your probably right

Mirror you are awesome.

I really liked the poem.

For me, it paints a picture of one who is now ready to take responsibility for his own life, liberated from a judgmental idea of God, ready to live his life his way, believe what he chooses to believe, have faith in himself.

Its an awesome poem of liberation.

Can I ask why there is such a backlash against people who do not believe in what you feel is the correct god? Why can't we all just believe what we want? I understand that people get comfort from their religion and I respect that but if I say I don't believe it their religion, I am sad and pathetic.

It seems unfair to me.

Those who need to be delivered from whatever kind of imaginary "slavery" are those who through the years has been mentally castrated.
However, when a person freely embraces a belief (whichever the belief is), there is no need for such liberation.
After 13 years of Catholic education I had a period of "liberation" (as my good friends like to call it) aproximately 2 years because i was tired of the priests and all the stress.
However, nothing whatsoever fulfilled my internal thirst. I did not realize about that until I found out that the real slavery for me (and just for me, I'm not talking about anybody else) was not having final destiny.
My final destiny is God.

Miguel, that is wonderful, I am happy for you.

But why must it be my final destiny ? Shouldn't I be free to chose that on my own, as you have? Those kinds of thoughts are not tolerated here and I am unsure why.

My friend did not u read the section in parenthesis where i said (and just for me, I'm not talking about anybody else).

OH I do understand; my question I guess is more general. I am new in the religion forums and it seems like the only acceptable religion is Christianity. Anyone having other beliefs is sad and pathetic. I find that rather arrogant.

I know, that I fail in attacking something. People is free to believe whatever they want.
However, some (read please, "some" and not "all") people who are nonbelievers do exactly the same thing as they complain christian do.
That is my complaint, and nothing else.
And let me tell u, as long as I have a voice and conciousness. I will be there to complain about the same.
I understand that a lot of fundamentalist christians try to force faith in the rest of the people that is wrong, and I have said too many times. I have argued against fellow christians for that.
However, I will not tolerate when what i believe in is attacked for some individuals.

you are right It's very arrogant.
but i was referring to just one person in particular.

Hiker, I rarely post in this forum anymore -- I have been called a liar, a murderer, and have been accused of abusing my moderator position, simply for disagreeing with Christians. There are those here who refuse to accept anyone who doesn't believe as they do....and who will tell you, repeatedly, that you're going to hell because of it.

I don't believe in hell, I don't believe in their book of fairy tales. To me, religion is just superstition with better funding and more interesting hats.

I understand what it is to feel angry at "GOD". I feel that way sometimes. Its a feeling of helplessness and hatred. I know what it feels like to want to express those angry, helpless feelings. There is so much more that I wish i could say

Technically the word "Amen" literally means "I agree".

Therefore it seems appropriate for others to say "Amen" when they agree with a prayer or statement.

However, in that context is seems kind of strange that people will often say “Amen” after saying their own prayer. That kind of like saying, “I agree with everything I just said”.

It can also mean, “So be it”, which also seems strange to say after a prayer since it usually up to the deity to make it be and not the requestor.

So it’s really kind of strange that people say “Amen” after a solitary private prayer. It’s just a tradition that evolved I guess.

There was also an Egyptian God named Amen. But that’s a whole different story.

The word ‘amen’ does not imply a religious context. Even atheists can use to the word ‘amen’ to simply mean that they agree with something. It simply means, “I agree”.

They DO have great hats, don't they? I find the atmosphere unsettling to say the least.

Your story has moved me good sir. You must have the patience of Job! I have written a letter the the Vatican requesting that they annoint you with the status of "Saint", I will inform you immediately when I hear back from the Pope.

But Abra, they DO agree with everything they say!

No, it doesn't. It's an affirmation used at the end of prayers by Jews, Christians and Muslims. It has no meaning outside of that context.

Solitary. I like that word. In solitude it's easier to talk with that imaginary creation of my mind that i like to call God.
And i also can hear the voices in my head.

Hmmm? I never really thought about the hats.

You see til the word "tales", i did not find anything wrong. because this person is just saying how he feels about religion. however, the last sentence is full with sarcasm.
so who we are?
we complain, and what we do. the same.
so let's not be hypocritals.
most of us suffer the same illness. a huge Ego.

I use "So be it, So it is!" after affirmations in some exercises I do while creating my reality.

The Bible instructs us to "Ask and it is given." and "Believe that ye have it!" "So it is." Is affirming that you have it.

So be it, is a command to the unconscious thinking stuff to create that which has been thought or asked of it.

It is part of the creative techniques.

Witches use these phrases in casting spells too.

JB