[quote]JEATON wrote:
Just a couple of thoughts, unexamined, that come to me.
If you are willing to question Christianity to the point that you take Christ out of the picture and reduce it to a yin/yang, light/dark, duality of virtually equal strength and validity, ie. of equal powers of God vs. Satan and whether or not God is the actual deceiver, why not just ditch the whole thing? Why go through the trouble of trying to decipher a mystery that as presented is undecipherable?
After all, there is no shortage of established religions. Is there not one that meets your needs?
In a very simplistic way, I would say that the choice of a religion, or degree of adherence to one chosen for you, is to establish a moral or ethical “center of gravity.” Said another way, it is the foundation of a philosophy one chooses by which to govern their moral or ethical behavior.
Here is another thought to ponder. I would suggest the possibility that the more “mature” one’s sense of moral and ethical development becomes, the less one’s need for a rigid, fundamental, literally interpreted and applied form or sect of religion.
Here is where my line of thought might appear to take the form of a personal attack. I promise in advance that this is not my intention.
If one’s level of moral and ethical development is so “immature” as to need the structure and layout of a “Dungeons and Dragons” game, then you might truly need the guidance and mentoring of a more enlightened soul (or at least someone with psychiatric skills). Honestly, take a step back, put some distance between yourself and this scenario and give it a good objective going over.
There is also another possibility. You could simply be looking into this for the shock value it brings to the table. After all, think of the temporary “significance” you would gain in telling someone that you were a real life Satanist. If this is the case you are just trying on clothes and you are not likely to follow through to any real depth. Therefore, you would mostly be harmless to those around you.
Again, I don’t mean to insult you, but I do mean to make you think a little more deeply on this decision. [/quote]
At the end of all this, I might just get rid of the whole idea of a religion.
I can say that my morality is sound in its foundation. There’s no problem there, just the need to question things, that’s all. Is it wrong to want to look over at the other side? The two practicing Satanists I know arent immoral people. I doubt I’d be immoral if I chose to join them. The same goes for the Christians I know. Typing that made me realize, it might not be worth it to label myself anything. It really has no bearing either way.
This wouldn’t be one of my “shock” adventures, its too important. And, I agree that from where you’re sitting I’m coming off a little nutty.
No offense taken. I appreciate all thoughts. That is probably why I’m in the situation.
I’m not going to rush into anything, I have friends on both sides I can talk to about each church. So if one of these is my path it will be well guided.
Thanks