Secularism and the Decline of the West

Well, I'm sorry those Christians bullied you.  They should not have. We are taught the greatest gift from God to made kind is free will.  They were not very Christian if they bullied and threatened you.  A true christian should be kind, loving and charitable.  As a Member of the Mormon church, we are taught to respect other religions as you see above.  In fact, our missionaries absolutely are not allowed to proselyte in Muslim countries.  And if they run into a muslim in another country and they ask them to go because they are Muslim, they are to do it immediately.

Evangelists bother me too.  Especially the ones on TV begging for money.  I believe these are the men warned about when it says that Satan will use the bible to his own ends.  There are many churches that are "christian" that I DON'T like.  I guess you could say its like disagreeing with the Shia or the Sufis. 

Peace on you Pauline, God loves all his children and he is Merciful, Just and All Knowing.  We must understand that in the end he knows our hearts and he will guide us along the paths he's chosen for us.

Angie

"For instance the Catholic Church decided not to allow priests to marry. The reason is that inheritance with through the family. So the kids (sons) would inherit the land. Thus the Church would not be the ruling land class anymore in Europe. They gave it flavorings as they were 'apostles' and should marry 'god'. Go figure. 

Then for women they were really 2nd class citizens. Virtually property. The Church demed them 2nd class by blaming the problems on women (as it was all Eve's fault for tempting Adam). Then setting up that women are either virgins or prostitutes. Not full, sexual beings. Like marry them only cause you have to.. very subtle messages that became a norm."

Sorry, I don't know how to post a quote here.  You are right.  I am a devout Catholic, and in the beginning the first disciples (apostles) were married.  A few hundred years later it was decided they should be celibate....and the Church would gain their inheritance.  This was not right at all.  Now they remain celibate because it is felt they are more able to devote ALL their time to their parish members, and to the Church....there is something in the Bible which states that a married man's attention is divided between God and his family, but a single man can focus totally on God and His will.  However, since this is a "man made" rule...it is possible it can be changed, and celibacy will be optional for the priests.

Women are not treated as either virgins or prostitutes.  I don't know where that came from, but nope, we are treated very respectfully.  If women act as prostitutes then they are treated "BY SOME MEN" according to the way the present themselves.  Jesus forgave the prostitutes and ate with them.  He was here to save the "lost sheep".  He did not like hypocrites who acted holier than thou.  I am no one special, and am certainly not holier than thou.  I am just a woman, a married mother and grandmother.  I have my faith.  I love my church....just as you love your faith and your church.  We are truly all God's Children.  I suppose he cries a million tears over all the arguing and fighting we do in His holy name.

God's Peace,

Patty