When Did Hinduism Start?

A bit of a Historian today.

There seems to be no argument that Hinduism is the oldest of religions (third largest today with 1 Billion followers). Some sources say as old as maybe 10,000 BC. There are archaeological findings 3,000-4,000 BC that have scriptures linking to Hinduism.

QUESTION then:  When does God say he created Earth (and Man/Woman) in Genesis?  Does science here directly argue back with evidence? Hmm...

Something I'm beginning to understand about Hinduism is that it got created over a certain time - thousands of years. It comes from the collections of many stories and beliefs (this explains why it's so vast and inclusive).

How "Hinduism" - The Name Came... 

Here's a quote I found:

"

According to historians, the origin of Hinduism dates back to 5,000 or more years. The word "Hindu" is derived from the name of River Indus, which flows through northern India. In ancient times the river was called the 'Sindhu', but the Persians who migrated to India called the river 'Hindu', the land 'Hindustan' and its inhabitants 'Hindus'. Thus the religion followed by the Hindus came to be known as 'Hinduism'."

Interesting. No?

My current readings are also HINTING at the influence Hinduism may have had on all the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Hinduism & Islam). Time to dig...

Bible (Old Testament) - Exodus Overview

I've finished studying Exodus. Rather than read it all (or listen to it), I resorted to the latest summary book I'm reading, some notes/cliff-notes available online and the video below:




For a great summary, better than I could ever write - check the Wikipedia entry. It's by far the best resource I found.

Wikipedia Review of Exodus, Old Testament...

Studying The Bible - Gets Easier & Easier!

I must say, I am impressed. A random idea came to me to search the iPhone app store for Bible related applications, I found this one to be the most popular and top rated:

Click Here To Go To The App Page...

It's Free & it ties into an entire web based community. Try: http://www.YouVersion.com 

When you get the App you can register for a free YouVersion account as well. I've been playing with it all day right from my cell phone (this means even like 30 second breaks in the day are useful to learn).

My favorite features so far:

• Instant Search - WOW, type in a scripture, a word, a chapter - anything.
• ANY Version of the Bible - They have basically all of them - FREE.
• AUDIO - Again, free - you can listen to many versions.
• Reading Plans - My favorite feature (described below):

Reading Plans:

They have hundreds in here. Based on topics, devotion, questions, time, etc... So if you want to do narrow topics that are troubling you, 4-7 day reading plans. I'm enrolled in 3 right now, I finished Day 1 for each in 30 seconds or less.

The reading plan basically hops you around the Bible to the exact scriptures related to that topic. Incredible tool. 

I highly recommend it.

Hinduism Compared to Christianity - Simple Notes

If you want to watch the videos where I got these notes from, please check this blog post <-- Click Here.

Here's what these videos summarized as the MAJOR differences between the Religions. NOTE: These are just the NUTS and BOLTS of the differences, there are far many more. Let's start with the basics.

Comparison of Hinduism with Christianity:

1. What is God?  (Hindus - God is NOT a person, God is the Universe. God is the Ultimate state of being which you reach by living a life of the best Karma. Reincarnation is how you are punished for bad Karma. As long as you keep getting reincarnated, you are not allowed to reach the Ultimate state.  Christians - God is separate from the World. God CREATED the world and is not an Illusion. God is fixed, defined and definite. Sin is very real and is punished for on Judgement day unless you embrace Jesus Christ who can save you.)
2. Hindus tolerate ANY way to reach the "Ultimate" aka God. It is even said that Hindus accept Jesus Christ as "The God of The People Who Call Themselves Christians" (for example). Christianity does NOT accept any other faith as even a possibility and their writings state that believing in anything else is the greatest sin.
3. Hinduism can be seen as "all inclusive" and Christianity is considered "Highly exclusive."
4. Hinduism believes that all around sin is still an illusion, however, sin still creates your Karma.
5. The Caste System in Hinduism is a part of the "tracking devices" used to track your prior life Karma. Technically, one is not supposed to interfere with the Karma of another. Essentially, this gets translated to: "helping the poor is not right, you're messing up their Karmaic balance."

The summary here is that these two religions are HIGHLY HIGHLY different. Hinduism allows for room in the belief to be more open and accepting. However, that same openness complicates understanding the religion. 

Only interesting thing I want to note is that Hinduism seems to have roots that are older than even the Old Testament - so it's been around longer?

What is Hinduism?

I just watched the videos below and took notes. I've embedded Part 1 and links to the rest. You need about an hour but it's highly informative.

DISCLAIMER:  Hinduism is presented in a Christian show by a Christian. However, I felt they did a good job keeping it unbiased. They also include a great comparison to Christianity.

Here's Part 1:

Here are links to the rest:Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5

Here's part 1 of the notes. In part 2, I'll go over what they claim are differences between Hinduism and Christianity.

What Is Hinduism - Notes:

• Hinduism is very hard to define in a "nutshell"
• In Over 5,000 years, there is "no particular way" to practice being a Hindu
• Very Pantheistic view - God is everything. Everything around us is God. The material world is just an illusion.
• God is called "Brahman" which is the same as the "Absolute" - which is a state achieved when you're free from the "illusion."
• An analogy used to describe the nature of Hinduism is the "Force" in Star Wars. There is a very "force controls all" nature to this religion.
• There are potentially millions of Gods and Celestial beings.
• The main AIM for a Hindu is to "Escape your body, your body is actually eluding you from the truth, the absolute (the Brahman). Your body is part of this illusion you are stuck in due to your Karma."

Hinduism Practices:

• Worship Idols (that represent the God), Offer food to these Idols and get blessed.
• Astrology - Foretelling destiny based on stars and planets
• All aspects of life are related to your astrology
• Many Hindus seek council from Astrologers for life advice (career, relationships, etc...)
• Palm reading - similar to Astrology. Used to foretell future and also give council. 

Alright next I'll do a post soon about the COMPARISON. Short and simple. Will stick to the basics only.

1 PETER 5:7, PSALM 55:22, PROVERBS 3:5-6, MATTHEW 6:27,

Reference this blog post to see why I'm writing about these particular versus of the Bible.


1 Peter 5:7:

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Right now, this particular verse is holding VERY near to my heart. It's precisely what I've been doing the last few days and all seems to be getting better so fast.


PSALM 55:22

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."

This scripture gives one such peace - makes you feel like you truly have nothing to worry about.


PROVERBS 3:5-6

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

I love the word "paths" that came up here. I've been using that a LOT the last 10 days or so, never from reading it here - just a word that came to me.


MATTHEW 6:27

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Love this one because NO GREATER truth can be spoken. God or no God, religion or no religion - honestly answer this: "Can worrying help you in ANY way. No. Then we should stop! I've decided I'm going to now for sure."


Thanks "friend who's name I won't mention here" - you rock for showing me these!

A Really Interesting Story - A Fight with a Friend Leads to an AH-HA Moment!

2 nights ago I grew defensive and snapped at a friend. We ARGUED and got off the phone angry. We're OK now, we Emailed and gave each other virtual hugs - it happens!


I realized lately there are certain topics I get very defensive about - very stressed about. If someone even tippy toes around them, I get my swords out and start growling. Well, it was a time to put an end to that.

On my conquest to further find my "peaceful place" - I came to an "awkward" realization on my own - something I have NEVER thought of before.  Read what I wrote to her in my reply - it explains better.

I honestly have NO idea where this came from. She was shocked and sent me this text message:

She followed it with this one:

Really interesting. I went onto research the scriptures she pointed out and my jaw dropped! I literally have no idea where my mind came up the words in that Email.

I've never spoken that before. Pretty awesome!

"Start At The Book of John" - Advice I Recently Got...

I've been a bit frustrated trying to find the proper studying source for the Bible. I'm now discovering it's actually the OLD TESTAMENT that's harder to understand. The NEW TESTAMENT is making much faster sense to me.

A friend recently advised that I start at the Book of John, I never asked her why, but today I skipped ahead to it (way ahead). I'm really enjoying it and it's making very clear sense.

Again, for anyone interested, I'm listening to the NIV Dramatized Audio version (This way I can listen to it in the car and while walking around - more study time ;)

Also, I had a MOMENT today worth hearing about - I'll post that next!

Christian vs. Christian - The Guilty Conscious Decides?

Meet two people, both devout Christians:

1. Dave - No doubt in his mind. An exemplary Christian. Feels no problem with visiting a Temple or even participating in other religious events (where other Gods are worshipped). 

2. Jim - No doubt in his mind. An exemplary Christian. Refuses to even visit another religious event or participate or even view the worshipping of another God.

Are both Good Christians? Are both abiding by the Bible? Would both be blessed by Jesus all the same? This has been a MAJOR question for me as I engage in my research. I plan on visiting a Christian pastor soon to continue my research.

However, for now, a very good friend (a Christian) explained to me that:

"YES! Both are still good Christians as long as they have no guilty conscious or doubt of their belief in their one and only Lord, Jesus Christ."

Essentially, different Christians share a different view on their ability to SEE or ATTEND other religious events - even if they're just there for the sake of it. If they don't FEEL they are sinning (because they have a clean heart, they're not).

However, it IS a sin to try to push another into something they don't want to do. For So, Dave cannot judge Jim or try to force Jim to go.

The topic is still a bit confusing to me, however, apparently the Bible does not have a DEFINITE answer to this question. I'll find out soon...

Dare To Pray? Careful What You Ask For...

...you just may get it.

I mean it. As I search for religion, one thing I've become a FIRM believer of now is praying. When you pray from the HEART and genuinely ask for help, direction, a sign. You'll get it.

Just make sure for 2 things:

1. Be ready to accept the sign or path given - be on the lookout.
2. Be ready for a surprise - God can chose any way to deliver his message!

STORY TIME to illustrate what I mean...

A few nights ago I was very stressed over a situation. I felt I was losing control. Before I went to sleep, I prayed. This was the first time I asked God to GIVE me an answer. Period.

Sign, Direction, Path - I didn't care, I wanted God to just tell me what I needed to do. I wanted to know what was right.

Exactly 5 hours after I woke up, "something happened." I was sitting with a few people and a few "jokes" were said and all of a sudden I lost my temper. 

Honestly, even worse has been said to me in the past - but something, somehow led me to snapping in a MAJOR way.

I got SO angry, I barged out of the room and it ended up creating a MAJOR scene. So bad that I left the place, got in the car and headed home in a major "huff puff." I was really hurt, probably the most I've been in a while.

I was even more confused by my reaction than anything else.

3 minutes after I got into the car I had a "revelation." Everything I had prayed for the night before had just been answered. The reason I reacted so harshly and created a "scene" was because that was the EXACT thing that needed to happen!

Guess what?

That scene led to a domino effect of "things" and "discussions" that I've always been too afraid of or others have been too stubborn to discuss with me. (I know I know, Im being confusing, but sorry, I have to protect some of the privacy here).

Essentially - my Prayers were ANSWERED. My problems were solved. I had a path handed to me. I still get chills thinking about it - I'm not joking.

The lesson here?  The WAY God choses to answer your prayers COULD be painful. Be ready for it. The Path that God gives you MAY be difficult, but it's the path none-the-less.

So, be careful what you ask for, you may just get it ;)

Bible (Old Testament) - Genesis Overview

I found a series of videos on YouTube that are helping provide a SUMMARY of each of the Books in the Bible - I find it to be a good REVIEW (but not a great way to learn the Bible the first time).

Here it is:

QUESTION - Hinduism Wasn't a Religion Until The British?!

Today a close friend and very intelligent Religious scholar said the following through a text (and I quote him):

"Hinduism is a collection of 100's of religions, the word hinduism was created by the Brits. Never existed prior to British takeover of India. They created the word to pass National laws..."

Woh Woh Woh!  Is that True?  I never question him, but this is so shocking, I have to go read more about it!

Hinduism Accepts Jesus?

I've been studying Hinduism more, at least trying to - it's very confusing to me still. Apparently, I'm not alone - many say that initially it's a tough faith to understand.

For Example - Violating The Law of Contradiction

Did you know that Hinduism accepts Jesus (And the Gods of ANY faith)? Hinduism already has thousands of Gods. They say that all paths to the ultimate (God) are true. They'd simply say "Jesus is the God of those who call themselves Christian" much the same way they'd explain another deity.

However, this is not comforting to other faiths, such as Christians - rather it makes them (and me) scratch our heads.

Christianity clearly states that JESUS IS THE ONLY GOD (there are no other Gods). So, essentially, if you teach that "Christianity is the Truth as well and an acceptable path to God"...well...Christians say that Hinduism is NOT valid.

Any faith that believes in any other God(s) other than Jesus is not the truth.

Essentially, it's weird - but if Hinduism says that Christianity is true they're accepting that Christianity says that Hinduism is not true (they annihilate their own belief)?

Yes, my head is spinning too. Back to the books.

Getting Made Fun of For Your Religious Studies...

Something I forgot to mention as you start your Journey - people suck. I knew this from the beginning. I tried to keep it a secret, but within 2 weeks, it was discovered by a family member (the fact that I was studying religion).

He decided to make it a public issue very quickly and loudly. He also instantly jumped to passing judgement, making fun of me and taunting me. He linked my studies to my recent break-up and mocked me for being weak.

It hurt. Boy, did it hurt. He quickly rallied support from others around him (who are also very close to me). It hurt more. Apparently, it was all a great big misunderstanding with no specific intentions - just teasing (when we discussed it later after a big fight).

It sure did not feel that way at the time.

Here's my warning to you. There are a lot of stereotypes in the world about Religious people (I was recently one who participated in those stereotypes). People will immediately attempt to label you.

You'll try to hide it. You won't be able to. You'll try to play it down. They won't care. So, why bother worrying? Keep it to yourself as much as you can, if someone pokes fun - smile and move forward. But, DON'T STOP.

I'm not stopping - I feel even stronger. By the way, that 'taunting' led to a major fight which opened a can of MUCH bigger issues. Thank God.

Things came out that needed for a long time but I never had to the strength to speak. Well, that day, I gained that strength and spoke my mind. Today, my relationships are stronger and I feel even better about my studies.

Ironically, being made fun of was God's answer to my prayers - my next post (look above this one), will explain more.

My only goal of today was to warn you. It's inevitable. It WILL happen. Expect it and let it roll off your back. Use it as strength not as weakness. Find your belief, you have my support!

Abraham (Abram) Led To THREE Religions!

As I read the Bible and other books/articles that clarify the Bible, I learned that Abraham (born name Abram) is a recognized authority in 3 religions:

1. Christianity
2. Islam
3. Judaism 

The Old Testament is amazing. This 1 piece of writing has led to 3 of the MOST popular religions in the World! The more confusing religious studies can get, the more connected they become as well.

Many times the NEW Testament gets more importance (especially by Christians), but take my word for it. READ THE OLD TESTAMENT too!  It's very different than the New, but it sets up the stage.

What a world...

Merry Christmas! Important Fact About "Christmas" - Embrasses Me...

Embarrassing. For years I literally thought "Hey, I'm cool with Christians, I LOVE Christmas!" (Sigh) - This teaches me the importance of "Teaching oneself before making statements."

A little over a year ago, a very close Christian to my life said this:

"Our Church does not have a service on Christmas day, I spent New Years Eve at my Church..."

I scratched my head in confusion.

"Baby Jesus was BORN on Christmas! That's the day to go to Church! New Years is PARTY time."

It all seemed so backwards to me. But I let it be and did not probe further. Now, as I'm studying Christianity I'm learning that Christmas is so largely a commercialized holiday.

At the root of it, no one even really knows when Jesus was born for sure. Some Churches just decided to use December 25th. I'll read more about it, but it seems the tradition of "gift-giving" is just something society created and the world followed...because...well...

...we all love getting GIFTS!

Hinduism - Ironic, Will Be My Toughest

I've diped my feet into many religions now, even if for just a moment. Christianity, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism - most take about 4-5 paragraphs to understand the 40,000 foot overview.

Only one so far, I've spent 2-3 hours on and am totally lost still...

Ironically - it's the ONE religion I should know the best?  The one I've claimed to embrace for 28.5 years now? Hinduism...

I'm watching this video on YouTube and the only thing that comes to mind is:

It is...BUT...it isn't...

Just when I start to think "I get it," I hear a "welll...not exactly." It's frustrating me. It's making me angry. It's embarrassing me. Why don't I know this stuff? I should. This is pathetic. What right do I have to call myself a Hindu if I understand EVERY religion but my own?

I seem to recall a blog post I myself wrote labeled: "Blind Faith is No Faith." I've been blind all this time and it's time to dig my heels in.

Nothing more "meety" to report on just yet about Hinduism. Was frustrated with myself so I needed to vent. I'm done for now. So pathetic. 

If God Is So Good, Then Why Do Bad Things Happen?

I've researched this a lot. This is question asked re: ALL religions. It seems to be the #1 argument Atheists use. Personally, I find it childish. But, they really seem to hold onto it!

"If God really exists, then why does he let bad things happen?"

The following is just my personal opinion after hours of thinking. I think each religion has their own take on it. Basically...

- It's a system of checks and balances, bad HAS to happen with the good.
- We learn through the bad (think about it - it's always a better teacher than good).
- With no bad, how do you know that which is Good.
- During bad times, we always pray and get closer to God.
- Bad seems to be when we talk the most with God.
- Some Religions: The person or person(s) brought it upon themselves through Sin

Basically it says that God isn't there to shelter us from bad. As a Good Father, he actually would be dis-serving us. We need to learn to walk. The process includes falling.

Anything you want to add to this?

Don't Tell Me What To Do - I Hate Ultimatums!

Hmmm it's a harsh title, I don't mean any offense. But, in the spirit of being honest, it's a thought my mind has. The more I read about Christianity, I find it SO hard to believe that Jesus would be so rigid and demanding. That he'd actually say "worship me or be punished to hell?"

From everything I read about him, he seems like a "cooool guy," the kind of guy that you grab a drink with, relax with and talk life with. The kind of guy you high five and are humbled by.

The kind of guy who everyone seems to always love and you just can't figure out WHY. I bet you know someone that's like that - everyone they meet becomes a fan. That's how I see Jesus.

I'm falling in love with everything about him, but this one thing rubs me the wrong way. Knowing me, I'm a guy that would MORE READILY worship him if he didn't "require" me to.

I guess I just don't like being given ultimatums. I push it away. "Tell me what to do and I'll tell you where to shove it" has always been my motto. I know the Bible says so, but something inside me just wants to believe the Apostles made it up.

I like to think Jesus actually said "It's cooool man, let's just hang out and let life take it's course - don't stress so much!" Wow, is Jesus a hippie in my mind?  No idea. Again, not trying to be blasphemous. In my own way, this is my way of PRAISING Jesus.

Let me search continue. Maybe I'll find something to support my weird desire.

"I'm a Good Person...Doesn't That Mean Anything?"

No. It really doesn't in the end of the day.

...Says an avid Christian. This is the ONE thing I don't like about Christianity. Essentially, if you don't admit that 'Jesus is the one and only.' You have zero chance of being saved.

The thinking here is that its IMPOSSIBLE for humans to be truly-good. It's impossible for us not to sin. Even God recognized that so who are we to argue?

So, you may be a "good person" but you still sin. The ONLY way to wash sin and be forgiven of it is Jesus. This saddens me. It reminds me of endless dinner debates I had in the past concerning my future. My only argument was:

"But I live by the VALUES that Christianity teaches!  I'm a GOOD person and I do GOOD things. Heck, I'm better than most Christians I even know.

Doesn't that stand for ANYTHING?"

The answer I got: "No it doesn't. At the end all that counts is if you believe in Jesus as your true savior."  It just seems so rigid, stubborn and well, unfair. As I study, I suppose I'll understand more.

Old Testament vs. New Testament - The Difference?

This can get very complicated so I'll keep it very simple. In simplifying, excuse any OVER simplification or incorrect inference on my part and feel free to correct me!

Key Differences of Points To Note:

- Old Testament came first.
- Old Testament is the Doctrine Jews follow.
- Old Testament sets up the story, the New Testament clarifies the teachings.
- The New Testament is the word of Jesus (written by his apostles).
- The New Testament is Jesus clarifying God's orders of humans
- You can't just read one - they both complete a story (the Bible)

Even More Basic:

- Old Testament, BEFORE Jesus Christ.
- New Testament, AFTER Jesus Christ.

I found a great quote at this website that discusses the difference:

"The Old Testament describes the sacrificial system God gave the Israelites to temporarily cover their sins. The New Testament clarifies that this system alluded to the sacrifice of Christ through whom alone salvation is found."

Jesus In Islam? Wow...

When studying Christianity or Islam (a Muslim's faith) it's impossible to avoid each other. Jesus is a big part of both religions. In Islam, Jesus appears 25 times in the Quran - even more than Muhammad! 


Fascinating...


Here's a great explanation in Wikipedia:

"In Islam, Jesus named as Isa(Arabic: عيسى‎ ʿĪsā) is considered to be a Messenger of God and the Masih (Messiah) who was sent to guide the Children of Israel (banī isrā'īl) with a new scripture, the Injīl or Gospel.^[1] The belief in Jesus (and all other messengers of God) is required in Islam, and a requirement of being a Muslim. The Qur'an mentions Jesus twenty-five times, more often, by name, thanMuhammad.^[2][3] It states that Jesus was born to Mary (Arabic: Maryam) as the result of virginal conception, a miraculous event which occurred by the decree of God (Arabic: Allah). To aid in his ministry to the Jewish people, Jesus was given the ability to perform miracles(such as healing the blind, bringing dead people back to life, etc.), all by the permission of God rather than of his own power. According to the popular opinion and Muslim traditions, Jesus was not crucified but instead, he was raised up by God unto the heavens. This "raising" is understood to mean through bodily ascension.

Muslims believe that Jesus will return to earth near the day of judgment to restore justice and to defeat Masih ad-Dajjal ("the false messiah", also known as the Antichrist).^[4][5]

Like all prophets in Islam, Jesus is considered to have been a Muslim (i.e., one who submits to the will of God), as he preached that his followers should adopt the "straight path" as commanded by God. Islam rejects the Christian view that Jesus was God incarnate or the son of God, that he was ever crucified or resurrected, or that he ever atoned for the sins of mankind. The Qur'an says that Jesus himself never claimed any of these things, and it furthermore indicates that Jesus will deny having ever claimed divinity at the Last Judgment, and God will vindicate him.^[6] The Qur'an emphasizes that Jesus was a mortal human being who, like all other prophets, had been divinely chosen to spread God's message. Islamic texts forbid the association of partners with God (shirk), emphasizing a strict notion of monotheism(tawhīd).

Numerous titles are given to Jesus in the Qur'an and in Islamic literature, the most common being al-Masīḥ ("the messiah). Jesus is also, at times, called "Seal of the Israelite Prophets", because, in general Muslim belief, Jesus was the last prophet sent by God to guide the Children of Israel. Jesus is seen in Islam as a precursor to Muhammad, and is believed by Muslims to have foretold the latter's coming."

Where Christians and Muslims AGREE:
- Jesus could heal and perform Miracles.
- Jesus spoke the word of God.
- Jesus is born to Virgin Mary.
- Jesus will return to earth near Judgement Day to restore Peace.
- Jesus will defeat the Anti-Christ- Jesus foretold the future


Where Christians and Muslims DISagree:
- Muslims say Jesus was only human - a messenger of God. NOT his son.
- Muslims say that Jesus never even claimed to be his Son and will deny that on his 2nd coming.
- Jesus was not crucified to atone for mankind's sins - he was raised to heaven by God.
- Jesus was a Muslim


It's so amazing. They agree on so much but disagree exactly where it counts. Hmm...

Christianity - What Is Grace?

Wow, a word mentioned 170 times in the Bible - must be important, right?

I found a great site that explains Grace and it's meaning - "What is Grace?"

The site quotes this:

Grace is God's unmerited favor. That is, grace is God doing good for us that we do not deserve. In the Bible, grace and mercy are like two heads of the same coin. Mercy is God withholding judgment or evil that I deserve; grace is God giving me blessing or good that I do not deserve. Because of God's mercy, I do not receive the judgment of God against my sins; because of God's grace, I receive eternal life and a promise of heaven though I do not deserve them. Both mercy and grace come to me though the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary in Cave Man Terminology:

Humans suck. We do bad. We evil. We DESERVE bad things. But we get GOOD. God love us. God want our salvation. God sacrifice son for us. We get saved. = Grace

"God's unmerited favor" - Even though we deserve to be punished, God sacrifices for us to give us a channel to salvation. His love, that's grace.

Quick FYI - The Bible is a BIG Book!

The more I study Christianity, the more I learn that the Bible truly is EVERYTHING go Christians. It's referenced every 5th line I read.

Clear now. If I want to truly understand this religion, I HAVE to read the entire Bible. This also means YOU Mr. Lazy Pants.

Just letting you know, if you venture out to do this, get your "determination" hat on. It's quite a story and very long. I'm not a fan of reading, so if I try to READ it, Jesus may truly have his second coming before I finish :)

I've chosen to LISTEN to it. I'm listening to the NIV Dramatized Version. I downloaded the Torrent file here. I don't know if that was illegal, I apologize if it is. I found it, so I used it :P

I LOVE it, it's very easy to understand. But that doesn't make it any shorter. But the amazing story does make it EASIER. I find myself looking forward to the times I set aside to listen to it.

So, go forth my friend, but be warned for the roads ahead are long and require your big-boy shoes.

I'll do my best to summarize each book here.  Let's GO!

Is Buddhism Even a Religion?

Wow. Never knew this was a debate? A close friend and wise mentor had a 4+ hour discussion on religion with me a few days ago. He's a learned mind, having spent months studying religion prior to choosing Christianity.

We spoke that night mostly about Christianity and Buddhism, tiny some on Islam. He made a statement that amazed me:

Buddhism is not even a religion. It's just a way of thinking.

Sounded like an argument waiting to happen so I turned to Google. Surely enough, there are many reasons to support my friend.

Check out this excerpt I took from this website - "Buddhism in a Nutshell:"

A Buddhist does not seek refuge in the Buddha with the hope that he will be saved by his (i.e. the Buddha's own) personal purification. The Buddha gives no such guarantee. It is not within the power of a Buddha to wash away the impurities of others. One could neither purify nor defile another. The Buddha, as teacher, instructs us, but we ourselves are directly responsible for our purification. Although a Buddhist seeks refuge in the Buddha, he does not make any self-surrender. Nor does a Buddhist sacrifice his freedom of thought by becoming a follower of the Buddha. He can exercise his own free will and develop his knowledge even to the extent of becoming a Buddha himself.  

- Buddha is NOT "God" (he specifically makes that clear).
- Buddha does not save you, or clear your sins.
- There are no specific prayers.
- There are no idols (many use Buddha's statute but only to pay respect to a wise man).
- There is much free will and freedom.

It seems to be a strong way of THINKING only? I'm confused right now. So, can I be a Christian Buddhist? I'll read more on this later. Just a side-track I took because that little voice in my head was talking again.

Sometimes I feel that voice has no path, it's just hopping around! :)

My First Visit To Church - My First Service...

This post is 3 days late. No idea what or why. That little voice in my head spoke again (I'm starting to believe it's a smart voice with a vision - could it be God?)

Saturday, I was with a great friend, who converted from Hinduism to Christianity. I was sharing about my journey, my studies, etc...

I had been wanting to go to Church at least for the experience but I had also been scared. She must have sensed it, she asked me very nicely and with no push.

At first, in shock and afraid, I said no. She didn't push. She didn't judge. She carried on the conversation. 3 Hours later I quietly asked if the offer was still open.

The next day (Church day) I felt very awkward and nervous. But I'm not one to shy away from new experiences.

1 hour later, the overall experience was mind-boggling and amazing.

1. SUPER organized. I was impressed. Big screens everywhere, cameras everywhere. 5 minutes before the service started, a count-down timer appeared on the screens. When he spoke, the verses he references read across on the screens.

2. Technically ADVANCED. The pastor has Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, a Blog. Wow. The Church has a vibrant, dynamic, community based website!

3. Easy Access. The services are recorded for web viewing. The services are aired simultaneously online as well.

4. They have a BAND. I mean a full on rock-band. "Boring" religious songs suddenly have a tang/twist and a "shake your booty" beat.

5. Amazing Speaker. One thing I've always loved about Christian Pastors is they are amazing speakers. I love personal development and most Christian services are basically a "how to be happier and live better" seminar (if you take out the Jesus parts).

For years I've admired Joel Osteen which is ironic because he's considered evangelical.  

6. Organized Messages That Make Sense. Each week, they pick different versus and a different message to teach. What a great way to learn and remember.

7. There was much more too - basically, I was more than just impressed. 

We started with a few songs from the Band. Then the Pastor came and led prayer with the group. In between, we were asked to look around, shake hands, say Hi and SMILE :)

Then, the Pastor spoke to us on the meaning of "Fatherhood" and related it to how Jesus is the ultimate Father.

Something I Personally LOVED - The Pastor taught through stories. I love stories. I still remember them, that's the power of stories. 

Not always "feel good" stories, but stories that resonate and clarify a strong point.

That's it. We left just an hour later with knowledge, spiritual enlightenment, smiles and this "feel good aura" that's hard to explain.

My friend was great about not pressuring me for "so what did you think" - she just came out calmly and casually.  A big thank you to her (even though she has no clue about this blog).

But I asked myself, "Would you come to another service again?" My inside voice had a LOUD and very emphatic response:

"Aimen brotha, I'd love to."

I left it at that. Am I Christian now? No. No. At least not yet. I got a lot more studying to do. But that was a splendid first experience and it made me feel good.

My end goal is...something I believe in, something I understand, people I admire and that good feeling. Good start. So, even if you're not Christian, go one day, experience it. They don't bite :)

Darwin Theory vs. God - A Religious Argument Until You Look at a Baby...

A fight that goes back so long.

Darwin's Theory - Man was created by "Evolution" - we started as just a CELL and slowly evolved and then through "Survival of the Fittest" - different features became more and more popular.

This happened over millions of years. 

Religion - Shove it Darwin. GOD created Man and Universe. Our design is his intelligence.

Till today, Darwin made much sense to me. Mostly, I also didn't care. "Who cares how I got here, the point is, I'm here."

Now, I stare into the eyes of my nephew and think hard. I mean look at him. Look at his little body, his little toes, fingers - really, can "evolution" do THIS?

Then I hear the Doctor say this:

"When he's born, he's heavier because he's retaining more water. Over the first few days he loses it. They specifically have more water to make it through the first few days of the new environment."

REALLY? Come on! "Evolution my ass" thinks my mind. This little baby is designed TOO damn well. He even retains more water in his body because he knows the first few days in the world will be hard?

I'm speechless. Darwin, maybe you're right. If you are, then I'm baffled even more by Evolution - it's damn near perfect.

Bible - The Story of Abraham (Willing To Sacrifice His Own Son)?

I specifically looked up this story, I have a close relationship to it (I don't want to get into why). Let's just say when I lost something very important to me in my life, this story was used to try to explain it to me.

God speaks to Abraham and asks Abraham to sacrifice his son to him (to test his faith in God). His son is obviously the most precious thing in his life. Abraham's faith gets it's biggest test.

Abraham agrees. He brings his son to the alter. He prepares to kill his son but God stops him at the very last second he can.

God wouldn't allow the sacrifice. God had tested his faith and knew Abraham was true. This story was once used to explain a matter to me. I never got it - not till I analyzed it and saw an explanation of it in the recent book I read.

Something to think about...

Abraham has faith. What exactly is that faith? The faith obviously is that God could never wrong Abraham. The worst "wrong" in this case would be for Abraham to lose his son. Right?

We can easily defer then that: Abraham had FAITH that God would NOT kill his son (deep-down). Or even if God had to kill him, God would bring his son back to life. In worst case, God would assure that Abraham's son is in a better place and better off.

Underlying lesson?

Whether Abraham's son is sacrificed or not - nothing bad could come of this command by God. Only GOOD can come of it.

I speak to the person who once told me this story. I think you missed this last part! Even if God killed Abraham's son, Abraham believed that God would bring his son back to life.

An amazing story of trust, faith and belief. Makes one think...

Is Christianity Actually Monotheistic? Or Are There 3 Gods?

REALLY interesting argument. Even more ironic? A CHRISTIAN proposed it to me. A devout Christian I know and someone who is of HUGE influence in my life. Someone I respect the utmost in this world.

Here's what he said:

"Christianity is not even a MONOtheistic religion as it claims to be. Actually Christianity believes in 3 Gods."

Huh? Really? I always thought it was a "One God" religion. But now that I'm learning, it's interesting.  In the religion, you DO pray to and worship 3 different things!

1. Father, the Lord
2. Jesus, the Son of God
3. The Holy Spirit

Very interesting. Very interesting. 

So, what do you think?  Does that make Christianity a religion of more than one God? 

Jesus - A Crazy Man or God - Pick One?

Hop in the time travel machine with me and let's go back 4-5 months:

Me: "But isn't it enough that I love the story of Jesus and that I believe in the values he taught, isn't that enough?"

I always believed this until I read "Christianity for Dummies," the author quotes C. Lewis, a very prominent Christian author who most in the Christian community really trust. C. Lewis basically called ME crazy for saying what I used to say (and I actually understand why).

C. Lewis says (and I paraphrase): "There's no such thing as just 'liking' his story. If you refuse to believe that Jesus was God but you 'like' his story - then YOU'RE crazy for liking a fool. Yes, because if you don't believe Jesus is God, you obviously must think he was a fool.  I mean the guy ran around calling himself God and apparently doing 'miracles.'  

What would YOU think right now if someone came to you and said "Follow me, worship me, do as I say for I am God." I know that if someone said that to me now, my immediate reaction would be "wow, you're crazy."

So, essentially - Christianity does not care for or allow middle ground - it's of no use. If you follow Jesus, then make him your God. If you don't, then nothing else is of value to Jesus. He doesn't want you to LIKE him, he says you need to worship him and accept him as your one and only.

MOVIE Review: The Passion of The Christ

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I had the random idea to watch "The Passion of the Christ" movie about a week ago when I was a few chapters into the "Dummies For Christianity" book. Just came to me...

I'd never seen it. When it first released, there was a LOT of controversy around it. Why? The only way to really understand is to see the movie. Christian or not, your eyes will tear up.

Jesus gets whipped, slashed and tortured. It's absolutely torturous to watch. They show the Jews as the ones who are killing him for "blasphemy" (as is described in the religion). Obviously, this would bring up some "controversy."

I Was Mistaken

I thought the movie was about the LIFE of Jesus. So I was hoping to learn more from it. However, I learned in the movie (a great lesson in itself), it's about his death. When someone say "Passion of Christ" they're referring to his willingness to suffer and die for our sins.

My Review:

DEFINITELY a must-see. BUT, read about Christianity first or else the movie will not make sense. The movie assumes you understand what terms/phrases and what the story is. It begins at him getting captured. It begins with him performing a miracle. It begins with the apostles.

You won't know any of that unless you've read first. After reading though, I kept having "OHHH AH HA" moments. 

Excellent excellent movie but my jaw was open the entire time. It's one of those movies you can't watch, but can't bare to even think about turning off. Just be warned, it's highly graphic and makes you FEEL every second of it.

Here You Go! I Found It On YouTube!

Christianity - Why Did God Let His Own Son, Jesus, Die?

Here's an argument people use against Christianity that actually irritates me. The argument is:

"If Jesus really is the son of God. Why did God let his own son DIE?"

That's the entire POINT of Christianity. God loves us. We're all his children and his love is TRUE. In the Genesis chapter of the Bible, God proclaims that he'll never wipe the Earth clean again because of sins (as he did during Noah time). Rather he gives Humans free will.

He knows we can't live without sin. He saw that. It was a guarantee but he didn't want to see his children destined to Hell. He needed to do something to save them.

He loved you so much, the only way he could protect you was to have Jesus pay the price of your sins. His own Son would have to die for us. Again, a measure of his love.

Think about yourself. Isn't there something in this world, you would give up ALL for? No? Try having a child. Your answer will change. I know for me, it's true.

Then people ask:

"If Jesus had to die for our sins, why die in such a drastic way?  Why couldn't he die a Saint's death?"

Well, his death was meant to be a price for our SINS. He had to SUFFER so YOU don't (is the teaching of Christianity). What kind of suffering would qualify to have him laid on a bed of roses?

So, there, that's why God would allow his own Son, Jesus, to die such a suffering death.

Kill, Rape, Steal - Believe In Jesus & Get a Free Card?

Today let me pose a question while I the answer. As you know I've already finished an entire book on Christianity - I'm currently studying the Bible.

In Christianity, Jesus says it is impossible for humans to live without sin. We are sinful from birth. Period.

That's exactly why God sacrificed his own son for us. He loves us so much. He still wanted to save us, even with our sins. Jesus is the ONLY human who was perfect, all good - no sin. He died for our sins.

His crucifixion serves as our freedom from our sins. Christianity also says:

"Being a good human or doing good things alone is not enough. It does not assure you the favor of God on Judgement day."

Only one thing can do that...Belief in Jesus. Only those that believe in Jesus can and will be saved. Every sin will be washed.

Well, now...hold on, WAIT a minute! (Time for my question)...

Does this mean I can do whatever sin I want? Kill, rape, steal?  So long as before I die, I say sorry and believe in Jesus, I'll be washed of all of them?

Sounds kind of like a FREE card no?  Kind of like something I can make an excuse out of?

Hmm...this is worth a thinking. Or is it more like...

Once you let Jesus in - he'll never even allow you to do all those bad things? Plus if you 'say' you believe in Jesus, but don't, well who's fooling God? Certainly not us humans! 

Very interesting. I guess what they mean is that all sins (when you were not a believer) will be forgiven. Once you ARE a believer, you can't sin like that - God won't allow you to.

Yes, I'm open for debate here - just remember, let's not get offended and go all bezerk. This is a SAFE place from those kinds...

Praying, Asking For a Sign, Then a Miracle?

Christians believe in the power of prayer. The power of prayer to give you answers to ANYTHING in the world. The fix ANYTHING in the world.

Religion or not, I've always prayed. I've always asked for "signs" when I'm troubled or lost. However, in the midst of my studies of Christianity, I thought "let me pray more in the Christian style."

Two nights ago I went to sleep asking God for a sign regarding 2 things in my life that are really troubling me as of late. I wanted a sign if he wants me to continue going in my direction.

Many would say this is not how God works - he doesn't just give signs. Some may say it's selfish. To them all I say, good for you. It's always worked for me. When I ask for a sign, I've always gotten it.  Even though I have no name to the God I pray to - he's always answered in the past.  Fine, even if it was not God - it was then "a power in the Universe" - whatever it was. 

Praying has been good to me.

6 hours after waking up, I get a phone call that my little nephew is finally on his way! I've waited at least 2 weeks eagerly for him, to the point of frustration (I'm not a very patient man).

MY TOY (batteries included ;)  IS HERE!  I immediately grabbed my pre-packed bag, jammed my car with his presents and was on my 2 hour drive to reach the hospital.

On the drive I realized - was that just an answer to my prayer?  Was that the sign I asked for?  Hours after I awake, God hands me this little miracle who is destined to change my life (who already has started changing my life)?

The questions I asked of in my prayer dealt with the process of finding a new life - or renewing my existing life. Well, this little nephew sucking his thumb in my lap has just changed the entire way I make a decision in my life - if that's not a sign, what is?

You tell me? Was my prayer answered?