Religion Conspiracy/Theory

**This is not to bash peoples religion and beliefs but to talk about our own theories and ideas** I would like to discuss a certain topic that came to mind after talking to my SO. I know some of you ladies like a good conspiracy talk so i would like to have a good discussion and hear thoughts of others. So back story my SO friends got very offended when he mentioned not believing in god or religion and it got me thinking. Is religion a failing form of goverment control? Religion and goverment have been operating for a very very very long time and co existed together. So back before church and state were seperated the goverment and religious officals worked together create ideals that would be implemented into the lives of every person they can get a hold of and spread it from one person to another thus the population would act a certain way and follow everything the church had to say and those who opposed it with diffrent beliefs and religion would get killed. Once the people started questioning their actions they created the devils image to have people fear something greater and get their attention away from them. So they justify their "sins" by doing it in the name of god and since they are doing it for god then its ok because they are cleaning the world of evil. So to present day church and state is somewhat seperated now and less people are starting to not believe in god or any religion (including my SO and i) that promote fear to have people act a certain way or they will suffer for all eternity. So back to the question do you think its possible that religion is starting to be a failing form of goverment control?

What? No.

There is separation of church and state for a reason.

Religion has been around for thousands and thousands of years, before government was even a thing.

Not to mention there's no such thing as sinning in the name of God since the very act of a sin is an act against Him.

Absolutely not!

I think that it’s becoming more acceptable for people to speak freely of their individual beliefs. I am thankful for that.

And yes, historically, religion has been used as a form of control- the Crusades are just one example of that.

ETA- people still kill and try to justify it with religion.

@pine But jesus was said to be crucified because his ideals went against the religion of his time. He was crucified so there was goverment/royalty established. If his ideas and story have been passed down through all this time whos to say its not the same for the people in charge now because its all about bloodline and passing it down to the same powerful families.

Of course it was used as a way to control people. I mean if you study religion becomes evident pretty quickly that that's what the purpose of organized religion is.

I personally dont believe in organized religion. I think its a load of s*** ....why believe something someone else told tou to believe...i can say johnny depp is the father of my child...but just because i say it....or even believe it...doesnt make it true.and just because i said it and believe it doesmt mean you or anyone else should. As i child...i was about 8 years old...and a thought occurred to me....whwt if society had it all wrong and here i was blindly following what everyone else said...i had np proof of my own, but just because someone i love and trusted believed something they told me to as well and for the first 8 years of my life...i tried, i tried to believe what society said was right...but i kept having all these issues with their 'beliefs' and so as i got older i decided to look inside myself and develope and nurture my own beliefs and now that im an adult ive realized so many others share my own beliefs, and not because we know eachother, not because someone told us to believe it, not because it was even talked about....the more i find people with a belief system that aligns with my own the more confident i am that im on the right track with my own thoughts. We all have a tiny piece of this massive puzzle and the more pieces i recieve from others the more it all makes since....organized religion is a load of s*** . Any one looking for the answers...the truth, must learn to look inside themselves . chose to connect with your spirit and the spirit of those around you, stop looking outward for answers because everything you need to know can be found within, and dont get confused as we are easily blinded, masks will be worn to trick and decieve you. You must keep focus tho......

That being said....

religion ?

Spirituality ?

:)

@sanor i was hoping you would comment! ? I totally agree with you. From my experince i grew up catholic my parents were so strict on it but i guess people wouldnt listen cause the priests would say that those with other religions and ideals should be disposed of like trash because it wasnt the way of "our" god and people agreed like zombies. Why put us against other like that? Why do we need to hate others for being diffrent? Just because their belived in something diffrent!? Heck no! As soon as i was 18 and out of the house i stopped going to church and everything because i was finally free from my parents and their strict rules. Being a good person should be about doing it out of fear it ahoukd be done for ones self happiness. I am.a good person because i want to live my life with happiness and kindness not because i am told so or ill suffer. Of course there are people who are just plain evil with and without following a religion.

I don't believe it's government related but I do believe it was created to control people

Religion has definitely served a historical purpose in society to 1) explain how things are- creation stories etc and 2) keep people "civilized". In my opinion we could do away with organized religion and still achieve those purposes with govt laws and science at this point. But religion offers a comfort to those who want to believe, it certainly makes life easier thinking you're going off to some Paradise. I think we just permanently lose consciousness.. but since energy and matter can neither be created or destroyed we're never truly gone from the universe.

@kitty i can go on about this subject for hours and hours. I dont talk about it much to people tho simply because its a touchy subject. However its a subject i am very enthusiastic about :)

I think spirituality is way more comforting than religion.

@Murdock blankies comfort me :) lol

Food is also comforting.

Depends on the food for me. I have an odd relationship with food....its a love/hate thing

I love most of it! Haha, especially if it’s sweet. Dd1 and I ate a whole pumpkin cheesecake over the weekend. ?

BB logic-What ever the post is about food must be brought up ? You guys are awesome! But yea @sanor you really intrest me since we seem to like to talk/think about this stuff.

I would be very uncomfortable if i ate shellfish as im allergic. However give me some potatoes and ill be happy. Im big on sweets too. I crave snickers i needed one yesterday the store accross the street had none so hubby went and got me a grocery bag full of them at the store in the next town lmao ill have them for a while but at least i know i have my comfort food. I laughed when he got home

Feel free to message me and we can discuss all kinds of cool stuff. Food or no food. I enjoy sharing my views with like minded people and again...food is always a topic im willing to discuss ha ha

Easiest way to control the masses. Bigots don't like same sex marriage? "The bible says its wrong".

Want to outlaw abortions? " My god says life starts at conception/premarital sex is a sin".

Want to start a war with the other side of the world? "They all want to kill you because of their religion, but our religion is right".

Separation of church and state is a joke, the Republican party proves it.

I'm glad these younger generations are beginning to reject religion, that's what we need.

I'm religious and spiritual. Remember that first there must be a willing mind. Obedience in God just like love is a free will offering. You have a choice. The only way you'd feel that it was control is because your heart wasn't going to recieve it anyway. (Speaking from my beliefs) I absolutely do not feel controlled I feel free because living IN his word, IN obedience and truth sets me free...why because my heart is in it. Now trust and believe there are alot of bad teachers, preachers out there that are not in the truth and don't know the truth so they can't give the truth so that's why if any man lack wisdom..ask! And let's make this clear..many ppl claim to be of God but actually are not. Why would God have you hurt other ppl then hurt yourself knowing there's no coming back from that? He does not give the spirit of fear but only of power, love and a sound mind So if that clearly isn't what you're seeing it is not of him. So yes (in my beliefs) serving my Lord Jesus is a free will. His chosen are the ones that want to not the ones that feel they have to.

It’s funny you did this thread @Kitty. I am having to remember (I say remember because we know at soul level) that feminine energy is all around us and just as full of love as the masculines that are known- like Jesus, Buddha, etc. Mainstream religion has either reduced the female Ascended Masters to playing a small role, or turned them to representations of “evil” (many Pagan deities, like Annis for example). Another form of control that still plays out to this day.

Mary Magdalene is another example of that.

Man was not created by god, rather god was created by man in order to control the masses.

I can’t remember the source of that quote but it’s stuck with me for many years now.

@ria im having a hard time understanding how one can be spiritual and religious... From my understanding of the two words they are like polar opposites which makes it an oxymoron......

Its like saying your freezing fire or burning ice....

@murdock That is do true!!! I never thought of that. How it passed my mind i dont know but that is very intresting. ? I need to do my research now ?

I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic school from k-8. In 7th grade we started learning about world religions and how they differ from the Catholic faith. I started to question everything and when I asked it out loud, I remember getting in so much trouble. From then on, I didn't believe in organized religion, esp Catholicism. Throughout my life, things have happened that made me disbelieve in god in general. Just because our country has separated church and state, many countries overseas still allow religion and government to rule as one. There are literally wars and senseless mass murders because one party believes in a different sky man from the other party. I think it's ridiculous and people should be able to practice or not practice whatever belief system they have. Just because it's more acceptable to debate religion than it used to be, there are many who still get butthurt over certain things. I'm not sure if it qualifies as a conspiracy but it's a great business to run a church. Tax free everything, people give you thousands of dollars to do with what you please.

@Ria, oddly enough, Jesus has been closer to me now than in my 33 years of being Christian.

I dropped Christianity last year, and have never felt more free. Opening my mind, body, and soul to new ideas and learning so much. Religion and the Bible would never “allow” that. Most of what I do to connect with Spirit (meditation, divination, astral projection) is not widely supported within Christianity. Sucks but again, control and stuff.

That's ok if you don't understand which is understandable..

I'm religious because I believe in the LordJesus in accordance with Pentecostal apostolics..

but I'm also spiritual because my mindset is filled with holy desires. I don't go to a building every Sunday or fellowship with a congregation I praise, worship, talk, spend time, read the bible anywhere he gives me the mind to. I am lead by his Holy Spirit through obedience which saves my soul. I'm 100% a Lord Jesus believer and follower and if you ever felt controlled being one then it wasn't for you or you didn't have the truth.

@Kitty, yes, if you look into Annis, she is a crone goddess of wisdom and transition/ change. But you have to look deep. Most of her stories paint her as a child eating old lady. ?

Spirituality is different then what you have just explained...

And Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a w**** in the Bible. ?

I want to read more into who she actually is. I know she is an Ascended Master, but that’s about it.

For the carnal minded yes I can see how you'd think it's different...and I don't go by what the world thinks..I go by what I'm lead to do and the understanding he gives me. If you don't understand..no problem. The Holy Bible says it's better to be spiritually minded that carnal but in order to understand that you'll have to have the understanding to read the Bible..so it's all good. I gave my beliefs/take on this and I feel good about it. Everything I wrote was in love.#Godbless

I love this topic and hate that i can’t really discuss it with anyone... my DH isn’t really into religion but he sticks to the concept of Catholicism. I was raised catholic and I do believe that most catholic (and therefore people of religion have good intentions). That being said I was very involved as a child. I was never told or heard that just because someone doesn’t agree with the catholic views we should hate them. Maybe it was the way the priest worded it or idk but even when touching touchy topics the message would be love and forgiveness.... moving on to the actual question... I do believe religion is a form of control (& that it in some cases it goes hand in hand w. the government ex. the Republican Party)?.

@murdock i will definately look into them thank you! How can something like that not cross my mind. But there is always more room for knowladge ?

@Murdock

Don’t forget Lilith. She isn’t even mentioned in most bibles as they have tried to erase her from history. She was deemed a demon because she refused to lay under Adam. She wanted equality and for that she was outcasted.

@Ria, I had to look up what “carnal minded” means. Is this what you think of people who don’t understand your path?

It's not my path it's God's path.

Right. Blessed be, sister.

@pound The priest literally said that. He kept going on and on about that and people were just not even blinking an eye at what he was saying when a few minutes ago he was talking about being good and being a good person to others. I guess it just meant towards other catholics. ?

I have another question for you ladies. What is your thought on satan and how they potray him? i believe satan/the devil (?) was created to be symbol of evil again so people can fear something other than the goverment. I was reading into satanism and there are many branches from it but share the ideals that satan was made out to be a demon by god because he wanted to break free from his ideals and control. Thus he was against god and those in comtrol used it and added a whole diffrent story to it but satanism is very positive on feminism and peace. Some dont even believe in satan but they see it was a image of freedom from religion so they agree with it. I hope i worded that right.?

I agree with what you’re saying. “Satan” and hell are probably the most common way that religion has control. There is no Satan. There is no permanent Hell. What there is, is what you either desire or what you feel you deserve on the other side.

As far as Satanism, I honestly don’t know much of it, but the little I did look into it, some of it was formed to spite the church. Some don’t believe in Satan at all. Instead, they believe themselves to be their own piece of God.

I’m sure there are a few that do go “the other way” and actually do very low vibration things... but from what I understand the majority do not.

You know this kind of thing got me thinking the other day. I'm not a religious person, never have been. I do believe it was used and thought up of, out of fear. When you think about the unknown, such as death, it can be frighteneing. No one knows truly what happens..except the dead. The idea that God, or something more happens after death is a relief. Believe in this, or this happens to you. All a scare tatic. And a way to pry you away from everything else happening in the world. The reason why I was thinking of this, was because my niece came to me asking if I believe in god. I asked why she randomly brought that up. "Because aunty, if you don't believe in God, chucky will come and kill you." I had to explain to an eight year old, that if you believe in god, you need to believe in God for your own reasons, not because you are scared into believing in him. Her reasoning for believing in him for that reason made me think that's how it all started in the first place. The idea that God will welcome you into his kingdom when you die is nice, instead of going to hell or just becoming nothing.

@kitty

That is so horrible ?. My dad wanted me and my siblings to be open minded so he would also take us to Christian services. That was different ... there I did experience bashing of other beliefs it was sad. I do remember getting up and walking out on my third visit it was just too much. ?

I’m enjoying reading this thread and I do agree it’s a way to control people.

Since a child I have disliked religion.

?saving to comment/read later

I don't know much about Satan but I don't see how he can be any more evil than the Christian God from what I've read of the bible

Umm I think because religion came before government, people just implemented into law what they already believed in??‍♀️

Coming back to read and comment ?

I can't say if Mary Magdalene was a prostitute or not for sure but she is a Saint in the Catholic Church ? we love our Mary's.

@sanorawood I'm sorry, what's your definition of spirituality? Cause you're not making sense to me.

@pound then maybe your dad took you to the wrong church. I really hope you know that not all churches are like that.

ETA: dude, some of these comments... pp trust and believe Satan is the definition of true evil

@pretty

That was just one. I was 15(maybe 16) at the time so I did get to go to a couple more. I guess you can say my dad liked exploring and trying out different churches. I did meet nice Christian people the only reason I didn’t stick around was because of the pressure to baptize. I was baptized once already and I didn’t think it was necessary to do it again. ??‍♀️

ETA: @Milan: The time that I got up and left the Christian service was because they said that the virgin was a hoe ?.

@pretty, you can have your Satan. Thanks.

Those saying religion came first, can you back it up?

Furthest back I have looked into is Mesopotamia and they pretty much go hand in hand there sooo....

Btw that's pre-christian era.

@pound, I’ve experienced the same. One that I am still working through is the pastor that was supposed to speak at ds’s funeral service. We were honest with the director when asked about ds’s “religious beliefs”, and the director told the pastor. Then the director asked how long he would speak at the service and this man literally said, “well he didn’t have any religion, so probably about 30 minutes.”

@Milan If I remember correctly with JW there is a set limit on how many will go to heaven or something along those lines. I’m probably not exactly correct as I don’t partake. My MIL has constantly tried to get us to take our children to her church and I know my bigot granny shuns me for my life.

ETA the Christians that want to throw their beliefs at you and even tell you how your children don’t know true love without god are the ones who I don’t like. Have your religion, but learn to respect others choices. I’m still getting harassed by those folks and it frankly pisses me off.

But why is Satan so bad if he punishes bad people....?!

@Milan: none of the above lol ?

@mamabird: that question would go great in one of those “hits blunt” meme’s

I will say that separation of church and state is the law. People still use their beliefs to pick who they vote into government so I do see what you're saying.

Following to read opinions later!

Following

@pretty We know not all churches are bad but its more than just our negative experinces with church. Many like myself just dont think it makes sense. We look for something that actually sounds logical wether we find something to belive in or not. We just want to live happy lives without using fear to get there. We should be good people no matter what not just because we have to or we wont go to heaven. As for satan if he was evil why does he promote feminism, peace, and no judgement. He was potrayed as a evil demon by god (the church) because he wanted to be free from god and his control. Im cant remember if it was greek or roman mythology but there was a god who was said to give humas fire (knowladge) and he was punished by the other gods for doing that which is very similar to what satanist belive happened to satan. As ive stated before though some satanist belive in him and some dont. There are crazy satanist who go agaisnt his ideas and give it a bad name just like there are many people who go against gods teaching and give that a bad name.

@ kitty so Satan isn’t bad??????

ALL organized religion is a form of control by people who seek power over others. ?

@chrystall In the bible he is made out to be evil and a punisher but satanism has nothing to do with violance. Im cant say he is bad or good but from what i have read and piecing stuff together that makes sense to me is that if he is real then the curch used his image to futher put fear into people. The bible and many other religions are very old so whos to say it hasnt been changed or things have been added. Sorry i went on and on but i guess i cant say he is good or bad but his ideas and followers (majority) do not support violance or bad/evil intentions.

I don’t have an opinion lol.

But, I believe jw believe only 144,000 go to heaven.

The Bible has definitely been revised many times to fit the needs of those in power.

I thought the devil was a fallen angel or some shat? I agree that our perceptions of church are based on personal experiences. I read on here that someone gives their church TEN PERCENT of their earnings before they pay bills. That's facked up to me.

My aunt is a nun and gives the Church 100% of her earnings. Yes, the devil is a fallen angel.

Satan has no power unless in your free will you give him any. First of all God created all things..even the angels which came before us. Remember Lucifer was a fallen angel..the most beautiful. He was prideful and disobedient and that's what got him and a third of the angels kicked out. The devil spirits that are here on earth are the fallen angels. They are allowed to mess with your thoughts but they can't touch you. Thats why it's about free will to serve because you're suppose to call on the Lord Jesus for help/have faith in him. The devil and those lost souls(fallen angels) will be in the lake of fire right along with everyone who didn't make it. Lucifer will answer to God not the other way around..smh. So if you choose to listen to that bad spirit that's on you not nobody else. Put the blame on yourself because of your own choices not the devil. The devil is evil because he wants you to be disobedient not good. He wants you to be just like him and not of God...which is always in your pride and never humble. The devil can't make you do anything but it's up to you whether to listen or not.

Also the 144,000 is not saying that's all who will ever be in heaven...the 144,000 are the ones out of the twelve tribes that was promised to Jacob, Abraham etc back at that time. Those are the redeemed who will have a chance at salvation after the rapture whenever that time is.

Yes i believe religion was created by our government ,it's a great way to divide people. Also a good buisness

@ria Lucifer was very prideful of his beauty and intelligence thus he rebelled against god. He was cast out of heaven and into earth for wanting gods power but it doesnt state that he caused suffering and evil. He rebelled against god but as i stated before whos to say the present bible is the "original" it is very old and unlikely its even the same scriptures and as pp stated it is a big possibility it has been changed to fit the needs of those in power.

Also going to add that the god in the bible has massacred more people than Satan, including innocent children.

So if "god" is real, which I highly doubt, he is one cold hearted killer that I would not worship.

To say the Bible is infallible is to say man is infallible. The Bible and all holy scriptures were written by man. They did not ascend from the heavens.

It has been and will always be a means of control. I've found most people who follow organized religion to be incredibly close minded and secular. I have no interest in fire and brimstone and attitudes of "we are better than you, because we believe this." That is not love and acceptance, and scare tactics are a means of control.

Eta: this is my experience and my experience only that I speak from. If you are offended I'm sorry for that, but I speak from my personal knowledge. If you have a different truth/experience awesome! ?

Man oh man.. with all the crap in my life this is one topic I debated so often with myself.

Just here to follow along?

Oh I absolutely agree there have been some interpretations. But if you lean not unto your own understanding God will give you an understanding what is actually being said. That's exactly what I do when I'm reading it. That's why I said the Bible is for the spiritual minded. If that's not you you just won't understand. The Bible was created from God who created the heavens. He gave his chosen the understanding to be able to even write it. But yes in certain parts there have been changes because man and their pride. God is not the author of confusion. When he gives you an understanding it's simple..It's only confusing now because man put their own understanding on it. That's why is any man lack wisdom Ask! See but No one wants to do that. They read something, don't understand it but still won't ask the Lord for the understanding behind it. So truthfully God is never the problem..man in his pride is.

In the Old Testament the rules/laws in that time were in place to try and keep ppl separate. Those rules were mainly about "obedience" that's why when ppl disobeyed there were atonements not forgiveness because under the law you aren't saved...so those rules were for THEM not US who are now in salvation..because that wasn't in the time of our Lord Jesus Christ savior which is in the New Testament..

..remember the New Testament is an update to the Old...in the New Testament you'll see that a lot of "laws" are no where to be found because now it's about grace and love which gives you repentance and mercy...remember anyone lack understanding ask in my name(Lord Jesus)...wisdom is the principle thing in all your getting get an understanding..ask and he shall receive.

So serious question because I truly always wanted to know, those of you that don’t believe God is real how are we here

I’ve never read the Bible but I also never heard that God is a killer.....???

@Milan religious group? Only God knows who'll make it. He knows who His obedient followers are. It's already been written. Not sure why you're asking ME that?

@chrystall

I am a pagan. I believe in a system of reincarnation and soul evolution through different life experiences and lives. Just because I don't believe in organized religion doesn't mean I believe in nothing.

We all have souls, I do feel that people whom adhere to organized religion have souls that have not evolved past a close minded and "us vs. them" mentality.

I believe in nature and mother earth and oneness with the universe after soul enlightenment.

We all eventually reach one with our universe as souls are energy and energy is all around us. For some souls, it takes a few more life cycles than others. The universe and all she is and ever will be is our life and death. It is much more than a single God. Who I have found only ever punishes us as man sees, to fit his agenda.

@murdock, are you serious?! I think I've made it pretty clear that I'm Christian now through my latest posts. I'll keep my GOD AND MY HIGHER POWER which most definitely is NOT Satan. Please don't comment on things you know nothing about. Smh.

ETA: just curious but where did you get from my comment, "that I can keep my Satan"? I'm sorry but you really offended me with that reply. And if you meant my 'idea' of Satan, thanks! I most definitely will?

@chrystall I dont believe god created us i believe in science. A series of events in the universe caused an effect which led to us. The cliche question If god created us then who created him? Same goes for my theory what created the universe. No one knows but i dont believe it was a god. We are no where near knowing and never will in our life time.

@kay

Your beliefs and point of view on the subject caught my attention. I feel like doing some more research and finding out more ?.

Well @Milan the Bible says one Lord one faith one baptism Ephesians 4:5 so with that being said the chosen know who they are and through obedience we'll make it..but again only God knows who's in the book of life/obedience. Me picking a "religious group" would imply I'm better than or know which exact ppl will make it and that's not so. The world says religion but God says holiness. It's not about rules..obedience/holiness is a lifestyle. Hope this response brought more light to the understanding I'm sharing.

@pretty, I don’t believe in Satan, so yes, you can keep that belief. No need to get offended over your own belief system.

@pound

I am always happy to answer any questions you may have on my belief system. ? all are welcome and pagans who practice as I do don't condemn you to misery if you disagree with us.

Eta: there are a few other pagans who frequent r&r that I'm sure would be happy to share their knowledge with you as well if you are interested. I can reach out to them if you like, and they are okay with it.

@chrystal I believe in evolution.

I dont know why we are here, i dont care why we are here, i dont pretend to know where we go when we die and if there is nothing after this id be happy.

@osie Agree.

Thanks ladies for answering ☺️

@Murdock I think it's the fact that you wrote YOUR Satan. Imo was a bit much. Why not just say keep your beliefs?? Imo that would've seemed a little better..that's all.

Satan is a Christian construct. If you believe in him then yes, he is made from your belief system, and you can keep that in your beliefs. Don't know why we're jumping on Murdock here....

Eta: and if you READ what she said, she said the pastor, whom was a Christian pastor did not feel like he had to speak very long at her son's funeral because he held beliefs different from his own. She was implying that THAT would be your Satan, as a "holy man" chose to judge and then act differently because a deceased child held different beliefs from his own. I.e. implying that man was/is evil.

My religious co workers are like, better safe than sorry when it comes to belief in god. I think believing just for the sake of it is worse than being honest...i dont know if theres a god. I cant find it in my heart to believe in one, i try and be a good person because i want to, except on bb ?

I'm not offended over my own belief system. I'm offended that YOU decide to be respectful of everyone's beliefs but be passive aggressive towards mine, but it's all good. But please don't try and flip this into me being offended about my own belief system.

@Kay stop. Nobody is jumping on anyone. I was simply just trying to give an understanding on why it can be taken as offensive. There's difference between someone saying keep your beliefs than keep your Satan. There's nothing wrong with being courteous...and jumping on anyone is NOT how I roll period.

Calm down, no ones trying to jump all over anyone. I already said I will keep my belief system when it comes to Satan. There's nothing else to be said.

I don't honestly have to stop anything @Ria if you read the eta of my comment. I believe it all stemmed from a misinterpretation of her comment.

I don't need to stop commenting or not clarify what I think a friend said, because you told me to. @pretty had already responded to @Murdock. So the same could be said that it was unnecessary for you to clarify for her just as you're telling me it's unnecessary.

Saying "jumping on Murdock" implies an attack which wasn't so. You can comment all you want just saying don't make a problem where there isn't one.

And I'm pretty sure if @murdock felt some type of way she would've let me know. I have no problems with @Murdock vice versa.

Then why did you feel the need to add your two cents when it had already been discussed between the two of them? Can you not see how it could be interpreted that way?

I, just as you were, was giving my point of view on the matter. ? @ria

Eta. I see all the editing you did there. At least own it.

Okay im going to say one thing and that’s it, telling someone that believes in God that they can keep their Satan is kinda of disrespectful, or can be interpreted as such. It’s just uncalled for honestly. We all have our beliefs and one things I cannot stand is people putting down someone else’s beliefs just don’t

ETA: I don’t believe the devil was an angel

I believe in god but I don't believe in any type of religion. The bible its self says theres many false religions. The bible also says "If you love god but hate your brother then your a liar", so all the killing and hate thats going on in the name of god is just a form of government control. I personally pray to god to help me do whats correct. I don't go to church because I dont agree with some of the stuff they say but I know right from wrong and I always try to do whats right.

@Kay goodnight?

My comment meant no ill will which was pretty apparent. I was just trying to help a girl out with another perspective. That's all. I'm out✌

Edit: just read your own it comment. I own everything that I say and mean it too. I said what I said if that's not cool with you then...✌ you backed up an implication on @Murdock's behalf and I backed up @pretty's perspective on how it was interpreted as offensive..since implying seemed to be the issue here I edited the last part of my comment so whoever reads it gets the exact point....lets move on because I'm pretty sure @murdock can speak for herself just fine if there was an issue with what i shared with her?

I think ria just thought what Murdock said was a little uncalled for that's all. There's no need pp to come for ria. She was completely respectful.

*puts coconut oil on post* Just kidding. This post was to express our beliefs and views and to question and be questioned. Im sure we can all agree that there are no hard feelings and we are just stating what we think and some will agree and others disagree.

Yeah, sorry... but Satan is part of “your” belief system. No other way to put it. Again, if YOUR belief system offends you... Satan is indeed part of it.

So then why no just say that the first time lol. Like the way you said it was passive aggressive and you were trying to be passive aggressive. But you are right I believe he is real, so therefore he is part of my belief system.

I thought that’s what I said, but in fewer words. Blessings, sister.

@pp serious question honestly

Do you believe in blessings

ETA there’s a lot of comments to keep up with but do you believe in God and just don’t have a religion?? Sorry I’m sure you already explained

I think religion and government are two halves of the same whole. The American founding fathers put the separation of church and state into place to protect the government from religion and vice versa, but it's been far from successful. (The American demand for a "Christian" president is proof of this) Morality and spirituality/religion are intrinsically connected. Most people who identify as religious derive their morality from their belief system and truly can't understand morality without a religious overtone.

Although they are often at the front of the separation of church and state argument, Christians should acknowledge the connectedness of church and state...the book of romans says "there is no power but of god and the powers that be are ordained of god...". It's hypocritical to argue that government and religion aren't interconnected for the purpose of spreading a particular belief system. The damage governments have done in the name of God and religion is devastating.

As for Satan, I think he makes a wonderful scape goat for the bad decisions and wrong choices humans make. And he's the antithesis of god-God gets the glory, Satan gets the blame. That's a win-win for the humans doing the work, it absolves us of all responsibility.

@kay: I would be interested in learning more about your belief system, feel free to PM me ?.

@pookie Good point i didnt think of that. Politics and religion does play a role in our country as you stated people wanting a christian leader but if they had a diffrent religion/ideals then people would be going crazy. ?

@chrystal, not sure if you were asking me, but I’ll answer. I do believe in “God”. I typically call it Spirit or Source, but yes same thing. No, I am not religious. I do not limit myself to religious rules and expectations. I believe every thing is energy, has its own unique purpose and vibration, and that we very well have control over what we do with it. Every single being and energy is connected, and we are a beautiful expression of Source’s Love. I do believe in sending blessings. It’s a way to keep my own energy high towards myself and my fellow brothers and sisters. We may not all share the same path, or have the same lesson plans for earth, but we are all One. Like Kay said, just in various stages of Soul growth.

ETA- I also believe that there are many Ascended Masters, masculine and feminine, that we can lean to for spiritual guidance.

Did anyone try and type Satan but it auto corrected to Santa? Tis the season ?

Satan

Nope, no Santa autocorrect for me ?

I’m thankful that I live somewhere where I can practice my religious beliefs. I love my church. I love what it does for the community. And I love that it does this regardless of being the most hated religious group In this country. It’s ironic how becoming more disciplined and obedient has actually set me free. It’s truly something that once you finally go through, you will never go back to any other way of life and you will never want to be a part of anything else ever again. I can see why religion or Christianity in the West seems so messed up or contradicting. The reformation in the 1500s where a few broke away from the Catholic Church to make their own denominations made things confusing for the masses. You will never find the full truth in people who practice Sola scriptura, in other words, people who think the Bible is the sole authority. I’m not saying this to bash those people, this is what they deem to be truth. And there’s nobody who can tell them otherwise because they get their orders from a book but that’s where a flaw lies. The book can’t possible Tell you when you’re interpreting it wrong. I believe anyone who is truly honest with themselves and open to The idea of God, will always eventually end up in the Catholic Church.

I’ve posted these link before. They’re worth checking out. There’s a lot of things on this thread that have been answered or disproved through these videos.

https://m.youtube.com/user/catholiccom

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcUoxtZThAaCMMVO-ZKhxVDHxt5dj8ax1

@EK I don't wanna brag or anything but my grocery bill was $6.66 a few weeks ago. The cashier was like, "you sure you don't wanna get something else?" ?

@Mama ? I just snorted reading that.

I’m not trying to one up you or anything, but once during one of my lit classes my professor assigned me to read the part of Beelzebub from Dante’s Inferno to the class. ?

I’ve heard very “interesting” things about the Catholic Church

Such as...?

Pp so have I and I’ve come to witness and be a part of something completely different than what is shared about it. I feel truly sorry for those who have experienced otherwise.

@meas I find that to be common with those who were raised Catholic. They either stick to it because it's what they know or they hate religion as a whole because of it. I'm in the latter category. I don't feel as if I should be condemned for believing or not believing in certain parts of the religion. To me, it's an "all or nothing" type thing and there's just way to much fackery for me to go along with.

At the end of the day, whatever anyone believes in, it's okay. But don't use god as a cop out for being a butthole. Don't push your religion on people who don't wanna hear it (I'm screaming a JW) and just love everyone and be kind. Our world would be a lot better of a place if we weren't seperated by religion but practice our beliefs ( or disbeliefs) alongside each other.

Wow. This was an interesting read. Religion sure can get people fired up! So much more entertaining than vaccine posts!

@mama at one point I also had a lot of trouble accepting many of the beliefs that came with being Catholic. I actually recall at one point while deciding to come back to the faith, angrily asking God why I couldn’t do certain things. Long story short, He answered my prayers (eventually lol) and now I understand. It’s the kind of thing though, that no one else can force you to understand, one must ask for it.

I understand what you’re saying as well. I was once bombarded with hypocrites telling me what to do. Something about that makes you want to run the other way.

@meas I mentioned in an earlier comment that I actually went to Catholic school from kinder to 8th grade. It was then that I started questioning things and got in so much trouble for it. The principal, priest, and teacher made my mom come in for a conference. I spent the rest of my year sitting in a classroom at recess "reading" the bible and had to write numerous papers about why being Catholic was so great. For me, it made me hate it. That was in 7th grade when we started learning about world religions and it's like, ok but at the end of the day, I can't bash anyone for believing what they believe. It's like telling someone their opinion is wrong. I guess that was it for me and since I lost my faith at such a young age, I had nothing to turn to so when I finally learned about evolution, it made sense for me and religion was out.

?

Religion was absolutely created to control the masses! Im Australian and 30% of the population here identify as 'non-religious'. Im really looking forward to that number growing in the future!

However, religion and the government are far from being separate.

I’m sorry but @meas idk where in the world you got the idea that Catholicism is the most hated religious group in the country, unless perhaps you live in Saudi Arabia?

Muslims, Sikhs, literally every non-Christian religion and even those of us who identify as nonreligious face considerably more discrimination in the western world than Catholics, that’s laughable and just not based in reality whatsoever.

It is interesting though that statistically, self identifying Christians are the group most likely to claim religious persecution despite that being provably false. Perception is a powerful thing.

Geez I don’t know where to start.

So I grew up strict Protestant-Christian. Skirts, no jewelry, guys can’t grow their hair as long as women, women must cover their hair in church, give 10% of your checks, commit no sin, read and live by the Bible (we stuck to one version) (king James) and pastor gets paid through the church.

I’ve witnessed inner church corruption enough to question a lot of what I’ve been taught. I’ve attend catholic school where teachers would beat/ abuse the students with no repercussion. Watched the pastor try to steal from the church for his own gain. I think the Bible was written by man and not by a higher being. Women must bow down/serve their husband? ? ??‍♀️

I asked a pastors son while in church and out how come the Bible doesn’t speak about dinosaurs? Why don’t we live longer lives? how come we’re not giants? He didn’t like that too much. I’ve asked my mom one day, did Mary Magdalene have Jesus baby? And is she his wife? She damn near slapped me. She said it’s blasphemous to even asked that. Mary Magdalene was a hoe and she was cleansed by Jesus and to which she received the name Mary Magdalene. Jesus was Jewish and the Jews are his people. I was raised Christian so doesn’t that make me not his people? I asked a JW coworker how come it’s the way it is? She said it’s not to control but to help keep us focused on doing good and not be side tracked by the bad. The more bad we’re around the more likely we’ll do bad as well. ( basically a product of their environment)

I have fallen back from religion after the multiple losses we’ve had. I always believe there is a higher being and there’s a energy I just can’t explain. I come from a big family who is religious and who isn’t. It’s a love hate relationship but we respect everyone’s beliefs. To an extent! My cousins preach to me about my doubts and how I need to come closer to god and faith and god doesn’t make mistakes. I try to live a positive and happy life. I don’t blame it on the devil/ Satan I blame it on life being s*** ty because it’s not perfect.

I hope this is all understandable because I’m trying to bunch everything in one comment. Lol

I don’t think that’s entirely true @wishing

I’ll give you a few examples. I’m sure York’s familiar with Snapchat. Not too long ago, on refinery29s Snapchat stories, they put up an article with women’s stories about how being religious ruined their sex lives. All those stories were some denomination of Christianity. Not one story was a catholic one, but yet multiple times they displayed a picture of the Rosary throughout the article. Why? The rosary is something special to me. I use it every single day. It is a sacramental. Yet it was used, not even on an article pertaining to Catholics, to push an agenda against Christianity. That’s not the first or the last time either. Btw, in America it’s totally acceptable for the media to do things like that.

Another, currently a group of religious nuns are being discriminated against and legal action has been involved, because they don’t want to have birth control covered under their insurance. A. Group. Of. Nuns. Why? And non believers clap on the sidelines at these kind of things. This kind of stuff rarely gets national attention.

Being Christian, specifically Catholic, has somehow become a free pass at jabs, insults, degradation amongst other things. I feel terrible sorry for anyone who is treated less than human but the difference between the other groups you mentioned, is that they are supported by the media. They are defended heavily by leftists and by companies who are doing it for the money sadly and to push their own agendas.

Spiritually is far more relevant and benefits all living souls...

dive deep into the soul and your will become very happy with the dualities in life...

I began to chant the names of God and meditate very often,

And for all these years I find myself stress free and not moved by political topics or mundane subjects...

Im very happy and content

I've not always been this way

I've advanced through diving deep , and being very inquisitive...

The best human experience thus far...

Your very fortunate if you begin to take on the path of spiruality , not everyone gets that opportunity!

:D