Fornication from my past life

hellenkell

I was raised in a family with difficult circumstances, so I left home at the age of 17
Until the age of 22 I did what I had to do in order survive, needless at that time my faith in the lord was not strong.
I worked a lot, was very lonely and met all the wrong men.
I am ashamed to admit I've done a lot of sins, I would not blame the men I met because it was my responsibly to protect my body and soul, but I was young and felt abandoned by everyone - my parents, my friends and god as well.

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

RikuoAmero

hellenkell wrote: »

I was raised in a family with difficult circumstances, so I left home at the age of 17
Until the age of 22 I did what I had to do in order survive, needless at that time my faith in the lord was not strong.
I worked a lot, was very lonely and met all the wrong men.
I am ashamed to admit I've done a lot of sins, I would not blame the men I met because it was my responsibly to protect my body and soul, but I was young and felt abandoned by everyone - my parents, my friends and god as well.

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

Can I ask why you willingly subject yourself to a belief system that has you absolutely terrified as to whether you made the grade? Why is it you don't believe you have the ability to do good things on your own?
As you say, you went through a rough patch in your life, you made some wrong decisions but you came out of it a better person, am I correct? As long as you didn't do something horrible like murder, why should anyone, man or God, hold your past against you?

Defender OF Faith

RikuoAmero wrote: »

Can I ask why you willingly subject yourself to a belief system that has you absolutely terrified as to whether you made the grade? Why is it you don't believe you have the ability to do good things on your own?
As you say, you went through a rough patch in your life, you made some wrong decisions but you came out of it a better person, am I correct? As long as you didn't do something horrible like murder, why should anyone, man or God, hold your past against you?

The lady have said:

hellenkell wrote: »

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Clearly her belief system and faith played a very important role in here recovery that was a source from which she drew strength and purpose & she came here asking her fellow Christians for help and support.

As an atheist you will clearly not understand what she's going through so its better to leave it to those who will ~

ScumLord

hellenkell wrote: »

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

If religion helped you then I'm happy that your in a better place. But you should be aware of the fact you took it up while vulnerable and make sure you're not just following your man out of a fear of being alone again.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

Well could you not see the fact your life has turned around as a sign everythings cool? You've basically got your reward.

Juza1973

ScumLord wrote: »

Well could you not see the fact your life has turned around as a sign everythings cool? You've basically got your reward.

It's just the beginning of her reward that will have no end. She repented as she is in a better situation than 99% of the people she might know I can assure her that.

ScumLord

Juza1973 wrote: »

It's just the beginning of her reward that will have no end. She repented as she is in a better situation than 99% of the people she might know I can assure her that.

How can you assure her of that?

homer911

ScumLord wrote: »

How can you assure her of that?

Is that a genuine question or are you just trolling?

ScumLord

homer911 wrote: »

Is that a genuine question or are you just trolling?

It's a genuine question. These kind of memes are thrown out there and people just accept the wording. What kind of assurances are there that repentance will lead to having a better life than 99% of your peers? What if 50% of your peers also repent, is their repentance worth less or something? how could something like this even work?

I just think it's bizarre to make such a claim.

Juza1973

ScumLord wrote: »

It's a genuine question. These kind of memes are thrown out there and people just accept the wording. What kind of assurances are there that repentance will lead to having a better life than 99% of your peers? What if 50% of your peers also repent, is their repentance worth less or something? how could something like this even work?

I just think it's bizarre to make such a claim.

You think it's bizarre because you are in the kind of mindset that doesn't allow you to understand what is being said, even should you not agree with it.

You think of "having a better life" but what you think is "having a better life" might not be what God consider "having a better life", or even the thread starter. A better life is a life that is more in the Grace of God, a more saintly one. If all her peer repent they will have the same benefit she does, but if 99% of her peers do not repent or did not do what she did just because they did not have the opportunity and or the ability then she is more in Grace of God than 99% of her peers, today. Remorse might never leave you and that's ok as soon as it doesn't turn into desperation and you can use it to improve yourself in the eyes of God, but the repentance WILL save you.

RikuoAmero

You think of "having a better life" but what you think is "having a better life" might not be what God consider "having a better life",

So basically, as a human, I cannot know for sure what "a better life" means? Okay...so if someone comes up to me and says "This is what God means by a better life for humans" and rattles on for a bit, how am I supposed to tell whether he's telling the truth or a falsehood?
Do you understand what you're proposing here? You're proposing that humans cannot know anything at all. If this is what you're proposing, then this of necessity includes any claims of a god.

but the repentance WILL save you.

I'd like evidence of that please. I wouldn't want to be conned. You're stating as a fact, without quibble, that this repentance WILL (you were the one to put it in caps) save, so...evidence? If I say that antihistamines help save you from anaphylaxis shock, then I can point to any number of occasions where the medicine did just that. Whereas you? Have you died, seen the other side and can confirm this "repentance WILL save you" claim? What if I were to go the Muslim forum, talk to people there, and hear from them that only submission to Allah and the teachings of Muhammed will save me?

JimiTime

hellenkell wrote: »

I was raised in a family with difficult circumstances, so I left home at the age of 17
Until the age of 22 I did what I had to do in order survive, needless at that time my faith in the lord was not strong.
I worked a lot, was very lonely and met all the wrong men.
I am ashamed to admit I've done a lot of sins, I would not blame the men I met because it was my responsibly to protect my body and soul, but I was young and felt abandoned by everyone - my parents, my friends and god as well.

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

Read the account of King David and you will see the very great mercy and Love God has for us. He had everything he could want. Communion with God, wealth, respect of his nation, great courage etc. Then he saw a woman bathing and 'kept looking' and lusted after her. The lady was somebody elses wife, but King David slept with her anyway and she conceived. Her husband Uriah did not know about it, and David had him placed at the front of a battle line so that he would be killed.

So do not fret! 'Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand'. Remember, Jesus did not condemn the adulteress (One of the most heinous of the sexual sins) neither, he said, 'Go, AND SIN NO MORE'. We have been washed clean in the blood of Jesus, and your faith in him has made you an inheritor in his Kingdom. Keep leaning on him, and you will not be let down.
You have been saved, rejoice and be glad, and in the words of Jesus, 'Go and sin no more'

God Bless.

Delirium

There is a thread dedicated to existence of God/atheism.

please use that thread if you wish continue that line of discussion.

Also, if people suspect posters of trolling, please use the report button.

Thanks for your attention.

jungleman

hellenkell wrote: »

I was raised in a family with difficult circumstances, so I left home at the age of 17
Until the age of 22 I did what I had to do in order survive, needless at that time my faith in the lord was not strong.
I worked a lot, was very lonely and met all the wrong men.
I am ashamed to admit I've done a lot of sins, I would not blame the men I met because it was my responsibly to protect my body and soul, but I was young and felt abandoned by everyone - my parents, my friends and god as well.

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

Okay firstly that sounds like a guy has taken advantage of your vulnerability and filled your head with typical Christian guilt. As in, you suffered so much because "god" wanted you too. But now you have pleased him so everything is okay.

Secondly, more Christian guilt. You don't need "god" to forgive you. You don't need anyone to forgive you. You have done nothing wrong,

<MOD SNIP: Read charter before making such remarks. >

Turtwig

Mod:

Some interim posts moved to the Atheism megathread. Posters are advised to remember the charter. Not every thread is an invitation to discuss/criticise the bible. This is a personal issues and faith thread. One would expect that the OP was looking largely for Christian based answers. Though obviously constructive answers that aren't Christian based are more than welcome. Contributions seeking to challenge Christianity not as much.

Thanks,

RikuoAmero

Turtwig wrote: »

Mod:

Some interim posts moved to the Atheism megathread. Posters are advised to remember the charter. Not every thread is an invitation to discuss/criticise the bible. This is a personal issues and faith thread. One would expect that the OP was looking largely for Christian based answers. Though obviously constructive answers that aren't Christian based are more than welcome. Contributions seeking to challenge Christianity not as much.

Thanks,

We were offering an alternative viewpoint to consider. Myself specifically, the questions I asked in my initial response were meant for the OP to ask herself, not to answer to me. Seeking a reinforcement of what it is you already believe is pointless.

jungleman

RikuoAmero wrote: »

We were offering an alternative viewpoint to consider. Myself specifically, the questions I asked in my initial response were meant for the OP to ask herself, not to answer to me. Seeking a reinforcement of what it is you already believe is pointless.

I got a warning for using the term "make believe deity". Even though the point I was making was that all of this guilt, pressure and shame she feels is a construction of christian faith, and in all likelihood there is no-one judging her or testing her like she thinks.

So yeah, if trying to reassure someone warrants a warning then lock me up and throw away the key, guilty as charged.

Delirium

jungleman wrote: »

I got a warning for using the term "make believe deity". Even though the point I was making was that all of this guilt, pressure and shame she feels is a construction of christian faith, and in all likelihood there is no-one judging her or testing her like she thinks.

So yeah, if trying to reassure someone warrants a warning then lock me up and throw away the key, guilty as charged.

From the charter

Do not discuss moderation decisions in a thread. If you have an issue with the actions of a mod, please contact them via PM. If the dispute has not been resolved after this correspondence, the correct procedure is to then PM the C-mods. If the issue remains unresolved, a thread should be started on the Dispute Resolution Forum.

Thank you for your attention

Tordelback

@RikuoAmero, you make some excellent incontrovertible points about the selective use of passages from the Bible to present things in a wholly positive light. But do you really think that the appropriate place to engage in this debunking is in a thread where an upset poster seeks comfort and reassurance from her co-religionists? Pick your battlefields more thoughtfully, please.

jobbridge4life

Defender OF Faith wrote: »

As an atheist you will clearly not understand what she's going through so its better to leave it to those who will ~

Eh no it is decidedly not better to leave it to those who 'understand'. Speaking to those who agree with you is no way to learn anything.

lazybones32

hellenkell wrote: »

... today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Continue with the thanksgiving...even when you fail in big or small things - "Giving thanks is the sacrifice that honours me and I will surely save those who obey me" Psalm 50:23 (GNT)

hellenkell wrote: »

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

He says it numerous times in His Word that He will forgive our sins and remove our guilt: you just need to be sincere and genuine and God will do the rest. Accept His forgiveness which He offers but then you must forgive yourself. You must act first and the feelings will follow. If you need the forgiveness of another person, for a wrong you've done them, seek God's help first and then make restitution.

Jellybaby1

I am a Christian, and although some religions might believe in a God that 'tests' us, I was never taught to believe that. What sort of God would 'test' us, knowing that we are merely weak imperfect humans and not perfect divine beings such as He. Why would He trip us up at every opportunity knowing that we can so easily fall. It doesn't make sense to the Christianity I was was brought up to believe. But I do believe there is another being, Satan, who is quite capable of tripping us up all along the line. When you change your life, accept Christ as your Saviour it really gets up Satan's nose, if he has one! My belief does not grind me into the ground with guilt even though there are times when I am guilty of doing wrong, the difference is knowing the difference between what is right, and what is wrong, and the right path to take. OP, from what you say, it looks like you are already on the right path. Stop fretting about the past, just work on your future, God just wants you to love him, and be happy. It has always been that simple for me. Hope this helps.

eviltwin

Hellen I felt so sad reading your post. Everyone has a past. Most of us do things that we look back on with the benefit of hindsight and maturity and wish we had done differently. I'm a firm believer in learning from these experiences. You can't change them now so why torment yourself with guilt and regret? What's important is not allowing your past to continue to influence your present. You should like a wonderful wife who loves her family, that's what is important, not things you did when you were young and vulnerable. Don't let it consume you, it's not worth it.

jungleman

SW wrote: »

From the charter



Thank you for your attention

Duly noted, apologies mods.

My last comment on the matter is again to the OP. From what you have written, I think it would be beneficial if you looked at why you feel like things you may have done in your past are troubling you. Everyone has done things they're not proud of, or look back and cringe at. Everyone. Maybe it's time to look at your belief system and question whether or not that is trapping you in a negative place, stopping you from letting go. You only have one shot at life, make sure you don't spend the rest of yours fretting about being judged.

Juza1973

jobbridge4life wrote: »

Eh no it is decidedly not better to leave it to those who 'understand'. Speaking to those who agree with you is no way to learn anything.

With all respect you are not the bearer of a point of view that is not known to the world, tv and media seems to shout this point of view all the time. She was not here to learn something new but to ask questions to her fellow Christians. Not all discussions must be redirected where you want them to lead them. She will learn about your point of view when she is interested.

jobbridge4life

Juza1973 wrote: »

With all respect you are not the bearer of a point of view that is not known to the world, tv and media seems to shout this point of view all the time. She was not here to learn something new but to ask questions to her fellow Christians. Not all discussions must be redirected where you want them to lead them. She will learn about your point of view when she is interested.

You know my views? Impressive.

eviltwin

Turtwig wrote: »

Mod:

Some interim posts moved to the Atheism megathread. Posters are advised to remember the charter. Not every thread is an invitation to discuss/criticise the bible. This is a personal issues and faith thread. One would expect that the OP was looking largely for Christian based answers. Though obviously constructive answers that aren't Christian based are more than welcome. Contributions seeking to challenge Christianity not as much.

Thanks,

The lady may be looking for answers from a Christian perspective but I feel if she is still dealing with guilt after having already made changes to her life then she had bigger issues that can't be addressed here. I'm surprised you're allowing the thread to remain to be honest. It's more suited to personal issues. Posters here might be able to reassure her that her relationship with God is okay but it's disturbing to read a post so full of self loathing.

Day Lewin

@hellenkell
As a mature woman and a sort of struggling-Christian, I do understand the contamination of past guilts; they are hard to shed. (Everyone makes foolish decisions from where they were "at the time"!)
May I offer you two points that may reassure you:
I was once told by a wise and insightful clergyman that "the sexual sins are not the worst of sins: there is usually no malice in them" (I leave aside some obvious exceptions)
But the sexual experiments of the mixed-up young are the least of crimes, believe me. You may well regret them - and the lack of self-esteem that led to them, - but hey, we learn from mistakes and you are in a different and better place now.

Secondly, finding it hard to believe in forgiveness. Consider how Jesus asked - in the moments of an agonising death - that his killers should be forgiven. And how he always knew the heart of everyone, and offered them forgiveness and peace even when they had asked for something else.
And I am quite sure you never did anything as awful as torture and crucifixion!!

Even if God is hard to believe in, Love is not: it's all around us, visible everywhere: and makes a fine stand-in for God on the days when faith is weak.
And Satan? Just open the evening papers. I've never seen Satan, but I've seen Evil - it exists.

So be of good cheer and enjoy the gifts that you have received, and learn from experience with an open heart.

I wish you every blessing and wisdom.

Smiling

Shalom

RikuoAmero

katemarch wrote: »

@hellenkell
As a mature woman and a sort of struggling-Christian, I do understand the contamination of past guilts; they are hard to shed. (Everyone makes foolish decisions from where they were "at the time"!)
May I offer you two points that may reassure you:
I was once told by a wise and insightful clergyman that "the sexual sins are not the worst of sins: there is usually no malice in them" (I leave aside some obvious exceptions)
But the sexual experiments of the mixed-up young are the least of crimes, believe me. You may well regret them - and the lack of self-esteem that led to them, - but hey, we learn from mistakes and you are in a different and better place now.

Secondly, finding it hard to believe in forgiveness. Consider how Jesus asked - in the moments of an agonising death - that his killers should be forgiven. And how he always knew the heart of everyone, and offered them forgiveness and peace even when they had asked for something else.
And I am quite sure you never did anything as awful as torture and crucifixion!!

Even if God is hard to believe in, Love is not: it's all around us, visible everywhere: and makes a fine stand-in for God on the days when faith is weak.
And Satan? Just open the evening papers. I've never seen Satan, but I've seen Evil - it exists.

So be of good cheer and enjoy the gifts that you have received, and learn from experience with an open heart.

I wish you every blessing and wisdom.

Smiling

Shalom

Now THAT i can mostly agree with (I of course don't believe there to be such a thing as sins, only actions claimed to be sins), but the sentiment behind that post I agree with.

ABC101

hellenkell wrote: »

I was raised in a family with difficult circumstances, so I left home at the age of 17
Until the age of 22 I did what I had to do in order survive, needless at that time my faith in the lord was not strong.
I worked a lot, was very lonely and met all the wrong men.
I am ashamed to admit I've done a lot of sins, I would not blame the men I met because it was my responsibly to protect my body and soul, but I was young and felt abandoned by everyone - my parents, my friends and god as well.

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

Well that is a very moving post, sounds like you have a very well developed conscience. It takes courage to admit one is wrong / has done wrong in the past.

Life is a journey, and you took a wrong turn at 17 years, but at 22 years you were back on track. That is only 4 or 5 years where you did a few things that you now regret. But as some other posters have mentioned, it could have been worse, you could have gone through your whole life on the wrong track, but you did'nt, you did not kill anybody, disfigure them, run them over or cause serious injury etc etc.

I would continue on the course you are, developing your relationship with God, furthering your own understanding of yourself, continuing to be a good person, loving God, family, friends and life.

There is a good book called the "Diary of St Faustina", which is a diary of a very intense, loving & deeply personal relationship of a young Polish nun with Jesus Christ. If you get a chance, give it a read, I think you would enjoy it very much.

Don't forget you have a guardian angel, who you can call on to assist with finding answers to various questions in your mind. Your guardian angel can help you with lots of things. Don't hesitate to call on him!!:)

newmug

RikuoAmero wrote: »

Now THAT i can mostly agree with (I of course don't believe there to be such a thing as sins, only actions claimed to be sins), but the sentiment behind that post I agree with.

It never ceases to amaze me how much atheists blather on about "spaghetti fairies in the sky", but when the essence of Christianity is put to them, they agree with it.


I've read the Bible from cover to cover. There is no spaghetti in it, or hating gays, or hate in general. Anywhere! But there is a few mentions of love, and forgiveness, and acceptance, that kind of thing. In fact, if you go to mass, you'll hear these "way-out" messages every day! Imagine that!

MrPudding

newmug wrote: »

It never ceases to amaze me how much atheists blather on about "spaghetti fairies in the sky", but when the essence of Christianity is put to them, they agree with it.


I've read the Bible from cover to cover. There is no spaghetti in it, or hating gays, or hate in general. Anywhere! But there is a few mentions of love, and forgiveness, and acceptance, that kind of thing. In fact, if you go to mass, you'll hear these "way-out" messages every day! Imagine that!

The issue for us is this, the 'essence of christianity', as you call it, is pretty basic stuff, and it need no supernatural overseer, nor did it need anyone supernatural to come up with it.

Your 'essence' is something that was around long before your Jesus, and if you had any interest in reading outside of your own religion, you would see that the ideas and concepts behind it were espoused repeatedly down the ages by many many different religions and many different non-religious people.

We agree because it is obvious. We disagree that there is anything supernatural about it. The only supernatural I need is the TV show, very happy the new season started.

MrP

JimiTime

MrPudding wrote: »

The issue for us is this, the 'essence of christianity', as you call it, is pretty basic stuff, and it need no supernatural overseer, nor did it need anyone supernatural to come up with it.

Your 'essence' is something that was around long before your Jesus, and if you had any interest in reading outside of your own religion, you would see that the ideas and concepts behind it were espoused repeatedly down the ages by many many different religions and many different non-religious people.

We agree because it is obvious. We disagree that there is anything supernatural about it. The only supernatural I need is the TV show, very happy the new season started.

MrP

It is 'obvious' because you are still in the afterglow of Christianised culture. Your issue is that you think Christianity had nothing to do with it. Never mind you having little foresight, you don't even have good hindsight.

MrPudding

JimiTime wrote: »

It is 'obvious' because you are still in the afterglow of Christianised culture. Your issue is that you think Christianity had nothing to do with it. Never mind you having little foresight, you don't even have good hindsight.

Yes, and I guess the reason I am a 'good person' is that god is working away inside me... Please.

It is perfectly reasonable and possible to develop and follow a set of practices that allow one to interact with other humans with a minimum of conflict and for the betterment of society without an appeal to the supernatural or some kind of eternal overseer of reward and punishment. That the supernatural was seen as required in the past, or that the set of principles are similar or even identical to those derived from the supernatural, that some people can't see why people would be good without the supernatural or even is christian culture did influence me or anyone else, that still does not lend a shred of credibility to your, or anyone else's claims to the validity of your particular supernatural belief, nor does it take away from the validity of any principles derived from non-supernatural reasoning, irrespective of their resemblance to those principles derived form the supernatural.

MrP

sbsquarepants

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I am a Christian, and although some religions might believe in a God that 'tests' us, I was never taught to believe that. What sort of God would 'test' us, knowing that we are merely weak imperfect humans and not perfect divine beings such as He..

You've never heard the story of job?

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I was was brought up to believe. But I do believe there is another being, Satan, who is quite capable of tripping us up all along the line..

Who was created by?
Which omnipotent being allows him do his thing?
Who is therefore to blame?

If you let your viscous dog off it's leash in the playground and it mauls a child, is it the dogs fault or yours? If the next day, and the day after ad infinitum instead putting the dog down, you brought him back to the play ground and let him off his leash again, would you not be getting more and more guilty and complicit?

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

God just wants you to love him, and be happy. It has always been that simple for me. Hope this helps.

Demands, more so than wants.

Op - you've done nothing wrong, anyone or anything that makes you feel bad simply for being human should really be cut out of your life. Life is too short to allow others make you feel bad.
We all regret certain events or people from our past, we all make mistakes and poor decisions at times, it's just the human condition.
If your actions make you feel bad, change them and do something that makes you feel good. Your first responsibility is to yourself and your own wellbeing, physically and mentally, that being said try not be an asshole to others and don't let them be assholes to you. That will serve you better than any religion OP and it's completely guilt free!

JimiTime

MrPudding wrote: »

Yes, and I guess the reason I am a 'good person' is that god is working away inside me... Please.

It is perfectly reasonable and possible to develop and follow a set of practices that allow one to interact with other humans with a minimum of conflict and for the betterment of society without an appeal to the supernatural or some kind of eternal overseer of reward and punishment. That the supernatural was seen as required in the past, or that the set of principles are similar or even identical to those derived from the supernatural, that some people can't see why people would be good without the supernatural or even is christian culture did influence me or anyone else, that still does not lend a shred of credibility to your, or anyone else's claims to the validity of your particular supernatural belief, nor does it take away from the validity of any principles derived from non-supernatural reasoning, irrespective of their resemblance to those principles derived form the supernatural.

MrP

Like I said, you think its all obvious, but its only obvious to you, because you are still living in the afterglow of a Christianised society. On a societal level, subjective morality will get to a point where what is obvious to the atheist today, basking in the Christian afterglow, will be far from obvious to the godless of the future.

Juza1973

eviltwin wrote: »

The lady may be looking for answers from a Christian perspective but I feel if she is still dealing with guilt after having already made changes to her life then she had bigger issues that can't be addressed here. I'm surprised you're allowing the thread to remain to be honest. It's more suited to personal issues. Posters here might be able to reassure her that her relationship with God is okay but it's disturbing to read a post so full of self loathing.

People who are neater to be Saints have a deeper remorse for their sins. It is a purpose that they have to pay to feel God matter to them. It is about what she wants; if I answered to every request of help or complaint telling to seek Christ help I wouldn't do anything wrong and I would be perfectly right but the moderators would probably find me a disturbance. Well in this newsgroup Christian answers are just the natural outcome and what she was looking for.

sbsquarepants

Juza1973 wrote: »

People who are neater to be Saints have a deeper remorse for their sins. It is a purpose that they have to pay to feel God matter to them. It is about what she wants.

I find it hard to imagine anybody wants to feel like crap.
Hate yourself some more and it will be better for you when you die is terrible advice OP.
Accept what you've done as nothing more than being a young woman - you have harmed no one, you simply tried something you weren't all that keen on and so you don't want to try again and that's fine. If you we're keen and wanted to carry on that would have been fine too. DO NOT let others tell you you have done anything wrong, you haven't.
It's silly to waste your life feeling guilty for simply being human. Find something that makes you feel happy and spend your time doing that instead (if that thing is religion, so be it - but it seems to me like it's having the opposite effect - if it is, cut it loose and move on would be my advice). You get only one shot at this

aaakev

Well said sbsquarepants

DoYouEvenLift

<Mod Snip: Not relevant to thread.>

hinault

hellenkell wrote: »

I was raised in a family with difficult circumstances, so I left home at the age of 17
Until the age of 22 I did what I had to do in order survive, needless at that time my faith in the lord was not strong.
I worked a lot, was very lonely and met all the wrong men.
I am ashamed to admit I've done a lot of sins, I would not blame the men I met because it was my responsibly to protect my body and soul, but I was young and felt abandoned by everyone - my parents, my friends and god as well.

When I turned 22 I met a guy, the best guy I ever met, he showed me the way, showed me how real love should look like, explained to me that a'll I've been through was a test from God, that God is strongest for us in our most difficult moments, today I'm in such different place in my life thanks to him, thanks to Jesus.

Just sometimes it is hard for me to believe that God will forgive me after all my sins, I want to be a good wife and mother and I pray every day God will give me strength to do that

First of all well done to you for turning your life around:) It is really great to read about someone who has found happiness.

I don't know if you're Catholic or not, but if you are you can attend what is known as general confession. This is where you go to confession and before you start to tell the priest about the sins you have committed point out to him that you wish to make a general confession because you've been away from the sacraments for a long time.

Then you proceed to make a confession retelling the sins that you have committed since you last confessed.

trust me when I say that you will be forgiven and you will receive full absolution when you make your confession.

sbsquarepants

hinault wrote: »

trust me when I say that you will be forgiven and you will receive full absolution when you make your confession.

This is like the get out of jail free card in Christianity- do what ever you want, say your sorry - clean slate. Those are the rules!

hinault

sbsquarepants wrote: »

This is like the get out of jail free card in Christianity- do what ever you want, say your sorry - clean slate. Those are the rules!

It would be wholly erroneous to make the mistake of suggesting that Confession is a licence to commit sin.

RikuoAmero

hinault wrote: »

It would be wholly erroneous to make the mistake of suggesting that Confession is a licence to commit sin.

That is the logical conclusion of of what it is you said here

trust me when I say that you will be forgiven and you will receive full absolution when you make your confession.

i.e. Go to confession, and you will be forgiven, you will receive absolution. You provided no qualifiers or conditions there, just stated "Do X, and Effect Y will happen".
By the way...why should we trust you? My first reaction when I hear "trust me" from a complete stranger is to distrust them.

sbsquarepants

hinault wrote: »

It would be wholly erroneous to make the mistake of suggesting that Confession is a licence to commit sin.

Have you heard of many cases where absolution was refused?

In fact isn't there a set of automatic absolution doors in the Vatican? Simply walk through and emerge sin free? I don't think they open them very often, but they are there.

MrPudding

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Have you heard of many cases where absolution was refused?

In fact isn't there a set of automatic absolution doors in the Vatican? Simply walk through and emerge sin free? I don't think they open them very often, but they are there.

Are you getting confused with the movie Dogma? Surely there can't be something that utterly stupid in real life...?

MrP

eviltwin

hinault wrote: »

It would be wholly erroneous to make the mistake of suggesting that Confession is a licence to commit sin.

Saying sorry is one thing but should you not still be punished for your wrong doings? Its just a bit mad to think I could kill a bunch of people and get into heaven by saying confession but if I do something minor and die without it I'm doomed.

sbsquarepants

MrPudding wrote: »

Are you getting confused with the movie Dogma? Surely there can't be something that utterly stupid in real life...?

MrP

No, they are there - unless my tour guide made it up that is. Half of this stuff is so <snip> crazy that it's basically impossible to know if they are being serious or not!

hinault

sbsquarepants wrote: »

Have you heard of many cases where absolution was refused?

In fact isn't there a set of automatic absolution doors in the Vatican? Simply walk through and emerge sin free? I don't think they open them very often, but they are there.

Have you heard of many cases where absolution was refused?

hinault

eviltwin wrote: »

Saying sorry is one thing but should you not still be punished for your wrong doings? Its just a bit mad to think I could kill a bunch of people and get into heaven by saying confession but if I do something minor and die without it I'm doomed.

A rather simplistic example which bears no correlation to what Confession is and the obligations that go with Confession.

lazybones32

sbsquarepants wrote: »

This is like the get out of jail free card in Christianity- do what ever you want, say your sorry - clean slate. Those are the rules!

You're not far off the mark. God is willing to wipe the slate clean...as often as needs be. Christ truly is the "get out of jail free" Man.

aaakev

lazybones32 wrote: »

You're not far off the mark. God is willing to wipe the slate clean...as often as needs be. Christ truly is the "get out of jail free" Man.

So take a serial child sex offender who thinks himself a devoted Catholic andconfesses his sins, is he to be forgiven just like that and have eternal happiness in heaven?