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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 16, 2012 - 12:49am PT
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Inspired the the Gram Parsons song of the same title and recent posts on various threads, I though it would be nice to have a thread where SuperTopo Christians could tell tell their story and make a statement of faith.
Format:
1. What happened that lead you to follow the trail to Jesus? How did you find your faith?
2. How does God help you deal with life? What do you have that helps you to take comfort in the Christian Life?
3. What is your affiliation? Catholic, Methodist, or perhaps a local Church or person you would like to acknowledge? Perhaps you follow Jesus from afar, unaffiliated with any group.
Please let others tell their story, hold your reactions, criticize on other threads and let the Christians, or whatever faith that may post here, be proud of who they are being for a moment.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Aug 16, 2012 - 01:00am PT
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It's those damn Canadians. I heard they were flooding over the border...
Doomed, we are!
And as another aside....East ledges fixed ropes? Dude, yer gonna die.
You brought ropes with you, correct?
Meh.
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Lennox
climber
just southwest of the center of the universe
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Aug 16, 2012 - 01:43am PT
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My mother is Catholic and my father's parents Unitarian. They took me to different churches as a kind of smorgasbord to help me find what was right for me (though I don't think they saw it that way).
This allowed me to see the hypocrisy within and between different sects of Christianity and exacerbated my nature of questioning all authority.
I am philosophically agnostic, but honestly, I am an atheist.
I think all children should be exposed to the schizophrenic nature of Christianity and the hypocrisy of all religions--this will lead them to question the ready and broad, all-encompassing answers throughout their lives rather than seek those easy answers to difficult or open questions.
Edit: to the OP, if this was not what you were hoping to generate by this thread, I apologize, but, you open a can, sometimes you get worms.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Aug 16, 2012 - 01:50am PT
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Lennox is wise....but I'm sure that the Canadians are involved.
Somehow.....hmmm.
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Lennox
climber
just southwest of the center of the universe
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Aug 16, 2012 - 02:09am PT
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It's the Scot's Skully, those damn pagan Scottish tribes.
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Captain...or Skully
climber
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Aug 16, 2012 - 02:11am PT
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Newfies & Nova Scotians, then?
Maybe a dusting of New Brunswick? Prince Edward Island?
Dammit man. This is serious.
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Lennox
climber
just southwest of the center of the universe
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Aug 16, 2012 - 02:20am PT
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Leamhnachd, about 8 miles from Glasgow, so give or take 2200 miles with the Newfies.
Sorry, but I can't help with the pronunciation.
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Chinchen
climber
Way out there....
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Aug 16, 2012 - 03:33am PT
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I was born in Canada and raised a pastors kid. Now I feel exactly the same as Lennox .
This thread is FUKCED.
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
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Aug 16, 2012 - 03:36am PT
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1. What happened that lead you to follow the trail to Jesus?
I had a lobotomy.
2. How does God help you deal with life?
Jesus gives me comfort in knowing that I will spend eternity in Hell, which is where all of my friends will be.
3. What is your affiliation? Catholic, Methodist, or perhaps a local Church or person you would like to acknowledge? Perhaps you follow Jesus from afar, unaffiliated with any group.
Since I am not a child molester, I cannot claim to be affiliated with any Christian group.
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Chinchen
climber
Way out there....
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Aug 16, 2012 - 03:45am PT
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Growing up being forced to believe christianity really f*#ked with my mind. I resent my parents for pushing that sh#t on me.
Nothing disconcerts me more about religion than early indoctrination.
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Wayno
Big Wall climber
Seattle, WA
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Aug 16, 2012 - 03:52am PT
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What is the Christian life?
If anyone cares, the way I understand the crux, is not whether you let Christ into your heart, it's more a matter if you can realize he has always truly been there. His peace is there in your heart, just remember, let go of your self(don't worry, it's not going anywhere) and wake the f^ck up.
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
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Aug 16, 2012 - 04:21am PT
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Speaking of lobotomies...
A man from Ontario wanted to become a Newfie, so he went to his doctor.
"Of course I can help you become a Newfie, we just need to do a lobotomy."
During the procedure the scalpel slipped, and the surgeon accidentally removed his ENTIRE brain.
In the recovery room, the surgeon explained the accident to the patient.
The patient looked at the surgeon and said, "Que vous dites?"
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Tobia
Social climber
Denial
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Aug 16, 2012 - 07:48am PT
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Spider,
Seems like people would ignore the thread if they had nothing positive to say; but that isn't going to happen. The only reason I can conjure up for this is the fact that people are seemingly threatened by the fact that people belong to the Christian faith and it bothers them to see any thing related to the subject on this forum.
As a former self-described atheist, I can relate to this in some fashion; but I doubt I would post a comment about it. If you approached me in person and breeched the subject I would ask you in some way to "leave it alone". If you persisted I would proceed with some harsh language and insults until you left me alone.
However; I have mellowed with age and grown in tolerance, so I don't think I would do so now. Unfortunately a lot of people haven't done so.
You can read my posts on an earlier thread that might address your questions rather than re-post.
http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.php?topic_id=1014715&tn=60
One more thing, I Like The Christian Life was written by Ira Loudermilk and Charlie Loudermilk, better known as The Louvin Brothers; which has a better ring to it than The Loudermilk Brothers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_4g7qb4aGI&
The Byrds ≈ I Like The Christian Life (outtake)
(from Sweetheart of The Rodeo Album) Gram's voice was overdubbed with R. McQuinn's when trouble developed with GP's legal responsibilities to other labels. McGuinn's voice just doesn't do the song justice (he ain't got no soul) and wasn't into the country direction of the lp anyway.
Chinchen,
I agree with you for the most part; I was forced to sit through Mass as a Catholic and all the processes that are part of that until I was of the age where I could revolt by refusing to go; without too many consequences (or ones that were worth suffering).
However; it would be hard for a parent not to choose this path if they had faith; no matter what religious belief they adhered to. What amazes me is how some children develop a deep and everlasting faith because of this; despite the fact that they haven't dealt with issues in life that cause someone to seek out a saviour or to understand their existence in relation to the concept of a God.
Sierra rat, I respectfully disrespect your post. Why bother with insulting the OP's questions?
Dehli dog, it is an open forum and should be treated likewise. Some "tacoians" are going to post trash no matter what the topic; just the same as some are going to start threads that are pure trash. The latter usually will pass deep into the bowels of the forum; or at least that is wishful thinking on my part.
↓Sierra rat, that's politics, not Christianity. That is the kind of thing that Christians are warned about and give the belief a bad rap; but I am not inclined to debate that issue.
Spider asked simple questions that are directed to the followers of Christ's teachings who frequent this forum. In other words, your post is out of place and just plain rude. Hopefully you can appreciate that.
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
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Aug 16, 2012 - 08:35am PT
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When christians respect other people - and stop trying to force everyone to live by the bible - then I'll respect christians. But those people are constantly trying to shove their religion down everyone else's throats, and try to deny life, liberty and happiness to people who aren't christians.
I'm not gay, but the same-sex marriage issue is but one of many such issues. What if marriage was banned for christians?
Why should christians be respected, or even tolerated? I am not interested in having religious law enforced in this country.
Yes, christians are a threat to our freedom. They are more of a threat than the Taliban. Romney believes that the bible is more important than the US constitution. Now that's frightening and threatening.
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tooth
Trad climber
B.C.
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Aug 16, 2012 - 09:42am PT
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I'm a Christian but I agree with Sierra Rat.
If I were to impose my beliefs on anyone through politics, politics has just as much a right to limit my (religious) freedoms in return.
That isn't what the New World was about.
(except SLR - Christians should be treated like any other group, the politicing groups you talk about should be treated like any other special interests group lobbying your government to limit your freedoms)
Politics should be athiest. Religion should be personal. A relationship between God and yourself. Whenever it is more than that, conflict ensues.
I don't understand the gay issue especially. There is no reason why a non-religious government shouldn't allow tax returns with two people on it regardless of sex.
If my relationship with God results in me living a certain lifestyle it should stay my choice.
The reason every religion looks so bad in history is that Governments or groups have used it - ending in conflict. Same thing happens if you replace the fan on your PC with the fan from a jet engine.
It is especially prevalent in the US - you have bumper stickers and people talking about religion everywhere - it was weird for me coming from Canada. Here people keep to themselves more and there is less conflict. There you have every special interests group lobbying your government and instead of living in harmony, thinking they can make everyone else like them. Sheesh! almost 400 million people in the most diverse melting pot in the world, you aren't all going to get along! Neuter your government, make it as neutral as possible, because the more specific it gets about making rules, the more of these people you will alienate, offend, or remove rights from.
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Delhi Dog
climber
Good Question...
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Aug 16, 2012 - 09:57am PT
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That's one of the things I really (really!) like about ST.
Just when I read something and after consideration am leaning in that direction someone else comes along and brings out an opposing (or variation to a) point of view.
Yes I get the "f#ck you" kind of responses too, butt still I often "hear" ideas, thoughts, and reflections that make ME think.
Thanks Tooth + Tobia
Though for the record I still think the OP would maybe get what he's after if he conversed with those other links.
And also for the record I'm agnostic (no surprise there)-I love a good mystery:-)
The two great mysteries in life (IMHO) are what comes after life (if anything) and what gender a baby will be (f*#k that ultra sound shite).
cheers
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Tobia
Social climber
Denial
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Aug 16, 2012 - 09:59am PT
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Tooth,
I agree about politics and Christianity. Those that run for office, use it for a platform or soapbox are doing that; using Christianity. That practice has nothing to do with faith or the Bible. The Bible directs a reader or follower to respect one's government.
I hate politics; and political debate. I have less tolerance for bad manners and that is why I posted the "out of place comments". Also the above posts seemed to be bashing and insulting Spider for his beliefs and simply don't belong on the thread or on any thread for that matter.
I can't explain it much better than that and won't attempt to hence forth.
D Dog, No matter what one believes in life, what comes next will always be a mystery.
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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Aug 16, 2012 - 10:16am PT
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I am an athieist who attended Catholic schools during my formative years. I read much of both the Old and New Testaments.
While I do not believe the Bible to be inspired, I was always impressed by the "story" of the life of Christ. If by "Christian Life" you mean following the example of Christ's life as portrayed in the New Testament....go for it!
I only wish that many of the so called Christians who demonstrate so much hate and intolerance for those with differing views would follow Christ's example.
While I don't believe the life of Christ as set forth in the Bible to be literally true or the inspired work of God, I do feel that it is a good template to follow if you want to lead a life where kindness, compassion, tolerance and the willingness to help the less fortunate are important to you.
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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Aug 16, 2012 - 10:17am PT
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I am philosophically agnostic, but honestly, I am an atheist.
What a gem! Though this thread went awry at the gate some good has come of it and I'm keeping that line as my own personal standard!
Plus 2 Donini on the cross post! May have to steal that one as well!
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