I was lucky to be born in and to grow up and learn in america and to learn from successful accomplished people..Those who worked and thought an created and flourised.. I went to public schools and was taught at home by parents.I was able to read and think and question anything I wanted. I chose at the age of 12 to doubt the existence of god and had no heroes or idols as I grew up..I developed my own set of beliefs and values and rules of behavior..and it somehow has worked to help me get along with my neighbors, I have a free clean healthy life and only wish everyone else who ever exists to have my opportunies..believe me I am far from wealthy nor am I poor and lost. I am just an average man..yet still I appreciate what I have and how nice it is to be able to think and say and dress and eat and sleep and create without fear...I havent had my mind influenced yet by something other than my own reason...this may seem to sad to some yet seem like a dream of hope for others...
211235
it works for others as well. there are many of us around. welcome
463364
The beginning of real wisdom lies in realizing how little you actually know. Thinking of it as a journey, You have to have a starting point to begin. Now some of us come to this starting  point a whole lot sooner than others. I have been lucky enough to meet quite a few people who I would consider "Wise". They have ranged in age from 80 year old men and women to a child who though just born had the wisdom and love of the ages in their eyes. So who can say where true wisdom lies? I don't think age has a lot to do with it. Though I will say that part of the journey is not only learning from our own mistakes and triumphs but also learning from others. Because lets face it none of use have the time to make all the mistakes ourself. I'll say one last thing and then shut up. One of the greatest pieces of wisdom I was given came from my children. We were watching the news and on it was a story about the war in Iraq. My son looked at me and asked why everyone was fighting. I told him "To be honest I'm not really sure." He thought for a moment and said "Why don't they play dodge-ball then when they are all done everyone can get up and have ice cream?" to which my daughter said "And then we could all have a picnic."
471547
I would compltety agree with you on this. In our quest to have it all, the best job, our children in the best schools, our children in the best clothes, we should belong to the right organizations and groups. Our values have become so much of what others think and see us as, the sucessful and rich one. Well, in the long run our children really only want our love, attention, time and nuturing. And this is what is leading to the children being deliquent, having anger issues. And the parents are absent but giving of material things, working themsevles to death to have the house in the suburbs, with the car in the driveway. And who is enjoying these things they are working so hard to have. The children alone with their friends, left to their own devices, while the wife is having affairs beacuse her husband is to busy working for the almighty dollar giving himself a heart attack to  give her everything. When all they really need are the basics in life to live, alot of love and time together. Life is to short and when you die, i guess everyone will remember you had the best of everything and died trying to get it, and your children resent you becasue they dont even know who you are. Yes it is nice to have very nice things, however, should we kill ourselves in the process, I think not. What is important in my life is the quality of time I spend with my children and the values I instill in them. Be happy and content where you are, I would rather be poor in monatary wealth and rich in love and spirt of family. Howver, most are consumed with what everyone else has, but those who really count (family) are thinking of us. And we are killing ourselves trying to live up to others expectations and desires of what they think we should be. What is the competition all about. Why do we need to impress the neighbors? Who cares, God has given you the life you are to have be blessed, comfortable and confident in where you are. Then he willl increase it when he sees you have learned to be comfortable where you are. And we should feel very blessed those who have family and children this is one of the greatest blessings in the world. We need to slow down and feel the blessing. Thanks for the question. God bless
221380
you're so right.\n\ni am a guy who is always in doubt if there is a God or not. my guess is i'll be always in doubt, because rationally speaking, all humans are too small to understand anything yet about how we exist and why we exist. But it's always fun to try and search for more truth about that.\n\ni came to this website, because my girlfriend is somewhat a christian. her family is christian, she herself is also, but not very biblical or strict. Yet, when we get married her family would like us to perform some biblical traditions in the ceremony. i don't have a probem with that, because i know it means much to them. so, i came to this website to learn. to see how human christianity is, how filled with love it is, and how nice it can be to hear the 'message of love' from christian people.\n\nspecially from christian from the 'land of the free' i would have expected a free, openminded vision on the world.\n\ntruth is, most of the answers i read, most of the opinions i saw threw not only me, but also my girlfriend much further away from christianity. we both were really shocked actually.\n\nthe intollerance, ignorance and prejudice were hard for us to read. I'm from Holland, which is a very openminded country to almost all subjects. My girlfriend is Romanian, a country which is orthodox-christian, where it still is almost forbidden to be gay for example. yet, even to my girlfriend the opinions from some of the american christians about homosexuality made us both feel disgusted with christianity as such.\n\nit's sad to see that people with so much freedom can't even see the consequences of their words. Being born in a rich, free country is, in this world pure luck. it's sad to see that people with so much luck, can still remain to be so judgemental on everything that strikes them as weird or different.
559793
man, i feel bad for you. you're playing on the wrong team. God is so real. it seems like everyday he's proving himself (to me anyway). i mean there are times i look back and it could have only been God that got me through. God gives me peace, protection, and he is a great provider. My first year in college I didn't have a job or a dime to my name, but God made a way for me. He made is so that I was never hungry, and that I never wanted for anything. to you God might be an "invisible friend" but for me he is my best friend. the bible is a guide that tells us how to live. and if people live right they dont have to fear God. he gave his only son for us, do you really think that he wants to destroy us? to cripple us with fear? No, thats not him, he is loving. I'm sorry if you feel that God has failed you, or that he's not real, because you're missing out.
225962
I want to be equal to everyone. How much better the world would be if the ones that have the most would use it to bring the ones that have the least up to an equal lifestyle. When I read about how much athletes, musicians, and actors make it really says something about our society. I use to sell my art in high-end stores until one day upon visiting I realized that I myself could not afford my own art. Why shouldn't all people be able to enjoy nice things in life.There is nothing in my life more important than people. I own no material thing that I could not part with. I honestly find though that in being married with a family it comes down to a group decision on our financial charity. While I can not take material things with me when I leave this world I can take the love and respect of the people who's lives I have touched with unconditional love.
47073
All the previous post-ers have good points, do consider their advice thoroughly.\nDoubt the world and the motives of those who occupy it, but not the Creator.\nThere's an old expression that says the Lord gives you no more trials than he knows you can handle. To this - I myself have said "Gee I wish he didn't trust me so much."\nAlso there are theories on the trials and tribulations of our lives being things we chose for this life before we were born, all in a desire to experience the life in it's many facets. I also sometimes have a problem with that idea, because there are a number of things in my life that I think "there's no WAY I could have chosen to experience that". But when I'm in a more reflective mood, I realize the events in my life, both joyous and tragic, have shaped me and what I've become. And what's more I am proud of myself, that I haven't let the trials beat me down, and that I don't go around blaming others for what could be considered misfortune.\n\nLife can turn completely around in a moment's notice, you never, ever know what difference one choice can make. Doors of opportunity open and close all around you. Let go of your frustration, it's a grief we've all had at some point. Spend time meditating and searching out what new path is coming up in your life.\nAnd most importantly take a moment to be thankful for all the things you DO have, as it seems there are some significant ones.\n\nDeep breath, blow it out, re-center yourself, and things will be better I promise.
651385
my answer to you is that with each step you take in life a lesson is learned, and with each mistake you make, you achieve growth.  Life is a wonderful adventure, so don't be afraid to explore it.  When you believe you can, you'll discover that even though the world is not easy, faith can lift you and give you wings you never knew you had....  so my dear don't ever EVER feel discouraged and ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and your DREAMS
635414
Just call yourself "Spiritual".  Then thank the higher powers that this great country and your parents gave you the freedom to choose your beliefs rather than forcing you to be programmed to think a certain way and hate or pity those that disagree.  Then thank good karma that you are an intelligent person.
641520
i think and listen about what is said and realize i do NOT possibly know the best situation for everything...  (as smart as i think i might be)\n\ni welcome constructive cristism especailly from someone i know who is trying help.  and i don't take it personally!  and am grateful for any free advise that might make me a better person!
627753
I had my life mapped out one way, but God had a different (and better) plan for my life. I can honestly say that I am living my life to the fullest and enjoying it! There aren't many from my graduating class that can say they live overseas in a Medeteranean country, travel Europe a few times a year, speak 3 languages, and don't have to work (my choice). Yeah, life is good!!
432344
I had some very personal unexplained experiences that helped me.  I'm not religious though. I believe religion is politics and people. I love God and I believe in the virgin birth, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I was not raised with any sort of Christan up bringing.  I also do not currently attend church. I was hurt by people there. I still love God and Jesus, they did not hurt me.  I want a church that is a reflection of heaven...all races, gay and straight, bikers, rappers, prostitutes, homeless, rich and poor, skinny and fat and everything in between, no judgments everyone just doing their best to be more like Christ. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we will fail miserably but in this church it will be OK to fail. You'll admit it and do better next time and the people will love you and encourage you just the same.  If you know where this church is let me know, I've got to meet these people.
396590
I could have written this question myself, and I look forward to your answers received.  I too am of the mind that it is what we are taught, and in the worst cases what we are taught to fear the questioning of.\n\nI always thought it would be an interesting (although possibly psycologically cruel) experiment to take a child or two from each of the major religions and raise them with no mention or concept of "god" or religion.  Would the develop a belief of their own?  At least it would be interesting to see what an intelligent person would lean toward if they only learn of the concept of god after growing to an age where they can decide on their own.\n\nI feel that is what I did, but in reverse, and it sounds like what happened to you as well.  As I got older and learned more about our world, I found that I didn't really believe what I was taught all my life.  Frankly, I don't feel the need to believe in a god or religion.\n\nI believe in being a good person as much as I can be, and that is fundamentally based in not causing other creatures intentional harm and living a moral and decent life.  Very similar ideas to what most religions teach.\n\nI also think it is a fine line between a religion and a cult.  Religions just have broad acceptance.  Kind of like if in 3000 years, the Branch Davidians were the most popular religion and David Coresh is referred to as Jesus is today.  Obviously that won't happen, and I really only used that example because I think it is the one most people will know of whom I am speaking.
449361
ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I WAS AT A POINT OF MY LIFE THAT I WOULDNT CARE ABOUT ANYTHING OR ANYONE ESPECIALLY MYSELF. I FOUND MYSELF SELLING DRUGS,DOING DRUGS,USING MY BODY AS A TOOL OF UNHOLINESS,DEPRESSED, CONFUSED AND SO MANY MORE THINGS THAT I DONT THINK I HAVE ROOM TO DISCUSS... BUT THEN ONE DAY I FOUND MYSELF LAYING ON A DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY,STILL TILL THIS DAY REALLY NOT KNOWING HOW I ENDED UP THERE, ALL I KNOW IS THAT MY SISTER FOUND ME TOOK ME TO HER PLACE AND NURTURED ME BACK TO HEALTH. I ENDED UP MOVING TO FLORIDA AND JUST STARTED PICKING UP THE PIECES LITTLE BY LITTLE...ONE DAY SOMEONE SPOKE TO ME ABOUT THE LIFE I WAS MADE TO HAVE..ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS AND THE PURPOSE IN MY LIFE..SO I TOOK A PLUNGE OF FAITH AND DECLARED MY LIFE TO NOT BE MY OWN BUT TO BE  THE LORDS...DONT THINK IT WAS SOMETHING EASY OR EVEN THAT I UNDERSTOOD IT BUT I FIGURED WHAT THE HECK...WHAT CAN I LOOSE....AND IT WAS THE BESTEST THING EVER THE LORD NOT ONLY HAS RESTORED ME BUT HE HAS RESTORED MY FAMILY AND MY FRIENDS...AND NOW I WOULDNT JUST CALL IT A RELIGION I WOULD CALL IT MY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST.. SO THATS JUST ONE OF THE MANY MANY MANY REASON I AM AND WILL ALWAYS BE A CHRISTIAN..A SAVED DAUGHTER OF MY FATEHR GOD...HEY YOU SHOULD TRY IT??.(IF YOU HAVENT YET)...ITS LIFE CHANGING...HEART INSPIRING...COMPLETION WITH THAT WATER OF LOVE THAT IS EVER FLOWING... BYE AND GOD BLESS XXXXOXOXOXOXO SARA
631407
My belief is in the God of Abraham, the Christian God. Besides having the privilege of seeing and feeling the existence of God just in nature around me, it is nice to know that God has created all and has a hand in all. Just think. With Him it isn't necessary to have many cohorts, each with a different purpose--one for love, one for nature, etc. He has created all of us and all of nature and has created in us such a wonderful brain that he allows us to be, on a different level, creators as well. And I find that truly amazing. We don't always need all of the answers, but thank God, He's given us the means to create within ourselves.
533971
I love your question....\nNow I finally get a chance to show a side that a non-believer can see..\nI did not grow up in a family that had a belief system..\nBut yet something was there that pushed me \nI had no formal education on GOD \nBut yet something pushed me...\nI should have been dead atleast 4 times over \nBut yet I am still here and each time something pushed me...\n\n\n*I used to be a fence person . In the sense that I believed in a GOD but I wasn't really gonna give up anything just to believe..\nWhich of course I found out later that really the opposite is true.. You really don't give up that much..\nBecause this world doesn't have much to offer anyway..\n*I tried Budda, New Age. Sooo many self-help books that my mind started to get confused as to what was true..\n*I  have read the Quran...And read on Hindu beliefs...\n*I have gone it alone and investigated every possible scientific fact that life was not created ...I have read the BIBLE and correlated those facts with science...\n* I have done everything possible to make sure what I was doing was indeed the right thing...\n* I have lived on both sides of the railroad tracks.. I have been homeless,and did alot of other things that I am not proud of BUT thankful that I did do these things because without them , I wouldn't be where I am ...\n\nMy Belief system was not born on just reading the BIBLE and taking its words as gold.. \nI questioned everything ..I researched everything ( and I still am researching and studying :))of course now because I want to learn and not because I am trying to find a hole in the BIBLE.\n\nMy conclusions....\n\nNo way that our existence just is...\nNo big bang theory... ( that has been disproven by more than just one scientist )\nThe probability that the predictions of the BIBLE are wrong is impossible . Why because some of the predictions dated before the events ever happened...\nEvery prediction in the BIBLE that has thus far came true is impossible on a factual scale of precentages to happen.. In other words.. A phychic cannot make predictions 100% of the time and be correct.. They will be lucky if they get one right and thats probably chance...\nBut yet , if you read the prediction in the BIBLE ( especially the ones that have already happened) what are the odds that ALL of them have came true?? Like a zillion to 1...\n\nDO YOU KNOW ANYTHING ELSE WITH THAT KIND OF ODDS??\n\nI believe because there is indesputabel proof that GOD does exist.. \nJESUS DID WALK THIS EARTH..FACTS CANNOT LIE..\nWITNESSES DO NOT TELL LIES\nBesides , who in there right mind would die for another human being all soley based on 1 fact ...\nThat they believed in JESUS...\nWOULD ANY OF US DO THE SAME???\nThey seen JESUS . they walked with him, ate with him, communed and were taught by JESUS.... They knew him INTIMATELY...\nSOOO...\nWHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD DIE FOR A MAN IF HE WASN'T WHO HE SAID HE WAS AND STILL IS..\n\nIt just begs to be answered....\n\nSo why do I believe :\n\n1st because of proof...\n2nd because of my heart\nOne day I just had enough.. Enough of running and searching when all I had to do was stop and look.. Listen and hear,, GOD WAS RIGHT THERE AND I JUST KEPT MISSING HIM...\nafter I was saved , my life changed and I didn't even try to change it . It just did..\nThings in my life are not what they once were..\nMy prayers are answered \nMy family life is better \nMy life has meaning\nIts not a meaningless belief .. Its based on more than Faith alone.. Its based on Faith and Truth...\nI can say without a shadow of a doubt that if you do not believe or you sit on the fence like I did, Life is not as AWESOME as it is with JESUS.... \nI have been to both sides and been as close to hell as I care to get...\nand to me \nJESUS IS THE ONLY WAY....THE DOOR IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU .. JUST KNOCK AND HE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU..\nLISTEN AND YOU WILL HEAR ...\n\n I am not a fanatic to non-believers .. I understand who and where t
37163
Well, most people think they are born to do something and succeed and help mankind somehow. Its not like majority of people start off young thinking I am going to be a nobody. It would be great if you could reach the goal you have set for yourself though. I am a little confused with the line you have..."but I feel that I was born once". If thats what you think you were called to do though, then go after it. It is never too late to live your dream.