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Hello there, men and women of the Landover Baptist Church.
I don't know the best way to introduce myself to you - I know that my standpoint will certainly either polarize users on the forum, or just make you all regard me with distaste.
I guess the most appropriate way to introduce myself is to provide a brief outline on what I believe in, and what my viewpoint on your Church, Christianity, and the wider world is.
As you have probably gathered by the name, I was born in England, by a half-Romanian half-English parentage, and I was raised as a Catholic. In this day and age, at least in the UK, it's commonplace for children in religious schools, Christian and non-Christian alike, to be taught a more liberal viewpoint on religion and the world. That's not to say that I believe in another religion; I respect people who do believe in different religions, even though I disagree with them and know, or, at least, strongly believe that their religion is (not outright wrong) but incorrect to a degree.
I've attempted to keep an objective view (some would call that rose-tinted, which would be wrong - I'm a very down-to-earth person with a good viewpoint on world affairs) throughout my life. I'm a liberal, that is, I believe that people should do what they want to do, as long as they do not hurt other people. I believe, as a liberal Catholic, that God is loving, and that his commandments, although questionable to many, were inscribed and are still followed (by billions around the world) are in the interest of peace and spiritual fulfilment amongst all. I know many of you would disagree, and indeed think that the purpose of God and Jesus Christ is to only spread peace and goodwill amongst those of the True Religion (tm) but I ask you kindly to acknowledge (even if some of you don't fully respect) my viewpoint.
As a Catholic, I do believe that men and women are equal and complement each other in different ways - that is, they do have different roles in society, whether some think it's because of science (predeterminism) or God. Similarly, I do believe that although homosexual relationships are sinful in the eyes of God, I do not believe that homosexuals are inherently evil or sinful. I believe that it is possible to have someone from a different religion, upbringing, or sexual preference, to exhibit Christian characteristics (compassion, respect and morality) even if they themselves aren't wholly Christian. Again, I apologize if this is inflammatory. I'm not promoting this viewpoint - I'm simply stating it as what it is.
Despite being raised as a Catholic, I am divided between an aetheistic (scientific) viewpoint on the world and my Catholic viewpoint. Despite being a Catholic, I am also a student at a well-established university where I study engineering, an occupation which requires a range of scientific and analytical knowledge. I'd ask that you don't make any inflammatory remarks about my job - I'm very proud that I am able to use my skills to design and create structures and buildings which can help people. I know it isn't as noble a cause as many of you undertake (a nod to the pastors, who have given their lives to God, a very noble cause indeed) but I do believe that during my career I'll be able to help thousands of people in their everyday lives.
I don't expect all of you to be entirely understanding of my route through life, or my purpose here - I want to keep an open mind, and stumbling across this forum whilst 'surfing the web' I thought it would be very good time spent learning about the Landover Baptist Church, even if we do have different viewpoints on the world. Please take this sincirely - I do not want to 'observe' or mock you by being here on the forums. I come here in the interest of friendship and co-operation, which I hope is mutual.
A few things do confuse me, however. Despite your very literal view on the Bible (something which I appreciate, as in this day and age it is far easier for people to take out their interpretation of God's words and use them to their needs or desires) many of you seem to be pro-Capitalist, going even as far to trademark the phrase 'True Religion'. I'm a pro-Capitalist myself, though I thought that was more to do with my liberal nature rather than my Catholic background. Your users have very mixed messages as well - Some would seem to rather pursue a traditional lifestyle, free from the distractions of modern life. Others embrace the technology of modern life, whilst shunning certain scientific notions. Despite your firm Christian stance, you seem to dwell on many Old Testament scriptures and use them to reinforce your points (which I find odd, since the Old Testament is the foundation of Judaism as well as being an important part of the Christian church) rather than focusing on Jesus' teachings.
I don't know whether it is simply my viewpoint or a more wider accepted viewpoint that Jesus (and by extension, the Lord) is a loving being - After all, he sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins (is that not an ultimate symbol of sacrifice?). Thus, it further puzzles me why many of your users are so quick to condemn people for their upbringing, gender or race.
I hope my stay at the forum will enlighten me, even if I may not be converted fully to the True Religion (tm). I anticipate your responses. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind - I'm more than happy to answer them as I hope you are happy to answer mine.
I don't know the best way to introduce myself to you - I know that my standpoint will certainly either polarize users on the forum, or just make you all regard me with distaste.
I guess the most appropriate way to introduce myself is to provide a brief outline on what I believe in, and what my viewpoint on your Church, Christianity, and the wider world is.
As you have probably gathered by the name, I was born in England, by a half-Romanian half-English parentage, and I was raised as a Catholic. In this day and age, at least in the UK, it's commonplace for children in religious schools, Christian and non-Christian alike, to be taught a more liberal viewpoint on religion and the world. That's not to say that I believe in another religion; I respect people who do believe in different religions, even though I disagree with them and know, or, at least, strongly believe that their religion is (not outright wrong) but incorrect to a degree.
I've attempted to keep an objective view (some would call that rose-tinted, which would be wrong - I'm a very down-to-earth person with a good viewpoint on world affairs) throughout my life. I'm a liberal, that is, I believe that people should do what they want to do, as long as they do not hurt other people. I believe, as a liberal Catholic, that God is loving, and that his commandments, although questionable to many, were inscribed and are still followed (by billions around the world) are in the interest of peace and spiritual fulfilment amongst all. I know many of you would disagree, and indeed think that the purpose of God and Jesus Christ is to only spread peace and goodwill amongst those of the True Religion (tm) but I ask you kindly to acknowledge (even if some of you don't fully respect) my viewpoint.
As a Catholic, I do believe that men and women are equal and complement each other in different ways - that is, they do have different roles in society, whether some think it's because of science (predeterminism) or God. Similarly, I do believe that although homosexual relationships are sinful in the eyes of God, I do not believe that homosexuals are inherently evil or sinful. I believe that it is possible to have someone from a different religion, upbringing, or sexual preference, to exhibit Christian characteristics (compassion, respect and morality) even if they themselves aren't wholly Christian. Again, I apologize if this is inflammatory. I'm not promoting this viewpoint - I'm simply stating it as what it is.
Despite being raised as a Catholic, I am divided between an aetheistic (scientific) viewpoint on the world and my Catholic viewpoint. Despite being a Catholic, I am also a student at a well-established university where I study engineering, an occupation which requires a range of scientific and analytical knowledge. I'd ask that you don't make any inflammatory remarks about my job - I'm very proud that I am able to use my skills to design and create structures and buildings which can help people. I know it isn't as noble a cause as many of you undertake (a nod to the pastors, who have given their lives to God, a very noble cause indeed) but I do believe that during my career I'll be able to help thousands of people in their everyday lives.
I don't expect all of you to be entirely understanding of my route through life, or my purpose here - I want to keep an open mind, and stumbling across this forum whilst 'surfing the web' I thought it would be very good time spent learning about the Landover Baptist Church, even if we do have different viewpoints on the world. Please take this sincirely - I do not want to 'observe' or mock you by being here on the forums. I come here in the interest of friendship and co-operation, which I hope is mutual.
A few things do confuse me, however. Despite your very literal view on the Bible (something which I appreciate, as in this day and age it is far easier for people to take out their interpretation of God's words and use them to their needs or desires) many of you seem to be pro-Capitalist, going even as far to trademark the phrase 'True Religion'. I'm a pro-Capitalist myself, though I thought that was more to do with my liberal nature rather than my Catholic background. Your users have very mixed messages as well - Some would seem to rather pursue a traditional lifestyle, free from the distractions of modern life. Others embrace the technology of modern life, whilst shunning certain scientific notions. Despite your firm Christian stance, you seem to dwell on many Old Testament scriptures and use them to reinforce your points (which I find odd, since the Old Testament is the foundation of Judaism as well as being an important part of the Christian church) rather than focusing on Jesus' teachings.
I don't know whether it is simply my viewpoint or a more wider accepted viewpoint that Jesus (and by extension, the Lord) is a loving being - After all, he sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins (is that not an ultimate symbol of sacrifice?). Thus, it further puzzles me why many of your users are so quick to condemn people for their upbringing, gender or race.
I hope my stay at the forum will enlighten me, even if I may not be converted fully to the True Religion (tm). I anticipate your responses. Feel free to ask any questions that come to mind - I'm more than happy to answer them as I hope you are happy to answer mine.
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