Hi, new here w/?? on some things.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2004
Hi, new here w/?? on some things.
7
Sun, 08-14-2005 - 11:13am

Hello my name is Shannon and I have some question on spirituality and faith in the essence of those not "Christians" per se, but do good in the eyes of God.


I am a born and raised Catholic as is my DH. DH was raised in a Diocys (sp?) where if you did not go to church every single Sunday, you won't go to Heaven, so his perception of our religion has always been rather meek. I was given that impression as well but somehow along the way, I developed a relationship with God and have always tried to put my trust in Him for decisions coming down the line in my life. Nobody taught me that, I've just always had a very positive outlook on life and the older I get, I realize it's because sub-consciously I have always looked to God for assistance, whether I always asked him everytime or not. However, going to church was always forced down DH's throat which has always made it more difficult for him so to this day, he doesn't really know "how" to have that relationship. DH struggles a little more because he feels like he is the one responsible for everything that happens in his life and that nobody can make things better but himself. He believes in God but to him, God is abstract and someone he cannot see. He struggles understanding how to have a talk to someone he cannot "see" or "talk" to because he cannot physically "hear" His voice.  I know that all the great things that have ever happened in my life are not by my choices, but because God has helped guide me to make those choices. I've always taken new challenges as a way to strengthen myself in an area I maybe wasn't so strong in before. I believe I was placed in DH's life for a reason and I hope someday I can find a way to make him understand.


Growing up I belonged to a youth group and they preached being "Saved" in order to get into Heaven. "Accept Jesus as your Personal Savior and you will go to Heaven". Is there really such a thing as being "Saved". That seems rather prejudiced to me and singles people out. What if you are a good person and lead a good life and do good things and believe that things happen for a reason and carry a strong optimistic mindset, but don't go to church or read the Bible all the time. Are you destined for an eternity in Hell then? I am thinking NOT even though that's the way it's relayed sometimes.  I have a hard time believing people can be singled out just because they choose to honor God in different ways than others. Just because someone doesn't go to church or pray every single day, but they make a conscious effort to live life the best way they know how and they believe in God and they carry an awesome attitude about things, that shouldn't single them out from going to Heaven someday; or does it?


Are we bad people because we don't go to church? If DH and I died tomorrow, would we both go to Heaven? I think yes.


Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Sun, 08-14-2005 - 4:52pm

Shannon,


You and DH are falling into the trap


iVillage Member
Registered: 06-19-2003
Sun, 08-14-2005 - 6:41pm
I've always been taught that (basically) we will be judged on what we were taught in life and how we lived what we were taught in regards to good morals and values. For instance, a Hindu man who has never heard of Christ, but lives a righteous life (i.e. treats everyone as his brother or sister, doesn't lie, cheat or steal, etc.) will not be doomed to hell simply because he did not know of and accept Christ as his Savior.
If that were so, God would be a partial God and only love those of His children who knew of Him and followed His commandments, and would hate all who did not have the opportunity to know of Him. What kind of God would He be? But He loves us all, no matter who we are. He may not be pleased with our actions at all times, but He does love us all, regardless.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 08-14-2005 - 7:18pm
Hi Shannon,
I believe we are all part God because we are made in His/Her image.
When people tell us the perfect thing, it is from God speaking thru them.
The universe speaks to us in many ways if we are open to it.
My friend's brother ( deceased)
had a ceremony today at the Cape re the ashes. The sister
who could not go was in Idaho. At the time her family was together
they saw a license plate that said, Cape Cod. I'd say it was a God energy
telling them they were a part of things. maybe a message from the brother who died.
I think we are all connected. You may like to read the God books by Neil Donald Walsh.
Welcome, Love, Leila
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2003
Sun, 08-14-2005 - 9:50pm
Oh Leila, I love that, the message from the brother who died to the sister and her family using the Cape Cod plate.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2003
Sun, 08-14-2005 - 10:03pm

Hi Shannon, I can't say it any better then the others.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 08-15-2005 - 8:13am
Isn't it incredible? I get many messages from license plates.
I was once wondering if I should go to Atlanta for a reconnection
healing seminar. I got 5 plates. Only remember a few, one was a car
in front of me that said Atlanta, Georgia, the other, travel, another marriot,
I was staying at the Marriot!!!!!!!!!!! Had a problem with my friend Jim
years ago, a plate went by that said, I love Jim. I asked for a sign that
God was with me when my last manfriend moved out, one plate said
free, the other heart. How does the universe get the cars inthe right place??
when my brother died my cell phone had all 1's on it. 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1.
I knew he was OK.
Love, Leila
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-31-2003
Mon, 08-15-2005 - 8:42am
Leila, you really have a connection.