Here is what could be an interesting topic. What do you believe happens to "us" after we die?

PhillieG

Shayenne said:

WoW....
....How could I miss this great thread? I never thinkn of looking here! I'm such a dummy!

I was raised Catholic, went to a Catholic school till 5th grade, church, all that, but not very practicing. I do believe in Jesus, and God, angels, Heaven and Hell, I believe in it all. There have too many experiences in my life that would be unexplainable, and there is no way our souls just die.

I will share a couple of things that happened to me....

After my father died, I had a dream that night, where he was laying in his casket, and when I went over to it, he sat up, and stretched his arms really wide, saying "Come give me one last hug before I move on" and I literally hugged him, crying in my dream, and when I woke up, I was still crying! I believe he came in my dream for that goodbye, it was so real.

Another time, when my grandmother died, the lights in my house blinked on and off 3 times, when I got the phone call from an aunt saying she died right at that time, it was very strange...too many deceased relatives that come in my dreams and talk to me, it just doesn't end.

I don't judge anyone their beliefs, everyone has their own opinion, I know my experiences may sound nutty, but in my heart, there is something out there after death, our bodies are just a shell, and when we die, our spirit goes free.

Glad to finally read other posts here...great views from everyone.

Hugssss!!
~Donna

See Donna,
Seek and ye shall find. This thread was created after the big blowup some months back with the whole "religion and where people could go" comment. I think it's great. I find I enjoy spending more time here than there. Sometimes I've had it with cancer talk. I do try to help people but some topics I really can't offer any advice on so I don't try to.
Glad you found the thread Donna
-p

Unknown

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Shayenne

PhillieG said:

See Donna,
Seek and ye shall find. This thread was created after the big blowup some months back with the whole "religion and where people could go" comment. I think it's great. I find I enjoy spending more time here than there. Sometimes I've had it with cancer talk. I do try to help people but some topics I really can't offer any advice on so I don't try to.
Glad you found the thread Donna
-p

Same Here...
...I been through alot this past year, but most have had this cancer longer then me and been through much more, so I can only offer certain kinds of advice, if I been through it, but yeah, it's nice to be able to talk about other things besides cancer itself, I enjoy other conversations. I try more to encourage and support people even though I may be of little help, as long as they know we're here for them, it makes me happy.

I'm glad I found these other topics as well! Thanks alot Phil!

Hugsss!
~Donna

2bhealed

PhillieG said:

Ok, ok...My Dream
I dreamed that I ate a GIANT marshmallow, when I woke up my pillow was gone!!!
Sorry, I couldn't resist being the immature person I am.

I do believe though in the presence of other "people/spirits" or whatever you wish to call them. I don't think it's just lights out, everyone go home when it's over. While I know I do not believe in the catholic teaching of heaven/hell/original sin/etc, I really do not know what happens to us after we die. I do think religion was created to explain the unexplainable (until science had to come along and ruin everything!) and also to keep people in line and get property and money etc....

But who knows, maybe I'm wrong, maybe I'm right. I think as long as you are not hurting anyone you're probably doing OK.

I think you're right....
to some extent religion HAS been used to control, manipulate and enrich the coffers of the "anointed".

I also think that there's so much we don't know so we DO make up some answers to appease our fears. On the other hand, I know we're energy (our souls) and that energy just cannot die, only our flesh dies. The details of what happens.... who really knows on this side of the equation.

I just know from where i gain my strength and to whom i go to for comfort. And s/he has never failed me yet.

peace, emily

PhillieG

2bhealed said:

I think you're right....
to some extent religion HAS been used to control, manipulate and enrich the coffers of the "anointed".

I also think that there's so much we don't know so we DO make up some answers to appease our fears. On the other hand, I know we're energy (our souls) and that energy just cannot die, only our flesh dies. The details of what happens.... who really knows on this side of the equation.

I just know from where i gain my strength and to whom i go to for comfort. And s/he has never failed me yet.

peace, emily

Energy
I too think we are energy and don't know what happens when the heart stops pumping. Maybe we will power someone's giant HUMMER as energy. Gee, I sure as sh*t hope not. I don't think it's that kind of energy.
Emily, I think it's wonderful that you have a place that gives YOU strength. I think that is what matters when all is said and done.
peace out
-p

PhillieG

Shayenne said:

Same Here...
...I been through alot this past year, but most have had this cancer longer then me and been through much more, so I can only offer certain kinds of advice, if I been through it, but yeah, it's nice to be able to talk about other things besides cancer itself, I enjoy other conversations. I try more to encourage and support people even though I may be of little help, as long as they know we're here for them, it makes me happy.

I'm glad I found these other topics as well! Thanks alot Phil!

Hugsss!
~Donna

Donna
I think every one of us has something to offer. It's not a longevity contest and just because someone has been at it longer doesn't necessarily make them wiser than anyone else.

I'm glad you found these topics too Donna
-p

PhillieG

unknown said:

This comment has been removed by the Moderator

Kathy
What a wonderful answer!
Thank you
-phil

2bhealed

PhillieG said:

Energy
I too think we are energy and don't know what happens when the heart stops pumping. Maybe we will power someone's giant HUMMER as energy. Gee, I sure as sh*t hope not. I don't think it's that kind of energy.
Emily, I think it's wonderful that you have a place that gives YOU strength. I think that is what matters when all is said and done.
peace out
-p

size matters?
Figures a guy would think of a big vehicle. HA!

I'd want to power at '67 split windshield VW microbus. Or maybe I will just haunt our '71.

Sundanceh

Wow - Great Stuff
It's very interesting to read all of these responses...very heady stuff...

You guys were talking about angels and dreams and such way down below...so I've got kind of an interesting story that I will never forget, so here goes:

Back in 1986, my friend and I were at basketball game (the playoffs) between the Mavericks and the Lakers at Reunion Arena in Dallas - not Dullus, Phil

There was a point in the game where there was a timeout and the crowd was cheering wildly, decibel level of like 105 or something, almost deafening.

Well, during that moment, I had the strangest feeling come over me...I heard the arena "go quiet" and I started thinking about my sister - like she was trying to tell me something.

The next morning, we came to find out that she had been murdered by a serial rapist - many bad things were done to her. In reflection, it seems to me like she was calling out to say goodbye...like maybe that was her last breath or something before she passed away and she was trying to tell me something....it was very surreal.

I think about that from time to time...and have many regrets that I was not in a position to help her. She was only 18 years old, 2 weeks away from her prom and graduation - she was living a couple of hours away from Dallas at that time.

So, that's my unique story.

Just wanted to tell you all that it's been very enlightening to read everyone's comments on this side of the world. Thank you very much for all that has been said.

-Craig

PhillieG

2bhealed said:

size matters?
Figures a guy would think of a big vehicle. HA!

I'd want to power at '67 split windshield VW microbus. Or maybe I will just haunt our '71.

Well,
If I were thinking along those lines, then a HUMMER wouldn't be the vehicle that's for sure.
I was using that as the biggest waste of gas and energy.
Now if I had my pick of a car to power, it would be a SmartA$$ car to match my personality ;-)

Bummer, the end of Summer.
I want to go swimmin, with bowlegged women...
-p
You seem to bring this side out of me Emily ;-)

terato

Sundanceh said:

Wow - Great Stuff
It's very interesting to read all of these responses...very heady stuff...

You guys were talking about angels and dreams and such way down below...so I've got kind of an interesting story that I will never forget, so here goes:

Back in 1986, my friend and I were at basketball game (the playoffs) between the Mavericks and the Lakers at Reunion Arena in Dallas - not Dullus, Phil

There was a point in the game where there was a timeout and the crowd was cheering wildly, decibel level of like 105 or something, almost deafening.

Well, during that moment, I had the strangest feeling come over me...I heard the arena "go quiet" and I started thinking about my sister - like she was trying to tell me something.

The next morning, we came to find out that she had been murdered by a serial rapist - many bad things were done to her. In reflection, it seems to me like she was calling out to say goodbye...like maybe that was her last breath or something before she passed away and she was trying to tell me something....it was very surreal.

I think about that from time to time...and have many regrets that I was not in a position to help her. She was only 18 years old, 2 weeks away from her prom and graduation - she was living a couple of hours away from Dallas at that time.

So, that's my unique story.

Just wanted to tell you all that it's been very enlightening to read everyone's comments on this side of the world. Thank you very much for all that has been said.

-Craig

That unexplained wave of grief!
Craig,

Thank you very much for sharing that strange feeling you experienced at the moment of your sister's horrific murder. At 3:21 on the afternoon of February 21, 1994, I felt an unexplained wave of grief as I sat in a movie theater. Thursday of that same week, February 24, I discovered the body of my brother at the end of an electric cord. On February 21, 1998, my father suffered a second massive stroke, prompting my call for an ambulance. His physician informed me and my mother that we should consider moving him to hospice. However, I knew in my heart that Dad would not need hospice. Shortly after 3:00 PM, on February 24, 1998, I received a call from the hospital informing me that my father had passed. I was not surprised because I knew that my brother had taken our paralyzed father "home".

Thank you again for have the courage to share your tragic story.

Love and Courage!

Rick

amber65

death
i think that cancer patients are special, we have a chance to say goodbyes, we can try to cahnge things. i am doing amy love is with us all. tv and radio shows on my journey, and it is not over, i have a rare form of sinus cancer. my faith has started to return ans even though i am scared at what will happen next, the one thing i do know is whatever happens in death, we all go to the same place.

PhillieG

amber65 said:

death
i think that cancer patients are special, we have a chance to say goodbyes, we can try to cahnge things. i am doing amy love is with us all. tv and radio shows on my journey, and it is not over, i have a rare form of sinus cancer. my faith has started to return ans even though i am scared at what will happen next, the one thing i do know is whatever happens in death, we all go to the same place.

Amber
I agree, we ARE lucky because we have a second chance of sorts.
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer but thank you for sharing.
-phil

Hondo

PhillieG said:

Amber
I agree, we ARE lucky because we have a second chance of sorts.
I'm sorry you are dealing with cancer but thank you for sharing.
-phil

Death
This is a very interesting question, but I have to quote it straight from the Bible

Gen:2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This word became a living soul is very interesting!

Two things here Dust of the earth and the breath of God = Living Soul

Kind of like a light blub you have a blub and electricity it = Light

Remove the electricity or the blub and you don’t have light anymore, all you have is a blub.

Remove the breath of God and man dies he is no longer a living Soul but Dead or as Jesus called it Sleeping.

Jn:11:11: These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Lazarus was in the grave for almost 3 or 4 days, now if he was in hell and Jesus called him back to this earth I am sure he would have been glad and told everyone don’t go there.

But if he was in Heaven and Jesus called him back to this earth I am sure he would have been mad or at lease very up-set to come back to this place and have to die again, and he did not say anything about being in heaven.

Interesting / Last scriptures

1Thes:4:16: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Could it be that the saints of God are sleeping in the dust of the earth waiting for God to return to take his children home?

17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Please don’t anyone shoot the Massager, I would like to know what you believe and why you believe what you believe.

This is a very interesting subject and I believe that the only true answer for it is in the Bible

I don’t mind dying and I am not afraid of death if I know that the next thing I hear is my savior's voice calling for me and coming to get me.

PhillieG

Hondo said:

Death
This is a very interesting question, but I have to quote it straight from the Bible

Gen:2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

This word became a living soul is very interesting!

Two things here Dust of the earth and the breath of God = Living Soul

Kind of like a light blub you have a blub and electricity it = Light

Remove the electricity or the blub and you don’t have light anymore, all you have is a blub.

Remove the breath of God and man dies he is no longer a living Soul but Dead or as Jesus called it Sleeping.

Jn:11:11: These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

Lazarus was in the grave for almost 3 or 4 days, now if he was in hell and Jesus called him back to this earth I am sure he would have been glad and told everyone don’t go there.

But if he was in Heaven and Jesus called him back to this earth I am sure he would have been mad or at lease very up-set to come back to this place and have to die again, and he did not say anything about being in heaven.

Interesting / Last scriptures

1Thes:4:16: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Could it be that the saints of God are sleeping in the dust of the earth waiting for God to return to take his children home?

17: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Please don’t anyone shoot the Massager, I would like to know what you believe and why you believe what you believe.

This is a very interesting subject and I believe that the only true answer for it is in the Bible

I don’t mind dying and I am not afraid of death if I know that the next thing I hear is my savior's voice calling for me and coming to get me.

Hi Hondo
Thanks for your response.
Like I said (of think I said) this is a very open topic and people have different beliefs and who is to say that one is right and one is not right. There is no one on this board (that I know of) who has died and come back to "set the record straight" as they say.

While the Bible is a book that is the basis of Christianity (I think, I'm no theologian at all and I don't play one on TV either) I do not believe it is the word of God. I believe that a man named Jesus walked the earth but I do not think he was the Son of God. Just to give some background on me, I was raised Roman Catholic and spent my first 8 years in a Catholic school. All of the above was taught to me in school but as I got older none of it made sense to me at all from original sin and babies not going to heaven (which I also do not believe in as it is described in the Bible) to not being "saved" unless we accept Jesus as our Saviour. I do believe that the Bible is filled with metaphors for how people could/should lead their lives, many of them are sound - some not so sound (IMO).

I also don't see how the Bible and Jesus and believe in the Christian God is the only "answer", that would discredit EVERY other belief system that ever was and still is. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Native American Indians and I'm sure the list goes on. According to what I have read from Joseph Campbell's writings, there are many similar beliefs that are found in most all of the major religions. They just have different names but the Virgin Birth is not just a Christian belief but is found in other religions too. I can't locate my book at the moment to cite the example but there are countless common beliefs that range from ancient Native Indian to Chinese to Christian.
How can everyone be right? Who is to say who is wrong (other than the Christian God saying His is the Only word)?

I believe very strongly in evolution. I also believe that our energy or consciousness goes somewhere. Where/what that place is, I have no idea at all. Isn't there a law in physics that states energy can neither be created or destroyed. I'm not sure if it would apply in this case but I find it hard to believe that "the show is over, lights out. Everybody go home now".

I see that you have a very strong Christian faith. That works for you and that is wonderful. Me being someone who admittedly does not know, I can't somehow dismiss every religion as wrong or declare any religion as right. I do know that the battle by humanity over which God is the true one has caused millions upon millions of deaths in His name and somehow I see that as missing the point that He would want us to take from what has been written about Him.

Thank you for answering the question Hondo, I'm glad you find peace in what you believe. I hope that you lead your life in a way that respects others right to believe what they choose to believe.
-phil

Hondo

PhillieG said:

Hi Hondo
Thanks for your response.
Like I said (of think I said) this is a very open topic and people have different beliefs and who is to say that one is right and one is not right. There is no one on this board (that I know of) who has died and come back to "set the record straight" as they say.

While the Bible is a book that is the basis of Christianity (I think, I'm no theologian at all and I don't play one on TV either) I do not believe it is the word of God. I believe that a man named Jesus walked the earth but I do not think he was the Son of God. Just to give some background on me, I was raised Roman Catholic and spent my first 8 years in a Catholic school. All of the above was taught to me in school but as I got older none of it made sense to me at all from original sin and babies not going to heaven (which I also do not believe in as it is described in the Bible) to not being "saved" unless we accept Jesus as our Saviour. I do believe that the Bible is filled with metaphors for how people could/should lead their lives, many of them are sound - some not so sound (IMO).

I also don't see how the Bible and Jesus and believe in the Christian God is the only "answer", that would discredit EVERY other belief system that ever was and still is. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Native American Indians and I'm sure the list goes on. According to what I have read from Joseph Campbell's writings, there are many similar beliefs that are found in most all of the major religions. They just have different names but the Virgin Birth is not just a Christian belief but is found in other religions too. I can't locate my book at the moment to cite the example but there are countless common beliefs that range from ancient Native Indian to Chinese to Christian.
How can everyone be right? Who is to say who is wrong (other than the Christian God saying His is the Only word)?

I believe very strongly in evolution. I also believe that our energy or consciousness goes somewhere. Where/what that place is, I have no idea at all. Isn't there a law in physics that states energy can neither be created or destroyed. I'm not sure if it would apply in this case but I find it hard to believe that "the show is over, lights out. Everybody go home now".

I see that you have a very strong Christian faith. That works for you and that is wonderful. Me being someone who admittedly does not know, I can't somehow dismiss every religion as wrong or declare any religion as right. I do know that the battle by humanity over which God is the true one has caused millions upon millions of deaths in His name and somehow I see that as missing the point that He would want us to take from what has been written about Him.

Thank you for answering the question Hondo, I'm glad you find peace in what you believe. I hope that you lead your life in a way that respects others right to believe what they choose to believe.
-phil

G'day Phil
Thanks for your insights, like you said there are a lot of different beliefs out there and who is to say which is right and which is wrong. I believe that all men are free and that this freedom also gives us the right to believe what we want; and that we should not be force to believe contrary by any religion or government

I too was raised in the Catholic Church and went to Catholic school up to 8th grade, and like you, had problems believing everything that was taught, not to say any of it was right or wrong.

I had to find God for myself and learned to put my fears in his hands. I too am not a theologian and found that Jesus did not call any of the so called theologians of his days; I guess because they were too set in there teachings and He could not teach them what truth really was.

I find myself as a humble fisherman, I learned from the Bible and the Bible only because I choose to put my faith in Jesus rather then the world. I believe it to be a great lost that all Christian don’t believe the same thing, many Churches all have different teaching about the same subject. But then Paul said it best in 2Thes:2:7: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: even in the days of Gods disciples satan was hard at work causing disbelieve.

In having Cancer I find that putting my faith in the hands of Jesus so relaxing, like I said I am not afraid of death because this I do know. If I am wrong and there is no Jesus after this life, then I have lived a good life on this Earth and have wronged no one.

But if I am right and there is a Jesus after this life, I can say I lived by all I knew that was truth and putting my faith in your hands, my Lord, my God, and my Savior.

Thanks so much for your reply, also I love your Guitars very nice collection, I will visit back now and then, to all have a happy and safe day.

PhillieG

Hondo said:

G'day Phil
Thanks for your insights, like you said there are a lot of different beliefs out there and who is to say which is right and which is wrong. I believe that all men are free and that this freedom also gives us the right to believe what we want; and that we should not be force to believe contrary by any religion or government

I too was raised in the Catholic Church and went to Catholic school up to 8th grade, and like you, had problems believing everything that was taught, not to say any of it was right or wrong.

I had to find God for myself and learned to put my fears in his hands. I too am not a theologian and found that Jesus did not call any of the so called theologians of his days; I guess because they were too set in there teachings and He could not teach them what truth really was.

I find myself as a humble fisherman, I learned from the Bible and the Bible only because I choose to put my faith in Jesus rather then the world. I believe it to be a great lost that all Christian don’t believe the same thing, many Churches all have different teaching about the same subject. But then Paul said it best in 2Thes:2:7: For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: even in the days of Gods disciples satan was hard at work causing disbelieve.

In having Cancer I find that putting my faith in the hands of Jesus so relaxing, like I said I am not afraid of death because this I do know. If I am wrong and there is no Jesus after this life, then I have lived a good life on this Earth and have wronged no one.

But if I am right and there is a Jesus after this life, I can say I lived by all I knew that was truth and putting my faith in your hands, my Lord, my God, and my Savior.

Thanks so much for your reply, also I love your Guitars very nice collection, I will visit back now and then, to all have a happy and safe day.

Great Response Hondo
You really wrote a great response Hondo. I agree we are all free, which is not the case all over the world sad to say. Most importantly to me is to treat others with respect and to treat them as you wish to be treated. Very simple concept but not always practiced.

Thank you for the guitar compliment. I have one or two that are not in the photo. Please visit again. I've been trying to get off topic a little but keep it in the area we all can relate to. We're all going to die at some point but just talking cancer gets boring at times.

just4Brooks

PhillieG said:

Great Response Hondo
You really wrote a great response Hondo. I agree we are all free, which is not the case all over the world sad to say. Most importantly to me is to treat others with respect and to treat them as you wish to be treated. Very simple concept but not always practiced.

Thank you for the guitar compliment. I have one or two that are not in the photo. Please visit again. I've been trying to get off topic a little but keep it in the area we all can relate to. We're all going to die at some point but just talking cancer gets boring at times.

Are we ever really gone?
Many people on this board my not know this about me but I run/worked for 10 years with men and women dying of HIV/AIDS. I have held the hands of many many people who have passed most of whom I have become very close to. I had learned a lot over the years from many people who have long since passed. A man named Don told me the best fishing spot on a river in Oregon. When I go their I remember him. A man named Jack told me that when he passes he wants to fly like a bird. The morning of his passing a hawk flew just feet in front of my truck for well over a mile as I drive down a country road. I have a feeling maybe it was a sign from him? I once had a woman named June who told me that after she passes that every time I see the wind blow the leaves on a tree that it's just her saying hi. I have many stories just like the ones I have told you here. Phill >> If I go before you. Please remember me when ever you play "Amazing Grace" and when you play it remember me so I'll never really be gone.

Brooks

Shayenne

just4Brooks said:

Are we ever really gone?
Many people on this board my not know this about me but I run/worked for 10 years with men and women dying of HIV/AIDS. I have held the hands of many many people who have passed most of whom I have become very close to. I had learned a lot over the years from many people who have long since passed. A man named Don told me the best fishing spot on a river in Oregon. When I go their I remember him. A man named Jack told me that when he passes he wants to fly like a bird. The morning of his passing a hawk flew just feet in front of my truck for well over a mile as I drive down a country road. I have a feeling maybe it was a sign from him? I once had a woman named June who told me that after she passes that every time I see the wind blow the leaves on a tree that it's just her saying hi. I have many stories just like the ones I have told you here. Phill >> If I go before you. Please remember me when ever you play "Amazing Grace" and when you play it remember me so I'll never really be gone.

Brooks

Those...
..are beautiful stories, I love the hawk one, and believe that our loved ones leave signs for us all the time. I have dreams of my loved ones who have passed on, and believe they just show up to let me know they are still around. I believe in "Pennies from Heaven" because I always see pennies on the dresser, or on the table or on the floor, and know I just cleaned it off, and it was NOT there before, I believe they leave them for me to know that they are still here. I've even caught visions in the corners of my eyes of shadows that looked like mom and dad, it was scary, but it happened, and I love that song "Amazing Grace". You will never really be gone, I don't believe that would ever happen

Hugsss!
~Donna

DennisR

lisa42 said:

belief in afterlife
Hi Phil,

Interesting topic (and safe to talk about on this board, I hope!:)
My beliefs are what most would consider traditional Christian beliefs, with heaven and hell.
I also hold the belief that is unpopular with most in today's society that "being good" doesn't make the cut of who ends up in heaven. I believe that God is fair to those who were innocent (too young, mentally/emotionally disadvantaged, never heard of Jesus, etc.), but that all others will be judged by how they responded to the news of the need for Jesus for salvation. Jesus says in the new testament, "No one comes to the Father, but through Me". That belief makes a lot of people upset in thinking it isn't fair. I didn't make it up- so people who say they're Christians have to decide whether they choose to believe all of Jesus' words or just the parts they like.
I do believe that our soul is eternal and will continue on living after our bodies die. Do I know what I will look like in the afterlife? Not really, but I believe it will be a spirit body- maybe even like a ghost's, perhaps.
Interestingly, I also believe in ghosts and believe that they could be a person's spirit. Perhaps what some people see or feel could be either angelic or demonic- or at least another spirit of some kind. I definitely believe there are other spirit beings in addition to humans on the earth and perhaps even elsewhere in the universe.

I think it's a fascinating topic. I think even people who don't like to think about spiritual things- if they forced themselves to- would think that of all the vastness that makes up our universe, that certainly there has to be more out there than just us humans.

I could go on and on, but I'd get off on a tangent (which I've be known to do before!)

Let's see who else chimes in with their thoughts and/or beliefs!

Lisa

Hi Lisa,
I respect your
Hi Lisa,
I respect your Traditional Christian beliefs and fundamentally believe in the same things as you. I do prefer to believe that there are many more exceptions to the rules than you however.
The Bible is full of Parables, verses subject to interpretation, many verses are more nuanced than others, and some more obscure than others as to their true meanings. Literal explanations using today's modern languages tend to miss the point or lose the intent of the words as they were written. I suspect that's the reason there are so many Churches that differ so greatly in their basic beliefs, traditions, and teachings.
I have personally had several Spiritual Awakenings, or Experiences with a Higher Power much greater than my own, in my lifetime. The first was nearly 45 years ago, the last as recently as 2 months ago, leaving me absolutely convinced that there is indeed a God, that he is all powerful, knowing, and good, and that he can and does indeed intercede in our lives, most often subtly, but occasionally with all the subtly of a trip out behind the barn leaving you with no doubt as to what he wants you to do, or not do, as the case may be .
DennisR