If the creator/s one defining message in all religions is love, then why are there so many belief systems and races of people that have factors to segregate them? Is this the humans test set by the creator/s, to see if we can all get along? Were we brought to this planet as different tribes? Which religion came first and if that one was proved to be the closest to the God/s over pouring of love then why isn't it the one and only global religion? Sorry, more than one question there.
Oops! I've just realised I can answer part of my own question.
Religion has nothing to do with the creator/s. They are human interpretations.
(What a berk!)
Luna, You do make me laugh!!! I would say Paganism came first. I think if there is a creator, then he's a joker. He's played a trick on human beings and is probably sitting up there, wherever up there is, laughing his heavenly socks of at the havoc he's caused with all the different religions. In fact Satan is probably the good guy, since I don't think we have anything too terrible recorded against him, and the biblical God is probably really the bad guy - and we have plenty of evidence of his wicked deeds. We're constantly told the Devil plays tricks - wouldn't that be the ultimate trick?
Perhaps it's a case of a dual or split personality but is one or the other predominant?
The biblical God is winning over the media and a large proportion of the population but his bad alter-ego is causing trouble and strife across the globe without a mention.
Whenever anything bad happens to our natural world people say, "It's God's work".
I think he or it must hold the good and bad biblical reins over the planet.
�Dinosaur fossils? God put those there to test our faith." Thank God I'm strapped in right now here man. I think God put you here to test my faith, Dude. You believe that? "Uh huh." Does that trouble anyone here? The idea that God.. might be...******' with our heads? I have trouble sleeping with that knowledge. Some prankster God running around: "Hu hu ho. We will see who believes in me now, ha HA.�
I think I agree with old Bill regarding the idea of a pranskter, supreme being!
I am sorry China if I have offended you in anyway but this particular thread became lighter-hearted as the replies progressed. I am and will continue to be fascinated seriously by the subject and many others but there are times when we all slip into moments of mirth.
Luna Why on earth are you apologising? You have nothing to apologise for. If someone has got the wrong end of the stick, or even if they disagree with you, then so be it. It really doesn't matter.
Thank you Naomi, I didn't think I had said anything that was that bad and as I said, it was all in a light-hearted manner but obviously someone seemed annoyed at my remarks.
I suppose it must be my sense of humour that isn't favourable to their way of thinking.
Erm.... well yes I did get the humour, hence my reply using a quote from Bill Hicks regarding prankster Gods which I thought was quite amusing. Although apparently I stand alone on that!
Anyway, Naomi is quite right, no apology was necessary, just crossed wires. Ob both parts. I just found the banter on the thread amusing too.
China The Bill Hicks bit was completely lost on me, but I'm very pleased to know you're ok. Thanks for getting back. Luna does worry so about upsetting people - don't you Luna, my dear. :o)
What's love got to do with it? Simply everything, as God IS love. Not for our sake, but for His Holy names sake, did He create us, and redeemed us from the curse of our sin, our choice on the basis of our God given free will.
To love, and live with love as a guiding principle is a more powerful force than selfishness, and the ultimate self sacrificing example of this is Jesus Christ.