A man was standing in the River with the Preacher.
After Dunking him deeply in the Water,
The Preacher asked:
"Do You Believe?"
"No, Sir!"
Another Dunk ...
Repeated Question:
"Do You Believe?"
"No, Sir!"
A Third and Final Dunk ...
"Do You Believe?"
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"
"What Do You Believe?"
"I Believe ... I Believe ... I Believe ...
You Are Trying to DROWN Me... You Damned Fool!"
THAT, Dear Readers, was a Joke from 62 Years Ago!
I Was:
Baptized - Catholic...
First Confession & First Communion - Catholic...
Attended 8 Years Elementary Catholic School...
An Altar Boy - Catholic...
Confirmed - Catholic...
Married - Catholic...
Raised 2 Kids - Catholic...
Volunteer in Cathedral Choir for 16 Years - Catholic...
Was I 'Holier than Thou?'
I DON'T THINK SO!
At some point in my Adult life, my Eyes and Ears were Opened:
Historical Religious Wars - CRUSADES!
The Spanish Inquisition!
Phoney Preachers on TV - Begging Money!
Religious Fanatics that were Terrorists!
Religious Sects Killing Each Other for Millenniums!
What do I Believe Today?
NOT IN ANY 'ORGANIZED' RELIGIONS!
I BELIEVE:
In a 'PERSONAL' God ...
That ... JESUS was a Great: Man, Prophet, Rabbi, Teacher ...
That ... PRAYER is 'Wishful Thinking' ...
That ... 'AFFIRMATIONS' are 'Attempted Positivism' ...
That ... GOOD is Better than EVIL ...
That ... "No Man is an Island Unto Himself"
That ... DEATH & TAXES are the Only 'Absolutes' ...
That ... "The Only Constant is CHANGE!"
That ... "GOD BLESS AMERICA" ...
Is a Trite Expression ...
Over-Used by ALL POLITICIANS!
My journey has been somewhat different than yours. A lot of those same things happened to me and more....I became an evangelical.....Efvery time I have decided to "escape," God has gently called me back, asking me to focus on Him instead of the flawed human beings who claim to represent Him, reminding me, at the same time, that I have my own flaws...
When it comes to organized Christianity...It's always a good idea to remember that even though Judas sat at Jesus' table, it did not change the fact that Jesus was still God's light unto the world. Indeed, there will always be Judas' in the church who will sell out God for their 30 pieces of silver. Alas, the true purpose of the church is teach and pass along the truths Jesus had spoken...not to speak for him, and add their own "truths" When one understands that, one can easily recognize the Judas' in the church when one sees one . Remember, Tom if God did not truly love us...how could we have done so many wonderful things...God Bless,...and I will pray for you.
I'm sure glad you escaped. A lot more have than will admit. But I see that two deniers have already posted ahead of me. I got out a little ahead of you deciding to leave religion behind when I was around 22. I have noted that as people age and get closer to death, that they get more agitated about religion, perhaps with some anticipation that there, “really is,” something out there called, “Heaven,” where they can escape the misery they feel each day when they get up and try to live like they did when they didn't give a shit at 20.
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Regis
Eveno, a very good and thought provoking read...
Chip Bergeron
Love ya!
Jane
Ron
budd