Christianity and the Hobby

[jkerouac]

Well, let's face it - we are sinners.

But I doubt that everyone here has totally abandoned God and a belief system of some sort. Do you consider yourself a Christian? And if so, how do you mesh those beliefs with your activities here?

[Guest012211-3]

Do you?

You are assuming everyone here is Christian, LOL...Muslim is the second largest religion, what about them?

I don't like the word "sin".

What belief system are you basing your questions on exactly?

[looiecypher]

If you believe in that kind of hocus pocus ,you can consider yourself a sinner.
Personally I have never seen having sex as being a sin.Then again I'm with Nicole I don't like the word sin.It's just plain dumb.
Find somewhere else to climb on your pulpit.
This is definitely not a topic that will end well.

[jkerouac]

No, I don't, Nicole - so I'm taking the easy way out. And I use the word "sinners" with a bit of a tongue-in-cheek - I don't think God is out there keeping tabs on our private parts.

However, I know the majority of people in the south would put a check mark by "CHRISTIAN" if asked about their religion, and I'll bet the majority of people on this board had a Christian upbringing. And though I don't necessary buy into it, I do respect people's beliefs, no matter what they are (or aren't).

I was just kind of curious about the morphing process that might take place to bring your religion into the hobby with you.

[Dharma]

No sin and no guilt. I believe that you shouldn't hurt anyone. This is either just sex or people getting what they need, giving comfort. As long as they take care then there's no problem. I don't have to reconcile a thing. And I am not a "sinner". I'll let you keep that for yourself.

[TexTushHog]

While more Buddhist in terms of philosophy than religion, I htink the Eightfold Path provides excellent ethical guidelines for behavior in general. So if you have right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration, your hobby activities shouldn't hurt anyone. I try never to take advantage of someone. If I think a girl is in over her head, or is in the business because of circumstances that amount to duress, I won't patronize her. I seek well adjusted providers who seem (and hopefully are) relatively happy with their choices in life. And if done in this manner, I see nothing wrong with the hobby, from either side.

[Matador]

A personal belief that I have is that we as humans have a predisposition to worship something or someone. It matters not what or who it is, could even be self-worship. The bottom line is that we elevate that object of worship above everything else. Organized religions use that to control people. I am not suggesting that some nefarious individuals are at work here but, many religious leaders know this and use it to manipulate their flock. People who define themselves as spiritual can be controlled by this.

Other individuals get entangled by politics. The politicians give speeches about general things without saying much and you have the rabid party faithfuls disowning their own families because they don't worship the same political leader. People won't acknowledge the flaws of their idols and will forgive them for just about anything. Look at the current state in Washington, D.C.

Then there are the sports nuts and so many more smaller categories where people found their God. All along the way, someone figured out a way to control their God, or to "can it and sell it to the masses" if you will. As long as the legions of people willingly follow directions and don't question their leaders, things stay the same.

FEAR is the most powerful tool that religions use to control people. Phrases like "if you are a sinner, you will burn in hell" are so powerful to keep people in line. As such everyone being a sinner, they need to consult with their spiritual leader for their salvation. Then you wake up some mornings and read news like this:

http://cbs2chicago.com/watercooler/w....2.979535.html

If you are a member of his church, you must be going like "WTF, I've been duped"

By the way, some of the most wonderful people I have ever met are Christians. I also know two good guys who are devout Muslims. I don't attend any church but I am not an atheist. I am simply not fond of the manipulations of many centers of worship.

[amazingasia]

Originally Posted by Matador

I don't attend any church but I am not an atheist. I am simply not fond of the manipulations of many centers of worship.

Wow... I couldnt have said that any better myself.

Like jkerouac suggested I had a Christian upbringing and though I have not abandoned my faith, I dont practice it religiously as I was taught *obviously*
Growing up I went to a Christian school, and even then I wasnt closed off to the "evils of this world"... I guess my mom would say I was fast. lol. But not in the same sense as kids are today.... I was just an old soul... more experienced in my life then I should have been for my age, ya know? But *getting back on track* even going to a christian school, I saw drugs being used on campus, sex & sexual acts being performed on campus and so on... and they were teaching us to abstain... WTF?
It was obvious it went in one ear and out the other.

Then I became older and seeing the world more clearly, and connecting different events to biblical predictions (conspriacy theory), then meeting & understanding the principles of those that had a completely different religious upbringing (whether it be muslim, catholic, buddhist, etc). My conclusion is... Believe what feels right to you & I pray that we're all right...

But as for now... Im at a state of happy confusion?!?
What about y'all?

[jkerouac]

I agree, Matador, that it is human nature to want to believe in something bigger than you, that explains the universe around you, and that gives you some idea of your final destination. I think the classic, world-wide religions did that at one time, but then refused to adapt to our evolving knowledge and understanding.

I don't know much about Eastern philosophies/religions, but they always seemed very intelligent to me, as they display a lot of insight into human nature, and a higher way of thinking.

Christianity - not so much. I hate the homophobia, the refusal to acknowledge scientific fact - and mostly the condemnation and judgement. It's a shame, because the message of love gets totally lost.

As much as I am a doubter, I have to admit I don't understand atheists either - seems to me there has to be some order to this universe. I hope we get to understand it someday.

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by TexTushHog

While more Buddhist in terms of philosophy than religion, ...

Yes, you are correct. Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion. And religion doesn't fit me. I'm happy the way I am.

[guest010712]

Meh...like greed...sin is good. Life would be so mundane without debauchery.

[Dharma]

So you're saying that evil is good?

[Guest122711]

The almighty Zues gets around more than I do so Im totally cool with it.

Side note: Clash of the Titans is almost here. lol

[Will Boner]

Most of my provider visits involve worshipping God in one form or another.............how is that sinful?

[technicallygeek]

Raise your hand if your a sinner... Isn't that why we ask for forgiveness???


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5IhjYfU7I4