Let`s be Open and Honest — General Discussion on True Nudists

DesertRatOriginal Poster

Jun 14, 2011

Being Catholic I am always interested in seeing other members who are also Catholic. I always wonder about the folks who list their religious preference as Christian - Other. What is the "Other"? Are any of these people Catholics but they are too nervous or embarrassed to admit their true religious preference. One of the things about TN and being a nudist is that we can be open and honest about who we are. Sure we may have legitimate reasons to hide parts of our identities, but if there are no real reasons for this, then let's be as open and as honest as we can. The truth will set you free.

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BA
BareFunInTheSun
Jun 14, 2011
Dessert Rat,
Interesting question. I've always, unless otherwise specified, assumed 'Christian Other' meant a Protestant denomination. As for myself, I am listed as Catholic because 1) I was raised a Catholic, 2) I was educated as a Catholic, and 3) I love the known and comfort of the catechism in which I was raised (other rituals just do not move me the same).
I may or may ascribe to all the dictates of the current or old Catholic church and I cannot honestly claim to be a an every Sunday (Saturday night) going to church Catholic.
With all that rubbish out of the way, if someone were to ask me if I were Christian, I would say emphatically, "YES". Catholics are christian as are Baptists, Lutherans, Pentacostals, Anglicans. etc. The point is that not everyone ascribes to a particular form of Christianity. Each sect (and I include Catholics when I say "sect" in this instance) of Christianity has their own particular rules and regulations. Some are comfortable with ascribing to a particular "recognized" congregation; others are not. For the latter, they ARE Christian in that they believe Christ died for our sins (and so on and so forth), but they may not ascribe to an earthly pronunciation or catechism of that belief.
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MR
MrWoobit
Jun 14, 2011
I'd guess it's because as you scan down the list, you see "Catholic" followed by "Christian-Other" so if you're not Catholic you'll choose that rather than keep going.
Also, I was raised in a joint church - Church of England, Methodist and United Reformed. No-one knows who is what...
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ZH
zhaze01
Jun 14, 2011
Like some others have stated, I do not follow a particular dogma or tenet, even though I was raised as a Baptist. Being from the South, there were several things taught as absolute truth, but the interpretations were based on ignorance and misunderstanding. I conducted my own Biblical research in an attempt to find the answers. Some things were made clear, but others remain a mystery. I did, however, come to the conclusion that the Bible isn't intended to be taken 100% literally. Its purpose is to teach and guide those who are Christians.
These are merely my own personal opinions, and are not meant as an attempt to change your own personal beliefs or opinions.
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EV
EvansBetterHalf
Jun 14, 2011
Blessed and baptized Mormon....now agnostic.....difference of opinion
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RU
runner4life
Jun 14, 2011
I'm also Catholic... Born and raised, but haven't been going on a regular base for years now
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TH
Thomas
Jun 14, 2011
I am Catholic but know a lot of people who would list other because they don't belong to a specific Christian denomination.
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RU
rusty62
Jun 14, 2011
[quote]Pentecostal Protestant, presently unchurched due to internal (non-spiritual) problems in my former church.[/quote] I am in the same standing with the christian church. Pretty much now go with the natural order on this great earth, actions of god as I see in many loved fellow humans, and my own instincts.
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WE
westheathen
Jun 15, 2011
I am not religous, but my definition of Christian (may be incorrectly) would be a person who follows the teachings of the Bible. To my knowledge there are a surprising number of these sects. I am sorry if my terminology offends anyone but I do not know what else to call them.
I am also wondering if the same type of thing occurs in other Religions such as Islam.
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SO
Soupie
Jun 22, 2011
It's not a question that gets asked in Canada. It's totally separate from our politics as well.
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ME
Member
Jun 22, 2011
I find it interesting that a discussion on religion - poosibly the most devisive and violent force known to mankind- is treated as a legitimate topic for discussion on a naturist website, but a recent thread about swinging was openly crushed by hostile members who attacked the OP on a personal level.
For the record, I support neither organized religion nor swinging.
However, it is interesting that the big business that is organized religion seems to find favour amongst the more accepted members of this site? Is that what constitutes acceptable postings here?
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DE
DesertRatOriginal Poster
Jun 22, 2011
[quote]I'm a papist since birth. Well, since baptism actually. I am far from an expert on the Catholic faith, but it seems to me that some of the biggest reasons for people leaving-or not becoming Catholic- is because it is greatly misunderstood, it is not the easy path; it requires effort, and it is not stylish. We have had some leave our local church for a non-denominational church that does little more than play contemporary music for an hour each week. It is more of a social event than a spiritual one. For me, that would be akin to punching a time card-a shallow attempt at saying that you belong to a faith. Sort of a feel-good measure with no skin in the game. The Catholic faith is misunderstood by a lot of people. Many of her detractors fail to recognize the difference between the Catholic Church and the Catholic Faith. The faith is a lifelong pursuit with many ups and downs. Remarkably; for me I am always doing my best and am at my happiest and most fulfilled-most saitisfied with life- when I am "in tune" with the church's teaching (the faith). The effort pays off in a very deep and personal way that cannot be achieved by visiting only on Easter and Christmas. As for the Catholic Church? She does an awful lot of good. She is the guiding organization for the faith. She preaches forgiveness and acceptance much more so than popular culture would have you believe. And, many fail to remember that she is made up of imperfect human beings who need to receive the same forgiveness and tolerance that they preach.[/quote] Excellent post! This Faith really has to be a part of you, before you can truly understand it. Thank you for your Forum entry.
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