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God+Skiing

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gakc
Posts: 244 - Karma: 40
so tonight i went to my usual youth group, everyhing was pretty normal we sang, i ate candy, then we went to small groups which is where kids my age all go in with our youth leaders and we talk about the topic. the topic today was distractions that steer you away from god. things such as video games, sex, porn, which were all understandable until they said sports/ hobbies... so in small group  i brought up the topic that there is nothing on this earth that makes me as happy as skiing. Now he kept trying to tell me that it wasnt healthy to have anything be remotly close to god which i understand but doesnt this seem a little messed up?? i think you should do what ever makes you the happiest on this earth but still respect god. but for him to tell me i should cut back on skiing, why? cus god is getting jelous... i do not believe that. what do you guys think? and im not taking a shot at my leaders, they are sick but it doesnt seem right to me.
Dec 3 2009 2:20AM
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selkirks
Posts: 1978 - Karma: 59
Still false though. See my above post.
Dec 3 2009 7:28PM
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sip166
Posts: 275 - Karma: 16
dude this guy is whack do what makes u happy. god wants u to be happy and ur not hurting anyone else as long as its not getting in the way of ur schoolwork or family whats the problem?  I think ur leader was trying to make a point but his logic is way off. he is saying set ur priorities so if anything ur list should look like this

1.God
2.Skiing
3.Breathing
4.Sleep
5.Eating

**Note numbers 3,4,5 are interchangeable***
Dec 3 2009 7:28PM
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DedicatedPicturs
Posts: 358 - Karma: 2,515
Budhism.
Dec 3 2009 7:29PM
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selkirks
Posts: 1978 - Karma: 59
That's some great irony that I can't even go into here (it would take too long), so I'm not even going to go into this one. Put it this way; if it was easy to believe would it really be faith?
Dec 3 2009 7:33PM
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SMH[-__-]
Posts: 545 - Karma: 13
JAH BLESS!
Dec 3 2009 7:39PM
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Chickendodo
Posts: 1426 - Karma: 33
Religious arguments get you nowhere because neither side is right nor wrong, it's just stupid back and forth.  Santa Claus is believed by little children, maybe God should be taught the same way, you learn about him when you're little, then when you grow up you figure shit out, and if you figure out that he's real, awesome for you.  But if you figure out that he's not, more power to you.  I just think telling people "God is real, he is almighty, he created everything" is a bit pretentious.  It's assuming that you're right and other people are wrong.  I dunno, I just think that you should believe what you want to believe, not what your family/parents think you should believe.
Dec 3 2009 8:00PM
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.k.wells.
Posts: 289 - Karma: 13
skiing is a passion/hobby/a way of life for most newschooers, im assuming that you believe in god (being that you go to youth group and what your small group leader said) and with that believe in god you accept that god created you, me everyone and everything, including the snow and the mountains so as long as your honoring god in the process i would not go as far to say that you would need to cut back on skiing. god doesnt get jealous but if you can devote so much into skiing then if you truly believe in him you will make the time to have a personal relationship with god and your answers will be found within
Dec 3 2009 8:25PM
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selkirks
Posts: 1978 - Karma: 59
I agree. My reference to situational irony with the Santa Claus allusion was something that's just too difficult to explain... let's just say that the "myth" of Santa Claus is an allegory.
Dec 3 2009 8:26PM
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cfox
Posts: 2286 - Karma: 38
i think believing is god is good. I have my opinions on it dont buy into it completly but i think that church is fucking retarded its almost brain washing..for the most part jus a bit overboard. It just isnt for everyone but when people like this guy try to press their opinions or ideas on you its just uncalled for your aloud to make your own opinions/ideas..

just my 2 sense..
Dec 3 2009 8:30PM
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Thrash
Posts: 821 - Karma: 9
well god is a made up, so don't listen to that guy. he is just filling your head with a bunch of bullshit.
Dec 3 2009 8:33PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
I to go to youth group and as much as I like my leaders. there some times wrong they tried to tell me once to vote on government how god would and I was like bull shit no. don't lisson to everything they have to say.
Dec 3 2009 8:34PM
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RoadRash_Skier
Posts: 457 - Karma: 44
your leader? so you are in a secte or something like that?
Dec 3 2009 8:34PM
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jimmer
Posts: 3586 - Karma: 80

agreed.

the catholic church is much more liberal than protestant ones. catholics even tend to vote liberally while evangelicals are almost always hardcore conservatives. plus the catholic church actually acknowledges evolution. the pope signed a declaration saying that it is very likely that it was an instrument of god. my die hard conservative protestant friends get all fired up when i say evolution happened.

wow i got off track with this post. but yeah, skiing is one of the most spiritual experiences around.

Dec 3 2009 8:36PM
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selkirks
Posts: 1978 - Karma: 59
I get this all the time. For example, "don't vote for Obama because he supports abortion." Why the hell would you base your vote off of a single issue? That's irresponsible voting at its finest.
Dec 3 2009 8:36PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953

How is it pretentious to say that something is right or wrong?  It is like saying there is no truth.  You can argue however long you want about relativism, but the earth, the universe, etc were created somehow by something or someone.  To just say "I don't care, I'll just live how I want" is to totally ignore the enormity of existence.  I believe 100% in Jesus, without a shred of doubt.  I didn't grow up Christian, and no one had to convince me via argument to believe in Jesus - He made himself known.  I am not here to argue with anyone, because as stated in a post previously in this thread, it is pointless.  But if you really want to know if God is real or not - ask Him.  What is a travesty in reading this thread is the misconception about "religion" and who God is.  If I thought God was a distant god with white hair and a cane who sat in the heavens and was just mad at everyone and wanted to control everything I would never give him a thought either.  If you think He is just about rules and worship without question then I wouldn't really want to know Him if I was you either.  If you think Jesus is just some cheesy guy who has high standards to impose on your life for no reason but to control you, I wouldn't blame you for avoiding Him either.  But the reason I tell people about Jesus is because He isn't like that.  He is gracious and merciful.  He is kind.  And I believe in the reality of Heaven and Hell.  If you saw someone about to be hit by an oncoming bus you would push them out of the way.  I look at it the same way in telling people about the Lord.  If you are right and am I wrong, then you shouldn't be offended at all and just ignore people who preach to you if you are sure you are right.  But if you aren't right, couldn't there be consequences?  I am sure some of you right now are even disgusted or angry in reading this.  But, know that I don't say things out of anything but sincere love.  If I am wrong, then awesome for you, but why not consider? 

As to the author, I live for Jesus as much as I can.  Skiing is still my favorite activity in the world, and I will do it when I can.  But if Jesus asked me stop, then it would be for my benefit and I would.  However, to this point He has proven Himself to be a good dad who loves to give good gifts.  He loves to give me time to ski.  I think this guys youth pastor had a point in priorities in one's heart, no in being tedious about a law.   I could be wrong.  If you are concerned about it, talk to someone you respect who knows you well.  I love God, and I'll be skiing this year for sure.

Dec 3 2009 8:37PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
thank you I have you +k
Dec 3 2009 8:39PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
Word.

I think that all the religious movements and teachers throughout history wanted people to go out and find out what god was to them. And I don't mean find out eventually that there's a man in the sky, I think the entire bible/quran/whatever is simply a book telling people to get out there and explore, and form their own opinions. I think that they're simply teachings of self-empowerment and enlightenment, and that everyone who follows that path will eventually end up in the same place, no matter how they do it. I hope to get there one day too.

Obviously you should never stop skiing as long as it makes you happy, but if your youth group is questioning that, maybe its time you find a new youth group. You could also argue that skiing makes you feel closer to god than anything else, which in turn makes you happy because you are so close to god. That would tie it all together.
Dec 3 2009 8:39PM
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ReedSkis~
Posts: 2122 - Karma: 98
exactly
Dec 3 2009 8:45PM
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.jesus.
Posts: 2288 - Karma: 22
you insulin my religion sir? thems fight en words sir

but really screw that dude he is probably a gaper that fails at life
Dec 3 2009 8:52PM
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Chickendodo
Posts: 1426 - Karma: 33
It's pretentious because you can't prove that you are right.  Nor can I prove that you are wrong.  There is no way to prove either side, so saying that one is right is just a blatant lie.  You may believe it to be true, but that does not make it true in any sense except your own.  The Earth was believed to be flat, does that make it true?  No, but if someone didn't prove that it was round, we would still believe that it is flat.  I feel the same about god.  I believe in Jesus too, he was real, there are historical facts to prove that he existed.  God is another story.

I don't believe any of the things you said about god or Jesus, that they impose their ideals on me or are an angry old man with white hair somewhere far away, but that doesn't mean that I agree that god is real and that Jesus was his son and "our savior".

I don't understand how you can believe anything you have just said.  I can't believe in a god that has never shown himself.  I would like to know how Jesus made himself "known" to you, did he give you a call on his cell phone and say "sup dude, I'm real." then hang up?  Because I believe that seeing is believing and I have never seen any evidence that god exists.

You said "If you are right and am I wrong, then you shouldn't be offended at all and just ignore people who preach to you if you are sure you are right.", but this is a backwards statement, this is assuming that one side has to be right and the other has to be wrong.  Unfortunately the world isn't black and white like that.  You could be right for all I know, but until you prove that you are right to me, beyond a shadow of a doubt, then I will not accept your ideals, plain and simple.

Sorry for the wall of text, honestly I think it's great that you believe in all of that, but I can't bring myself to do it without factual evidence.  This is probably why I'm a math major, things are black and white in math.
Dec 3 2009 8:57PM
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selkirks
Posts: 1978 - Karma: 59
+k for knowing what you're talking about. much appreciated.

It could also apply to the mass itself. To put it in perspective, at my school, we've had a James Dean mass. We've had a Facebook mass. Heck, we've had a mass in our football stadium. The list goes on and on.

Dec 3 2009 9:05PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953

But there has to be a right and wrong about the origins of everything.  There couldn't be a god who created things and is charge of everything and there also be karma at the same time.  It is impossible.  So doesn't there have to be one answer?  Don't be sorry for the wall of text or the way you believe.  I am glad to hear an honest response.  To answer your question about Jesus making himself real - lots of ways.  The first was Him revealing himself to me as a Father in my spirit.  I can't even describe it to you, but He resonanted in my heart in a way that was undeniable.  I wept for probably an hour.  I was in a public place with lots of people around me.  The last thing I wanted to do was do that.  I knew it was God.  Since then He has pursued me with love, not laws.  Times when I have asked him to prove himself, he has.  Again, I can never convince you of anything.  But if you really want to know, dare to ask honestly.  He'll respond.  It isn't about bringing yourself to believe anything.  I would never want you to do that.  Laws and belief without love will just create a prison, not the freedom and joy that God intended.  Any man who lives life under the rules of religion without personally knowing God lives a little to be pitied above all, because it is lifeless.  Don't believe just to do it.  But if you want know for real, ask him to prove himself then.

Lastly, rock on to math majors.  Physics guy here.  It is nice when everything is explainable isn't it?  But some things are not to be contained by our minds.  God is the chief of those. 

Anyway, I'd be lying to say that I don't wish you'd know God, but the fact that most here have no desire to doesn't change any interaction or level of care or respect.  I hope everyone who posted here saying God or religion or whatever is dumb has a sick season.  I pray for pow pow, you better believe it.

Dec 3 2009 9:31PM
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LukeB.
Posts: 268 - Karma: 22
im feelin that. do what makes u happiest.
Dec 3 2009 9:34PM
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Wobby
Posts: 316 - Karma: 266
As a geology major I have just one question for you.  If god is real, why would he create the world with geological evidence that brings you to conclusions of him not being real?  Why would he make it appear that he doesn't exist?
Dec 3 2009 9:59PM
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B-runge
Posts: 16558 - Karma: 361
FUCK CHRISTIANITY

seriously, I find it to be the most blindly followed bullshit religion ever, mainly because most americans follow it and shove it down your fucking throat until you cant breath, and americans are fucking idiots.

+1 to atheism.
Dec 3 2009 10:10PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
spot on brother
Dec 3 2009 10:18PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
I'm going to kinda go off on this statement a little just to explore some possibilities I thought of.

So if anyone could ask god to prove himself they would know, but everyone who still hasn't been proven of this existence could think it's just a mental issue or simply not understand. Why would god not make it known to everyone of his existence? It would save his children from way too many ignorant, innocent deaths that are in his name. It could put an end to war.

I know the issue of faith could be brought up as an answer to this, but couldn't god just show up in everyone's minds and introduce them to the existence without explaining it? If every person in the world had a dream with god saying the same thing it would be obvious that he exists, but there would still be the factor of faith in what he can do, how he does it, etc.

How is it, then, that you expect to change people's minds? You said yourself that you wouldn't expect people to believe blindly, and that it took a supernatural experience to change your mind. So wouldn't that mean that every one of them would need a supernatural experience before they can be expected to change their mind and begin a belief?
Dec 3 2009 10:30PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953

Great question.  I can't say I know for sure, but based on the character of God - He is after lovers, not servants.  He wants people who willing love Him and choose Him over other things.  I do think that God desires that everyone would know Him and love Him personally, but He won't force anyone to.  He gets more glory if people see an option and choose Him rather than doing so just because it is 'the right thing to do'.  Why do I believe in God and the rest of my family doesn't?  I don't know.  I can't explain things in other people's lives, I just know He's made Himself available to me.  But I do think He is that personal, that if you truly want to find Him you will.  But, most people don't because of the view stated numerous times in this thread - that no one should tell them what to do, people or God.

Dec 3 2009 10:52PM
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spliff.Life
Posts: 7847 - Karma: 1,549
then you shouldnt be on ns cause youll go to hell
Dec 3 2009 10:55PM
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Chickendodo
Posts: 1426 - Karma: 33
I like you more and more every time you post haha.  If everyone who was religious was like you I think more people would listen.
Dec 3 2009 10:57PM
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robj
Posts: 9 - Karma: 10
haha... religion.
Dec 3 2009 11:07PM
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TheMoostafian
Posts: 4504 - Karma: 9,435
heres what i think...

1. stop going to gay ass youthgroups you are being brainwashed
2. dont let some dumbass guy that cant actually work at a church so he tries to teach kids about how cool and hip god is tell you that something is bad because it comes in the way of your love for god. fuck that, if there is a god he wouldnt give a fuck if you have a love for something else.
3. you suck anyways because you go to youthgroups on a regular basis and sing and hold hands and do other stupid shit
Dec 3 2009 11:12PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
I wish all Christians thought this way. Great explanation man.

So just out of curiosity, is this a purely personal, somewhat spiritual relationship? Or are you part of a church? Sorry if you've mentioned it somewhere above and I glanced over it, but I'm really interested, because most people who I've talked to who are into God or religion keep it super vague.
Dec 3 2009 11:15PM
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snomaster
Posts: 3344 - Karma: 5,748
.
Dec 3 2009 11:21PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
Since I became a Christian I have gone to church most of my life.  I haven't always been satisfied with church and the church has lots of flaws.  But church is only a part of my life with God.  I am not about showing up on Sunday and singing a few songs and listening to a great message just in order to satisfy my conscience.  I actually know Him personally and love him.  I actually read the Bible and try to live out what it says (read Matthew chapters 5-7 for real Christianity 101, which very few people who claim they are Christians do - pray, give, serve, love your enemies, fast, and above all humility).  I am 100% devoted to Jesus but I still love my friends that I've had since middle school that don't give a lick about Him.  Don't know if that answers your question, but I am trying to paint the picture that God isn't about lip-service, making servants or rituals.  He created laws and rituals that they would point to Him.  The second something is done just for tradition's sake and has no impact on the heart it iis pointless.  Sorry to ramble.  I am just saddened at the misunderstanding of God, yet can understand how others come to their conclusions. 
Dec 3 2009 11:29PM
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joly.sp
Posts: 2305 - Karma: 585
team jesus!
Dec 3 2009 11:36PM
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BackRoad
Posts: 299 - Karma: 46
Praise be the lord ULLR, god of snow and all that is winter
Dec 3 2009 11:46PM
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.jon
Posts: 2121 - Karma: 345
if you feel like it's being shoved down your throat, then the people doing that aren't following christianity. of course they're trying to, but i'd categorize them as misled christians if they're contradicting what their religion actually stands for. basically i'm saying it's not christianity, it's the people. maybe you already knew that
Dec 3 2009 11:50PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
Yep. Thanks. You didn't sound like you'd be into regular church sessions. Stoked for you man, hope I legit experience that some day.
Dec 4 2009 12:09AM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
This is a misconception that I believed most of my life too.

If you really think about it, it doesn't matter if you live a good life or not. If you believe in God, you should also believe that we are his creation. Because of this, he asks us to form a relationship with him. You can't go through life not knowing and glorifying the being who gave that life to you, then expect to be rewarded in the end, after making no attempt to thank God for what you are given.
Dec 4 2009 12:28AM
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selkirks
Posts: 1978 - Karma: 59
I want to thank NS for having a (mostly) legit discussion... hopefully this keeps up.
Dec 4 2009 12:46AM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
But wouldn't the best way to glorify the being that gave life to you be to use your gift and appreciate it to its fullest potential? I know from christmas and birthday presents that the most rewarding thing is not having the person say thank you, but having them use and enjoy what you gave them. I find thats the most important thing for me. I wonder if the man in the sky thinks the same way?
Dec 4 2009 1:03AM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
"he kept trying to tell me that it wasnt healthy to have anything be remotly close to god"
This is why I think religion isn't always a good thing.
Dec 4 2009 1:05AM
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Funnel
Posts: 7816 - Karma: 1,531
Tell your youth group leader that everytime you're at the top of that mountain that you're closer to heaven than he is.
Dec 4 2009 1:29AM
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schillz33
Posts: 121 - Karma: 15
If your youth pastors say that riding Pow doesn't bring you closer to God then IDK what does.

If you can, come ski Taos on a Sunday and you can go to the thirty minute church service at the top of chair 2!!  It is actually pretty cool.  You give up the first 30 min of your ski day to thank God for giving snow, happiness, working chairlifts and anything else and then pray that you ski away at the end of the day with no broken bones.  (I do tend to snag some first tracks if it's a powder day before stoppin by there :)
Dec 4 2009 2:01AM
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dman1260
Posts: 899 - Karma: 13
Sorry, didn't read the other posts....but,

If God isn't in the mountains and the snow when you are skiing a sick line with 2 feet of powder I don't know where he is. If you are doing something as wholesome as enjoying yourself while skiing you are doing nothing wrong and sure as hell aren't disrespecting or ignoring God.

Not to rip on your pastor/church, but the fact that they would tell you that leads me to believe they are more interested in keeping you away from any other joys and/or passions than they are from keeping you in touch with God. Know that may sound rough, but how can you tell someone that spending the weekend enjoying God's planet in one of the best ways possible is disruptive to your faith?
Dec 4 2009 2:07AM
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TWoods
Posts: 10014 - Karma: 8,386
Yea, for sure. Life is a gift, and it's meant to be lived. God wants life to be lived to the fullest extent, and simply enjoying life something that in itself is considered a form of glorification of God.

However, being that it is the ultimate gift, it's right to show thanks. Being given life, God asks only that we follow simple rules and spend some time to get to know him.
Dec 4 2009 2:13AM
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4mica
Posts: 1017 - Karma: 60
reading the original post makes me want to hate religion even more
Dec 4 2009 2:18AM
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marley..
Posts: 334 - Karma: 419
My thoughts exactly!
Dec 4 2009 2:44AM
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gerard1
Posts: 36 - Karma: 10

just go ski!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 4 2009 2:51AM
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