Something religous that scares me

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Hey smooches, I am back from running my munckin to town. I am impressed by your whole attitude. I think it is cool. That you have turned what was once dislike for someone to love, is great. No one has any bid'ness telling you that what you beleive is wrong. It is your belief. Keep it. I will give you one little bit of advice you are free to throw away ( advice freely given, and all that). If I ball up my fist and punch my son for no reason, while I tell him I love him, which is true, the act, or the word. The act, of course, right? I play with words. I get paid to make them do tricks, but I know how hollow words are or can be, and how deceptive they are. Some things are just to powerfull to be communicated by things so clumsy as mere words. These things, like faith, require action. Actions yell softly, and are usually true. Act true to your faith, and if others are moved to wonder at your attitude, then they will approach you. Your religion and your faith are a big part of who you are, and you can no more deny that than you can live without breathing, but it will always be your attitude and actions that communicate your faith the best. Now jus' tell me to shut up. Luck, and stay strong.

Thank you vincubus. The kindest words I've heard on this entire forum. Oh and you have son? So I take it you're married. How old is he?

Any time, Smooches (even though you dissed Bugs, lol!!) My boy just turned 16 a few weeks ago. I am also married or at least my wife says so. My son has ADHD and a learning disability. We still have high hopes for him. I don't allow anyone to let him use his disorder as an excuse to fail, but as a reason to succeed. Yes, it is tough, but any child is worth it. Steve is older than you , I assume, not knowing his age. That does not mean that he is right. He is pretty intelligent, sure, but intellignece does equate "rightness" it only means one can sound so much better at being wrong.

Lol sorry about bugs, but my daffy needed to be protected. I feel really bad for your son. I am glad you are encouraging him though that's good. It's good he has parents to support him unlike others. How old are you by the way?

I am 42. Thanks for your kind words. We try. We are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but we try. Listen...I really feel uncomfortable posting so much with you. There are strange folks out running around, and I don't want to do or say anything that coudl be misunderstood. Please don't take offense, but I am not sure it is a good idea, considering our respective ages, to talk back and forth this much. I am sorry. I will just say that I am impressed by you, and I don't have any worry for you in your life, as long as you stay as you are. Dave

Oh ok. I see what you mean. Well it was nice talkingto you and good luck with your son.

Steve,regarding the chip on your shoulder, I tend to understate...alot. I will continue to understate through the rest of this post.I see that you also have a chip on your shoulder about innocense. I hope at least you are not a pedophile.When you run out of flys that you can pull the wings off of to amuse yourself, let me know. I will send you a whole slew of them.I have never had a use for bullies. A waste of human tissue, these sad little crreatures. Nothing worse than a hugely mismatched contest to amuse the larger of the two. Bullies. Take them all out and shoot them.This post has been edited for emotional content. It is more even toned than I would preferVery understated.

I see that you also have a chip on your shoulder about innocense. I hope at least you are not a pedophile.Fuck you, no I'm not, my loquacious and rambling friend. How about you? What is this "innocense" you're talking about, Mister I-would-marry-a-sheep?I think you have a 15-year-old confused with a small child. I would be insulted by your attitude if I were her. It's not like I'm telling a 6-year-old that there's no Santa Claus. But when it comes to religion, there's never a good age to be brainwashed. I think it's appropriate to talk to a 15-year-old as an adult.I had a neighbor who got involved with the Church of Christ cult in Boston. She had recently lost both of her parents, and was ripe for the picking. She got deeply involved, married a house minister, and gave all of her assets (her inheritance and property) to her avaricious church. I went to some of their events (house churches and Sunday services at the then-standing Boston Garden). The manipulation was unbelievable. No wonder they call it a "flock".I've seen people who underwent religious conversion also undergo personality transformation. They were able to function at jobs and pay bills, but talking to them, they seemed blissed out and stoned. Very weird. Very programmed.If you think trying to talk someone out of that kind of thing is bullying, you have your head way up your ass. But come and shoot me if you like, big talker.

me> Ireland is a lot less Catholic than it used to be.you> Its not less Catholic, still 97%.That's what I meant. Not fewer Catholics, but less depth of belief. Less church influence. Just as you said.Is there a correlation between weaker religious belief and a stronger economy?

The sad thing is that Jesus' message was to help the poor, etc., and instead, people are squandering their assets by giving it to churches. Or TV preacher-thief-con-men like Benny Hinn and Robert Tilton.Hinn lives a gold-plated lifestyle. What a crock. What a crook. If hell exists, there a room with his name on it down there.

Good. I am glad to see that you understand my position. You are NOT her. She was NOT offended, in case you hadn't noticed. She was NOT in a cult nor was she brainwashed. Anyone with half an eye could clearly see that. She has something beautiful, and you sought to destroy it. I am glad that she blew you off. She is not some hard eyed-grew-up-too-soon-type that hangs out at the malls and wants to get laid to piss off mom and dad. You did not evalutate the situation very well. I think your hatred of religion got in your way. But she has won, and I am proud of her.As far as the big talker. When I was between marriages, I was angry, and made money illustrating physically the anger of others. I especially enjoyed the few times I was needed to "entertain" bullies in such a manner. Gave me a particular pleasure. Guns not required.Sure cults are dangerous, or at best a hinderance to a normal life, but this girl is not in a cult. Yes, I can see that you were trying to keep her from a fate that had befallen some others you have known, but it seemed obvious to me from the get-go that she was sincere. Cults, by the way, are few and far between. I think even the Monnies are in decline, and the Church of God (not to be confused with either the real mainstream denomination out of Anderson, Indiana, or the one out of Cleveland, Tennessee), has largely been broken up. What you see by YOUR perspective as being brainwashed, this girl did not, AND she was supported by her parents, by the way, whose job it is to raise their child as THEY see fit. Not how YOU see fit. It would be the same if someone talked my son into smoking a joint, not knowing if I wanted that for him or not. I would find the guy, break some bones, and then see him prosecuted.Do you REALLY think I would honestly marry a sheep?? Now you are starting to scare me. Can I assume that you won't need the excess flies that I have laying around?

Cults, defined as a pseudo religion that ultimately expresses belief in a human, demand all of their devotees assets. Religions, on the other hand, at least the mainstream Judeo/Christian churches, scripturally support their request for ten percent. That ten percent supports many endevors. I have known some pastors or their wives to work outside of the church, to make up for money that the church just could not provide. Many churches are very cautious these days, as many folks try to run scams on these churches, taking advantage of the Biblical injunction to give to the needy ( I have run some scams like these myself in my younger days, and may be part to blame for some churches being stingy with the money). Many churches in larger communities band together, and there is a clearing house that one needs to go through to get help, but the help is there. If they have not the funds from these pooled churches, then they usually have someone on staff who works with secular agencies in the community, or have persons lined up to help out. They do the best they can. Especially in these times of economic hardship. While I was cycling over the Blue Ridge, I did run into one pastor who wasn't going to play the game with me. I left empty handed. I did not need, but thought I would try the scam anyhow. You know, free stuff and all. He refused me help, but I think he knew I was conning him.

Um, I don't know where you are, or what church you attended but that is absolutely nothing like the church I go to. As a matter of fact, in my church they say please don't give if you do not want to or you can't. My pastor has donated more money than anybody else in the church. Many people who have given to the church have received so much. In my church when someone is in debt or has a money problem we pray over it and we give. I know though that it depends on the churches you go to. You really have to look out. But my pastor is like my second "human" father and he has helped me so much. I'm sorry if most churches appear that way. It is very sad that they do. Bt this world is not perfect. Neither are the people living on it.

Sure cults are dangerous, or at best a hinderance to a normal life, but this girl is not in a cult.What is the difference between a "cult" and a "religion"? Is a cult a religion that you don't like?> she was sincereWhat does that have to do with anything? There are quite sincere people who follow all kinds of crazy religions and ideologies.> Cults, by the way, are few and far between.Catholic, Southern (antisemetic) Baptist, other Charismatic Christian, etc. churches are not few and far between.> Church of God......is not the Church of Christ (wacky version; there's also a "mainstream" church with that name.> What you see by YOUR perspective as being brainwashed, this girl did not,People who are brianwashed do not see that they are brainwashed. They realize it after they've been deprogrammed.> AND she was supported by her parents, by the way, whose job it is to raise their child as THEY see fit. Not how YOU see fit. It would be the same if someone talked my son into smoking a joint, not knowing if I wanted that for him or not.I'm not forcing here to do anything. But I assumed she was prepared for opposing points of view when she posted her religious beliefs on a public forum. Didn't her mom already warn her about it? No one forced her to discuss her religious beliefs.> I would find the guy, break some bones, and then see him prosecuted.You seem to end a lot of posts with (hopefully rhetorical) threats of violence. Are you actually a violent person? There are people on this forum who seriously advocate marijuana use. For all we know, your kid read those posts. You going to find the posters and break their necks? This violent threat crap is not funny. Is that part of your culture?______________________________________________________________> Cults, defined as a pseudo religion that ultimately expresses belief in a human, demand all of their devotees assets.So you've co-opted the word "cult" and defined it for your convenience.> Religions, on the other hand, at least the mainstream Judeo/Christian churches, scripturally support their request for ten percent.If the scriptures demand a tithe of ten percent + go to the church, then shame on the scriptures. If they mean that you should give it to the good causes and the needy, then that would make for a better world. Churches squander the money.I know someone who's in a mainstream church, and it provides the sense of community that itinerant Americans often lack. But they only support people in their own church, in their own rich little town.> ...scamming...I'm not sure what your story about being a would-be church scammer has to do with the topic.

I don't know where you are, or what church you attended but that is absolutely nothing like the church I go to.The Boston Church of Christ. The person I mentioned was a vulnerable person who they preyed on. She went of with her house minister husband to proselytize in Sweden. I don't know what happened to her after that.Will I and billions like me burn in everlasting helfire torment because we don't accept Jesus as our personal savior?

I define 'Cults" the way Ted Patrick, a former deprogrammer does. I have ended three posts with suggestions of violence. We are a violent sciety, and then there is my growing up years. Shit happens. "Alot?"My son will not be on this forum. I know what he does, and where he does it,except at school, and even there, his teaches and I, during session, communicate weekly. The boy does have a structured life, and he is not left very often to fend for himself and be entertained by sites such as this. As he shows little interest in computers save to play games on them, I am confident of what I say.While we are on the subject, it is ....strange that anyone of any age can be on this forum. That is the thing that has caused me the most...confusion. I am going to get slammed here, as if THAT hasn't happened already, but I cannot see letting my son or any other child I am responsible for being on such a site. NOt as long as I am alive.But, each parent has to raise their child as they see fit. Just would not happen in my house.

This is basically a youth-oriented site. It's a place to go with issues that concern teens (and others). It reflects the things teens think about and discuss among themselves, but aren't comfortable discussing with their parents or other adults. Teenagers are thinking about things that may shock you, but that's realitiy. It's better to come here and get mostly good information than to continue in ignorance.

There are things all over the internet that you probably don't like, and the filters can do only so much good. Likewise for TV, movies, magazines, video games, and other media. How sheltered is your 16-year-old?

As far as how far things are allowed to go, and whether bestiality discussions are appropriate, is up to the moderators, and if you have an issue in that area, you should discuss it with them. Do you think 15-year-olds like Smooches should be heaved out of here by their parents?

Wtf? ive gotten so much help on here. If my kid couldnt ask me these questions i would much rather have him on here then not know about it, i think you are very over protective and just plain fuckin ignorant. I feel very sorry for your son who is probably confused about things like puberty and girls.

Lets see...How sheltered is my son. Hmmm.... ( and football, you read this too). I have told him of my drug use. He knows that I have not at least used Heroin or Crack. He knows about my alcohol use. I have told him that I have not drank sterno, aftershave, or cough medicine. He knows about my incarcerations, my gang fights, and has seen me in one street fight in North Carolina. He has seen his maternal grandfather drunk out of his mind, and has seen his maternal Uncle stoned AND drunk AND speedballing. I have spoken frnakly with him concerning my Satan worship. I have spoken with him several times about sex, puberty and birth control. I was dismayed to discover that he had planned on having sex with a girl and he expressed to me no idea what a condom was. He is learning disabled (as in doesn't like to read) and so avoids the internet. He plays video games, and these games improve the deficits in his hand and eye coordination-a problem among those who have his disability. Most of the time when he watches television, I am with him, or his mom is, or his grandfather, and we can moniter his attitude, and explain things to him. As a follower, he is desperate for peer aproval, and so he consistantly hangs with the losers. I have broken up several friendships between him and drug users, or those who have a record with the police. I would do this until I die if need be, to keep him well adjusted, and in order to help him avoid the MANY negative experiences I have had. As much as I repect women, I had to throw my mother in law from my house when she suggested that it was fine for my son to smoke. He was ten. I started smoking when I was ten. Had to hang on the corner and play adult, wanting to look cool (fool) and get that fuckin drag in my voice. In a hurry to grow up. Well, I am now 42, and I STILL haven't figured out what the rush was about. Understand this. Everything I have done, every stupid mistake I have made, every poor decision that resulted in me getting in trouble, is worth it if I can keep my son from making ONE mistep.I am not raising Smootches, her parents are. They decide for her, and I decide for my son. I guess since I don't let him listen to gansta rap, or wear his pants halfway down his ass, and insist that he give his mother and myself respect, and that he wear a freakin belt, doesn't sport bling bling, and keep tabs on what he does, who he does it with, and where he does it, then I am sheltering him. I will continue to do so. Teenagers doing things that scare me, or I find shocking? HAH! I ran the streets when I was six. Please!Now let us return to the I am "fuckin ignorant" statement issued by someone who has not LIVED yet...Self projection is when you put onto others what is true for you, 'cept you aren't a parent. Football, don't feel sorry for MY son. I feel sorry for you. YOU need a site such as this since YOU cannot talk with YOUR parents, aunts, uncles, older cousins, etc. My son can and does talk with us. I feel sorry for YOU! His questions also get answered. Some times, it is not the asnwer that he wants, or the explanaition he wants, but, nonetheless, we are here for him, AND we can communicate.I was not aware that this site was primarily about youth. I am glad there is such a site, but, as I spend much time with my own son because of his disorder, I am not inclined to spend yet more time with youth, nor be judged by those who have not even begun to live yet. My apologies if that sounds harsh. Besides, those on my adults only site have been clammoring for me to return for the last four days...they really need to get a life, ya know?Shmootches, you are Gold...stay that way. Don't let anyone put their disolusionment onto you. Stay strong.

Well that is good, sorry for my ignorance and calling you that before i knew what you were about. That is good to hear you talk to your son about your life and everything. And actually i talk to my parents in just about everything from drugs, to girls, to school. But there are defantly certain thigns i cant ask them like masturbation lol. Good luck with your son