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5/28/2015 7:22:16 AM
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Would it be a safe thing to say in your opinion that, one of, if not the biggest draw to organized religion, is the sense of community and support of others and from others, offered to those who take part in it?
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I would say yes and no. Depends on who you are I suppose. Personally, I see it as a bonus. I love going into church on Sundays and seeing all the familiar faces. I've developed relationships with people whom are just a text or phone call away that I can pour myself out to, open up to, or simply go to for guidance for anything. They aren't judgmental and they aren't gonna look at you funny. That's all part of fellowship though. Christians are told to lean on one another and to push one another to become better than who they were yesterday. But I have always said that no matter the circumstance, that wouldn't change anything for me. I could be secluded by my lonesome in the mountains or desert in my nice little house but still build an incredible personal relationship with God. I would probably be even more inclined to study my bible more so than I do now even.
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I was Christian for a long time and I understand what you mean when it comes to fellowship. That's why I made that distinction. Church offers a community you don't get anymore in today's society. Which is a knock on society. Others have realized this, including atheists, agnostics and the like and I've read that people have just started having community fellowship on Sundays. No religion, just getting together with people who like you said, will listen, care, etc. I think people miss that factor and mistakingly attribute it to the holy spirit or some other nonsense when in reality its just the human psyche flourishing in a social environment because we are social creatures.
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And just to add to it, I've had times completely alone either praying, driving and turning the music off to just talk to God, or laying in my driveway at night time that I have undoubtedly felt the presence of God there with me. I've broken down and cried as well as felt rushes of euphoria. It doesn't have to be around others. The things I'm telling you right now are extremely open and honest of me. A lot of these things may seem bogus or off the wall, but I'm sure you've had similar moments if you ever took your faith seriously and pursued God, rather than simply believing in him.
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These things aren't religious experiences. They are resultant of deep inflection, examination of yourself, others, your life, existence. The things you describe happen to me, and can happen to anyone. Its because we are human, we have emotions.
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I don't want to say you are wrong because you aren't. You actually have a very solid point. But I don't think that is true for everyone. I love to "go get some fresh bread", as my preacher would say. It's the highlight of my week. I want to hear something new and read stories I haven't read before. I enjoy listening to my preacher breaking things down and analyzing scripture. I've had so many moments of "Oh! That makes so much more sense to me now!". And I think we are all designed to feel that flourishing feeling when you gather. I've felt it in many surroundings and environments, but I've never felt anything more powerful than the things I've felt in church or at church camps.
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Edited by Britton: 5/28/2015 7:55:17 AMWhich all makes wonderful sense. There's nothing like a great analytical discussion of ideas and concepts, an exchanging of thoughts, and if you throw in some outdoors and the people are people you enjoy then you have a truly great thing happening. I learned this a long time ago, more people need to. Its not about religion, its about stimulating and interesting conversation with people you have some level of care for. Unfortunately religion is one of the few remaining facets in society that offers a form of this. We need more of that meeting of the minds.
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I think it probably is.
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Me too. We are social creatures and a strong community of somewhat like minded people is going to be enough IMO to make people feel the "love of god" all the time when they are in that supportive atmosphere.
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Precisely. Because the love of other Christians is the love of God. Once you have received the Holy Spirit, he resides inside you. Crazy to think about. But then again there is all sorts of crazy stuff in the bible. It's incredible and exciting!
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Britton I may not always agree with you, but I do have to say that you constantly restore my faith in humanity.
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Thank you.
