Are You Listening, God?
Blame, the final frontier23 total reviews
Comment from seaglass
This is an amazing piece of writing and insight. It expresses thoughts so like my own it was a bit spooky. I was raised in an Evangelical home and escaped at age 18.
My quest through various denominations has always met with disappointment when I ran into the same-old-same-old, prejudice, intolerance, or someone with a power ego.
Seldom have I found a group of Christians who follow the actual teaching of Christ in regard to their treatment of others.
Todays politics are prime examples. I'm sure you will get some interesting objections to this piece but I give 6 stars.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015
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This is an amazing piece of writing and insight. It expresses thoughts so like my own it was a bit spooky. I was raised in an Evangelical home and escaped at age 18.
My quest through various denominations has always met with disappointment when I ran into the same-old-same-old, prejudice, intolerance, or someone with a power ego.
Seldom have I found a group of Christians who follow the actual teaching of Christ in regard to their treatment of others.
Todays politics are prime examples. I'm sure you will get some interesting objections to this piece but I give 6 stars.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015
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Your thoughts are especially welcome. I was actually surprised by the responses when I posted this back in April. No strong opposition, and thankfully no one evoking scriptures to try to dispute MY feelings.
Thanks so much for the stars.
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So glad to hear that.
Comment from Linda Kay
You share my open minded view that your religious belief is personal and does not define you as much as they kind of person you are and how you treat and respect others. Your essay had a very down to Earth tone and I enjoyed the beginning especially "I get it..." Zealots and extremists are of the norm in any religion, but unfortunately get so much of the attention. Very interesting and enjoyable reading.
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015
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You share my open minded view that your religious belief is personal and does not define you as much as they kind of person you are and how you treat and respect others. Your essay had a very down to Earth tone and I enjoyed the beginning especially "I get it..." Zealots and extremists are of the norm in any religion, but unfortunately get so much of the attention. Very interesting and enjoyable reading.
Comment Written 30-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2015
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Thank you very much.
Comment from Donya Quijote
Wow! Where was I when this was first posted? What was I doing at that time? Oh yeah, I was probably writing lesson plans, grading papers, working on the school newsletter, the school yearbook... Is it any wonder I missed this telling of an incredible spiritual journey. My journey is not so dissimilar. And I wish more shared your perspective. I believe that when the Great End of Time come we will find people like you far closer to the truth than the zealots. Great reading here...
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2015
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Wow! Where was I when this was first posted? What was I doing at that time? Oh yeah, I was probably writing lesson plans, grading papers, working on the school newsletter, the school yearbook... Is it any wonder I missed this telling of an incredible spiritual journey. My journey is not so dissimilar. And I wish more shared your perspective. I believe that when the Great End of Time come we will find people like you far closer to the truth than the zealots. Great reading here...
Comment Written 08-Jun-2015
reply by the author on 09-Jun-2015
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This was a contest posted weeks ago that is yet to go to voting. I don't even know when that is anymore. This contest has some very intriguing writes when I last looked. Not as much Bible thumping than anticipated. You said a very strong thing here. People having doubts may very well find themselves closer to truth than those who accept without question. Thanks for the stars.
Comment from john.ma69
Thank you for this beautiful message. Although I preach quite the opposite in my text, I cannot but admire your mature openness.
Although my text is quite aggressive, I want to agree with you over the following statement: "People who have absolute faith, or unquestioning adherence to a dogma or philosophy, do not discuss, they lecture. The same zealots may be atheists or Christians."
Yes, absolutely. When ever I engage in an overheated discussion with my
over-religious friends, I hope this does not apply to me. These words will haunt me from now on, in a positive sense, of course.
reply by the author on 15-May-2015
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Thank you for this beautiful message. Although I preach quite the opposite in my text, I cannot but admire your mature openness.
Although my text is quite aggressive, I want to agree with you over the following statement: "People who have absolute faith, or unquestioning adherence to a dogma or philosophy, do not discuss, they lecture. The same zealots may be atheists or Christians."
Yes, absolutely. When ever I engage in an overheated discussion with my
over-religious friends, I hope this does not apply to me. These words will haunt me from now on, in a positive sense, of course.
Comment Written 15-May-2015
reply by the author on 15-May-2015
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In my mind, the difference between a lecture and a discussion is very simple. If someone lectures me, they are simply not listening, and worse, the person isn't trying to explain his pov, but rather out-shout and force me into his. A personal revelation, an example how a person's faith works in day-to-day life gives me something to ponder and evaluate. Conversely, Bible verses are just memorized poems.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
like I said two reviews ago, to try to see where one remaining six would go... and after some hard fought deliberation... this essay evoked the most response in my mind, and for that it won the race to shining glory. I wanted to jump in at every interval to lay down my own thoughts on where you lead me within this maze of religion... or irreligion?
I know I could have written a response to most everything you wrote here with how much it mirrored my own journey into finding my place within the belief system to where I fitted into the picture to saving ones soul... I think it will be the 'big' question until my departure.
I hope you know how hard it was not to be dragged into dialog from what your writing evoked... but their are no winners where religion dissects with politics, so I will end this review with a... all the best for this contest... your writing skills and the ability to evoke, rock lady wordsmith... and a very Happy Easter... and yes, let's all be kind to each other!
With our thoughts we create,
a directional belief,
James vx's.
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2015
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Hi Ingrid,
like I said two reviews ago, to try to see where one remaining six would go... and after some hard fought deliberation... this essay evoked the most response in my mind, and for that it won the race to shining glory. I wanted to jump in at every interval to lay down my own thoughts on where you lead me within this maze of religion... or irreligion?
I know I could have written a response to most everything you wrote here with how much it mirrored my own journey into finding my place within the belief system to where I fitted into the picture to saving ones soul... I think it will be the 'big' question until my departure.
I hope you know how hard it was not to be dragged into dialog from what your writing evoked... but their are no winners where religion dissects with politics, so I will end this review with a... all the best for this contest... your writing skills and the ability to evoke, rock lady wordsmith... and a very Happy Easter... and yes, let's all be kind to each other!
With our thoughts we create,
a directional belief,
James vx's.
Comment Written 04-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 04-Apr-2015
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Thank you my sweet. This essay got knocked out in record time because the prompt asked writers to gently admonish and write a letter to an atheist, telling him how he has impacted a Christian's life. Personally, I think it's the other way around. Allah, after all, is just another word for God and an atheist is defined as believing in NO DEITY. It is not the atheists, but the ones that prance and wield their swords in the name of God that have done the most damage.
Yes, a few people were provoked to write their own answer to the prompt. We'll see.
Thanks for the glitter.
Comment from Donald O. Cassidy
Your candid testimony through the rough seas of lonely quest, and your skepticism because of hypocrites, has far more company than you may imagine.
In several ways, you echo my experience and observations. I differ chiefly in that I was never Catholic and didn't stray far from being a faithful Baptist.
However, on this very note I suffered my own frustration in lonely struggle for soundness, and trial and error journey to the maturity you show.
I think it's correct to say your chief theme "practice what you preach," and model for me your faith in a transcendent God sizes it up.
Your gripping biographical sketch and your progressive grasp proves you won the victory over skepticism.
In your sensible and honest identify with the Democrats in ideology, social justice and in government regulation you are correct. I couldn't have put it better myself.
Don
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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Your candid testimony through the rough seas of lonely quest, and your skepticism because of hypocrites, has far more company than you may imagine.
In several ways, you echo my experience and observations. I differ chiefly in that I was never Catholic and didn't stray far from being a faithful Baptist.
However, on this very note I suffered my own frustration in lonely struggle for soundness, and trial and error journey to the maturity you show.
I think it's correct to say your chief theme "practice what you preach," and model for me your faith in a transcendent God sizes it up.
Your gripping biographical sketch and your progressive grasp proves you won the victory over skepticism.
In your sensible and honest identify with the Democrats in ideology, social justice and in government regulation you are correct. I couldn't have put it better myself.
Don
Comment Written 03-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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Thank you. I hope you are enjoying Easter weekend.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Though I have always consider ed myself a Christian I went through phases as well. I questioned and doubted the Bible. But never did my faith waiver. I am an on again off again church goer. But I pray every day. I'm not sure I could go a day without my belief to carry me. Great essay. Gretchen
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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Though I have always consider ed myself a Christian I went through phases as well. I questioned and doubted the Bible. But never did my faith waiver. I am an on again off again church goer. But I pray every day. I'm not sure I could go a day without my belief to carry me. Great essay. Gretchen
Comment Written 03-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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I pray on automatic pilot. If I ever get an in=your-face answer, I'd probably croak. Thanks.
Comment from judiverse
Excellent presentation. You describe the kind of spiritual journey that you took, increasing your awareness as you grew older. Your last line is the greatest--"Let's all be kind to each other." That's the key. I think many people go through various phases, as I guess you'd call them, when it comes to religion. I've blown back and forth myself. I live in Indiana, and right now there's a big furor over the state's new Religious Freedom act. The media and some corporations that are afraid of running afoul of the press and the administration have been shouting "Fire!" The fear seems to be that gays will be denied services such as catering their wedding. A pizzeria closed temporarily because they experienced threats when they said the wouldn't to cater a gay wedding in the unlikely event that the couple wanted pizza for their reception. They weren't saying they would refuse to serve gays who came in to their establishment and ordered a pizza. Things have gone crazy in the state. If the gays prevail and get their pizza, those with deeply held religious beliefs will be forced to do something against their conscience. I hope things will simmer down. Didn't mean to write a book about the subject, but the newspapers have TV have been full of the story. judi
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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Excellent presentation. You describe the kind of spiritual journey that you took, increasing your awareness as you grew older. Your last line is the greatest--"Let's all be kind to each other." That's the key. I think many people go through various phases, as I guess you'd call them, when it comes to religion. I've blown back and forth myself. I live in Indiana, and right now there's a big furor over the state's new Religious Freedom act. The media and some corporations that are afraid of running afoul of the press and the administration have been shouting "Fire!" The fear seems to be that gays will be denied services such as catering their wedding. A pizzeria closed temporarily because they experienced threats when they said the wouldn't to cater a gay wedding in the unlikely event that the couple wanted pizza for their reception. They weren't saying they would refuse to serve gays who came in to their establishment and ordered a pizza. Things have gone crazy in the state. If the gays prevail and get their pizza, those with deeply held religious beliefs will be forced to do something against their conscience. I hope things will simmer down. Didn't mean to write a book about the subject, but the newspapers have TV have been full of the story. judi
Comment Written 03-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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Thanks so much. It is easy to write essays with strong opinions.
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You're very welcome. judi
Comment from Gloria ....
SE, I think this a brilliant essay and well adapted to the requirements of the contest. You've presented honest views, with respect and deep integrity.
I doubt anyone could challenge your beliefs as shooting from anywhere but straight from the heart.
This is an exceptional write and I agree with you on all counts.
Gloria
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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SE, I think this a brilliant essay and well adapted to the requirements of the contest. You've presented honest views, with respect and deep integrity.
I doubt anyone could challenge your beliefs as shooting from anywhere but straight from the heart.
This is an exceptional write and I agree with you on all counts.
Gloria
Comment Written 02-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 03-Apr-2015
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Thanks so much for the stars. Journalism is my first love and uts easy to write on subjects where passion is an ingredient.
Comment from Nosha17
Well written commentary on religion. It is a very difficult subject to discuss as there is always a chance of offending someone with certain beliefs. I go to church and do believe my sins were atoned by Jesus Christ, but I don't go round spouting from the Bible or hanging Christian symbols all over my house. I believe in private and do realise that having faith has helped me get to where I am today after undergoing very difficult times in my life up to about 10 years ago. I can not stand fanaticism, that shows intolerance of others' religions like you wrote. Well expressed views, your message like mine is simple, love thy neighbour as thyself. Faye
reply by the author on 02-Apr-2015
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Well written commentary on religion. It is a very difficult subject to discuss as there is always a chance of offending someone with certain beliefs. I go to church and do believe my sins were atoned by Jesus Christ, but I don't go round spouting from the Bible or hanging Christian symbols all over my house. I believe in private and do realise that having faith has helped me get to where I am today after undergoing very difficult times in my life up to about 10 years ago. I can not stand fanaticism, that shows intolerance of others' religions like you wrote. Well expressed views, your message like mine is simple, love thy neighbour as thyself. Faye
Comment Written 02-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 02-Apr-2015
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That is the ultimate message, and for those fortunate people who were raised with faith, it continues to offer comfort and hope. Having to find one's own path is a tough journey. Thanks for the insightful response.