September 11, 2011
-
How this xanga Jew feels about G-d, Muslims, Christianity, atheists, etc...
Today is the 10th anniversary of 9-11 as anyone who is alive knows.
¤*¨¨*¤.¸¸ ...¸.¤
9/11 AMERICA
.¸.¤*¨¨*¤ .¸¸.¸.¤*
..
☻/
/▌
/ NEVER FORGET!!! .....keep the flag goingAnd I was thinking, something good that came from that horrible time, was the way the country came together. But I also remember people being very prejudice ( not racist, as Muslims or Islamics are practicing a religion) against all Muslims. I was hearing things like their religion in general was violent, they encourage suicide missions, they ALL hate Americans, and they are all responsible for 9-11. And I know many people feel this way today.
Now I could pretend to know all about the Muslim religion ( Islamic), or I could do research to disprove this. But that's a waste of time. All I know is ALL religions have extremists, people have killed in the name of other religions, and anyone read the old testament lately? There is big time violence going on there, with the stoning for small infractions, and in general just some uncool things going on. And we know many people have turned Christianity upside down, and there has been the whole cult thing, and mass suicide, and pedophilia, and I could go on and on. I also knew a family who was Islamic and practiced the Muslim faith and they were some of the nicest people I have ever met. I hear that the Koran says some things that could be misinterpreted. And obviously some do misinterpret it, including people who aren't even of that faith.
However, in my humble opinion, and from my experience, people also misinterpret the Judea/Christian bible. Now remember, I just said in my OPINION. And you may be surprised to know, I don't care. I really don't. But as some people have said about homosexuality " just don't try and force it on me."
Which is sort of ironic really, because I have been proselytized to more times than I can count, but a homosexual has NEVER tried to get me to be one of them, substitute any of my beliefs for their own, made me feel bad about myself and my culture, my identity, or my religion of origin.
But I have had MANY, mainly, evangelical Christians do just that. I used to get very upset, but now I realize they are doing that because one, their teachings tell them to, two, they genuinely care about me and my well being now and in the after life, and three, they are really super excited about their faith.
It would be like if I found gold or something. I'm not trying to trivialize it, I am just making a analogy.
You may be wanting me to get to the part about " what this Xanga Jew believes..." and I will, but I have something else to say first.
Some of my best friends are Christian. I don't mean the pretend kind, who never go to church, and the last time they saw a bible was at the Holiday Inn, I mean very faithful, strong, Christians. And we really are friends. I'm not just saying that. Like you know how some people say some of their best friends are black or gay, but really they just know some black and gay people and aren't mean, so they feel like they can say it? No, these are real friends.
And it's not just Xanga friends, although I do have a lot of Xanga friends who are very strong in their Christian beliefs, and deep down may even think there is a good chance I'm not getting past any pearly gates.
These are real life friends, we have socialized many times, friends.
Now both on Xanga and in real life, these are kind of unlikely friendships. Not because I dislike the Christian religion, but more because I dislike being preached to. Part of the reason I am friends with these people is they don't do that and the other part is they are REAl. And I can be myself back.
Now, like I said, if it makes you feel better waisting your breath, and actually totally turning me off to Christianity, proselytize away. I may argue some points, if I'm in the mood, or I may listen. It is very doubtful we will be friends in any real sense of the word, and it is very likely you have made me dislike your religion ( at least in the short term.) But I understand your need.
You may be wondering what I meant by "and they're real" or you may have stopped reading by now and said " who cares?" But if you are still reading I am going to give an example of two friends, well three really, since one is a couple.
These friends believe the same things, religiously, I know this because I know them and what churches they attend etc..
Friend one, who will be blocked from seeing this on Facebook, is a childhood friend. One of my VERY BEST friends. She became born again. Friend one sat in my kitchen for HOURS one day until I was in tears. Friend one apologized, but didn't really seem sorry. Friend one basically said in so many words, I was stupid, going to hell, my religion that I grew up with was wrong, nothing in my life was going to work out, and on and on. Now she said it by bible quoting, and smiling, and throwing out the love word throughout, but thats not really what I heard. And I knew exactly what she meant.
She also told her three year old daughter at the time to " get happy". She explained something about a sermon in church and her Christian mentor or something, saying kids need to be joyful.
Well I did say something about that! I told her, people, especially overly tired, three year olds, get cranky. I told her, she can get that big old paddle out, that she uses with love, and knock the crankiness out, but she was going to end up with a little Stepford kid. And lets be honest, Stepford kids are scary. And not REAl.
Friends two and three, a couple, have NEVER tried to bring me into the fold. I feel respected by them, and they may be praying for me, but they do it privately, and they don't tell me " we're praying for you."
Actually, I find we have a lot of things in common. For example, the husband loves to sing and I love to listen to his amazing voice. His wife is very funny, she isn't a prude, but she doesn't drop the F bomb all the time ( like I do) and she isn't quite as open as I am when talking about sex.
But she is a real person. They are people I can relate to on a human being level. They are GENUINELY nice people, not just because they have to be, cause Jesus said. They don't pretend to be perfect, and therefore don't come off as sanctimonious ass holes ( another word they probably don't use).
If I had to guess, they use the bible and groups from church to help them conduct their lives. I would guess that their marriage, which really seems solid ( although one never knows), has benefited from their core beliefs and their Christianity. But they don't say, " oh Laura, it's so sad you're DIVORCED!" " If you were a believer, and you and expunged followed some simple Christian marital steps, you too could be holding hands all the time, and giving each other loving looks, after a million years of marriage" Instead, they lead by example. They make me want to be a better person. ( Yes, I just said that, but it's true) They show me that some marriages can work. They show me that you don't have to be judgmental, nor should you be, if you are a true Christian. Nor do you have to walk around with a fake smile all the time, while dropping bible quotes every five minutes. Nope, you can just be yourself. By NOT gossiping incessantly, or swearing all day, and NOT making others feel bad, by being kind and generous and NONJUDGEMENTAL you are showing me a small taste of what I think Jesus was like. And isn't that the goal? I mean from the little I know, aside of the miracles and walking on water etc... he sounds like he was likable and could relate to people, and wasn't pompous at all, hence the whole people following him thing.
Anyway, the above ramblings are meant to demonstrate how I feel about Muslims and Christians. It's the same way I feel about Atheists, black people, grandmothers, and store clerks. If you are nice, semi normal, funny, cool like me, then I like you. If you are boring, pompous, elitist, pushy, and fake, I don't like you.
As far as my belief in G-d. I do believe in a deity, that I call G-d. I do some Jewish things ( like I just left the O out of G-d), but I am inconsistent and I really don't think I will be punished if I put the O in.
I believe in a human connection to a spiritual being ( if that makes sense). I believe we are not just the body and we do have a spirit. I really felt it after I gave birth the first time. I thought there has to be something bigger, because I had sex with expunged and now I am holding a human being, that we created. And that was and still is an amazing miracle to me. And I really felt G-ds presence. And I don't think it was just the relief of not having to push the giant head out of my down there anymore.
I eat shell fish, I don't think homosexuality is wrong, and I think Jesus was a great spiritual teacher as well as others who have been on this earth. I think the bible has been and still is misinterpreted many times by man. And I think people use it for their own fears and prejudices. I think man ( and woman) may be doing a real diservice to what Jesus really wanted to teach, but I acknowledge I may be 100 % wrong.
I don't have the answers, It's all based on faith. I think all faiths or no faith, is fine. I understand that infuriates some people and I understand at the very least they think I'm lost. And that's fine with me. As long as you are not causing harm to your fellow human beings, the planet, or our little animal friends, it's all good. I know, simplistic, but whatever. That's me. Whatever brings you peace is what brings you peace. It's none of my business actually, I think it can be a very personal thing. But if you want to share, go for it.
I think people need to do what works for them. And I think others need to respect that, even if they disagree strongly.
I will probably never vote the same way as friends two and three. I'm 99% sure we have some fundmental differences in what we believe socially and spiritually. But I can say I love them and enjoy their company just as much as I enjoy people who think just like me. Maybe even more, because who wants a bunch of Stepford clones running around.
A couple of my photos today reflect the theme. The first one is a boy at work. I am not allowed to show his face, so I hope it's not recognizable, because I am in love with this photo. The second one is self explanatory. The third one I call stairway to heaven. I took it at a Seminary, near expunged's house. The rest random. I hope you like them.
Comments (53)
Hi
This was, as usual, well written. It is pretty rare to find those friends who believe strongly in their Christian faith and do NOT try to shove it on you. That is a big turn off for me, anyone telling me I'm totally wrong and going to burn. We can all get along. We can discuss these things calmly, as a two way street, as adults, without anyone saying someone is going to burn. Right? But... some people just can't. It's sad.
@BubblysLife - It is sad, and I have a feeling this will be my least popular blog. It will either make too much sense which will bother people, or it will make them mad but they don't want to come off as jerks. Whatever, it's out there and thats that
I'm Christian but I'd never dream of pushing my religion on anyone! Your G-d is the same as my G-d. When you get right down to it there are more similarities than differences!
AMEN, sister....er...daughter. Did you learn this from me? Or do we just think alike. Either way, I agree with everything you said. BTW, an answer to friend #1 might be that Jesus was Jewish and didn't consider himself G-d but thought rather that he was delivering G-d's message, if I understand my biblical history. I doubt she (#1) would have told Jesus that he was going to hell. Rather I think he would have been glad we Jews are keeping his religion (through eons of adversity) and living a good, thoughtful and kind life.
I don't like the term G-d d----. but it blurts out a lot. A Buddhist cursing say J--- Chr--- is offensive but hey some habits are hard to break.
But atheist make a lot of conscious efforts, some in which I don't agree with but still where do we draw the line about conscious effort and force of habit?
Marriage right now probably is not that sacred to you or to me, now that we both got divorced (in different areas) but for sure we would wish the sacred oaths of marriage upon our children....
We could discuss about circumcision, whether or not wars could be justified or not but sometimes our deep connections make them so real that to discuss them with strangers would "cheapen" the discussion. I know you have some serious topics that you stand up for. Other topics are not that important. Maybe we are trying to grasp the final straws before we leave this mortal plain?
On a side note, I work with a group of people that are Muslim and they were happy that bin laden was killed and celebrated more openly than American Christians the day after we found out he was dead. bin laden hurt them in that they had to apologize constantly for his actions.
It is interesting to read your approach to religion.
@murisopsis - I agree and I wish people would focus more on those, the similarities. Jesus was a Jew, he celebrated all the
" weird" holidays we celebrate he studied from the same torah that are in synagogs across the world. People don't bother to learn about other faiths either they just spout off. @dianestickler - mom, I think parents have a huge influence in their kids spiritual beliefs, both positive and negative. But we are also smart so it could just be the great minds thing.
@PPhilip - Actually, marriage is sacred to me. I really wanted it to work out very badly. But I had no choice and in hindsight he made a good decision for both of us.
@TheTheologiansCafe - That is interesting. But now that you say it, not surprising. When I was a kid I was accused of killing Jesus quite a few times. I wasn't even alive then, much less a murderer. For all they know I might have been one of the people who believed he was the Messiah, had I lived then. I feel very bad for the American Muslim community. If some crazy Jew was running a terrorist group of people, I would probably say I was an Italian, Catholic, lady. I would be afraid of kooks.
Yes, today is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11. The reminder of terrorist attacks against human being; against the humanity. And also the reminder of the most well known world tragedy. Yes, it's been a while, but in my mind, each and every 11-Sept is always a tragedy, always will and will always a tragedy. It is a tragedy because some people never learn and thereby continue to make the same mistakes with costlier consequences.
Intelligently captured photos. I love black and white pictures. They're very basic and sincere.
@RestlessButterfly - very true, I am going to write my 9-11, post later.And I'm glad you like the photos. I too am a huge Black and white fan.
I like your post today! Your words are a lot like the photos, clear in there “black and whiteness.” At least people know where you stand and heck, you even acknowledge some of the complexities and inconsistencies of life.
@vexations -clear in there “black and whiteness.” _ Wow you think so poetically - That analogy never would have occurred to me. That's why we are Xanga friends, you're cool, and as I said, I like cool.
Cool, I like cool.... enjoy your day...
This was extremely well written and well thought out.
On a side note (and i know you weren't criticizing) not all Christians who don't go to church are fake. I don't go to church, but i am extremely strong in my faith. Its just that i have an issue with church, itself. A lot of them, actually, that i just can't get past.
The one thing that really sets me off is intolerance. It's why I hate the haters. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." "Get the log out of your own eye before you criticize your brother for having a splinter in his."
I've always wondered why we Christian-reared folks wouldn't want to be Jewish, just like Jesus.
I cannot believe I have never come across your blog before this. I came here on a rec by vexations.
I as a Muslim, couldn't have said anything better or more eloquent. Thank you for being an enlightened Global Citizen. I would love it if you can be a friend.
Zakiah.
your excellent b&w photos speak to me ... I also see that "in between" gray - the contrast ... the balance between black and white ... maybe it's that balance we should focus on ... great post!
I liked this post, it was easy to understand, and to read. And I like the way you think.
I completely understand what you are saying.
I'm Muslim whose best friends are Buddhist, Catholic, and Atheist.
And they really are my best friends. We share happiness, joy, sadness. We confide in each other. We have mutual understanding, respect, and trust.
I don't preach to them. They don't preach to me.I accept them, and they accept me.
Never would I judge them based on what several misguided people did, who so happen to share their religious beliefs or views.
From one Jew to another, I can't possibly touch upon every point you've made here. Some of what you've said I agree with and others I don't. But what I will say is this: people are what make religions what they are. They can either accept the doctrines the way they stand or they can choose to ignore them for the sake of comradeship. It's all a matter of common sense. BTW, I leave the O out of G-d too.
People seem to forget that it wasn't a Muslim who committed the holocaust- in fact, Muslims gave refuge to the Jews at the time as the Brits just shipped them away to the Middle East. People seem to forget it wasn't a Muslim who committed the crusades, who burnt down Vietnam... the list goes on. People seem to forget a whole lot of shit when it comes down to a righteous, selfless, giving, forgiving, respectful religion like Islam.
It all comes down to respect, I think. People need to understand that 1) not everyone feels/believes the same way they do and it may be that 2) nothing you say, no matter how much you talk at them, will change that. Most importantly 3) it's disrespectful to try to force your beliefs on another person. If you want to be religious, that's fine, I haven't got a problem with that. But don't make me try to follow your rules if I don't believe in them.
I consider myself agnostic because I don't know anything, but I was raised in a fairly liberal Catholic environment so I still think there is probably some sort of deity. I think, if there is one, he (or she) probably doesn't much care if I eat meat on Fridays or go to church on Sundays (and if they do, they should be worrying about things like war and suffering, imho) but whether or not I am a Good Person. Which I try to be, and which doesn't necessarily involve praying or going to church or whatever.
I really like your pictures and your stories.
That first friend, I'd have stopped being friends with her, too, though I do know (and am related to) a lot of people who are very strong believers and I get along with them fine. They don't preach. It's that preaching that really turns me off; I don't know why they didn't realize this hundreds of years ago. 
Hi.
Why leave the vowel out? Just something I've always been curious about.
Thanks for writing this; number one it's always nice to hear how someone I like thinks and feels, and number two it's refreshing to know that there are people in this world who don't feel the need to shove their beliefs down other people's throats.
Pictures.
Beautiful. I especially like the last one; I have a thing with repeated patterns.
Wow, Evangelicals will try to convert anybody won't they?
great post! i'll never forget the day it was determined Timothy McVeigh was the Oklahoma City bomber. i had plans already to meet friends at a NYC restaurant. they are friends from many religious backgrounds, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and I am a Buddhist. the friendship between us all was nothing we planned based on religion. not at all. we couldn't care less. we all became friends for other reasons, music actually. our comradery was organic and filled with lots of intelligent conversation and even more laughter. i couldn't help but laugh when one Muslim friend said to me, thank God for once it wasn't the Muslims.he was like everyone else horrified at the news of the bombing days before. it's stupid that i even feel i have to mention this fact. he has a beautiful daughter and i know he felt the pain of the parents who lost their children on that horrible day.
Beautiful post! I must admit that although I am Christian, the one thing about some Christian viewpoints that annoys the crap out of me is the notion that any man/woman can be sure who God lets into Heaven.
I actually believe Jews are God's chosen people and as such they don't necessarily need to follow Jesus' teachings. That the relationship is so long and special that probably God just lets ya'll in without a second thought. If God can create the universe, He is smart enough to understand the mechanisms of how religion evolves and/or doesn't. Perhaps, us Christians should be more worried we have followed a false prophet than whether Jews can be saved.
In the end, at the Pearly Gates I have every intention of questioning St. Peter (isn't he supposed to mind the gates?) about who gets into Heaven. If forgiven murderers and child molesters get in and Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. etc. don't get in. I ain't going in there either! I don't want to spend eternity with murderers.
This is exactly how I feel about the issue of religion. I figure there's enough room in this world for everyone, be who you feel called to be, as long as you aren't a supercilious judgmental asswipe who thinks you need to constantly preach at me 'for my own good'. I love discussing religion, and I respect people who can do this without trying to force their beliefs, or change mine. Proselytizing at me is a good way to end the conversation, however.
I love pretty much everyone until they give me a good reason not to, and I sure don't blame an entire group for the actions of a few. Fundamentalism is scary to me, though, and that's fundy-ism of any type. It breeds extremism, which motivates people to do some dangerous and hateful things.
I enjoyed reading about your beliefs and insights. Your message sounds authentic and sincere. I always applaud Xangans who are open about their beliefs and ideas. This is well written.
Kind of off topic, but my favorite bumper sticker ever says "God's last name is not dammit". I really think that's hilarious. HA HA HA! In fact, I still regret I didn't buy it when I saw it and I've never seen it again. Curses!!
Well, you know the nuts and bolts of my personal faith - I think it is important for people to not deny that they have a spiritual component, and I do think my personal faith system has a lot to offer, but faith is such a personal, individual thing. Which is sort of what you said (the first part of what i said, anyway...).
the pictures are very enjoyable; I am glad you are sharing!
I like you pictures. Black and white, high contrast is a style I enjoy.
Very, very good post. I can't think of anything that I could add to make it better.
@TNLNSL_PRN - I know, I even realized that as i was writing it. But I kept it in, I don't know why, probably because I could think of anything else lol. No seriously, I get that, church is for fellowship and to worship with other like minded people, and usually to get a message, and sing some songs, it doesn't make you better or worse than other Christians.
@Owain_Gwynedd - I have often wondered that myself. Why throw the baby out with the bath water or something like that. I agree is what I'm trying to say lol
@ZSA_MD - I would love that too, and I am glad you found me and now I you : ). Love making new xanga friends.
@windupherskirt - Thank you SO much, and grey and balance are definitely part of my make up ( at least I try ) @charbabi - Thanks, I thought it was kind of long winded myself, but thank you.
@Southeast_Beauty - I am glad you have not had to suffer the ignorance of people. By the way and I'm not coming on to you, I'm straight, you are beautiful. Just thought I'd pass that on.
@zionlover - I agree with that and lets just leave it at that.
@JinnLedet - People probably don't even know, much less forget. History seems to be another thing that is picked and chosen by man.
@leaflesstree - First, thank you, second I agree. 100's or thousands of years ago I can understand preaching, no internet, no TV. So fine, spread the good word. Maybe you will enlighten someone who wasn't aware. But unless you live in a cave in this century, you already know what " they" believe and obviously you're not interested, get a clue.
@opticalnoise - Thank you! The vowel thing. Well it says in the Torah ( or somewhere LOL) that the name G-d is something that should be held in reverence,something like that, and so it isn't supposed to be written, it belittles it or something. I suck at Jew 101 ha ha, but it's something like that and when I leave it out, it's mostly because I grew up that way it's habit. @DivaJyoti - As I said, it doesn't bother me as much anymore because they are not doing it to be mean, it usually is done from love and because they are told to spread the good news. It's fine, just a turn off and won't get what they want, in fact they almost always get the opposite.
@TheSutraDude - Thanks ( I like your screen name btw, always wanted to tell you that) Stupid people forget we are all part of the human experience. There are sickos and then there are the rest of us, flawed, but human. Of course your friend could relate to losing a child. It's like the suffering in other countries, so many people ignore it, I guess because those people don't seem like they are like us, except suffering. I wish there was an anti ignorant pill.
@TiredSoVeryTired - LOL, yeah please check out the list, Hitler is there, after all the murders AND the sin of suicide, forget it.
Seriously though, I have often argued the point that G-d was the one who put me in the Jewish family, why am I being punished? That would be like if I sent my kids to a school that taught the wrong thing and then punished them for it, how dumb is that? And frankly, pretty cruel too.
@ZombieMom_Speaks - 100% agree. I find a lot of fundamentalists preach things that are really very fear based. And that is scary, because if you are coming from a place of fear, you can't be rational.
@Zeal4living - Thank you, I appreciate that.
@miss_order - Thank you, and you know it was your post that got me to thinking about this. You are one of the good ones. Ha Ha, about the bumper sticker, you should google it, I bet you can find it.
@C_L_O_G - Thank you, I too like black and white. My favorite in photos. But I don't have many in my home, I should change that.
@DaKingfish - Thank you, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
@momofjenmatt - Totally understandable.
@momofjenmatt - re my screen name: haha thank you. i wish there was an ignorant pill too. perhaps the greatest gift that comes with suffering is being able to empathize with the suffering of another no matter who that other is are or where that other comes from. this actually leads to happiness whereas the screw you i've got mine attitude leads one away from happiness.
Jews are a minority and minorities are hated.
@RulerofMasons - Thank you for sharing
@JinnLedet - I miss you.
Whatever works for you, or anyone else, is all that matters. I believe hat whatever floats your cheerios is good. I am a Buddhist and it works for me and that is all that matters. You do not have to believe as I do, nor I as you.
Peace.
There comes a time when a Christian starts caring more about what Christ thinks than what people do. I hope that can be me.
@Grannys_Place - well said
@NightCometh - I'm sure it already is.
@versatil - Ill be trying to get a blog out soon
.
they do have JEws for Christ. Apparently, you have to be a Jew to be a part of their congregration.
Another great post! Amen!
@mammaquiet - Thank you again, VERY much appreciated.
@BenelliMan - Oh I know all about Jews for Jesus and Jews for Christ and messianicJews, those people are the WORST. So judgmental, at least in my experience.
thanks for sharing =)
@momofjenmatt - you have a new subscriber.
Great post. I absolutely agree with your view on the bible, in fact, those two paragraphs, I think are brilliant. (probably cuz I agree 100%)
@comet555 - Thanks so much and you know the saying great minds... We are just cursed with common sense lol, now who sounds self righteous? Whatever it's my blog, I'm allowed
@momofjenmatt - funny when I was typing that comment, I was thinking of that saying too! Now if the rest of the world would just get on board, it could be a much nicer place.
@comet555 - we are awesome ha ha
Comments are closed.