seriously, people. wtf.
feel free to comment; i have only one rule: do not attack others or me based on religion. don't tell me i'm going to hell. don't say gay people are going to hell.
because that will not be tolerated.
THAT is not Christian.
THAT is idiotic.
thank you for listening.
let the unfollows commence.
(follow-up 17 march)
(follow-up 17 march)
Absolutely! I am 100% with you on this. Well done for posting such an open, honest video :)
ReplyDelete~Abby
congratulations. and if people unfollow you because of this, then their loss.
ReplyDeleteA good thing to keep in mind (and I've had to deal with this whole "Christian"-homeschool-girl-blog-community because someone from it was harassing me very seriously) is that a LOT of these girls are young and have very little life experience to go on.
ReplyDelete"If you haven't read Harry Potter, you must be on Voldemort's side".
HAH. You're very smart and refreshing.
I completely agree with everything you said. :)
ReplyDeletePS. And my comment is coming from a Christian woman who's lived long enough to know that nothing in life is black and white, and that God's message is love, not judgment because you don't believe the same things. These girls could take a read from 1 Peter:
ReplyDelete"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I rarely comment, but I've been following you since you first started this blog. And I'm glad to say, I will continue following. It made me really happy to see you be so honest, and open in this video, stating what you thought, and that you were okay with losing followers. And I completely agree with everything you said. And I loved the t-rex metaphors, they made me smile.
ReplyDelete-Sofie
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI really admire you for posting this video, even though I don't agree with what you believe, it was really brave to post it and be willing to get feedback that may or may not agree with what you think/believe.
Comments like that can make me ticked at people, even though I am probably in the demographic of the person who wrote that (teenage, Christian, home schooled girl)but it's beyond me how someone who says they're Christian can write that. But some of the girls from the home school blogging community, like Erin/Miri-love said are young and have little life experience and are a lot of the time, sheltered.
I'm not saying being sheltered is good or bad, it's really not up to me to say/decide that, it's up to the girls parents really.
But, thank you for being open about what's been going on!
-Josie
I just have one thing to say- Thank you. I am not Christian either, and I never have been, never will be. It's just my belief. I wish I was able to be brave enough to state this on my own blog, but I simply am not. For a while it has seemed to me that my blog is almost a lie- if I tell everyone my beliefs, they will un-follow... and, I'm just not confident in my self enough to do that.
ReplyDeleteIf I did not follow you already (which I do) I would follow you just because of this post.
Thank you.
P.S. You should have a talk show. Seriously, you are hilarious (in a good way). "If you haven't read Harry Potter, you must be on Voldemort's side"
This is a decent video. I discovered via your Tumblr that you're not a Christian anymore, which made me sad. I read on to learn that you thought that Christianity was too "restrictive" and "self-righteous" for you.
ReplyDeleteLet me please ask - what did you learn while you were a Christian? Did you know of the grace of God and that He loves you no matter what? Were you told that Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we wouldn't have to suffer such a price?
I'm not attacking you for what you believe now. I don't control what you do in your life. I'm only curious.
As someone who has been raised very non-religiously, I would just like to say this: I agree completely with everything you said. Thank you for posting this video.
ReplyDeleteThats horrible!
ReplyDeleteI am a Christian, and I do believe in that stuff. But i'm not going to attack you because of what you believe! I mean, I can't change you. So why should I try? Why should anyone try? They shouldn't. I don't agree with you on a lot of your beliefs, but I understand completely what you mean. Just because someone doesn't believe the same things doesn't mean that they can go and tell the other person they're going to hell or whatever they believe. Its the religion you believe in or don't believe in. haha, I'm not going to unfollow your blog because I don't believe the same stuff as you. I still enjoy your pictures and your photography and whatever else, which is what most of this blog has on it.
"Never laugh at someone else's religion because even if you don't take it seriously, they do" --The Long Secret, by Louise Fitzhugh
ReplyDeleteI think Christianity has an awful name for some people because people who say they believe in Christ truly don't understand and don't show it through their actions. And that hurts me so much. I don't believe that Christianity will bring any fulfillment unless it makes complete sense and someone explains Jesus' death on the cross, etc. Therefore, if Christ isn't a part of you, how will your actions change? Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteBut anyway, I also don't support gay rights but what makes me angry is that people don't quite understand what love is, in terms of loving people no matter what. I know plenty of people who are gay and I love them exactly the same as anyone else. Just like I may not support someone smoking weed, I still love them. But I think why a lot of people disagree with same sex relationships is because they can lead to things that God didn't intend in the Bible. God said marriage should be between a man and a woman and although someone may not be able to change their feelings about someone, I do think it's wrong that they encourage those feelings. It's a touchy subject, obviously, and it's hard to explain but those are my views. Not sure anyone cares but I think it's good to express them. And Olivia, I love your blog and I STILL love it. Hope no one says anything awful to you.
Hey, I'm so glad you posted about this. You made really good points and I still totally support you. And I'm glad you brought up the whole teen suicide thing, because you're right. People don't choose to be how they are. I think Tiena is the kind of person who gives us Christians a bad reputation, personally. I'm Christian and I support gay rights, and I don't see why that should be such a big issue.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
p.s. weren't you at 800 this morning?? ha. You know, by unfollowing you they are kind of helping you make your point..
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're so honest and I agree 100%. And the thing about Harry Potter and the t-rex's was brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI think this was really brave of you to post this, as a Christian I don't agree with everything you say, but I'm not going to attack you for it and I still think you are an amazing person/photographer/blogger etc. To unfollow you because of your beliefs would be like rejecting my school-friends because they weren't Christian! You made some really good points
ReplyDelete-Fizi Kizi
I have to say I admire your honesty. Not that I agree with you, but I do admire your honesty. People have the right to choose what ever they want to believe in, or not believe in, so I think that's great. This does make me sad though, but it sounds like you've thought it out. Please note that I will NOT be un-following you; I enjoy your blog way to much. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteLet me start out by saying that I have been a long time reader of your blog and I always enjoy your fashion posts. As a Christian I should love you and gay people as my neighbors. I am not going to attack you or say you are going to hell. That would be unchristian and an ad hominem attack and invalidate my arguments. This love entails reproof of errors, and I hope I don't come across as obnoxious, condescending, or holier-than-thou. That is not my goal. Orthodox Christians don't accept homosexuality as right. We believe it is a sin, just like lying or stealing or bearing false witness. "Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers, none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." If you don't accept the Bible as the inspired word of God, whatever; Orthodox Christians do and I am trying to give an accurate ddepiction of our beliefs. I agree that people don't "choose" to be gay. There might just be people who are more tempted toward that specific behavior, just like there are people who are tempted to any other kind of sin. As in, EVERYONE. The good news is that Christ has died for all these sins. If a gay person repents of his or her sin, Jesus will forgive them, no exceptions. I know because I have had sinful thoughts just like that. I'm just as much, probably more, of a sinner as any other person, gay or straight. They might struggle with it a lot, but that's the beauty of it. When there is faith and repentance, Christ will ALWAYS be there with open arms. Always. Also, the devil's existence does not depend on your belief in him. To borrow your analogy that is like saying,"I don't believe in t-rexes therefore they do not exist." Truth is objective. Period. Please don't demand acceptance of me and then not accept my beliefs. Jesus still loves you, Olivia Collins, even though you might not belive in him. I hope you will take the time to read this. And I will still be reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteI have read your blog for about a year and love it. You have amazing fashion posts, photography, not to mention fantastic writing skills! Even though I don't agree with anything you said in your video because of my Christan beliefs, it doesn't mean that I can write you down as 'bad' and unfollow. All I ask is acceptance of my beliefs from you and I will accecpt yours even though I don't agree.
ReplyDelete~ Rachel
Hi Olivia, thank you for responding. I just wanted to know what you're new beliefs were. I am extremely sorry my question came off cynical and disrespectful to you. And I'd like to apologize for ruining your day and upsetting you. No, I don't hate you or gays. I don't even know you personally. From your blog however, you're really nice and accepting of everyone's opinions. That's why I asked you the question in the first place, I thought you would just answer it without getting angry at me.
ReplyDeletei personally am a Christian, and yet, i love this video. i don't agree with people being gay and lesbian, but you know what? i'm not going to slam them or anything. they're my friends, and i'm going to treat them like people. and i'm not going force becoming a Christian on you, because that's not my job. you can be whatever you want and i won't have a problem with that.
ReplyDeletealso, you make everything really funny. seriously. you always make my day.
-jocee <3
I'm so sorry Olivia that the Christian faith did not appeal to you. While I could argue with you forever if I knew you in person, I don't think it's appropriate in a comment you most likely won't even read. I hope one day someone or something makes you change your mind. I stopped following you a long time ago, but came back and saw this. I hope you understand what an impact you make on your 794 followers, and that you can change their entire lives with your words.
ReplyDeleteI am a Christian and I have nothing against you, your faith or gays, because as a Christian I am supposed to love everyone regardless of what you do and say, even if it might (in my religion) be considered sinful... it's none of my business, it's yours! Also, if you thought Christianity wasn't for you, you're probably right and I think people need to realize that that one fundamental thing that they unwaveringly believe (mine being the bible and Jesus and all that)... well, everyone has that core belief and it may be different than you and they believe it with all their heart and soul and nothing you can do will change that. I love your blog and won't stop following because you seem like a beautiful person in and out and it would be stupid (and unchristian) of me to stop reading and looking at your awesome outfits just because we have different points of view. I have many friends with different ideas and that's okay because it's not my business, they leave me to mine and I leave them to theirs and we get along like a house on fire ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you! It's a very controversial subject in the blogging world and most people are afraid to talk about it but I am so glad that you're able to express how you feel in complete honestly! I too am not Christian and I agree 100% with everything you said in your video, so THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteJust curious - if you don't believe in heaven or hell (heaven I'm assuming you don't believe since you don't believe in hell), where do you believe you will go when you die? Just wondering. =)
ReplyDeleteI was just having a similar conversation with a friend...
ReplyDeletewhen Christians misrepresent our faith, it really ticks me off. Chances are, Olivia, it might have been the people and not God in your experience with Christianity. I only say this, because I have been hurt by "the church" too. I believe that religion is pointless-- relationship is what counts.
I love how you're standing up for what YOU believe in. Nowadays kids do whatever; you don't, and I love that. But, when Christians show no love to different sorts of people, we are only hurting ourselves. It isn't our place to judge or condemn sin, because sin is sin in God's eyes. We need to show love or else we are nothing, meaningless people walking around like chickens with no heads.
and btw: you looked gorgeous in your video, without even trying. natural beauty.
xo,
Jana.
p.s. you picked me up as a follower. I'd been checking your blog out once in awhile and realized I hadn't been following.
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all three cheers! I admire your honesty and find it wonderful that you are expressing what you believe in. Go you!
Second of all: I'm not going to judge you or others based on what you believe. You follow your heart cause that's what matters. I have many different types of people in my life:gay, atheists, christians etc. And it doesn't bother me that they don't share my beliefs. I believe as a christian and as a good person that it is not my place to judge others. I'm never going to know why someone has chosen some route to follow that's different to mine. And it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I believe as people we should all just try to get along.And that's what I try to do each day. We all have our differences , things that make us unique. We should embrace our differences. In my opinion if you don't feel you are growing in your religion than you shouldn't be sticking with it just because others say you should. Follow your heart.
Third of all : I belong to the Catholic church but it was my decision to be Catholic that I made when I was 13 I'm 18 and pretty happy where I am. And I know some people are going to tell me I'm not a real christian , that I'm going to hell. And some Catholic's are going to tell me I'm evil and going to hell because I don't believe gay people are bad, or evil. They are people that God created and as such they deserve to be loved and accepted. Also if someone told me they were a prostitute or something, I wouldn't see that as a reason to hate or judge them, or not like them. Its not my place to judge. My motto is and has been for a while " I don't judge, I just love" I love everyone , or at least try to. Fourth of all: Olivia, regardless of what you believe in or what you do with you life, I love you and I am going to keep following your awesome amazing blog!!!!!! We only have now today lets all life it well!!!
~
Autumn
P.s. Not meaning to be rude I'm just curious. What faith are your parents? How did they react when you told them your beliefs? I would dearly love to hear.
Well done. It must have taken a lot of courage to post this video. However that doesn't mean I agree with you.
ReplyDeleteBut still, well done.
I'm not going to un-follow you, because I still like your blog, not really what you stand for....but that's irellevent.
Beth xx
what's your tumblr?
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone who has commented so far has been so understanding and non-judgemental. If you look at the internet in general...yeah, this is amazing.
ReplyDeleteGo everyone for being accepting and considerate of each other's beliefs! Specially Olivia :)
xx
Claire
P.S. I am a Christian and disagree with everything you say, but I completely understand where you're coming from. While I do believe that homosexuality is a sin, I don't judge people for that, nor do I condemn them.
Well done for your open-mindedness!
I am a Christian, but I wear pants/hipster clothes almost all the time , LOVE LOVE LOVE Harry Potter (I own all the movies/books), listen to secular music/movies/books, and I have gay/atheist friends as well.
ReplyDeleteI won't go into the whole gay debate as I don't agree with being gay. I don't agree with alot of the things that you said, but congrats for sticking up for what you believe in. Too bad more people can't be opened minded. I am a very open minded person and therefore I have alot of friends who don't believe what I do. I won't be un-following you because I love you and your blog no matter what you do with your life. Who am I to judge you?? :) :) :) Everyone has to follow their own path.
And I hate the bullying of teens too. I have been the bullied kid who well, did things because of it. I would rather not say what has gone on in my life. But my life was REALLY dark for a long time because of it. It took alot for me to come out of that period. I still get bullied and it can be hard. So PLEASE think twice before bullying people. Words have a powerful impact.
I am picked on alot for having Atheist friends because I am a Christian and doing the aforementioned things so I understand where you are coming from.
And thanks to you I just discovered Florence and the Machine. I officially love her. :)
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteOlivia- I totally <3 you for this post. While you don't agree with me on everything- that's okay. I love the T-Rex analogy- so true!! I also LOVE how you said, "I don't believe I'm going to hell" instead of, "I'm not going to hell." That shows you are very open.
ReplyDeleteI believe in gay rights 100%. I am also very pro-choice on the abortion debate. because of this, people have said to me, "oh, you must hate babies and want them all to die, since you are pro-abortion...". ProCHOICE not pro abortion. No one likes abortions, but we don't like unwanted, abused, and starving children either. Anyone on here can feel free to debate me on this.
People have also said that I'm "not Christian" because I say "Oh my god". I mean, really?
I don't like how many Christians seem to "pick and choose" which parts of the Bible to follow. God commanded people to sell their daughter in the Bible. Some Christians seem to only take parts out of the Bible which fit into their lifestyle comfortably.
Thanks for the awesome vid!!
~Bella
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! :)
ReplyDeleteemma
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ReplyDeleteIsabel- this is not a hate comment or whatever, promise. :) I'm just really, really confused. You said you were all for gay rights, and you say "Oh my god"- but then you told us you didn't like how many Christians "pick and choose" parts of the Bible to follow. But commands not to take the Lord's name in vain and not to be gay/lesbian are clear in the Bible. An explanation would be much appreciated, as I'm quite befuddled. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you just said, and hey, if Christianity didn't work for you than that's fine! I think it's super cool that instead of just giving up and saying "there's no religion or anything for me" you found something that *did* work for you, and made you a bigger person.
ReplyDeletePeople that think you're going to hell, or that you don't like Christian people just because you are not Christian have severely misunderstood you for a looong time, or are just creating these illusions to be a huge bother. that.
You made a great point of how you don't choose to be gay or straight, it's just who you are. It's like, you don't choose to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex. You just *are*.
Great video Olivia.:) You really made yourself clear and stood strong.
xo
Emily Rose
Oops, typo. Gee that's annoying.
ReplyDeleteHi Olivia,
ReplyDeleteAs a college girl who has seen both sides of quite a few different arguments, I have to say that I cannot agree with really anything that you said in your video - except for the fact that there are many people who call themselves Christians whose smallest problem is extreme rudeness and an absolutely inappropriate (I could think of stronger words...) tendency to slam anyone who happens to be not exactly the same as they are. A lot of people use incredibly stupid arguments to defend their beliefs as well, and there have been quite a few times that I've thought if that was all I had seen of Christianity, I would not want to be a Christian at all. But being a Christian is not about those who call themselves Christians, the church as a whole, or confirmation classes. It is about Christ.
The thing is, you're going to be dead a whole lot longer than you're going to be alive - please be very, very, very sure that you really have the truth before it's too late to change your mind.
I'm not going to say that you're hell bound (or that homosexuals are hell bound either, for that matter) - that certainly is not my place. All I want to say is that truth is truth, no matter whether you believe in it or not. Just because you do not believe there is a thing called oxygen, you in no way prevent it from keeping you alive every time you take a breath. Your disbelief in something cannot make it unreal, any more than my belief in something can make it real. Belief does not affect reality - it just affects how we approach that reality.
Please don't close off your mind because some people offend you. Eternity is a long time - choose what you believe wisely. And believe me, the only reason I'm saying any of this at all is because I seriously care about you, even though I don't know you in person. :)
~Katherine
And not wanting to make a big deal out of this, but Isabella - could you cite where in the Bible God told someone to sell their daughter? It was actually the Christian religion that really first concerned itself with ensuring that women were taken care of and had rights at all.
And fyi- my above comment? That is coming from someone who is homeschooled. I'm not sheltered. :) I go out with my friends, I listen to secular music and LOVE Harry Potter.
ReplyDeleteNot all of us are ignorant. :)
Ugh bless you for this, Olivia, seriously you're amazing. <3
ReplyDeleteWell done Olivia! You are so brave and honest for telling us where you stand. I really respect you for this.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I don't agree with everything you say. I am a Christian, and I don't support homosexuality. But that doesn't mean that I hate homosexual people. If you *were* homosexual I would still think you were a wonderful, beautiful person, even though I didn't think you were right. My friend wears long skirts and t-shirts, whereas I wear shorts and tank tops. Even though she doesn't believe that I dress modestly, we are still great friends. I don't really think that was the best example, but you get the idea. (I hope! ;))
I was going to write more, but I'm on my phone.
I love you and your blog, even if we have different ideas!
-britts xx
Hey, nice show of colors there! Your expressiveness is great, as are your glasses. :)
ReplyDeleteI have gay friends, and I love them, not because they're gay, but because I get along with them, and the Bible asks (well, commands) that a Christian doesn't hate anyone. I'm sorry that you felt a hateful vibe from the Christians you've encountered, but know that they/we are just as sinful as the rest of the world, and that hate is a sin...according to God! He loves all people - go look up 2 Peter 3:9.
It's Jesus who gives us the ability to fully love a person despite disagreements, and that love compels me to tell you the raw truth: Hell is real! But that's alright, because it makes the need for Jesus and forgiveness 1000x times sweeter + more real as well.
The only thing I can think to sign off with is quote I came across on Pinterest, of all places, the other week: "I love God, and I don't want to force that down your throat, but man, you're missing out."
:)
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteFirst I just want to say, thank you for being so honest with how you feel and what you believe. It's really helpful to know because I've been wondering for some time just what you believed.
I am a Christian and I'm really sorry that you think Christianity is not right for you. I understand you said it just didn't work for you. I'm sorry about that and hope that one day you may again change your mind.
I don't agree with your beliefs but that certainly doesn't mean I will stop following you. I still admire you as a person, even if I can't agree with everything you say. You're blog is still a real joy to read, so thank you for making it that way.
Love,
India
Katherine-
ReplyDeleteI'd be glad to.
Exodus 21: 7-11
“If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do."
Olivia, You are amazing. I admire you soooooo much and when I found your blog I stared to act like myself at school and not some of those robots freaks who think that they are sooooo cool. I just can't believe that someone would say that about you. You inspire me and so many others, don't waste you time trying to convince the bullys that they are wrong, you are just giving them satisfaction that they got to you. Trust me I know I have been bullied in my past many times and still to day on my bus, but I ignore her and keep on with my life because I have found strength in your blog.
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Sam
askyofrainbows.blogspot.com
i disagree with you.
ReplyDeleteHey Olivia,
ReplyDeleteGreat Video. I really appreciate your openness, and braveness to confront that commenter.
I am a christian, and I love Jesus with all my heart, and it makes me sad that someone who claims the same would say things like that. That's just not right.
While I do not agree with everything you say, I greatly appreciate your words and logical way of thinking, and for pointing out the stupidity of some seemingly "christian" beliefs.
So thank you for your video, and pointing out the stupidity, and while I don't believe the same things as you, I will definitely continue to follow you.
Your blog is quality, whether our "beliefs" are the same or not.
Lillian.
Hey Isabel! Thanks for your reply! I don't want to hijack this post, and you would get a much better explanation if you talked to a good pastor about a lot of Old Testament things :) but let me try to at least say why that verse doesn't bother me. For one thing, allowing is a whole lot different than commanding, and basically that is a law to protect daughters who ended up getting sold because of their parent's extreme poverty. Later, if the person to whom they had been sold - pretty much the person who had contracted to marry them - decided they did not want to marry them or no longer liked them, they could not just turn them out and abandon them. They had to continue to take care of them. As far as going free, that would not have been a good option in their culture.
ReplyDeleteAnd, like Jesus said about divorce, this was allowed in the Old Testament, not because divorce (or any kind of slavery etc) was a good thing (it's definitely not!), but in order to provide some protection for those who otherwise would have been stuck in a horrible situation.
Besides the fact that this is not a command, it was meant only for covenant Israel. As Christians under the new covenant, it does not apply to us today - though some Christians do indeed seem to pick and choose which parts of the Bible they believe in, continuing to do things like sacrifice animals or not eat ham would actually be to ignore what changed when Jesus died on the cross.
I hope that helps a little... if you want to, we could keep discussing it over on my blog firstseekHim.blogspot.com :)
While I am Christian and a full follower of Jesus, I don't judge you for what you believe. I don't believe that judging anyone does any good in any way. So, while I strongly disagree with what you said, I won't lecture you about it nor will I constantly make you feel bad. You are who you are, nobody should try to change you. I will remain a follower because you are who you are and you don't try to judge others for who they are. That's why I will remain a follower until this blog closes.
ReplyDeleteI've never really thought about it the way you did, but again nobody can change who you are and nobody should try to change you. They also shouldn't judge you for what you believe.
while I think it's great that you're being honest about where you stand, something you should understand is that Christians aren't always going to have the attitude of "I respect your beliefs, because you should find what works for you. I'll leave you to that and I'll do what works for me and everyone will be happy."
ReplyDeleteI have put my faith in Christ, and belief in Him means I believe that He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life, because that's what He said. there isn't room for "one truth for me, one truth for you" when truth is absolute.
God didn't say "I'm the only truth, but if you find something else that you feel like fulfills you better emotionally, go ahead and go with that. It's not a big deal". we're for Christ, or we're against Him.
this certainly doesn't means Christians should be hateful and try to cram their beliefs down everyones' throats--we're called to be loving. but we wouldn't be people in love with an awesome Savior if we can't help but want that for everyone else. when we believe that He is THE way, there is no room for another way. if people aren't on that path, we want them to be, because we love them and want the best for them.
"judging", in a harsh, vindictive way, is not the same as loving someone enough to want to show them the truth. Christianity is all about sinners being saved by an awesome God. each and every one of us is a sinner, so it is absolutely correct that we have no room to think we're better than anyone. we don't think we're better than anyone--we think HE is better than anyone. we cannot help but fiercely proclaim this crazy-beautiful truth called Jesus.
Yes, honesty is awesome. Yes, Christians (or people who say they are) make stupid comments and judge people. Judging is wrong. But when you are convicted by the Holy Spirit that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and the sins of ever other human being, we HAVE to tell the rest of the world about it, because we want it for everyone else. Jesus is the ONLY way. Christians, in our sinfulness, cannot force another person to believe in him. But that doesn't mean we can't stand up for the amazing, crazy gift we have been given, and it doesn't mean that our God isn't powerful enough to fight for us. There is only One Truth for the whole world, and that is Jesus Christ. I don't know what made you decide to reject him, but I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteIn our self-centered, 'me' culture, we want to believe that there is a religion that is right for me, a religion that is 'good' for me. But what if what we are all running from is the conviction of our own sin? What if the problem isn't the religion, but with OURSELVES? There are plenty of religions that pat you on the back. Christianity does not. Christianity convicts. But Christianity also has the promise of ever lasting life with a God who was willing to die to give us that life and forgive us completely from our sin that haunts us.
I do admire your honesty, but I cannot agree with you. Judging is not the same as showing, telling, helping. Sometimes loving my neighbor IS telling them they are wrong. Not telling them I hate them, or that I think they are going to hell, but simply telling them they are wrong. As Christians, we must convict. Not judge, but convict. By convicting we are sharing the saving Grace of Jesus. However, sometimes Christians take this to mean going around telling everyone 'you are wrong and I am right'. WE are not right (we are sinners too), but JESUS is. Jesus is the only thing that can save you and truly convict you. Unfortunately in the blogging world, a lot of people consider their blogs as their 'world' and that to disagree on a blog is to attack the blogger. I do not think blogs are a good place attack someone by telling them they are wrong. We are to convict and to forgive people but, if you do not use wisdom and love when you do this, it can have the opposite effect. The person who commented on your blog was unwise and rude, and I am sorry.
ReplyDeleteI do not support gay rights. I am avidly against gay rights. But I do not attack or kill gay people. There is a difference between disagreeing/ working to stop something because you disagree, and attacking/hating the person you disagree with. For instance, I do not agree with Jewish beliefs. I have Jewish friends and they know I do not agree with them, and indeed the fact that we both have strong beliefs makes it hard, but I do not attack her. I do not attack her personality, or her character. I cannot change her, only Jesus can change her. But how is she supposed to know how to change or what to change to if everyone operates under the worldview that we should accept all religions equally? What would the point of believing in Jesus be if we Christians do not wholeheartedly and completely accept his commands and proclaim it to the rest of the world? I pray for my Jewish friend and I pray for gays. I pray they repent and experience the power and love of Christ.
And to all the Christians, choosing Jesus is not like choosing a college. When I choose Jesus, I do not have any “sub” beliefs. There is no room for me to agree with any other religion. Supporting other people in their beliefs is a contradiction. Saying I am a Christian but supporting gays is a contradiction because the Bible commands against homosexuality and condemns those who do not repent. Jesus never refuses those who repent, but when they do not repent they should not expect Him or Christians to support them in their beliefs. Agreeing with two separate religious views is essentially saying that neither is important or true. It is essentially saying that I am the most important cause. Christians, we cannot think like this. We must stand up for Jesus and the amazing, incredible gift he gave us. We must have no room for two religions. We cannot bow to our culture's trendy religion of 'more than one truth' and we cannot support or encourage the statement “I have no religion.” By not accepting someone else's religion, we are not dissing them, their personality, or their character, but we must disagree with their beliefs and we MUST stand up for ours.
I completely agree with the last three commenters. Olivia, I like your blog. I think you're a fantastic person. I don't want to "shove" my beliefs down your throat.
ReplyDeleteBut not everyone can be right. Not all beliefs can lead to God, or lead to a happy life, or work for you, ect. They contradict each other. A Christian believes Jesus is the only way to everlasting life. A Muslim doesn't even believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins. So how can they both be correct? It's just not logical to have the "whatever works for you" point of view.
Not every religion can lead to heaven.
I have a question. Since you don't believe in hell or heaven, what do you believe will happen to you after you die?
ReplyDeleteOlivia, this may seem like nitpicking, but it's hard to see you lecture about the seriousness of gay bullying minutes after you slam Tiera. I don't underestimate or make fun of what you mentioned, just pointing this out.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part in this video, you were open-minded, calm, and accepting, though- that's appreciated.
Sorry if that last comment sounded nasty/ rude. I think you're a sweet person, that just kind of annoyed me. :)
ReplyDeleteI tried being Christian for a while but I just couldn't believe in something that says at least 90% of my friends are going to hell for eternity when they are perfectly good people. heaven might seem a comforting thought at first but it's really quite horrible. I'd rather die and just die. not worry about me or my friends/family being judged my whole life.
ReplyDeletealso, to a lot of the people above, why would anyone CHOOSE to be gay? that's like saying someone chooses to be dyslexic or something else like that. no one chooses to be gay.
I think one of the commandments was "love thy neighbour" not "love thy neighbour as long as he is not gay".
ps. ily for posting this
just a comment i would like to make about Christianity, it's not something you "try" its something you either ARE or AREN'T. if you are a christian, you wouldn't want to ever NOT be one. thats just how it works.
ReplyDeleteJust know that even if you do not " beleive there is a hell" That does not make it less real!
ReplyDeleteAlso know that Jesus loved you first, and wants you to get to know Him. He IS the way , the TRUTH and the life!!!
You are created for Him, Olivia. I pray that sometime in your life you will realize how much you need Him.
Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI don't want to be mean here. I understand that you want to make your own decisions, and you do have that right entirely. I don't want to tell you what to do, or boss you around.
I *am* a very ardent Christian, and don't intend on giving that up. Ever. God is my dearest love, I don't know what I would do without Him. I'm guessing you might not understand how this is possible, but surely you have an idea?
Obviously (Not judging, just voicing my opinion) you didn't have a very strong faith, in order to give it up just because it didn't "fit you". I have to say - religion is not like clothing: there *is* right and wrong. I strongly believe that Christianity is the right way. I have nothing against you, just because you are not Christian, though. As a Christian, I believe in loving everyone. Let me ask you to ask yourself these questions, if you don't mind: (note: I'm not saying this will change your mind, but I would like you to at least consider where I am coming from, and what my point is.)
1. When I die, do I expect that is the end, or do I think there is a place after that?
2. If there is not Hell, do I assume God is lying? Do I think honestly that that is respecting another religion, or is this my inner selfishness (we've all got it) deciding that I am smarter than God, and I know better?
I want you to know that we do love you, Olivia. I will still follow you, because I am praying that you will become a Christian. I'm not here to judge you - that's not my job. In fact, I probably said a few things up there that I maybe shouldn't have.
I also want to say that we do all sin. I am a sinner!! I am absolutely no better than you, just because I am a Christian. That's not the way it works. I think it is rude that someone would say that to you, because this is your blog, and you have every right to believe what you will. But what I will say is this:
God loves you. He knows how many hairs are on your head, something you yourself don't even know. And He knows exactly what you are going to do, long before you do. Why do you think He created you if He didn't love you? You were created for His glory. Is it glorifying Him by saying that His way is fine, but just not for you?
I do believe that non-Christians will go to Hell if they are still in that mindset on Judgement Day, or when they die. I also believe that non-Christians can turn around and become Christians before they die. I realize this comment will most likely disgust you, and I probably appear as though I think I'm better than you, and like a very pious church-go-er. I don't care. Condemn me however you wish, I've got the best Lawyer anyone could wish for. His name is Jesus. :)
If you read through this entire comment, I congratulate you. It's rather long, and if you don't agree with me, I figured you weren't likely to actually read it. But I'm posting it anyway.
I love you, and I'm praying for you, now more than ever. And I'll leave you - that's more than the devil will do. :)
hugs,
~bree
Oh, and kudos to Cx2 The Artist. :) You stated it much better than I.
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ReplyDeleteif there's no point in people "trying" to be Christian why do you half of you try so hard to convince people to become one?
ReplyDeleteyou can't just be Christian, you have to try (at least to begin with).
I don't want to make you angry. But I want to say this, because I care.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, someday you are going to discover the truth. I just hope it won't be too late.
You say you don't believe in God or Christianity. I dare you, for even just one minute, to ask yourself - what if you're wrong?
Just need to add my two cents in.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Olivia, thank you for posting this, I totally admire your bravery and I agree with you. <3
I can relate to you, Olivia, because I know what you mean by Christianity not providing you with anything or making you a better person. Christianity is what I call a "difficult religion". You're not Christian, you go to hell. You sin, you go to hell. You're judged for every second of your life and even after you die, you face the consequences of everything you've ever done.
I was Christian for thirteen years, but am now just saying no -- I don't feel comfortable with that sort of commitment.
Maddie (comment 64), bless you. <3 Why are you all saying that Olivia is making the wrong decision? Isn't it HER decision?
And Hannah, please don't take any offence -- but what if YOU'RE wrong? Why should non-Christians be punished?
How is there only one truth when there are multiple religions?
Surely Christianity can't be the only "truth". Or else there would BE no other religions.
And if God really does adore and love everyone -- wouldn't God respect others' decisions about their religion? Surely God would love them anyway. Surely they would have a chance at heaven. Why should they be punished for their choices?
How is Olivia making the wrong choice?
Cheers for reading this, if you did. I hope I didn't offend anyone -- I just had to get that out there. :)
p.s. Olivia, you rock.
Just a few things I'd like to address:
ReplyDelete1: Thank you everyone for being reasonably civil. I appreciate it.
2: I believe that we are electric beings and when we die our energies just dissolve into the universe and are recycled as other matter. So there isn't an underworld or whatever.
Here's partly why:
In my opinion, if you have to be BRIBED with the promise of heaven to do good things, you're probably not a good person, deep down, and probably won't end up there (if that is your belief) anyways.
Think about it.
3: My father was raised Catholic and hated it so much he is now agonistic; my mother was raised Protestant and still is, I think, but I was raised without religion. They let me choose and support me whatever path I wander down.
4: It is the idea of "one truth" that bothers me. I think it is self-righteous to say "my religion is right and yours is wrong. and I can say that because I'm right and you're not, and you can't argue because you're wrong."
This isn't just Christianity, people. Suni Muslims say it to Shiites.
Jews said it to whatever ancient religion came before them.
Hindis say it to Buddhists.
And they all believe it just as firmly as you all do.
THIS IS WHY THERE ARE SO MANY WARS BASED ON RELIGION
People need to accept that though they themselves believe wholeheartedly in one truth, and their god(s) say that truth is absolute, everyone else's god(s) are saying the exact. same. thing.
Except Buddhism because Buddhists are chill. If I was to be a part of an organized religion I'd be Buddhist.
5: People who are saying "Christianity is right even if you don't believe in it": I have one reply for you.
So is evolution, and we have proof.
6: If you want to quote the Bible, I can do that too.
They attacked Midian just as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed all the men. Numbers 31:7 (I guess "thou shalt not kill" doesnt apply, hmm?)
If a man is caught in the act of raping a young woman who is not engaged, he must pay fifty pieces of silver to her father. Then he must marry the young woman because he violated her, and he will never be allowed to divorce her. Deuteronomy 22:23-24 (oh you raped someone? now go MARRY HER.)
When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. Exodus 21:20-21 (It's okay, as long as he doesn't die within 48 hours!)
It just doesn't make sense to me, ok?
Now.
@Bree: Oh my god. Are you fucking kidding me.
I'm sorry. None of these comments have made me actually angry. I don't agree with you but I respect you feel the need to proclaim your Truth or whatever.
But this is absolutely unacceptable.
I take this personally.
My uncle is Muslim. Also raised Protestant, mind. He chose to be Muslim. He's getting married this summer to a beautiful girl who is a nanny. They taught English in Turkey for the past year or so.
Here's what he does. He prays five times a day.
So here's what I want to say.
Get the fuck off my blog, please.
1- Mohammad = Jesus, sounds like, because the Bible orders all other prophets to be killed, so Jesus has to be the only one who's right, right?
2- I can't even— what the hell— just— NO, you're just WRONG. By the way, "Take your son, your only son – yes, Isaac, whom you love so much – and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you." (Genesis 22:1-18)
3- NO, honey, NO. You are just so incorrect I can't even deal with it.
4- First off, you're wrong, and secondly do you actually not realize that's how pretty much the last 2000 years have been for CHRISTIANS?
5- OH MY GOD STOP you are killing me STOP
Everyone, this girl is very very misinformed. Poor girl. Now LEAVE.
PS: Muslims despise Christians and Jews specifically?
ReplyDeleteDoesn't your comment prove that you despise Muslims particularly?
Think before you speak.
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ReplyDelete1. Hannah (72): You hope Olivia discovers the Truth? SHE ALREADY HAS. And it's not Christianity.
ReplyDelete2. Bree Holloway (69): It's not your place to decide what's a religion and what isn't.
3. Bree Holloway (67): You don't need to assume that god is lying, because Olivia isn't telling you that there's no hell. She's telling you that she doesn't believe that there's a hell.
And respecting other religions doesn't make you "better" than god. it makes you a decent person.
4. Kerilynn (59): Choosing religion can be like choosing a college. If the beliefs don't work for you, you don't have to be a part of it.
5. Katherine Sophia (44):
Comparing Christianity to oxygen is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Religion is different that oxygen.
You can't deny that oxygen exists because its cold, hard, scientific fact that it is a periodic element that exists in the world.
There is no cold, hard, fact that says Jesus was the messiah, it is a belief. I, personally, do not believe that he was our savior. There is no fact that tells be that Christianity is the only answer, or that it is the only "truth." Those things are also beliefs. And it's not your place to tell someone else what they should believe.
EVERYONE (most of you): Olivia could just as easily says the same things that you're saying. She could tell you that you're wrong. And her beliefs are right. But she's not, and you should do the same. Excepting other people and their beliefs is an important skill you should have. This extreme ignorance will get you nowhere.
Olivia you started out by saying that everyone can think what they like and you respect that. And then you start pounding Bree with insults about how wrong she is. I don't even know who Bree is, but please stop doing that. It's very rude.
ReplyDeleteSay whatever you want on this blog. But don't insult someone for what they believe. "Get the f*** off my blog, please." "I can't even— what the h***— just— NO, you're just WRONG." "You are just so incorrect I can't even deal with it."
By the way, you're taking Scripture out of context. Completely. Please research more before you make conclusions.
ReplyDeleteYou can say whatever you want to me and about me. But insulting someone for their faith, or taking Scripture out of context? I can't let that slip by.
@Olivia,
ReplyDeleteI am not derranged, misinformed, nor do I want your pity for a "poor girl". I got all of this information from "Shariah: The Threat To America". Read that book, and then criticize me as you please.
I am most certainly not "against Muslims". I simply disagree wholeheartedly with them. Did you not say yourself that you are not against Christians, you just don't agree with them? Do I not have that same right? If not, I find that a very selfish mindset.
On Muslims: There are many kind Muslims. I'm sure your uncle is a great guy. But have you considered that in the Muslim faith, either you participate in Jihad, or you are an apostate. Not sure what that is? An apostate is someone who has to pay high taxes to the Muslim officials in order to not be hurt. They have *very* restricted priveledges.
I've got a lot more to say, but I don't want to waste my time arguing with you. You obviously don't understand what I'm talking about, and I don't expect you too. I see I've already wasted my time trying to change your mind.
Still praying for you - there's nothing you can do to stop that. And, nothing against you personnally, but I am stopping following your blog because I find your language unbecoming of a girl, especially a beautiful woman of God like you. Using words like that doesn't make you any more powerful, it makes you appear weak in heart, and ugly in spirit.
@Emily:
I am not "deciding what a religion is and what isn't", I am informing you that yes, Muslims themselves know it is not a religion. It isn't supposed to be. It's a political military enterprise.
I'm sorry you disagree with me.
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ReplyDeleteUm, Olivia, no offense but the one about selling a girl who was raped was kind of way out there for an argument. That was the old covenant of the Bible, before Jesus Christ came in to the world. After him, there was a NEW covenant, a new promise with God. That stuff about selling raped girls is not practiced anymore and is a sin in God's eyes. So you really don't have a logical point enough to have a real argument, sorry. That was a fallacy.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree - no one religion, belief system, thought process, opinion, etc. should be forced on anyone - it's everyone's personal choice and everyone's opinion should be acknowledged and respected.
ReplyDeleteBut may I throw this out there? YOU'RE JUST WRONG. You said that someone who has not read Harry Potter has no idea who Voldemort is - that's correct. It means NOTHING to them. Cute metaphor, but life isn't Harry Potter - it's real and we're talking about GOD. Unlike *any* other personal opinion on any other subject in the whole world, there really is only one TRUE Way. God is real. Jesus is real. And sadly, hell is real. You do NOT have to believe in it - but that does not make it ANY LESS TRUE.
In fact, I'm sad that you feel this way about the world and our Creator. I respect your opinion, I respect that you are not afraid or shy to share it. But it is simply NOT RIGHT. You may continue on just as you are - but I would feel like the lowest kind of heel if I didn't just state that Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to heaven. And that's just simple truth. If you don't believe that - more power to ya, but you will NOT like where you're going to spend eternity.
Praying for you.
oh and don't insult me for disagreeing with you, as you did Bree. I don't accept such nonsense.
ReplyDeleteSo do you even have any idea or concept of right or wrong anymore? It appears not.
ReplyDeleteYou drink.
You curse blatantly. You'll probably curse me out in your latest post just to look smart. But you won't.
You dress to tempt boys. I don't know why though.
You don't mind dabbling in witch craft. E.g. palm reading, fortune telling, horoscopes.
So since saving ones virginity until marriage is a Christian concept, and you're not, what do you plan to do? Just curious.
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ReplyDeleteOh, so what y'all are saying is that it's okay for y'all to say (and I quote)
ReplyDelete"YOU'RE JUST WRONG."
but I cannot clear up an actual, hard, UNTRUTH?
@Anjelique:
Apparently we have very different concepts about what's right and wrong. I don't criticize you for that. You think it's wrong to "dabble in witch craft" (btw, it's not dabbling, it's my actual religion — look up "Wicca" if you're confused :) ); I think it's wrong to criticize or exclude gays.
It's just a different point of view.
Not to change the point of the post/discussion, but just for a second can everyone take a step back and think about what we all DO share a belief in?
» a power beyond ourselves (whether it be God, the universe, karma, the Triple Goddess, whatEVER)
» that it is wrong to hurt people — murder, bullying, whatever
» that you should try to be the best person you can
» that you should help other people
I guess what I'm trying to say is that we're getting so caught up in what we disagree in, I think we need to think about what we can all agree on and what is the core of humanity.
It doesn't matter what your religion is.
It matters what you do with it.
but I cannot clear up an actual, hard, UNTRUTH?"
ReplyDeleteUrg...you believe there isn't one truth, that more than a few things can be truthful, so how can anything be THE actual, hard untruth? See how confusing your beliefs are? You should take a step back and see if they make sense.
Do yours?
ReplyDeleteWhoever asked me to read the book about Muslims...
There are countless books exactly like that about Christianity.
There are negative aspects to every religion.
Just chill, okay?
May Jesus save you!! Olivia! -- Pray! Ask God for his revelation! Heaven is for real. So is hell.
ReplyDeleteI am on the brink of crying.
Now, I am.
Praying. Praying. Praying.
Please don't pray for me.
ReplyDeleteWould you like me to cast a spell hoping you someday find truth in Paganism?
I'm thinking not.
I appreciate your concern but I really do not want to be "saved".
I thought I was, once, and it turned out awfully.
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ReplyDeleteYou used to believe in heaven and hell. Just watch this video you made (:
ReplyDeleteBy the way in that video you looked extra cute with those glasses and your fun, quirky Christian personality was really attractive. Its what I loved you most for.
If you won't be influenced by us, be influenced by yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tir4r7wuADw
I won't say I have enjoyed reading all these comments - I will say they have all really intrigued me, and I thought I should participate.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, I'm sorry you never felt fulfilled by Christianity. It's not an easy religion to follow, but then, what easy things are really fulfilling? Something I'm learning right now is the importance in Christianity of setting myself and my own desires aside and taking up those of Christ. So it's not about the religion fitting to me, it's about me fitting myself to my religion.
--
@Anjelique (85) - My dear, I don't think judging Olivia on all the things she's 'doing wrong' is going to convert her back to Christianity or increase her respect of Christianity.
@ Courte: I actually wasn't a Christian at the time of that video. That fun, quirky personality is just me. I don't believe that religion defines you.
ReplyDeletefollow-up video uploaded; check post
ReplyDeleteWow, Girl! quite a few comments, a very strong reaction to a belief system thats very very common. I am surprised by every commenter, actually. I suppose I'm surprised at my self for even commenting.
ReplyDeleteThe conversations taking place on this blog seem pretty cut throat. That seems pretty inhuman for I'm quite sure that all of you are sweet people.
Makes me a little scared to comment...
However, I am not going to share my opinion. My beliefs are the only thing I can hold on to when life goes haywire. And I don't fancy sharing them with 200+ people.
All of that to say: Olivia, for some reason my ridiculous computer won't let me watch your any of your videos, although I can pretty much understand whats on it from all the comments....so shoot me an email if you have time/if you want to/ if you even care.
You seem like a cool kid:)
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete@ Liza (83):
ReplyDeleteYou can't tell anyone that "God is real. Jesus is real. And hell is real."
WHERES YOUR PROOF?
How can you tell me that hell is real? Have you been there? Did you take lots of pictures? Did you bring me back a nice souvenir??
P.S. I don't think God is the "Creator." He didn't create this earth, EVOLUTION did. There's actually proof of that.
Believe what you want, but you can't tell someone else what is right and wrong. I don't believe Jesus was the messiah, I don't believe in God, and I definitely don't believe that I'm going to hell for it, because there is no such thing.
You said: "I totally agree - no one religion, belief system, thought process, opinion, etc. should be forced on anyone"
You're forcing your beliefs on Olivia by saying everything in the remainder of your comment. You say she doesn't have to believe it, but then declare that it's automatically true.
It's a bit contradictory, no?
I'll quote you in conclusion: "you're simply NOT RIGHT."
how does it feel?
How can you prove evolution??
ReplyDelete@ emily: why are you sooo harsh to that kid i mean like seriosly no one has to believe anything she was just stating her beliefs
ReplyDelete@ Tallu:
ReplyDeleteShe wasn't stating her beliefs, she was stating that her beliefs, and only her beliefs were true.
@Anon:
ReplyDeleteyou can prove evolution with fossils, and bones, and animal behaviors, and human behaviors, and SCIENCE
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ReplyDeletewell if she didnt believe her beliefs werent the only truth than she wouldnt really believe them!
ReplyDeleteSorry Emily,
ReplyDeletebut you need to take a chill pill. You aren't pretty when you argue. Especially when you're argument is invalid. Who's saying evolution isn't real? We're just saying God created the world. Geez. Now stop yelling virtually at people before you explode or something.
I like how as soon as I turned on Anon, everyone went on anon. except emily, because she has balls.
ReplyDeletefor Emily:
ReplyDeleteScience cannot proove anything. It is in so many science books out there, if you don't believe me. And, there is proof that evoluton is not true. Take the human mind. It is so severely complicated, millions of times better than any technology anyone can create in a hundred years. Do you actually think that could have happened by accident?
Just a thought. :)
and she is a girl?
ReplyDeletebut anyway yall people are all the same you think your cool and different cause of your beliefs but i know at least 30 people who believe the same
ReplyDeleteLiza is a girl. A dear girl. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, unfortunately many people do, girl on fire.
ReplyDeleteThey say they're just being logical, but they're logic is based on foolishness. The big bang theory is so retarded.
THANK YOU OLIVIA <3
ReplyDeleteOkay so this argument is pretty much ridiculous.
Believe what you want. Stop teling Olivia, me, and others that your beliefs are the only truth.
Please stop "praying" for those of us who "haven't been saved" AKA the ones who aren't Christian.
And stop fighting with each other through blogger comments.
Because lets be honest here: after 108 comments, everyone has made their arguments, yelled at each other, and not convinced each other of anything.
those of you who think I'm wrong for not being Christian, probably haven't changed your mind, and won't change your mind, no matter what I say.
So why don't we just let it go? Because no matter how hard I try, extreme prejudice and ignorance are still going to exist, it's just going to be those who have it who are going suffer the consequences.
*facepalm*
ReplyDeleteAre you wiccan? olivia............just wondering
ReplyDeletethe big bang theory is retarded
ReplyDeletebut it's not retarded for the world to be created in seven days
and for animals to all go on a boat
and stuff
just
*facepalm*
and yes, I am! and a proud one too
ReplyDeleteWHy
ReplyDeleteyall calm down this isnt gong to change anyone just let it be
ReplyDeletewhy am I pagan?
ReplyDeleteI really love how in touch with nature it is. How there is such freedom to make up your own rituals, whatever feels natural and right to you. How there is no threatening of hellfire and no pressure to make other people converted to your religion.
It's very beautiful.
But I can understand why other people might not like it.
I know there's probably no reason I need comment, but I feel like I should...
ReplyDeleteYou and I don't agree, Olivia. I'm a Christian, homeschool, anti-gay/lesbian teenager. There. I just told you that I believe practically the opposite that you do. And yet would this ever have come up? No. Why would I ever feel the need to tell you you are wrong? That's not my place! How can anyone be so haughty as to think that's their place? If I don't agree with something you say, I just don't comment. I still read your blog, but I don't comment just to tell you you're wrong.
Wow, I just can't even fathom saying something like that to you! I believe in a heaven, and I believe in a hell. You don't. Why should that bother me overly, as in enough to snark you for it? Obviously it bothers me slightly, because according to my religion you'll go to hell if you don't believe in Christianity. But it's not like anything I say or do is going to matter to you, I'm a random person on the internet you'll never meet in your life. My views shouldn't have to upset you, and bother you. I don't know if this even matters, or if it seems like I'm attacking you (I'm really not trying to, I'm trying to defend the fact that you have an opinion).
I know this means nothing, but I think that you've been attacked in a way which causes grief, and probably (and rightfully) some anger, and I am actually upset that someone would do that to you. That's just wrong. Attacks aren't cool.
~ellie
Thank you so much, Ellie. I'm glad at least someone can prove that not all Christians are psycho! I respect you beyond belief.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love the bow necklace. It's totally funk!
ReplyDeleteI think that you've just had bad luck, because all the Christians who follow your blog don't really seem Christian to me.... most Christians I know who in person would agree with me full heartedly. But thank you, that's a huge compliment.
ReplyDeleteWhen did you give up your faith?and why?why were you christaoin and why did you leacve it
ReplyDeleteI thought it was right for me; I'd heard so many of you all saying how great it was, so I started going to church.
ReplyDeleteI gave up my faith in Christianity because when I hit a rough patch in my life I didn't feel like I could ask for help. I felt crushed by the rules of my own faith. It was just not right for me.
yeah same thing happened to me!but if you really press through thoose rough pacthes and pray and read the bible it gets better i have learned sooooo much i can only hope for you to do the same
ReplyDeletethis may sound really akward after all this seriuosness of the past comments but ...what do you think about fanny packs ?i love them
ReplyDeleteQuote from you new years goal 2010
ReplyDeleteI hope to be a better Christian
but instead of slaving over my Bible
and not enjoying it or getting any faith from it
I will go to church
and listen to the sermon with an open heart
+ get (finally) baptized and confirmed after all these years.
HAHAHAHAH fanny packs are like crocs
ReplyDeleteuseful, but an excellent repellant to the opposite sex
@131Anon: And after two years, I have *gasp* changed.
By "crushed" you mean you were annoyed by the fact that people were telling you you couldn't wear certain things, watch certain things on TV, or listen to certain music? IF so, that type of stuff was not from God. That is judging.
ReplyDeleteI used to curse, listen to secular music, and had a boyfriend who really wasn't taking me in the right direction. But then I started realizing those things weren't making me happy. I was always depressed, and I felt sooo empty. But then I learned God doesn't make these rules just to say, "Hey. I don't want them to have a lot of freedom. So let me restrict them from doing their absolute favorite things." I don't listen to secular music anymore. Why? Not because of God. But because I knew it was perverting me. I knew I was probably going to have sex before marriage like all the other teens which can lead to a myriad of problems like heart break, STDs, and just feeling scattered. Bits of your soul actually go to people you sleep around with. So that's why I became Christian. I think maybe what annoyed you were all of the rituals of religion...like confirmation. Oh and about gays. Nope they do not choose to be gay. But they can choose whether or not they want to stay gay. They can ask for deliverance from gayness. And I'm not saying I hate gays because that doesn't make any sense. I'm just saying that being gay is not an orientation. It is a demon. And demons can come out by Jesus' healing power.
I dont mean tourist fann packs ones ike theese http://www.polyvore.com/ktz_msi_bum_bag/thing?id=51580933ny
ReplyDeleteI think all of us need to go through a period of individualization or rebellion for our own health. I feel you will come around after a while. My parents are both Christians. But when they saw me want to dress in ways that were un-Christian, they let me. They let me do most of the things I wanted to do. They did it so that I could discover the truth on my own and not feel compelled to do anything just because they were doing it. I can't tell you how sweet it is having a personal relationship with Jesus. He tells me which friends I should hang out with, what talents he wants me to grow, and basically everything that can make me successful in this life.
ReplyDeleteI told you not to go there with the gays. You really want this argument?
ReplyDeleteOkay....
ReplyDeleteI don't know how to word this but, I am going to do the best I can, okay.
I am a Christian, homeschooled, anti-gay/lesbian teen girl. And as I read the other comments I have come to realize how much people put you down. Yes you an I don't agree on everything, and yes you an I are different. And I quote from someone up there who commented earlier) "Why would I feel the need to tell you your wrong"? It's not my place to say that and it's nobody else, right? God is real, and I hope even thought you don't believe HE's there I hope He reaches out to you somehow. I still love you and care for your well being even if we believe in different things. I will not unfollow you just because you practice something different than I do, okay sweetie?
I hope this comment doesn't come off as a offensive to I was not trying to be mean in anyway I was trying my best to be nice in a godly way. Oh I have always loved your clothes you had on:)) Please feel free to reply with you opinion:)
~Sami
Watch the documentary "Expelled". It accurately gives info on BOTH theories - evolution and Creation. Totally recommend it, it's fascinating.
ReplyDeleteIts just like everyone is saying the same things. Can you make a new post, so we can talk about slightly less important/ not as difficult things? Like fashion?? to many opinions are floating around, I think people are getting confused.
ReplyDelete"go where"?
ReplyDeleteLook, I told you I'm not "anti-gay"/ don't hate gays/ don't think they deserve no rights.
Where does the argument part of it come in?
Gosh. What else do you want me to say.
All I said was you can actually become straight, if you believed God could deliver you from it. What part of that incites an argument-worthy discussion in your mind? I'm really not trying to offend you or anyone. I'm tired of hearing of gay suicides too.
*facepalm*
ReplyDeleteYou've been facepalming alot this evening...Love your honosty
ReplyDeleteLiza, here. I'm sorry if I sounded like I was attacking Olivia - because I wasn't. I was just soooo sad that I felt that an all caps statement would catch folks' attention to something icredibly important. Umm....looks like it did. Aha.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Bible is true. Call it what you like, but all the "proof" I need is the fact that the Bible is God's Word, and His Word is infallible. Jesus is MY LIFE. Without Him, I and everyone else on this planet is just a result of random chance, and we have no worth. But God gives us purpose, worth, and hope of glory. We will be with Him in paradise FOREVER if we believe. No, Emily, I haven't been to heaven *or* hell. I haven't taken pictures. But God LOVES us, He WANTS to join Him, so He gave us the best picture possible: HIS OWN WORDS.
I may have seemed like I was forcing my ideas on Olivia and all the rest of you. Once again, that's not what I meant. And I knew at the time of writing it, that many of y'all would read it that way. But I said it anyway. While deep in my heart I want all of you experience the healing love and power of Jesus Christ, the choice is YOURS. I may seem presumptive to say that mine is the only Way, but that's what my Scripture teaches. And it's true. Because it came from God.
I believe that Jesus saved me from a life of worthlessness, lack of purpose and ultimate destruction. Choosing to believe in that yourself is up to you. I honestly, truly, pray that everyone will spend eternity with Christ.
Olivia, you said you DON'T want us to pray for you. You said it was like if someone was doing a spell on us. Let me tell you, if our prayers *work*, you will be the happiest person on this earth *and* the first to admit it. Just sayin'. Voodoo just doesn't do that.
ANYWAY. After this, we're all going to go our merry ways. A little wiser most likely about other worldviews and opinions, with a broader scope of the world. Seeds have most definitely been planted for larger things.
I'm sorry for any dissention I caused, just this post/video/comments burdened me like nothing has for a LONG time. And, yes, (you're gonna hate me for this :P) I felt led (yes, by God) to leave these comments.
Signing off.
Liza
scrapsfrommyworkbasket.blogspot.com
Olivia, can you just disable comments on this post? I don't think its worth it anymore.
ReplyDelete@ anon 144 Oh goodness, its so easy to just turn of your computer, or go to another site. I think you might like the drammaaaa:) Silly silly silly!
ReplyDeleteHey Courtne... I'm gay. Can you check with Jesus and see if he'll expel the demon from my body?
ReplyDeleteOMG OMG who are you that's hilarious let me hug you
ReplyDeleteYOu know what i find funny..there are tons of religons out there but as soon as someone mentions God people think"christain' just because someone says they believe in gos does not believe they believe in jesus
ReplyDeletehe probably won't anon because you need to have faith to be healed not sarcasm. but he doesn't do it himself. you must go to a deliverance ministry and see if they are having a deliverance session.
ReplyDeleteare you a vegan?
ReplyDeleteok this is stupid i really dont believe that courtne 149 is the same one as before
ReplyDeletecan you put your video on vevo that way i can see it ?my computer cant chow youtube
ReplyDelete@Courtne: So I can go to church and have the demon taken care of? Sweet, because, I was pretty worried that it would live inside me forever, and soon enough, Satan would possess my soul.
ReplyDeleteThank for you help :)
Ignorance is only fitting for the fool i think i will leave you all now and never look back.i love you olivia and i hope for the best
ReplyDeleteoh my god i'm dying i'm laughing so hard
ReplyDelete@150: nope just vegetarian
someone totally commented under my username! Not cool wordpress/sisters~! sorry olivia!
ReplyDeleteSeriously what is the problem people?! Olivia has shared HER opinion on HER blog about what SHE believes in HER life!!!! HER life! To live believing what SHE wants just like all of us should. So, she says she is Pagan. Its like anything in life. Some one says something that goes against what you believe. Now here comes the key point: you can either tell them they are wrong and are bad etc. Or , you can focus on the things you have in common. The right to believe what you want. That everyone should feel accepted and loved regardless of what they believe/do. I mean seriously! Instead of making a fuss over Olivia's beliefs, embrace what we all share. Everyone has their own life to live for themselves. me if some one tells me their Pagan/Muslim/Jewish/Buddist/Gay etc. It doesn't bother me, its their life, their choice. And I am going to accept people as they are.
ReplyDeleteOlivia: You go girl. Keep your head up and believe in whatever you believe in with all your heart!
~
Autumn
P.S. Oh yeah, and I'm Catholic and I know some people are gonna have a problem with that and tell me in my life that my beliefs aren't Christian etc. But, I don't care. My life and I'm gonna live it!!!!
What is your fave easter candy?mine are peeps
ReplyDeleteOkay so this argument is pretty much ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteBelieve what you want. Stop teling Olivia, me, and others that your beliefs are the only truth.
Please stop "praying" for those of us who "haven't been saved" AKA the ones who aren't Christian.
And stop fighting with each other through blogger comments.
Because lets be honest here: after 108 comments, everyone has made their arguments, yelled at each other, and not convinced each other of anything.
those of you who think I'm wrong for not being Christian, probably haven't changed your mind, and won't change your mind, no matter what I say.
So why don't we just let it go? Because no matter how hard I try, extreme prejudice and ignorance are still going to exist, it's just going to be those who have it who are going suffer the consequences.
Autumn I love you
ReplyDeletesoo you dont like candy emily??
ReplyDelete^whoever you are, I love you too
ReplyDeleteThanks 1i am just tired of spritual battles like we all have our differences but ..REALLY! you are not going to change just because a buch of people say your wrong and you should change!people just need to learn when to back off
ReplyDeletesoo am i the only one on blogger who has a sweet tooth?
ReplyDeletewho arrreee you i want to love you...
ReplyDeleteare you paul...
Oh , and Olivia. I am not going to pray for your conversion. I only hope with all my heart that your life is wonderful. And I also believe. That what ever your religion that as long as you live it well and try to do right you will go to Heaven. Just my point of view and I just had to put that out there for all those people who are so set on saying if you disagree with them you're gonna go to Hell. Oh and yeah, people please get a life. And stop picking on other peoples.
ReplyDelete~
Autumn
Nope i am just a girl who should be doing her math homework but decided watching peole create drama online would be much more fun!
ReplyDeleteI like peeps too! And Cadbury Eggs...
ReplyDeleteoohh i love them my family from england sent us bunches!!!:)
ReplyDeleteDelish! I can't believe it's almost Easter. Doesn't it seem like it was just January?
ReplyDeletecadbury caramel eggs are wizard. try em.
ReplyDeleteMmmm those do sound good. I'll be sure to look for them when we're loadin' up on sugar.:)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to regret this, but here goes...
ReplyDeleteGuys, there's no need to be insulting. Especially, you, Olivia. Bree was stating what are, in fact, some of the base beliefs of the Muslim faith. And despite the "fact" that "none of these comments have made me actually angry," you're spewing nasty emotion all over the place. Swearing at her was just plain despicable. She looked up to you, and admired you, I know this for a fact because I know her. And being patronizing (i.e. calling her honey and little girl) is just more insults. You know this, you're not stupid.
Bree should be allowed to voice what she believes, just like you do. She was being extremely respectful, gentle and kind. Look how you responded. You're upset by the way Christians treat non-believers? Well look at the way you non-believers are treating Christians! You treat us as though we are simple children. It's absolutely disgusting! I was going to respond to all the hypocrisy you've been dishing out, but that will make this comment too long, and there were too many to address. Just let me say this; just because you were once "Christian" doesn't mean you know allll there is to know about the faiths. You're acting like you know more than the actual believers, for crying out loud! How arrogant is that?
In the end, everyone believes what they want to believe. Everyone has their own measure of "truth." I suppose in the end, we'll find out who's right and who isn't. But I'd rather live my life joyfully serving God, and find out he doesn't exist than live my life as though he didn't exist, and find out that he does.
Please, everyone. Just be respectful. I've known many agnostics and atheists who are extremely pleasant, lovely people.
Cheers,
Gwen
I'm gonna say my fav. easter candy is the snickers eggs, my word I LOVE THOSE THINGS! pretty much any chocolate that comes in the shape of an egg is delicous though.... OH my mama makes these homemade recee eggs and they are HEAVENLY, its soooo good!
ReplyDeleteAre ya'll gonna eastrer egg hunt this year? I'm searching around for one!
Your so right I love those eggy things! Just not flamboyant peeps! lol ;) ;) p.s. I've been every anon comment...hehehe the world will never know
ReplyDeleteMy parents and I still do an egg hunt.:) They're just so fun, I don't think I can give it up! Plus we just moved to a new house so there are new hiding places!
ReplyDeleteHi Olivia,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, let me say that I loved your videos, both of them. I totally understand where you're coming from and I admire you for stating your beliefs so openly. It's not easy to be so honest--I know from experience.
Secondly, can I just say how sad it makes me to see Christians behaving the way they've been? I'm a Christian...but honestly, if I weren't, I doubt I'd ever become one based on how I've seen Christians act. It truly makes me want to cry. We are called to LOVE one another, not to attack others just because they don't believe the same as we do. There are so many different religions and cultures and beliefs--it's impossible for everyone to agree on everything. If I were in your shoes, Olivia, I'd be incredibly turned off of Christianity if I was told that I was going to hell and that I need to repeat. Regardless of whether it is true, forcing Christianity on someone with the law is simply not loving. I mean, who wants to become a Christian because they're scared? I certainly wouldn't.
I second Gwen, that everyone should be respectful. I love debating religion, but when direct attacks are involved...well, it can get really ugly, really fast (as has been evidenced already).
But please know, Olivia, that all Christians aren't complete idiots. I may not agree with your beliefs, but I don't want to be that person who can't get along everyone that doesn't believe what I believe either.
Have a happy weekend!
oh i loveee egg hunts !! i almost own one but the short kid beat me to it ;)
ReplyDeleteHey Olivia, I understand where you're coming from. And I'm listening to you, I'm not going to bash you out. I've been reading your blog ever since you started almost, and I'm not leaving now.
ReplyDeleteI just wanna say that I'm not a Christian because I want to go to heaven, or because I think my good works will get me to heaven. (actually, that's like what a Muslim believes)I'm a Christian because I realized how much Jesus loves me, and what He's done for me. I know that sounds totally cheesy, but I've given up my life for Him. It's not that I do good works to get to heaven. Seriously, we as humans have sinned enough in our life time. None of us deserve to go to heaven. Jesus still died for us anyway. Once I started reading more in the Bible, mostly the New Testament, then I realized how great God was.
I know, you just said you didn't want us to try to convince you of anything. I'm sorry. I just wanted to make that clear.
And for all the people who are talking about how bad Muslims are (though they're sinners, like the rest of us), most of them are really peaceful and EXTREMELY generous people. I was a missionary's daughter in Sudan, Egypt, and Jordan for a lot of my life, and Muslims aren't all terrorists. They're really sweet people. A lot of them long for something besides Islam (they get tired of all the rules), and that's why we were there.
Sorry this turned out wayyy longer than I expected. Olivia, I just want to say that you're a great girl and so talented. I apologize if this comes out cruel to you.
love,
kendra
wow. that was totally way too long. gaahh.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I apologize if I came off as nasty. That wasn't my intention.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, in your followup video, you say that you don't think people who have to be bribed with the idea of heaven are people who should be going to heaven. You're right.
ReplyDeleteBut real, genuine Christianity is all about realizing that there is no way you can get into heaven on your own. It's about discovering that someone else made a way for you and you don't have to do everything yourself. In individualistic America especially, many feel that being so dependent on God is weakness, but I think when you admit your own weakness, it's a kind of strength.
P.S. Everyone: I think it's great Olivia is allowing us to debate on her post like this. It's important we be able to defend our own beliefs and we can only truly learn to do that by personal experience. Even though it may seem like we aren't accomplishing anything (because we aren't changing anyone else's mind) we are expanding and strengthening our own worldviews.
P.S. Jelly bellys pretty much rule...if you take out all the banana and black licorice ones :P
ReplyDeleteOlivia, when I say I understand your pov I DO understand. I was raised in a Christian family, but some horrible things happened to me and I became an Atheist/Pagan for a LONG time because I blamed God for my problems. I HATED HIM. It wasn't until a few years ago that I found God for the first time. I was all alone and broken for a very long time until God found me. God chooses us. We don't choose Him. I can honestly say that I am a proud Christian now, but I respect what you love/believe.
ReplyDeleteChristianity is all about faith. Do you believe in the sun even though it doesn't shine? Did it go away just because it is a cloudy day? No. It's always there. (I know, lame!) My point is, you need faith. Without faith Christianity won't make sense. Heaven isn't a bribe. When you die, it's only the next adventure. (See my HP reference??) I believe in Heaven. I have faith. Without faith you can't believe. The Bible won't make sense if you don't believe it. Nothing will.
And just bringing this up but, all of the religions are in some form or the other like Christianity. ;) And as for Noah's ark, if you can't explain evolution then how do you explain all the rock formations that have been caused by the flood? (Again, not trying to be rude just curious!) :D
You know, if it wasn't for God I probably wouldn't be here today. I went through some REALLY dark days. And I mean really dark. I'm not proud of the things that I did or the things that I tried, but the funny thing is he still loves me. No matter what. And he is always there right beside me. I don't feel like sharing with the entire world what I have been through, but if you want to know exactly what happened then e-mail me. :)
I have found that even though my friends left me and I didn't have anyone else, God was still there. Sometimes I couldn't feel Him. Sometimes I felt like I was ALL alone, but I wasn't. He was right there beside me all this time holding my hands and keeping me from drowning in the waves.
Everything that happened in my past has only made me stronger, but I couldn't do it without Him.
I'm not trying to be preachy, but if you can't feel God it is because He never left you. You just left him. And please believe me when I have said I have been to HELL and back. The less you can feel God the farther you are away from him. That is just something that I have found to be very true. (I hope that isn't rude, because I am not trying to be!)
I'm not trying to "convert you" you have found what works for you and I have found what works for me. :) I'm sorry that Christianity didn't work for you, but I understand. :) I hope this made sense. I'm dead tired. lol I just felt that I should share my view. ;)
If you even read all of this I LOVE YOU. (And that is meant in a totally non-creepy way, but I seriously love you. We are alot alike believe it or not despite our different views on religion)
:) :) :) RJ (Ronnie)
But Olivia, you have to understand, praying for people and witnessing to people is simply a part of our faith, and we truly believe we're doing good. I honestly wouldn't care if you cast a spell hoping I found truth in Paganism, because, like your "I don't think I'm going to hell, because I don't believe in hell" argument, I don't believe that would change anything, because I don't believe in Paganism.
ReplyDeleteThe Threefold rule does make sense to me. But I don't think you're sending "good energy" out into the world by ridiculing Bree so harshly.
Loved what you said about the fact we all actually have a lot in common. Generally when you send something controversial into the blogworld, the comment area becomes quite an ugly place. I apologise if I've added to that... I just wanted to get some things "out there". So yes, I believe we're all girls (or guys) that generally want to do good things. But we get so caught up in the technicalities of our different religions that we forget one of the most important things- truly, honestly loving each other.
And I am not a Christian because I want to go to heaven. The whole point of my life story was to say that. lol
ReplyDeleteomfg who is making all these random comments jesus I was reading the comments and I was pissing myself omg ((between a lot of facepalms))
ReplyDeletebut how does a fanny pack come up in a conversation about religion wtf omg
sigh
also I like your bow tie
ReplyDeletebow ties are cool
ha ha doctor who reference did you see that ha
becaUSE MADDI I WANTED TO KNOW OLIVIAS OPINION
ReplyDelete@Anon (comment #190) I completely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI LIKE OREOS.
ReplyDeleteEspecially oreos in cupcakes with raspberry marshmallow cream frosting on top.
Christians need to realize that christianity isn't the only religion there is.
ReplyDeleteAnd to all commenters: "Never laugh at someone else's religion because even if you don't take it seriously, they do" --The Long Secret, by Louise Fitzhugh
Ya'll are hilarious! L0ove love love love youuuuu olivia!!!!
ReplyDeletecould everyone just stop taking life so terribly serious? the odds of any of our world views being exactly right are about...let me think.... 2%? yeah. Come now, be flexible! Who of you claim to understand God??? :):) I love the whole darned world!
ReplyDeleteThis? This makes me sad.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in the conversation, the only thing I have to say that hasn't already been said is... Doctor Who reference FTW.
ReplyDeleteokbye
Christianity and religion are two different things. A TRUE Christian will respect everyone's beliefs, just as they would wish everyone else will respect theirs. We're close-minded about other religions because Jesus is the only way, not through good works, karma, etc. I can honestly say I DISagree with you 100%, but props for standing up for what you believe in, just as I would do for what I believe in. But PLEASE do NOT put Christianity and religion in the same boat. Christianity is through Jesus's love, religion is through what man can do to gain Jesus's acceptance and be worthy enough- that is impossible.
ReplyDeleteDitto to what Katie said. You rock Olivia for standing up for your beliefs. I will never, ever, ever judge you for standing firm. You stay strong and don't let haters get to ya'.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
--Abi
Hey Olivia! It is great that you can be so honest. But before you think that maybe all Christians have never questioned God, I am going to give a run down on why that is incorrect.
ReplyDeletePlease let me say this, I am not attacking you. But you have had your little say and it is only fair that I have mine. Deal?
Firstly, I believe in God and I go to church. HOWEVER...there have been crazy times that I have seriously questioned Jesus. Like seriously. Please don't use that as proof that maybe that is why Christianity is not "fulfilling", because that is incorrect. I bet there has been times when you have questioned pagans and whatever it is that you believe in. If not, then don't worry, it will come. It happens with EVERY religion.
However, the only reason I have questioned my faith, is because I did not like it at the time and guess what? It wasn't God's fault! It was mine. However I think with you when you tried Christianity, the reason you found it un-fulfilling is because you were probably listening to the wrong people who did not fully understand Jesus's love. Just throwing it out there!
Hey! Feel free to totally disagree with this! I don't really care. I am just saying that 1. We all question our religion because it is human nature, not because of God or of whatever God you believe in. It is us, not them. And 2. If you feel lost, try Christianity again, listen to the right people, tell God your worries. He is there for you. He is not out to get ya! He is not going to condemn you if you don't do these things. Just love him in return. :)
I still love your blog and you Olivia, I just wanted to point out a few things. :)
I respect you greatly, Olivia, for going about this the way you have. Many other people would have flipped out, and made matters much worse.
ReplyDeleteBut, about the muslims.
Not all muslims are bad? No, people who profess to be muslims aren't. But the actual religion is wrong. Now, wait, here me out. I'm not saying there isn't some truth in it. There probably is in every religion. But, The Quran (The Muslims bible/what they believe in) is horrendous. Have you ever read it? Not only does it demand that all muslims go out and kill people who will not convert, but it also contradicts itself HUNDREDS of times. I was involved in a study of sorts of it. The book is so utterly terrifying, that it was hard to listen to. And if that's what they firmly and passionately believe in and worship, then yes, I would say its safe to say they are dangerous. But! There are also many so called 'Muslims' who have never even read it, or fulfilled the requirments of having to be muslim. (Which is head coverings, no shaving of the beard, and the like.)
So. Yeah, that's it for now. I didn't write down half as much as I really have ought to, but I think you all can get the idea.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWonderful Olivia!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a strong post and I support it 100%. Especially the gay rights. I have gay friends and I can't believe anyone would be so blind to say that they don't know what love is and they don't deserve to have it, and if they do believe it's there that they should keep it hidden. I just can't believe anyone could feel that way.
I'm an Agnostic {as you probably know} and though I've told people before, my blog was much smaller and less people cared. But the people that did read it were saying that they'd pray for me, they would beg and repeatedly say, "But he died on the cross for you!". And no matter what I would say they didn't understand that their beliefs were irrelevant like you said with Harry Potter.
Not all Christians are this way, and most of them are just trying to be good people in their own way, but I totally understand. It gets annoying to say the least. They've told me that I just haven't learned enough and that I need to give him a chance. 6 years of dreaming about burning in Hell, losing friends, and other things I knew that I couldn't believe anymore. I was tired of picking and choosing what in the bible I wanted to go by and what I didn't.
I think religion is fine until it gets in the way of people's lives. It's just after a while I myself get sick of people giving me advice to pray in some God I don't believe in. I'm just talking to myself in a room in my opinion, but if it gives people hope something, go for it.
Anyway, congratulations on standing up. I would be happy you made this even if it was visa-versa. People just need to stop interfearing with things they don't like about other people and join together on what we DO like about eachother.
Sincerely,
~Brooke
P.S
I'm not against Christians or Muslims any other religions or anything like that to anyone who's gonna yell ;9
umm okay you can voice your views but why not leave off the "f***"'s. :P Is this a PG-13 rated blog or what?
ReplyDeleteI just sort of stumbled onto your blog, and came across these videos. And I must say, I rather like them. I, personally, believe in the Bible (I don't really claim any religion), though I still agree with most of what you've said.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do believe there can only be one truth. Maybe what I believe isn't it - maybe you're right, or neither of us are. But I just don't see how multiple gods can exist...or how any god can exist, for those who are atheist and agnostic. I also don't see how any number of people believing in one idea can make Heaven, Hell and a God pop into existence; only for those who believed in it. If that makes sense?
I respect what you believe, and the choices you've made. I have NO right to judge you - no one does. The Bible says "Judge lest ye be judged." Whether or not you believe in the Bible, that's a good rule to live by. Anyways, I am not a better person than you, as you are not a better person than me. I don't think any of us are better than anyone. We all came into this world, and we'll all leave. No Christian has any right to tell you you're going to Hell. No person has any right to tell others what they believe is wrong. A debate is perfectly okay, but to just pop in and say "You're wrong, I'm right." with a closed mind is not acceptable. Not in my book, anyway.
I'd also like to clear something up. In the follow up video you said that you think people should do right without the threat of Hell, or the promises of Heaven. That Christians are basically bribed into doing good. I have no intention of offending you, but I just wanted to let you know that's not entirely true. The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift - we can either accept it or deny it. It has nothing to do with works or how good we are. It is not possible for us to work our way out of Heaven. Once I was saved, I was saved for eternity. No amount of good or evil can change that. I could have murdered thousands of people (which I thankfully have not), and still gotten saved and go to Heaven once I die. Going to Heaven is grace. We don't put ourselves there. I know you don't even believe the Bible, but I didn't want you to think us Christians were being bribed into doing good. :)
Anyways...love the blog, and I have to say it; you're simply gorgeous.
P.S. For those of you who are saying being gay is having a demon in your body...what the heck? Where in the world did you come up with that? Again, if that's what you believe - go right ahead. I'm not going to judge you, or condemn you for it. But to tell people they have are possessed...that's a little much, don't you think?