Dawn Before Sunset hugs2U: LAST CHANCE Christianity is significantly and importantly different from all “religions.” “Religions” like Islam, Hinduism, New Age, Buddhism, etc. etc. are all about humans reaching up to God i.e. earning a ticket to heaven by good works e.g. kill an infidel and get rewarded with a harem of virgins in the afterlife; Such a base and vulgar platitude. God reaches down to us in Christianity and we are saved through His loving grace if… if we but believe upon our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. Good Luck! Amen shadowline: Nicely put. I hope you don't think that a person's own striving to live up to a moral standard means nothing, though? Zanjan: As long as that's what they're actually doing. Remember the wolf in sheep's clothing, eh. @Hugs........ ALL religions are different - never compare their cultural context. All religions hold some truth, be it old or new. If your religion is worth anything, its followers should be able to stand on their own two feet; and, more importantly, be strong enough to hold up others, not tear them down. (Edited by Zanjan) Zanjan: What is the dawn? Is it not the emergence from the dark night of the soul, the sudden realization we're all one family? Is it not the understanding that some members of that family shouldn't have to eat crumbs under the table while the wealthy feast? Is it the shocking awareness of where we actually are in time? What is high noon? Is it not broadcast enlightenment, noting the most advanced state of civilization ever on this planet? Is it not the golden establishment of a just society throughout the known world? Is it that the peace and unity in this society is so loved, adored and respected that no one wants to upset the applecart? I think you know what sunset is because you've seen it happen. (Edited by Zanjan) ghostgeek: No point in believing in it then, is there, if there's nothing waiting when you pop your clogs. Zanjan: Close, Caly. Berny - the Baha'i Faith. While some find it rewarding to learn anything, most people find it grueling and painful but necessary. Every Baha'i will warn you that being a member is a lot of work because no one will get passed over when it comes to a request to physically pitch in, since it has no clergy or paid positions. I don't think too many would consider burn-out as rewarding; most of us experience it sooner or later. Thank God, other co-workers will step in to pick up the tasks while we have a decent rest. So, it must be that all belong because they love the Cause and want to champion it, no matter how difficult their own situation is. Newbies have come looking for a challenge so this is a reflection of their sense of duty to God and mankind. I suppose it depends on what one thinks of as rewarding; however, in this religion, there is no paradise carrot dangled, no threat of punishment for not joining or for leaving it. The reason for that is there are many other religions available to join, if one is so inclined. (Edited by Zanjan) shadowline: Uh, very enlightening. Thank you. Remind me to only look for information about religions from people who want me to have it, in future. Zanjan: Actually, your best bet is to look for religious information that people don't want you to have. That's more fun. Indeed, there's a lot of people I wouldn't want to see in my religion so I prefer they sort it out for themselves. However, if they're ready to crawl over a mountain of broken glass to get to it, well that would impress me. (Edited by Zanjan) | Religion Chat Room 26 People Chatting Similar Conversations |