posted on Feb, 14 2009 @ 04:49 PM
Even though I'm personally against organized religion, I feel sorry for people who have been forced into a faith from childhood, against their will.
I was raised to freely choose whatever religious path I wanted, and feel that everyone else should be entitled to that. But, those same people that
were forced into christianity, or whatever else can still grow up with the option to change teams so to speak. Just because I'm against the
Christian, or organized religion way (yes i count atheism as organized religion), I still respect peoples path, just because it isn't mine, doesn't
mean it's wrong. There are three groups of christians that are out there from my observation and contact with various christians. These can apply to
all religions as well:
One type of Christian are the devoted followers that have read the bible, have heard the pastors take on it, others take on the scriptures and
also have their own conclusion. But to this group, being is Christian is more about repeating texts and attending service, they feel a deep connection
and love for not only god but for everyone regardless of their lifestyles/beliefs. They also live the Christian way, which is to be kind and
charitable to those in need. These are the good people of the religion, and don't fit in stereotypical types. I've also never heard this type of
Christian use the word devil seriously, and never heard them say anything about god being a jealous and vengeful god. They are also against war of any
kind and that includes religious wars.
The second type of Christians are on the other end of the belief pole. These are the fanatical ones that starts fights, and brings conflicts.
These are the ones that give bible thumping their name and makes Chrisitianity look bad. It's most likely that they aren't very educated or
intelligent people, and love to shout out lines from the bible, but obviously don't understand what they are saything themselves. These are the blind
followers that don't ever question anything, they are robots spiritually. These are the ones I feel sorry for the most. They think they have found
god and peace, but that is only it, they only think it, they don't feel it nor understand what their chosen path is all about (unless their church
leader is a very corrupt person) These are the Christians that burned witches, started holy wars and have brought shame to their own religion.
The third type of Christian are the middle grounded ones. They are only Christians because that is what they were born to, and were made to go to
church because their parents made them (just like the other types) but when they grew up, they never joined another religion, nor did they reject
christianity, they just don't practice it at all, never actually read the bible, but call themselves Christian because that is what they were born
into and were baptised as. They probably would fit under the spiritual, but not religious category.
In every single religion, these three types have them, the paths are there, the gods are there and aren't there, it's all up to the person. I've
always liked the wiccan rule, "do as you want, but harm none". I think all the religions follow this basic and most common sense rule, but not all
see it that way. I'm sure you have probably been on the receiving end of someone calling you or your ways "devil", just ignore it and don't take
it personally. Feel sorry for that person if anything because they don't know any better.