Guest Report post Posted February 10, 2013 What do you think about having a religion while being in this industry. There are times I am very conflicted about this. I do believe that there is a higher power that protects me and guides me. I don't know if this higher power is God, Buddha, Allah or if all of them are the same. It is very easy to say that because you are in this industry you are not living a holly life or that you are on the wrong path. However, I feel like religion was made for sinners and that your relationship is between you and God. It says that God loves us and that God has mercy for us. I also feel that with our modern day lifestyle that it is so easy to sin. Perhaps if God walked the earth today the bible would be much different. This is how I interpret religion. I try to be the best person I can be everyday. I hold doors open, I say please and thank you and I generally treat people with the respect they deserve. I do not read the bible everyday, go to church or even pray everyday. I do listen to my conscience and do what I feel is right and for what it's worth it works for me. So what do you guys think and feel about this? Here is one of my favorite songs, since we are on the religious topic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest s******ecan**** Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I'm an athiest so I guess I have no spiritual conflict with taking part in the hobby. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CristyCurves 169032 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 (edited) Religions Religions Religion can be explained as a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs. Featured religions and beliefs [--][--][--][--][--]Atheism Atheists are people who believe that god or gods are man-made constructs.[--]Baha'i One of the youngest of the world's major religions.[--]Buddhism A way of living based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. [--][--][--][--][--]Candomblé A religion based on African beliefs, originating in Brazil.[--]Christianity The world's biggest faith, based on the teaching of Jesus Christ.[--]Hinduism A group of faiths rooted in the religious ideas of India. [--][--][--][--][--]Islam Revealed in its final form by the Prophet Muhammad.[--]Jainism An ancient philosophy and ethical teaching that originated in India.[--]Jehovah's Witnesses A Christian-based evangelistic religious movement. [--][--][--][--][--]Judaism Based around the Jewish people's covenant relationship with God.[--]Mormonism The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[--]Paganism Contemporary religions usually based on reverence for nature. [--][--][--][--][--]Rastafari A young religion founded in Jamaica in the 1930s.[--]Santeria Afro-Caribbean syncretic religion originating in Cuba.[--]Shinto Japanese folk tradition and ritual with no founder or single sacred scripture. [--][--][--][--][--]Sikhism The religion founded by Guru Nanak in India in the 15th Century CE.[--]Spiritualism Spiritualists believe in communication with the spirits of people who have died.[--]Taoism An ancient tradition of philosophy and belief rooted in Chinese worldview. [--][--][--][--][--]Unitarianism An open-minded and individualistic approach to religion.[--]Zoroastrianism One of the oldest monotheistic faiths, founded by the Prophet Zoroaster.Heres something I found online that explains a bit about some religions. However what you are speaking about to me appears to be more about manners than religion. I myself am a believer in god/jesus, however I'm not paricularly religious. Most in the christian faith would say living this type of lifestlyle would be considered sinful. It was explained to me to be a christian, you have to believe in god and except him into your heart, and live a life that honors him. As far as other religions, I don't know anything about them but Buddism does interest me.We all have too live our lives in a way we can except and that is conducive to those around us. Edited February 10, 2013 by cr**tyc***es 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrgreen760 37785 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I'm not conventionally religious and as a boy soprano I sang in choirs of all denominations so I'm not attached to any church in particular. I do consider myself to be spiritual and try to live the best I can and do a little harm as possible. I fail, I make mistakes..I am very human. If I didn't say that I can be conflicted about my participation in this industry, I wouldn't be honest with any one including myself. The way I try to deal with this is to be the best client I can be. It's not just about sex for me, I'm a non f/s player it's about the people involved. I do try to be kind and considerate, I'm ware and acknowledge that both of us are vulnerable physically and emotionally. I try to be a good guy.....I find this helps me when I feel a pang of conscience.. Peace MG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fresh start 17467 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I myself am not a religeous person but u guess it boils down to what you think of yourself and not what others think of you. I think as long as your'e not hurting anyone do what make you happy or what you think is right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest S****r Report post Posted February 10, 2013 Well, I understand that Jesus was close friends with a woman who was purported to be a prostitute, Mary Magadalene. That's a good sign! I have been what some would call very "religious" in the past. I was very active in the church for many years, leading women's study groups, parental support groups, and in other such leadership roles. I am even a graduate of a bible college. However, as life has unfolded, it has become apparent to me that many of the principles that are taught and which I believed at the time, do not fully hold up over the course of a lifetime. Things like "if you live a good and upright life, you will be blessed and good things will happen to you." If ever there was a poster child for "bad things happen to good people," it would be me! At this stage, my belief is that: if God does exist, (and I think he/she probably does) God is so very different from us in nature, thought, character, ability, etc., that s/he is beyond our ability (as finite human beings) to be able to understand. We can postulate what we think to be true about him and his existence, but in reality, we are pretty much just making guesses and maybe even making some things up about him, based upon our own limited logic. So now I choose to continue to be the best person I can be, but now realize that no one, and no one religion, has him (her?) all figured out, no matter what they say. So, I will just wait until the end of (my) time, and find out then what the truth of the matter is. My two cents worth. Good song, by the way! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredsmith 5240 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I miss George Carlin. 8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kimberly-Shea 28280 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 (edited) .. .. .. .. .. Edited February 10, 2013 by Kimberly-Shea change of heart Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roamingguy 300292 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I'm not a religious man at all. I reject the notion that I need a man made religion to speak to God or whatever supreme being one believes in. Personally I guess you would say I'm Agnostic. I'm not so dogmatic that I can say for sure there is no supreme being, yet how can one profess for sure that the supreme being for sure is God, not Allah, or Buddha or well you get the idea. A person's religion often is because it was the religion their parent's practiced, and their parent's practiced etc etc etc...in short you are born into it As for this lifestyle, well life in general, I try to treat others the same way I'd like to be treated. I find nothing wrong with this lifestyle. We all need human companionship and this lifestyle allows it to take place. A rambling RG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Capital Hunter 18263 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 (edited) I am not religous and even am a believer that religion has done (and still is doing in some regions of the world where they kill, rape and torture people in the name of religion) more harm than good to mankind (and especially repressive to womankind too). That said I do believe in some kind of own-made (not God made, not man made but own made) religion and a some kind of system in place where those who do harm will pay. As related to hobbying in OP, this own made religion actually guides me in this hobby and that is why I am trying very hard (sometimes too hard that I remain without a date) to avoid harming anyone in the process. I do what is humanly possible to avoid those forced or pimped into this industry since my (own-made) religion tells me not to harm anyone to bring pleasure on myself and not to force services they don't wish to provide willingly and not to become intimate to those married and not to cheat and not to lie and not to harm or disrespect another human being and treat people the way you like them to treat you and not hate and not to steal .... and the list goes on. Because if I do knowingly then sometiime and somewhere I will pay the price for the wrongdoing. This world or next (if there is one). My own made religion tells me to treat visiting ladies with full respect and have them as guests in my house and as someone's daughter who are guests in my house and be respectful and gentle and nice to them so that they have a good time and pay the donation for positive purposes like education and family to build a bright present or future for themselves or their family. I do not knowingly see those use drugs or have pimps or being forced or use the money on things to harm themselves or others. I have become very selective on who I see since I became a believer in this religion. And how I treat my guests. Edited February 10, 2013 by Capital Hunter 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
A****y E*e 6175 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I would say that I'm spiritual but I'm not religious. Although I believe that a lot of good does come from religious communities, I think that the sects and the people that are very rigid in their thinking can also do a lot of harm, especially around sexuality. I am definitely not an expert on religion, but it seems like a lot of religious texts were written to uphold certain societal norms, and that obviously conflicts with the things that we value now, thousands of years later. Part of the reason that I don't subscribe to any particular religion is that I find it difficult to believe that an all-knowing God would be against people doing things that bring them pleasure, happiness and increase their well-being. Aside from the importance of individual happiness, we're all much better friends, family members, and partners when we're happy and that's good for any community. I have to believe that if there is some sort of higher power, that it wouldn't want me to be unhappy for the sake of upholding some standard that doesn't really make sense for the society we currently live in. So if I am a sinner, I'm happy to wear that label knowing that I'm doing what's right and what feels good for me. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VedaSloan 119179 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 Atheist over here. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted February 10, 2013 Thank you guys for participating in this thread. I was much like Summer except that I lived in a religious home. It was very much part of my upbringing and I truly reveled in participating in church practices. I have fond memories of my time in the church. I would have to agree Audrey Eve in the fact that a lot of good and a lot of harm can come from religion. I think that God is much more merciful than people make him out to be. I think people would be more accepting of religion if people were not so rigid about whats right/wrong or what's true or not true it would be much more effective. Many people have died in the name of Christ due to religious crusades and that would be a direct example of extremists. It's really to bad that anyone would get hurt for something that is meant to help and bring people up. I do remember a bible story about throwing the first stone, he who is without sin throw the first stone. It is true that many things even religion can be taken out of context. It is a sad tale to hear about woman being oppressed due to their religion. I really don't think that's what religion should be about. I do believe that religion is a set of guidelines of about how we should treat each other and even ourselves. There are many valid points in any of the religions and just like good advice I take what I need, what makes sense to my life and I leave the rest. I also think that a loving God wants what's best for us. I would also agree with both Summer and Aubrey that God is so much more advanced than us, who are we really to know what this God is really like. Who knows this mysterious God just might be an advocate of escorts. After all we provide people with a safe environment and a kind human touch. I think it is us humans that are so judgmental. Irregardless, if there is a God or isn't a God. I believe in being a good person, working hard for what you want and listening to your gut. Maybe my gut feeling or my conscience is the closest I will get to God. However, it's usually right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crankF 12893 Report post Posted February 10, 2013 I am not afraid to say that I am a Christian, albeit a bit of a backsliding one, lol. That being said, I don't mean to suggest or participate in a theological debate. In dealing with others and general administration of one's own life, I feel belief in a Higher Power is required. Reverence to someone, something, he, she, it, whatever your belief system is fine with me. Even if you are guided by the pine tree in your backyard, it will help keep you grounded. Humanism is not enough. Peace, cF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Genevieve Marceau 68000 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere. I'll maybe going to hell but at least all my friends will be there :icon_cool: "I'm on the highway to hell No stop signs, speed limit Nobody's gonna slow me down" AC/DC 8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SamanthaEvans 166767 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 (edited) I've been fascinated by what some would call "ultimate questions" all my life. Things like, What is good and how do we know it? What is bad or wrong and why? Is there a purpose to life, and if there is, what is mine? Who are you and how might I best engage with you? Who and what am I responsible for, and how do I express my responsibility? What does it mean to be a human being? What do all human beings need most in order to live well? These kinds of questions have led me to study a lot of things: literature, art history, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, psychology, modern and ancient religions. (I thought university was an incredible sandbox and I played in it a lot, for a long time.) Being a white, middle class person of northern European descent living in North America and wanting to understand the underpinnings of my own culture, I've studied an enormous amount of Christian theology and history. I'm not religious in any conventional sense. Like many people, I have practices that I follow almost by rote, whether in terms of things I do during the day or at different times of the year. I have ethical and moral principles, too. But I'm very suspicious of organized religion. Religion is about fear. It's about control, often including domination and manipulation. Religions play on human needs for community, for acceptance and security, making these things available to some and rejecting others who don't follow particular practices or state particular beliefs. They empower elites to determine others' worthiness and to manipulate their behaviour, often by employing strategies against or requiring actions of others that are not expected of the elites, or not to the same degree. Even so, many people often find comfort, meaning and purpose from their religion. As far as they are able to engage in things that are life-giving, I don't criticize them. I think that most people are aware of many of the excesses that are possible with some religions, though it's often harder to see the problems associated with our own. I believe in God, though it's not easy to explain or characterize what I believe except to say that, for me, God is ultimate reality, or the ground of being. The thing that connects us to each other and to the cosmos. I like Jesus. He wasn't religious, either. He was more concerned with how people lived and understood their lives than he was with religion per se. I think that he was murdered because he did or said something that upset the religious authorities enough that they turned him over to the Romans who, in turn, executed him. I think we often respond to radically good people the same way. I don't worry about my eternal salvation. I don't give anyone the power to convince me that I'm a bad person. I don't need to be saved from God because I don't believe that God is an angry judge who wants to squash me or anyone else into the ground unless we somehow jolly him into thinking we're good. As for working in the sex trade, well, I notice that most human beings need human contact to be their best human selves. For some people, it's enough to have good social relationships or to engage with others in specific ways. But for most people, without physical contact, including sexual contact, something withers inside them. I don't think that we are intended to be alone. Isolation can occur in the midst of families and between people who have been together for a long time. I'm interested in other people and I'm willing to help address some of these intimate, personal needs. While it's true that most of the men I see are married, and while I recognize that many people consider what my clients and I are doing to be immoral, I see things differently. I have transactional engagements with my clients. They pay me for the time I invest in focusing on them and their needs. I have no interest in upsetting anyone else, especially their partners and families. I'm also not a therapist. What I provide is care and attention that I'm often told is energizing, optimistic and helpful. More men than many people realize say that the time they spend with paid companions actually helps them go home to be better husbands and fathers than they might be otherwise. Of course this isn't true for everyone. Sex can be about a lot of things. Not all of them are noble and some of them can be outright dangerous, destructive and deadly. But we can say the same about other industries, too. Consider, for example, banking.... Edited February 11, 2013 by SamanthaEvans typos 8 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted February 11, 2013 I've been fascinated by what some would call "ultimate questions" all my life. Things like, What is good and how do we know it? What is bad or wrong and why? Is there a purpose to life, and if there is, what is mine? Who are you and might I best engage with you? Who and what am I responsible for, and how do I express my responsibility? What does it mean to be a human being? What do all human beings need most in order to live well? These kinds of questions have led me to study a lot of things: literature, art history, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, psychology, modern and ancient religions. (I thought university was an incredible sandbox and I played in it a lot, for a long time.) Being a white, middle class person of northern European descent living in North America and wanting to understand the underpinnings of my own culture, I've studied an enormous amount of Christian theology and history. I'm not religious in any conventional sense. Like many people, I have practices that I follow almost by rote, whether in terms of things I do during the day or at different times of the year. I have ethical and moral principles, too. But I'm very suspicious of organized religion. Religion is about fear. It's about control, often including domination and manipulation. Religions play on human needs for community, for acceptance and security, making these things available to some and rejecting others who don't follow particular practices or state particular beliefs. They empower elites to determine others' worthiness and to manipulate their behaviour, often by employing strategies against or requiring actions of others that are not expected of the elites, or not to the same degree. Even so, many people often find comfort, meaning and purpose from their religion. As far as they are able to engage in things that are life-giving, I don't criticize them. I think that most people are away of many of the excesses that are possible with some religions, though it's often harder to see the problems associated with our own. I believe in God, though it's not easy to explain or characterize what I believe except to say that, for me, God is ultimate reality, or the ground of being. The thing that connects us to each other and to the cosmos. I like Jesus. He wasn't religious, either. He was more concerned with how people lived and understood their lives than he was with religion per se. I think that he was murdered because he did or said something that upset the religious authorities enough that they turned him over to the Romans who, in turn, executed him. I think we often respond to radically good people the same way. I don't worry about my eternal salvation. I don't give anyone the power to convince me that I'm a bad person. I don't need to be saved from God because I don't believe that God is an angry judge who wants to squash me or anyone else into the ground unless we somehow jolly him into thinking we're good. As for working in the sex trade, well, I notice that most human beings need human contact to be their best human selves. For some people, it's enough to have good social relationships or to engage with others in specific ways. But for most people, without physical contact, including sexual contact, something withers inside them. I don't think that we are intended to be alone. Isolation can occur in the midst of families and between people who have been together for a long time. I'm interested in other people and I'm willing to help address some of these intimate, personal needs. While it's true that most of the men I see are married, and while I recognize that many people consider what my clients and I are doing to be immoral, I see things differently. I have transactional engagements with my clients. They pay me for the time I invest in focusing on them and their needs. I have no interest in upsetting anyone else, especially their partners and families. I'm also not a therapist. What I provide is care and attention that I'm often told is energizing, optimistic and helpful. More men that many people realize say that the time they spend with paid companions actually helps them go home to be better husbands and fathers than they might be otherwise. Of course this isn't true for everyone. Sex can be about a lot of things. Not all of them are noble and some of them can be outright dangerous, destructive and deadly. But we can say the same about other industries, too. Consider, for example, banking.... I can't give anymore rep out. What a wonderful response, I couldn't agree more. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest S****r Report post Posted February 11, 2013 Hear, hear! :bigclap: Samantha's comments: I don't worry about my eternal salvation. I don't give anyone the power to convince me that I'm a bad person. I don't need to be saved from God because I don't believe that God is an angry judge who wants to squash me or anyone else into the ground unless we somehow jolly him into thinking we're good. As for working in the sex trade, well, I notice that most human beings need human contact to be their best human selves. For some people, it's enough to have good social relationships or to engage with others in specific ways. But for most people, without physical contact, including sexual contact, something withers inside them. I don't think that we are intended to be alone. Isolation can occur in the midst of families and between people who have been together for a long time. I'm interested in other people and I'm willing to help address some of these intimate, personal needs. While it's true that most of the men I see are married, and while I recognize that many people consider what my clients and I are doing to be immoral, I see things differently. I have transactional engagements with my clients. They pay me for the time I invest in focusing on them and their needs. I have no interest in upsetting anyone else, especially their partners and families. I'm also not a therapist. What I provide is care and attention that I'm often told is energizing, optimistic and helpful. More men that many people realize say that the time they spend with paid companions actually helps them go home to be better husbands and fathers than they might be otherwise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Claire Heavens 51771 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 Im Catholic. ..... Catholic Girls Rebel....and STILL go to HEAVEN! 7 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fredsmith 5240 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 The Pope is resigning, unfortunately when I think of this Pope I think of the Catholic Church's systematic cover up of child abuse. He was personally involved and how people revere a man like this is beyond me. http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/02/11/pope-resignation.html 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PistolPete 61421 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 I'm not a real religious guy, but respect those that may be in this industry,or may not be in this industry. I look at religion from this point of view.... and it is my own thoughts which deals with religion from another view.. I have prayed ( asking for someone to listen and help me) for those that are taken away from us, not for what they might have done in the past, we are good people and are here for a purpose, finding ourselves and finding that life path itself, whatever the entails making us smile and live life to its fullest. I often ask myself, if there is a true belief in god, or there is a god, why would he take those we love from us at a early age? I've lost both parents( a number of good friends as well) at a relative early age,we pray during their sickness to help them to get through it, but that never happens does it? We say things like we will "Do anything for you god to give them that extra time on earth" and then we say.... "why couldn't you help us out god "? I know that god has no control over sickness, but when prayers are made and they remark it was time for them to meet their keeper, then who has the rightful choice to say it was their time? Cancer sickness,and accident or what ever, that itself is part of life I guess. So why would we ever be judged, while in this industry? I think there is no judgement other than society. I look at this industry, and myself and have never had any regrets or think that god is frowning upon me for my choices, cause I would look up and say to him "Then why would you make choices of allowing family and friends to be taken away from me far too early?" I moved on in my life and travels, always thinking of this poem and thinking of those I love and dearly miss, I keep it simply by paying attention to following that I read during my parents eulogy years back.....as my parents always would be smiling when they were alive, and I'm sure they are still smiling down at me now,regardless of what I'm up too ;) A SMILE It cost nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it lasts forever. None are so rich they can get along without it and none so poor but are richer for its benefits. It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature's best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away! If someone is to tired to give you a smile, leave one of yours. For, nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none to give. -----Anonymous So smile folks, whatever you might be doing in your life, as we made these decisions and I don't think anyone is looking for approval or forgiveness. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest s******ecan**** Report post Posted February 11, 2013 Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere. I'll maybe going to hell but at least all my friends will be there :icon_cool: "I'm on the highway to hell No stop signs, speed limit Nobody's gonna slow me down" AC/DC "I may be going to hell in a bucket but at least I'm enjoying the ride" Grateful Dead Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
piano8950 32577 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 As soon as I read this title of the thread, I was looking forward to reading everyone's responses. And it has been a thoroughly entertaining read. Anyhow, a couple of quick points to start of with: I found it interesting that in a thread about religion, reaching 3 pages long, the word "faith" was used only once, and only to describe a particular religion. It seems that those not agnostic, or atheist who have replied to this thread are some form of Christians. Here to shake things up, I'm Muslim (not a particularly religious one, but a believer of god nonetheless) Religion is about fear. It's about control, often including domination and manipulation. Religions play on human needs for community, for acceptance and security, making these things available to some and rejecting others who don't follow particular practices or state particular beliefs. They empower elites to determine others' worthiness and to manipulate their behaviour, often by employing strategies against or requiring actions of others that are not expected of the elites, or not to the same degree. I think religion has gained this sort of reputation from a few using it to their benefit. Just like using national pride or race relations, religion has fallen victim to those using an identity to instill fear against a foreign threat (Whites vs Blacks, Aryan vs Jews/Jesuits/Lesbians&Gays/Jehovah's Witnesses, wide nose vs narrow nose, etc). Anyway, personally, I'm not that religious. I have faith that there is a god out there, and the practice the Muslim faith from time to time (pray, fast, etc), but I'm not very diligent on all of it. Maybe I'm wrong in this notion, but I think God's more concerned about me being polite, kind, honest more then practicing the rituals. But on this topic, all I can really say with absolute certainty is that during the darkest periods of my life, after traumatic events, I prayed, and I felt at peace. I am completely aware that this could very well be the result of strong belief, causing some sort of mental self protection mechanism working in the background of my brain that did the trick, instead of divine intervention. Nevertheless, it helped, and I don't see myself losing faith in the existence of god. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest *Ste***cque** Report post Posted February 11, 2013 For what it's worth, here is my opinion. I was raised United but I try to live my life as if there is nothing after this one. Any other assumption makes it easier for us to ignore suffering, in my opinion. If you believed someone will be rewarded with eternal bliss in an afterlife, well, putting up with injustice now is tolerable. Just keep your eye on that carrot! I try, and fail regularly, to be a kind person and not add to the troubles in this world. I usually have a quick smile and a kind word. While I sometimes feel depressed about the world, this view can spur me on to help those less fortunate. Faith that all wrongs will be righted in an afterlife just allows for wrongs to continue and flourish in this one. Sometimes though, I do feel something spiritual and I would never dismiss anyones beliefs on the Great Mystery of life. I just suggest we live like there is no reward waiting in the afterlife, so that we can make those rewards happen more frequently in the here and now. These are just my thoughts. If I am wrong, sweet! I just hope United Protestant is that one true religion. :) No offense intended, just mild kidding on the one true religion concept. Steve Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drlove 37204 Report post Posted February 11, 2013 I always tend to bristle a bit at the mention of religion; In my view, it's simply a social construct used to control the masses. It has nothing to do with one's own personal relationship with "God" or a higher power. As an aside, it always amazes me how little people know about their own religion. Catholics sometimes wear a crucifix as a religious symbol, but its history dates back to the 6th century BC when it was used as an instrument of torture by Persians, Jews, Carthaginians, Seleucids and Romans. This practice continued until the time of Constantine The Great, a Roman emperor who abolished the practice after converting to Christianity in 337AD. Similarly, the word "Satan" is derived from the Hebrew word "Shatan" which means the choice of evil, not the embodiment of. That said, I feel one shouldn't follow religious doctrine blindly, as it may lead to a very narrow and often conceited view of the world, which ironically is contrary to its fundamental teachings. It's important to be aware of the history, yet at the same time think for one's self and evaluate disseminated information in a critical fashion. For what it's worth, as long someone strives to be a good person, helps others and is generally productive, it's all good. If it comes down to a "final judgement", I don't believe there is one. There is no "wrath of God" or "condemnation" - these are human foibles. That is, if God is omnipotent, then he /she/ it would be above all that. If anything, I'd like to think we judge ourselves, realizing points in our lives where we could have done things differently, and perhaps we'll have that opportunity in the next phase of our existence. I wouldn't give too much thought to the moral quagmire that being a part of this industry presents. I'm sure God has more important things to think about. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites