Could it be? Is it a possibility? What would it mean to the followers of Christ that call themselves Christians because they believe that "Jesus died for my sins".

Rev. Gretta Vosper wrote a book which included this in the title - why how we live is more important than what we believe. I've thought the same for many years, but last Saturday experienced what I think is the living embodiment of this. I was privileged to conduct a memorial service for the sister of a good friend. While the family was born Buddhist, they were not active in a congregation. Since I have also begun to practice Buddhism, the service combined Christian and Buddhist elements.

 So, this is a rather old event, but it's been on my mind for a long time. I need some ... thoughts sorted out, you know?

I live on a farm, just for some background information. We usually have about 6 ewes that produce lambs each year. They're born in the spring, as the snow is just beginning to melt.

Last year, we had several disappointments, to say the least. Not unexpected living on a farm but it hurt nonetheless. 

I don't remember (or don't want to remember) the exact happenings, but:

Is it really possible for us to believe (trust in the reality & goodness of) anything that we haven't actually experienced?

Personally, I don't think so. What do you think?

Me and a friend got in quite an arguement. So, do you think Atheism is limited to the common disbelief of God, or does it have it's own aspects or "religion" such as beliefs, rules or followings?

            The theme of today’s reading from the First Letter of John is “love one another” - a most appropriate theme for Mother’s Day, on which we celebrate the Christian family. Writer A. E. Brooke once said, “Life is a chance of learning how to love.” I know of no better place for learning to love than the home.

All that I am really sure of is that some Creative Force, with some intelligent intent began with the creation of our Universe. Now that I have said this, I even wonder if I am stuck in "time talk", and this universe was always there, "unfolding as it should". However, the idea that it moves towards a higher level of complexity over time has also stuck with me, indicating some kind of "intent" or "direction" within a time frame context. So this becomes my Creative God.

There are numerous threads here in the Cafe' right now talking about athiesm.  And as a byproduct of these threads, many atheists and agnostics have posted on why they have come to believe the way they do.

So let me ask the Christians out there.  What is it that brought you into a relationship with Jesus Christ, or to become a follower of Jesus?  What, for you, are the cornerstones of this relationship or your reasons for following?

God bless,

I guess I could say that my faith is a bit of an evolution.  When I was a child I was taught that "God" was the man with a white beard who would punish me if I did anything "bad".  I kept a very strong belief despite these teachings that God as I knew it/him was not a punisher.  I didn't have "fear" I had a sense of love and chose to do what I felt was right not based on fear of consequence but on the desire to do that which would be pleasing...showing love and care for others because it was just right to do so.  That part hasn't change

Marvel. A word, I think, we use too scarcely.