Thanks Kathy,

  Another great inspirational post. Thank you for creating this forum, it is a fresh breath to those of us who see a world that is falling further from god's good grace.

  I feel a message in this artcle, about the importance of remembering that communion between you and god, should come first before doctrine. Once upon a time, long ago, I wanted to be a Baptist Minister. I was 15 when I started teaching Sunday school and at 16 or 17 I was made an honorary decon at our church. Having started my study of theology I was shocked to see so many disparities between faiths. All boiled down to each mans interppratation of the word of god.

  God teaches in the psalm of the seed sower, that the word of god will fall on the earns of those not ready to hear it, and as such they will not comprehend the true meaning. Thus producing no fruit. However, those who recieve the true word of god, to them the true meaning shall be revealed. Thus where some of the seed was sown, fruit will be abundant.

  What I am trying to get accross, is when you open your bible, read with your eyes, but follow your heart, because if you are ready to learn the true meaning, the word of god will be revealed in whole. When you are in church, remember, Christ church was open communion between him and his people, no building, no offering, no etiquite, only his word, thier ears, and open hearts.

  Common examples of doctrine straying away from god's life lessons, are more common than you think. For example, Christ said charititable acts would be rewarded 10 fold in heaven, yet quite a few religions teach that you should tithe 10% of your earnings. Remember, in heaven there is no monitary system, 10 times a million dollars is usless in heaven. True charity, can be as simple as a kind word to someone in a blue mood, acts of the heart are rewarded, and have thier own reward on earth. 

  I have seen religions that pry to Mary and the desiples, yet Christ said that no man may come to the father, but by me. I have seen priest absolve peoples sins, and I have seen many a book of doctrine placed equally, or before the word of god, despite the fact thier own bibles say it's a no no. Read with your eyes, and open your heart, let doctrine be just that.

  I read my bible at home, and while I still have found the closest parallel between faith and the bible, within the Baptist Church, I still have found enough disperity, to have decided to study on my own, and believe in my heart the true word of god, and I feel that that is my choice, but make no recomendation as to a path you should follow, I only ask that the word of god be placed above the word of man, and your hearts be open to it's meaning.

Good luck and God bless,

Andy Zeus Anderson