How Dare You Question My Faith?

** I have no idea why I'm writing the following, nothing has happened to "me" really, this is just something I was thinking about when I was reading some forums on Religion..."


Just a "rant" for those who are BORN into certain religions. I'll pick on "Christianity" for a moment since it's on my mind (why? Because I firmly believe that I, myself, am now a follower of Christ). By the way, the below works with ANY faith or belief. The key focus is on the difference in those who are BORN into a faith versus one who FINDS the faith.

Anyways...meet 2 people I'm making up. Matt and Ashish.

Matt = Born into Christianity - Knows nothing else, always believed, was taught that way.
Ashish = Born into Hinduism - Starts researching and finds the path of Jesus

Out of these 2 peoplw, I've discovered people like MATT are likely to make a DANGEROUS mistake. Here's what I'm seeing what "people like Matt" may do.

"Somehow, they expect people like Ashish to 'prove' themselves..."

If Ashish comes to Matt and says...

I've researched it all and I believe, I can't believe all these things are happening to me." 

 Matt has a tendency to look at him and say...

"Oh yea? How come all of a sudden? Prove it. Are you sure? You probably don't know..."

You know "Matt" - I'd be willing to bet money that Ashish may even know MORE than YOU. Ashish in this situation has come "into" the faith - meaning he discovered it by learning about other things. He was born into one thing but has gone through a revelation (and a hard one most likely) to arrive at his current beliefs.

Whereas in MOST cases, Matt was born into it and knows nothing else. His faith has 'meshed' in with his life. In reality 'meshing' can be dangerous for your service to God. Why? Because Ashish is more likely to distinguish, Matt is more likely to take for granted...

Relax Matt...I'm not questioning YOUR faith - just giving a balanced perspective.

If Ashish Hesitates - Here's Why...

The reason most "Matts" in the world question the "Ashish" is because Ashish tends to hesitate. He may have moments of doubt. His eyes may seem lost initially. He may come off as aloof. He may even sound like he's stumbling...

Does this mean he doesn't fully believe? No!

Think about it logically. He spent DECADES of his life thinking one way (whether he believe in another God or no God). The point is, his ENTIRE life he thought one way. 

His entire life he grew up in a particular community that practiced a particular way. Now, all of a sudden (may times OVER NIGHT), he is experiencing feelings and knowledge that questions his very being at the core?

Can you imagine what would happen to YOU, Matt?  Do you not think you'd walk around a bit "glass eye" or scared. Do you not think you'd have moments where you say "uhh..is this for real?" 

In any religion, God says that we are human and because of that we make mistakes. It's only natural for us to be afraid of that we do not know. It's only natural for us to be anxious of change. Matt, believe it or not, you do all this too in every other area of your life.

So, Matt, EMBRACE Ashish. Don't challenge him at every step of the way. Don't ask him to PROVE himself in ways you would not ask of anyone who was "born" into your faith. Don't question and push him.

If anything, be there to support and encourage him. Answer his questions and welcome him. At least in the terms of Christianity, I'm certain that is what Jesus would do.

Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 is titled: Contemplating The Goal

The overall purpose of chapter 5 is to outline that we are to do what we do with almost no specific Goal. Humans are not to rejoice and not to grieve. Our actions are done purely for the Divine and only with God in mind.

We do everything we do as a part of our DUTY assigned to us by God. Hence, the results of it are of no importance to us.

Personally, I feel this Chapter almost made it seem like we should be some kind of ROBOTS. I can't remember the last thing I've ever done where the result of it didn't inspire atleast SOME personal emotion out of it.

This sounds so good to SAY but so hard to actually DO.

Here are some key quotes I grabbed:

"Knowing this, you come to the place where all paths meet, and you achieve lasting peace of mind."

Krisna means knowing that there are no results and you are working ONLY for the Divine at all times...

"Purity of action, mind and heart is absolutely essential for further spiritual growth. To a karma-yogi who has turned his or her whole life toward Divinity, the body, senses and intellect are just instruments for self-purification. Any work this Karma-yogi performs is done dispassionately and this enhances spiritual unfolding."

This particular verse really explains deeper the concept of our body and all sense just being an "illusion." They have nothing to do with our relationship with God. If anything, they get in the way.

We are to perform all actions without worrying about the Physical things we can see, feel.

 "They are neither elated by good fortune nor depressed by what is painful; they nether rejoice nor grieve. They know that the sensation called pleasure appears and disappears like a flash of lighting, and know that the cost of pleasure is inevitable misery and pain, which is indeed a dear price."

This is the best quote to summarize the entire chapter. It states what Krisna is saying pretty clearly.

WOW! Another Biblic Proof of "Law of Attraction"

Wouldn't you know it. The SECOND video I clicked after posting about the FIRST one. READ THIS POST. I found a sermon that is even more DIRECTLY linking "law of attraction" to God, Faith.

In this one even words like "energy" are used. Also a new scripture reference is made:

"The thing I feared came upon me." JOB 3:25

The basic teaching here is to NOT focus on the negative and worry but to replace it with HOPE, FAITH and GOD's love. Start watching this at 2:17

Please fast forward the video to 2:17 to start the message:

Joel Osteen Found "Law of Attraction" In The Bible!

OK, I cannot hold my joy back so I'm posting. Firstly, weird or not, I've been a HUGE Joel Osteen fan for years. Yes, before I cared for religion, God or any spiritual matter. I don't know what it is about this man, but he speaks to me.

I admire the way he speaks. I admire his message. I admire his insight of the human psyche. I admire his vision. I admire his goals. I admire him.

Now that I've built a shrine for him here :P let's get to the point. Below there is a video (10 minutes), you MUST watch it (after you read below).

For at least the last 10 years, I have been an avid believer in the "Law of Attraction." What is it? Well Wikipedia says the following:

"...a metaphysical belief that "like attracts like", that positive and negative thinking bring about positive and negative physical results, respectively."

Essentially - thinking good puts out good energy to Universe, Universe gives you good and vice versa. In my life, I have honestly seen the law of attraction do wonders. I remain a firm believer.

However, I always felt RELIGION or GOD was "ANTI-law of attraction" since you are to turn all things over to God. Well, today I know I was wrong thanks to Joel Osteen.

In 10 minutes he explains how even God and his word through the Bible practices law of attraction. He quotes a verse here:

"According to your faith be it done unto you." Matthew 9:29

Interesting. In "traditional" law of attraction they use a word "energy" and "Universe." In GOD "speak" we use the words "faith" and "god" interchangeably! This is a PROFOUND concept for me, I could literally do a back flip right now.

Joel says that we should expect good things from God. Think good thoughts and look for the good. We shouldn't be afraid of it. We shouldn't think that we don't deserve it. We should know that God will do good for us and it's OK to "expect" that.

Now, Joel gets hammered in the comments by (excuse me for my opinion) IDIOTS. They are criticizing him for preaching that one should have "expectations from God." This is ridiculous! It is also proof that they did not watch the entire 10 minutes. At exactly 6:40, Joel himself clarifies that he does not mean you "expect from God." No one is asking you to be supernatural yourself.

Those of you writing negative comments. Stop your whining and go watch it again, the man even QUOTES the Bible!

Yet another quote is to reference those who are AFRAID of good things. As soon as something good happens they begin to think "Oh wow, I wonder how long this will last, I wonder when it will end." This is not good faith, it's a failure in faith, for God himself said:

"His favor is for a lifetime." PSALM 30:5

Thanks Joel. You rock. I highly recommend everyone watch this video below.

1 Fundamental of Hinduism Hindus MUST Accept

The more and more I study, I've learned the following. Many say that Hinduism is the most accepting and open religion. In many ways this is true, however, in a few ways this is also not true.

I recently wrote of an argument of could someone be a "Hindu Christian" - I'm now seeing that one cannot. As much freedom as Hinduism allows, there is one strict rule that has no room for negotiation - they are the CORE beliefs of Hinduism.

Re-Incarnation. I wrote a post about the definition of this here. Basically the cycle of being re-born based on the actions of your prior life. The better you are, the higher up in the "totem pole" you go. The worse you were, the lower you go.

This is all based on your "Karma" - your actions.

This is probably one of the most defining elements of Hinduism.

If you're wondering what my personal opinion on this is?

I'm not sure yet. But I never truly understood re-incarnation until now. I realize now that my entire life, since childhood I have firmly believed in Heaven and Hell. Im not sure if that was just "Western Influence" through the TV or what.


However, even as a child I knew - if you do bad, you go to hell. If you do good, you go to heaven. So, essentially, all my life I have NOT believed in re-incarnation (even though I called myself a Hindu).


Let's just put it this way, I have spent FAR more time wondering if I'm going to heaven or hell than I have wondering what animal I was in my past life or will be in my future life.


Hmm...

My Problem with Leviticus

Firstly, do not take this personally. I am simply voicing questions and concerns not offering judgment. The Book of Leviticus is about rituals and sacrifices. From my studies of Jesus and Christianity, it seemed that rituals and sacrifices were looked down upon.

However, the Bible is the word of God. Christians follow the Bible. Jesus defends, explains and expands on the Old Testament (a part of the Bible). Leviticus is IN the Old Testament. Hence, Christians (and Christ himself) believe in the Leviticus. Right?

Established?

Then, why do I not know a SINGLE Christian that follows these practices or laws? Most I know eat Pork (against Leviticus 11:7).

None I know offer any such sacrifices or rituals. The opposite happens. They avoid and judge other religions for their sacrificial background and beliefs.

I asked my Christian friend and she said:

"Well the Bible is the word of God. We won't understand it all. That's OK. We just trust him. We can't pick and choose what we BELIEVE, we must believe it all. However, some things do change with the time and culture."

BAM! I got a problem with that last statement.

No where in the Bible does it state that we have the right to tweak it based on "Time." Jesus never said that either. So...who said we can then?

And, if so, who decides? Where is the line?

What applies and what doesn't?  This opens a BIG hole. This opens a LOT of room for personal "opinion."  I'm not saying that's bad or good. I'm saying Christians need to be true to that and realize it.

I guess that's why we have so many denominations? Just interesting. 

I guess I don't like that people feel they can say "ohhh that...yea that is not applicable due to the time" to something they don't do. But, to something they DO follow, they can scream "bloody murder" at another Christian and pass judgement.

It smells of hypocrisy. That's all :)  I part in peace, no offense intended.

The 3 Steps To Getting An Answer To a Prayer

The more I pray, the more I'm learning how to! I haven't read anything about it - I just do whatever feels right. Here's the 3 steps I'm seeing:

1. Pray for an answer - put a question out there to God.
2. Be open enough to HEAR the answer.
3. BELIEVE the answer *KEY STEP*

Step 1:

Obviously, you need to pose a question to God. Don't ask for something specific, that's not a prayer. That's you playing God. You're telling God that you already know what's best and for him to just GIVE it to you. God is not your personal "Genie." Only he knows best, give him that respect.

Everyone prays in a different way. I don't believe there is a right or wrong way. I like to pray at night right before bed (sometimes I even fall asleep half way in :P) but that's OK!

Step 2: 

Keep an open mind an LOOK for the answer. God will provide it in any way he feels fit. Personally, I notice mine get answered mostly when I'm sleeping. A dream... or it's my first thought when I wake up... something like that.

Step 3:

BELIEVE it. This is actually the HARDEST part. You'll be inclined to question it. "Was that really an answer or am I just crazy?" "Was that just my subconscious?" "Did I just read too much into that?"
If it feels like it was possibly an answer, it probably is.

See, I think this is where God leaves us be. He can only show a path, it's up to us to TRUST him enough to take it or recognize it.

Listen, if he were going to make it so easy as to just HAND it to you and do all the work, then what's the point? Why would he even put us here to begin with.

The decision to believe his answer has to be yours.

It sounds easy, but it isn't. Trust me, Step 3 is the toughest one and it takes time. I'm working the most on that right now.

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 ;)

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!

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.