lacking_imagination, on 12 March 2005 - 06:05 PM, said:

I am a Believer and I understand what you are saying. I love your "testimony". Regardless of your gang activity, you responded to a need and took action. That lady was a typical religious person and at least at that time did not understand the dynamic of what being a "Christian" really is about. That's how logical people know Christianity IS a religion. Mostly a bunch of people going to church on Sunday and blaming all things negative on Satan. I commend you for sticking to your guns. A lot of Church people will be surprised who will be in heaven (if there is one-I've never seen it, I'm going on faith) and who won't be.

I hear the term "Catholic Faith" and I've always thought that was odd. There is a Catholic Church which I was raised in and have stayed connected to in order to keep peace and harmony with my parents and in-laws, but that bothers me a little. I feel like I'm going through the motions in church and have to struggle to see a connection between the symbolistic rituals and what Jesus would do. I want to be free to be true to myself and stop acting like a sheep. The Catholic church is the only part of my life that I do that, in fact, I probably need to be more of a conformist in business sometimes and less irreverent. I truly struggle with following the Catholic Church because after 51 years of it I still don't get it and I don't see how the church can set laws down for people, are those Gods laws or laws of one of the largest organizations on the planet. Sometimes the Catholic Church is like dealing with the IRS, Verizon, AT&T or another big bueracracy, it definately does not represent freedom

I believe Faith resides within all of us. We feel it in the beauty of the sun rising and falling every day. Faith is honest and non-judgmental. It nurtures positivity and provides strength from within each of us when we need it most. It knows no ritualistic behaviors for it is pure with no motives or intentions. What is created in the name of Faith is called religion. Religion is mans need to control and manipulate everything and everyone. To judge by a set of man-made values that deem humanity as a failed attempt at a man-made perception of perfection. I was raised baptist and married into a catholic family and clearly understand that religion rules while Faith loves unconditionally. 42 years and I am still astounded at the behavior of humans, especially my family, based on their "religious beliefs." I agree with "Guests" comments, man-made rules of manipulation may provide solace for those who need to be ruled but it seems more like a business and not a belief.