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Posted by: ahimsajack
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| 07/07/2008 4:58 PM |
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While searching for my spirituality for almost all of my 64 years, I have looked under all the rocks. I was born and baptized a Catholic, and spent a year and a half in a seminary to be a priest. This was a very "religious" and ritualistic experience. I am wise enough to know that it is a legitmate path, but for me it was empty in my heart.
I spent some time as an atheist. Talk about empty, this is the defintion. Then I tried the Methodist Church and found it to be warm and sincere, and once again a legitmate path, but my heart was still empty.
Next up was the "Assembly of God". This was quite an experience, very charismatic. Emotional with great upbeat music. Open for testimony and good frienship. I was "saved", baptized by immersion, and filled with the Holy Spirit. At that time I began to really study the bible seriously, and in great depth. I had several translations, and many support books such as commentaries, dictionaries, concordances, etc. The result was that what the bible said to me did not match the church. Yes it too is a legitmate path but there were rules upon rules, do's and dont's but it was missing the agape love described by the Gospels.
At this point I decided that I love Jesus and His message, but do not find that Jesus or message in Christianity. So, of course,, I studied the Qur'an and found it has no love that I could see. Then I studied the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Dhammapada, and so on. These eastern scriptures resonated with my heart. They spoke of love and compassion, and lo and behold the people actually practice what they preach. I delved into these books and their support literature deeply for ten years and found myself uplifted in faith.
So now, Though I am not a member of any church or religion, I follow Jesus, Buddha, and Vedanta Hinduism. This is my faith, this is where I find love. I respect all the other religions as legitimate but not for me, and I expect the same respect in return.
I would never try to change anyone's beliefs and ask that you do not try to change mine.
Jack |
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Posted by: ahimsajack
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| 07/07/2008 5:28 PM |
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I am taking the liberty of replying to myself, but actually this message is for all. What I posted, above, represents a lifetime of prayer, thought, meditation, and diligent study. Please do not misunderstand and think I am anti Christian. I love Jesus and do my best to follow His way. I also happen to believe what Buddha had to say, and the Vedantic Hindus. I realize this is quite a test of your "faith streams" charter. It seems that although you say "many beliefs", what you mean by that is many Christian beliefs. That is fine it is a way, but I only hope that my sincere beliefs will be honored and respected not neccessarily accepted.
Peace, love, and compassion to you all
Jack |
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Posted by: pokie
Posts:22
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| 07/07/2008 6:31 PM |
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| dear jack you have made the rounds and paid your dues and if you've found something to hold on to and comfort you, you are there. That was surely in the plan that you find peace and understand the feeling well enough to pass it on. You have to know yourself before you can really understand YOUR higher being. If we can spread love and sunshine instead of war and gloom, are we not walking in God's footsteps? Whether those footsteps are in a church or on a mountain top. Peace my friend, always POKIE |
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Posted by: browncat87
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| 07/07/2008 10:08 PM |
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Jack,I am fascinated with your journey of faith, I also respect what you have to say. I am so glad that you have found a comfortable place to post. I know PLM tends to get too reactionary at times, but the journey of your life has taken you to this place. You are a wise man and your scientist background just adds to the knowledge you have to share.
Peace
Nicole
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Posted by: ahimsajack
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| 07/08/2008 10:25 AM |
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Thank you very much Pokie and Browncat. It means a lot to me to be accepted for who and what I am, even though it is heterodoxical. I respect everyone's ideas. I may not embrace those ideas but I respect them. We all walk to the beat of our own drums, even when we are in an organized environment. By our very nature we all have a slightly different perspective. It is a joy to be among people who understand, and who have love and compassion.
May you all be blessed with peace, joy, and health.
Jack |
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Posted by: pokie
Posts:22
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| 07/08/2008 10:28 AM |
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| good morning Jack....get out those clippers and helmet. looks like I am sending you more rain today from Illinois. And Ms. Nicole have a great day and break a board for me. That's right...only monthsafter her DBS surgery and she is going back into Ty Kwando......just awesome......so proud of you both. love pokie |
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Posted by: browncat87
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| 07/09/2008 9:57 AM |
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Well, I didn't break a board and I got a little tangled up in the routines, but it was mostly due to lack of practice. I did make it 2/3 of the class and when I was done I could still walk. That was more than most people expected including me. It was superb to go back to my class and see some of my friends. Everyone was very positive and I feel like I have reclaimed another piece of myself
Praise God!
Nicole |
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Posted by: ahimsajack
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| 07/09/2008 10:01 AM |
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Nicole, that is wonderful news. I cannot imagine a PWP doing the moves and kicks required in Tai Kwan Do. You are quite an inspiration. What a thrill to go back and see your friends.
Jack |
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Posted by: browncat87
Posts:8
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| 07/09/2008 8:17 PM |
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Thank you Jack
That is high praise and I appreciate it. GOD has given me a second chance to live with PD but not let it take over.I feel good at Tae Kwan Do and it is wiping me out physically right now but I will be stronger next week. Thanks for your prayers and support. I feel like the faith piece is constantly tested recovering from DBS and it helps to have this venue. I can see a life ahead free of most PD drugs and mostly on stim and it is beautiful.
Take care
Browncat87
Nicole |
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Posted by: happynow22
Posts:6
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| 07/24/2008 6:04 PM |
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Posted by: happynow22
Posts:6
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