In Reply to: Re: To Mike posted by Farmer on September 27, 2006 at 13:12:29:
I don't have any need to tell you or OT2 how to believe or to warn you away from anything according to my experience. I do understand that you view your doing this as something done in all sincerity. I don't question your sincerity or OT2's.
I don't question your journey or beliefs today and it is clear to me that you have both left the family behind and have beliefs similar to many Christians though they are not the beliefs, by any means, of all Christians.
I am an adult now and I enjoy my individualism. I have been out of the family for decades and my freedom is not new found. I don't have my beliefs tacked down and well defined and I probably never will. That doesn't scare me but in fact feels very liberating TO ME.
In a way, I hope I am never absolutely certain about what the meaning of life is. I'd far rather look for opportunities to just try and enjoy it.
I am willing to bet that many Christians feel better both physically and emotionally when they are in surroundings that are beautiful to them. Have you experienced that?
I think I read before that you are from Germany. I lived there a long time and remember when living in Essen it seemed so bleak in that industrial area of the country whereas I really loved some of the picturesque little villages and towns or old town areas in larger towns, nestled in mountains with little shops where delicate odors of fresh baked breads and sweets drifted out onto the cobblestone paths..
In Switzerland I loved autumn with the crisp air and the smell of roasting chestnuts and more sunshine than usual. The mountains, lakes, clean fresh water, clean air, all of it brings back good memories and good feelings in spite of the fact that I was in the family while there. I hope some day I will see those places again as a "free" person who is not on some mission but just there to enjoy that beauty. ;)