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The difference between God and religion

by , Posted to on 10/09/2010 8:20 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/11/2006
Location: ND

Here is an article written by Corey Mock the Democrat running for the ND Secretary of State.
http://www.dakotastudent.com/2.5856/the-difference-between-god-and-religion-1.867312


The difference between God and religion

 

By Corey Ray Mock

 

Published: Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Updated: Sunday, November 8, 2009 01:11

 

If you are a religious person - and more specifically, a die-hard Christian - then there is a solid chance you are going to dislike me at some point during this article. I challenge you, however, to give these thoughts a once-over and examine your spiritual beliefs. I write this article not as an attack on the individual, but as a way of separating truth from perception.

To set the record straight, I am a fifth year senior studying history and education. I have no religious affiliation and have determined that "agnostic" is the most appropriate label for my spiritual beliefs. I was baptized Lutheran and have since made numerous jokes at the expense of all religions, but most specifically Catholicism. I wake up in the morning pleased and refreshed because I have begun the journey to fulfill my life mission. I have done this all without religion. Others have gotten just as far and have a religion to thank. My purpose is not to convince the world to stop putting money in the offering plate, but to point out the difference between God and the religions that practice in its name.

For those of you who are religious, that this opportunity and raise your hand. Not for me, silly. For God. Let the supreme being know that you are a believer. I'll wait...(ok, the dramatic pause does not work quite as well on the screen of a Macbook.) If you raised (either your hand or eyebrow at my stupidity), then you should take great comfort in being part of the majority of all American citizens. In fact, you are within a huge majority around the world! Give yourself a round of applause (I need to stop.)

If there was ever a point to that waste of 26 seconds, it was to illustrate that confirmation of spiritual belief does not require physical action. At no point in your life should you ever have to answer to man or being regarding your beliefs - a truly spiritual individual knows within their soul.

I have spent the past few years making judgments of people based on their belief in God. Funny, really. I used to assume that all believers of God voted for George Bush, are opposed to abortion and would sooner see all homosexuals executed before we allow them the right to marry. Thankfully I have learned that this is not the case, and, in fact, there is a significant difference between God and religion. Every day, events take place that put the person in connection with God. The individual perceives this differently based on their beliefs. The phenomenon that occurs between humans and what some call God is the same that gives birth to religions.

Most religions, such as Catholicism, are created by a group of people to advance a "message" or "will" of God. They teach followers about lessons learned over the years and try to create a perfect society in the eyes of their Creator. Depending on the religion, these leaders ask for little more than your time, dedication, heart-filled devotion to the cause and perhaps accepting that you are at the mercy of the Almighty. Again, depending on the religion, man creates a list of rules that people should live by - and it's all "dictated" by God. It should be clear by now - I think this mentality is as much a joke as an Apple, Inc. employee taking an Introduction to Computers class at UND. If there is a God - it did not make any rules for man to follow.

Religions are in the business of control. They fight for supremacy. They discuss their beliefs. Most amend their purpose overtime to remain relevant and in America they struggle to keep members coming in their churches or temples. Again - created by man, not God.

If there is a God - it gave humans free will, ability to choose and endless possibilities for life. It gave no commandments, it cares nothing about societal beliefs or morals - it merely desires that the person have a fulfilling life. God created the world with opportunities. People of religion recognize this, teach it and offer their version of life. They help the world in many ways - offering faith and assistance to those in need. One does not need to be religious to believe in God. Whether you are a believer or not, can you tell someone why you have those beliefs? Were you taught or was it experienced? No tricks here, if you live your own life, these questions are as difficult as raising your hand. Go in peace and seek the world for truth and happiness as you perceive it, not as you are told.

-Team Flightstoppers ND
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 07:38 AM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/28/2007
Location: ND
Is this guy  honestly running for secretary of state?  If so all I can say is wow.
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 08:43 AM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/05/2010
Location: nd

Kind of agree with him.

 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 09:04 AM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/23/2002
Location: ND
BringingTheRain Said:

Kind of agree with him.


He makes a number of good points.  The reality though is that putting something like this on paper is a really bad idea.  College students do that often.

Think of it this way, your wife might have gained a few pounds.  Sending her a note pointing that out and suggesting she hit the treadmill would be a very bad idea.  (actually, any acknowledgement of the wieght gain is a bad idea but I had to fit the situation).
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 09:05 AM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/10/2006
Location: ND
I did not think this guy writing knew what point he was trying to make. As a christian, who agrees we have alot of crap to deal with in most organized religions, I think he doesn't know what he truly believes.
"Life is hard, It is even harder when you are stupid"
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 09:09 AM | Reply #5 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/05/2010
Location: nd
Farnorth Said:
BringingTheRain Said:

Kind of agree with him.


He makes a number of good points.  The reality though is that putting something like this on paper is a really bad idea.  College students do that often.

Think of it this way, your wife might have gained a few pounds.  Sending her a note pointing that out and suggesting she hit the treadmill would be a very bad idea.  (actually, any acknowledgement of the wieght gain is a bad idea but I had to fit the situation).
Yup, I was thinking the same thing. Unless religion starts to fade in the U.S., this type of writing is always a bad idea.

 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 09:11 AM | Reply #6 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/28/2007
Location: ND
here's my point.  for a politician in ND to be writing this during a campaign is about as stupid as it comes.  In all reality he just sealed his defeat. 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 09:33 AM | Reply #7 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/21/2003
Location: ND
Eyexer it was written in 2007.......
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 09:53 AM | Reply #8 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/24/2008
Location: Mo
Little Elvis Said:
Eyexer it was written in 2007.......

Do you think his views have changed any?   
 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 10:05 AM | Reply #9 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/21/2003
Location: ND
Dont care I guess I was just stating a fact...........
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 1:22 PM | Reply #10 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 02/28/2007
Location: ND
missed the date.  guess he's dumber than I thought.  to actually seek election in ND after making that statement is beyond comprehension.  Now if he lived in Cali, then by all means call the election for him right now. 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 1:29 PM | Reply #11 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/23/2002
Location: ND
eyexer Said:
missed the date.  guess he's dumber than I thought.  to actually seek election in ND after making that statement is beyond comprehension.  Now if he lived in Cali, then by all means call the election for him right now. 
He was in College at the time.  I'm guessing Law Student at UND since it is from the Dakota Student.  I'm not surprised. 

Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 2:54 PM | Reply #12 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/21/2007
Location: ND
NDOUTDOORS Said:
I did not think this guy writing knew what point he was trying to make. As a christian, who agrees we have alot of crap to deal with in most organized religions, I think he doesn't know what he truly believes.

I agree..... I hope he figures it out.
"A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your sucesses"
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/10/2010 6:33 PM | Reply #13 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 06/14/2010
Location: nd
NDOUTDOORS Said:
I did not think this guy writing knew what point he was trying to make. As a christian, who agrees we have alot of crap to deal with in most organized religions, I think he doesn't know what he truly believes.


i think your right hes not shure what he believes i hope he comes to know Jesus
If everyone focused on the important things in life the world would have a shortage of fishing poles.
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 11:24 AM | Reply #14 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
All he did was get a lesson.  Or I should say, young politicians or up and comers that want to be politicians got a lesson.  What you do, what you have done and what you will do is all fair game once you put your name on a ballot.  Hell, it is one reason I fight off my urge every now and then to get "really involved" with the notion.

But to answer his question, I believe or have faith because it comforts me.  I struggled sometimes to understand but I can tell you in one word why I believe in God.  That one word is Hope.  That and well, there are too many unanswered amazing wonders in the world to be pawned off on evolution.

I only hope my moments of doubt don't destroy me.




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 risovitaxidermystudio.com
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Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 11:52 AM | Reply #15 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/21/2007
Location: ND
Well said Tim! Hope is very powerful, I do not and can not judge Mr. Mock for what he wrote. It will in no way effect which way I vote. If there was one wish for the politicians it would be to BELIEVE we are ONE nation under God and live by it.
"A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your sucesses"
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 11:55 AM | Reply #16 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 12/17/2003
Location: ND

James
 26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


Any anyone who thinks that just believing there is a god is all that have to do in this life they are fooling themselves.



James
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.





Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 12:33 PM | Reply #17 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 09/11/2002
Location: ND
At least he has had an original thought, and is not a sheep like many people who belong to organized religions.  I've pondered in similar fashion myself.

I think I'll vote for him for that reason alone.

I say to hell with that pot o' gold.

Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 12:54 PM | Reply #18 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/05/2010
Location: nd
If republicans would drop the whole religion thing and the anti gay attitude, they would be the most popular party in this country.
 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 12:58 PM | Reply #19 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
gg,

I don't think it is original, I think we are all liars if we didn't doubt God or religion for that matter.  I've talked to the Good Lord many times.  Sometimes cursed him.  But in the end, I am always looking at a sunset in the Badlands and saying, "Thank You."

Why am I?  I don't know...and to me the "I don't know" is powerfully comforting. 

I like being judged in the end.  It keeps a man straight.




 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
Re: The difference between God and religion
by on 10/11/2010 1:00 PM | Reply #20 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 07/14/2003
Location: ND
BringingTheRain Said:
If republicans would drop the whole religion thing and the anti gay attitude, they would be the most popular party in this country.
Not sure on that.  Pure and simple, 200% for sure, this Nation was founded on Christianity and I don't think it has to be said we are moving away from that.  In some cases down right punishing America for her belief in God.  It is evident as our country becomes weaker and weaker.  I ask why???  I know the answer.





 
Kirsch's Outdoor Products | Fargo, ND | 701-261-9017 koutdoorproducts.com
Risovi Taxidermy Studio | New Rockford, ND | 701-947-2048 risovitaxidermystudio.com
Jig-em-Up Guide Service | Grand Forks, ND | 701-739-9198 jig-em-up-guide-service.com

 
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Posted On: 10/09/2010 8:20 PM
1176 Views, 36 Comments

Tags: god, religion, difference, article, mock, corey, 2.5856, democrat, secretary, state
More Tags: Apple Inc., America, Corey Mock, George Bush, ND Secretary of State, Religion_Belief
Region: North Dakota

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