This page was last updated on Thursday March 18 2004.
I finished reading the Bible (except for Psalms - which I bounce around
in). Since starting these religion pages, I have been
humbled. I am grateful that these pages stimulated some
discussions and some brief email relationships. On the other hand,
much of what I wrote now seems hopelessly naive. I have
deleted the Bible Reading section because my ability to discuss the Old
Testament intelligently is minimal - much more reading and study are
needed.
The more I learn, the more there is to learn - the more aware I am of my
lack of knowledge, understanding and insight. One visitor found the
old pages "didactic" - which is certainly counter to my intent.
I hope to stimulate discussion - not imply I actually
"know" anything.
Latest
Updated
1/26/2003: Discussions with
an Atheist
Added
3/10/2001: The Prayer of Saint Francis
My Church
Trinity
Presbyterian Church - I maintain the website, work church security,
help with Contemporary Worship. I have helped with cleaning
up the grounds and with Habitat for Humanities. We regularly attend
(11:00 in the fall/winter/spring). Kathleen is in the choir.
It is a
friendly church with lots of opportunities to serve and to learn.
Jesus Christ and me...
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior
and Lord (July 1999). This was quite a change for me - I had always believed in
His teachings but could not go further than that. I considered
myself to be a religious man - someone who believed in God and the
importance of spiritual issues. However, there was an enormous void in
my life.
After thinking about it every time an ad appeared,
I sent for "Power for Living" - available
at www.powerforliving.com.
They promise to send a booklet free-of-charge and without solicitations -
and they did exactly that. For me, the booklet itself was not
particularly persuasive or inspiring - but the action of sending for help
(reaching out to God) and receiving something that spoke of a new life -
that was crucial. I felt what could be called "the presence of
the Holy Spirit". That got me started - I started reading the
Bible, looking for a church, etc.
I know that it is not enough just to
have faith - I must give Jesus control over my life, I must change and
follow His will, not mine.
Let's Grow Together!
I will gladly discuss religion with anyone.
These pages are posted to help my own spiritual growth - not
to put down anyone else's religion or put myself up as some kind of
expert. This path is right for me - your
relationship or lack of one with God is between Him and you... but
if you feel a spiritual void - I urge you to reach out in your own
fashion.
If you want to watch my progress, read someone
else's thoughts and experiences or just have nothing better to do - please
follow any of the links to the left...
email me at doug@hardts.net
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