Thursday, September 21, 2017

The One True Spiritual Salvation Path

By Donald Wood


When it comes to belief in a higher power or powers, there are many different belief systems. In addition, there are those who are Agnostic and Atheist. Agnostics believe in a higher power though are uncertain as to the nature of a specific deity or belief system. Whereas, Atheists have no belief in a supreme deity or specific Spiritual Salvation Path.

Of course, while Christians believe in a second coming of Christ, there are also those who believe the world is coming to an end who are in no way religious. For example, there are the Aztecs, Mayans and others who believe the world is coming to an end based on a specific calendar and date rather than a religion. Whereas, there are scientists who seem to believe that an asteroid will lead to the end of time here on earth.

Those subscribing to the Christian faith also believe Christ was born the son of a virgin, died to save the world from sin, then returned to the right hand side of the father. Then, at some point apparently according to the Bible, when man thinks not, Jesus will return to earth to take those whom have accepted the Lord and Savior home.

Still, for those who believe in a specific route to eternity, most stand strong in the beliefs as taught by the Christian faith. Part and parcel to this faith is also the belief in Satan or the devil and that the entity can tempt one to sin against God. After which, one must ask forgiveness and be cleansed of such sin. Although, unlike the Catholic sect of the faith, Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists and others have a direct relationship with God and ask forgiveness through prayer rather than repenting to a priest.

Individuals whom have experienced bigotry, hatred and homophobia in the name of religion often dispute these belief systems. Even some in the Christian faith have now seen how these ideologies have caused churches which are part of the faith to suffer. As such, many have changed ways and are more accepting of those living alternative lifestyles.

One reason so many people have doubts with regards to the Christian faith is the way the Bible has been used to spread bigotry, homophobia and hatred across the land. For, most who have a personal relationship with a higher power believe that if God does exist, the deity is that of a loving God not a vengeful one.

The most devout Christians still believe in a God who punishes those whom sin against the ideology of same. A belief that is used in creating this bigotry, hatred and homophobia against anyone who may be different from those subscribing to specific beliefs and ideologies. As such, the individual is often scolded and scorned by others in the congregation for such behavior.

As such, LGBTQ individuals may want to seek out a truly welcoming congregation by asking questions before attending a service. For, if one knows in advance there is still any aspect of discrimination, it is often best to go elsewhere. Then and only then, will any church start to realize that partial acceptance is not acceptance and that the policies are still discriminatory, bigoted and homophobic in nature.




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