Smokin' Dragon

I respect all religions and their God(s).

a) "May peace be with you" is my usual response, but somehow it doesn't feel quite appropriate. I am receiving a kind blessing, and in return I am only wishing peace for that person.

b) "May God bless you too" seems most appropriate but is this insulting and fake when I don't believe in their God? I don't want to be disrespectful to their religion.

c) "May your God bless you" seems somewhat demeaning to their religion.

d) "Many blessings to you" I want to start responding with this but fear people might think that blessings other than from their God are deemed demonic and evil.

e) [insert your response here]

What is a polite and respectful response to you from someone who does not share your beliefs?

Please state your religion so I can act accordingly.

I understand that in Christianity, the dragon represents the devil/evil. But how do you view the benevolent and peaceful dragons in Asian cultures? Or any dragon for that matter?

I ask because a pastor at a local church recently received a donation of beautiful artwork of nine Chinese dragons. She called me to pick it up immediately, as she did not want it in her Church overnight. And she flatly refused my offer to pick it up the next day. It just got me thinking, I'm curious.

After reading some questions and answers in R&S, I seem to be confused as these terms are used to varying degrees. What do these following terms mean to you:

1) Enlightenment

2) To be enlightened

3) To be awakened

4) Self-realization

5) Nirvana

I am just trying to understand some of the answers that I read.

The words in parenthesis are my own.

(Nirvana/ Enlightenment/ Heaven is like a certain someone) who was carrying a jar full of meal. While she was walking on a road, still some distance from home, the handle of the jar broke and the meal emptied out behind her on the road. She did not realize it; she had noticed no accident. When she reached her house, she set the jar down and found it empty.

Just a humble student seeking insight (and trying to maintain my sanity). All answers are welcome, regardless of religion.

Peace and Blessings.

From what I have read, I understand that Judaism does not have a focus on the afterlife. But I’m just curious as to whether reincarnation is a common belief, or limited more to the Orthodox Jews, Jewish mystics or those who study the Kabbalah, the Zohar. And I’m asking about reincarnation, not resurrection, or is there a difference? I’m apparently a confused seeker of sorts. Personal opinions are encouraged. And you can answer however you please; with a “yes”, a “no”, a “not really a concern” or any variant. Please feel free to answer regardless of your religious beliefs

Peace and Respect.

Have you found that some things cannot be explain by science or reasoning alone?

Have you found that some things cannot be easily passed off as coincidences?

How do you deal with this?

And please do not assume I am making any assumptions or generalizations. I respect your views and have no debate with you. Personally, Christianity converted me from a Christian to an atheist for a brief time. But since experiencing other religions, I have not looked back.

I’m just a curious person. After observing the R/S section for some time, I do expect rational and logical answers from most of you.

Real or myth?

And if you don’t mind, please indicate your religion or your belief or that you’re atheist.

Just curious. Thanks.

OK, I know the definition of Paganism. But I am curious as to the opinions of practicing Pagans or anyone who chooses to answer. And have no worries, I do not have an identity crisis with my beliefs. Labels are of little concern to me. Just a survey of sorts.

Would you consider me a Pagan based on the following?

I believe in the spiritual path to Enlightenment. Buddhism is only one of many documented paths which I choose to learn from.

I strongly believe in karma, balance, and the harmony of nature/universe.

I don’t believe in one all-powerful supreme god. I believe that many gods exist, though there are no particular gods that I currently choose to honor. But I give my respects to most of them.

I honor the Buddhas, the Bodhisattvas, and my ancestors.

I don’t believe the gods created this universe, nor the big bang theory, it’s a mystery to me and not really a concern of mine, but I believe that the concept of evolution is sound.

When you know someone has good intentions and is doing something nice for you, but you don't like the way it's being done, what would you do? One example, I am rather particular about my coffee and like it very hot in the morning. My co-worker pours my cup of coffee for me before I'm ready to sit down to drink it. By the time I get to my desk, the coffee is less than hot. I've even hinted "you are too kind, I can do it myself." Her response is that she enjoys it and continues to do this. I'm not being unappreciative, I appreciate her good intentions. I was raised to accept whatever gifts I receive without complaint, so this has been going on for over 6 months. I can certainly live with it, but this morning my first sip of coffee was actually hot, and I realized that I miss hot coffee in the morning. How would you handle this? First, I don't want to offend her by criticizing a gift to me. Second, I don't want her to feel like I am implying that she should wait until I'm ready for it.

I have no intentions of being offensive although I know this will be offensive to many. I'm no longer a Christian and despite my history of answers, I don't hate Christians. Some of my family and good friends are Christian and we have some lively and informative debates. But mostly, we separate the theology from the spirituality and share and learn from each others spritual experiences.

I have a lot of fun on Y/A, but it is alarming that we have so many fundamentalist Christians who are misinformed about their religion and/or cling to the ancient Bible too tightly. I'll admit that Christianity leaves a positive influence in our daily lives. The Bible has good lessons to be learned, but you have to realize that a lot of that stuff doesn't apply today. Even Jesus changed and/or abolished some of the old laws 2000 years ago. See, he realized that those old laws no longer applied to his day.

Why can't Christians see this and use common sense to adapt the Bible to our modern day?

.... do you prefer general admission floor tickets, or the actual seats behind the pit? I'm getting tickets for the Vegas Show at the Pearl Theater (2,500 seats), and wanted to get some feedback on which kind of tickets I should purchase. Thanks

I am planning a business party, and want to make sure the invitation is clear that there is no charge to attend, with free food and drinks, without using the word "Free" or any synonym. How can I word this? It probably needs to be creative. Thanks.

I want to replace the entire system: CD changer, speakers, the works. First, is this something I can do myself (I have a bit of free time these days), no car audio experience whatsoever, but I think I can be pretty handy with electronics? Second, I want to stay with a Blaupunkt system, which models would fit my car? Please advise, any recommendations, tips, or generally pointing me in the right direction would be appreciated.