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[Sergius]

Genuinelly official, or just very popular?

Official state religion, as far as I know. Mandatory in public schools.

[Supercharazad]

Note: The Old Testament is actually a good read. It's fiction, but it's good.

[shadenight123]

Note: The Old Testament is actually a good read. It's fiction, but it's good.

naughty boy! :3
it's like stating that in truth, every single believer in a religion is a roleplayer.
since he is basing his life on fantasy settings and fantasy narrative.
dungeons and dragons religion...never thought of that!

[TheMasterTurtle]

Yo dude, saying something like that is begging for an argument.

[_DivideByZero_]

It's best not to make statements like that, Supercharazad. Just saying, because you could get flamed for it.

Me? I'm non-denominational. I go by John 3:16 when it comes to the topic of salvation.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.-John 3:16

What I believe (and most of my non-denominational church, for that matter) is that believing that Jesus died for us is enough for salvation, but it's the thought that counts. A person who wholeheartedly believes the truth will act like he truly does, for example, giving to the church, being an overall nice person, spreading the word, etc.
However, I'm not to big on the whole Catholic doctrine where you have to go through these... rituals to be saved. It's practically the complete opposite of what the Bible teaches. I don't quite know who started the whole 10% rule, but in general it's not math that gets you to heaven... that's what I have to say about the matter. Salvation is through grace, not through works, and believing in Jesus gets you saved. Good works are a result of belief.

Suggestions? Personally, I don't know. I've been blessed as a Christian in a Christian family at an agreeable non-denominational church. I can pray for you, but really I'm in a completely different situation. Try bringing up the topic of salvation, how Jesus died for us all and that being good will not save someone. It's the thought that counts, not the work. Just remember one thing, don't think all Christians are the same. Quite a few of us are actually reasonable, while there are others which might not be.

[TheMasterTurtle]

Divided By Zero, that is the exact thing I believe.

[Makbeth]

You know, having just viewed the game addiction videos by Extra Creditz this morning, and having experienced minor examples of what was discussed there, I think this new conversion zeal, especially when the conversion is brought about by hardship, seems an awful lot like the gaming binges that people go on to escape their real life problems, or any other kind of escapism that people engage in when they don't want to face the challenges in their life.

Perhaps religion is, among other things, one of the oldest forms of escapism, and people turn to it when they feel powerless to help themselves.  Might actually be a helpful example if they think someone upstairs is rooting for them or helping them out as they dive back into their struggles.

I would say that if it gives her the confidence to move forward, and she calms down about getting other people involved and buying all the accessories (Moichendizing!) and tithing, then it's probably for the best.  If she goes too far with it and shows no sign of slowing down, you may want to make it known that it is, in fact, perfectly fine for others to have opinions and methods for dealing with their problems that don't match hers.

[Svarte Troner]

No offense to anyone, but I must admit, if my family just up and became Christ-nazi's, I'd cut off all communication with them before they could with me (being an evil Pantheist heathen!). But seriously, I wish you the best of luck.

[Strife26]

And if my family started using the term Christ-Nazi I'd probably do the same.

[Svarte Troner]

And if my family started using the term Christ-Nazi I'd probably do the same.

hah yeah, I knew that wasn't the best thing to say, my post button pressing instincts were tingling.

[squeakyReaper]

Going somewhere isn't an option.  Seriously though, christnazi?  That's gotta be the most insane term I've heard in a while.

Also, the bible does have interesting snippets.  *IF* you take them as fiction, which *I* do, they're still fun enough to read.

[Lectorog]

Also, the bible does have interesting snippets.  *IF* you take them as fiction, which *I* do, they're still fun enough to read.

"Best-selling fictional writing of all time," my friend is fond of saying.

I recall one point where I actually laughed out loud while reading the Bible. Basically, Jesus walked up to a fig tree, and it didn't have fruit on it at the time, so he cursed it.

Even ignoring the language/writing problems in reading, the Bible isn't that interesting. Its stories are kind of pathetic, compared to good reads.
There are some interesting - and amusing - bits in it. That's the only reason I'd recommend going to church. It gives you some knowledge about the more important points of the religion without having to devote your time to the boring reading. I can't say I like the singing, though.

I see the Bible as a writing (from people) made to improve peoples' lives. (I can explain that further, if anyone wishes.) As such, I enjoy reading it occasionally to get insights as to how life was back then. And trying to imagine what the world would be like without Christianity, Judaism, and/or Islam; that's a bit of a challenge, there.

Religion has always been a fallback for hard times. Your mom might have fallen too hard and hit her head on something. I think you're doing right as you are; let each person have their own beliefs so long as it's not harming anyone*. If her devotion starts causing harm or danger, though - such as the large donations - you should explain, simply and thoroughly, that she should stop that. Being very polite of course, but keeping firm. Make sure she knows the church isn't going to die off or anything if her donations lower.

*For current purposes, the damnation of atheists will not be counted as harm.

[alway]

Also, the bible does have interesting snippets.  *IF* you take them as fiction, which *I* do, they're still fun enough to read.

"Best-selling fictional writing of all time," my friend is fond of saying.

I recall one point where I actually laughed out loud while reading the Bible. Basically, Jesus walked up to a fig tree, and it didn't have fruit on it at the time, so he cursed it.

The best one is where some children call a prophet an old baldy, and so he sends bears to murder them all. It's at 2 Kings 2:23-24 

I mean, damn, some guys are a bit oversensitive about being bald, but seriously? 3 and a half dozen dead children is a bit overkill, if you'll excuse the pun.

[ChairmanPoo]

I recall one point where I actually laughed out loud while reading the Bible. Basically, Jesus walked up to a fig tree, and it didn't have fruit on it at the time, so he cursed it.

God hates figs?

[G-Flex]

Also, the bible does have interesting snippets.  *IF* you take them as fiction, which *I* do, they're still fun enough to read.

"Best-selling fictional writing of all time," my friend is fond of saying.

I recall one point where I actually laughed out loud while reading the Bible. Basically, Jesus walked up to a fig tree, and it didn't have fruit on it at the time, so he cursed it.

The best one is where some children call a prophet an old baldy, and so he sends bears to murder them all. It's at 2 Kings 2:23-24 

I mean, damn, some guys are a bit oversensitive about being bald, but seriously? 3 and a half dozen dead children is a bit overkill, if you'll excuse the pun.

Well, there's also the time Noah curses the bloodline of one of his sons because his son made fun of him for falling asleep drunk and naked in his tent.