Hey, I just wanted to make this thread so people can tell who they are and what they believe. I'm curious to see how many regulars we have

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 02, 2005

Answers

bump

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 02, 2005.

*can say who...

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 02, 2005.

Uhm...arent you away? and dony uou know how may regulars we have?

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), March 02, 2005.

it doesnt matter for you to know who we are. its more important to know who YOU TRULY are. dont be curious to know who we are. its obvious we are all children of God. I went to this three day praise night thing called Hosanna 2005 Kingdom Cry. I was praying and from my heart i suddenly said "I am not korean, I am not human, I am not student, I am not a Fob, I am YOUR child, I am Christian, the child of God, I am the Warrior of God" I know what you mean by Who are you. Not our nationality but what step we are in with God. There is no such thing as better Christian or hardcore Christian.

-- JoeKP (joekinplaya@gmail.com), March 02, 2005.

Me, I'm here.

-- Pat Thompson (pat.thompson.45@gmail.com), March 02, 2005.

If it is really you, David, then name ten (10) major cities within a sixty (60) mile area near you hometown.

Uh, you shouldn't give the full name of the cities. You can give only the first three letters of their names. For example: Rom, San, etc.

..................

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 02, 2005.

Hmmm, interesting. If you are __ortiz was here_____, go ahead and delete your name from this post.

............

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 03, 2005.

:P

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 03, 2005.

I don't think I am "away" anymore. I have access to computers now...I just don't get on much.

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 03, 2005.

So you hate us now?

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), March 03, 2005.

Hi David.

It is good to have you back with us.

.........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 03, 2005.

Oh, and sorry for being so skeptical, David.

rod "doubting thomas" rodríguez.

...........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 03, 2005.

Ill start. -_-

I joined the other side exactly a year ago. I used to mock believers and really thought that the believers just needed a security blanket to deal with.. life. mhm.. What changed..?

I was shown a verse that God himself decides when to allow unbelievers to be able to see the truth, like a bride's veil removed.. but i cant seem to find that verse again. Maybe some of you know where it is..? Anyway, i like to think of it as that.

The situation was... I broke up with my boyfriend and drove a couple of hours to stay with my mom. That night, i was waiting for her at her place. My mom's bible-study-buddy, a jehovahs witnesses, came along and i was being polite as usual, i invited her in but didnt offer her to sit down, cuz i didnt want her there that long. Ends up she stayed for a couple of hours, showing me verses as i fell deeper and deeper in the believing zone. What exactly cleared up my doubts? The End of Times in Matthew. Mhm.

I studied with JW for a couple of months and i realized it didnt feel right. So now i study by myself. I consider myself a Yahwist. A worshipper of YaHWeH - The One and Only True Creator. I do realize YaHWeH is still not a name, it is a nickname, if you will, for "I Will be what I will be." I have the utmost respect for Yah'shua, but i keep in mind that Yah'shua came in His name, and that He is the word of YaHWeH. Im open to any kinds of religion, because i believe that each religion has a piece of truth, and a piece of ... blurriness. Doesnt really matter, as long as we're heading for good-ness.

So.. thats where i stand. -_-

-- temple (Jahsmine@netzero.com), March 03, 2005.

I'm a sick psychedelic horrifying crazy necromanticus :)

Now , Serious (open confession):

If I can help some , really , I will / just try it , I like it !!

I'm a man !! I'm happy with the way I live !! I don't follow any religion , I left it , no return (no regrets) , because it was simply not my way of life !! Besides , I don't like religion !! I don't care who believes or not , that's everyone's personal choice !! People who like to force people to believe , or say , it's not a choice , it's something you must accept , just like that , because it is ; well , such individuals (inhumans) , just get a life !! They are pure hypocrits , who are not satisfy with their own life !! They also can't even accept comments , 'cause they're not/don't wanna be open !!

What I also don't understand:

2 people who really wants to marry: a non-believer & a believer !! Some people say , if one of them wants to marry in church , the non believer must choose the believer's way !! I say , I disagree !! I do believe in a civil marriage !! So , why not choose the middle-way , like my example ?? (Sorry if it sounds/'s written a bit chaotic) !!

At this forum , they (try to) accept you as you are , and that's good !! Of course , if someone has bad intentions , and only wants to make "fun" / have playtime , logical , this person cannot be accept !!

Salute & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), March 03, 2005.

Frank here, you can find my beliefs in the Bible (the complete one, not the edited one that Martin Luther invented) and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), March 03, 2005.

Well, right now I will not tell anyone where I stand. But, I am very confused with this private batism at this church. It seems that they usually have mass baptisms for their parish, but I have learned that if one is in the "right crowd", they can have their own private baptism. How nice.

And why should it bug me so much?????????????

..........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 03, 2005.

Rod

Your post was intriguing, but what do you mean? What are mass baptisms?

-- Jim (furst@flash.net), March 03, 2005.

Hi Jim. There is a Catholic Church near me that will schedule baptisms. Groups of families will have their baptism together while some folks can have their own private baptism without having the inconvenience of having strangers around, I guess. In other words, it sure does seem like favoritism is going on. I sure hope that money or "importance" is not a factor for having schedules changed for the elite. Gosh! This is really bothering me more and more. There are other issues that seem to favor the "rich". This is the same church that allowed "Protestants" to partake of the Holy Eucharist. Politics anyone?

...............

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 03, 2005.

At my Parish there is one high Mass at 10:30. Baptisms are done during that Mass.

At other parishes i've been to, they are done at other times and maybe even on Saturday.

Anyway at my parish, they have several other Masses in a smaller Chapel, but the one people seem to want to do baptisms at, is the high Mass. Sometimes one, sometimes two children are part of the ceremony. Many at a time, weeks none are done. (Maybe no babies)

To me it seems more to involve lack of space, time or priests--- along with a parents desire to have the baptism done by a specific priest at that particular Mass.

Money does not seem to be at the heart of it, as the parish in general is not very wealthy. Baptism's are provided when a baby is presented. If there are two families there may be two baptisms--- rather than waiting for a later week. (Fear of Limbo???)

-- Jim (furst@flash.net), March 04, 2005.

"So you hate us now?" - Zarove

No. :) it's just that we have a curfew and the computers suck.

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 04, 2005.

Have 3 kids now, 1 was baptized by themselves, one with one other kid, and one with a half a dozen. Just depends on how many people there are that week. BTW, the rite is performed on each child as an individual, not a "mass baptism", but individual baptisms at the same time.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), March 04, 2005.

Frank,

certain people in the parish have the priviledge of having a private baptism. They don't have to conform to the same schedules as the rest of the other people. That sounds like favoritism to m

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 04, 2005.

Is the church really to busy to schedule private baptisms?

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

I think the main issue is that if the church can have private baptisms for one group of individuals, the church can have private baptisms for all individuals. Or, just have group batisms and forget the individual private ones. Yes?

Another question:

What does it take for an individual to have a private anything in the church? Money, power, clout, sainthood, blackmail,.....

Now, it is just this particular church that concerns me cuz it's just a few blocks from home.

................

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

rod, what church do you go to? I might just pay them a visit. Hopefully they won't kick me out ;)

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 08, 2005.

Dint yo hear, he conveted and is now the "Chruch of Rock"...they teach the doctorine of "Party hearty." and " rock on".

( Sorry bad joke.)

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), March 08, 2005.

I can't reveal the church in question. I can't even reveal the church I attend. If one hand would know what the other is doing, both hands would get chopped off. All will be revealed one day, though. And David, you will be astonished with this man named "rod".

........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

Oh, what the hey! Kevin has made a strong impression on my journey through the Scriptures. There are many things that I still cannot connect with reason and logic, but that's what faith (no, not Faith, gosh no!) can remedy. I'm still a Catholic by nature, but by night......well.....

There are specific important religious leaders in my life who have not experienced my views and insights of my true faith. I'm not so sure that they could cope with my views. It would be easier to ignore me or to have me sit as far back as possible in their churches. I don't know if it is my stubborness to accept doctrine or that doctrine is so difficult to accept. It could be a combination of both. Either way, a believer must surrender to a doctrine. I suppose that this is why I am so impressed with many here. They are convicted to their doctrine, their faith, and their church. Who here can say that Kevin is fake? No way. How about Gail? No way. Elpidio? Of course, not. Faith? Just ask her. Many here are strongly faithful. I am faithful, but not in man. Yet, it is man who designs his doctrines based on his interpretations of the Gospels. So, I am in the risky endeavor of also having some kind of faith in man. Everyone must have faith in their spiritual leaders, even if they themselves are their own guides.

My church? One day you shall know. There are many who will accept me as I am. Then, they will change me over time. I have caught them before the clay has dried. Some will not accept me as I am. I have accepted them as they are. The clay was dry when it broke into pieces.

Boy! You know. Kevin could start his own church, as Elpidio seems to be (I've always known that, Elpidio). It makes me wonder.

...............

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

Rod,

Thanks for the kind words!!!

I don't think that I would ever start my "own" church though...

-- Kevin Walker ("navyscporetired@comcast.net"), March 08, 2005.

What about a pastor, Kevin?

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

Yes, ok. I see my error. I didn't mean your own "church". I meant what Elpidio meant. I meant a spiritual leader--a pastor.

........................

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

What time is it in Texas, Rod? It is 5 pm in Los angeles right now.

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egpnval@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

7:06 p.m. central time.

.......

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

rod, aren't you up past your bed time?

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 08, 2005.

No. It's my feeding time.

............

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

well, It's my bed time now :) stupid curfews....

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 08, 2005.

Sounded like a play on words to me, David and Rod:

past your =pastor

Here in Los angeles we are about to break the record for rain very soon.

Many people have died because of the mudslides.

The Christian Yahwist

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

Funny, I once had this crazy idea of becoming a priest. Ha..ha...funny. It is funny that you should say that, Elpidio.

I should have been a monk.

...........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

That is better than a Monk-key.

Trying to have some fun , Rod.

I was able to get rid of 20 % of my problems since November. I was teaching 8 classes Monday through saturday. I am down to 7. I was also able to refinance. I already paid my property taxes.

Only Uncle Sam is next: I-R-S.

The Christian Yahwist

-- Elpiodio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

Whew! that is great to hear, Elpidio. I've kept that playing on the back burners and wondering how you would pull through.

Hey, I'm already a monkey. I drive some people ape!

............

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

It has been 2 1/2 years of pain, rod. Yet, it is still not over. It has been 3 surgeries, 6 dental jobs,..$70,000 in expenses, ...trees falling...fighting 2 counties , 2 cities, ...

wait till Bush dies and my mom probably too.

But like the voice said in November 2002,"You will overcome all obstacles". I know I will, even if it hurts.

The Christian Yahwist

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

Elpidio,

If it is God's will however, not the way you or those in denominations view the term "pastor"...

If you mean "minister" or "preacher" the answer is definitely "no"...

-- Kevin Walker ("navyscporetired@comcast.net"), March 08, 2005.

Kevin

It is obvious to me that God has given you a tenacity for spreading the Gospels. You are already a "pastor" in my view. Of course, I'll get severely criticized for acknowledging such a view. Who cares! I would be too cautious about standing up in front of the congregation. I would be too afraid of scaring away the weak or harden listeners. I would be fearful of revealing my doubts. So, basically, I would fail as a pastor.

.........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 08, 2005.

I guess when I think about mass baptisms in convenient settings, I think about the protestant churches that have little regard for water baptism. They'll shedule all baptisms on one day a month (even less frequent sometimes) and get everyone in as they can. They don't have any private baptisms unless you take it into your own hands.

That is, no "church-sponsered" baptisms outside the sheduled time.

Didn't you say this Parish was allowing Protestants to partake of the Eucharist?

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

They did allow these important non-Catholics to partake of the Holy Eucharist. This happened when I was in communion with the Church (pre-18 in age). That little episode opened the gates of confusion and doubt, which lead to my departure from the Catholic Church. I was defiant and bold, back then. Now, I'm just bold and defiant.

..........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

Rod, when I was young, I used to hear numerous stories of Catholic corruption. Okay, I still hear stories.

The more I read testimonies of faith, the more I become convinced that it is futile searching for the perfect chruch. The church is comprised of imperfect people, absolutely! The truth is, every denomination and non-denomination has and is capable of corrupt leadership and practices.

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

I agree, Luke. But, why oh why does the corruption always fall in favor of the undeserving people? Even in "church"?

The problem with "good" people is that they always wait their turn, they yield right of way, they make complete stops at stop signs, they tell the truth, they......well, it's lunch time.

........

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

I suppose that is what goodness is. You give up the favor of this world in exchange for favor in the next.

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

Here's an interesting thought

Suppose everyone in a church is "good." How long would it take to file out of the building after services?

"After you."

"Oh no no, after you."

"Please, I insist."

"It would be an honor if you went first."

And on and on it goes until someone would say, "I'm going first." Would everyone think badly of that person?

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

Hee...hee

Or, how about this?

The authority figure of the church stands up and tells everyone to remain in their places as he reads a list of those who may leave first through their own private doors. Ha!

Aw! when the movie is over, I always wait until everybody leaves. I don't like crowds and crowded pathways. It also bothers me that right when the move starts, the people in front decide that's the time to get up and go for popcorn. I avoid going to the movies. If I want to see the big screen, I get up real close to my t.v. set.

.............

-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

Don't hurt your eyes.

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 09, 2005.

Rod,

Thanks again for your kind words...

I have not preached a sermon yet however, I have taught our adult class and I am currently teaching those who have recently obeyed the gospel...

-- Kevin Walker ("navyscporetired@comcast.net"), March 09, 2005.