Are there any Christian nerds in here.

[Caution]

Wow, how did I miss this thread. Methodist Nerd and Freemason checking in.

I was very religious when I was younger, then when I got into my teens I started to practice my faith less and less until I got out of college. After marriage I started to get back into it but only when it was convenient. Finally I joined the Masons and in doing so have learned to put my trust in God and follow the teachings of the Bible. Now I read it every night. It makes me regret the 15 years I spent with little faith and wonder what choices I would have made differently.

[Gyro]

Wow, how did I miss this thread. Methodist Nerd and Freemason checking in.

The cowboy hat in your profile pic reminds me of Brad Paisley I heard that he was a freemason - is that true?

[Caution]

I will say that several good masonic websites (not conspiracy ones) have him listed as a brother and a member of the Scottish rite. Like this one. I cannot say I am 100% sure unless he publicly states that he is, because he isn't a member of my lodge and I've never been to a meeting with him .

[Rubducky]

Yep, Christian nerd here! Yay Jesus!

[McG]

I am not a Christian, nor do I practice any religion. I most closely associate with Epicureanism, which is more a school of thought although there is belief in the god(s). I'm torn in a belief in gods but the definition presented in Epicurean teachings really rings with me, although I'm still not sure if one/they exist.

Anyway, the area I come from is not very religious. A lot of Jewish and Catholic (I have a parent of each) people but not very serious practitioners. I didn't know any people who worked for a church or temple outside of said buildings. But moving down to central Florida has introduced me to a lot more Christians, as well as southern Baptists, who are far more devout than anyone I had every met. I kept my disbelief under wraps but the people down here are very friendly.

So my point is kudos to all of you. I don't know if I believe in god, but if he helps you live a better, richer and more fulfilling life while showing kindness towards others than you're okay in my book.

[Elastigirl]

The cowboy hat in your profile pic reminds me of Brad Paisley I heard that he was a freemason - is that true?

It always makes me think of Brad Paisley too.

[Gyro]

It always makes me think of Brad Paisley too.

"I'm so much cooler online.."

[wildross]

Definitely Christian and definitely nerd here. When I listen to music, it tends to be early Christian rock, or things like the Integrity scripture series. My wife is the musical one (I've accused her of having a soundtrack for her life).

I resent labels and hesitate to use any denomination. My family heritage is Quaker, though I'm more of a charismatic, ultra conservative, Bible literalist. Though none of those words probably mean to others what they mean to me....sigh. I've been kicked out/asked to leave/disfellowshipped from churches all across the spectrum.

[Elastigirl]

"I'm so much cooler online.."

LOL

[Gyro]

..Bible literalist..

Hey Wild Ross - I'm not trying to be facetious, and this is not directed at you, but I was curious what someone would call the paleo diet if they believed the earth was only created six thousand years ago.. since the paleolithic era ended about ten thousand years ago. I was just wondering about this today.. my dad could be considered a Biblical literalist and he lives in fairly rustic conditions with a fairly natural diet, so there can probably be a connection between strict religious observance and a back-to-the-earth diet without necessarily labeling it "paleo".. and there we go again with the labels

[Gyro]

I am not a Christian, nor do I practice any religion. I most closely associate with Epicureanism, which is more a school of thought although there is belief in the god(s). I'm torn in a belief in gods but the definition presented in Epicurean teachings really rings with me, although I'm still not sure if one/they exist.

If you told people you were Epicurean, I'd bet many would probably assume they heard Episcopalian. My old agnostic roommate would tell my Christian friends that he was "between churches" when asked were he attended worship services.. I always thought that was such a sly answer, and it got them off his back right away!

[Elastigirl]

Hey Wild Ross - I'm not trying to be facetious, and this is not directed at you, but I was curious what someone would call the paleo diet if they believed the earth was only created six thousand years ago.. since the paleolithic era ended about ten thousand years ago. I was just wondering about this today.. my dad could be considered a Biblical literalist and he lives in fairly rustic conditions with a fairly natural diet, so there can probably be a connection between strict religious observance and a back-to-the-earth diet without necessarily labeling it "paleo".. and there we go again with the labels

Obviously I'm not Wild Ross but hopefully you won't mind if I give you my answer. I think our bodies were created to thrive on good foods, not Cheetos. As for grains, Robb gives a good explaination of how the wheat's self defense mechanism makes it hard for us to digest. There is evidence in the Bible that people ate grains quite early though (the offering of wheat Abel gave) But you have to remember several things 1) wheat wasn't prepared in mass quanities like it is today 2) they had a certain preparation to the wheat which minimized the digestion problems 3) wheat has drastically changed from what it used to be even in 1950

I usually reccommend It Starts With Food to my Christian friends. It has the science and the how to is excellent, but there is a lot less emphasis on evolution.

Most paleo eaters say that our systems handle whole foods better because that is how we evolved, I say it is because that is how God made us

And actually I don't get into any of the science with my friends. When they ask why I eat the way I do I say because it makes me feel great

[Gyro]

Obviously I'm not Wild Ross but hopefully you won't mind if I give you my answer. I think our bodies were created to thrive on good foods, not Cheetos. As for grains, Robb gives a good explaination of how the wheat's self defense mechanism makes it hard for us to digest. There is evidence in the Bible that people ate grains quite early though (the offering of wheat Abel gave) But you have to remember several things 1) wheat wasn't prepared in mass quanities like it is today 2) they had a certain preparation to the wheat which minimized the digestion problems 3) wheat has drastically changed from what it used to be even in 1950

I usually reccommend It Starts With Food to my Christian friends. It has the science and the how to is excellent, but there is a lot less emphasis on evolution.

Most paleo eaters say that our systems handle whole foods better because that is how we evolved, I say it is because that is how God made us

And actually I don't get into any of the science with my friends. When they ask why I eat the way I do I say because it makes me feel great

Thanks Elastigirl - I think you explain it well. In other words, paleo could even be thought of as a sort of antediluvian (Pre-Flood) diet, i.e. the way God intended humans to originally eat

[Elastigirl]

Thanks Elastigirl - I think you explain it well. In other words, paleo could even be thought of as a sort of antediluvian (Pre-Flood) diet, i.e. the way God intended humans to originally eat

Hmmm.. could be thought of that way. Though possibly however before the flood they were vegetarians. Genesis 9:2 God says"Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you;even as the green herb have I given all things" Which to me sounds like the first time they are told to eat meat, so if we said pre-flood we might have to be vegetarians.

[Gyro]

Hmmm.. could be thought of that way. Though possibly however before the flood they were vegetarians. Genesis 9:2 God says"Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you;even as the green herb have I given all things" Which to me sounds like the first time they are told to eat meat, so if we said pre-flood we might have to be vegetarians.

I was thinking that pre-fall (Garden of Eden) they were vegans and pre-flood they were paleo

[Loren Wade]

I was thinking that pre-fall (Garden of Eden) they were vegans and pre-flood they were paleo

This.

That's why I am paleo.

[cracked_belle]

I refer to myself as a polytheistic Christian.

"O_o" you say. well ... yeah, me too, honestly.

I was raised Catholic; I currently attending a Baptist church (though they don't make a big deal out of their denomination).

I believe more strongly in the power of a Life Force than anything. that leads me to some "majik"-influence opinions about all things having a Life Force (aligns with the "God is in all things" idea). however, I believe in being able to channel or focus one's inner strength. and through a few other steps of thought (I can go into detail if it's requested; otherwise, I shant bore y'all), I end up believing in the idea of Saints and Messengers to God -- which is honestly a kind of polytheism.

.... does any of that make sense?

As Cities Burn, August Burns Red, Becoming the Archetype, Beloved, Blindside, The Chariot, Close Your Eyes, Children 18:3, Emery, Extol, For Today, The Glorious Unseen, Hands, Haste the Day, Head, Hundredth, Life In Your Way, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, My Epic, MyChildren MyBride, Norma Jean, Oh, Sleeper, Project 86, Ryan Stubbs, Showbread, Sleeping Giant (favorite), Thrice, and Wolves at the Gate.

Project 86 FTW.

oooooh, also Blindside!! they're totally my fav.

[wildross]

I never even thot of the paleo link. Its just a word to me. Agree with elastigirl and loren's explanations though

wildross - warriors count tons, not reps

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

I refer to myself as a polytheistic Christian.

"O_o" you say. well ... yeah, me too, honestly.

I was raised Catholic; I currently attending a Baptist church (though they don't make a big deal out of their denomination).

I believe more strongly in the power of a Life Force than anything. that leads me to some "majik"-influence opinions about all things having a Life Force (aligns with the "God is in all things" idea). however, I believe in being able to channel or focus one's inner strength. and through a few other steps of thought (I can go into detail if it's requested; otherwise, I shant bore y'all), I end up believing in the idea of Saints and Messengers to God -- which is honestly a kind of polytheism.

.... does any of that make sense?

Do you believe the "life force" is God? If so, you're acually more of a pantheist (Everything is God), or a kind of Jedi. Are all of the life forces in everything unique? That's animism. Is all the life force the same but not God? That's probably some form of hinduism. Polytheism is more the idea there are multiple distinct gods like in Greek or Roman mythology.

[cracked_belle]

Do you believe the "life force" is God? If so, you're acually more of a pantheist (Everything is God), or a kind of Jedi. Are all of the life forces in everything unique? That's animism. Is all the life force the same but not God? That's probably some form of hinduism. Polytheism is more the idea there are multiple distinct gods like in Greek or Roman mythology.

thank you! I've never really searched out labels to apply to my beliefs. I kinda ... just have them.... XD

I guess it's more of an animistic belief. I don't think the Life Force itself is God, but I do think His own Force flows through that of everything else. I think each thing/idea has it's own Force. but they can mix; unlike in Ghosbusters, I think it's okay if the streams cross. that's what makes a "unique" person or item, having a different mix of different kinds of Forces. and I believe that through them all flows a Force of the Creator.

I say polytheism because I do believe in appealing to a ... well, a Noble of a Force, if you will. an entity that represents a particular or a bran of Life Forces. such as a Noble of the Traveller. one can try to pray to or communicate with the Force via meditation; or one can just go to God directly. like in a business, you can talk to a Sales Rep, an Acct Specialist, or you can just go to the Manager. the Manager is busy often, so for smaller issues, go to a Rep.

granted, I don't think I have the patience to speak with anything as specific, as I fail at meditation. (too ansty.) but when people pray or do magic", that what I believe they are doing.

thank you again. I have some research to do later on these new words.

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

You might also want to look up Panentheism, which is a relatively small movement that combines parts of animism and pantheism. You might also want to look up Alfred North Whitehead and process theology. It kind of combines particle phsyics and theology. Not something I agree with, but it might help you define what you do believe. I'm curious, on what do you base your beliefs about life force? The idea is a different mix of forces also sounds a little like certain kinds of Buddhism. My own belief is that the world was created out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo) by God. I'm ambivlient about how long God took to do it and can accept that a day in Genesis one is figurative language.

[BlamedCat]

BlamedCat here! Stepping up and giving a shout out to all fellow Christian brothers and sisters. I was born and raised into a "Christian" home, but everyone was going through the motions, being religious without that relationship. Tears among the wheat, aka fakers. Thankfully, by God's grace, He basically pulled me aside after 25 years of faking it like the rest of my family and showed me that I could look and talk and act like a Christian all I wanted, but that wouldn't make me a Christian no more than me standing in a garage with a sweet paint job would make me a hot rod. I surrendered my life to Christ in 2005 and haven't looked back sense. Now I've been given that relationship and He has totally changed me from the man I used to be. I used to be ruled by selfishness, pride, vulgarness, and the like, but that all stemmed from what was inside me, a dead man.

Now I'm a bond servant, slave, follower of Christ. I'm far from perfect and hope I don't come off that way, since He is always working on me. (There was only one man who was perfect and that the God-Man, Jesus Christ.)

Ya know, one of the biggest reasons I'm here today is because God really got a hold of my heart and pointed out to me that while I am striving in all these other areas, I was TOTALLY neglecting my body. How can I stand up and even just share the Gospel and be a fat slob? At the least people could say, 'dude, you're telling me that I should drop my addictions, but you're addicted to food!' At the most, I'd be shortening my life here on this world to live for Christ.

As far as Christian bands: Kutless, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns.

With all that said, I'm really loving it here in NF. Everyone is amazing and diverse and encouraging. My faith and my God are very dear to me, but it's because of that that I want to get to know everyone in the Rebellion, so we can work together to help meet our desires and goals.

[cracked_belle]

You might also want to look up Panentheism, which is a relatively small movement that combines parts of animism and pantheism. You might also want to look up Alfred North Whitehead and process theology. It kind of combines particle phsyics and theology. Not something I agree with, but it might help you define what you do believe. I'm curious, on what do you base your beliefs about life force? The idea is a different mix of forces also sounds a little like certain kinds of Buddhism. My own belief is that the world was created out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo) by God. I'm ambivlient about how long God took to do it and can accept that a day in Genesis one is figurative language.

I agree with you on the figurative aspect of the language in Genesis. I'm not at all a literalist, personally. I'm an author, so I understand the beauty in slight exaggerations and the like. moreover, the Bible was written by humans. of course there's room for error in their accounts.

::takes notes:: I've been told to look into Buddhism before. hm.

I'm ... I'm really not sure from where my support of a Life Force comes, if I'm going to be honest. it's just what seems to make the most sense to me.

::ponders for a while:: ........

I guess it comes from kayaking, actually. those areas on the river where the water can just take you, and all you really have to do in regards to paddling is direct yourself in the current. I think a lot then; and I'll feel a lot. and it just Feels different. or when I'm running outside in the country. it Feels different than when I'm in the city, which Feels different than at a friend's house, etc. I don't tend to make decisions based on feelings (I'm a "Mind > Heart" kind of kid), but there's just something about this that makes sense to me, even though I can't apply any logic to it. it's rather irritating, to be completely honest....

[PartyCannon]

Checkin in!

Catholic nerd from NWPA!

[Shaun1105]

I guess I should peruse the other categories in the forum more often!

Christ-following Nerd here - anyone else happen to be United Brethren in Christ?