Understanding Christianity

[Gaius Scribonius Curio]

I don't want to say too much as I don't wish to:

a) come under too much censure from others

and more importantly

b) diminish other peoples beliefs in any way shape or form.

I'll start by saying that I have been raised (loosely) a Catholic. My parents instilled in me christian values, respect others, try to help others, don't be selfish etc. I also attended a Catholic school for the final 2 and a half years of high school.

I am an Atheist, I make no secret of it, I've read extensively about religion, spirituality and know more biblical quotes and religious phrases than the average christian, I've come to my own conclusions and don't wish to force others to it, they can decide for themselves.

Strangely enough, while the (compulsory) Religious studies course was mundane and boring, the teachers never pushed the whole, If you don't do as we say you're going down the wrong path, message, although they did express disapproval at some of our activities. Also my religion teacher, (actually the head of Sport and a devout Catholic) encouraged a lot of debate, and in the end, just before I graduated said that I pretty much was a christian due to my values and bearing and attitude and that he hoped that eventually I'd return to the fold.

However the emphasis was on God, and a personal relationship with all three aspects of God. God himself, His son, Jesus Christ, and the holy spirit, not merely through Jesus. Of course its all down to personal belief.

Unfortunately for you Lucius Julius, there are so many different books in the Bible, all written by different people with slightly varying ideas, that you can find passages to support just about every different sect of Christianity in existance. And they're all right in what they say.

I have to cut short here, as I'm needed elsewhere, but I'd just like to reiterate that I don't intend to offend anyone. This message is entirely my opinion.

Curio

EDIT: I'm also not sure if a thread to do with religion should be located in the frontroom (its a fairly inflammatory topic and might be better in the backroom, even though I can't post there... sigh)