furthering my personal point about "religion"

[reallyME]

I just want to say that, although I realize some of you have been mistreated by narcissistic parents/relatives/leaders, who used the Bible to abuse you, I am not them, nor do I use the Bible in that way, and I'm getting really weary of people saying the the Bible is not truth because of having been abused by what it says.

I am also getting weary of being called "religious."  This is a trigger word for me, not because someone who was abusing me, called me it, but because religion is a MAN-MADE thing, made of rules and regulations and BONDAGE!  The very WORD in the Websters Dictionary, means RETURN TO BONDAGE!  What I am is a person who was created to worship God, my Father.  I'm a person who believes that there is a HIGHEST POWER, and a person who considers Jesus (Yahuwshu`a) my Brother and friend. 

I have a relationship with Jesus, where we talk together, walk together, and basically are just really best friends.  When someone equates what I have with "religion" it demeans my relationship, ticks me off, and, no, I'm not one to just "accept" that others see me as religious, without wanting to explain and have a voice in why I'm not.

As long as people keep seeing the Bible and Jesus and scriptures as "relgious" of course they'd want nothing to do with any of it...who wants more rules to follow, more oppression in their life?  I sure don't.

So, please, as hard as this might be to believe, realize that some followers of Jesus, Bible, etc, are NOT religious and do NOT APPRECIATE being seen in that light or labeled in that way.

If others really KNEW who I follow, they might understand just what a real relationship is there.

Thank you

~Laura

[oc]

Laura:  I agree with you 100%.  But most people do not understand.  My husband and I have been married almost 5 Years and he still refers to his Lutheranism.  He never had a heart thing so he doesnt get it.  To him it is about taking communion.  To my parents it was about being perfect and that was not obtainable so both my brother and I bailed and he never came back.  I started listening to Joyce Meyer and she is such a great teacher to those who have been abused and John Eldredge.

[Hopalong]

RM,
I get you. I know it's not "reglion" for you.

And I get that you get it, too. You walk the walk.

love,
Hops

[debkor]

Laura,

I hope my posting where I said I don't get bible quotes that you  don't think I was talking about you being religious.  That was not what it meant. It meant (I) was not religious when I said catholic school. I identified my( own religion) catholic and bible class was a big part of my learning in school.  All I was saying is that I did not get it.  I must of gotten something although because I do believe in God. Yes I talk to him all the time sometimes unaware of what I'm doing.  But yes I do believe in the highest power just like you. I believe in God.  So when I say Catholic of course people are going to identify religion because that is what it is.  That is what was chosen for me before I was even born.  I do say I am catholic but a non practicing one. I am labeled.  So yes I get what you are saying now
religion is made of (rules,regulations, bondage, man made) so yes I can see why you get ticked off when you are identified with being religious. You are absolutely right you are not.

As long as people keep seeing the Bible and Jesus and scriptures as "religious" of course they'd want nothing to do with any of it...who wants more rules to follow, more oppression in their life?  I sure don't

I agree and I am probably one who see the Bible and Jesus scriptures "as religious" until this post.  So I'm sorry Really if I put you into that label. I didn't see it till you made me aware of it.  It was in a part of my unconscious.  So please except my apologies.  I do hear you.

Love
Deb

[reallyME]

ya know what, you all are WONDERFUL!  I feel HEARD, respected and valued right now.  I feel like you really felt what I felt and you understand why I am so strong in my stand.  I am really happy to read all your comments..I feel validated.  Thank you so very much!

~Laura

P.S.  I was raised Catholic too, but renounced it when I came to know Jesus as more than a statue, but as a friend and brother.

[gratitude28]

Hi Laura...
Well, you know what they say about conversation and religion and politics
On this board I completely avoid talking about my politics if I can help it. (98.9 percent of the time?). Our recovery doesn't benefit from my beliefs in the government's doings....
I would say that people say you are religious because you are And you have strong beliefs. As I said on another thread, I am accepting of other's beliefs now... but for some it is hard. So in the same manner that someone else could proclaim that they felt conviction about the truth of their religion (and I think you might bristle if it were different from your truth), some here might react that way to your statements.
It really has been great to see you become a more open and accepting person, Laura, and to see how well you are handling life and all it throws you!
Love, Beth

[isittoolate]

Didn't get inspired by anything

Sunday was a day off the farm chores, go to church and have a roast beef dinner!

Don't remember much about church & Sunday School, except at the latter, I wet my pants because I didn't know where the washroom was. 8 yrs.old.

...and church (when we moved to the second farm when I was 8.) There were 7 of us and we were so many we shoved a family out of the middle pew to a side pew and I felt guilty.... was always 'scared' of that other family afterward!

I noticed many things and always felt guilty---shamed I guess.
Izzy

[megan]

I was raised Cathlioc but I am not a thiest. While some abuse their religious text I also believe that many thiests find comfort, higher purpouse, and hope for a new beginning in forming a realtionship with their god or diety.

[Hopalong]

Welcome, Megan...
Hope to hear more of your story.

best,
Hopalong