The roots of modern religion began in a time of fear. Where adherents of belief systems clung to each other in fear of their fellow man. From the time of Moses to now. The politics of fear have been a part of belief in the creator since man figured out how to imagine. Even in modern western countries where survival of your loved ones for their beliefs is, for the most part, not an issue. The congregations still cling to exclusionary belief systems that have developed into dogma. It’s an ancient survival mechanism that has become almost an unconscious decision to ignore the origins of the system. Even in modern times.
I just keep that in mind when talking to them. My brother is a Pastor in one of the new style churches. It makes for lively conversation. We are very close and good friends besides. But, he is quite certain I’m hellbound. I just say that hell is not one of my beliefs…at least not in the sense that he is thinking.
He disagrees, vehemently, with my thoughts as stated above. I guess no one likes to think that their motivations are anything less than a conscious choice. Doggone that karma though, lol.
Richard
I just keep that in mind when talking to them. My brother is a Pastor in one of the new style churches. It makes for lively conversation. We are very close and good friends besides. But, he is quite certain I’m hellbound. I just say that hell is not one of my beliefs…at least not in the sense that he is thinking.
He disagrees, vehemently, with my thoughts as stated above. I guess no one likes to think that their motivations are anything less than a conscious choice. Doggone that karma though, lol.
Richard