I mean no harm and do not wish to offend anyone who is non christian, but felt compiled to share this video to help get those who are christian moving into the spirit of the forthcoming holidays.
Certainly no offense taken with me, John, and thanks so much for posting this. I do think it is a shame that we feel like we have to preface our beliefs before speaking and posting about this subject. In the meetings I often hear "I don't mean to offend anyone..." before someone shares that their HP is God. Seldom do I hear people who don't believe in God or even a HP who share say this before they share, and in fact quite a few of these shares come out quite angry sounding. I used to get offended at that, but I have learned acceptance and in the right of others' to believe what they want to believe. Their beliefs have nothing to do with me and have no affect on me and my belief in God. I am proud to be a Christian. After having had two fairly lengthy relationships with atheists and trying to change them, and being yelled at, ridiculed, called a fool, etc. I threw up my hands and just say "Whatever" to myself.
God Bless You for Posting this.
I personally would not have a problem with posting a celebratory video for any religious organization (Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, etc.) to also move them towards the spirit of their own annual holiday celebration. However, I do not presume to know what their holidays are and what are acceptable ways to present it. Without more knowledge, I am inclined to refrain from unknowingly stepping on someone's toe's because I lacked a better understanding. It matters not to me what someone else's beliefs are based in, and I will openly admit that I do enjoy celebrating most everyone's faith in a Power Greater Than Themselves. It's our faith that "makes us whole". My heart goes out to those who not only don't have a faith by which they can instill their hope, but they are so lacking that they tend to condemn the faith of others. Lastly, for any one who thinks or feels I might be trying to promote a religious ideology by posting such a beautifully performed video...
I am not nor do I identify myself as a "Christian". I am simply a man that enjoys holidays that bring the spiritual consciousness for all human beings to a place of awakening.
John I have been playing drums in and out of rock/roll and various forms of musical bands since I was 12...I am an avid fan of wonderful recorded music be it a BACH FUGUE,RAVI SHANKAR,OR TONY WILLIAMS LIFETIME ETC.............This song has spiritually always touched my heart and I love this version of it...
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Well put John, ... As it stands, the AA program of recovery led me back to my Christian roots ... I had strayed away from them a long time ago and made 'the drink' my religion so to speak ... I was like the proverbial 'prodigal son' who was described in the Big BB ... went and did things my way, spent all my efforts on frivolous things until I became a broken man ... then returning to my family to confess my greed and ask for help ... and then to 'change' my thinking on the real meaning of life ...
One thing I never had before was tolerance ... I learned that in AA ... I learned that I cannot and shouldn't try to change someone else and their beliefs ... but I can and should live in a way that they see something in me that they want to have and assist them if they want to attain the same 'peace of mind, tranquility, and love' that I enjoy so much today ... There are some that participate in religions that promote violence and punishment for those with other than their own beliefs ... I cannot comprehend the 'why' ... alas, the world is filled with those who are grossly misguided in what is basically 'right and wrong' when it comes to humanity ... and it's been that way since the beginning of time ...
I don't promote Christianity here as much as I would like to do, because StPeteDean taught me a long time ago that the masses simply will reject it and then may never seek the recovery they so desperately need ... so I try to remain suttle about it in my posting ... A forced belief is worse than no belief at all I think ... and that may be one of the biggest problems we have in the world today ...
Enough of my opinion, I loved music above, it filled my heart with joy and that 'feel good' mushy stuff ... and for that, I am grateful ...
Love ya man and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
How much tolerance would I get if I posted some inspirational satanic music or Wiccan chanting? Are the postings to help ALL alcoholics? If you know people are going to be offended, then why are you posting anyway? That seems like a selfish act to me.
Most people come to AA to save their lives. If they want to save their souls, there are more than enough places on earth to do that.
The point I was hoping to make, is that AA did just that (as far as the saving of one's soul goes) ... it opened the door for me to return to the faith of my youth ... noth'n wrong with that ... as far as what John posted,I saw no need for apology, simply spreading joy for those that chose to listen ... others aren't forced to hit the play button if they don't want to ... no harm, no foul ... a simple choice, like to drink today or not ... ... ... A simple note saying this has Christian content would have been enough, I think ... as long as it wasn't directly related to AA and our principles ...
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
What is that expression in AA? "Take what you want and leave the rest."
There is another one that comes to mind, not sure the exact quote, but it has something to do with freedom of speech.
How about if I just post them instead of emailing them to you?
The real point of my post was to point out you thread title " no offense intended". If I know my actions are going to " offend" someone and go ahead an do it anyway, I am acting selfishly. That is not love and service.
For me, real humility in the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous is being more concerned with the newcomers own interpretation of a Higher Power than promotion my own interpretation of a Higher Power. We are here to help the still suffering alcoholic, not to save their souls (if that is what you believe).
Why do you feel its necessary to debate this? Frankly, I don't care what you think of my post, or how its titled, nor do I care to hear your version how things should be.. why? Because what you are doing here in this thread is so unattractive, that I believe even a die hard Satanic Worshiper would be put off and offended by your egoistical approach. In the rooms it is said, take what you need and leave the rest. I think its best I don't participate in your joy stealing moment of ALMIGHTY wisdom.
When you can actually put some Satanic music on the site that is representative of LOVE and PATIENCE. I welcome you to. If its anything other than that which lifts the spirit to a higher good... I reserve the right to merely delete it.
By the way... its not the song that got my attention, (not a song I would normally listen to) its the beautiful, awesome performance of these talented people in the video. Sorry you couldn't enjoy it and instead allowed it to step on your toes. I will post others, and I hope that one of them, might catch your spirit, and instead of your brain.
Have a fabulous holiday!
John
-- Edited by John on Thursday 5th of December 2013 01:25:34 AM
I did a full circle on religion. Protestant, far eastern, European Celtic Wiccan influenced thought... All had ways that made me pause.
In the end, I just feel a love from how the AA program recreated my life. I can appreciate the recovery of others with different applications of a higher power than mine.
It is a one miracle fits all HP's miracle. Kinda neat to watch. I leave feeling our HP's love for us is the main thing, not our conceptualization of him or her.
On music? Ha! My inspiration is all over the map. I love Alice in Chains, Your Decision. Very spiritual to me. Metallica has a sweet song of survival. Broken Beat and Scarred. I have shared that song in meetings as inspiring to me. What shocked me is that a few middle aged women listened to it and dug it. That rising up from the beat downs of life, a few scars, but still rising up anyway.
Thanks for the thought provoking thread.
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"I spent a lifetime in hell and it only took me twelve steps to get to heaven."
"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you."
