 sj |
||
|
||
BS: Religion question?
|
|
|
Subject: BS: Religion question? From: Raptor Date: 21 Jan 04 - 09:53 AM I have reciently met some new friends that seem really nice.Since my wife died in November I've been triing to get out more and these folks seem to have a lot in common with me. I realy like them and find them interesting. Last night one of them called and told me that he'd like to bring me to his church and that he thinks that it would be good for me. I'm not sure if they think I'm a good guy that might make a good friend or some poor bastard that needs "saving". The church is Baptist and I was wondering if anyone knows antything about the baptist religion. I was raised Catholic but I don't know what I believe in now. I don't really feel the need for more spirituality but I realize that it might be good. I've always been shy of new religion for fear of some preachey people that don't leave ya alone. I don't want to start a religion flame war so please let anyone have thier oppinion without jumping on them! Please try to be helpfull I know it's a tough and touchey subject. Thanx Raptor |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Amos Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:06 AM IF you like these folks, go see what they're up to, man. You aren't signing on as a member. If it looks too sticky, smile and nod and slip out the back. ANd tell them up front you're not a candidate. A |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: GUEST,MMario Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:12 AM Tell your friends BEFORE you attend with them - and if you like the group and they aren't too preachy for you - you might consider it just for the socialization! and a minor point - that would be "Baptist DENOMINATION" - Baptists and Catholics have the same religion - Christianity. though I know both Catholics and Baptists who think 'them are fightin' words' |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: *daylia* Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:14 AM My suggestion Raptor is if you do like these people and want to "branch out" a bit socially, check them out. From what I know of Baptists, they are a VERY musical bunch. You'll hear louder and more joyously heartfelt songs of praise there than you ever did at our mutual religious alma mater (the RC Church). I really doubt going to a Baptist church could harm you in any way -- might even prove helpful! Organized religions are social institutions, not spiritual ones though. I don't think there's any such thing as a "spiritual institution". Spirituality is a highly subjective, PERSONAL experience. Religions can only take you so far, spiritually. The preachy dogmas, "catechisms" and exclusivism found in most organized religions can really stifle spiritual growth. So, if you want to go farther, you're on your own, bud! At least, that's my experience to date .... daylia |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: CarolC Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:16 AM My experience has been that there is a very broad range of beliefs within the umbrella of the "Baptist" Church. I'm not a Christian, so I wouldn't go myself unless there was a special occasion or reason for doing so, but if you feel comfortable with these people and if going to church is something you might enjoy, you would probably have to go to their church and see for yourself what they're about in order to know if you'd be comfortable in that setting. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: wysiwyg Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:19 AM Some people are really gifted in what I'll call "ministering" to hurting folks. Their faith is an asset to them in this, and the overall message you can read in their actions is that they accurately perceive and respond to a need, in an approriate way. The idea is, "I have something that might be helpful to you and I'd like to offer it." Some, however, are more gifted in "outreach" and "witnessing," and the message you ultimately get from their behavior is that you need to join them, believe as they do, and so forth. The idea is, "I have something you need and I am going to give it to you." At our church, we're careful about this distinction. Our liturgy and leadership reflect vast amounts of detached patience, a down to earth view of life, and a pervasive sense of the universe's ultimate wellbeing. So folks in a world of hurt, when they come in the door, find a sense of peace and tranquility that can do a lot for them. They stay as long as that meets their need. Sometimes they make a commitment to stay; sometimes they move on. We don't think it's up to us to judge what makes sense for them, about that. If they need to be somewhere else, we figure they are doing the right thing, and we're happy about that, for them. For instance one minister we knew casually was having a horrible struggle with his congregation, and he also was so overworked that these two factors were burning him out, fast. He left his position to recover and rethink. He and his wife started coming to our place just to have a safe place to sit and pray and not be expected to do or give anything in return. He and my husband met for some long talks, the kind you have around a campfire. And we prayed for them a lot. This is how we ARE-- it was not a special boon for a colleague. Eventually they decided to join our denomination officially and ceremonially. But we'd have loved them just as much if they had moved on. THAT's the kind of atmosphere you want to be on the lookout for. IMO. It's OK to go see if this place has that, and it's OK to trust your gut about it if you do go. ~Susan |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Kim C Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:28 AM I came up in the Baptist church. The group I belonged to didn't appreciate my individuality or my inquisitiveness. However, all groups are not alike, even if they wear the same name. It has to do with the people. If you like the people, and feel comfortable in their church, then don't worry about it. :-) |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:39 AM God's God, and people's people. If the people are good and you enjoy the company, go for it. It's OK to window shop. You have God with you, and who you hang out with when you talk with the Big Guy is an important but secondary consideration. Does the church community you're lookin' at being a part of do good work for the community, world? Will you find some human fulfillment there? Hey, I'll be your friend regardless of which church you belong to. Good luck with this, Raptor. Bruce M |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 21 Jan 04 - 11:03 AM What a sweeping statement, Brucie! It comes from a position that non-christians and non-religious folks do not accept, because it appropriates all variations of other people's spirituality when you make the pronouncement that "God's God" (as in The-One-and-Only). Raptor, this is a point in your life when finding new social situations and new support is helpful and necessary. But seen through the sights of any of the missionary religions, you're also a sitting duck, a mark for possible conversion for those who might want to take advantage of your vulnerability right now. As someone who doesn't practice one of the organized "industrial" religions, I keep the Baptists at arm's length down here in the Bible Belt. They are particularly pushy. But they might back off if you tell them you're Catholic. Good luck. I hope things are getting easier for you. SRS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: John MacKenzie Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:00 PM Go, and if it don't suit you, don't go again. John |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Cruiser Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:09 PM Raptor, I was baptized as a Christian in a Southern Baptist church at age 13. I learned good, invaluable moral lessons from Faith, some of which I noted elsewhere on this forum. As a senior in high school I ordered a college catalog from a Seminary in Corpus Christy, TX. and strongly considered attending, but did not. I am now an atheist. I did a lot of searching, looking at various Faiths including Mormonism, throughout my college years. There are many people of Faith that I admire, but I can not accept an anthropomorphic God or his Son, or an afterlife, as plausible probabilities. I agree with daylia about the social aspects of organized religions and just about everything else that was stated. Reasoned responses from people of Faith like WYSIWYG show that religious teaching can be of tremendous help to people dealing with bereavement and many different social issues. You probably owe it to yourself to accept the fellowship of your new friends. You may feel the joy I once felt when I sang those good old hymnals in a small church resounding with the melodic bliss of spiritual joy. Good luck with your decision. I would just ask that you and others keep religion out of science and government and science and government out of religion. Cruiser |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: katlaughing Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:13 PM SRS, then again, they might not, as he may need even more "saving." **vbg** President Clinton is a Baptist; but then so are many evangelicals. It really depends on the specific church, minister, and congregation, from my experience. Like SRS, I keep them at arm's length. I think it is the Southern Baptist Convention which gets together yearly and, if I remember correctly, passes resolutions etc. to what I consider some very intolerant, conservative views. I am sure you could find some info in a google search. It's odd, for me, because I wouldn't be bothered by Clinton's being Baptist and I've attended Baptist services in predominately Americans of African descent churches and not been bothered by the evangelicals, but some of the others I've encountered have really been what I consider extreme. FWIW. Good luck and enjoy your friends regardless. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:45 PM Hey, Rap! I are a Baptist. There are three major branches of the Baptist church. I'm afraid that the Southern Baptist church gets most of the grief for being ultra-conservative and judgmental (whether true of individual Southern Baptist churches or not. There is also a National and and American branch of the Baptist faith. I am a member of a church that is in one of those brances, and go about the same amount of time to a church closer to home that is a member of the other branch. I don't remember (or particularly care) which is which. I am a member of a black Baptist Church, and I love worshipping there because it is so joyful and spirit-filled.. and the music... WOW! The other Baptist church I go to, I enjoy just as much in a different way, because it is a small church and there is such a great, loving fellowship between everyone. The congregation is mostly white, but there is a very active group of black families, too, both African-American and recently imigrated Africans. The music at the church is totally different than at the black church, but they are open to all kinds of music, and they involve the WHOLE congregation in participating. I was baptized by my Lutheran Minister Uncle, as an infant, was a Methodist in my early adult years, converted to Catholicism later on, wandered back to the Lutheran Church, and finally ended up at the Baptist church. The differences between the churches never really bothered me. There were beliefs within the Catholic faith I never accepted, and my faith now is very personal, and not denomination identified. People turn away from churches because there is hypocrisy in churches and some people are going for all the wrong reasons. As my sons would say, "No Duh!" The second you allow people into any group, you got problems. Whether it's Mudcat, or a church, or a boy scout troup... I don't worship a church, or even Christians. I worship with Christians, because I find the fellowship fulfilling for me. All I'd encourage you to do, Rap, is to keep an open mind and heart. In the long run, only you know what is good for you, Rap. I just wish you well... Bro Jerry |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: CarolC Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:52 PM Raptor lives in Ontario. I have relatives in Ontario who are Baptists. They are not at all like the Evangelical Baptists that are are sometimes found in the US bible belt (I've had a few encounters with them myself). They (my relatives) are lovely people, and not at all pushy about their religion. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: GUEST,black lab Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:01 PM Raptor, The basptist church is like any church in that it is a fellowship brought together with a common purpose. Their methods may be different than what you are use to. If they do not make you feel welcomed then they need to read the good book a little more closely. Just like any church I am sure there will be all kinds of people there. Some you will like some you will cringe at the mere sound of their voice. I can not stand a member of my wife's church. She thinks she is some kind of musical prodigy. The truth is most people in the church can not stand her autoharp playing and and relish the nights when she does not show up. Even her husband seems more cheerful. So bare in mind you will find all kinds of people. Do not let this deter you if you enjoy going. Also bare in mind that you will not find peace from the outside. It does not matter how many people you surround yourself with your relationship with God (how ever you choose to define him) is between you and him and you and him alone. Wish you the best, Black Lab |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Bobert Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:17 PM Raptor, As other have suggested, churches vary from one to another. I, too, am "between" churches and my wife, P-Vine, and I are slowly auditioning churches for one that fits comfortably. As you know, some churches are going thru some tough times these days over gay minister, bishops, etc. so if you have an opinion then be mindful of that situation. Lastly, in auditioning churches, the internet can be very helpful. Most churches have a web site. On many, you can review recent sermons and learn more about the pastor/priest/ministers and congregations before subjecting yourself and the church to the audition. Keep in mind that new comers are noticed and given a lot of attention in most churches and if you get there and Jerry Falwell steps up to the pulpit, you may have to shake his hand on the way out... Jus' funnin'... One thing I know about churches. They all got back or side doors... Whew! Good luck in finding the right fit for you. Bobert |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Raptor Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:51 PM I don't nessesarly want a church I'm just wondering about it so far! But I'm finding this very helpful Raptor |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Kim C Date: 21 Jan 04 - 02:01 PM Well, I came up in the Baptist church, as I said, but these days I'm more of a Southern Episcopal Buddhist who worships at home. ;-) |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 21 Jan 04 - 02:17 PM Myself, if I was curious about some strange church, I'd sooner go along on my own and see what it felt like. The idea of being brought along and introduced by friends doesn't appeal. I'd want to feel I could back away, if I felt this just wasn't my scene, without having to feel I was opening up a breach with friends. After all, churches vary enormously even in the same denominination. And that'd go double if it was some "new friends" who had invited me along in the first palce. I'd have a nasty worry that the friendship might be a bit dependent on joining the flock. I can much more easily imagine a situation where I'd made the first step and said to an old friend "I'm curious about these Baptists - you're one aren't you? Would it be OK if I came along to have a look." |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: akenaton Date: 21 Jan 04 - 02:40 PM For the first time on Mudcat ,I agree wholeheartedly with Silly River Sage....Keep these people at arms length. We have baptists here in Scotland ,and they are notorious for leeching on to "vulnerable"people and relieving them of their cash. As the local builder I did some work for the local baptists, and after I finished I discovered they were an offshot of a much larger American church, and had three bank accounts in the Isle of Man for tax evasion purposes. Raptor...as you obviously loved your wife very much ,I would not presume to tell you how to deal with your sad loss. The only thing which helped me in similar circumstances, was a thorough understanding of the natural world ,and our place within it. We are not really so important in the long scheme.Please dont think Im being hard hearted,but reality is the best medicine, not make believe. Best wishes Ake |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: SINSULL Date: 21 Jan 04 - 02:52 PM A friend of mine went through some really bad times and nearly did not survive. She surprised me when she told me that she had joined an American Baptist Congregation. I had always thought of Baptists as hardline rightwing etc. They are not. As has already been said, each church is a little different. My friend cherishes the support she has found within her church. Go. Maybe you will find the same. And congratulations on taking the first steps towards getting on with your life. One day at a time. SINS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 21 Jan 04 - 03:26 PM There's a lot to be said to going back to your own roots in times like that. Very often churches seem to set up bereavement groups, typically on an ecumenical basis, no trying to get converts. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 04 - 03:48 PM I wouldn't belong to any church that would have someone like me as a member. The other grouch(o). |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 21 Jan 04 - 04:40 PM The question asked was tempered with Raptor's "not really needing any more spirituality" and his innate concern about "preachy people" who might not leave him alone. That said, it looks like the information offered here has been level-headed regarding concerns about some aspects of that particular church. I am confident that he'll figure out their motives and respond accordingly. My best friend in high school had a horribly complex family life, with parents who married and divorced with a frequency that would embarrass the Gabor sisters, and who littered the countryside with half- and step- and ex-step-brothers and sisters. You needed a score card to keep up, and in the end, she became a hard-core Jehovah's Witness. It drove our friendship apart immediately and there has been no way to get past her religion to reclaim it. That church caught up with her at a time when she needed a major crutch, and my friendship alone wasn't enough to sustain her. We finally had to agree to disagree. She stopped sending me propaganda but she also stopped trying to be my friend. It has always been my regret that she joined a church that insisted she choose her friends from within their fold. It struck me as a form of coercion practiced on someone unable to fight against it. SRS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Peter K (Fionn) Date: 21 Jan 04 - 06:09 PM From your other posts, Rap, I wouldn't have thought you needed to ask. My guess is you'd make the right decision just thinking things through for yourself, without bothering too much about what the rest of us might think. Since you do ask, I would suggest that if you sample one denomination's take on what life is all about, you should try to sample at least one other, so you have something to compare it with. Maybe a non-Christian community, or even a non-believing community. Humanist/ethics groups, for instance, can be thought-provoking experiences, and some would say they are a more realistic option, to the extent that they don't depend on leaps of faith. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: GUEST,Martin Gibson Date: 21 Jan 04 - 06:13 PM May I suggest Judiasm? A richness of faith and of culture. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 04 - 06:27 PM Silly River Sage: Quite the contrary. I don't insist (or frankly even care) if anyone believes in God or not. My real friends go or don't go to church, do or do not have religions in their lives. I care not if a person is an atheist, Jew, Jain, Muslim, Christian, animist, Druid, name it. I think people make the difference. In my life, God makes a difference, also. I wouldn't think of trying to foist my beliefs about God onto others. FYI. Bruce M |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 21 Jan 04 - 07:25 PM There is a distinction between "foisting beliefs" and "sharing beliefs" - but people can sometimes fool themselves as to which they are doing. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Stilly River Sage Date: 21 Jan 04 - 08:01 PM Ages ago I listened to a radio discussion (might have been Diane Rehm) with a rabbi who discussed the Jewish mourning process. He said it is expected to be complex and of long duration, much past the typical year that seems to be considered "plenty long enough" in other religions and certainly in the American culture at large. I thought there were some very sound calendar and emotional landmarks observed along the way. Brucie, I realized that was probably a throw-away phrase you were using, but sometimes lines like that hit a target you never envisioned. That's all. SRS |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Little Hawk Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:41 PM A far safer course of action, Raptor, would be to take some courses at the WSSBA in beautiful lakeland Orillia and learn to worship William Shatner instead. :-) |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Peace Date: 22 Jan 04 - 12:01 AM SRS, Pardon me. Didn't mean to do that. Thanks for pointing it out to me. Bruce M |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: LadyJean Date: 22 Jan 04 - 12:08 AM I have two good friends who are southern baptists. We share a booth at a big crafts show every year, with Karen, who is a practicing witch. We all get along just fine. Mike and Bev, my Baptist friends are two of the nicest people on the planet. Their daughter has read all the Harry Potter books, they go to Disney movies. Mike is not adverse to a naughty joke. I don't think he approves of my sex life. Bev finds it amusing. They've had some major problems and their church has helped them through some tough times. It should also be said that Mike told me the following joke: A man went into a store to buy a bra for his wife. The clerk asked him what kind of bra she wore. The man said, "I don't know. What kind do you have?" "Well, said the clerk, The Roman Catholic bra upholds the masses. The Salvation Army bra uplifts the fallen, and the Southern Baptist bra makes mountains out of molehills. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: open mike Date: 22 Jan 04 - 12:18 AM if the question is "which religion (or faith) have you found meaningful, I would have to reply the bahai faith or here: another link to Baha'i Faith , Canadian Baha'i's, or here: http://www.bahai-directory.org they have a wonderful view of world unity and there are 6 Million who believe in their faith around the world. As for Baptists--see the song Zen Gospel Singing by Mark Graham in the DT |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: open mike Date: 22 Jan 04 - 12:42 AM Zen Gospel Singing When i was trying to process the loss of both of my parents a while back I found it was an opportunity to re-assess a lot of things in my life, and a chance to take new directions. The grieving support offered was primarily Christian, and I found much more comfort in Buddhist philospphy suich as the book "Still Here" by Ram Dass, and also Pema Chodron, a canadian Budhist abess, who has written several books. Among her writiings is: her treasured book, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times, Pema shows us that underneath those moment when things fall apart when our well-rehearsed schemes for avoiding pain stop working—lies a priceless opportunity to discover our own wisdom, compassion and awakened heart. ( This is taken from an e-mail i rec'd today announcing her visit to new york.) In her first teaching visit to New York City in five years, Pema offers core teachings on how to use our darkest moments to illuminate the path to freedom. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: SueB Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:04 AM Raptor, you said: "Last night one of them called and told me that he'd like to bring me to his church and that he thinks that it would be good for me." For me, "I'd like to bring you" resonantes differently than "would you like to come?" Also, "it would be good for you" resonates differently than "maybe it would be helpful to you" or "you might find some comfort here." And finally, an invitation of this kind that comes up casually or naturally in conversation has a different feel to me than when you receive a telephone call specifically for the purpose of making the invitation - when it just comes up naturally, it's easily deflected, but the telephoned invitation can kind of put you on the spot. I'm just slightly concerned that if you find these new friends are looking to enhance their standing in their church and in the kingdom of heaven by bringing you into the fold, you may feel a little let down. I hope it turns out that you are being drawn into a wonderful supportive circle of genuine, caring people. I also hope you won't be too disappointed if that turns out not to be entirely the case, but who knows? MOst good things come with a little risk attached. Thinking warm and friendly thought your way - Suzanne |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: katlaughing Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:48 AM open mike, thanks for the links and for sharing...most interesting |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Joe Offer Date: 22 Jan 04 - 02:02 AM I'm not sure the denomination is particularly important. People have different ways of seeing things, and they should pick a denomination that's compatible with their vision of life. It's all the same truth we seek - but there are many different but valid ways of looking at that same truth. I'm happy to be a Catholic, but many people wouldn't be. Some religious people seem to practice their religion in order to prove themselves right and other people wrong. We've got people like that in the Catholic church, and the Baptists and the Unitarians and the Quakers have 'em, too. They generally see themselves as perfect, and they see others as depraved. Then there are religious people who practice their religion to seek understanding of life and of whatever is beyond life. They usually seem to end up finding a need to serve God and other people. They generally view themselves as imperfect, but they're usually fairly comfortable with their imperfection. These are the ones I feel most comfortable with. Then there are others who still are looking, and those who don't care to look. That's OK, too - but I do have trouble getting along with that first group. -Joe Offer-
-Joe- |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: SueB Date: 22 Jan 04 - 02:19 AM Why do you have trouble with people who are still looking, Joe? Or did I read you wrong? |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 04 - 03:39 AM Definition of a Baptist: Someone who lives in mortal fear that somewhere,somehow, someone is enjoying himself. I'm a recovering Baptist turned Unitarian. A Unitarian is a person who gave up religion, but can't get out of the habit of going to church. Now for the truth, I don't need church. I don't need, nor do I want dogma. I feel a direct connection to the Great Spirit and have no need for anyone to be a "go between". Anyway, check it out, it may suit you, and if it doesn'ttry another group. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Raptor Date: 22 Jan 04 - 09:22 AM Suzzane These are all good points. Unfortunalty I don't remember the exact words used on the invite phone call, My photographic memory is out of film! David |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 22 Jan 04 - 10:40 AM As an aside, the best book I've read about handling grief is When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Harold Kushner. Kushner is a Jewish Rabbi, and the book was recommended to me by a Lutheran Minister. I thought it was such a meaningful book, I immediately sent a copy to a friend of mine who is an Atheist, and he loved it. Jerry |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Peter K (Fionn) Date: 22 Jan 04 - 12:36 PM SueB, in case Joe isn't around, and for his own reassurance, you read him wrong, where I think most people will have read him right. Or at least, they will have read what I firmly believe he meant (though I realise it's a question of faith....) |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: *daylia* Date: 22 Jan 04 - 12:52 PM Hey Raptor, why go to all the trouble and risk of exposing your delicate spiritual nature to the unknown ravages of someone else's religion, when you can simply create your own right here!! If you don't feel quite ready for an institution yet, maybe go a bit smaller at first ...Create your own cult! Sorry if I went a bit out of line, but I confess I created a new cult called "Rev Raptor and the Rockin Reprobates" this morning. You'll be happy to know it's a BIG hit with the Big Guy! He's even provided us the biblical authority to have our divine fill of nymphomania, obesity and gay-bashin! Yippeeeeee!! Let me know when we can have our first meetin! ;-) daylia |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Bill D Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:12 PM ah, daylia....if you would provide your address, you probably find 7 acolytes at your door by tomorrow! There is no absurdity so far out but what will attract a few. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:49 PM I dunno, Kendall my friend. I never had so much fun as I've had since I became a Baptist.. Jerry |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: Ed. Date: 22 Jan 04 - 02:22 PM I went to a Baptist church for a while. The singing part is great. It falls down somewhat on wine and women, but that's just my opinion :-) All the best, Raptor. I don't know you, so offering my advice would be somewhat conceited. Besides, you've already been given it. Try it out, if it makes you happy stay, if it doesn't don't. |
|
Subject: RE: BS: Religion question? From: *daylia* Date: 22 Jan 04 - 02:36 PM Egads Bill, methinks YOU'RE the Chosen One! Your words just sent my Spirit soaring into the ethereal realms of sublimity! ... and There, while suspended in surreal subconscicity, what should appear (to my wondering Third Eye) but a prophetic vision of pandemonious proportion! Lo and behold I beheld a Horrendous Horde of Hippo-Humans wearing nothing but G-strings hurling "Latex Sux" brochures in all 4 directions, while drooling putrid pools of donut-dip mingled with copious amounts of Cosmic Goop -- all over my front steps at 6am! Hmmmm ... maybe it's a Divine Sign. Ahhh yes, the meaning is revealing itself to me now ... yes ... um .... YES! It is not mine but Rev Raptor's Dharmic Duty to reveal his address to the masses! *WHEW* |
