h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi michae1,
How strange ? You seem to have no ''.

Perhaps you make up for that by having 'more soul'.

>>
I thought to myself: 'I'm going to believe this message even if I find out it's not true!' At that very moment, I was suddenly overwhelmed by joy
<<

I went through a similar experience when I was mixing with a group of 'born again Christians' in Liverpool in the 70's. A very pleasant feeling.

I can only put it down to 'our' intentions.
"Take a step towards God ( your Father/Creator ), and He will take MANY steps towards you."

I look forward to 'seeing you around' here in the future.
Take care, God Bless,
and Happy New Year.

Hi Warner

Happy New Year to you too, my friend.

<How strange ? You seem to have no ''.>

I'm confused!

I notice on your space that you are a believer in God, though not specifically identifying with a particular set of religious people. That sounds interesting. Perhaps you wouldn't mind expanding on your worldview for me?

Mikey2

>> not specifically identifying with a particular set of religious people <<

Mmm, I'll try to explain. There are many different 'sects' in each of the major 3 religions ( which believe in 'the Almighty God' ).

I am becoming tired of enmity between mankind over our different opinions ( or tenets of belief ), as this is surely of the 'devils work'. Of course, I am human, like everybody else I have my own 'preconceived ideas' on the nature of God etc.

If you like, I am trying to promote unity, as I believe is 'the ecumenical movement'.
The most important thing about 'faith' is to believe in Almighty God.

I also think that you would agree with me that 'loving your neighbour ..' means that God likes on the

Sadly, we can't have that without resolving our differences peacefully, can we

>> <How strange ? You seem to have no ''.>

I'm confused! <<

I've still got 'a Body', at the moment, just!
I thought perhaps, with a name like michae1, you were a gracious . Yes, I do believe in miracles!

Hi Warner

Thanks for the explanations, that's very interesting. I worked with someone a while back who had a similar viewpoint (believed in God and lived a good life but no specific religion)...he was a very humble man who had shared a similar spiritual experience to the one I described about suddenly becoming aware of God's presence / reality / 'knowledge of me'.

I'd like to be able to come to a similar conclusion to yours but have concluded that Truth is found in Jesus Christ. That does not mean that I am at enmity with people of other beliefs but it does mean that I disagree with people (peacefully and respectfully I hope) on matters pertaining to life / existence / God etc.



In the angelic christmas message it was 'on earth peace to men *on whom his favour rests*' Luke 2 : 14. I interpret that to indicate an inner 'peace with God' through intimate knowledge of Christ, as opposed to 'an absence of conflict'.

Does 'loving your neighbour' lead to the conclusion that God likes peace on earth? I'm sure God does approve of peace on earth but I'm not sure that's the logical conclusion. My own conclusion is that God wants there to be '*love* on earth'. i.e. obedience to the two most important commandments. see Matthew 22 : 36 - 40.



If peace on earth is *the* number one objective then one might be prepared to resolve differences by abandoning one's faith for a 'unified world faith' that embraces everyone and leaves no room for disagreement. My opinion is that there are other important things besides 'peace' that are of equal value and importance. 'Truth' for example. Truth cannot be abandoned in a court of law, neither can it be abandoned in understanding the universe. What I mean is: Jesus claimed to be the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no man could come to God the Father except through him. That truth must be preserved and communicated. Because of the nature of truth, it stands to reason that many people will not want to hear it. Jesus warned his followers that they would suffer persecution. Jesus commanded his followers to pray for their persecutors. He didn't tell them to keep quiet about Him in case it disturbs the peace or causes offence.

I apologize if this has all got very heavy but these are my thoughts. I would welcome more of yours too (if I haven't put you off!)

love

mikey2

No-o-o, you haven't put me off, at all!

>> 'Truth' for example. <<

I believe in Moses* ( prophet of the Jews )

I believe in Jesus* ( prophet of the Christians )

and I believe in Muhammad* ( prophet of the Muslims )

so that makes me 'a Muslim'. ( * Peace be upon them all )
---------------------------------------------------------

I don't make any 'distinction' between them. They all worshipped 'the Father', and propagated the truth.
So, why should I want to argue with my fellow believers, perhaps creating 'a mighty war'. Mmm, I agree truth comes before peace, but 'God does not like those who start agression'. He does, however, prefer peace to war.

What do you think about 'Book of Revelations'. I find it fascinating.
A 'core belief of Muslims' is that 'Jesus, son of Mary' will return in the latter days and be part of a 'global government', after 'quashing' the 'anti-Christ'. Judging by what's going on in the world today, I believe the time is getting very close.
Of course, this is 'good' & 'bad', as none of us wish for turmoil.

I think that I can be a Christian as well as a Muslim. Unitarian, perhaps.

Warner

>I believe in Jesus* ( prophet of the Christians )<

Prophet to *the world*. Saviour, Lord and King of those who truly repent and believe. Christian is a term often given to people who adhere to Christ and his teachings.

>A 'core belief of Muslims' is that 'Jesus, son of Mary' will return in the latter days and be part of a 'global government', after 'quashing' the 'anti-Christ'. <

Do muslims believe that Jesus is the Christ and that there is an anti-christ? Do they believe that Jesus paid the price for our sins on the cross and rose again from the dead and will return one day in the glory of his Father and the holy angels?

>What do you think about 'Book of Revelations'<

Do you mean The Revelation of John, last book of the Bible?

That's an interesting book. The bits I think I understand (Jesus messages to the churches) are well worth reading and taking to heart. It all gets quite scary and confusing from there on in!

> think that I can be a Christian as well as a Muslim<

Would you mind defining the terms 'christian' and 'muslim' as you understand them? I feel I can't agree with this statement using my own definitions/understanding.

Mikey2

>> Would you mind defining the terms 'christian' and 'muslim' as you understand them? <<



Not that I'm that knowledgable, but that could take rather a long time.
Well, I'll try. I was raised as 'C of E' and used to be a choir boy, but didn't finish confirmation. You know, got distracted in my teens. When I learnt about Islam, a few years later, I accepted it but didn't feel that I was losing my Christian faith, quite the opposite. It strenghened it!

I have many conversations with Muslims regards 'sects';
"Are you sunni or shia ...?" I know we all have our opinions but that's just what is up to. United we stand, divided we fall. The atheists have help. We have Jehovah/God/Allah help.

Warner

That sounds interesting.

In my definition of the term 'christian' you should have had an experience of realizing that you are a 'sinner' and 'without God and without hope'...and then have a revelation that Christ died a sinless death on your behalf to atone for your sin/sins; and by believing in the risen Lord Jesus Christ and repenting of sin, receive God's gift of eternal life...this experience leading to a life of following the Lord a.k.a. 'being a disciple'

Does that ring any bells with you? Is that the experience that was 'strengthened' when you accepted Islam?

Mikey2

p.s. Did you 'become a muslim' by 'accepting what you you learnt about Islam'? How do you become a muslim?

Yes, it does 'ring bells'. ( I hear this cheerful sound every Sunday )
I understand what you're describing to be a 'born again Christian'.

I was 'born again' as well, when I accepted the truth of 'Quran'. One verse is as follows:-

"Those of you who are Jews & Christians will recognise this scripture as you recognise your own sons".

So, I meant my faith in God Almighty was strenghened.
It took me about 2 years after coming into contact with Muslims in the 70's before reading Quran. I noticed the 'great similarities' between my knowledge of Jews from the Bible & them. eg. kosher etc.

In fact, when my first child was born ( birth again ), I had difficulties with her mother and 'became more religious', and started studying the old testament as well.

It's quite difficult socially, particularly with world tensions and so on, but faith is priceless, and doesn't stop you being who you want to be.