Spiritual Hunger

[Curious_American]

Hi Bill,

You have no idea that I'm NOT a dreamer, because you have no clue who I am. You've never taken a walk in my mind. You haven't even asked me what my dreams are. This would be like calling a lawyer and telling him he's not a lawyer without even reviewing his history. So as for the dream thing, you're just going off on your own dispostion I feel.

You are correct on one thing...I do have an affect on people around me. A very POSITIVE affect, because they see hope in me. People I work with, and go to school with, and hang out with ask me what is so different about me, and why I am so happy. And I tell them.

And let's get something clear, there is a seperation between practicing a religion, and actually intimately pursuing a relationship with God. Religion is controlled by humans. I'm not interested in RELIGION. I'm interested in RELATIONSHIPS.

Thanks Again,
Vince

Greetings Vince,

Once again, we have you, like many before you, who proclaimed thet they have the perfect formula for fulfilment. The perfect formula for the perfect relationship
with some GOD.

In reality, they were going from one DEPEDENCE to another. Most of the so called Industrial Strenght Christians on this board, were recovering DRUG ABUSERS, ALCOHOL ABUSERS or just recovering from some kind of ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP.
I hope that this is not the case with you.

I am glad that you are a positive influence on others around you. Unfortunately, your influence is based on a MYTH
that in the future will be acknowledged as just another SUPERSTITION.

Your positive influence on others may be leading them to
DEPENDENCE on a MAKE BELIEVE theory.

Think about it.

Good Luck,

Bill.

[Jennacarana]

Curious American -

Take this as a warning...It was this forum (religion) and the irrationality of its participants that drove me away from Russia.com for half a year. I attempted to lay out a reasonable, rational debate and was answered with accusations and name-calling, to which I calmly repeated my arguments, to get the same response. If you're interested in in genuine religious debate my experience has been that's its not here.

[Curious_American]

Hi Bill,

Well, you may think you HAVE me if you wish, but than you are the one believing in a MYTH.

Here's the REALITY. I have NEVER touched drugs or abused alcohol in my ENTIRE life. I have NEVER been in an abusive relationship. IN FACT, all around, my life has been CLEAN. And I'm not the only one. Many of my friends from church are the same way as me. So your assumtion that MOST or ALL Christians have come from a background of drugs, alcohol, and abusive relationships is not accurate.

Oh, and yes, I've thought about it, many times over. The difference is, I know it's real, and that it's true. I used to think maybe it was all a myth, but I've seen the healing power in action, and I've seen some pretty awesome, what you'd probably say are just coincidences.

Thanks again,
Vince

[benCA]

Jennacarana

I didn't see anythign from Curious American that would give you a reason to post that warning, did i miss something?




Ben

[Jennacarana]

BenCA: Oh, I didn't mean it like that, I was warning him that he might find himself getting attacked, even if he's being reasonable and rational. That's all.

Curious American: Regarding spirituality in Russia, don't dismiss Orthodox spirituality. I spent a month in Ukraine studying it and its very beautiful, and what's more its already present in Eastern society and is tailored to her culture. The OC has its problems certainly, but then doesn't everyone?

Overall, I'd say a lot of Russians would say that they're Orthodox but that they're not religious. There's a huge cultural component that's based around religion in Russia. In many ways the situation is perhaps SOMEWHAT analogous to the situation in Latin America, religion (Catholcism) is very present and very much a part of the culture, but the downside of that (for the faithful) is that you get a lot of "cultural Catholics" (or Orthodox, whatever) that aren't all that spiritual. Still there's a deeply spiritual element of Russian culture that I'm just starting to appreciate, and certainly there were plenty of people in churches when I was there (of course, it was Christmas then too).

There's a lot more I could say, but it would make this post too long .

Keep on dreaming. They laugh at us now and use the word "idealist" as a epithet, but if they're lucky maybe they'll be around to see us change the world.

[benCA]

jennacarana
I understand

I also agree with you on Orthodox spirituality. but keep in mind there are many other Christian religions in Russia/Ukraine