I think we need a Thread where we can discuss all areas of Religion, and the Holy Scriptures.Too often topics end up being Off Topic due to Members involving Religion.If a Topic gets too far away from the Topic Heading,Moderators could remind Members that there is a place now for discussions on Religion.
My first Question is,How can a person be sure that they belong to the right Religious Denomination?.When I used to go to Church,I allways wondered if I belonged to the correct Faith. With the thousands of Religious Denominations and their offshoots,how do I know?I still wonder today,if the one I belonged to was the right one.Has anyone ever investigated another Faith to see if indeed, they belonged to the wrong Faith?

Wow, thoughtful and sensitive question here, DSTM.

Yes, I did - often - perhaps not so much for the wondering if I belonged to the 'wrong' Faith, as much as simply being intensely curious.

Children (at least I was) are curious about so so much in life - and I find it a bit odd that so many people were 'right' and only they 'right' in their Faith - which, in turn, at least to a child's way of thinking, can lead to everyone else therefore having to be 'wrong' in their Faith.

I was surrounded by the most incredible Mennonite and Catholic children and in later grade-school years, 'Hindu' faith. And I and my family of the Christian, United Church faith.

And what I discovered - and intensely believe - that all of us, not just the one Faith I and my family practised - had so, so much in common. Be kind, do not harm to others if possible, help wherever you can and on and on. In fact, by attending these other Churches and many more denominations as I grew older, I found that the 'common threads' far, far outweighed any minor differences between the Faiths.

In fact, the one huge difference that existed then - and seems to exist now - is the pesky one that seems to have plagued mankind forever - the inability to simply accept that ours is not the 'one and only' and that having someone believe something else is not a reflection on our own personal belief system.

Do hope all this makes at least a bit of sense - gentle smile - but I got lucky as a child, I didn't have to wonder if I belonged to the 'wrong' faith, as I considered myself belonging to all of them.

Well how I believe that everyone should find thier denomination is like so.
First find out do you believe in a creator/omnipotent being?
Second do you believe in many gods?
Third what qualities do you believe of god or gods (ex. merciful, vengeful)?
Then just narrow it down to a religion, then from there narrow down to a denomination or sect.
I believe in choice and that YOU decide who god is, not some preacher.

I think most people follow what ever denomination/sect that their parents/guardians followed.

As for "Common threads" this is what I like to "preach" in reality religions are very much simmilar, and religious denominations/sects are even more simmilar.

I was born and raised a (ahem, this is a mouthful) Independent, Fundamentalist, Southern Baptist, which when broken down means the church I attended wasn't part of the SBC (Southern Baptist Convention) but had many ties to it (I do live really close to Liberty University after all), and they preached the gospel, the Old Testament, and the Revelations. Yes Hellfire and Damnation were on the billing every Sunday. Needless to say I didnt fit in and just left the whole religion thing alone, with the exception of scaring the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Korean 7th Day Adventists who came knocking on my door.

I really and honestly could care less what religion others believe. I believe that they are all means to the same end (happy eternity in Heaven with God or Elvis or whoever else a person chooses), with the exception of Satanism which has to be the most oddball religion Ive ever heard of, Why would you want to spend eternity in Hell?

There are many differences in Religious Faiths.I as a young boy growing up, had to adhere to rules totally different to other Denominations.I wasn't allowed to play from Sunset Friday to Sunset Saturday,which I found odd.We were not allowed to eat certain meats, etc. Were not allowed to ever go to the Picture Theatre in those Days.Even went to Church on a different Day to most Religions.I felt completely different to most Kids at that time.And we were ruled with the rod in those Days.Alcohol was the Devils brew.One day I cursed and my Gradmother grabbed me by the hair, and jammed a bar of soap in my mouth and dragged it across my teeth.All the time it was,you are going to burn in Hell for what you have done.Then I find out my religion was only started in the 1800's in America.To talk to any other denomination about their beliefs was forbidden.I allways wondered was I missing out on something.Were they odd, or in fact we were odd in our beliefs.There are many Religious Beliefs around today,when you read about them,wonder where they got their rules from.These are some of the reasons why I allways had doubt in my mind growing up.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/sda.htm

I like your " "preach" in reality religions are very much similar, and religious denominations/sects are even more similar" , ussr1943 Yes, it often seems like the 'best' parts of each are so, so similar!


At the risk of being 'flamed and stoned' here ...

DSTM. when you ask ,"wonder where they got their rules from" , I think (don't know, but think - gentle grin) it depends on who is doing the leading or making up the 'rules' as they go along.

For instance, there is a religion that firmly firmly believed it sinful to, in anyway, prevent the possible conception of a baby. Didn't matter if the woman had 11 already and was about ready to drop off the face of the earth from fatigue. Or if a man simply wasn't fond of little ones and would prefer not to be worn and old before his time trying to support masses of little ones.

The religious leader at that time decided that was the rule. Same religion, lots of years later and another leader. Diffferent 'rules'.

And with the greatest respect ... I wonder how many of the different denominations or sects of various religions were started by a person. A person perhaps with the best of intentions but filled with his or her personal likes, dislikes and idea of good and sin and moral code in general.

When I read the words, " Hellfire and Damnation were on the billing every Sunday" ... well, I'm glad you "didn't fit in", BlackSpyder. Again, I may get 'stoned' here but it's never quite made sense to me. Given an option of teaching people that their God is kind and compassionate - or scaring the heck out of little kids in order to have them 'fear God'. Geesh!

Rules ... good question. Who made the rule that a little kid, terrified out of her little mind, had to be completely submerged in a pool of water in order to 'be saved'? Or decided people should not eat meat on Fridays? So many questions, all about 'rules' and who made them and why.

Please don't answer this if it makes either of you uncomfortable, DSTM and BlackSpyder ... you both had different types of religious upbringing as children ... would you raise your children in the same denomination of Faith?

All religions require faith. None have scientific backing (if they did, it wouldn't be a religion), not even evolution has true scientific backing, merely theories. Now I know someone could create a religion that has some scientific backing, like worshipping Isaac Newton or something. But it still requires "faith" that Isaac was a God because obviously we can't prove he was or wasn't. Basically religion generally requires the belief in something more powerful than you. Whether it is or isn't is a matter of opinion. Worshipping something from money to God, or even when you die you will go someplace, all requires faith in things unproven.

So how can you know if your religion is correct? You can't because none can be proven. Those people who have religions which obviously contradict simple science like some tribe who believe that annual sacrifice keeps them on the earth and not gravity, are considered ignorant or whatever term fits.

Therefore, any religion can work for anybody, it just depends on that person's personality. Sometimes no religion is best compatible with a person. All religions have the same possibility of being true, and they all have the same possibility of being false. It's merely what works for you and helps you to sleep better at night, or not depending on your religion.

With my particular mindset, I've found Christianity to be the most likely religion. But even Christianity has holes and many unanswered questions.

Yes, "With my particular mindset, I've found Christianity to be the most likely religion. But even Christianity has holes and many unanswered questions" does seem very true, Solaris32.

DSTM ... I noticed the thread heading says, "Miscellaneous Religious Topics" ... so do you mind if I veer off slightly here?

I know that this is simply an assumption of mine, but it has always seemed to me, even as a child, that often 'religion' teaches intolerance rather than tolerance. But to break this down further and perhaps more accurately - much of this intolerance seems to be based on the person doing the teaching (i.e. Paster, Minister, etc).

For instance, so many people of both Christian and other Faiths are lovely when it comes to being content within themselves - both with their faith and who they are - and in turn, truly are tolerant of other's belief systems and life-styles (not necessarily 'accepting' but tolerant and kind) - while others seem less so.

An example would be if one takes one single denomination of a religion ... out of the however many churches there may be within a Country, some congregations tend to be 'one way or the other' - again, depending on who is doing the teaching and his or her own interpretation of the Bible, for instance.

Apparently there has been an 'mass exodus' of many congregations of many Faiths through the past few decades ... and I've always wondered if it could, at least partly, be based on not less Faith but simply some Church(s) inability to adjust to the world and it's ever changing people.

Many religions specifify that their holy texts, such as the Koran (Al Q'uaran) are the end all text(s) of god, and therefore who ever wrote them was writing so under god's guidence. Many religious texts contain information on how to live ones life(Rules in short). If you're questioning weather or not your religion is correct ,it probably isn't the correct religion for you.
As for intolerance, I'd say it can go either way, I've visited a christian church in which they preached tolerance of others and to prove their tolerance they invite everyone from any religion/race/ethnicity to join them and talk, or worship. Yet I have also visited a a christian church in which the preacher said that all muslims were evil and that god says to destroy theese people. Every religion has this, where the teachings vary from church to church, mosque to mosque, temple to temple.

Ive tried Multi-Denominational (where many faiths gather as one) churches before and they never seen to work. It always ends up being about money or self-gratification or something that doesnt involve faith (example I went to a church where the message title for the day was,no joke, "Climbing the Corporate Ladder with Faith"). I have recently been attending a "Happy" Christian church where everything is sugar coated and debatable (no talk about Heaven or Hell just "Jesus was a nice guy who will make your life happier if you believe in him")

No Thanks to either style, but to answer your question MaraM I would raise my children as baptists but not in a similar church to the one I attended as a child (most likely I would go with a SBC church since their like the McDonald's of the Baptist Faith, goto any one and its going to be almost identical ,philosophy wise, to every other SBC church)

Interesting topic DSTM. Wonder where it will go.

I was brought up in a typical Christian family; Church services twice on Sunday, Sunday School, Bible Class, Choir etc, and enjoyed it all. One day, in my later teens, the Minister made a comment about those who were not of our particular faith were like a person on the wrong train; they believed they were heading for a particular destination but were mistaken.

This didn't gel with me and I gave up on organised religion from that point. I think that any faith which believes in good living is very much like any other. (I do exclude the obviously wacky ones here).

I was told a few years ago that "You must believe in something" and my answer was "Why?' Quite simply I do not feel the need to have my life run by a 'Higher Body' of any description. What happens to me when I kick the bucket is of absolutely no concern whatsoever.

I work with people who live their lives totally dedicated to God and have the utmost respect for their views. I don't think the particular religion matters, it is what works for the individual that is the important thing.

IMO. MaraM's oft-stated 'tolerance to others' would go a long way to relieving the many tensions in this world if adopted by more of its inhabitants.

Cheers

Study all...
Pick what fits for you,
and continue to study all.

If one believes in a "Higher Power", one might find such.

Otherwise, buy an "Apple"?
(The last line is a joke - of course.)

You are right there 'Koan Yorel' When you say Study all. If one bothers to study other Peoples Beliefs,and at the same time keep an open mind,then I think this breeds Tolerance and better understanding of our fellow man.
We all wish for inner peace,and if we search long enough,we will know when we find it. It's what suits you, that counts.

I'm leaving the Apple Joke alone.

I have inner peace and happiness right at this moment. A box of Swiss Chocolates and a coffee,in front of me.

This is not the reply you all expected, but....



According to some, it was an "Apple" that led others from the "Garden Path"?
Beware of fruit then?

Or as a Dawist? Fruits of ones labors leads one astray?
or as Unionist? Get full value for your labors. And damn all others?

Pick your gods, damn all others, and stick to them!

Or be opened minded, and listen. Take the best and leave the rest?

I don't have the answers, just many questions, but yet a strong belief in my Higher Power.

Talk about intolerance by some!!! Grrrr and sad sad sigh.

Take two dear child - one 10 year old child and his 6 year old brother - with so much love and effort put into teaching them that people are different and beliefs are different and what's right for one may not be 'right' for another. And although considered an atheist, teaching them that my belief is just that, a belief, and I could be wrong. And some people choose to believe in God and that too is right for them. And encourage the children to attend church on Sundays when with these other family members.

To discover that this piffle-poof has told them that I - and everyone else who does not believe in God - is going to burn in hell when we die ... and that I am living a sinful life .

Thanks a heck of a heap to this piffle-poop! I know I'm ranting here but by gosh, she's darn lucky she wasn't standing here while I was trying to reassure the little ones that they have nothing to worry about and I - nor others they love that choose to not believe in God - are going to "burn up and set fire to the bed when we die". Good grief!

I apologise for this rant - but never ever before have I wished for the same tolerance to be shown towards my lack of Faith as I try so darn hard to show to those with Faith.

Think I'll set my trusty cookie timer for 5 minutes and go off and have a "pity party' by myself by 5 minutes - and wish hemorrhoids upon this women the entire time I'm doing it!

First, who's this "piffle-poof" (lol)? I'm guessing it's their mother but you don't really explain.

Second, are you an atheist (not that I care, just curious) because it appears you are calling yourself an atheist, but I just want to make sure, again just out of curiosity.

And finally, what makes you so sure that what those kids were taught was not true? Telling them that it's ok and that what they were told about sinners and Hell is not true. Unless they were telling non-Christians that they were going to burn in Hell, is it really your right to tell THEM they are wrong in what they were taught? According to the following quote:

"...I was trying to reassure the little ones that they have nothing to worry about and I - nor others they love that choose to not believe in God - are going to "burn up and set fire to the bed when we die"."

You flat out told them what they believe about Hell is wrong. Who's to say their wrong? Who's to say they're right? In my opinion they were too young for you to try and change their religious beliefs. If they had been teenagers, it wouldn't have been a big deal. It's up to the parents to give their kids a founding a religion, if any, and when they get older to make their own decision. Trying to alter their opinion when they are young and are supposed to trust their parents, isn't right in my opinion.

You're quite right, I didn't make myself clear at all - that'll teach me to rant! Huge hoot!

Nope, the women in question is not their mother - in fact, their mother does not believe in God although she quite happily lets the children attend various Churches with their friends and other relatives.

The other women in question is their other grandmother.

And you are right that it's simply my opinion versus her opinion. IF she had prefaced her statement something like, "In my religion we believe that those who do not believe in God, etc" - that's one thing. But to say - as a fact - and frighten the kids silly that I and others like me (yup, I'm an atheist) will "burn in hell" and are "living in sin".

To say something like this to children is darn right cruel. (And when one is 6, it's easy to misunderstand what they are told and truly think I'm about to burst into flames when I die). Geesh.

I have never ever "flat out told them that believing in hell is wrong". Never. I tell them that some believe believe in it and God and some people do not - and one person is not necessary right nor the other person wrong because 'believing' is just that, believing not fact.

My husband and I have spent our adult lives teaching our girls to care about others, regardless of religion or anything else. And I'm just feeling down right 'testy' that this women can't show some caring for the feelings of little children who happen to love us and do not want us to 'burst into flames' because we do not believe the way she does.

Yup, makes me darn testy.

Thanks to the genographic project that traced our place of origin to Africa we can now truthfully say that we are all brothers under the skin, kind of puts a new spin on the term "African American". For about sixty thousand years now we have populated the earth, modified physically to adapt to the regions we came to call home, and diversified from one another so much that we see ourselves as different races now. With all the ways that we have evolved it amazes me that for all the differences between us we all have religions that recognizes a higher being.

You missed the point. Its about Jesus. Not about what denomination you belong to.

I don't see anything wrong with other Speak Easy topics involving religion. As far as I can tell from the rules, it does not break them to incorporate it.

Got to agree with you there. It is not about what denomination you follow. It is about Jesus. Too many people, both Christians and non Christians, lose sight of this unfortunately.

BTW: jwinathome, a book I highly recommend if you have not already read it is "The Purpose Driven Life", by pastor Rick Warren. it is an excellent book.

Got to agree with you there. It is not about what denomination you follow. It is about Jesus. Too many people, both Christians and non Christians, lose sight of this unfortunately.

BTW: jwinathome, a book I highly recommend if you have not already read it is "The Purpose Driven Life", by pastor Rick Warren. it is an excellent book.
[/quote]

Ive read it. But thanks for the recommendation.

To say I missed the point shows total arrogance. What Denomination you belong to does matter.Look at the Branch Davidians for example.An off shoot Denomination that brainwashed followers followed David Koresh to their doom.
Or the denomination which has brainwashed my Brother to completely sever ties with our Family,resulting in me hearing nothing of him for thr last 5 yrs. Too often People unwittingly follow man's ideas instead of Gods.It was a serious Question and doesn't deserve your arrogant opinion.

I said its a bout Jesus. What denominations are you speaking of?
I gave you a serious answer. I am sorry you didn't like it.


Interestingly enough, you made my point.

We have had some very interesting Posts so far, and the last thing everyone wants, is the "I know what I'm talking about ,you don't attitude" If we keep this thread friendly, I believe we can all benefit from other peoples Opinions.
You didn't have to say, I missed the point,instead offer an alternate opinion,without the wise cracks. I do value your opinion when it is delivered in a friendly manner.

What denomination were you referencing in your brother's case?

I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your brother DSTM, but I must point something out that you stated in your post. You are very right in that people can and do follow man's ideas rather that God's plan. The 2 examples you gave are prime examples of the rise in false teachers that not only Paul, Peter, John and Jude (writers of books in the New Testament), but Jesus himself warned would happen as the end days approach. I make no claim as to know when the end times will come. Only God knows this. The bible does tell you how to tell if what a person is teaching is true or not. unfortunately people have a tendency to do what is right in there own eyes instead of looking to see what God says is right or wrong, just as Israel did in the Old Testament after arriving in the promised land. That is where the problem lies. Not seeking God's will. the Bible contains what God considers right and wrong. Did you know there is no scriptural basis for the denominational splits within Christianity? These splits are caused when Christians disagree on the interpretation of a passage in the bible. what causes the split and the formation of different denominations is that both sides get so wrapped up in who is right and who is wrong that they forget to set aside their ego and pride and ask God what is meant in the passage. Just another example of man taking something that God meant for our benefit and twisting it into something that causes people to stumble and fall.

Seafox14

Well said.

Seafox...are you familiar with the term "seeker sensitive"? And do you view that as a positive or negative in the current Christian "culture"?



BTW DSTM...I had a very similar situation with my own brother. I can tell you that as long as they breathe, there is Hope. My brother has come around tremendously...and its all because of God's grace as well as my parent's unconditional love for him.

Excellent Post 'Seafox14' Totally agree with you,and few People could have explained it more clearly.IMHO.

Just for earlier posts...

Christianity teaches that Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...No one comes unto the Father except through Him. Now I appreciate levels of tolerance with respect to people trying to figure out their beliefs and such...but if you are a Christian, and you believe the Bible to be the final authority, are you to believe that it is possible to go to Heaven and bypass Jesus?

Recently I read a Christian-based pamphlet on what you need to know about Islam and Muslims. What I found interesting is that there is little difference between Muslims and Christians. So what I found further intrigueing is how many Christians act like what they believe is totally right and what Muslims believe (when contradicting with Christianity) is totally wrong. According to the pamphlet which was designed to reassure Christians, I could find no flaw in Muslim religion. Neither religion can be proved right or wrong. It would be an easy conversion to go from Christianity to Muslim and vice versus. This further proves my point that ALL religions are based solely on opinion and that it's what fits a person best that determines what religion you should be, if any.

And what little differences did you notice solaris?

They both believe in heaven and hell and what they mean. However, to get to heaven as a Muslim, you need only do good works, contrary to Christianity which says you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour (and subsequently do good works otherwise you're not following in the Lord and are probably sinning in some way too ). In reality, there's little difference in how to get to heaven and hell in Muslim and Christian beliefs. Christianity just requires a little extra.

Also, the Muslims believe the Trinity is contradictory, how can there be three gods, yet only one? I understand the concept of the Trinity that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are seperate parts of the same entity, but Muslims prefer their Allah which is the absolute god, which means he is complete unto himself; he can't have kids or procreate. God and Allah are basically the same thing except God is broken into 3 parts. Also Allah is potrayed as slightly different compared to the Christian God.

Muslims claim the Bible is corrupt and that their Quran has been unchanged since it's been written. Both religions believe their books were divinely written. Muslims also believe most of the old tedtament and it's mainly the new testiment they have a problem with because they don't believe Jesus was the son of God. They believe Jesus was merely a sinless man and prophet of Allah like Muhammed (sp?), but Muhammed was better than Jesus.

There are other minor differences but those were the major ones I read. Also, I'm no expert on Muslims, so I may have gotten a few details off, but that's what I learned from the pamphlet. So if I'm completely wrong in some area, it's because the pamphlet lied to me , but I don't think it did.

So from what from what I could tell and my personal perception, Christian and Muslim religions are different in only a few technical areas.

I tend to agree with most of what you said but I think that a lot of christians would consider the non-divinity of Jesus to be a little more than a technical difference.

I agree that that difference is a big deal, but it's all a matter of opinion if Jesus was divinity. I'm trying to look at the comparison with an unbiased viewpoint.

I appreciate that solaris. I personally see big differences. One that comes immediately to mind is a personal savior. Also Elohim which means God with us. allah is not personal.

There is no jihad in Christianity. And the rest of the world are not infidels. In fact, Jesus came for the "sinners" as opposed to Mohammed who was instructed to slay the infidels.

There are many, many differences.

Oddly, the pamphlet didn't mention such things about the infidels. I have naturally heard of Muslims who want to kill the infidels, but I thought it was Muslim extremists and not a general belief of the Muslims.

Again I'm no expert, but I think I have heard of conflicts perpatrated (sp?) by Christians in the name of the Lord. Granted, as far as I'm aware, Christians don't do this today.

There are naturally many differences, but from what I can tell, the core of both religions are very similar.

Also, islam's goal is extermination of the jews. They are filthy animals according to allah. Christianity's goal is to pray for peace in Israel. Big difference.

Pray for Peace in Israel... While supplying them with all the armaments any true 'turn the other cheek' society would want. As a side note, if Christians were so concerned with the livelihood of the Jewish Community, why did we wait until mid-late 1941 to enter the Second World War? It's not as if the eradication of the Jews was a hidden agenda during that time.

Firstly, illustrate an example of a true "turn the other cheek" society that you know of in order to say what is and isn't one.
Secondly, what year and what right did the US have before that point to go?

Of course, lastly...are you saying that the entire nation is made up of Christians, and Christians are the only ones that were making the decision to go to war?

There is a right and wrong faith. Not all can be right only one.

So I see people talking about the muslims. Does anyone here know where the muslims came from? The Bible shows.

Don't just assume all muslims think the world is full of infidels, you keep comfusing radical muslims with true pious muslims, how would you liike it If I based all my thoughts of christianity of Radical Evangelical Christians, and as a matter of fact I saw on the news awhile ago something of like a bootcamp for these radicals. Now you wouldn't like that would you? You MUST accept that as in all religions Islam has radical extremeists, but they receive more news coverage. Islam is an abrahamic religion. Here is something oyu might be interested in knowing - "They[Muslims] do not regard Muhammad as the founder of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets. Islamic tradition holds that Judaism and Christianity distorted the messages of these prophets over time either in interpretation, in text, or both."(wiki)


This is going downhill to a steep cliff really fast, I hope you have some brakes on your wagon.


JWinathome I don't want to hear another word from you about all muslims hating christians or jews. You need to go out look on the internet or request to attend a mosque and learn about the religion before you judge others, especially considering the fact Islam is the second largest religion in the world. The true message of Islam is to do god's will, unfortuneatly terrorists bend "god's will" to hating jews and others. I do not want to see anyone Assume anything about ANY religion on BC ever again or there will be problems.(do not want to loose any friends or make any enemies but you need to think, learn and respect others beliefs before you say anything in this section of the forums)

I don't know what you are referencing in the Bible...but it started with an illiterate, angry young man named Mohammed whom may or may not have had a vision/dream about the angel gabriel telling him to recite the word of the lord.

Well what I was referring to was the ancestors I think Abraham was told to kill.He had a son with his servant instead of his wife and God told him to kill them both but he set them free. The Bible says they would always fight. I know who mohammed is.

Im not sure I follow.

Islam believes it was Ishmael. The Bible says Isaac.

Reading this actually brought tears to my eyes - and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

USSR...I am not assuming anything. I formulated my opinion based on my studies of the Quran and hadith as well as a perspective of a former Imam. USSR...it is not getting out of control until you say such things as "there will be problems." I respect islam for what I believe it to be.

Did you have something else to add to this? Did they commit terrorist acts, slay someone, kill animals? What?

I agree with "ussr" and that Muslims as a whole preach good-will towards men, and it is the extremists who believe in "death to the infidels".

However my original point I was trying to make is that Muslims and Christians are so similar, yet many people are so sure one or the other is absolutely correct. How do you know? Neither can be proven wrong or right. I think most people's religious beliefs are borne from what they were taught as kids.


I also have a slightly off-topic question I've always wondered, yet have been hesitant to ask people in person anyone I know, lest I be deemed a "non-believer". The question is how do you pray to God (mainly the Christian God) to answer questions? I've heard so many people say they will pray to the Lord for guidance. How is this possible? But if the statement is not so literal, what does it mean? How do you ask God for guidance and answers to questions? Thanks and I hope it isn't too off topic as this thread is a general discussion for religion (sort of).

I need to dig up some more info on this as I do not want to talk about something I am not sure about 100%. I will see if I can find something on it.

Well if your such a learned person about the Koran (Al'Quaran) You would know for a fact that it specificly says do no harm to "the people of the book", this refers to Christians and Jews, also you would know that it also says "Do not attack a fellow believer" yet in Islamic terrorists claim they do the work of God and attack fellow believers. And as a fact I know that the ARYAN nation claims that it's gods will to say "White power" and kill African Americans, and Muslims, and they claim that God wants a white America. As for the boot camp they appearently preach against other religions, and are preparing themselvs for a struggle. And yes there are Christian groups that are armed. Heres a statement from a radical christian "Believers have to stand for what they believe is right. We're commanded in the Scripture to pray that God's kingdom would come on earth as it is in heaven. And that's my prayer. What we pray for, surely, we're commanded to work for." now let's go back in time, what about the crusades, or the spanish inquisition?

or lets look up on wikipedia

or what about the "Christian Patriot"?

My point is every religion has a radicalist group, unfortuneatly because of the news coverage many people like you, just assume all Muslims hate Jews and want to behead Americans, can you even think how disrespectful this is, It's like comparing a religion with Hitler!

As I was taught and think its probably right. Islam is founded be the descendants of Ishmael, where as the Jews were the descendants of Issac. This is due to the fact that Jewish based religions believe that Issac was the true son of Abraham (through his wife Sara) while Ishmael was a bastard (through a maid or cook) and this is the basis of the religious split.

Gee, I wonder why none of these 3 religions cant get along (Jews, Christians, Muslims). This is a sibling rivalry that extends almost to the "beginning' of mainstream religion.

<-- Begins singing "Why Can't We Be Friends"