Posted on 04/21/2010 7:43:38 PM PDT by West Texas Chuck
OK, a lot of y'all will freak on this, but I am not a Christian. Not that I have any problem at all with His teachings, but I decided a long time ago I didn't want Jesus to die on that cross to expunge my sins. I'll take the hit to my own Karma. Laugh if you want, but this is what I believe: Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.
I was raised Southern Baptist. My grandfather was a deacon in the church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I remember unlocking the church with him before the sun came up, and going to Sunday School. Ortho Orville Oliver would probably spin in his grave to hear this but at his funeral I decided his religion was not what made sense to me. I think I was 12 at the time. I was a hippie for years, and then I was pretty much Godless for a long time, like those are different things. Then I met a girl who is what they call a "fortune baby" meaning she was born into this philosophy. Her old 75+ year old Japanese momma made her what she is, and she made me what I am, in a quasi-religious sense. It's a Japanese thing. I've been fascinated with Japanese culture since my first karate class, and before. Ni Gojuryu karate really started me down this path, several decades ago.
I don't worship Buddha, Soka Gakkai International is not about that in any way, we just believe in personal responsibility for the Karma we create for ourselves. There is no such thing as good Karma, all Karma is pretty much bad (sin?). It is a debt you create and carry. I believe in reincarnation and a lot of things that will probably make your skin crawl if you are Christian.
I have no problem with Christians. I'll stand and fight and die with you because you believe in a righteous God. Please don't hate me because I am a Buddhist.
Hate me because I am good looking ;)
“Almost every sentence in your screed contains the word “I,” often multiple times.”
Fair point. That is probably what differentiates Buddhism from Christianity, we are focused on the “I” part of being.
No insult meant, it is just a point of difference.
There IS a FReeper called Texas Chick.
That is who I thought it was before my FR Fopaux.
http://www.freerepublic.com/~texaschick/
Something tells me TSgt might enjoy that, though.
lolol. J/K TSgt!
Don’t even make me go sashaying out and vote for McCain!
LOL!
I don’t mind. I’m not exactly your grandparent’s Christian myself.
I can’t speak for God, but I can’t imagine him being too hard on a non-Christian who is devoted to righteousness, either.
“Have you run into Christians before who hated non Christians merely because the were non Christians?”
Yeah, I guess. My grandmother hated Jews and Catholics. I still can’t understand that, I guess it was how she was raised. And a finer woman never lived. Her and my grandfather would take in “people of color” back in the 60s and feed them and home them because they were true to their beliefs. My grandfather would work two jobs and then go work on houses for Oklahoma Indian peoples because that was what he was called to do. That was an admirable and honest living of his faith. God Bless you grandpa.
I have to respect that, in fact I think those are true Christian virtues.
I'd even go so far as to say that he may have even been a prophet sent to prepare the way for Jesus Christ, at least by the time he comes again. I've also known Baptists who are very decent people as well as those who would put Fred Phelps to shame the way they espouse hatred for Mormons, Catholics and anyone else who does not subscribe to their narrow little brand of Christianity.
I hope this isn't what turned you off on Christianity, but if it was, I hope you will understand that they are a narrow-minded minority who make up in venom and volume what they lack in numbers. There are hundreds of brands of Christianity out there and I think you have a good chance of finding one which will meet your needs, because Jesus Christ is the son of God and will not force anyone to accept him as their Savior. But his helping hand is there for any who make that choice despite all the noise out there.
My dogma ate your karma.
Chuck, Im not going to try to talk you out of your beliefs. If you aren’t attacking us or trying to legislate against us, I’m comfortable. I wasn’t always a Christian but I later decided as an adult that it was the right decision and was baptized.
So, no hate from me. I’m guessing if you’re in this forum because you’re conservative, you and I have more in common than we don’t. I feel sorry for people who would try ti chase you away. I hope you don’t feel like anyone is trying to chase you off.
Self-worship is the oldest man-made religion, in addition to being the most widespread.
Its genesis can be traced to the original lie of Satan to Eve in the garden: “You shall be as gods.”
I pray you find out before it’s too late that you’re not God, and that all little “g” gods are idols — idols which the LORD our Creator shall destroy.
But I assure you that you will find out. It’s only a question of when, not if.
Hey, when my time comes and I see that light, if Jesus is standing there I am sure to humble myself and accept him.
See, that is so Buddhist, though I’m sure it makes no sense to some of you. When you see die and the truth is there, you have to go into the light.
No reference to Ghost Whisperer meant. Well, I am sorta making fun of that show. We will all meet our maker. Some of us will turn away. Some of us will find glory. I hope I believe enough to realize the truth when it comes to me.
I don’t fear death. There I go with the “I” again.
Too bad he didn’t take in acting lessons.
I remember there is a Texas Chick freeper too.
Is the correct FR spelling of fauxpas “Fopaux”? I don’t want to check the FR dictonary this late at night. This thread has been so entertaining, I may have to set my beeber on stune and taze myself to get to sleep.
(uh-oh, another late night FR no-no, an attempt at humor)
Except the only problem is that there is no such thing as a “non-Christian devoted to righteousness”. Jesus Christ IS our righteousness so you might as well be saying a “non-Christian devoted to Christ”.
I'm a Christian (a Catholic, in fact), and the only things that make my skin crawl are liberals. And centipedes.
Glad you're here.
Why would a Christian hate you for not being a Christian?
Stand up Chuck and take a bow.
It’s not often we get a chance to chant Daimoku here at FR.
No, I don’t remember anything that turned me away from Jesus, it’s not like that. I had an epiphany (if I can use that word) at my grandfather’s funeral. Something spoke to me and gave me a way to understand my life and his death.
Don’t over-analyze this y’all, believe what calls you. I have no problem with believing in the Saviour, honestly. Somehow I found a faith that guides me that is not what might be considered the canon of the Christian church.
I am an American first, a Conservative second, and a Texan third. I’m sorry, but my faith doesn’t call me to put Christ in there. Sorry. Call me stubborn.
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