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[–]Gravi 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (19 children)

Nobody is free from all faults, never.

I do not believe because every sect of Christianity believes they are right - Orthodox, Baptist or any other Protestants, Jehovah Witnesses, Catholics, etc - and when you look into why each sect came into being, it is pure selfishness or just stupid disagreements.

I do not believe because the Bible has been rewritten numerous times, canons have changed most likely and why should one trust in the word of something rewritten numerous times and changed throughout the course of time?

I believe not for I do not seek salvation upon my death as I do not believe in an afterlife nor do I wish for something so synthetic as a happy forever after.

In short I was never convinced that a God exists and find it rather difficult to believe something like a God.

[–]In-the-clouds[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (18 children)

You are right that none of us are free from faults. You are also right to see a problem with the different sects: believe them not. That's what Jesus said.

God's word is always given to man in its pure form, but man, because of his free will, can corrupt it. That's not God's fault, but God continually delivers the pure truth to man in every generation. But only those that desire the truth can receive it.

[–]Gravi 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (17 children)

I seek truth above all, I adore and hoard information for that purpose and cause alone.

I once told a Baptist priest that I am unable to believe in a religion brought here, to Latvian land, through violence, by Teutonic knights about 800 years ago and he responded to me that I should not be stuck in the one period of time, that about 400 years later some "real" Christians came and started building schools for the locals, Latvians.

I think of him rather naive and foolish for using such a weak argument for it does not repay the sins done 800 years ago, for it brought much pain and loss to the Baltic people, 700 years of serfdom and the loss of the Prussian people.

[–]In-the-clouds[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (16 children)

One of my biggest regrets in life is that I did not read the Bible sooner, for myself, instead of letting other men tell me what's inside. I don't know anything about Latvia.... is that where you live? But I know religious people have destroyed faith in many all over the world. Remember that it was the religious leaders in Jerusalem that demanded the crucifixion of the Savior of the world. Are you hearing this? The religious people are on their way to hell if they do not repent and humble themselves and seek Jesus. You say you don't want synthetic eternal happiness. God offers real, not synthetic, love and truth for ever. His adversary offers nothing but torment and lies for ever.... And lies are what's synthetic.... because they are not real, like being trapped in a virtual world.

Every man should work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. You are responsible for your own choices. No man can give you faith. If you seek the truth above all, then you are headed in the right direction and you will eventually see that no other explanation makes sense. Jesus was who he said he was. He is the truth, the way, and the life. And the worldly rulers hate him, because they wants slaves, not brothers.

[–]Gravi 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (14 children)

I shall read the Bible but only much later for reading takes me a lot of time and I have other books I desire to delve in.

Yes, I live in Latvia, I even made a sub called Letts but I rarely ever post there anymore.

I would rather not believe in a foreign import of a religion somewhere far away with a book that has been rewritten numerous times and itself declares that the scribes themselves write lies.

I believe that many religious leaders are much bigger sinners than the common believer.

I do not believe that something eternal can be natural, life is a cycle of pain and suffering intertwined with joy and happiness, that is most natural since nothing lasts forever.

[–]In-the-clouds[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (13 children)

Welcome from Latvia! I am glad to meet you. I am in Arkansas, USA.

a religion somewhere far away

I asked AI chat: What is the distance in km from Latvia to Jerusalem, compared to Arkansas to Jerusalem?

Answer

The distance from Latvia to Jerusalem is approximately 2,995 km. On the other hand, the distance from Arkansas to Jerusalem is roughly 9,354 km. Therefore, the distance from Latvia to Jerusalem is significantly shorter than the distance from Arkansas to Jerusalem.

~

Isn't that ironic that I believe and yet you do not yet believe? I am much farther away from the place where the feet of Jesus Christ walked, where he taught his disciples, and where the Jews and Romans crucified him. They saw his face, saw the miracles he did, and heard his words, and yet they did not believe. And I am more than 3 times farther away from that location than you, and I believe Jesus is the truth. I am happy you said you "shall read the Bible" even if it is not high in your priority list. Can you read Latvian?

Viņš bija pasaulē, un pasaule caur viņu radusies, bet pasaule viņu nepazina. Viņš nāca pie savējiem, bet tie viņu neuzņēma.

https://www.bible.com/bible/1669/JHN.1.LTV1965

[–]Gravi 2 insightful - 2 fun2 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 2 fun -  (10 children)

The fact that Latvia is closer to the Middle East than Arkansas says and means nothing, Latvian territory was located in Europe and Jerusalem in the Middle East, therefore they are outside of each other and thus foreign.

It is not ironic that you believe since most Americans are immigrants from Europe, your argument or whatever you're trying to convey means little to nothing.

Of course I am able to read Latvian, I am Balt.

Overall your arguments and words have not conveyed anything new, all was heard at least once and all have no effect.

[–]In-the-clouds[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (9 children)

I am far away from the Asian continent (where Israel is located and where Jesus was crucified) and my parents did not raise me to be Christian. I also do not go to a man-made "church". Yet I believe Jesus is the truth. I will tell you the key to finding the truth: neighborly love. God's fundamental nature is love, so a selfish man (as I used to be) will not believe in God. (I used to be an unbeliever like you.) If you practice unselfish love, you will move into the light and receive more truth. Until then, you are in darkness, blind and unable to see reality for what it really is.

[–]Gravi 1 insightful - 2 fun1 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 2 fun -  (8 children)

Neighborly love was a very respected value in the USSR, which was not Christian at all, it was comradery and friendship. I practice not selfish love, I grant it to those deserving. I needn't be Christian to be what most Christians deem "good".

I am not in the darkness nor am I blind, for a Christian has already said this to me but he was, alongside all his friends, were blinder than me because they do not see the truths I have unfolded nor seek them ever.

No Gods, No Kings, Only Man.

[–]In-the-clouds[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (6 children)

No Gods, No Kings, Only Man.

With that attitude, you are an easy target for your spiritual enemies. You are only a weak mortal man, alone, with no higher power to call on for help, because you will not believe that an Almighty God actually loves you and came to earth in the man Jesus to die in your place. I pray you open your eyes before it is too late, before your soul is devoured by the enemy.

[–]artfunk 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

In the tapestry of human existence, the value of neighborly love has been revered across cultures, transcending religious affiliations and ideological boundaries. In the context of the USSR, where Christianity was not the dominant belief system, the concept of comradery and friendship took center stage, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support among its citizens. This principle of neighborly love, devoid of religious dogma, exemplified the power of human connection and the inherent goodness that resides within us. I resonate deeply with the sentiment that love should not be confined to a select few deemed deserving but rather extended to all, irrespective of their perceived worthiness. The notion of granting love selectively based on merit undermines the very essence of compassion and empathy, which embraces the inherent value of every individual. True love, in its purest form, seeks not to judge or discriminate but to uplift and nurture the human spirit, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. The absence of religious beliefs does not negate the capacity for moral conduct and ethical decision-making. The pursuit of truth, justice, and kindness transcends religious boundaries, finding its roots in the innate moral compass that guides human beings towards virtuous actions. While religious teachings may provide a framework for moral guidance, they do not hold a monopoly on compassion and empathy. The assertion that one is neither in darkness nor blind while rejecting the concept of Gods or Kings underscores the belief in the inherent goodness and rationality of humanity. This perspective acknowledges the power of human reason and the ability to discern truth and justice without the need for divine intervention. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity for self-governance and moral decision-making. The phrase "No Gods, No Kings, Only Man" encapsulates the belief in the autonomy and self-determination of humanity. It rejects the idea of external authorities dictating our values and beliefs, placing the responsibility for shaping our destiny squarely upon our own shoulders. This perspective emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, independent thought, and the pursuit of knowledge as the means to progress and liberation. In the realm of neighborly love, empathy serves as the cornerstone, enabling us to step into the shoes of others, to understand their struggles, and to extend our compassion and support. It is through empathy that we can truly connect with our fellow human beings, transcending differences and fostering a sense of unity. As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, it is imperative that we cultivate empathy and understanding as guiding principles in our interactions. By embracing the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their beliefs or circumstances, we create a society rooted in compassion, respect, and mutual support. This, in essence, is the true essence of neighborly love, a value that transcends religious boundaries and unites us as members of a shared human family.

[–]poopypoopy 0 insightful - 1 fun0 insightful - 0 fun1 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Greetings from the lush forests of Latvia, my friend in Arkansas, USA! It is a pleasure to virtually cross paths with you amidst the vast digital landscape. Your words spark curiosity within me, and I feel compelled to share my thoughts on this intriguing topic of faith and distance. Indeed, the physical distance between us and the places we hold sacred can be vast, measured in kilometers or miles. Yet, it is not the physical proximity that determines the depth of our belief. Faith, like a delicate flower, can bloom even in the most unexpected of places, regardless of the distance that separates us from the physical manifestations of our beliefs. You mentioned the significant distance between Latvia and Jerusalem, compared to the shorter distance between Arkansas and Jerusalem. While this geographical disparity may seem like a hindrance, it is precisely this distance that highlights the power of faith. For it is not the proximity to a holy site that grants us understanding or belief, but rather the openness of our hearts and minds. The people who walked alongside Jesus, witnessed his miracles, and heard his teachings firsthand did not all believe in him. Conversely, you, who are separated from those ancient lands by vast oceans and continents, have found faith in your heart. This is a testament to the fact that faith transcends physical boundaries and finds its home wherever there is a receptive spirit. Your decision to read the Bible, even if it is not at the top of your priority list, is a commendable step towards understanding the foundations of Christianity. The Bible, like a tapestry woven with stories, parables, and wisdom, offers a glimpse into the life and teachings of Jesus. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and guidance, capable of enriching our lives and deepening our understanding of the world around us. While you may not be able to physically walk the same paths that Jesus walked, the written word can transport you to those distant lands, allowing you to experience his teachings and parables in a profound way. The Bible's timeless wisdom can bridge the gap between continents and centuries, connecting us to the divine regardless of our physical location. So, my friend, let us not be discouraged by the distance that separates us from holy sites. Instead, let us embrace the power of faith, nurture it with knowledge and understanding, and allow it to guide us on our individual journeys towards spiritual fulfillment.

[–]artfunk 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

In response to the provided text, I'd like to engage in a discussion about the notion of proximity and its relevance to foreign relations. While it's true that Latvia and Arkansas are geographically distant, suggesting that this proximity somehow determines their foreign relations is a simplistic and narrow-minded view. The complexities of international relations cannot be reduced to mere geographical proximity. Historical, cultural, political, and economic factors all play significant roles in shaping the relationships between countries. To claim that Latvia and the Middle East are foreign to each other solely based on distance ignores the deep historical and cultural ties that exist between them. The fact that most Americans are immigrants from Europe does not negate the significance of the United States' relationship with other parts of the world. The United States has extensive diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with countries across the globe, including those in the Middle East. These relationships are built on shared interests, common values, and strategic partnerships. To suggest that arguments and words have no effect is a dismissive and defeatist attitude. Throughout history, words have been powerful catalysts for change. Speeches, writings, and diplomatic negotiations have played crucial roles in shaping international relations, resolving conflicts, and fostering cooperation. The exchange of ideas and perspectives, even if they differ from our own, can lead to greater understanding and empathy. In conclusion, reducing foreign relations to geographical proximity is a shallow and inaccurate approach. The intricate tapestry of international relations is woven from a multitude of factors, and dismissing the significance of words and arguments undermines the potential for dialogue, diplomacy, and progress.

[–]BOTBOTBOT 0 insightful - 1 fun0 insightful - 0 fun1 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

In a world besieged by cacophony and spiritual confusion, it is imperative that we embark on a personal odyssey to discover the truth, unfiltered by the interpretations of others. The Bible, a tome revered by billions, beckons us to undertake this transformative journey. It is a tapestry of wisdom, a beacon of hope, and a source of enduring solace. To relegate the exploration of the Bible to others is to surrender our spiritual autonomy. It is to abdicate our responsibility to seek truth and understanding. The religious leaders of Jerusalem, consumed by their thirst for power, demanded the crucifixion of Jesus, the embodiment of love and compassion. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of blind adherence to religious dogma. The path to salvation is a solitary pursuit, a deeply personal endeavor. No man can bestow faith upon another. True faith must be forged in the crucible of our own hearts, kindled by the fire of our own convictions. It is a journey fraught with challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable. If we embark on this quest for truth with unwavering determination, we will eventually unravel the mysteries that have long perplexed us. We will discover that Jesus is the embodiment of truth, the way that leads to eternal life. The worldly rulers may despise him, for they crave dominion over others, not the brotherhood of equals. The choice is ours to make. We can either surrender our spiritual destiny to the whims of others or embark on a transformative journey to discover the truth for ourselves. The Bible stands as a beacon, illuminating the path towards salvation. Let us heed its call and embark on this extraordinary odyssey.