Religious differences

[WebLady]

Would you marry outside of your faith? Why or why not?

As with all of these polls, only answer if you want to and please be courteous and respectful of others.

[WebLady]

I voted 'No, I take my faith very seriously' I would have to have my husband have the same values and beliefs as I do.

I can be friends with just about anyone, but my faith is a big part of my life and who I am and I want my husband, the man I share my life and my everything with, to share my faith too. DH said he feels the same, it is just one of those things we feel that a married couple should have in common.

ETA - For those of you that would marry outside your faith, how do you deal with the things you don't agree on? And if you are going to have a family, how will you raise your kids?

[Kacie_bride]

I was thinking about this today. Personally I could not marry anyone who was not a Christian. I don't have a problem with people who do not share my faith, but to me marriage is a promise between God and the people getting married. If my FH did not share that belief in God then what good would that promise be?

Another reason would be that I want to have children. I want my children to grow up as Christians and have Christian examples from both their mother and father. I want the church to be a part of our lives as a family.

Justin is Baptist and I am Lutheran, but I could not marry anyone would not accept joining the Lutheran church. My children will be baptised into that church and raised there. We will be married by a Lutheran ceremony. Being a Lutheran is part of who I am and who I will always be. Justin was willing to accept that because he was actually not that satisfied with the Baptist church. He started going with my family and felt more comfortable at the Lutheran church. It worked out really well for us and I am very happy about it.

[CarlosHoney]

Well, I'm more a Zen/Meditation Spiritualist and Carlo is in the Native American Church. :bbmrgreen: There's a wacky combo, no?

We've agreed that Elias will be exposed and educated about each, and won't be pressured either way. Religon is a very personal decision, and I'm not going to fault someone for not praying to the same diety as me. That's not to say that I don't take my religon (or lack thereof) seriously. I don't think that I'm fir to judge someone else based on their "god".

[ladymelissa]

Of course, it doesn't matter one bit to me. Unless their faith or values are in direct conflict with my beliefs, like believing women are second class citizens for example. It would have to be a huge conflict of interest though. Like CarlosHoney said, I am not going to judge someone based on what they consider "god."

[WebLady]

... Religon is a very personal decision, and I'm not going to fault someone for not praying to the same diety as me.
I agree and I won't fault anyone for having different beliefs. Like I said before, I can be friends with just about anyone, I just don't think I could spend the rest of my life with someone that didn't share at least my core beliefs.

... Like CarlosHoney said, I am not going to judge someone based on what they consider "god."
I don't really think this falls in with judging someone really. I am not saying I would shun someone that didn't share my beliefs or not be their friend ... we just can't be in a serious relationship and get married.

Me personally I just have different standards when it comes to my life partner. If DH wasn't the man he is when we first started dating and getting to know each other the relationship wouldn't have gotten as far as it did ... we would have to just been friends ;)

[LaceyinPgh]

I wouldn't have a problem marrying someone outside of my faith as long as they left my choices, ideas, and decisions about my choices to me. I would respect them enough to let them think, feel, and believe whatever they wanted to. I was raised with no formal religious training. Sean was raised Catholic. We have never had a problem. We both pretty much follow Diest beliefs and practices. It is what works for us. I have been in relationships with Muslims, Jews, Buddist, and a half dozen differnt types of "Christians". It never caused a problem. As for our children, they will be raised that religion is an ever evolving idea that they can work with however they see fit in their lives.

[mariaandmanish]

Clearly, for me the answer is of course, because I did. Manish is hindu. I am not. :D It didn't make much difference to me or my family, but it took some time for his family to get used to the idea. And we've already agreed that our children will be raised knowing both of our heritages and cultures. I'm not a truly religious person, but I expect that my children will be as aware and knowledgeable about the Christian traditions as they are about the Hindu ones. And, when they are old enough, they can choose their own faiths. As long as they are happy, healthy and not hurting anyone, that will make me happy.

[mlm063007]

I put sure, but I was thinking strictly religion not faith. I would say it would be a hard thing for me to do. One of my ex's was an atheist, that was a big contibutor to our break up. Especially as I am extremely spiritual and feel I have a close relationship with God. It really depends on how different their faith is. If it was something similar, I would be ok with it. Luckily I dont have to worry about that now, FH & I are both Catholic.

[Jenn060306]

I would be ok marrying someone of a different faith then myself. Mark and i are not the same religion but we are both christian so it's fine. There only a few differences and we're ok with that.

[cowboysbride]

I said no, I could have never married a Non-Christian for obvious reasons and our children will be raised as Christians. I had been attending a Baptist Church before I met Eric and he invited me to go to church with him...3-4 months later I was baptized in the Church of Christ and that is where I shall stay.

[MOB Karen]

It wouldn't bother me either way as far as religion is concerned because I would never be attracted to anyone who was an atheist or a Satan Worshipper so that extreme would never be an issue. I was raised a non-denominational protestant, so whatever type of religion they practice would be fine with me.

[AllyM1]

I voted for the first no. I agree with what Kacie and Brandi both said. It would be too hard for me to marry someone if they weren't of the Christian faith. Luckily we were both brought up Baptist so it worked out well. The same also applies to me with politics. I am Conservative and I would never date or marry a liberal.

There would be no agreements! =)

[Kacie_bride]

I voted for the first no. I agree with what Kacie and Brandi both said. It would be too hard for me to marry someone if they weren't of the Christian faith. Luckily we were both brought up Baptist so it worked out well. The same also applies to me with politics. I am Conservative and I would never date or marry a liberal.

There would be no agreements! =)

I couldn't marry anyone who was very liberal either. That brings up an interesting couple though. I don't remember their names, I bet Lacey does, but I believe the wife was a Democrat and the husband a Republican. It may be vice versa, but one had worked for the Clinton adminstration and the other had worked for the Bush administration. It was something a long those lines. Somehow they made it work. I couldn't do it. Even most of my friends are conservatives, but I live in a conservative area so that is not hard! Not to say that I don't have any liberal friends, we just tend to avoid any political conversations!

[AllyM1]

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Schriber... he's supposedly republican and she's a Kennedy

EDIT: I think it works out because he's IMHO a liberal disguised as a Republican.

[Kacie_bride]

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Schriber... he's supposedly republican and she's a Kennedy

No, it wasn't them I was talking about. That is interesting too though.

[AllyM1]

Oh... hmmm I'll have to do some investigating! =)

[MOB Karen]

I couldn't marry anyone who was very liberal either. That brings up an interesting couple though. I don't remember their names, I bet Lacey does, but I believe the wife was a Democrat and the husband a Republican. It may be vice versa, but one had worked for the Clinton adminstration and the other had worked for the Bush administration. It was something a long those lines. Somehow they made it work. I couldn't do it. Even most of my friends are conservatives, but I live in a conservative area so that is not hard! Not to say that I don't have any liberal friends, we just tend to avoid any political conversations!

I don't know her name, but wasn't his name like James Carver or something like that? And they had a baby last year too.

[Kacie_bride]

I don't know her name, but wasn't his name like James Carver or something like that? And they had a baby last year too.

Maybe. I don't know. That is pretty cool!

[LaceyinPgh]

You're thinking of James Carvel and Marry Madeline. He worked on the Clinton campaigns and she worked for the Bush campaign.

I hate to be the one that points this out, but the only people who have democrat/republican issues are people not in politics. Politicians hang out together, have lunch together, deal together all the time. Only in middle American do political titles actually exist. I have worked on both sides of the proverbial aisle. In no job interview or publication interview has anyone ever asked me to show my voter ID card. They just cared that I was able to get the job done effectively.

[AllyM1]

You're right about that. Everyone thinks that the Bush's and the Clinton's hate eachother, but they probably golf together and send eachother holiday cards. It's all a show to get the American people pitted against eachother.

And guess what? It works! Liberals hate conservatives, conservatives hate liberals, and the people running the show are watching every minute of it, loving it.

Republicans and Democrats are all the same.

That's why you vote 3rd party.

[ikkin510]

Religious values are really important to me. Steve and I are both Baptisit. I would have a problem marrying someone who didn't share my believes and values. There would be too many differences with how I want to live and raise children.

[cowboysbride]

Republicans and Democrats are all the same.

That's why you vote 3rd party.

I'm a registered Republican and I have voted Democrat in the past, I vote for the person not the party....... Rep's and Dem's are NOT the same we both have different views...Republicans tend to be more conservative and Democrats tend to be more liberal, I think a good mixture of both is the key!

[WebLady]

As far as political views (which might could be another topic all together) I don't think I registered either way. I have voted both republican and democratic as well as for the third party in the past. I vote for who I think is the best for the job. I have mixed views and I don't fully agree with the views of either party. But I do think it is good that DH and I agree in most of our views.

[WhiskeyGirl]

IT doesn't matter to me as long as they are not in a Satanic cult!! lol. I don't have a specific religion as I believe multiple things, so how can i say no I wouldn't marry someone. Even if I did, I don't feel I have the right to judge someone because of their religion or not marry them because they are not of the same faith!

[LizabethDavis]

I don't think you can really help who you fall in love with and it is silly to try and deny your feelings because they do not share the same faith as you. JMO.

[Kacie_bride]

I don't think you can really help who you fall in love with and it is silly to try and deny your feelings because they do not share the same faith as you. JMO.

I think it would just cause more problems than goodness if two people are both very religious and of different faiths. For instance if I was to marry a Muslim person it would never work. The biggest issue would be with whatever children would arise out of the marriage. My children will be raised as a Christian and a Lutheran Christian at that. Nothing against Muslims or any other faith, but I have very firm beliefs. I believe that in order to go to heaven you must accept Jesus Christ as your savior and ask for forgivness for yours sins. I could not live with myself if I thought my children were not exposed to this and taught this. I would also want my babies baptized. A lot of people of other faiths would have problems with that. It would just cause too many issues for me.

[LaceyinPgh]

I think it would just cause more problems than goodness if two people are both very religious and of different faiths. For instance if I was to marry a Muslim person it would never work. The biggest issue would be with whatever children would arise out of the marriage. My children will be raised as a Christian and a Lutheran Christian at that. Nothing against Muslims or any other faith, but I have very firm beliefs. I believe that in order to go to heaven you must accept Jesus Christ as your savior and ask for forgivness for yours sins. I could not live with myself if I thought my children were not exposed to this and taught this. I would also want my babies baptized. A lot of people of other faiths would have problems with that. It would just cause too many issues for me.
Couldn't you just raise them in both beliefs and cultural traditions? Let them decide how they wanted to believe when they were old enough?

[Kacie_bride]

Couldn't you just raise them in both beliefs and cultural traditions? Let them decide how they wanted to believe when they were old enough?

No, that alone would be against my religion and the baptismal vow I would take when they are baptized as infants. In all reality my marriage would not be recongnized in my church if it were not to a Christian, so I wouldn't marry a non-Christian either because of that fact. When they got old enough they could explore other religions if they wanted to, but I couldn't be a part of that nor would I fully support it.

[Kacie_bride]

Here is a little about it:

Parents and sponsors of a baptized child bear the responsibility of teaching this child God's Word so that the child's faith may remain alive and grow (Matt. 28:18-20). Confirmation is a time-honored church tradition (not required by God's Word, but--we believe--useful nonetheless) in which the child baptized as an infant is given the opportunity to confess for himself or herself the faith that he or she was unable to confess as an infant. Faith is not "created" at confirmation, but rather confessed for all to hear, so that the church can join and rejoice in this public confession, which has its roots in the faith which God Himself created in baptism.

[LaceyinPgh]

No, that alone would be against my religion and the baptismal vow I would take when they are baptized as infants. In all reality my marriage would not be recongnized in my church if it were not to a Christian, so I wouldn't marry a non-Christian either because of that fact. When they got old enough they could explore other religions if they wanted to, but I couldn't be a part of that nor would I fully support it.

I'm not trying to pick on you, Kacie. I would hope that you arleady knew that though. I'm just trying to get into the thought process some.

Just to give you an example, my mother was raised in the Nazarene Church, my father in the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches. I was raised with all three. I went to all three churches. I celebrated the holidays and took part in special celebrations. (Double Christmases and Easters ROCKED because of the different calanders in the Orthodox Church) There was never any pressure. I was always allowed to voice my opinons or thoughts. I was never judged and always supported in whatever religious views I decided to take. Right now I don't belong to any specific church. I don't subscribe to any one religious thought process. It didn't hurt my relationship with my parents nor their relationship with their own respective faith(s). Sean is technically Catholic but because of certain social stances that the Catholic church takes (as well as the Nazarene Church), we have decided that our children will not be raised in any of the religous teachings mentioned above. They will be raised to explore the teachings and thinkings of all religions and to focus on humanity as a whole.

These questions aren't directed at you personally, but to everyone who said that they could never accept to marry someone outside of their faith because their children have to be raised in their specific religion. Would you be all right if your children came home one day and decided that they wanted to incorporate Buddist ideals in their lives? Or, if they brought home a person of a different faith and declared that they were marrying that person? What if they were marrying that person and subscribing to their faith as well? Would you be able to accept your child if they decided to come home and proclaim that they are an atheist? At what point do you draw the line between faith and family?

[CarlosHoney]

No, that alone would be against my religion and the baptismal vow I would take when they are baptized as infants. In all reality my marriage would not be recongnized in my church if it were not to a Christian, so I wouldn't marry a non-Christian either because of that fact. When they got old enough they could explore other religions if they wanted to, but I couldn't be a part of that nor would I fully support it.I understand the whole Confirmation thing. At the same time, though, I don't. I don't see the point in baptising a baby. They didn't make that decision for themselves. My parents baptised me as an infant and I've told them that I don't appriciate it. I feel like my spirituality is very personal to me.. I'm very against organised religon. In my opinion, it's little more than brainwashing. I think that a personal relationship with god is just that, personal.

Not attacking, just expressing myself...

But I also ask the same question as Lacey:
Would you be all right if your children came home one day and decided that they wanted to incorporate Buddist ideals in their lives? Or, if they brought home a person of a different faith and declared that they were marrying that person? What if they were marrying that person and subscribing to their faith as well? Would you be able to accept your child if they decided to come home and proclaim that they are an atheist? At what point do you draw the line between faith and family?I can't see ever judging Elias because of his beliefs. If Elias came home one day, said that he was now Baptist, and that he was going become a minster, that's up to him. I don't think that I would like it much, but I would not love him any less, or be any less accepting of him. I think that anyone who doesn't subscribe to my particular set of beliefs is just as deserving of love and acceptance. You don't stop loving your child because they don't follow in your footsteps. :bbmrgreen:

[WebLady]

I really don't see this issue as being about judging someone for their beliefs, to me it is only in what you want from a mate. We all have certain character traits that we look for in a partner. To me, a strong faith that coincides with my own is just one of those things that I look for. I want my husband and I to share common goals and beliefs in all aspects of our lives ... even it we are not having children.

Regardless of your faith, I would hope that those with children would raise them with a choice. Sure when they are young they follow your life, (as with anything else) go to church with you and what not, but as they are old enough to think for themselves and make decisions for themselves, some things might change. And as a parent you should accept your child for whatever they they choose to be, whether you agree or not, that is unconditional love.

I was sort of forced into the whole church thing when I was young and I rebelled from it. Now as an adult I do have faith in my life but not in the way that was forced upon me earlier in my life.

I don't know if I'm making any sense, so I will stop ;)

[CarlosHoney]

Regardless of your faith, I would hope that those with children would raise them with a choice. Sure when they are young they follow your life, (as with anything else) go to church with you and what not, but as they are old enough to think for themselves and make decisions for themselves, some things might change. And as a parent you should accept your child for whatever they they choose to be, whether you agree or not, that is unconditional love.

I was sort of forced into the whole church thing when I was young and I rebelled from it. Now as an adult I do have faith in my life but not in the way that was forced upon me earlier in my life.

I don't know if I'm making any sense, so I will stop ;)I totally agree.. That's kind of what I was trying to say myself. I just didn't like befing forced into anything. My mom's family tried to force the Church of Christ on us. My Dad tried to get us to be Baptist.. I said no to both, because they don't feel right.:)

[Kacie_bride]

Would you be all right if your children came home one day and decided that they wanted to incorporate Buddist ideals in their lives? Or, if they brought home a person of a different faith and declared that they were marrying that person? What if they were marrying that person and subscribing to their faith as well? Would you be able to accept your child if they decided to come home and proclaim that they are an atheist? At what point do you draw the line between faith and family?

If I had a child and they came home and said they wanted to follow another faith it would be hard for me because of the beliefs that I have and what I think is the key to salvation. They would most defiantely have to be old enough to make these thoughts for themselves. However, I would not love them any less. My brother is not very religious, but we do not love him any less. Forcing religion onto anyone is not the key and actually I don't think it does the soul any good anyway.

If they were marrying someone of a different faith (non-Chrisitian) it would also hurt, but yes I would accept them and continue to love them. Now if they came home and said they were going to be Catholic or Methodist or Church of Christ, that would be just as fine as them saying they were Lutheran.

I see it as not letting your children eat sweets or soft drinks or limiting it. You are doing this because you think it is right for the child and it is for their health. I am going to raise my children this way because I care for their spiritual health. I believe to be spiritually healthy you must believe in Jesus Christ and ask forgiveness for your sins. At some point you have to let your children decide what they want to eat and it is the same way with religion.

And for Carrie:

I can understand people's objections for babtizing infants, however there is a point to it. Here it is summed up pretty well on what we believe about it.

Lutherans believe that the Bible teaches that a person is saved by God's grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Baptism, we believe, is one of the miraculous means of grace (together with God's written and spoken Word) through which God creates the gift of faith in a person's heart. Although we do not claim to understand how this happens or how it is possible, we believe (because of what the Bible says about baptism) that when an infant is baptized God creates faith in the heart of that infant. This faith cannot yet, of course, be expressed or articulated, yet it is real and present all the same (see, e.g., 1 Pet 3:21; Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:5-6; Matt. 18:6; Luke 1:15; 2 Tim.3:15; Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:11-12; 1 Cor. 12:13).

Then in confimation you reaffirm and make your own decisions. I also must tell you that we do not believe baptism is a free ticket to salvation nor do we believe that you have to be baptized to be saved. It is just a point of view and what we feel is right.

We are not brain washed. I am free to make my own decisions. I was always free to make my own decisions as an adult. I go to church and am involved because I like it there and I love the people there. I love to hear the word of God.

It is just a point of view that I have and what I feel with ultimately be right for me personally, my current family, and any future children I may have.

[WebLady]

I just want to say before we go any further, that I started this thread because I was curious about how strongly you felt about your faith (regardless of what it is) and did it matter to you that your spouse to share it with you.

I don't think we need to get into any details of any particular religious practices (or quoting bible verses and such) since there are so many different beliefs out there ... we don't want anyone to get upset or offended. Just my thoughts :)

[CarlosHoney]

Kacie. I respect you for knowing what you believe and being able to back that up. :D I've talked to way too many "christians" who don't practive peace, compassion, and understanding... Quite honestly, that's sad when I know more about the bible than they do. :bbconfused:

Brandi, thanks for starting this thread. I think that talking to others with differing points of view on anything (what kind of food you eat, religon, politics, breastfeeding, etc..) opens our own horizons and makes us more understanding of those on "the other side of the fence".

I don't mean to offend anyone. I'm just sharing myself so that we're 100% clear. I feel privelaged to be in a community with other women who can be as open and honest, without feeling like they are being attacked. :bbmrgreen:

[WebLady]

... I've talked to way too many "christians" who don't practive peace, compassion, and understanding... Quite honestly, that's sad when I know more about the bible than they do. :bbconfused:
I have also known many people like this and this is why I sometimes don't like to call myself a 'Christian' because I don't feel I am like most of the mainstream 'Christians'.

... Brandi, thanks for starting this thread. I think that talking to others with differing points of view on anything (what kind of food you eat, religon, politics, breastfeeding, etc..) opens our own horizons and makes us more understanding of those on "the other side of the fence".Thanks, I agree :D And even though my views are not changed by any of these types of discussions, it does sometimes help me to understand the views and ideals of others a little better.

... I don't mean to offend anyone. I'm just sharing myself so that we're 100% clear.I don't think you have offended anyone, at least not me, but it takes alot to offend me ;)

I just think that maybe we all need to take a step back and maybe not always go into too much detail about things ... we have to keep in mind that not only will some people have different views, but some people are more sensitive about them and may be more easily offended.

... I feel privelaged to be in a community with other women who can be as open and honest, without feeling like they are being attacked. :bbmrgreen:I agree ... me too!

[LaceyinPgh]

I just think that maybe we all need to take a step back and maybe not always go into too much detail about things ... we have to keep in mind that not only will some people have different views, but some people are more sensitive about them and may be more easily offended.
When you take a step back, you don't learn anything. I am interested in everyone on this board. I consider you all friends. Part of getting to that relationship is to learn about each other. When you ask questions, you get answers. Those answers lead to more questions. It also allows the conversation to evolve. I enjoy the fact that we can question each other without it being a big deal. If someone takes offense, they can speak up. If you don't go into detail, it leaves the unknown. When you get to that unknown is when problems start to erupt.

[ladymelissa]

When you take a step back, you don't learn anything. I am interested in everyone on this board. I consider you all friends. Part of getting to that relationship is to learn about each other. When you ask questions, you get answers. Those answers lead to more questions. It also allows the conversation to evolve. I enjoy the fact that we can question each other without it being a big deal. If someone takes offense, they can speak up. If you don't go into detail, it leaves the unknown. When you get to that unknown is when problems start to erupt.
That's a good point.

[WebLady]

When you take a step back, you don't learn anything. I am interested in everyone on this board. I consider you all friends. Part of getting to that relationship is to learn about each other. When you ask questions, you get answers. Those answers lead to more questions. It also allows the conversation to evolve. I enjoy the fact that we can question each other without it being a big deal. If someone takes offense, they can speak up. If you don't go into detail, it leaves the unknown. When you get to that unknown is when problems start to erupt.
For the most part I agree, I think we have done extremely well with all the touchy topics we've gotten into here. But I do see little sparks from time to time were people get upset about something.

I would hope that as adults we can either agree to disagree and/or bow out of the conversation, but some people can get really worked up over things ... I just don't want to see any drama around here.

I don't know, maybe I am wrong or maybe I'm making something out of nothing ... I've been looking for ways to lessen the chances of drama in my personal life and I guess I wanted to do the same here.

[LaceyinPgh]

For the most part I agree, I think we have done extremely well with all the touchy topics we've gotten into here. But I do see little sparks from time to time were people get upset about something.

I would hope that as adults we can either agree to disagree and/or bow out of the conversation, but some people can get really worked up over things ... I just don't want to see any drama around here.

I don't know, maybe I am wrong or maybe I'm making something out of nothing ... I've been looking for ways to lessen the chances of drama in my personal life and I guess I wanted to do the same here.
Conflict is part of life. Because of that it is a part of friendships as well. It is not wise to walk around thinking that you can bring up a topic, but not have people question others' answers. None of us are going to agree 100% with everything that is said. But by discussion and debate, it allows us a way to view the things that we don't understand. If we don't want to do that, than we need to stick strictly to wedding planning.

[MOB Karen]

I personally feel that we haven't really needed any moderation in all the threads we have posted lately. This is a very unique and mature group of women who have chosen not to be offensive, but still get their point across. :D

[WebLady]

Conflict is part of life. Because of that it is a part of friendships as well. It is not wise to walk around thinking that you can bring up a topic, but not have people question others' answers. None of us are going to agree 100% with everything that is said. But by discussion and debate, it allows us a way to view the things that we don't understand. If we don't want to do that, than we need to stick strictly to wedding planning.
I agree and I am glad that we can talk about more than just weddings. Maybe I was wrong in bringing it up at all ... sorry everyone.

I personally feel that we haven't really needed any moderation in all the threads we have posted lately. This is a very unique and mature group of women who have chosen not to be offensive, but still get their point across. :D
Well I wasn't trying to 'moderate' anything, I was just stating my opinion and trying to see where some people might get upset and my feelings on wanting to lessen drama. I agree that for the most part we have done very well with all the touchy subjects we've gotten into lately, but there have been some cases where I think we have been close to some drama.

But I guess it is just me so I will not bring it up again.

[Kacie_bride]

When you take a step back, you don't learn anything. I am interested in everyone on this board. I consider you all friends. Part of getting to that relationship is to learn about each other. When you ask questions, you get answers. Those answers lead to more questions. It also allows the conversation to evolve. I enjoy the fact that we can question each other without it being a big deal. If someone takes offense, they can speak up. If you don't go into detail, it leaves the unknown. When you get to that unknown is when problems start to erupt.

I agree with you Lacey. I have not been offended. I don't think anyone has gotten offended over this debate either. I respect everyone's view. The only reason I got into specifics was to explain why I feel a certain way. Those were not bible verses, the bible verses were citations for whomever wrote the paragraphs. I pasted them because they were better at explaining why I felt the way I do. I couldn't have said it in that few words.