I would like to know what you believe? Do you believe in God? If so do you have a particular belief/denomination?

I will go first. Yes I do believe in God. I am Christian. In particular a spirit filled Christian.

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Like most kids I know, I stopped going to church when I became independent. Why? Who knows? Maybe it just didn't take; maybe it was overdone. I never went back.

While in Los Angeles, I got a taste of Judaism and it fit. I don't believe in conversion to Judaism because you either are or aren't Jewish. So I merely looked on with fascination. I also checked out non-denominational places like the famed Crystal Cathedral (all the way down in Anaheim).

When I returned to The Bahamas I fell in with some Roman Catholics and attended weekly mass at a monastery near my home. I really liked the simplicity of their service. It's been a while since I went there and I've heard that the monastery is closed now.

I'm not a "holy roller" or a "bible thumper" but a lot of the religion from my upbringing has stayed with me. My mother is INTENSELY religious. While we are both religious people, we do not always agree on how Bible scriptures ought to be interpreted.

I won't get into the particulars of what I believe (and do not believe) because that will get us all into a lot of trouble.

Note: I think this thread can work if we avoid commenting on other peoples' posts. No need to say "I agree" or "that's a load of crap." Just read the posts and/or say what you have to say ABOUT THE TOPIC and then leave quietly. Otherwise...I see a padlock coming.

I just don't believe in organized religion. If it suits you, fine. But it doesn't interest me.

"...here on this forum.. alot of "people" find religion "G-d" and other subjects of this nature.. Ojectionable.....? Makes you wonder.. doen't it... "

As you are a newbie, I will be easy on you.

First of all, don't think that there is something to wonder if we find mention of religeon and or god objectionable. Actually, I think you are definately off. In fact, if you are not careful, you could sound as if you are trying to insult the majority of us. That is the fastest way to get put down. Instead, try bieng a bit more congenial.

To joshua Lott:

I myself am LDS, or mormon, and also strong-agnostic. That means while I belong to a particular religeon, as I was raised in it, and I find more comfort in it than not, I am also of the persuasion that there is no evidence that god neither exists or does not exist. I do not have "faith" as some would put it, as a scientist by nature, I find fact instead. Faith is nothing more than a series of neurons firing in just the right order. Change the order and you have schizophrenia.

I do not doubt the existance of god, but rather tend to believe that with current evidence, there might be some higher power or authority who has "guided" us along, even placed us here so many years ago.

If anyone finds offence to the discussion it is only because this is a technical forum by its very nature. While religeon comes into play in many discussions, the very discussion of who is what could very well lead into who is right and who is wrong, etc.

We try very hard to make sure that these posts do not erupt into heated debate and hatred. Remember that more atrocity has been committed in the name of god, allah, or whatever, than for any other reason. Religeon is fear based. Tech forums are fact or question driven.

So just be careful when broaching the subject. Sure it is a factor in our lives, in many cases. For me it is not a problem to share, but I do not try to encourage anyone to see it my way, I do not proseletyze. Or preach, or whatever.

So just remember to be careful when asking the question.

If you believe in your specific religion, then stick with it and live it to the best of your ability.

Some of the most inspiring messages I have heard about living and caring about others came from pastors of congregations not associated with mine.

When my friends invite me to attend church with them, I am honored to do so. And I have done that many times.

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Faith, everyone needs it to survive. It does not mean that it has to be associated with religion. It should be used as faith in ourselves to do the right things in life and accomplish our goals requardless if there is a higher being or not. Even if one does not believe, one should always maintain high morals for his or her own sake. Doing the wrong things makes you look bad to others. It is just possable that god could be watching you thru the eyes of others.

Praying for material things will get you nothing. Only you can achieve the means to gain these things. Hence having faith in yourself to achieve the means to aquire the good things in life is good. Having a Religion to express yourself with others can be a big plus but is not needed to achieve the good that one can give to his or her self and the people around them. Whether you believe or not God could be watching you right now thru the eyes of your neighbor.

I too believe that we need more good movies like some being produced by the Christian community. Now this is not only to bring people to religion, but to let people know that many of the problems in society start with building a strong family. And also just to let the people out there that think there are no other options, that there are always options and people willing to help you out in what ever sitution you are in.

I my self have always liked helping people, and was always and will always be there for my friends. This is both before and after I became a "christian."

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