what do you think of Pope's quote?

[Certain Hope]

Hi, Dandy,

I get what you're saying.
My revulsion for religion is based on similar grounds.

My understanding of the teachings of the Bible is that every human being is born with a proclivity to have imperfect thoughts and to do imperfect actions. That is, I believe, what's referred to as the sin nature (aka "original sin"). It's innate and I cannot overcome it by trying to be good. Some of the idiotic stuff I've done in my own life, along with thought patterns which led to those poor choices, is all I need to convince me that this is true for me.

But- the religion in which I was raised, and with which I was pummeled/indoctrinated throughout 12 years of parochial school, did nothing to address that innate problem. What it did for me was create a whole web of neuroses which worked together to sabotage my life. It's like considering the Sermon on the Mount - - no way can I do all that saintly stuff... and, you know, I think that's the whole point of Jesus' message there. Finally I heard Him telling me, "You can't do this, but - in Me, and with Me in you- you can BE this."  And there you have it - - the difference between doing and being... because the doing comes out of the being, not the other way 'round.

Hope that makes some sense. I really appreciate the opportunity to reply on your thread here, because this is an area which has deeply impacted my own life in more ways than I could express.

Oh, about "allowing injustice to flourish" - - I remember the phrases "sins of omission", along with "sins of commission"...
and also the differences between sin, transgression, and iniquity. Seems that these theological terms address the various aspects which comprise the full scope of imperfection in the human heart.... including the not doing of things which I should do.
A bit more about that here:  (by Watchman Nee)  
 http://books.google.com/books?id=itj_Eo0m3j0C&pg=PA15&lpg=PA15&dq=difference+transgression+and+iniquity&source=web&ots=XHLRUK6-UF&sig=qhrOe8Q1vgB2YHhrgbnSYdK26Gw&hl=en

Thanks again.

Carolyn
  

[Hopalong]

war
indifference to genocide
polluting the earth

sigh,
Hops

[dandylife]

FYI: I probably won't be around for a week or two - due to a computer crash. But I'm here for this brief moment.

mudpuppy, thanks for the clarification, that did help.

Carolyn,
You sound so very angry - misled? I can't tell. I remember resenting the fact that I had to go to Religion Class every Wednesday - Catholic - as a child. Hated it - though I made good friends and still remember some good memories. I'd love to hear more about your positives and negatives from growing up as you did. Share more?

I will be around in about 2 weeks when my new computer gets here. I will likely stay away until then. See you later,

Dandylife

[Certain Hope]

Hi, Dandylife,

Sorry to hear about your computer troubles, but very glad you're able to replace it!

Thank you for the invitation to talk about my experience... I'll give it some good thought over the next week or so and see if I can't write about it in a concise and non-wandering style... (and that's a tall order, for me! lol)

For now, I'd just like to clarify that I'm not angry in a "grrr... I'd sure like to set those folks straight" kinda way. Not fuming or vengeful, no veins poppin out on my forehead or huffing and puffing.

This is more of a center-of-my-heart conviction and determination to never again get caught up in vain religion or any other system which shifts attention away from the Source of all goodness as I now know Him.  Best way I know to put it is - I hate religion, but the hatred isn't consuming because its force drives me into Life and Light.

See you when you get back!

Carolyn