defining religion

The life of a Catholic-Christian isn't easy. It's not for spiritual "sissies". After all, Christ's life wasn't all flowers and rainbows. The Catholic Church is constantly stemming the tide of materialism, liberalism, moral relativism, abortion, hedonism, etc. Why? Because the Church knows that something bigger and better is out there. The Church teaches us that we are to be in this world, but not OF THIS WORLD. As Christians, Christ taught us to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Him. The same message resonates within my Church.
I'm just asking questions....never heard the term spiritual sissy...what is that? And who would you judge to be such? I guess what I want to know is does religion define a relationship with God? And if it does how?

(Jackie D;41151)
I'm just asking questions....never heard the term spiritual sissy...what is that? And who would you judge to be such? I guess what I want to know is does religion define a relationship with God? And if it does how?
Sorry, harsh words. I meant that it's difficult in the year 2008 to be a devout Catholic and stand up for the Church and all its teachings.Does religion define a relationship with God? For me, it does. How? I thought I answered you already on that with all of these recent posts.

(goldy;41152)
Sorry, harsh words. I meant that it's difficult in the year 2008 to be a devout Catholic and stand up for the Church and all its teachings.Does religion define a relationship with God? For me, it does. How? I thought I answered you already on that with all of these recent posts.
well I'm not going to go into all of the denominational questions I have regarding Catholicism or any other for that matter. you told me how the practice of ritual makes you feel at peace and closer to God...but that doesn't define a relationship, it defines feelings and emotions of a soul. Does that make your "relationship" with the Lord a real relationship or does it simply assauge the fleshly desire of your soul to feel fulfilled in some way?

(Jackie D;41156)
well I'm not going to go into all of the denominational questions I have regarding Catholicism or any other for that matter. you told me how the practice of ritual makes you feel at peace and closer to God...but that doesn't define a relationship, it defines feelings and emotions of a soul. Does that make your "relationship" with the Lord a real relationship or does it simply assauge the fleshly desire of your soul to feel fulfilled in some way?
Yes, it makes my "relationship" with the Lord a real relationship.

(goldy;41158)
Yes, it makes my "relationship" with the Lord a real relationship.
well okay then...I'm still not seeing it but it is not my relationship so I guess I cannot question it...

Hi goldy,Is it belonging to the Catholic Church that is the focus of your relationship with God? Or is it being a Christian that centers your world view?waynemlj

Hi setfree,If you broaden this topic out a bit, you'll discover that everyone has a religion . . . is religious, even those who would vehemently deny that they belong to any religion. That's because everyone knows there is a God over them as we see in Romans 1:18-21, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened."So, some people have a weird "religious" view of life . . . for the reasons stated above. And if you read carefully to the end of chapter one, the picture becomes even clearer about the world view of the person who says, "I don't believe in all that religious stuff."But you and I, as Christians, have been awakened to the truth that it is the revealed knowledge of God's wonderful plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, that is to be the core of our hearts at all times.Religion must take second place to Christian committment, for sure.waynemlj

Hi horsecamp,Denver has told you a very important truth that you need to pause over, sit down quietly, put your defense of your church to one side, and pray earnestly to the Lord who saved you by His death and resurrection. God will reveal the truth to you if you sincerely seek it.You know, it was the most religious churchmen of Jesus' day that crucified Him . . . crucified the Truth. That sure helps me to put things in perspective! Church can be a great trap that can stagnate your growth in faith if you make church into a god. I include my caution to what Dever pointed out correctly. God's revealed word must be what you turn to for your entire life's needs, not the teachings of any church.waynemlj

Hi Jackie D,Your words:"I guess what I want to know is does religion define a relationship with God? And if it does how?"You have to be careful to maintain a daily Bible reading and study relationship with God. No religion can or should replace that.It was the most religious men of Jesus' day who crucified him. They crucified the TRUTH in the name of their religion.Only through God's Word can you have a true relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If the teachings of your church . . . even a part of them . . . cover over the glory of His work of Salvation and are not in line with His Word, those teachings are dangerous and can weaken your faith and, as a result, your relationship with Him. Put your faith in God's Word above all else. For we must not only believe in God . . . we must believe God.waynemlj__________________

Hi goldy,Regardless, of what religion you are speaking of, religion can be a comfortable place to be, especially if that's what you have known from birth. The Bible, its daily reading a study, will make you uncomfortable with your religion. I can almost guarantee that. We need to be made uncomfortable in order to grow away from self and into the image of Christ which is . . . and certainly should be . . . the whole purpose of our existence.Romans 8:29-30, "For those whom he forknew he also predestined to be confomed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those who he justified he also glorified."That's where your "good feeling" ought to come from, not from the rites and ritual practices of any church.waynemlj