And So I Voted...

[GiaMarie]

This election has stirred so much passion in people’s hearts that it is nearly overwhelming. Everywhere you look you hear a heated comment about one candidate or another, angry words over Christians and religion, and people’s views on the war and economy.

Bottom line is: WE DO NOT ALL AGREE!

Nor will we ever.

I read one man state that he believed we did not agree and do not have peace because of religion. He believes that people cling to their religion and allow it to shape and mold their opinions and lifestyles. He is probably right. I am a Christian and I do allow my belief in God to stand front and center in my life. But what about the atheist out there? What shapes and molds their opinions?

It is probably true that religion—Christ’s existence, to be exact—has been the center of most of our world’s strife. It always has been, even before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. But if you are a Christian, you take it one step further and blame it all on Adam and Eve and the fall of man. At that moment, man’s eyes were opened and they were given a world of freedoms and choice.

Freedom.

Choice.

This is the true reason we do not agree. This is the reason our nation is split by political parties. This is the reason we fight wars—letting the blood of the guilty and the innocent run together. This is the reason the atheist can still hate you for your beliefs and despise you for who you choose to vote for. After all, they do not have religion to shape and mold them…as you and I do.

We cannot gain peace and unity by taking away religion. The only way to truly do so is to take away our freedom, our choice, our free thought and feelings…and most of all, take away everything that makes us the passionate human beings that we are.

I for one, am not interested. I will simply accept that not everyone believes and lives the way that I do even while praying and hoping they come to know the Lord as their savior. That is my freedom.

[serah]

Nov. 6, 2008 at 10:17 PM

my comment is that choice is not really the reason that we have no peace. the reason is we are sinful ,our flesh,as you said fallen. which makes us selfish and selfserving. yes we as Christians are to be the light of the world but, the darkness hates the light. we are not to be lovers of this world and Jesus warned us the world would hate us because of Him. funny how we expect peace here when Jesus clearly stated he did not come to bring peace but a sword. well i understand your frustration and tire of it myself (all the ugliness)  but we as Christians are told to stand firm in what the Bible teaches and remember they rejected God himself and put Him on a cross and many of them too claimed to be believers!

[parrishsky]

Nov. 6, 2008 at 10:43 PM

I have not defined myself as an atheist or pagan but I do believe I am leaning towards pagan. I grew up in a Catholic church, went to a catholic school but as an adult I am no longer able to follow the bible. It was my parents way and from years of joining many churches I have found it's not for me. As far as what molds me and how I raise my kids, well first and foremost we are a tolerant, forgiving, and a free thinking family. We have morals and teach them about personal responsibilty. We find peace in being kind to mother earth and celebrating the moon and the oceans. I guess we just live with peace and compassion in our hearts. I hope that helps you understand those that do not have a religion to guide them...There are many more women on here that are more versed on being an atheist, I am still learning who I am.....

I am also glad you know who you are and what guides you.

Peace mama ~

[GiaMarie]

Nov. 7, 2008 at 1:00 AM

Yes, we are supposed to stand firm, but we can do so and still show love and compassion to those opposing us. I believe that as Jesus was hanging on the cross...he loved those that were cheering his pain. Otherwise, what was the point? We need to remember to conduct ourselves as Jesus would and that means understanding that "they know not what they do."

(Original Poster)

[turniptruck]

Dec. 3, 2008 at 11:42 AM

This is very well put.  Good job. : )