob
Both my wife and I are Christians and our belief is according to the bible a husband and wife must be equally yoked meaning that we should be of the same beliefs. I'm not sure we would have gotten married if we were of different religions.
I think just being a loving person may bring a person to fellowship with God in the end and most of the other stuff might be frosting on the cake but I do believe Jesus and God have the final says not the churches or whoever that's my two cents, nice blog Bob!
Bob and Feyma,
"I left the Church and returned for her. She left the Church and returned for me!"
You have a good story line here. It would make a good plot for a movie. Really…
Me, when people ask about my religion, I have a crisp answer, "I am generic." LOL. And if pressed to elaborate, I usually answer, "I have a walking religion."
this is one area that also creeps into my head when considering moving back.
i am a bit bothered by the iron grip religion has on philippine policies (i.e. birth control, censorship). i tell myself that i should just keep my mental horse blinders on. but i know myself. being a news junkie & have strong opinions of things, i am sometimes affected by the religious undercurrent there.
this is not a indictment of the culture. i am in fact jealous of my people's strong faith. it's just that being filipino myself, my opinions on religion are magnified when i am there.
like most pinoys, i was raised catholic. but i've since left the church. though organized religion is not my thing, the closest one i could relate to is the US episcopal church because of it's open & non-judgemental nature.
still, i think i'll remain outside the bounds of religious definition. agnostic maybe? i can't really help that it is in my nature to question things. my belief is that nobody has the answers to everything but i am reassured by the goodness of people.
my wife, btw, is very religious & open-minded & i am glad about that. it helps balance me out.
Yes amen to that brother Macky! I and lots of others feel much the way you do. Alot of people just go through the motions to belong.
Hello to all reading this. Read some of the opinions. The BIBLE says the only way to the father is through the son(JESUS CHRIST) If you all will open a BIBLE and read ROMANS 10:9.10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised him from the dead ,thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righeousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. So there we have it just repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your savior and Heaven will be your home when you die! You see there are only two kinds of religion in this world. That is do and done. It is not what you do but what he done. When he gave his life on the cross for your sins and mine. When he bowed his head and said it is done then that settled it all forever amen!
Bob: Thanks for coming out of the closet I assumed you were catholic 😉
Off subject: I haven't been around much lately One reason is our newborn which I cant keep quiet about. Burk (named for my recently passed grandfather) was born 8/8/08 at about 3:30am(not sure on the exact time).
I was surprised the Lying in clinic charged only 3865p ($90 US) for the delivery even though they had to get up in the middle of the morning. Thats less than a 2 month visa extension with all the extras they add on.
Back on the subject. I hope I don't piss anyone off that isn't my intent just going to tell my story and I hope I don't stir up a debate here I don't want to argue with anyone. I guess I lean toward agnostic now but have a highly religious past. I was raised Southern Baptist, was even licensed to preach when in high school though I never followed through with that. Later I attended pentecostal churches for a few years and finally settled to a form of messianic belief (A mixture of Christianity and Judaism) because of my belief at the time of the bible as a sacred text (in my opinion Messianic is the closest to the bible though even they don't accept it all).
I've been disabled for some years now and with little to do besides think, read and try to entertain myself I spent a lot of those years studying and praying and finally came to the conclusion that the bible wasn't inspired by a god. It still has some interesting history though and I do recommend people read it at least once.
After coming to the conclusion that it wasn't an inspired text I realized I had no basis for any faith of any kind. Talk about a shocker! After living most of my life for god I came to realize he probably doesn't exist at least not in the form I had been taught. I admit I'm still reeling over this. I still believe their is some form of higher intelligence that created us. But who? Or what? I don't have a clue. Whether it was an(or several) all powerful god/dess or little green men in a flying saucer its obvious to me we were created.
As for following any religion. I don't know what to do now I've always been to honest to fake it. But at the same time I can see a use for religion. I was a very troubled young man when I first devoted my life to god and I shudder to think what I might have become if it weren't for Southern Baptist ideals.
Having a child of your own can really bring this issue home. What will my child become with or without religion? Being a child is VERY difficult it can help tremendously to have an invisible friend you trust to talk to.
I made it very clear to Elvie when we first started talking that I would never be a part of a Catholic church (I'm against any religion that uses force or even coercion to get or keep believers that leaves out the two biggest ones here). She was ok with that and seems to be unsure what she believes herself also having a mixed Christian background.
Hi Steve A – No problems with anything you said. Although Feyma and I did not specifically discuss any certain religion, we talked to each other on so many issues, and found our beliefs the same, that the only question was what named religion we each belonged to. Our beliefs about life issues were very compatible, and still are, though.
Hi gerry – I doubt that I'll ever wear a suit again… I don't even own one anymore! For formal occasions I will wear a Barong Tagalog.
Regarding religion, like you, I don't normally use any tag or a certain religion. If pushed to the wall, I would say that I belong to the Assemblies of God, as that Church is where I found my home in the USA.
Hi jan – I'll consider that, jan. Thank you.
Hi Randall Jessup – Whatever works for you, and for all of us, is right for each of us individually. I see no problems with it!
Hi Paul – Interesting! I didn't know about the Aglipayan Church. Never heard of it!
Hi Dan Mihaliak – I believe that Feyma and I do have the same beliefs on nearly any topic.
Hi John – I agree with you 100%. Thanks for your comment.
Hi ecstasy – I like that – "generic"! Perfect.
Hi macky – Just curious… does your wife try to influence you in matters of faith, or just accepts your religious differences? If this question is too personal, no problem if you don't answer.
Hi Robert – Thank you for sharing your interpretation.
Hi John H – I would never describe myself as Catholic these days. I haven't stepped foot in a Catholic Church for more than a decade.
All the best in deciding the right path for you, your wife and child.
Hi Bob- Are you wearing brown shoes with a blue suit? Huge fashion faux par if you are, and thats about as much as I have to contribute to todays subject 😉
p.s; Feyma certainly looked beautiful on your big day.
You are indeed a lucky man.
Hi anthony – Ha ha… that was so many years ago, I don't recall what color shoes I wore! They do look brown, though. 😆
Thank you for your nice comment!
Hey John H, Your lucky because you can talk to Elvis but if Elvis is alive why not God and Jesus it only makes sense they are alive as well.
"The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this."-Albert Einstein.
The more knowledgeable a person becomes the farther away from religion he/she is.
There was a program in PBS on this on why man invented religion. The premise was that there was not a need for it in preserving the spieces. In fact the opposite had happened—too many killings. Then again, the agnostics, in forcing people to become unbelievers, also killed a lot too.
I too was raised Catholic but I go to the Catholic Church to pray for a supreme being….
Elvis and Jesus Christ were/are cool dudes. I can have a beer with them anytime.
"Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." -Albert Einstein.
Strange are complexities of the human mind.
Hi Dr. Sponk Long – I am sorry, I don't agree with you at all on this one. When you say:
"the more knowledgeable a person becomes the farther away from religion he/she is."
I can't go along with that at all. There are many, many, very smart people who are religious, and it is their right. They have the right to believe, just as others have the right to not believe.
Believing in God has nothing to do with Intelligence, or the lack of it.
Hi Bob – I have no problem answering your question.
Faith is a major part of my wife's life, but to her credit, she has never tried to force me into a certain belief. Her family is deeply religious & so are my parents (in fact, I find my parents becoming even more religious as they age – but that is another story).
We are the same in that she also has a catholic background but also disagrees with some of the church's policies.
It's easy to assume that the less-religious spouse feels more pressure, but I see it the other way. In her case, she has seeked the middle ground in what we both agree in & makes adjustments. Believes what is important (being thankful for what we have) & what are the trivialities of religion (repetitious rites or divisive doctrines).
In the end, it falls on me to recognize what is important for her &, as her husband, make sure that I show her that I know this & join her every now & then (…& try to avoid making jokes with jesus references – because my juvenile sense of humor sometimes knows no bounds). it's a lifelong partnership after all.
Dear Bob,My Philippina wife Susan is a non practicing Catholic and I am an atheist but acknowledge that we all have a right to seek our own faith to assist us through life.When we had children my wife wanted them baptised Catholic – I agreed with 2 provisos – they were never left alone with a priest and they would be educated in a non denominational school.It is hard to believe that in this day and age that my country, Scotland,a mainly Protestant country still has segregated education for Catholic children provided by the state.This is at the behest of the Catholic church and until recent times was the cause of sectarian strife. All children whether Catholic,Protestant,Muslim,Jewish or whatever should be educated together – we have to learn to accept different faiths in our communities being absolutely normal at an early age.The churches or parents can teach whatever faith they chose after school hours. The power of organised religion is waning – more and more people are living their lives according to basic beliefs but without the need for a church – lack of religious faith does not mean a lack of honesty or morality.
My father used to say beware of good christians – they are usually neither! Hippocracy can be found all too easily among those who profess the greatest faith – seven years in Saudi Arabia taught me that and any Balikbayan who spent any time there will surely agree on that point!!
I am rambling on as I have time on my hands at the moment recovering from Prostate cancer surgery {successful}so I am taking the opportunity to get my views in print to see the reaction — Thanks to you Bob providing this forum to us.
Bryan G.
Hi macky – Interesting. It sounds like both you and your wife go out of your way to accommodate each others beliefs.
Hi Bryan Gallacher – I am glad to hear that your surgery was a success, congrats on that.
Hi Bob,
Ken & I are both Catholics. Ken often says that I brought God into his life. I am thankful for this.
To me, it doesn't matter what religion one practices. What's important is the totality of an individual – kind, just, honest, etc.
I must confess that I currently have some trouble with the Catholic Church in the US (sex scandals) and the Philippines (birth control) and how they have/are handling these issues. Bottom line is my personal belief is not swayed by what my Church does.
I got to give support to Dr. Sponk and Albert Einstein. As one of Morgan Freeman's characters Walter Crewes put it, "God is an imaginary friend for grownups". The rub is that people have in the past (present and I am sure they will in the future) . . . been killed, persecuted, and/or discriminated by other people that do not have the same imaginary friend.
Below is the survey that I kept handy to deal with the oppressive bible beaters.
Please complete this survey.
Circle the correct True or False answer.
1. True – False The Bible say you must be killed if you work on Sundays.
(Exodus 31:12-15 NLT) The LORD then gave these further instructions to Moses: 'Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. Yes, keep the Sabbath day, for it is holy. Anyone who desecrates it must die; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. Work six days only, but the seventh day must be a day of total rest. I repeat: Because the LORD considers it a holy day, anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death.'
2. True – False The Lord killed a baby as revenge for David’s sin.
(2 Samuel 12:11-14 NAB) Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan answered David: "The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die. But since you have utterly spurned the Lord by this deed, the child born to you must surely die." [The child dies seven days later.]
3. True – False The Bible say it is ok to sell your daughter as a sex slave.
(Exodus 21:7-11 NLT) When a man sells his daughter as a slave, she will not be freed at the end of six years as the men are. If she does not please the man who bought her, he may allow her to be bought back again.
4. True – False The Bible say to burn people.
(Joshua 7:15 NLT) "The one who has stolen what was set apart for destruction will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has, for he has broken the covenant of the LORD and has done a horrible thing in Israel."
5. True – False The Bible says to kill homosexuals
(Leviticus 20:13 NAB) "If a man lies with a male as with a women, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed; they have forfeited their lives."
6. True – False The Bible says if you hit your parent you should be killed.
(Exodus 21:15 NAB) Whoever strikes his father or mother shall be put to death.
7. True – False The Bible say murdering people is ok.
(Deuteronomy 20:10-14) When the LORD your God hands it over to you, kill every man in the town. But you may keep for yourselves all the women, children, livestock, and other plunder. You may enjoy the spoils of your enemies that the LORD your God has given you.
Yes, you figured it out all the statements are true. Please read your bible and really think about it.
Hi Bob,
Here's my two cents worth…
I believe God is where we find comfort, strength and inner peace. Like water it should flow continually and anyone who wishes to drink it, may do so.
Religion is an organization and when the organization fails the rest falls apart. There are positives and negatives on all religion, I take the ones that I feel comfortable and discard the ones that are not. Spirituality does not need an organization, it just is and We All are spiritual by nature. The choices and labels we put on spirituality is what makes the difference.
Raised Catholic, I became good friends with two Irish Catholic priests who used to come visit me in my metaphysical store. We used to discuss about Catholic ceremonies and rituals, which I loved the experience in my youth and so as the practices of those who believe of the Feminine side of God… such as the life of Mary Magdalene, Isis,Sophia, Kuan Yin and many others. They’re both at peace with it and I regard them as spiritual instead of religious.
Cheers!
P.S. Gorgeous wedding gown, Feyma! Bob, say Cheese…!
I remember on one quiet night when I was just 10 years old, I was looking at the stars trying to understand the meaning of infinity and why is the Universe so huge, the light years away and what beyond?
And if there is an end so what is beyond it? And if there was a beginning then what was before? So since I couldn't comprehend this, I understood that we as humans are rather limited, our brains and senses designed only for this earthly living. So since we don't understand the order of the Universe it means that there has to be a higher being(s) and some different dimensions we are not even able to detect with our limited senses (and brains). Then I asked myself why if any God(s) is there then why is so much of suffering by innocent people. Why God allows it to happen? And I could only answer myself that we're too limited to understand why all this chaos and suffering is happening on earth. At the same time I knew that a spiritual life is needed, just because of all of the above. Just to make a sense out of this miserable life. And since living a decent life seemed to be so natural, just beyond discussion for me, I didn't need any specific religion to choose (or be judgemental and reject any), all I needed was to live my life without harming others. And afterlife and immortal soul is possible as well. Why not? Anything is possible in other forms or dimensions, things totally beyond human comprehension….
I think the choice is ours.
This is my faith. The bible said that for all have sinned. There is not one righteous. The payment of sin is death. But God in His great love for us, provided His only Son to pay for our sins by shedding His blood on the cross. That whoever believes in His Son will have eternal life. That's the redemptive act of God.
We can never save ourselves, not by being good enough. It is by faith alone in Christ and grace alone.
At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.
Hi Bob
Had an early morning with Annika (3:30am, letting ann get some sleep, she doean't get much these days, only normal baby stuff) and read all of these comments, very interesting
Very strong and diverse views here, i don't agree with them all but wouldn't try to persuade anyone that their views are incorrect or missguided
by the way going back to your title "header" and in light of comments made here, i think religion and politics should NOT be taboo, these are things that are so relevant to our lives and very much relavant to lip, anyway that is my only point oh no another one is……..
i spent most of my life wearing brown shoes with dark suits, i never knew it was a fashion faux pas, you learn some great stuff reading this blog 😎
Hi Tina – I agree with you that we can be members of a church without believing in every tenet, or having disagreements in certain areas. Of course, the church doesn't see it that way though. Unfortunately.
Hi James – you're quoting nothing but Old Testament there, and in most religions that no longer applies. Anyway, I'm not here to debate theology. However, to say that somebody is stupid because they believe in God, is simply not right in my opinion, and I believe that is what Dr. Long said, although not using those exact words.
Hi MarcelinaWW – your comment makes a lot of sense to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Hi ted – thank you very much for sharing your comments. I think a lot of us spent some time looking up at the stars like that.
Hi jan – yes indeed, we are all sinners. No doubt about that.
Hi rick b – Ah, so you're an early riser today. Well, that's what you get when you have a baby! Thanks for your support on the brown shoes thing. 😆
Hello Bob
Well your article has certainly got people thinking and voicing their thoughts. I read every one with interest and kept an open mind with all of them.
What it shows is belief in god or what ever is a very personal thing, some people do not need to believe in a higher being, while others do.
The trouble with organised religions are that they are so competitive with each other, they forget what they are supposed to be teaching.
They are also prone to teaching intolerance to anybody who thinks differently to them.
Just look at the intolerance of homosexuality being a classic case, I never really understand why they are so hated by most religions.
I am not a homosexual myself, but I do have homosexual friends and I them to no different to anybody else I know. The world would a very dull place them. A lot of women would not be very happy as who would be design their clothes for them, the art and entertainment would not be the same without them.
The persecution of the Jews by the Catholic church for nearly a housand years and yet Jesus Christ was a Jew. I will stop there as I think I have gone far enough.
Steven
Hi Steven – Yes, indeed, this discussion is getting right to the hear of people's beliefs! Maybe that is why the subject is often considered taboo! 😆
Bob,
You hit the nail on the head my friend. The questions presented by James go back to laws that were made for a people/culture that existed over 3000 years ago. I can look at laws made here in the states just 100 years ago and scratch my head in disbelief.
On to the next…
To say or imply that someone is ignorant for believing in the Bible indicates to me a lack of exposure to people of different beliefs. I have a degree in engineering and consider myself to be of average intelligence;however, I know truly brilliant people personally with PhD's in chemistry, physics, engineering, and mathematics that truly believe in the truth and total reliability of the Bible. The brilliance of the Bible is that God made it so that even us average guys can understand it. Since Einstein was brought up also I have this to add..Einstein was a smart guy and came up with a lot of good theories but this doesn't make him a god or even the smartest guy that ever lived. Einstein was hired by the US Navy during WWII to come up with ideas to attach mines to enemy ships (http://www.nswc.navy.mil/RECRUIT/whywork.html)
I know for a fact that none of his ideas were used because they were not practical.
For those who follow his quotes though..here's another one for you:
In the past it never occurred to me that every casual remark of mine would
be snatched up and recorded. Otherwise I would have crept further into my shell.
— Einstein to his biographer Carl Seelig (October 25, 1953)
Hi Steve A – I must say, your from Einstein says it all. Perfect.
what i find interesting is the adaptation of local culture into a religion.
you can find lots of examples of philippine folklore that has assimilated into christianity, even centuries old tribal superstitions. mysticism.
filipinos are a superstitious people and also very religious, so that mix can create a lot of fascinating stories. for an example, check on abs-cbn’s tv patrol during all-souls weekend. the news show traditionally features supernatural stories as if it were factual stories on this date.
that latino catholic sub-culture makes it even more colorful.
i have questions about organized religion, but i love the traditions & roots that have evolved in ‘pinas.
there’s also the rizalistas. a following with christian roots that believes jose rizal was a messianic figure.
or the anting-anting – religious amulets with tribal roots that is believed by some within select moro & christian groups (ever read reports of filipinos getting caught with bullet amulets to the airport?)
then there are the supernatural creatures (aswang): duwende (dwarves), manananggal (woman with bat wings), tiyanak (a demon in a human baby form), kapre etc.
all very detached from christian origin, but you’ll find many faithful filipino christians who believe in them. i had an aunt bless her new home by a priest, and then had a ritual right afterwards asking the duwende living in a nearby tree permission to live close by 😆
so many stories like these. there is a lot, lot more interesting stuff.
Hi John H – So, Elvis really does live? Wow! We broke the news first here on the LiP blog! 😆
John
I think you might have my wife Elvie confused with Elvis? Nevertheless I know Elvis not only still lives but has cloned himself. How do I know? Well I lived near Branson Missouri for a long time and while I was there their were two different Elvis shows. Unfortunately I have never gotten to talk with either of his clones though. 😆
I do find it interesting that no mention has been made of the religion that I consider the cardinal sin of all religions. Thats 'Evolution'. Just think Hitler, Stalin, and Pol-Pot were all staunch evolutionists practicing their religion. While I have never tried to get exact figures I suspect that religion has probably killed more people than all others combined.
i had only 90 days to marry my wife on the fiance visa and then change her status to an immigrant.so we got married by a notary in south carolina in a wedding chapel !the church would of took 6 months. but the funny thing was when we applyed for a license in one town they wanted to see her green card i told them that her visa was designed for her to come here and get married they wouldnt give us a license because they told us the law was she needed to be a permenant resident.we just went to another town and applyed . i ask them how could there law supersede the federal law! (they didnt know what they were talking about!
Hi mike sottile – That, indeed, is a strange experience, getting turned down for the wedding license! It shows that a lot of officials in the USA don't know what the law is! 😆
Hi Bob,
Indeed the way the church law and our lives has worked out has been hurtful indeed. It's one of those things we just agree not to mention most of the time … although it appears that the only gift Mita asked for when she married me in front of a judge in Colorado was a real church wedding here in the Philippines after we returned. Doubt it can ever happen.
I expected plenty of opinions and even passion in the replies to this one, but I certainly never expected to be called stupid for a belief in God … I certainly don't talk that way about people who choose not to belive … tolerance for the viewpoint of another seems to be a rare commodity lately.
Hi Dave Starr.
It makes me sad and mad to read your #17 and #73. Keep in mind that this way is not the way The Lord want it to be, these people are misunderstanding and misinturpitating the Bible. I hope you and your wife somehow can find a solution. Maybe relocate to another Parish.
Hi Dave Starr – Like you, I was shocked to see people who believed in God called "stupid" or something along those lines. I agree that we should all be more tolerant.
Hi Preben – Just wanted to let you know that I received the book that you sent. Thank you very much. I'll read it as soon as I get a chance.
The only wedding recorded in the bible is when David married that widow I forget her name. Anyway they spent the night together in a tent and the next morning he announced they were married. 😆
Would like to ask others this "ARE YOU 100% sure that you will go to Heaven when you die? Here is how you can know.
1 Realize we are all sinners. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." ROMANS 3:23 Yes you have fallen short of Heaven because of your sin. You may be better than many others, but compared to Jesus " there is none that doeth good" Romans 3:10-12
Your heartfelt response ought to be, " God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13)
2. Realize there's a penalty. " For the wages (payment) of sin is death…"(Romans 6:23a)
There are two kinds of death, physical and spiritual. One we inherited from Adam and the other we earn by our continuance in sin. If we die in this condition without Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we must die a second death, eternally separted from God in a Christless hellfire and brimstone: which is the second death." Revelation 21:8
3. Realize that Jesus Christ, God's perfect sacrifice, has already paid our sin debt in full. "….how that Christ died for our sins." (1 Corinthains 15:3 When Jesus died on the cross, He paid for all of our sins with His precious blood and bridged the gap that separated us from God. You must realize that Jesus Christ was was not a sinner and that God took all of our sins and placed them on Jesus at the cross. While Jesus was bearing all of our sins in His own body; God punished Him in our place to pay in full the sin debt that we owe.
4. Realize you must receive by faith Jesus as your Saviour and accept His free gift of eternal life. " But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God…. John 1:12a "…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."(Romans 6:23b)
" For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)
Friends Whosoever means you. If you by simple faith will trust in Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection for your salvation, you can be 100% sure that you are going to Heaven.
My friend, why not trust Jesus now and pray this simple prayer…
Lord Jesus, I believe You died, were buried, and rose again to pay for my sins. Be merciful to me a sinner and save me from hell. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me and making me Your child. AMEN!
This I simply took from the Bible. May GOD BLESS YOU ALL Robert!
the creator surely works in mysterious ways ..Phil R.