How I became a Christian

[Roonie]

ask away. I think this is one of the best threads yet. Finally folks are real and getting past all the other crap. People like to throw around their knowledge and try to win through their arguments. Try to put down others that disagree with them. Try to dominate. I like to do this every now and then but mostly I get tired of it after awhile. I usually read threads to understand better other people's view points or how they come to their conclusions.

Either way could it not be the case that God manifests himself in culturally appropriate ways? Isnt there a bit in the bible about ppl seeing the divine in ways that are appropriate to the intellect/nature/character?

This statement is right on. If anything Ballz is going not to educate the people but to be educated himself. If he is open to the experience this is what will happen.

I know that my experiences and what I have learned through my journey has compelety changed the way I look at things, other people, and even political leanings.

Funny, earlier in my life spirituality was my only pursuit. I would go on week long retreats with monks to better understand my relationship with God and to learn somethings. I would seek out some of the best wisdom leaders I had access too and pick their brains for years. I did this all in a very vulnerable time in my life and I learned things that will be with me forever and that I will pass onto my kids. Not dogma, or specific bible quotes as those things are meaningless unless you have the heart behind them and the understanding. I have a real relationship with God and their is no one in the world that would ever come between that relationship. Sure life creeps up on you at times (tragedies, unfullfilled dreams, misdirection) but there is always a constant.

Enough of my ramblings.........

[Linzyhop]

I would contribute to this thread in how I feel connected with the earth spiritually, but as i'm not christian, I don't want anyone else thinking I was saying anything to denounce the christian flow going on here (which i definitely wouldn't be), just contributing my own experiences.....

[ballz2wallz]

Originally Posted by Roonie

This statement is right on. If anything Ballz is going not to educate the people but to be educated himself. If he is open to the experience this is what will happen.

You are exactly right. On all levels, especially spiritually, I have promised myself and God that I have no expectations, and that I'm leaving myslef completely open to anything He wants me to do or say. In going on this trip, I will not only reach out to other people, but also reach out to God. It's scary, and yet it's rewarding in a way to be in such a position.

[ballz2wallz]

Originally Posted by Linzyhop

I would contribute to this thread in how I feel connected with the earth spiritually, but as i'm not christian, I don't want anyone else thinking I was saying anything to denounce the christian flow going on here (which i definitely wouldn't be), just contributing my own experiences.....

If you don't feel comfortable posting it in here, would you make another thread? I personally am like Roonie, I like to hear everyone's 'testimony'. I'm excited to actually get to know what makes people tick. I'd like to read it if you'd be willing to post it.

[Linzyhop]

Originally Posted by ballz2wallz

If you don't feel comfortable posting it in here, would you make another thread? I personally am like Roonie, I like to hear everyone's 'testimony'. I'm excited to actually get to know what makes people tick. I'd like to read it if you'd be willing to post it.

there ya go.

[avsp]

right, I've umed & ahhed about this enough.

I mean no disrespect to Prostreet nor anyone else, nor do I wish to be seen as kicking a man when he is down etc. He has posted in brutal honesty in public & invited comment & I ask purely out of interest & curiosity not out of a desire for 'ownage', (whichI've always maintained was a stupid concept anyway), or owt else.

How do you know that your blanket experence isnt one of self-delusion? Especially as you were seeking it & already had a mindset that knew of its existance

You must've considered this, even if you stifled the thought on the grounds that you wanted/needed/liked the relief that the 'blanket' experience has provided

Its not that I'm denying the realty of the experience but how do you 'know' that it comes from God/Vhrist & isnt just part of the general panoply of experences that are available to those with troubles of whatever (non)religion?

Even your account of how it came to you was one were you were 'given permission' to experience it.

Basically I'm asking for an even fuller description of the 'feeling', its consequences & any subsequent experiences that you've had or anticipate.

Do you suppose that other Christian notions such as 'forgiveness' may help in your divorce court cases etc?

Of course other Christains/religious types may have considered the 'reality' of their own similar experiences themselves & I'd like to invite their views to.

For myself I've always wondered if the experience wasnt just 'noise' in the brains 'awe' curcuit, ..., in the part of the brain that registers the assignation of relative importance to any given pattern recognition & that this produces the 'odd' physical/emotional experience that seems to be being described. This is coz for me such experiences have been unbidden & random _9-ish). But then maybe I'm not feeling the same sort of things.

Persons using this thread to ridicule the beliefs of others do, IMO, such show their lack of wit coz its all too easy to do.

Equally those who dont post of their sincere beliefs for fear of criticism arent really willing to face their own doubts IMO, ..., which again is fair enough

Equally equally such experiences are private & disclosure isnt compulsary nor will I make judgements based on such reluctance, ..., apart from observing that ppl really are reluctant to discuss such stuff.

In asking all this I've sought advice from other board members so if I appear to 'combatitive' its due to my poor choice of adviser, innit?