Originally Posted by rachelfraim

orinskye - as far as that being "a funny story that didn't seem funny at the time" - I still don't think it's funny at all, and it is those kinds of things that turn people off from "religion". In fact I think what they did is a form of religious abuse, and on behalf of Christians, I want to apologize to you for that happening to your family in the name of "christianity". That may sound silly to apologize, but those kind of stories anger me, and I think an apology is owed to you & your family. I grew up in a very strict (rules)/"christian" family, & my father was a preacher. However, he abused me, and I also witnessed abuse to my sisters. If my husband were to ever do that to one of my daughters, I would have him prosecuted. It took me many years to separate "religion" & rules with the TRUE Christ. My father passed away when I was fourteen & I didn't really even begin to see the anger I had towards God & the church until I was well into my thirties. Anyway, not trying to give my life history, but I just get angry when I hear of stories such as yours. And by no means do Christians have a license to sin just because they know they are forgiven!!! P.S. I do wish I could have their address ;) !

Originally Posted by iheartyorkies

When I first saw the poem posted on this forum I admit I was a little put off. It just didn't seem like the place to post something like that. I purposely ignored the thread to see if it would die a natural death. Whichever side any of you fall on you have to admit that discussions about religion usually draw many many different opinions. I'm so glad to see that this has not become heated and no one has intentionally tried to hurt others or malign their beliefs. That is what makes this forum so great. We've come to know and respect each other. We feel that the relationships that we have built here are worth working on and cherishing. And we may never meet each other face to face. I am a Christian, a very devoted follower of Christ. I'm not ashamed to discuss my beliefs with anyone and will do my best to be a worthy representative of my faith. But if I fail to show respect and love for others, even those I may never meet, then I need to examine my beliefs and my motives. I'm the only one I can answer for. Everyone makes their own decision about who to follow, what moral compass they choose, beliefs about life after death, etc. Being a Christian will never make me perfect. I can only hope that it makes me show a little more love and respect to others. In my daily life my faith gives me comfort when I'm hurting and hope when I can't see my way through. Most of all it gives me peace. In good times and bad. When I've messed up or when someone has hurt me. Christianity isn't just church on Sunday (my church also has services on Sat. night for those who work on Sunday). Christianity is 24/7. Having said all that, I also want you to know that I have no less respect for those of you who don't beleive as I do. That has nothing to do with me. Take me as I am and I'll do the same for you. Sorry to be so preachy. I'll try not to do it again. Every day when I log onto this forum I am more and more amazed that we all get along as well as we do. Sure there are little skirmishes along the way. But there are a lot of apologies too. It's a wonderful place for me to spend my time!

Originally Posted by ssguzzy828

Thank you for your sweet and thoughtful post. I was raised catholic and although i dont always attend church i do follow my faiths beliefs. My faith has gotten me thru many tough times in my life including being molested as young girl by someone close to our family. I dont push my religon on anyone but do not hide what my faith is to me and my family. I do say to many of you that i wil keep you in my prayers, but i do so because prayer is something very special to me and I dont mean it to offend anyone. Its my way of letting you all know how special you are to me.

Originally Posted by eensor

How sad that a post about Jesus makes others angry and defensive! I've read other posts on YT that mention other religions, and not one person posted that they were offended. Did I read correctly that someone would be offended if they were being prayed for? I can't imagine that! I would gladly be prayed for by a member of another religion!

As for the hypocritical actions of some Christians, please don't judge an entire group of Christians by the ones who stand out negatively. That is the same as judging all Muslims by the 19 fanatics who murdered so many on 9/11. There are good people in all religions, and no doubt good people who have no religion. The world is eager to point out the bad actions of some Christians as a way to legitimize the moral decay of so many. You don't often hear about the thousands of Christians who daily strive to help others and ease suffering around the world.

I do agree that YT is not the place for religious threads, but I had to chime in here since it was being discussed.

Jesus told us that we would be persecuted in His name, and I believe that is what is happening in society today, and what has always happened since Christianity has existed. I hope those of you who are so vehemently anti-Christian will at least stop and think of the wonderful message of love and forgiveness that Jesus taught.

I'm amazed at the way the love for our little Yorkies can bring us together when we all come from different creeds! I hope this post will be read in spirit of tolerance and love as it was intended to be. Elizabeth

Originally Posted by MeganS

i loved the poem too stephanie. i'm mormon, but have no problem accepting people of another faith. she didn't mean for it to be offensive, its not like she was attacking any one. if you don't believe in the christain faith, you don't have to read it.