Religulous Description :

Bill Maher's take on the current state of world religion.
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It's a new movie from Bill Maher (a very prominent "Athiest". I am sure most here have seen his shows. I am watching the movie right now. Since we have both computers hooked to the same DSL line, they need to "buffer" at times. So I will use this time... to make my comments. Then return to the movie.
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First off. I am "Christian". I feel God (Jesus Christ) has proven his reality to me many times over. I also feel "Scripturally" and "Historically", if you really get into the Bible "deep".. and really study.. you will feel the same. But really, that isn't what it's about. It's asking "Christ" in.. and he will "guide" you in truth". God will enter you, and lay on your heart "right and wrong".
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I studied the Bible very deeply for about 8 years. I still read, I still pay attention to world events. But I can't say I am a "Religious" person. Actually, I am against "Religion".. I am for the "truth".. I am for learning. I listen to all, but am guided by nobody. I feel there is no "sins" for a Christian, except to go against what God has laid on their heart about "right and wrong".
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"Scripturally", I am right up there with any Pastor you know. That means, I know what the Bible says.. I have studied from most every version (Including the Hebrew and Greek text). I can't say I know everything (because I don't, and know nobody else does either). But I can carry an "intelligent" conversation about the "Bible" and most every other religion with anyone. And I "Welcome" anyone who wants to with me.
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THE MOVIE:
Bill Maher obviously tries to "disprove God", or more accurate point out the problems with "Religion". He does a good job, but dammit some of his facts are so wrong. He is "right" (and one of the reasons I am not "religious"). Most churches have MAJOR problems in how they interpret some things. When I study, I realize there is always a "Story, behind a story, behind another story". Everything written has a reason "behind it". You CANNOT pull any scripture up, say "the Bible says this" and have it be correct! You have to know first.. "When it was said", second.. "Who it was said too".. and third.. the real reason it was said. I could give MANY examples of major church teachings, that are wrong.. but that goes beyond the scope of this writing. I will say... if anyone here wants to ask me anything.. I am open to talk.

I like the movie.. it will bring debate. I know he is wrong, but hey.. I like the fact people can voice their opinions. That is actually a "Godly" trait".
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HERE ARE A FEW THINGS MOST DON'T KNOW. OR MOST CHURCHES HAVE WRONG. I COULD BE WRONG.. BUT I HAVE ENOUGH PROOF TO BELIEVE IN WHAT I DO:

1) 10 COMMANDMENTS: True there are 10, but actually there are over 600. They start at "Exodus 20" and go through Leviticus". Most churches concentrate on the "10", but don't know how to separate from the other 590 or so. This discussion would require half a book for me to explain totally. But in a very basic form.. God gave all those to Isreal basically so they would find "following rules" doesn't lead to Heaven".. (because nobody can). A sacrifice is needed. And no, those other 590 weren't even for you. They were given to the Jewish people, to show a point. Your a gentile. Yes, follow the 10 commands. The others weren't yours anyway. But you need to find out "what" God wanted for you.

2) BAPTISM: I was "Water Baptized as a baby". As an adult, I got "immersed". I believe the "water baptism" is a "Public showing of faith". That's why, I never had my kids baptized in water as a baby. Roxann will have Sebastian baptized, and I am ok with it. That's her faith. But I know for a fact, it makes no difference. God loves your child you "Baptize" as much as a kid in "Ethopia" who doesn't get it. I didn't get my kids "Baptized" as infants, because I believe it gives a "not-real" since of how the "Holy Spirit" works.

3) SALVATION: Salvation is a completely "FREE GIFT". Just ask Jesus, and you are saved. Now how you live after that will affect your life here and in heaven.. but you will go to heaven. That doesn't mean you can do anything you want. Actually, you will want to do good and please God. When you invite Jesus in, he will come in and guide you. You won't be perfect right away.. actually you never will. You begin a "lifelong" process with God. You will sin till you die. But, your sins will be less.. and sometimes more.. because you don't even know all your sins.

4) SEXUALITY: Sexuality is normal. Your a young man, you see a hot chick in the mall. Of course you check her ass out. So do the pastors, it's perfectly natural. They just kinda hide it better... lol. God put that in us.. all of us. Men like women, women like men. So we all have thoughts. I find nothing in scripture against masterbation, nothing that says "what is right or wrong for a couple" to do. When I read "Scripture, I read between the lines. I am like, now what was God really saying? I think I know. He doesn't want you cheating on your spouse.. she will have "kids" that may be un-wanted".. it will cause emotional problems for all involved. God wants you to "examine your heart" on all actions.. and be secure in doing what is right. Not do something for "greed, lust, revenge" or any other motive. This one is basic.. you know when your doing wrong. Hell, I like porn now and then. I see no problem. I know I won't cheat, Roxann knows too. She looks now and then. The major problems arise when couples fight, mistrust and other things.

5) GAYS: There are "Gobs and gobs" of scripture about "Homosexuality". I will ask now,, any "Pastor" who wants challenge me on this can. I have found "NO" scriptures that are against "gay" couples in general. Now, the Bible is clear. God's intention is for a man and a woman... to get together, raise a family.. and bring forth joy to "Both God and themselves". It was also a different time period (when there weren't alot of people ya know).. Like I say, everything is about "why what was said, when it was". To me, the thought of a "guy on guy" is kinda gross. But actually, I see no real "Biblical" reason to be against gays. I actually know God would want us to treat them 100% equal. When you look "deep" at all the Scripture against "Homosexuality" you will find there was "other circumstances" involved. So to get the point, you need to read deeper. If your GAY and feel your "Christian" (Someone who really believes in Christ), just ask Jesus for your answers.. he will answer your HEART, and you will know the direction.
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I'm not against Church, and not against anyone really. I just use this forum to voice my thoughts. I try to be as accurate (and truthful) about anything I say. I am always open to talk to anyone. Not fight, logical debate.
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ANYWAY: I am watching this movie. This movie, and the chit my "ex" wife brought up. I decided not to talk about that right now (as religion caused a TON of our problems in our marriage then). I am a Christian people!! I will help anyone with anything, I will act in ways I feel good... (with a mixtake or two), but I will not be led by anything I don't feel is right.

I'll write more from "time to time".
Take care, Gary