Religion!

OK, so in another topic, religion came up.  So what are your beliefs, opinions, thoughts, confusions, questions? And of course keep it civil, don't judge or bash, if you think something is offensive, stick "in my opinion" in front, so you can't get in poo.

I grew up going to a Lutheran church and still go there when I visit my parents, but I am pretty sure I am agnostic.  I like the idea of christianity for the most part, but honestly don't believe it.  I wish I could.  I've tried very hard, but I just don't. 

I grew up being taught lessons from the bible and I always interpreted them as just being stories that help us make good choices.  When I was very little, I didn't think anyone actually thought they were true...they were just fairytales to help us be good people.  As I got older and realized that a lot of people (including my family) believed these things happened exactly as they were told, I became more detached from the church and started to think I must be a *bad* person for not really believing it all.  I went through confirmation studying, but feeling like a farce.  Then, when I hit high school I realized my beliefs made me agnostic, not atheist and I don't know, it made me feel not so terrible about it.   I still think a lot of the christian stories are useful and applicable to my life, but certainly not all of them. 

The thought that there is no afterlife is scary to me.  I can't imagine *not* existing.  It terrifies me, but hopefully I will come to terms with it or start believing something else before I am on my death bed.  Believing that God was saving a place in heaven for me if I just believed that Jesus of Nazareth is my savior, lord and friend sounds lovely and easy...but its not.  At least not for me. 

I do enjoy going to my parents church though.  The pastor always has an interesting story during the sermon, the songs sung are pretty and bring back a lot of good memories from when I was little, and the wine they serve at communion is tasty.  Does that make me a terrible person?  woops.

Original Post by hotfuss:

 Does that make me a terrible person?

Nope - just a lush.  

I grew up in the Presbyterian church, and mine only did communion once a month. They used grape juice, which was tasty enough.  Before I went through confirmation classes, the concept of grape juice and stale unsalted crackers having anything to do with Jesus was kind of weird.  Actually, now that I think about it, it still is.

When I first went to a Catholic service, I thought it was kind of cool they used real wine, but was creeped out when I saw everyone drink out of the same cup.

If you want a really fun time, try going to a charismatic Baptist service.  My ears rang for hours.

Original Post by santonacci:

Original Post by hotfuss:

 Does that make me a terrible person?

Nope - just a lush.  

I grew up in the Presbyterian church, and mine only did communion once a month. They used grape juice, which was tasty enough.  Before I went through confirmation classes, the concept of grape juice and stale unsalted crackers having anything to do with Jesus was kind of weird.  Actually, now that I think about it, it still is.

When I first went to a Catholic service, I thought it was kind of cool they used real wine, but was creeped out when I saw everyone drink out of the same cup.

If you want a really fun time, try going to a charismatic Baptist service.  My ears rang for hours.

OMG, how did you know?!?!  I actually have a glass of wine in my hand RIGHT NOW!  

When I realized that most lutherans really believe that the little plastic cups of wine actually help the blood of christ and that the horrible stale wafers were actually the body of christ I was horrified.  Even if Jesus wanted to sacrifice his body and blood, HOW could anyone drink and eat it?!?!?!!

I was (and probably still am) so naive when it comes to religion.  I am afraid I will never understand how people can have such faith.  Honestly, I am horrible jealous, they seem so happy.  

I think I will go to a southern baptist church this sunday.  Sounds like it won't be too different from a rock concert ;)

Edit to add: Ok, so I browsed through this thread until about page 15 and I have to say it is awesome and that I LOVE you santonacci.  and pgregorian, and jblarghp. And that I have had 3 glasses of wine(1 too many I think).  And that I have had probably 1 too many glasses of wine.  Gods, I am a lush!!!