This country's basic start was because of religious persecution and taxation. With the latter not a matter for discussion, the first was why they wrote...FREEDOM OF RELIGION. They were being persecuted for being Protestant Christians. I myself was baptised Catholic, but my parents wanted to leave it up to me what religion I chose when I was an adult. I did choose Catholicism. I believe in everyone's right to choose their own religion, however if it is mentally or physically hurting someone, that I do not ascribe to that.
90% of "So Called"Christians I have met don't accept me. To them I am a Pagan. Because I dress up on Halloween and don't JUDGE others who do or don't, I have been told I am going to HELL by Foursquare & Baptist Christians. I live in CA, when I lived in AL, in the actual bible belt, no one was judgemental, I think they knew what it took with the long history they have to be the protestants they are.
I accept all Religions as I have said and even though in CA most Christians I have met don't accept me, I accept them. I am a Christian too, just a Catholic one. I believe in the SAME GOD as them. I believe in the SAME JESUS, I DON'T pray to SAINTS OR WORSHIP MARY, as many have been lead to believe. I have actually had people ask me if the Catholic Church was about worshiping Mary the mother of Jesus. For me it has never been that, maybe I have a different experience because my mother's family came from Slovenia and the way I grew up was more towards the Orthodox Catholicism. We didn't have any statues of Mary or oil paintings of Jesus, he was always in our hearts, though I would NOT condemn anyone if they wanted those things.
I DON'T WORSHIP the POPE EITHER nor do I pray to him. I ONLY pray to JESUS. :!:
I DON'T JUDGE, it is NOT the Christian nor Catholic way if you truly believe in Jesus. As Wraithe said, the bible says, THOU SHALT NOT JUDGE OR CONDEMN. :D
Quote
Out of the 1.258 billion Christians I found 3 people that know what they are doing and talking about. I'm happy I found 3.
Larrye is lucky to have found three. I have luckily found three, maybe Wraithe, as Larrye said, you can find three. I hope that you do and I am truly sorry for what could have only been horrible experiences. Good luck and God Bless to you and your son.