Having lived before? Christianity.

[Darla Shine]

Well it seems like my statement that I thought I have lived before has made a lot of my fans upset. One woman wrote to me that she loves my book but is now disenchanted. Another woman told me it hurts her to know I have such ideas. And one member blogged that Darla has really gone crazy now.

So are we ready for this discussion? I am.

I believe Jesus is The Son of GOD. I live by the fundamental principals of Christianity. I live by the Ten Commandments. I am a good person and I live how I believe Jesus would want me to live.

Do I believe every word that the church teaches? NO! Do I have my own thoughts on various topics? YES!

The Bible has interpretations. The Catholics have an addition Deuteronomy that I certainly do not agree with, nor believe in.
Catholic Priests are not allowed to marry which has no religious reason and was activated by the Church to save money.

I do not believe the Pope or Priests are any closer to GOD than you or I.

I believe in our souls. The power of our SPIRIT. The HOLY SPIRIT within us all. And it is powerful.

I have been researching this for ten years. There are thousands if not millions of Christians who have had a spiritual connection in some way.

People who believe a passing Spirit has spoken to them. I am sure you all know someone with a story.

People feel like Angels have touched them. You all know someone with a story.

Christians believe in miracles. Every day there is a miracle. What are they? Birth? Life? A flower blooming? A child recovering from cancer?

Some types of Christianity believe in Saints while some do not. Catholics will pray to Saint Anthony to find a lost piece of jewelry.

There are thousands of types of Christianity.

Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Baptist Charismatic, Episcopal, Mormon, Jehovah Witnesses, Protestants,
According to the World Christian Encyclopedia (year 2000 version), global Christianity had 33,820 denominations with 3,445,000 congregations/churches composed of 1,888 million affiliated Christians.

I am sure that a Catholic person would say a Jehovah Witness had different belief's than they do.

In fact I know Catholics who have slammed the door in the face of Jehovah Witnesses who have knocked on their door. All the JH are doing is their job 'according to the Bible' and spreading the word of the Lord.

In thousands of historical documents that you can find on the internet many Christians have visited the idea of reincarnation or spiritual rebirth since the beginning of time. In fact it is written in the Scriptures.

http://www.atmajyoti.org/sw_xtian_believe_reinc.asp

http://www.near-death.com/experiences/origen06


I am not trying to insult anyone but simply hope for a good converstion among smart Christian women here.

If we believe in the Spirit and the afterlife, Heaven, do we really know what that means?

As we live on an Earth floating through air with birth and death and a zillion miracles in between, can we ever, EVER, really know anything?

We have faith and we have hope. We have the Bible to guide us.

I said I believe that EVEN Though I am a Christian, I believe I, and there are thousands of other Christians with books on this, who believe they have lived before. That is just me. I am not trying to convince anyone.

Or maybe my memories or thought of the Depression are my grandmother's memories that are in my genes. Is it a possibilty that life experiences, memories, trauma, can be passed on through generations?

There is so much that cannot be explained. I like to keep an open mind about it all. I know my Grandmother is here guiding me. Her spirit is with me. I know a lot of you have a Guardian Angel. This is a good thing. I am so blessed.

And the one last thing I would like to say. It is very important, I think, that if you are going to claim to be a 'Christian' is that you act like one. That means, being a good person. Doing the right thing. Giving to others. Being generous. Living a decent life. Living by the Ten Commandments.

I am curious about what you all think.

[tobyswife_89]

Well said Darla.

[helen]

I concur. Well said.

[keltie]

Agreed. Darla, you're an original thinker and I like that!

[lunajuly]

I completely agree

not with the past life thing necessarily but your right to believe it and call yourself a Christian..

there IS so much that we do not know!

[Darla Shine]

And really I am wondering why we are not willing to talk about these things? People get upest so easily. Also, I love the idea of the power of the Spirit. The power we all have inside of us. We can help each other and change the world.

[Dana]

Religion has been the biggest turnoff to people - well, organized religion, anyway. You have people that somehow begin to elevate themselves above others - I get it every day because I smoke, from the school my kids go to. No one says anything directly, but the looks, the sideways comments.

I don't believe in reincarnation. I don't believe in praying to saints. There are tons of other things other denominations believe in that I do not.

However.

I also don't believe that you are going to go to heaven because "your good". If you have the one basic down - accepting Christ as your Savior - praying the sinner's prayer - all of the other stuff is just "stuff".

The biggest thing, though, is you don't have to agree with other denominations - of course stay strong in your beliefs, but do not slam, insult, or think you are better than someone else because their beliefs differ. Love thy neighbor goes a lot longer in our Christian walk than judgment.

[MumofMany]

I'm not religious as such - or not in a sense that can be named... I was bought up in a Spiritualist household and exposed to many different religious beliefs along the way. I picked up a few good morals here, a few good lessons there...

Personally I am a BIG believer in re-incarnation. I'm a qualified hypnotherapist and the majority of the work I did at the time was in past life regressions. It's of particular interest to me because, like you Darla, I have memories that are not my own from the life I am living today. As you said, I wrestle with the idea of whether they are memories related to genes or whether it's a past life, but either way I have them and they're very real to me...

I think we should all be welcome to our own views, beliefs and opinions. I can't believe people actually emailed you and blogged about you because you mentioned it - that's crazy!!! You're obviously a good person, with good strong moral beliefs - what does it matter really if you have a few that aren't overtly "Christian" in the sense of the word that some people believe?!

[Jia]

I agree mostly with Dana. I don't pray to Saints, I also don't believe in reincarnation. But I do believe in acting like a Christian. Christ was friendly to everyone (except the people disgracing his father's house). So why can't we?

I've seen it from all sides, including from members of my own Church. When I was working at the gas station we had the sweetest Jehovah's Witnesses come in and give us their pamphlets. I was the only person nice to them. It shocked me. When asked why I didn't kick them out, I said, "I belong to a religion that has hard working missionaries, and I hope that people aren't throwing them out of places or slamming doors in their faces."

While I don't pray to Saints, I do celebrate Saintly acts. I celebrate Irish Saint days and I celebrate the lives of good Christians that have gone on to do the work of the Lord.

I have a hard time talking about religion because I've been very brutally attacked for my beliefs. I was kicked off of a Christian women's forum recently because the administrator "needed to protect her readers". Protect them. From me. Yep.

I am aware that my beliefs are very different from many other Christian Churches. I believe God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost are all separate beings, not one person. I believe differently regarding original sin. I believe in more scriptures, not just the Bible (but I do believe in the Bible.) I don't believe that grace is enough. I believe that prophets exist today. I believe families can be together forever. I believe the end of times is coming soon.

But it doesn't mean I hate those who believe differently. Quite the contrary. I have several best friends and only one of which is of my same faith. The others are Christian, Catholic and one is even Pagan. I love them all the same.

[Darla Shine]

Jehovah Witnesses are Christian. That is what is so interesting to me. That Christians believe their sect of Christianity is right over another. My mother is Catholic and my father is Baptist. I have been involved in both churches and both teachings. So Jia, your form of Christianity would bother others in a Christian forum? Why? Are you reading a different Bible?

[Jia]

So Jia, your form of Christianity would bother others in a Christian forum? Why? Are you reading a different Bible?

Nope. We read from the King James Bible. We have additional sets of scripture that we read: The Book of Mormon (another testament of Jesus Christ), and the Doctrine and Covenants (records of the early days of our Church).

[lunajuly]

Jia...my break with my church started when I was at a bible study and we were talking about how David Archeluta (sp?) on American Idol sang "Jesus" during a song even when told not to and someone said "He really loves Jesus, it's too bad he is going to hell" and they all nodded and tsked and i was all. "WHAT??!! YOU have GOT to be kidding me?"

I think that is asinine

[lunajuly]

o! they said he was going to hell b/c he was a Mormon

[Caroline Stanley]

Well, I'm offended, Darla, that you didn't mention the church of Christ when you were listing denominations in your post. lol Just kiddin'! ;)

I'm not quite sure if I'm the most rural girl on HHC but I may possibly be the oddest rural girl. I live in the Bible Belt, filled with churches and folks claiming their brand of Christianity to be the best or the only path. Yep, lots of arrogant people in the Ozarks and loads of them are homeschooling, homesteading families similar to mine. I think there's a whole lot of black and white in the Holy Bible. I also think there are some gray areas that have nothing to do with salvation. At the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about? Doing right by others here on this planet (being selfless just as Jesus was instead of being selfish like so many of us are taught to be by our peers), pleasing God and getting back to him at the close of this life?

In my adult life, I've met a monumental amount of bitter, angry, back-biting, unhappy, cruel, hate-spewing "Christians". I've met people who are terribly confused and also those as the Bible says, who "strain at gnats". We're told to work out our own salvation and really, I can't believe more than I do that if people started giving their family and friends and neighbors their very best ...their all...that God would be pleased (whatever we do, we do unto the Lord), that this country could actually have a shot at being great once again and that everyone would be happier not thinking about themselves. We are such an egocentric society that it makes me want to vomit.

That's it from me, in a nutshell.

[Darla Shine]

That was great Caroline.

[Dale]

Darla, I'm sorry you got so much flack for your statements. I feel like we've been over this before though. Unfortunately, you are expected to be perfect by other's standards of perfect and you are always going to say something that offends someone because no one is perfect and that is what makes the world beautiful and interesting. Our imperfections are what binds us together, what we all have in common.

I, personally, am not Christian and do believe in reincarnation (though the thoughts of experiences passing to us through our genes is a fascinating concept!). I do try to be a good person, to care for all people, the environment and all living beings. But isn't that ultimately the goal? To care for others, our families, and ourselves? Every religion I have encountered hold the same basic principles of treating others with love and respect or as you would wish to be treated. That whole golden rule really does apply to every religion I have seen. Everything else is really based on our experiences. Perhaps those who do not believe in reincarnation simply has not experienced the past life memories or deja vu that others have to give belief in reincarnation.

I have found that no matter your religious beliefs, even if they are in the same category as others, are so very personal that people are very sensitive about them. This sensitivity makes the ice thin when it comes to discussing or accepting faith in anything that they do not believe. Almost like accepting the alternative as acceptable for others or discussing the possibility makes them personally wrong or failing as a member of that faith. This causes a strong emotional response causing them to lash out. This point of view is what I cling to when others verbally bash me or treat me poorly because my faith differs from theirs.

Good for you, Darla. I always knew you were an original thinker and I love it. You can have faith and be an original thinker too. Isn't that why we were designed with a mind?

[Jia]

Jia...my break with my church started when I was at a bible study and we were talking about how David Archeluta (sp?) on American Idol sang "Jesus" during a song even when told not to and someone said "He really loves Jesus, it's too bad he is going to hell" and they all nodded and tsked and i was all. "WHAT??!! YOU have GOT to be kidding me?"

I think that is asinine

See it's stuff like this that I don't understand. My God is a loving God. Why would He send anyone to Hell that loves Him and His Son? I just don't get that. And I certainly don't believe it. One thing I've always appreciated about my faith is that I've never been taught to put down anyone else's religion. One quote I love from one of our prophets is something like, "Bring what you have and let us add unto it." or something like that. So if you believe in Jesus, GREAT! You're not wrong! But let us show you what we believe as well. No, "You're going to Hell unless. . . ." or "I'm here to save your soul cause you're damned."

But boy have I gotten A LOT of that from other "Christians" in my time.

[Brittanie]

Well, I'm offended, Darla, that you didn't mention the church of Christ when you were listing denominations in your post. lol Just kiddin'! ;)

I'm not quite sure if I'm the most rural girl on HHC but I may possibly be the oddest rural girl. I live in the Bible Belt, filled with churches and folks claiming their brand of Christianity to be the best or the only path. Yep, lots of arrogant people in the Ozarks and loads of them are homeschooling, homesteading families similar to mine. I think there's a whole lot of black and white in the Holy Bible. I also think there are some gray areas that have nothing to do with salvation. At the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about? Doing right by others here on this planet (being selfless just as Jesus was instead of being selfish like so many of us are taught to be by our peers), pleasing God and getting back to him at the close of this life?

In my adult life, I've met a monumental amount of bitter, angry, back-biting, unhappy, cruel, hate-spewing "Christians". I've met people who are terribly confused and also those as the Bible says, who "strain at gnats". We're told to work out our own salvation and really, I can't believe more than I do that if people started giving their family and friends and neighbors their very best ...their all...that God would be pleased (whatever we do, we do unto the Lord), that this country could actually have a shot at being great once again and that everyone would be happier not thinking about themselves. We are such an egocentric society that it makes me want to vomit.

That's it from me, in a nutshell.


I was waiting for your response :yes:

[lunajuly]

Jia..I completely agree!

[Miriam Dawn]

Darla,

I am glad that you have brought up this conversation as I love in-depth conversations.

I would like to take the opportunity to share with you and the rest of the group my own convictions.

First of all - I am a Christ follower. To me that means following what Jesus has said in the Bible and using the Bible as the ultimate authority for my life.

Second of all - I do not believe in church denominations whatsoever. I was born the daughter of a Canadian Alliance pastor and taught never to question what the church taught; However, I am also a typical preacher's daughter meaning that as a teen I was "wild and headstrong" and did nothing but question everything at every turn. My epiphany came when my dad answered me "you know better than to ask, you have been taught that already". Hmm made me think and study and explore for myself. I went to Penticostal, Lutherin, Anglican and United churches. They all taught out of the Bible and to me, there was not much difference in their Biblical teachings. The difference that I saw was only in their rituals during service and somethimes in some members lifestyles. I felt that not one denomination was better than the other. They were just different.
When I fell in love with a Catholic man who requested that I marry him, I decided for the sake of unity in our family I would join the Catholic church, otherwise our children would be so confused. I was amazed that the Catholic church actually accepted me into RCIA and allowed me to become a member even though I openly informed the priest of my beliefs and refused the sacrament of reconciliation (pointing out that Biblically reconciliation is between the individual and God and not man - so a priest should not be involved). I guess I showed him enough Bible verses and conviction that he thought it would still be okayfor me to join.

Thirdly - I do not believe that my beliefs are better than anyone elses. I have always believed that all beliefs are correct to their own coherent; meaning - if I was born a Muslim in Bangaldesh, I would be right to believe in the Muslim ways. If I was born a Zulu in South Africa, I would be right to believe in the Zulu ways. But because in this lifetime I was born in Canada, which gives me the freedom to choose my religion, I chose to follow that which speaks to me the most - The Bible and the lifestyle that I see Jesus portraying here on earth. Who am I to question anyone else's convicitons? And who am I to say that anyone else's beliefs are wrong? Judgement is not my place. I will openly talk about my own beliefs, but I will not force anyone to convert to them, as that is not my place and not what I have been put on this earth to do.

Lastly - I too believe in reincarnation. I believe that we are put back on earth to learn new lessons. I look at it as a kind of purgatory: You are sent back to better yourself spiritually and become more fit for heaven. It may take several lifetimes or it may take only one. (Earth can be both heaven and hell and is definately a place to work on purification of the soul.) Once your spirit is ready for heaven, you will join God there.

In some people's eyes, I may be wrong. In some people's eyes I may be right. But neither of these matters. What matters is that I do as the Holy Spirit prompts me to.

[Darla Shine]

Lets say a man brutally rapes and murdersa toddler. He goes to prison. He gets the death penalty. Right before they electricute him he accepts Jesus Christ. Do you think he deserves Heaven? I don't. I believe Heaven must be earned. And like Miriam Dawn said, you have life on earth to achieve spiritual wisdom. This is your chance to prove yourself. In Buddhism it is taught you will come back to fix your soul. So if you were a murderer you will come back possibly as a child who was abused. It is interesting to me. Why should anyone get to have peace in the afterlife if they caused so much agony in this life. Heaven must be earned. You must be a good person and live a good life. Our souls are strong. And I would like to explore if some souls can be evil. Or is it that all souls are good but the physical form on earth taints it. How can an innocent baby grow up to be Hitler? How does a mother starve and beat her baby. I have so many questions. I love talking about it.

[Jia]

I agree with you about people who accept Jesus on their deathbed. I believe that it takes faith AND works. But at the same time, my religion believes that there are chances given after death. That the spirit can continue progressing once it has passed, before the final judgment that is.