Is the foundation of the three major monothestic religions false?

a reply to: CB328

You got it totally wrong OP, all "evidence" you give is simply based on yours(an the people you listened to) ignorance. 99% of the major religions I've researched are based on the same phenomenom - call it God if you like.

P.S. Thumbs up for the guy worshiping the bacon!

originally posted by: enlightenedservant

originally posted by: chrismarco
a reply to: CB328

Great, more posts on religion...how exciting...I don't know who is worse..those who preach it or those who preach that there is no god...

You realize you're in the "Conspiracies in Religion" forum, right? What did you expect people to post about here?

Point well taken...

Every single religious thread, every single discussion about the Bible, every single discussion about "God", causes division.
I was a "Christian" for 25 years....not anymore. I figured out, first, that Paul was a false apostle. Then, I figured out that the OT God (YHWH) was an imposter, and since then, I've realized that it's all BS. Maybe Jesus isn't...though I think much of what he taught has been left out or tweaked. I also believe (through much studying), that Jesus was against animal sacrifice and even the killing of animals... which I agree with. So, that beggar's the question...who the heck wrote the "Holy Word of God"....it sure couldn't be a "perfect" God, who inspired men to write it. That book causes nothing BUT division and arguments. Yea, sounds like "the god of this world" has pulled the wool over the eyes of this whole dang planet.
Carry on, folks. Argue away.

originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
Every single religious thread, every single discussion about the Bible, every single discussion about "God", causes division.
I was a "Christian" for 25 years....not anymore. I figured out, first, that Paul was a false apostle. Then, I figured out that the OT God (YHWH) was an imposter, and since then, I've realized that it's all BS. Maybe Jesus isn't...though I think much of what he taught has been left out or tweaked. I also believe (through much studying), that Jesus was against animal sacrifice and even the killing of animals... which I agree with. So, that beggar's the question...who the heck wrote the "Holy Word of God"....it sure couldn't be a "perfect" God, who inspired men to write it. That book causes nothing BUT division and arguments. Yea, sounds like "the god of this world" has pulled the wool over the eyes of this whole dang planet.
Carry on, folks. Argue away.

Two proclaimations; can you be both at once? Killing animals is fair game (to eat that provided) in order to sustain ones well being; while the God of this world is just playing.

a reply to: vethumanbeing

Maybe....but, a true god of LOVE would never create such a vampiric world. Most everything here survives on something else. Why?? Why order the death of a sentient being to enable another being (species) to survive. Sorry...but, that's "f'ed" up. Animals kill each other on this "beautiful" planet, there are species that are disgusting and look like something out of a horror flick. Death and destruction come to all creatures (both human and non-human). So, either the entity that created this "matrix" is a sadistic a-hole...or we have to go along with the biblical explanation that it's all OUR fault for something we inherited from the very first male and female created. Oh, and never rmind that they were basically set up in the first place. WHAT kind of parent puts their children in a precarious situation and expects them to come out on the winning side?? Then curses the for screwing up??? Good god! I used to believe all of this!
I love animals....used to eat them, too. Never gave it any thought until "something"...and I mean something really good, showed me otherwise. I don't eat them anymore, but truth be told...one cannot get away from how we use them...for everything. Once again...that's f-ed up. IF there is a god that made this world the way it is, well, he sucks.
I hate it. I hate people that justify it as, "well...they taste good, or "that's just the way it is". Um....duh!!! Does anyone stop and think that their tastebud's triumph over mercy or compassion? Nope.
Which just irks me to no end, because most Christians will defend to their dying breath, all the crap Paul spewed, or how God is so merciful and loving and kind. Sorry guys, I bought that one hook, line and sinker too, for way to many years. Guess what? If you don't have mercy, compassion and love for another sentient being, who feels, loves, wants to live just as you....then don't say you are like Jesus.
And no...I don't believe Jesus condoned animals sacrifice...or even eating them. The story in the gospels where he drove the money changers out of the temple (AND the animals), had nothing to do with MONEY....he was pissed at what the corrupt temple priests (who actually served the DEVIL (aka...YHWH), were doing. It was evil to it's core.
THAT'S why Jesus told them, "MY house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers" and he told the Pharisee's/Saducees that they served their father THE DEVIL" Robbers take by violence. Which is exactly what those wicked priests were doing. Jesus was probably an Essene or Nazorean. They were vegetarians.
Anyway, that's a whole other subject. What I'm saying is, this "book" Christians believe is "holy and infallible", is a book of dualities. It PROMOTES division.

The mythology that it was based on wasn't false except taken literally, and in that sense the foundation wasn't false. It's the edifices of religion later added that are false. Though the bible has these religious edifices, it's still of value insofar as it offers some information regarding the beliefs of ancient man. As scientific and archeological discoveries are made, we rely less on the bible as an antiquity.

Imo,

The foundation of the faiths to me are three separate conundrums of life

Judaism: Community

Christianity: Life and death

Islam: War and Peace


Underlying all of them is the problem of unity

originally posted by: Willtell
Imo,

The foundation of the faiths to me are three separate conundrums of life

Judaism: Community

Christianity: Life and death

Islam: War and Peace


Underlying all of them is the problem of unity

Exactly. There is NO unity. Apparently, "God" couldn't even make sure there would be. Not even in one single book. The Bible doesn't even cut it. It promotes more arguments and division than any other book on the planet. Wonder why?
Me thinks we've been played, are still being played, and will continue to be played.

a reply to: Matrixsurvivor

The bible is not the Torah which was disseminated to Moses as a continuous 365,000 character data stream it is an interactive hologram given to us by a being who can obviously travel up and down the timeline of human history a vastly superior intelligence than our own,dont assume that Christianity,Islam or Zionism has anything to do with true Judaism

originally posted by: GreenElf
The mythology that it was based on wasn't false except taken literally, and in that sense the foundation wasn't false. It's the edifices of religion later added that are false. Though the bible has these religious edifices, it's still of value insofar as it offers some information regarding the beliefs of ancient man. As scientific and archeological discoveries are made, we rely less on the bible as an antiquity.

Really? After spending 20 plus years in non denoninational churches and a few denominational for good measure, I will tell you one thing.....CHRISTIANS TAKE IT LITERALLY. It doesn't matter one hill of beans if it's based on mythology! They believe it's the "infallible inerrant WORD OF GOD". That means that the "god" they follow is a blood thirsty, misogynistic, psychopath, who will fry you for eternity in hell if you don't believe in Jesus. That's not LOVE, that's extortion friend. How do I know this?? I was spewing all that myself for those 20 years. How I got to where I am now is a LONG story, but suffice it to say it all makes me nauseas now.
Distancing myself from it all, and being willing to question all the doubts I had all along, have made it more apparent. But, I couldn't see it either at first. The one thing I've realized is that ALL religion is fear based. That includes Christianity. It's fear of punishment that keeps the sheep in line.
Well guess what? I don't owe a god anything that says to shed innocent blood (animals), subjugates women to men, commits genocide, and also told mankind to eat animals. That's just evil. I won't bow down and worship evil.
The pretzel twisting apologetics Christians do to explain all that away is equally as nauseating.

originally posted by: khnum
a reply to: Matrixsurvivor

The bible is not the Torah which was disseminated to Moses as a continuous 365,000 character data stream it is an interactive hologram given to us by a being who can obviously travel up and down the timeline of human history a vastly superior intelligence than our own,dont assume that Christianity,Islam or Zionism has anything to do with true Judaism

Sigh....I've read the Torah. Actually got heavy duty into it after outing Saul of Tarsus (aka Paul).
The Torah has many contradictions....MANY. But, here's the thing that really got me. No true God of love, would command the sacrifice of innocent animals for the sins of humans. He/She/It just WOULD'NT. It's wrong, it's evil, and it doesn't do a dang thing to alleviate the sins of others. Jesus wasn't a blood sacrifice either (that's Pauline BS). Jesus was murdered by the priests running the temple because he CHALLEGED their power and authority. He ran the animals out of the temple outer courts, where they were being sold to be sacrificed. It's the ONE TIME in all the gospels that we see the "Son of Man" truly PISSED OFF. So mad in fact, that he made a whip and drove all of them out. He then quoted Jeremiah, "if you had known what this means...that I desire MERCY and NOT SACRIFICE, you would have NOT condemned the innocent!!!!" Who were the innocents??? It was the freakin animals!!
So the "Torah" you think is so "all that" is the very book that contains all the details on animal sacrifice. That whole thing is straight up EVIL.

a reply to: Matrixsurvivor

Yes, those three Abrahamic religions are the epitome of control. Most of what comprises of those is heavily borrowed from the polytheistic religions. Some aspects that resemble the polytheistic religions to help better convert people because it was familiarity to the people.

a reply to: Matrixsurvivor

I said superior intelligence...not necessarily God

originally posted by: khnum
a reply to: Matrixsurvivor

I said superior intelligence...not necessarily God

I can agree with you there. Whatever entity(s) perpetuated the whole "blood sacrifice" idea onto humanity, are not good in any way shape or form.
Just because YHWH in the OT seems good at times, he also commands very evil things (and gets away with it, because he is supposedly "god").
It's the same with the false apostle Paul. He wraps up misogynistic teachings, along with support of meat eating (even meat sacrificed to idols (which Jesus was against in Revelation). Paul even went so far as to teach that vegetable eaters were of a weaker faith. Hmmmm. My point being that, Paul wrapped a bunch of ugly, evil, lies....in pretty sounding spiritual jargon. His big give away to me the most though, was his obnoxious use of "me, my, me, I, me,...oh, and it was always "MY gospel". Paul also continued the blood sacrifice theme from the god of the OT, into the NT, by high jacking the message of Jesus. Most pastors/Christians only hear Jesus, through the "Paul filter". Paul is their messiah and YHWH their god. Which would explain Christian behavior on these boards.
I've tried to show some of my really good friends, some of my conclusions. I would get two reactions....fear, or intense anger. That's it. Fight or flight would come out in them. If you want to run from or attack someone who is sincerely questioning and trying to make sense of things that no longer make sense, instead of having blind faith and never questioning, then that's being brainwashed and indoctrinated. Seriously. I can only see it now, because I'm out of it.
That's why the bible causes constant arguing, debating, division, etc. It's full of dualities and polarities. It's dark and light combined.

originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
a reply to: vethumanbeing

Matrix: Maybe....but, a true god of LOVE would never create such a vampiric world. Most everything here survives on something else. Why??

It is a closed ecosystem. Every plant or animal funds/contributes to the life of another. God never intended mercy care food drops on humanity until man decided (in its false free will wisdom) it was a noble thing to do.

Matrix: Why order the death of a sentient being to enable another being (species) to survive. Sorry...but, that's "f'ed" up.

Only hawks are "fed up" so as not hunt that day. Who is ordering the death of sentient beings (oh sacrifice). You realize within some cultures portrayed is a myth. Aztec's may have sacrificed humans; only because they misunderstood earlier Mayan pictographs warning of *whatever you do future citizens*; "DO NOT DO THIS!!!".

Matrix: Animals kill each other on this "beautiful" planet, there are species that are disgusting and look like something out of a horror flick. [Death and destruction come to all creatures (both human and non-human). So, either the entity that created this "matrix" is a sadistic a-hole.

Animals; for some reason are never charged with murder (by their own Alpha 'in charge' constituents).

Matrix: or we have to go along with the biblical explanation that it's all OUR fault for something we inherited from the very first male and female created. Oh, and never rmind that they were basically set up in the first place. WHAT kind of parent puts their children in a precarious situation and expects them to come out on the winning side?? Then curses the for screwing up??? Good god! I used to believe all of this!

It is good you got out when you did; because it just becomes more confusing if attempting justification of what turns out to be a hidden agenda.

Matrix:I Iove animals....used to eat them, too. Never gave it any thought until "something"...and I mean something really good, showed me otherwise. I don't eat them anymore, but truth be told...one cannot get away from how we use them...for everything. Once again...that's f-ed up. IF there is a god that made this world the way it is, well, he sucks.
I hate it. I hate people that justify it as, "well...they taste good, or "that's just the way it is". Um....duh!!! Does anyone stop and think that their tastebud's triumph over mercy or compassion? Nope.

Animals were put here to eat other. You decided not to join in the fray (buy in or take up that individual identification) and opt instead to cannibalize the thriving luscious living flora until you pluck it from its roots from a dirty home (fruit trees not included in observation) but/and remain the principle source of the fall of humanity.

Matrix: Which just irks me to no end, because most Christians will defend to their dying breath, all the crap Paul spewed, or how God is so merciful and loving and kind. Sorry guys, I bought that one hook, line and sinker too, for way to many years. Guess what? If you don't have mercy, compassion and love for another sentient being, who feels, loves, wants to live just as you....then don't say you are like Jesus.

Paul invented Christianity; who would defend him against a Prophet that did not espouse such things; in fact denounced any organization of sorts in his name?

Matrix: And no...I don't believe Jesus condoned animals sacrifice...or even eating them. The story in the gospels where he drove the money changers out of the temple (AND the animals), had nothing to do with MONEY....he was pissed at what the corrupt temple priests (who actually served the DEVIL (aka...YHWH), were doing. It was evil to it's core.
THAT'S why Jesus told them, "MY house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers" and he told the Pharisee's/Saducees that they served their father THE DEVIL" Robbers take by violence. Which is exactly what those wicked priests were doing. Jesus was probably an Essene or Nazorean. They were vegetarians.
Anyway, that's a whole other subject. What I'm saying is, this "book" Christians believe is "holy and infallible", is a book of dualities. It PROMOTES division.

Animal sacrifice was a business owned/ held by the Pharasee's (the butcher shop located right under the alter in the basement); all flesh from the animals was butchered and sold or GIVEN to the Roman occupiers. Jesus was an Essene; and wore the traditional *in front of the ears* curled hair tubes of a Nazarine. You want to speak of odd dualities? The Koran is just another version of the Torah (swiped).

originally posted by: vethumanbeing
originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
a reply to: vethumanbeing

Matrix: Maybe....but, a true god of LOVE would never create such a vampiric world. Most everything here survives on something else. Why??

It is a closed ecosystem. Every plant or animal funds/contributes to the life of another. God never intended mercy care food drops on humanity until man decided (in its false free will wisdom) it was a noble thing to do.

Matrix: Why order the death of a sentient being to enable another being (species) to survive. Sorry...but, that's "f'ed" up.

Only hawks are "fed up" so as not hunt that day. Who is ordering the death of sentient beings (oh sacrifice). You realize within some cultures portrayed is a myth. Aztec's may have sacrificed humans; only because they misunderstood earlier Mayan pictographs warning of *whatever you do future citizens*; "DO NOT DO THIS!!!".

Matrix: Animals kill each other on this "beautiful" planet, there are species that are disgusting and look like something out of a horror flick. [Death and destruction come to all creatures (both human and non-human). So, either the entity that created this "matrix" is a sadistic a-hole.

Animals; for some reason are never charged with murder (by their own Alpha 'in charge' constituents).

Matrix: or we have to go along with the biblical explanation that it's all OUR fault for something we inherited from the very first male and female created. Oh, and never rmind that they were basically set up in the first place. WHAT kind of parent puts their children in a precarious situation and expects them to come out on the winning side?? Then curses the for screwing up??? Good god! I used to believe all of this!

It is good you got out when you did; because it just becomes more confusing if attempting justification of what turns out to be a hidden agenda.

Matrix:I Iove animals....used to eat them, too. Never gave it any thought until "something"...and I mean something really good, showed me otherwise. I don't eat them anymore, but truth be told...one cannot get away from how we use them...for everything. Once again...that's f-ed up. IF there is a god that made this world the way it is, well, he sucks.
I hate it. I hate people that justify it as, "well...they taste good, or "that's just the way it is". Um....duh!!! Does anyone stop and think that their tastebud's triumph over mercy or compassion? Nope.

Animals were put here to eat other. You decided not to join in the fray (buy in or take up that individual identification) and opt instead to cannibalize the thriving luscious living flora until you pluck it from its roots from a dirty home (fruit trees not included in observation) but/and remain the principle source of the fall of humanity.

Matrix: Which just irks me to no end, because most Christians will defend to their dying breath, all the crap Paul spewed, or how God is so merciful and loving and kind. Sorry guys, I bought that one hook, line and sinker too, for way to many years. Guess what? If you don't have mercy, compassion and love for another sentient being, who feels, loves, wants to live just as you....then don't say you are like Jesus.

Paul invented Christianity; who would defend him against a Prophet that did not espouse such things; in fact denounced any organization of sorts in his name?

Matrix: And no...I don't believe Jesus condoned animals sacrifice...or even eating them. The story in the gospels where he drove the money changers out of the temple (AND the animals), had nothing to do with MONEY....he was pissed at what the corrupt temple priests (who actually served the DEVIL (aka...YHWH), were doing. It was evil to it's core.
THAT'S why Jesus told them, "MY house will be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers" and he told the Pharisee's/Saducees that they served their father THE DEVIL" Robbers take by violence. Which is exactly what those wicked priests were doing. Jesus was probably an Essene or Nazorean. They were vegetarians.
Anyway, that's a whole other subject. What I'm saying is, this "book" Christians believe is "holy and infallible", is a book of dualities. It PROMOTES division.

Animal sacrifice was a business owned/ held by the Pharasee's (the butcher shop located right under the alter in the basement); all flesh from the animals was butchered and sold or GIVEN to the Roman occupiers. Jesus was an Essene; and wore the traditional *in front of the ears* curled hair tubes of a Nazarine. You want to speak of odd dualities? The Koran is just another version of the Torah (swiped).

You are an interesting dude (or dudette)....I'm leaning towards "dude". I probably should put out that I'm just a tad "raw" right now. You see, I have encountered God....in ways that most Christians I know (have known), haven't. So, forgive me if I'm a little jaded at the moment. It would take pages to explain all the ways this "something..."ie" God, has shown Itself to me. I say "It" because I'm really struggling with the whole patriarchal system that's in place in scripture. I'm struggling with trying to make sense of a world that SEEMS good in beauty and other ways. But, when you get down to brass tacks, it basically is made to promote pain, suffering, division, etc.
I guess I just want to know why? I don't like being in a world like this. I really don't. I used to live for (like most believers), the time when Jesus would return and set up his earthly kingdom. Well...let's just say, I've dug so far into scripture and read enough to make my brain hurt, pertaining to end times, ufo/alien/nephilim junk, prophecy, OMGosh....the list goes further than I can write. Been at it 25 plus years. All the while, trying to fit into the churchianity mold that I said earlier, not only makes me nauseas, but want to go kamakazi on folks.
I guess I've realized that it's all Bull****. Ha! 25 years as a Christian, to finally become an agnostic. Pretty dang ironic, that one.
I'm probably rambling, but it's been a long day. I used to have so much fight in me..FOR THE TRUTH (which was God's truth, of course). Now, I'm just tired.
Oh, and most of what you said...I get. Read bunches on all of your above. I've found much along the same venue.
I'm a die hard researcher into WHY? What? How? Rabbit hole goes so dang deep, I feel like flipping the bird at it all. LOL.
Oh, and Yes, I realize I have to eat vegetation to survive. Which brings me to the stark realization...AGAIN...that it's all built on death. Which, according to Paul and YHWH, is my fault (along with the rest of the human race). Lovely.
Yup...whatever "god" put us in this situation (including the critters), can kiss my butt.

Had to add something to what you said...first off, I DIDN'T DESIGN THIS CRAP. If it was up to me, animals would not need to kill and eat one another, there wouldn't be blood sucking insects, people wouldn't desire animals flesh (ignoring that what they are eating used to be a being with the same "nephesh" (soul) that they have. A soul makes a being (human or animal) what it is.

Have you guessed yet that the "line in the sand" for me, was the animal kingdom?? Yes, I realize that we live in an "ecosystem" that is fully functional, supports life, blah-blah-blah. At the same time it promotes death.
Hmmm....so, if we go by Paulian theology, the reason for that is that GOD Himself subjected HIS creation to decay, because Adam screwed up. Oh, YAY. So, now we have to wait THOUSANDS of years for "said god" to send a redeemer to fix it all (Jesus). Um, ok. Nevermind that we are the ones suffering through all this bullcrap, and it's all the fault of human free will, and god is going to make it "all better" in the end. Oh, but if you don't accept the sacrifice Jesus made for you on that cross, you're going to be tormented for eternity, by the same god who put this whole dang pawn game into motion. WTF????
I've spent years reading the bible, talking about the bible, digesting the bible, etc. I can't stand it anymore. I can't stand how Christians are so NOT like Jesus it's sad. I could name some folks on this board who are die hard Christians and the junk they post is so typical and predictable, I skim what they say. I like the one's who question it all...and basically come up with treat people right. It's not rocket science. Something put that in us. I don't need a book to tell me that. It's called empathy. I not only have it for people, but I have it for animals (probably more so than most people). Why? I don't know. It's just been there since I was a little kid. Unfortunately, I was born into a world that uses them (animals), uses people, and uses religion to justify most of the above. I realized that I have a knowing inside myself of what is right and wrong. All the bible did was put me on a huge guilt trip and for what??? Why should I repent to a "god" that commits/orders atrocities beyond anything I've ever done, and accept that as "his will", and then feel bad for my screw ups? Nope. Doesn't jive with me anymore.
Oh, and most "Christians" would tell me I'm deceived and going to hell (actually had that happen lately). Enter in that Paulian theology again. You gotta love Paul. Jeez, what a jerk. Can't stand him, and any believer that believes his BS is blind as a dang bat.

originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
originally posted by: vethumanbeing
originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
a reply to: vethumanbeing

Matrix: you are an interesting dude (or dudette)....I'm leaning towards "dude".

I probably should put out that I'm just a tad "raw" right now. You see, I have encountered God....in ways that most Christians I know (have known), haven't. So, forgive me if I'm a little jaded at the moment. It would take pages to explain all the ways this "something..."ie" God, has shown Itself to me.

You encountered "God"? You ARE God *its expression* do you not know thyself?

Matrix: I say "It" because I'm really struggling with the whole patriarchal system that's in place in scripture. I'm struggling with trying to make sense of a world that SEEMS good in beauty and other ways. But, when you get down to brass tacks, it basically is made to promote pain, suffering, division, etc.

That Piscean 2000 years of dismal swamp patriarchy (pain suffering all that you describe) ended recently. The planet is raising in frequency and the old negatives cannot hang on; it is being tossed off like a wet dog shaking water from its coat.

Matrix: I guess I've realized that it's all Bull****. Ha! 25 years as a Christian, to finally become an agnostic. Pretty dang ironic, that one. I'm probably rambling, but it's been a long day. I used to have so much fight in me..FOR THE TRUTH (which was God's truth, of course). Now, I'm just tired.

Hang in there friend, you may not be of *agnostic realization* rather the opposite: one of the GNOSTIC nature (in awareness of essential truths).

Matrix: Oh, and most of what you said...I get. Read bunches on all of your above. I've found much along the same venue. I'm a die hard researcher into WHY? What? How? Rabbit hole goes so dang deep, I feel like flipping the bird at it all. LOL.

Testing your meddle is all (we all have had the desire to chuck the effort as there seems to be no reward immediate).

Matrix: Oh, and Yes, I realize I have to eat vegetation to survive. Which brings me to the stark realization...AGAIN...that it's all built on death. Which, according to Paul and YHWH, is my fault (along with the rest of the human race). Lovely. Yup...whatever "god" put us in this situation (including the critters), can kiss my butt.

But you are God and have only yourself to blame as its best expression. Paul was just an entrepreneur and exploited Jesus's message (in direct conflict to those wishes). Paul has a special place in the Catholic Hell reality he created.

Matrix: Had to add something to what you said...first off, I DIDN'T DESIGN THIS CRAP. If it was up to me, animals would not need to kill and eat one another, there wouldn't be blood sucking insects, people wouldn't desire animals flesh (ignoring that what they are eating used to be a being with the same "nephesh" (soul) that they have. A soul makes a being (human or animal) what it is.

This is why you are not the primary Creator; but probably had great impute to such; as one that said: "I disagree" with this scenario; rethink this, has to be a better way to manage a very complex ecosystem? What one eats particular things improves the souls potential for enlightenment; nourishment, length of life? Some would say the foods one ingest shorten or lengthen life. It's up to us to discern.

originally posted by: vethumanbeing
originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
originally posted by: vethumanbeing
originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
a reply to: vethumanbeing

Matrix: you are an interesting dude (or dudette)....I'm leaning towards "dude".

I probably should put out that I'm just a tad "raw" right now. You see, I have encountered God....in ways that most Christians I know (have known), haven't. So, forgive me if I'm a little jaded at the moment. It would take pages to explain all the ways this "something..."ie" God, has shown Itself to me.

You encountered "God"? You ARE God *its expression* do you not know thyself?

Matrix: I say "It" because I'm really struggling with the whole patriarchal system that's in place in scripture. I'm struggling with trying to make sense of a world that SEEMS good in beauty and other ways. But, when you get down to brass tacks, it basically is made to promote pain, suffering, division, etc.

That Piscean 2000 years of dismal swamp patriarchy (pain suffering all that you describe) ended recently. The planet is raising in frequency and the old negatives cannot hang on; it is being tossed off like a wet dog shaking water from its coat.

Matrix: I guess I've realized that it's all Bull****. Ha! 25 years as a Christian, to finally become an agnostic. Pretty dang ironic, that one. I'm probably rambling, but it's been a long day. I used to have so much fight in me..FOR THE TRUTH (which was God's truth, of course). Now, I'm just tired.

Hang in there friend, you may not be of *agnostic realization* rather the opposite: one of the GNOSTIC nature (in awareness of essential truths).

Matrix: Oh, and most of what you said...I get. Read bunches on all of your above. I've found much along the same venue. I'm a die hard researcher into WHY? What? How? Rabbit hole goes so dang deep, I feel like flipping the bird at it all. LOL.

Testing your meddle is all (we all have had the desire to chuck the effort as there seems to be no reward immediate).

Matrix: Oh, and Yes, I realize I have to eat vegetation to survive. Which brings me to the stark realization...AGAIN...that it's all built on death. Which, according to Paul and YHWH, is my fault (along with the rest of the human race). Lovely. Yup...whatever "god" put us in this situation (including the critters), can kiss my butt.

But you are God and have only yourself to blame as its best expression. Paul was just an entrepreneur and exploited Jesus's message (in direct conflict to those wishes). Paul has a special place in the Catholic Hell reality he created.

Matrix: Had to add something to what you said...first off, I DIDN'T DESIGN THIS CRAP. If it was up to me, animals would not need to kill and eat one another, there wouldn't be blood sucking insects, people wouldn't desire animals flesh (ignoring that what they are eating used to be a being with the same "nephesh" (soul) that they have. A soul makes a being (human or animal) what it is.

This is why you are not the primary Creator; but probably had great impute to such; as one that said: "I disagree" with this scenario; rethink this, has to be a better way to manage a very complex ecosystem? What one eats particular things improves the souls potential for enlightenment; nourishment, length of life? Some would say the foods one ingest shorten or lengthen life. It's up to us to discern.

Okay....you had some good points (about Paul, mainly...hope that dude does get the hot seat in the nether regions).
You lost me on the whole "you are God thing". I'm not, though I wish I was. Well, not really. But, I could think of a much better plan for this blue ball than what is going on with it now.
Once I had all these "awakenings", so to speak. I asked myself, "why am I more moral than god?"
Example for ya....I'm on a prayer text blast (still) of my still numerous Christian friends. Latest one was, 4 year old little girl was mauled by a pack of hybrid wolf dogs on her grandfather's ranch. She was really messed up, but survived.
On to text blast, "Oh, please pray for "so and so"....(explanation of what happened), etc. Ok, so little girl pulls through surgery, but will be disfigured most of her life. BUT... because she pulled through surgery and survived, all those folks on the text blast are singing god's praises for that.
Now, I would have been right there with them a few years ago. But now, I stopped and thought, "where the hell were you when the little girl was getting mauled???!! We're supposed to THANK YOU when you supposedly help the doctors fix her messed up face (though she will never look normal)....but not question WHY in the world you would allow some little innocent girl get messed up and traumatized that way???
Do you see what I'm getting at? The bad stuff in the world is "free will" and whatever. The good stuff is god.
Whatever. If it was up to me (as god), I would have done everything in my power to stop that poor kid from being hurt in the first place. So, am I more moral than god? I'm NOT god. If there even is a god. Well, I think there is, but this world is not his doing. Jesus said his kingdom was NOT of this world. Funny, YHWH built a kingdom here (through Israel).

originally posted by: Matrixsurvivor
You lost me on the whole "you are God thing".

Don't sweat it too much. Some are like that.

You have stopped making excuses or performing mental gymnastics to make things fit. That is a good start.

I noticed that earlier you said that you were a die hard researcher into WHY? What? How? and this is fine but what if there are things you just can't know?

Better yet, what if there are things you don't need to know?

Like the twist in the plot of a movie, nobody wants to watch the spoiler.