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AMBI02 |
08:58pm Mar 5, 2002 EST |
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ARE WE REALLY ONE NATION UNDER GOD OR ARE WE SEVERAL SMALLER ONES JUST UNDER ONE GOVERMENT? THINK ABOUT IT. YOU HAVE THE AMERICANS, THE AFRICAN AMERICANS, THE NATIVE AMERICANS, THE HISPANIC AMERICANS, THE LATIN AMERICANS WHY AREN'T WE ALL JUST AMERICANS? WHY THE AFRICAN OR HISPANIC IN FRONT OF IT? I AM WHITE AND I DON'T GO AROUND SAYING I AM WHITE AMERICAN, I AM AMERICAN AND THAT IS ALL THAT COUNTS! WE ALL LIVE HERE SO WHY AREN'T WE ALL JUST AMERICAN? THAT IS ONE QUESTION I ASK MYSELF EVERYTIME I HEAR A BLACK PERSON GO I AM AFRICAN AMERICAN. OR A MEXICAN GO I AM HISPANIC AMERICAN. WELL UH NO YOU ARE AMERICAN THE MOTTO IS ONE NATION UNDER GOD AND THE NATION IS AMERICA! ANY THOUGHTS? WRITE BACK ~~~~~AMBER~~~~~
Amber,
I agree with what you, we all are Americans and we should be equal. But, at the same time, I think it is good to recognize that Americans come from all over the world and have different, unique, special cultural differences - differences to be celebrated. Now, that's not to say that our language is any more justified - I mean, if we call black Americans African Americans, we should call caucasion Americans European Americans (or something).
Thanks,
Erin
While we're all American, I think it is good that we recognize that we all come from different places. I'm a person that believes race is not a factor, but at the same time it's our culture and background that make us the people we are.
I like to believe that America is more of a mosaic rather than a melting pot - a conglomerate of people from all over the world with all different kinds of cultures, not just one people with one culture - thats what makes us unique as a country. However, I understand your point. I think that a lot of the hatred that still exists in this country is perpetuated by the distinctions we make from one another. Sometimes when I take the train to school I'll be teased and taunted just because I'm white, as if I'm still being punished for events that happened so long ago that I had nothing to do with. I wish that we could move on somehow but I dont really have a plan to do that. If people teach hatred within their families, there's really no way to stop it.
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veganjoy |
10:21am Mar 6, 2002 EST |
5 of 37 |
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I don't know what to think about this subject sometimes. I am a 19 year old college student. White. And at first when I got to my school I wasn't really accepted into any of the large groups of people.
Then upon finding out I was gay or that my parents are multiracial, more people began to talk to me. Like since I had these things buried somewhere in me that made me more interesting than a normal person.
I am a believer in the theory that, yes, we do gain most of our personality from our heritage and culture. But I don't really think that race has anything to do with culture. We ALL have culture of some sort. I don't mean like what other country our ancestors came form, I mean like, if we were raised on a farm, or in the city, or with a single mom or dad.
I believe those are the things that affect us, not that we once had relatives in Europe or Africa. It is greatly upsetting to me to see that race relations have come so far they have practially turned backwards.
The people who once ralied in the streets for equal rights, sometimes seem to have more rights than people who have nothing "special" about them. I don't beleive that my friend, Emily, just because she isn't a different race, not gay, not handicapped, etc... isn't a special person who deserves equal oppurtunity.
My head just gets boggled like crazy when I think about things like this. I can't think clearly. Maybe none of really can and thats why things get so bad and messy.
We are all raised differenelty and we all see things in a different light. But maybe we can resolve that a little if we would at least finally agree that even if not the saem, we are all worth the same. And then maybe we could all go in the same direction?
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Locke |
02:25pm Mar 6, 2002 EST |
6 of 37 |
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I can see where Amber is trying to go with this thread. Due to people seeing one another as "---" American, gay, religion, what have you, we have fights and arguments. If we stopped seeing one another for what we are not, ex., not straight, not white, not this religion, then we could see one another for who we are. We are all human beings on this planet just trying to have a good life. It deeply saddens me when I hear about racial or religious wars in other countries. It make me wish I could just show them the humanity behind the people they are killing.
..punch and pie
Hi you guys,
I'm a Christian and America has a long way before we're all worshiping one God, which would be Jesus Christ. It's a shame that students can't even pray in school. America is changing to such a fabricated, made up, materlistic nations it's unbelievevable! Most people seem to live by the world's standards and beliefs and not Gods. So many youth our age are into Gothicness and witchcraft and then they bring in Harry Potter, and all these kids think magic is real. Soon Santa will be replaced by some devil. I think parents need to take a better interest in their children and see how they live their lives, because most of the time, if the parents live a Christian, godly life so will their kids and if the parents are living devilish lives and doing drugs, most of the time so will the kids. So parents need to understand that they do have a HUGE influence on how their childrens way of life. Until we all worship Jesus Christ and acknowledge that he died on the cross for our sins, America will never be One Nation Under God.
See ya,
Josh
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Locke |
08:02pm Mar 6, 2002 EST |
8 of 37 |
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Josh,
I usually agree with your posts and I think you're a pretty smart kid, but your last post offended me.
I do not at all agree with your saying:
"Until we all worship Jesus Christ and acknowledge that he died on the cross for our sins, America will never be One Nation Under God."
In fact, right now I live with a wiccan room mate, a mormon room mate, and I myself practice a hybrid religion called "Flyism."
Even though the 3 of us all have our seperate beliefs we live together without argument. I, and they, are comfortable enough with our religions that we will even participate and talk about our practices with one another. Hell, the other night I participated in a wiccan practice, and right after discussed the meanings of mormon doctorine.
Your belief that we cannot live together without all believing the same belief is infuriating. It is people with that type of belief that start wars and terrorist attacks. Using those means to force people into their beliefs and create a one religion world. We can all live together on this planet with many different beliefs, if only we are tolerant towards each other.
Josh, like I said before, I love your other posts, but I really think you need to re-think your last post and post again.
...punch and pie
I agree that maybe you were a little rash in your post about Christianizing America. I consider myself a Christian as well but I don't believe in forcing my beliefs on other people and I certainly don't think that a government should. I was also offended by your idea that fiction like Harry Potter should be banned just because it addresses the issue of magic. It's FICTION, its supposed to be read and enjoyed and people know that. I dont think anyone is worshiping it, but if anyone did choose to worship it for whatever reason, that is their right as well.
I understand your sadness that G-d is basically absent from our lives as Americans, I have felt that kind of sadness too sometimes. However, I think it is important to separate religion from government in a country where we are made up of so many different kinds of people who practice different kinds of religions. Apparently, our many freedoms have caused some people to create their own religions about flies or what have you. This is part of what America is, freedom of belief, and it is one of the few things that I truly love about this country.
I think that the "under G-d" we see in our pledge refers to a generic higher power who gives us the "unaliable" rights spelled out in the constitution. It is a G-d of humanitarian treatment, not really a secular one.
I do not have much to say because I am deeply offended by what josh said, that is like saying we can not be one nation under god until we are all "white" or "black" or we are all "strait" or "gay". My perception of "one nation under god" does not say that Christ is the only god. To me it means one nation united for the sake of America or another because regardless of stereotypes. I happen to believe in my own kind of religion, it is a mix of Christianity and buddism. I have never in my life been so offended by one persons writing. If I am correct Hittler killed millions of people because they were not like him, or what about the ethnic clensings that went on a year or two ago. Josh I am not saying your beliefs are wrong because that would be a hipocrit, but remember when you write things like that you may be hurting others.
Dear Board,
I new when I typed that message that it would be controversial, I'm sorry if I offended you.
Dear Locke,
I'm sorry that I offended you. I never said that we couldn't all live together if we didn't worship God. You over generalized my statement. I have a friend that is in the Wiccan religion as well as friends who don't believe in God. I have never tried to force my religion on them at all. I accept people for who they are no matter their color, age, hair style, or religion. I didn't mean to demoralize anyone at all.
Dear Heddie,
I don't appreciate being compared to Hitler. As I said in the 2nd paragraph, I have never tried to force my religion on anyone. Hitler did. He was an evil man that killed people just because they different color eyes. Once again you're also over generalizing my statement. I didn't say that if you don't worship Jesus Christ you should die, and by you using ethnic cleansing as an example is completely irrational and not true. I lashed out at Milosovic just you guys may have did. I backed Clinton 120% when he bombed Kosovo to stop ethnic cleansing.
Dear HappieOur,
I didn't say Harry Potter should be banned, but I believe that parents who have strong moral values need to take a look at what they're children are getting into in this world. They're are so many things from Porn to gangs that bring corruption into this society and I think parents should be held partially responsible for what they're children are doing.
Once again I noticed how all of you said that forcing a religion on someone is not right. I never said that forcing a religion on someone is right or wrong. I believe what I typed left room open for my belief that one day when Jesus Christ comes we will all be judged. It's my belief and I feel like a post is the best way to express, to have open debates like this. It's not everyday that you can discuss important issues with your peers a ranging for religion to education. Once again I'm sorry if I offended you, but I don't think I'm even a inch close to being Hitler or committing genocide, those really offended me. I would never kill anyone or even force someone to drink something if they didn't want to. So I also that everyone will be considerate as I was to clear up my opinion. Sorry if I offended you.
See ya,
Josh
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AMBI02 |
11:21pm Mar 6, 2002 EST |
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I AM CHRISTIAN, BUT I WOULDNT TRY TO FORCE BELIEVES ON ANYONE ~~~~~AMBER~~~~~
josh,
I was not comparing you to hitler, i was simple comparing the way you wrote what you wrote, to something that was just as upsetting. I am sure you did not mean to offend anny of us, but you did. I was being as polight as i could, being that i was really mad last night. I am sorry if i offended you but i think i got my point across.
heather
p.s, i am sure your a really nice person, who has a kind heart. I was not mad at you as a person but at the writing. i like your opinions.
I think that your oppinion is very offensive who ever made this post. Except native americans who were here first we have all come from another country (our herritage has). We are all americans but we all value our own herritage and beleifs. We are many places blened into one, and we have created our own mold from integration. Many people will say they are German American African American Hispanic american latin American native american ect...because they are proud of both parts of that title.
As for under god...I do not think we all have to be under the same god (or even a god). America was founded for religious freedom (though we didnt live by that until recently). Our religion is part of what makes up part of that mold I was talking about. That is what America is all about.
futurepres2
Number one everyone in the world is not christain. number two there are people in the world not christian and are good people. Number three it really offends me for you to say goths and witches are evil. The wicca religion is very peaceful and does not cause violence. I also know people who grew up in strict christain families that do drugs drink and their parents dont want them too and try to help but cant. I know people who grew up in christian families and drink and their parents are blissfully ignorant. My mom doesnt beleive in religion and has brought me up good if yopu consider good grades no drugs and no sex good. I dont nessisarily think that is the right thing though. And about Harry Potter and parents realizing what their children are doing. I think most parents understand that Harry Potter is make beleive and meant for fun and has good morals. It also has a theme of not discriminating against people just because they are different (his aunt and uncle and other "muggles" discriminate against the witches' like harry).
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AMBI02 |
05:17pm Mar 7, 2002 EST |
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WELL FIRST OFF YES THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO GROW UP IN CHRISTAIN HOMES WHO DO DRUGS AND DRINK BUT NOT MOST! RELIGION MAKES A FAMILY STABLE AND GIVES A COMMON POINT THAT MOST FAMILIES DO NOT HAVE ~~~~~AMBER~~~~~
I agree Amber, the majority of "REAL CHRISTIAN" homes, they're kids do not drink and do drugs. Out of all the "Real Christians" I know they don't have sex, do drugs, or anything like that. Once again it's how your parents raise you and I think for the majority of the people who are Real Christians their parents raised them right.
Dear Brassylass,
Why do people keep adding on more to my post then what I said. I never said that if you don't live in a Christian home, you are a crack head. I have a friend name Samantha who isn't a Christian, but she is a real nice person and would never do such things. I'd hope and pray that you guys would stop adding on to my post. It could save me a lot of typing time.
Dear Heddie,
Thank you for understanding where I was coming from.
See ya,
Josh
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AMBI02 |
09:27pm Mar 7, 2002 EST |
18 of 37 |
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YOUR WELCOME!!
~~~~~AMBER~~~~~
where in the bible does it say that drugs are bad?
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Locke |
11:22pm Mar 7, 2002 EST |
20 of 37 |
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Josh,
You still didn't take back your statement:
"Until we all worship Jesus Christ and acknowledge that he died on the cross for our sins, America will never be One Nation Under God. "
I still strongly disagree with that statement and wish you would think about it some more.
I know that everyone believes in a God of some sort. (except the atheists of course...) I believe that God has many faces for his children. He shows one face to a certain people, and another to others. That way if they can't believe part of his teachings they can still see some of his face and embrace him.
It offends me that you claim christianity is the only face of God we should accept. I see God in my religion, my roomies see a God in theirs.
THUS, We are all ONE nation under GOD. One God, with many faces to bring his children into the fold.
Please re-consider your statement.
...punch and pie
I agree with Locke saying "He [God] shows one face to certain people, and another to others." It's really all in the way an individual interprets his religion that he decides to live his life. Forcing everyone to be one religion or act a certain way will never bring about peace in the world, it will only bring hate and anger. For a long time I felt that organized religion can only cause disorder and more hate, but over time I realized that religion can actually cause peace and stability. This can only happen, however, if there is tolerance for other religions, ethnicities, etc. all the time-not just in times of war.
Dear Locke,
I'm not going to take back any statements I have made, because I feel strong about them. It's impossible to follow any other man,or object but God if you're christian. You can't do magic and be christian, whether its good or bad. It clearly states that in MY BIBLE. In Job 19:25, it says: I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. It doesn't say Redeemer"s" with an s. You can only have one God. Another verse: Psalm 119:9- It says: How can a young man keep his way pour? By living according to your word. Meanining The Holy Bible. If you read the bible, you come to learn and know what The Real God stands for. He doesn't stand for magic, hatred, discrimination, war, incest, courts and lawsuits, cheating, stealing. I could go on forever and ever. I'm not trying to give a bible lesson. But I'm trying to help you understand that its impossible to sin and not repent and still consider God as your God. There is only one real God, no matter what anyone says I will always believe that in my heart and mind and I won't falter or fall from my beliefs like others do. I'm going to stand my ground through hell and snow until I know I'm free to go with my God, Jesus Christ. I don't hate anyone for what they believe in, nor do i try to put my religion on anybody else. All I can I do is spread that messege and hope that people believe me and come to reality about God.
See ya,
Josh
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Locke |
02:08pm Mar 8, 2002 EST |
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Josh,
I agree with you when you say, " There is only one real God, no matter what anyone says..."
My beliefs teach me that that one real God can be found in each religion behind a different mask. You believe that your religion is the only right one and that God cannot be found in other religions.
I respect your beliefs, because I know many people that feel the same way. It's the people that force their beliefs on others that cause violence and intolerance.
You're still a cool kid in my book, although quite passionate. Keep the fire alive ;)
...punch and pie
futurepres...
"if the parents live a Christian, godly life so will their kids and if the parents are living devilish lives and doing drugs, most of the time so will the kids"
I was just saying that because in what you wrote above you are making unimplied assumtions that they have to lead a "godly life" to live a good life and it seems that the only good life is a godly life. If you would have specified that you did not mean waht you implied (any person could have read that into it) you would not have had to type so much.
(isnt typing the point of this place??)
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AMBI02 |
04:49pm Mar 8, 2002 EST |
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WELL I BELIEVE THERE IS ONLY "ONE" GOD! ONLY ONE NO MATTER WHAT NOT ONE IN EVERY RELIGION BUT ONE IN ALL I DONT BELIEVE IN REINCARNATION, I DONT BELIEVE IN BUDDA OR ANYTHING OF THE SORT. AND I BELEIVE THAT ONE DAY THE GOD THAT I KNOW WILL COME BACK AND TAKE ME HOME AND WHEN HE DOES EVERYBODY WHO BELEIVES ALL THAT OTHER "CRAP" WILL BE SORRY CAUSE THEY WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL! ~~~~~AMBER~~~~~
PS IF I OFFEND ANYONE HERE EITHER SORRY I JUST HOLD VERY STRONG BELIEVES!
josh,
isn't it more important that a person believes in a god, then them not beleiveing in anny thing? I could quote the bible too, if i choose. I am a believer in god, and i have excepted him into my heart, but i do not ask for repentance, does that mean that i am going to hell? in my bible it does not, as long as you have asked him into your heart, you are guaranteed a place in heaven.
In my eyes your discriminating agenst people who do not believe in god. but that is my opinion.
Dear heddie,
I'm not discriminating against anyone. All I'm doing is making a statement from my belief: One day the real God will stand up and those who aren't with him, won't go to Heaven. Take it and transform it as you wish, but that won't change my belief. Anybody can ask Jesus into their hearts, but you have to continue staying pure in his teachings. You can't ask him into your heart then go out and lie, steal ,gossip, etc... and expect him to make a place for you in heaven. That's the whole point in repentence. You're asking for Gods forgiveness of your sins.
Dear brassylass,
That's what I'm saying, you got my point exactly.
Dear Locke,
Thanks for understanding where I'm coming from and thanks for understanding my post and beliefs.
Dear Ambio2,
I agree with you.
See ya,
Josh
That's another thing I absolutely hate. When people claim that their religion is superior to all others and if you don't believe in this and this you will spend eternity in hell. I understand some people hold very strong beliefs and that is totally up to you, but don't go around saying everyone not of your religion is going to hell because that's not right. Everyone believes in their religion and believes that they are going to be saved in the hereafter. It's not your place to tell people they will rot in hell when they die.
Dear bklynsound,
Well that's practically what MY BIBLE says. Plus they don't have to rot in hell, they usually just become like the devils henchmen and women. You were the one that said they rot in hell, not me. People can believe in magic, the devil, a stick or an apple or anything. I really don't care what they believe in, but all I know is there is only one real God you can worship and that's Jesus Christ. I'm not going to sit here and debate my religion and let you try to alter it, because it's strong in my heart and going knowhere.
See ya,
Josh
While I believe there is one God, I also believe that he has many names, for many religions. The world's main religions all are ways to God, they just take different ways to get to him. My family is Christian, but in an attempt to understand why religion is causing so much confusion, I've been studying the other big religions and I'm finding that they all truly have some similarities and they all are paths to Heaven...like I said though, they take different routes. As mere men, it is not our job to tell another that his religion is wrong because we are not judges, He is the judge and the Man people have to answer to when they reach the gates. If people would take more time to understand other religions, instead of just knowing their own and running with it there would be less fighting and arguing over this issue. Nobody says you have to convert to another religion, but don't be so stuck that you don't want to understand others. We're all God's children, no matter what name we call Him by or how we choose to serve and honor Him.
Also, Christians don't worship Jesus, we worship God. Jesus is the son of God and we follow His path as an example of how to live in a godly manner.
Dear Brooklyngirl,
I know that we worship God, the only reason I say Jesus Christ is so people won't try to keep saying you can worship other Gods. So by saying Jesus Christ they won't be able to say you can worship more then one Jesus Christ. Sort of confusing lol I hope you get it.
See ya,
Josh
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Locke |
12:09pm Mar 9, 2002 EST |
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Josh,
I ran across this article surfing around and thought of you. Let me know what you think of it:
Jesus buried in Japan
...punch and pie
wait...what?
what point did i get completely. i was saying that is the reason people are saying things to you. and according to your real christian "no sex, no drugs, anything like that" i would fit into tha category other htan the fact i havent worked out my own beleifs yet (not sure aboiut christ). I was just saying that you left implied (not unimplied) assumptions and people wanted calrity. if you didnt want people asking you should have made it clear b4
Dear Locke,
That article was very interesting, but I've never been to Japan or heard this story until now, so I really don't know what to say.
See ya,
Josh
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meggem15 |
08:14am Mar 10, 2002 EST |
35 of 37 |
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I believe that we are one nation under G-d. Although there are many different groups, religions, races, and ideas in our nation we are connected by all being Americans. Diversity is what makes this nation strong and united.
Futurepres2,
Got ya now...hope I didn't sound like I was coming down on you, if it did I'm sorry.
Dear BrooklynGirl,
That's ok I felt where you were coming from.
See ya,
Josh
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