Pick and Mix religion

[Vajradhara]

Namaste ciel,

thank you for the post.

Originally Posted by Ciel

Vaj,

While one hand claps.

What does the other do?

- c -

the other is making a peace sign

did you know that there is a difference between a Koan and an Mondo?

metta,

~v

[Ciel]

the other is making a peace sign

did you know that there is a difference between a Koan and an Mondo?

metta,


Vaj,

Peace.........It is good it is the upper hand.

- c -

[wil]

Anyone played Zendo? the Koan and Mondo reminded me of the game...

[Dondi]

For a while, I contemplated becoming Jewish, having come from a fundamental Christian background, but briefly unsatisfied with the dogmatic excluvisity implied, especially when I found that same Spirit of God in people in other religions (oddly enough,one was a Muslim girl whom I found had a similiar experience with God as I did). My whole worldview changed dramatically. My re-evaluation of the Christian faith led backwards toward Judiasm. I felt it important to go back to the roots of my faith and see what foundation lay there. After all, Jesus and all the Disciples were Jewish. I have to admit, much of what I learned in Judaism surprised me. They aren't as dogmatic as some Christian denominations, they believe that God includes everyone in His Plan. But what especially intrigued me was the fact that they don't emphasize eternal life, but rather the life lived here and now. They don't seem too worried about the future afterlife.

For a while, I was kinda teetering between becoming Jewish or just staying a Noahide Gentile, which is the default position for non-Jews which if following the Seven Laws for Gentiles, and we can kinda be included with the God of the Jews.

I had two problems. 1) If I were to become Jewish, I'd be going back to the Law...all 613 of them. I had trouble with just the 10. Besides, becoming a Jew is a lengthy process. 2) If I remained a Noahide, I didn't see too many opportunities for fellowship. There aren't too many Noahide churches/synagogues?? And besides that I felt that as a Noahide, I'd always feel outside.

So the only other thing I could see to do is go forward toward Christianity again, only this time with a Jewish mindset. Idecided that it is much more important to live this life according to the teachings of Christ than to emphasize the afterlife. Ifigured that if I do what Jesus saidto do, then I ought not to have too many worries about where I'm going after my time.

To be honest, I found my relationship with God improve so much deeper than in the paradigm of my fundamental upbringing. I discovered that the most important teaching of Christ is embodied in the two greatest commandments, to Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love you neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hinge on these two.

And I discovered that some form of the Golden Rule is embedded in most every major religion.

Howard Storm, when he had his near-death experience, stated that he asked "what is the best religion?" to the Being he encountered. The reply was, "The best religion is the one that brings you closest to God."

For me, it seems to be the one I am most familiar with.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Dondi

And I discovered that some form of the Golden Rule is embedded in most every major religion.

Howard Storm, when he had his near-death experience, stated that he asked "what is the best religion?" to the Being he encountered. The reply was, "The best religion is the one that brings you closest to God."

For me, it seems to be the one I am most familiar with.

Very nice post Dondi. I remember that you used to have a star of David as your avatar and was wondering about that. I agree very much with the above.

luna

[wil]

Originally Posted by Dondi

...If I were to become Jewish, I'd be going back to the Law...all 613 of them. I had trouble with just the 10....

Nice contemplations, I feel a distinct kinship with the old testament. And an appreciation for the other belief systems. Where do Christians substantiate the 10? And isn't it only the orthodox that worry about all 613? And how many others do some denominations add or use no meat on Friday...etc. And how about the two big Judaic commandments that Jesus reminded us of. Seems like we all pick and choose...

Those that pick and choose less, we determine to be too literal, too fundamental, those that pick and choose more we determine to be wishy washy...so interesting...is that me making a judgemental generalization or generally being judgemental?