Any atheists/pagans/wiccans out there? :)
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Splitting hairs but falling or jumping from a bridge might not kill you , there have been miraculous ( if I may use the word ) instances of falling very great distances and surviving .Science is not infallible . Man is not infallible . My posts were about love of your fellow man and what you should do to express that love if you see another doing something that you believe with your heart ,soul , and mind will cause them tremendous pain and suffering . Should you turn your head and simply say it is your right ? Is that love ?
The question really makes no sense. Your BELIEF that someone will burn forever in hell because they do not share our faith is a belief, not a provable fact.
This really is not splitting hairs at all. It's the difference between a 99% probability of death (lower or higher depending on the specifics of the bridge, landing site, etc.) and something you have zero proof of beside your own belief with no hope of objective provability. Just because a very small minority of bridge-jumpers survive does not mean the laws of probability failed. In fact, quite the opposite.I also have been very careful not to express just exactly what I believe so hell wasn't brought up by me . I guess what it boils down to is : my belief in .................. is so strong that it is as real to me as the acceptance of gravity is to both of us
You have the notions of opinion and fact very confused and muddied. You said it yourself that your belief in ___ is very real TO YOU. Your notion of God or whatever you believe is not provable in a logical fashion with emprical unbiased evidence. There is no way around that. Gravity is provable and demonstrable.
You are entitled to your beliefs, but trying to compare saving someone by converting them to your faith to saving someone who is leaping off a bridge is a terrible logical conundrum that you can't rationalize because you are comparing an intangible being with a tangible force.
I'm not going to argue this point with you because it is pointless to do so.
I will say that pushing your beliefs on someone who does not wish to receive them is rude and arrogant on your part as it says to that person that you know better than they do what is best for them. I would not advise this path if you hope to save anyone.0 -
One question, for atheists. Do you raise children, and how does this work out for you? One thing I am worried about is having a kid and facing some of the horrible things I have heard other atheist families have faced. People can be VERY cruel.
A lot of that has to do with where you live. No place is immune to the prejudices against atheists (and to a slightly lesser, but still very strong degree, Pagans) but region is a BIG factor. We live in New England, and I have very little concern for my children if they decide they are atheists or Pastafarians or humanists or pantheists or Buddhists or whatever. They may not be in the majority, and will almost certainly run into ignorant people (which would happen if they were Christian, there's no escaping them! LOL) but I honestly think that for the most part they will find acceptance or disinterest. Or cloying condescension in the form of the usual "Oh, I'm so sorry for you, your daily experience of joy and gratitude is false, I'll pray for you." But that's better than the harassment, bullying, or even abuse they might expect somewhere else.
In addition to the area we live in, I've also cultivated an inclusive, secular community for my children -- we're members of a Unitarian Universalist church where the secular humanist vein is strong, and as a homeschooling family we're part of a large, nonreligious homeschool group that includes families with all different views on religion (including atheism) - its' a non issue.
Where I grew up (in the Appalachian South) the UU churches are few and far between and if you find one, it's likely to be more focused on a Deity of some kind, and finding a homechool group that doesn't have a "statement of faith," etc -- being openly atheist in that area would be more likely to bring responses of fear. However, even in more religious areas, while it would be more of an issue, I think it's still possible to raise nonreligious children without having their security unduly threatened. Hopefully, at worst, you'd just have to help your children gracefully and confidently address more well-meaning conversion attempts.
I live in the south. But we do have a Unitarian church nearby, that I have visited. It hosts the local Free Thought meetings. Being an atheist is a non-issue for me personally, but I know that bringing a child into the world (one day) is a big responsibility and they will likely be raised to believe by my example. I am a firm believer in letting them explore when they are older, but I don't want them to choose religion out of fear of persecution. Your homeschooling circle sounds pretty magnificent to have such diversity and acceptance. I have never heard of anything like that here. When I decide to have kids, you can bet that I will research until my eyeballs fall out. I am already going to have to be careful..my boyfriend's mom is very Christian and a wonderfully loving woman, but I am not sure how she will feel about her grandchild being raised...not. She doesn't know about my religious preferences yet...
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I hope you aren'tmad I am chiming in but I am a strong believer in the God of the bible. I (and most of the mature believers I know) really love all people and are not just talking the talk. I believe many people have never heard a person explain the gospel to them in a reasonable way, without judging them. I share my faith with atheists and all other world views and many after hearing God's word explained, want to receive He sus into their heart and life. Again I hope my two cents adds and doesn't take away from the thoughts that have been shared.
I really hope you wait until they ASK to hear about your faith. If not, that's pretty rude.
I don't believe sharing your beliefs is rude at all weather its asked for or not. They can object if they would like and sharing it comes from a loving caring place 0 -
I consider myself a secular humanist :happy: I was raised by a non-religious mother and a Christian (Lutheran) father. My siblings are all devout Christians and prefer not to speak of my beliefs anymore.
My husband was raised Catholic, but is agnostic.0 -
I find this topic very interesting as I have been struggling to figure out what I am & what I believe. I was raised very strick Roman Catholic even went to Catholic school, but never understood or believed in alot of their rules. When I got divorced I was thrown out of the Catholic church. I got remarried in the Episcipol church because I found them to be closer to what I believed and wanted to raise my children in. My family had a hard time with it at first but they adjusted. Our church closed & we've been having a hard time finding a new one. We tried a Methodist which I found interesting but the kids found strange. My 18 y.o. anounced that she was athiest and not joining us anywhere. I do believe there is a God. But mostly I believe in angels or loved ones that stay with us to guide us. I don't believe in Heaven or Hell. but I do believe in reincarnation. I believe we keep coming back in one form or another until we get it right and maybe that is what the angels or spirit guides are, those that finally got it right so they don't have to keep being reicarnated instead they help try to guide the rest of us. I don't know if any of this makes sence or what religion it makes me.0
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Wiccan, and have been since age 10. 27 now. I don't like to throw my beliefs around at other people...I know what makes me happy and will not force that on anyone else.
I have one of the coexist stickers on the back of my car. Pisses my friend off something fierce.0 -
my family is catholic, ive disagreed with western religion for as long as i can remember, even ran away from sunday school at 7 and walked home, last year when my family found out about my religion...or lack there of i was written out of my grandmothers will and told i wouldnt be put back in until i believed in god, i tolerate other religions but dont force your opinions on me. unfortunatly i get alot of forced opinions being in the line of work that i am.
now its getting to the point with my son that my parents and grandparents are wondering how i will raise my son, i told them that he doesnt have to have a religion to be a good person, its my job to teach him right from wrong and when hes older if he decides he wants to have a religion then its his choice, im not going to force it on him...that'd make me a hypocrite.0 -
I hope you aren'tmad I am chiming in but I am a strong believer in the God of the bible. I (and most of the mature believers I know) really love all people and are not just talking the talk. I believe many people have never heard a person explain the gospel to them in a reasonable way, without judging them. I share my faith with atheists and all other world views and many after hearing God's word explained, want to receive He sus into their heart and life. Again I hope my two cents adds and doesn't take away from the thoughts that have been shared.
I really hope you wait until they ASK to hear about your faith. If not, that's pretty rude.
I don't believe sharing your beliefs is rude at all weather its asked for or not. They can object if they would like and sharing it comes from a loving caring place
If an atheist came up to you and, out of genuine care for your wellbeing, tried to convince you that your life is being wasted because you spend too much time believing in a god that doesn't exist, would you feel the same way?
Just for clarification, this atheist tried to change your faith without you asking him/her for his/her opinion on the matter.0 -
Gosh nice save at the end. This is chit chat (see random).Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
Thanks for telling me I have been doing it wrong this whole time.
I mean that nicely.
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When did I say you were doing anything wrong? Praying for someone is not a bad thing, I pray for my son my husband my friends, family and yes even strangers. Its out of love, something wrong with that?0 -
Science is not infallible . Man is not infallible . My posts were about love of your fellow man and what you should do to express that love if you see another doing something that you believe with your heart ,soul , and mind will cause them tremendous pain and suffering . Should you turn your head and simply say it is your right ? Is that love ?
The question really makes no sense. Your BELIEF that someone will burn forever in hell because they do not share our faith is a belief, not a provable fact.
Splitting hairs but falling or jumping from a bridge might not kill you , there have been miraculous ( if I may use the word ) instances of falling very great distances and surviving .
This really is not splitting hairs at all. It's the difference between a 99% probability of death (lower or higher depending on the specifics of the bridge, landing site, etc.) and something you have zero proof of beside your own belief with no hope of objective provability. Just because a very small minority of bridge-jumpers survive does not mean the laws of probability failed. In fact, quite the opposite.I also have been very careful not to express just exactly what I believe so hell wasn't brought up by me . I guess what it boils down to is : my belief in .................. is so strong that it is as real to me as the acceptance of gravity is to both of us
You have the notions of opinion and fact very confused and muddied. You said it yourself that your belief in ___ is very real TO YOU. Your notion of God or whatever you believe is not provable in a logical fashion with emprical unbiased evidence. There is no way around that. Gravity is provable and demonstrable.
You are entitled to your beliefs, but trying to compare saving someone by converting them to your faith to saving someone who is leaping off a bridge is a terrible logical conundrum that you can't rationalize because you are comparing an intangible force with a tangible one.
It is only intangible to you . There are many things that are real yet can't be easily grasped with our limited understanding . We are constantly expanding what is known about the world around us . We still struggle to explain light without attributing to it properties of both particle and wave theories , a terrible conundrum of logic . The physical world is much the same as it has been for centuries and yet our understanding is vastly changed. No one knows how the universe came to be but there are beliefs and theories but ultimately it came from nothing . Science cannot explain how something came from nothing , Supernatural if you will , because there isn't anything that makes it possible in the natural world .0 -
Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
I don't see a lot of people on here saying that they dislike Christians. Most of us are friends with Christians and respect them. We don't like people who treat us like we are below them for believing differently, just like you would not like to be treated that way. Try not to take it the wrong way.
Not to assume, but you probably like to talk about your beliefs with like minded people (say at church), and that is all we are doing here. Christianity seems like it is the majority, so it is a little difficult for some of us to find like-minded people in our daily lives. I know I don't know any atheists, so it is very nice to be able to see others who are similar to me, on a site like this, trying to achieve the same goals that I am.
It was the original poster that said she doesn't like christians0 -
Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
I don't see a lot of people on here saying that they dislike Christians. Most of us are friends with Christians and respect them. We don't like people who treat us like we are below them for believing differently, just like you would not like to be treated that way. Try not to take it the wrong way.
Not to assume, but you probably like to talk about your beliefs with like minded people (say at church), and that is all we are doing here. Christianity seems like it is the majority, so it is a little difficult for some of us to find like-minded people in our daily lives. I know I don't know any atheists, so it is very nice to be able to see others who are similar to me, on a site like this, trying to achieve the same goals that I am.
And I can see where you are coming from0 -
Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
I must have missed those comments. I personally love many Christians and count them among my dear friends. It seems that some in this thread have rubbed you the wrong way, causing you to put all the rest of us in that category, even if we never, ever, ever said we "don't like Christians."0 -
Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
I don't think I've see a single person in this thread say they don't like Christians, or that they don't like members of any other religious group for that matter. Many of us have actually noted that belief is a matter of personal choice, and that all people are entitled to make that choice. What some of us have said we do not like is feeling like other people's beliefs are being forced on us in some way (particularly via legislation), but I think most people dislike that feeling. Also, some of us don't like certain fringe "Christian" groups that do things we find deeply troubling, like Westboro Baptist Church protesting people's funerals with signs saying terrible things, but again, I think many people, of all faiths (or lack thereof) are troubled by people saying hurtful things at a funeral. As others have pointed out, many of us have people in our lives that we care for and respect, who happen to be people of faith. Others of us may deeply respect public figures, who happen to be people of faith. At no point have I seen Christian bashing, or anything that I think would be offensive to most people if they actually bothered to read the thread.
I 100% agree that the westboro group is disgusting and that is not what I represent at all. I apologize if I misread one of the original posters posts about disliking christians0 -
Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
I don't see a lot of people on here saying that they dislike Christians. Most of us are friends with Christians and respect them. We don't like people who treat us like we are below them for believing differently, just like you would not like to be treated that way. Try not to take it the wrong way.
Not to assume, but you probably like to talk about your beliefs with like minded people (say at church), and that is all we are doing here. Christianity seems like it is the majority, so it is a little difficult for some of us to find like-minded people in our daily lives. I know I don't know any atheists, so it is very nice to be able to see others who are similar to me, on a site like this, trying to achieve the same goals that I am.
It was the original poster that said she doesn't like christians
Naw , it wasn't Brittany and she's gone to bed , so I have to stick up for her .
On the other hand , others have said that there is a lot of narrow-mindedness and hate among Christians and unfortunately it's true , but depending on how you define those terms I hope that you don't find all Christians to be like that ( that was for the posters of the narrow-minded and hate comments , not you stef827 )0 -
I hope you aren'tmad I am chiming in but I am a strong believer in the God of the bible. I (and most of the mature believers I know) really love all people and are not just talking the talk. I believe many people have never heard a person explain the gospel to them in a reasonable way, without judging them. I share my faith with atheists and all other world views and many after hearing God's word explained, want to receive He sus into their heart and life. Again I hope my two cents adds and doesn't take away from the thoughts that have been shared.
I really hope you wait until they ASK to hear about your faith. If not, that's pretty rude.
In my opinion everyone has a freedom of speech so if someone wants to approach me in a cival way I would not be offended. I am very certain of what I believe in and there would be no swaying of my beliefs. I would not take offense as I understand wanting somebody to know what MY truth is just as they want someone to know there's. If they were rude and jumping all over me then yeah we would have a problem. But not if it was like I said in a cival matter.
I don't believe sharing your beliefs is rude at all weather its asked for or not. They can object if they would like and sharing it comes from a loving caring place
If an atheist came up to you and, out of genuine care for your wellbeing, tried to convince you that your life is being wasted because you spend too much time believing in a god that doesn't exist, would you feel the same way?
Just for clarification, this atheist tried to change your faith without you asking him/her for his/her opinion on the matter.0 -
Wiccan, and have been since age 10. 27 now. I don't like to throw my beliefs around at other people...I know what makes me happy and will not force that on anyone else.
I have one of the coexist stickers on the back of my car. Pisses my friend off something fierce.
I will admit that I tried out Wicca when I was younger. I have a lot of respect for Wiccans. The prejudice against them is utterly misplaced and can be outright mean, because people will automatically assume that you are a Satan-loving witch who is going to curse them. Or they criticize you for believe in magic (really? now we are splitting hairs here). Wiccans usually handle it very well though. They are a strong group with a strong faith (and the saying Karma is a ***** is always a good one!).
While it wasn't for me and I moved on to being an atheist, I have to say that Wicca was probably my favorite exploration, because I felt more free in that religion than in any other. :flowerforyou:0 -
Apparently I am a God-basher because I went into the Christian thread (thinking it was about songs) and replied with (direct quote):" I don't think this really belongs here, personally. I would recommend a lot of really nice Christian/Catholic/what-have-you groups though, where you are free to discuss it. I won't be the one to report it, but trust me, it will most likely get taken down."
This is why I'm not a huge fan of (MOST!) of the Christians I've met. Because I was honestly trying to help to save her from any issues, it BECAME an issue. What the hell. It's okay, I have my own "god bashing" thread to be on
Any pagans/wiccans? I did some research on Wicca and really loved it. I wouldn't called myself a practicing witch, because it's much too involved, but it was extremely interesting, and I still have a pentagram (somewhere >.>)
Ok so I will apologize that she did not say she hates Christians and is catagorizing us which in my opinion is wrong. I'm sure there are plenty of Christians out there that she has not met and would like so to catogarize as "most" isn't right. In my opinion 0 -
Friends , and I hope that we are or can be , it is 1 AM where I am and I hate to leave this but if I don't get in bed now I don't see myself getting to Church in the morning . It's a place full of sinners , some saved but only by God's grace through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ His only begotten son . If anyone is interested , find a building with a sign out front that says" everyone welcome " and go in and see if they mean it . If they really know the shepherd you will be welcomed to feed with the flock . Goodnight0
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I have a lot of respect for Wiccans.
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Jedi0
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Friends , and I hope that we are or can be , it is 1 AM where I am and I hate to leave this but if I don't get in bed now I don't see myself getting to Church in the morning . It's a place full of sinners , some saved but only by God's grace through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ His only begotten son . If anyone is interested , find a building with a sign out front that says" everyone welcome " and go in and see if they mean it . If they really know the shepherd you will be welcomed to feed with the flock . Goodnight 0
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Roman Catholic here! I believe that everyone should have their own beliefs without persecution!! Just wanted to say that not all Christian's are bible preaching crazies!0
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Apparently I am a God-basher because I went into the Christian thread (thinking it was about songs) and replied with (direct quote):" I don't think this really belongs here, personally. I would recommend a lot of really nice Christian/Catholic/what-have-you groups though, where you are free to discuss it. I won't be the one to report it, but trust me, it will most likely get taken down."
This is why I'm not a huge fan of (MOST!) of the Christians I've met. Because I was honestly trying to help to save her from any issues, it BECAME an issue. What the hell. It's okay, I have my own "god bashing" thread to be on
Any pagans/wiccans? I did some research on Wicca and really loved it. I wouldn't called myself a practicing witch, because it's much too involved, but it was extremely interesting, and I still have a pentagram (somewhere >.>)
Ok so I will apologize that she did not say she hates Christians and is catagorizing us which in my opinion is wrong. I'm sure there are plenty of Christians out there that she has not met and would like so to catogarize as "most" isn't right. In my opinion
Religion is a very personal thing, so it is very easy to get offended. I definitely understand that. Understanding that the OP didn't mean to any harm is what is important. She has had mostly bad experiences with Christians so she does not like those SPECIFIC people. I am sure the OP does not dislike the whole group based on that. I know I have had bad experiences with people who were Christian, Muslim, Wiccan, and even Atheist. I have no dislike for any of the religions though. I personally think the OP seems pretty accepting (trying to help and all) just maybe the post read wrong to you.
Sometimes you have to read past the words and try to read the intentions. 0 -
Agnostic here, though I lean far more to the "atheist" point of view than the "theist."
I have no problem with any other faith though. It's just not for me.
I disagree with a lot of principles of other faiths, but don't have a problem with any of their members, or whatever they are called O.o I just can't stand the people who think that because I'm not Christian (which will probably die out in next hundred years anyway) that I'm some Heathen.
Oh good heavens! What a pompous statement. After 2112 years you honestly believe that Christianity is going to die out in a hundred years! Get real. Fine if you want to believe whatever floats your boat spiritually but do not pretend to know about the destiny of Christianity!0 -
I have a lot of respect for Wiccans.
Lmao! Love it!0 -
I believe that your beliefs are personal. What works for you, may not work for others and that you should be free to believe however you like. There is light and dark in everyone, and no one is 100 % "good", IMO.
Anyhow, I was raised Catholic, baptized non-denominational Christian, but am now a Solitary Eclectic Pagan/Kitchen Witch. I take what works for me and discard/file away the rest. I believe in Karma and the greater good toward man, mankind, the earth, universe, and/or etc, as most religious/non-religious individuals, whether it be by praying, sending out energies, casting spells, chanting, or what have you.
I know that everyone has the right to free speech, but as I recall, the topic reads, "Any atheists/pagans/wiccans out there?". Those individuals within this group or similar, basically "non-traditional religions" were enjoying the topic at hand. I know that everyone is welcome to comment, I'm just wondering what drew some "others" to make what they think are "tasteful" comments about their religion and question/bash the beliefs of others on this thread. Did certain words stand out for you in the topic and you felt the need? Just curious.
In addition, just because an individual in not a Christian, that does not define them as being "lost" as someone stated. One cannot be lost if they know where they are.0 -
I am answering on my phone so my answers sometimes are not as complete as I like. I was referring to the fact that after a very long conversation, you interject by stating this is an inappropriate topic, especially for a weight loss forum. If you look under our names, you'd notice many high post counts. We might have an idea of what goes where. Also a mod stated this topic was approved. So essentially your observation was unnecessary.
Gosh nice save at the end. This is chit chat (see random).Wow is all I can say to a lot of these comments! Christian here! Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior and I am proud of it! Isn't this a weight loss sight? I'm sure there are a ton of forums and blogs out there where you can "mingle" with people about your same religious or non religious beliefs. And I find it totally offensives that you "don't like Christians" because a few rubbed you the wrong way. Ive had a lot of people rub me the wrong way but I don't put them in a catagory. Prayers for all, and I mean that nicely
Thanks for telling me I have been doing it wrong this whole time.
I mean that nicely.
When did I say you were doing anything wrong? Praying for someone is not a bad thing, I pray for my son my husband my friends, family and yes even strangers. Its out of love, something wrong with that?
One other point. You said if an atheist started to explain his/her beliefs and you said you would not likely be swayed and they backed off, would you show an atheist the same courtesy? From first hand experience, I can say I am comfortable in my beliefs, yet the theist would continue to press upon be their views and question mine.
I understand the motive. Jesus says I am the way. Believe in me and I will show you the gates to heaven. You think you are helping me see God's love. The continued questioning appears to me as a lack of respect for my beliefs.0 -
Im agnostic. I was raised Catholic.0
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I am a Pagan/Wiccan. I study religion and prefer those that dont try to shove theirs down your throat. I was raised with divorced parents. My mother was pagan and my father was Christian. He tried to beat the faith into me so now I have issues with Christian based religions.0
This discussion has been closed.
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