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gomedome
I guess we'll just have to agree on disagreeing and I am OK with that. Thank you for your comment on my thoughts.

posted by mariposa75 on May 13, 2009 at 9:34 AM | link to this | reply

mariposa75 - Re: My thoughts

First I will thank you for attempting to give a sincere response but I have to ask if you are aware that I don't buy any of this stuff? As for a necessity for there to be a creator; why singular or just one creator? Does not all that exists, if it were created, look more like the work of a committee? It sure does to me. There have been many mistakes made along the way with extinction of numerous species bearing testament to that. It also seems as if the creators have been on holidays for the past several thousand years.  

As for the natives wanting to know God, I would argue that there are a number of factors involved. From mankind's universal desire for there to be a God to the bias inherent in finding an audience deemed inferior in their beliefs by those intent on promoting their religion.  

posted by gomedome on May 12, 2009 at 6:59 AM | link to this | reply

My thoughts
I'm not sure how well I will answer this, but I will share my thoughts... First of all, I believe that God sees a persons' heart of hearts. He knows if someone wants to know Him. He can see everything, their thoughts... They cannot hide under religion even.  Creation  is here to show someone about God, what He is like... A creation needs a creator. A computer cannot "make itself", there has to be a designer. 

 

I have heard numerous stories of remote tribes that have had visions or have been prepared, wanting to know God, but not knowing how.  Then God would put it on a person's heart to go to them and share the gospel with them.  I know of 2 books that speak on this subject, "Eternity in their Hearts," (I will try to post a link from Amazon, so you can see the book) and another one by a man we know sharing history about Marcos Whitman and their mission with the Native Americans called, "Old Oregon Under the Shadow of the Almighty" by Stewart Dick.

This is a vast subject.  I guess I have come to know God over many years of experiences and found Him to be trustworthy, true, loving and kind in my life. 

http://www.amazon.com/Eternity-Their-Hearts-Startling-Throughout/dp/0830738371/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242066302&sr=1-1

posted by mariposa75 on May 11, 2009 at 11:46 AM | link to this | reply

Gomedome...
This time you hit the nail on the head! It is the understanding / perception / definition of the supposedly inclusive words "We / Our / Us" that create these divisions. The narrower the "we", or the more "we-specific" the claim, the more the chances of disagreement with the ones not included. When one understands another's "we-view", one is better able to understand / tolerate, and perhaps accept / appreciate, the view / claim. Thank you for your posts / comments, most of which I find to be thoughtful / well-researched.

posted by ash_pradhan on May 9, 2009 at 6:24 PM | link to this | reply

johnmacnab - it's nice to hear from you
I've had to sit through a few of these ceremonies over the years as well. Still to this day, I have trouble making the distinction between the priest doing his ritualistic gymnastics and what I envision went on amongst the Druids or any of the other ancient pagan cults. I agree completely, ....how does this stuff survive in the 21st century?

posted by gomedome on May 9, 2009 at 12:04 PM | link to this | reply

mariposa75 - thank you
It may not be these questions specifically but it is questions such as these that sow the seeds of doubt in the validity of some religious constructs.

posted by gomedome on May 9, 2009 at 11:53 AM | link to this | reply

texture - a belated welcome to Blogit and thank you for stopping in

posted by gomedome on May 9, 2009 at 11:51 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Did you read ZenMom's latest post?
Xeno-x - yes, I am aware of this situation.

posted by gomedome on May 9, 2009 at 11:50 AM | link to this | reply

gomedome
During communion, when all we parishioners are drinking wine and eating bread, I have a great deal of trouble not shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it all.  If I don't do this every three months my sins won't be forgiven and I won't be able to enter the Kingdom of Heaven??   In between staring at the minister and wondering how an intelligent person can believe this, I hear myself asking myself why I'm there?

posted by johnmacnab on May 9, 2009 at 6:33 AM | link to this | reply

I read your post and will re-read it tomorrow when I am not exhausted and try to give a comment .I am impressed with your questions and believe them to be sincere? 

posted by mariposa75 on May 9, 2009 at 12:04 AM | link to this | reply

I love this post. i tried to say something else that would make me sound profound,  :) but you said it all. Should be such a no brainer.

posted by texture on May 8, 2009 at 4:12 PM | link to this | reply

Did you read ZenMom's latest post?
Go to ZenMom Exits Stage Left...Goodbye To All godbots.

posted by Xeno-x on May 8, 2009 at 9:49 AM | link to this | reply