A beautiful experience...

[VeritasLuxMea]

Last night I had the opportunity to participate in an almost forgotten religious ceremony.

The Yurok tribe put on a little get together not far from here, everyone of every faith and background was invited to attend.

I had the honor of being a part of a 'Sweat Lodge.'

It was a very flattering invitation, because to my knowledge very few outsiders are brought in on things like that. The experience as a whole was a very moving and physical one, spending a considerable amount of time in a make-shift buffalo hide sauna, listening to the beautiful sounds of the Yurok's traditional song and prayer.

The most incredible part of the entire experience? They did not try to convert anyone, or preach their doctrine. They believe in a God, called 'Grandfather' or 'Creator' by them. As far as they seem to be concerned, 'Creator' is the very essence of every other god in existence, so to them a Christian worships and loves 'Grandfather' just as much as a Hindi does. I was absolutely blown away by how accepting they were of everyone, there was no fear or shunning of people based on their religion.

I highly suggest that anyone who has a deep-seated fear of other religion at the very least take the time to experience them, and see that Christianity is not the only religion that holds a doctrine centered on love and compassion.

 

[Densetzu]

Last night I had the opportunity to participate in an almost forgotten religious ceremony.

The Yurok tribe put on a little get together not far from here, everyone of every faith and background was invited to attend.

I had the honor of being a part of a 'Sweat Lodge.'

It was a very flattering invitation, because to my knowledge very few outsiders are brought in on things like that. The experience as a whole was a very moving and physical one, spending a considerable amount of time in a make-shift buffalo hide sauna, listening to the beautiful sounds of the Yurok's traditional song and prayer.

The most incredible part of the entire experience? They did not try to convert anyone, or preach their doctrine. They believe in a God, called 'Grandfather' or 'Creator' by them. As far as they seem to be concerned, 'Creator' is the very essence of every other god in existence, so to them a Christian worships and loves 'Grandfather' just as much as a Hindi does. I was absolutely blown away by how accepting they were of everyone, there was no fear or shunning of people based on their religion.

I highly suggest that anyone who has a deep-seated fear of other religion at the very least take the time to experience them, and see that Christianity is not the only religion that holds a doctrine centered on love and compassion.

I'm glad to hear you've had this experience. Hopefully we can repair the damage that has been done by Christians in the past past and heal the wounds that make communication between people of different faiths difficult so often.

 

[Harley_Angel]

That is awesome man! It must have been a truly remarkable situation to be in! We sometimes get so blinded we forget to see that if people aren't against us, they are for us. We push everyone away just for not using all the same nomenclature we have, having different views, having different interpretations and ideas. But I truly believe God will be looking in our heart, where no man can ever seen, to judge us, not just on the surface. It's cool you weren't so wrapped up in yourself that you couldn't enjoy being a part of something beautiful and spiritual with another culture and not start screaming DEMONS! EVIL! YOU ARE GOING TO HELL!!! Thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[VeritasLuxMea]

Having shared this story with a few other members, it has already been called 'wicked pagan ritual.'

Good job, right? That's what we want, we want to shun everyone who isn't a fundamentalist evangelical.

 

[MahogonySnail]

Well they probably are going to hell but don't let that spoil your fun as long as you had a good time that's all that matters.

 

[Cup-of-Ruin]

Well they probably are going to hell but don't let that spoil your fun as long as you had a good time that's all that matters.

I think sitting in make-shift cow-hide sauna with a bunch of fellas singing with old Yurok could be the very definition of hell itself.

 

[MahogonySnail]

I think sitting in make-shift cow-hide sauna with a bunch of fellas singing with old Yurok could be the very definition of hell itself.

aha.... .....

 

[Jezreel]

The missionaries that come to the United States did more damage to the American Indians than good. Even Jesus said of these kinds of religeous men, "they cross land and sea and prosletyte a person and make them into a two fold child of hell". I have a great respect and love of our native Americans. My husbands side has that heiritage on his mother's side of the family. Have you ever heard of Red Elk? You can look him up on the web and he has many insights that I agree with on the end times that are like the book of Revelation.

 

[dustyzafu]

Out of curiosity, did you get "bitten by coyote" - getting a bucket of water in the face with absolutely no warning?

 

[Densetzu]

Well they probably are going to hell but don't let that spoil your fun as long as you had a good time that's all that matters.

Aren't you just a ball of sunshine.

 

[imoss]

OOOH... this is sounding like the many roads to Heaven accept all garbage that Oprah preaches... DO NOT BE DECEIVED and do not partake in rituals that worship a false god for God is a JEALOUS GOD!!!!!!! KNOW THIS. Do not study the imposter study the truth, do not judge them for their ignorance of the Lord & do not separate yourself from them, just do not partake in their worship for it offends God & this I KNOW WITH CERTAINTY. I cant get over all the supportive comments in here. Are we not to rebuke our brothers righteously when they offend God? & yes partaking in religious ceremony that is not directed at God does offend God and you are absolutely totally and completely ignorant of God if you think otherwise. Ok all the passively happy accept all reglion people... post away.

 

[imoss]

oops sorry veritas, just noticed in your profile that you are unsure of your spiritual status & still seeking, dont know why I assumed you are a Chrisitan. Praying for you to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He is the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through Him.

 

[1still_waters]

The Israelites tried practicing the rituals of other religions and God kinda frowned on it. I don't think you can find a place in the Bible where God wants us going and participating in the rituals of other religions as we dismiss the clear distinctions of what we stand for, all in the name of not offending.

Unfortunately now days if you stand for God's truth, it's viewed as negative and divisive. Yes non-Christians will hate us if we say things like Jesus is the only way and that they are following a false god or religion.

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Jesus said there is going to be animosity between HIS followers and people who don't follow Him. It just comes with the territory

I know in our post modern world the dream is for people of all faiths to act like they follow the same way, as they hold hands and eat tofu together. But in Jesus's world he says they will hate us because we follow Him.

I think Jesus's world view is more valid than the current world view that wants us to all get along and act like we all really follow the same thing.

 

[carpetmanswife]

I think sitting in make-shift cow-hide sauna with a bunch of fellas singing with old Yurok could be the very definition of hell itself.

LOL .....

 

[Jezreel]

OOOH... this is sounding like the many roads to Heaven accept all garbage that Oprah preaches... DO NOT BE DECEIVED and do not partake in rituals that worship a false god for God is a JEALOUS GOD!!!!!!! KNOW THIS. Do not study the imposter study the truth, do not judge them for their ignorance of the Lord & do not separate yourself from them, just do not partake in their worship for it offends God & this I KNOW WITH CERTAINTY. I cant get over all the supportive comments in here. Are we not to rebuke our brothers righteously when they offend God? & yes partaking in religious ceremony that is not directed at God does offend God and you are absolutely totally and completely ignorant of God if you think otherwise. Ok all the passively happy accept all reglion people... post away.

You are very correct. It is good that you spoke up. I don't like it to be me all the time. There are many members of the body of Christ and it seems like I am one of the uncomely members. An uncomely member of the body is for eg, I cover my rear end and other parts of my body that are not so attractive. That is me! I guess you could say that I am the ass!! hee hee!! There are members of the body people like to see and admire. There are other parts, the uncomely parts that other members kind of dread. Exhortations is a gift that is warning others. That is one of my gifts, exhortation.

 

[Leilaii425]

I think sitting in make-shift cow-hide sauna with a bunch of fellas singing with old Yurok could be the very definition of hell itself.

hahahah!!!!!!

 

[Arel]

I had a similar experience with various friends of mine of other faiths, too. Pagans, but good nonetheless.

I remember once in particular I went to a ceremony with a Germanic friend of mine. Worshipers of Woden, the German "All-Father" of the gods. Very enlightening experience. I always love experiencing other cultures ^_^

 

[dothackzero]

oops sorry veritas, just noticed in your profile that you are unsure of your spiritual status & still seeking, dont know why I assumed you are a Chrisitan. Praying for you to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He is the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through Him.

It's a Christian website, 95% of the people here are Christian.

 

[Thaddaeus]

one world government , one world religion, and they will need a unverisal Bible that works with the one world religion, has anyone ever noticed where the new translations are going


Luke 11:2 (King James Version)


2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.




Luke 11:2 (New International Version)


2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,[a]
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.[b]


Footnotes:

1. Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts Our Father in heaven
2. Luke 11:2 Some manuscripts come. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

"Our Father which art in heaven" to " Father" anyone could pray this prayer even a satanic worshipper could use this pray to the devil himself,

Mt 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

1ti 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;1ti 4:2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;1ti 4:3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.



Joh 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

 

[imoss]

wow awesome post Pastor Keith... for starters I set aside my NIV because of this passage but didnt even notice that subtle but shocking part... for me it was the omission of thine is the kingdom the power & the Glory for ever & ever that was the clencher for me, but this is even more disturbing. I pray that the believers here will read and listen with an open heart to rubuke of passive acceptance of other religion in the name of Christian harmony and start standing up for GOD. when I do prayer requests I ask "please would all of my Christian friends please pray"... (Just between us, I dont need the prayers or "positive thoughts" of those who havent a clue who they are praying to.)