Eiliyah, if only everyone believed and lived as you do wouldn't this be such a wonderful, peaceful world? Oh well, we can all do our little bit to help.
Registered User
Eiliyah, if only everyone believed and lived as you do wouldn't this be such a wonderful, peaceful world? Oh well, we can all do our little bit to help.
Registered User
Ryn- sorry, haven't been on for about a week so haven't replied. But thankyou for your thoughts on the pig thing!!
It's so sad that in all religions people are criticised by others even of the same religion for what they do or believe!! How frustrating!!
Don't get me started on Christmas, lol. I love Christmas. But, I'm Christian and I want it to be about Jesus in my house, not how many presents you get from Santa. I can just imagine what my family would say if I chose not to do Santa for my kids, I'd be depriving them or something of course. It would be such a big deal that I think I'm just going to do it. But I've decided that I'm not having any Santa decorations or anything like that. We have lots of decorations now but not of Santa or reindeer or anything, and I always buy Christmas cards that actually have the nativity or something on them. Hmm....it's going to be hard though.
Registered User
We don't do Santa, SJ. We don't even do stockings (LOL, can't afford to fill them!) although I have - or rather, DS has a very old family one that has been passed down... six generations now? Something like that.
I can see the uproar this year because DH is getting a DVD we get free with loyalty points (maybe after Christmas because it looks like we won't have all the points in time), I'm kniting DS some sheep and I'm not getting anything. Maybe best not to tell family that! But we don't need anything - and DS will get so many toys why add to that? Last year was so ridiculous. All I want is a specific book and a specific film, maybe a pair of slippers... I don't want to write a whole list for MiL, as she always asks for one (then ignores it). But Christmas isn't about gifts so I should remind people that. *gulp* then run away!
And yes, always the ones with no faith that can't respect it. I'm sick of people assuming because they're athiest/agnostic and family they can berate me for hours because I have the truth about Jesus. You don't believe? Fine. You started harassing me and I'll defend myself, yes from the Bible. Because it's true. Bah, blood pressure rising again thinking of this so best be off!
Registered User
Ryn- so you don't do Santa at all. You are brave these days I reckon!! Just going off what I think my family would say if I did that
So.....was thinking again, lol........what about the other contraversial religious beliefs....how do ppl deal with them when they come up?
I was also thinking (because of the euthanasia thread), what about when religious beliefs are different to society's beliefs? I know in Christianity for example there are some pretty controversial beliefs which were accepted back in the day but are now not so accepted by society. How do we stay true to our beliefs without offending people?? I just keep it to myself but sometimes these things come up in conversation. How do you deal with it?
Registered User
SJ, it's an easy choice - we can't afford it. I know we'll get more respect from my dad's family for acknowledging our finances and living within our means than for showering Liebs with gifts In-laws probably won't understand as they've never really struggled this much and my mum's family go into debt to treat themselves so won't grasp the concept of income ?20, expenditure ?19/19/6 = happiness (as Mr Micawber put it). In a few years' time, when we can afford it, then we won't see the point in starting it, we'll just buy gifts as and when rather than saving them up for Christmas. TBH, the more I think on it, the crueller Christmas is. You see a toy. You want the toy. Your parents buy you the toy... then make you wait three months before you can play with it because "it's Christmas soon." Let's just do the family time and the Jesus time without the presents, so much fairer. And that way all the toys get played with, not forgotten about (DS is STILL discovering Christmas and Birthday gifts now - 8-10 months later!).
Other "contraversial" beliefs. I go with "love the sinner, hate the sin." And don't enquire too much. If I am asked about it, I will point out I have no problem with the person, just what they are doing. The Bible states XYZ, I believe this, we "can't help the way we're born" but we can help what we do with our adult lives. We may be born into a life of crime, for example, but we don't have to follow that path. Illegal drugs aren't "a bit of fun"; they're not only illegal but they're ruining your body - a body God made for you and gave you. You really think so little of God you're going to destroy your body? Life isn't a race to the coffin, slamming in there with pickled liver, tar-filled lungs and an "I've lived" sign around your neck (as so many proudly believe); it's about respecting yourself, your LORD and your salvation - and proclaiming proudly a sign around your neck that says "I will live again - bring on the second coming!"
Hi everyone, just finished reading all that !! First time here, and it is such an interesting forum! Had to read all eheh
Well I was very curious about, in the begining, the "dedication" instead of Christening...
How does that work? Is that linked to any religion?
And to all that stuggle with their families/friends, first thing that came into my mind was: "I would try to find the right moment and give little pieces of information on my views, so they can start to understand them..."
Would do that during different times we met, but just in little pieces, so they don't feel "pressured" or think I'd be trying to convert or convince them something...
And SJ, as your family makes the comments as a "joke" that you can't really answer about, just do the same...
When you have a chance in a conversation, mention someone you met (even that it's not anyone, just someone "made" for the example ahahah) and that you connected with because "this person" is so open-minded, respects different things even that they're different from what she/he thinks and believes...that you admire that and joke that it's "so good to know someone that is different from the others" and that she/he makes you feel so comfortable..
Adjust that to your own way...That may get them, and if not, well, it was worth trying hehe
Just an idea...
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks