*Smiles with sbbe*
I'm sorry - I kinda feel passionate about this!
Zeitgeist:
Proletariat:
Bourgeois:
Opiate:
Asia
xxx
Defintions removed to make things interesting for sbbe - sorry!
Printable View
*Smiles with sbbe*
I'm sorry - I kinda feel passionate about this!
Zeitgeist:
Proletariat:
Bourgeois:
Opiate:
Asia
xxx
Defintions removed to make things interesting for sbbe - sorry!
Thanks Asia
But I love my dictionary. I'm one of those people who open one and look up half an hour later and say. Oh no what was I looking for? Giggle
Quote:
Originally Posted by StillBehindBlueEyes
*whoops*
I'll edit and delete the definitions - sorry!
~Kiss~
Asia
xxx
No whoops at all, smiles.Quote:
Originally Posted by Asia
Just wanted to tell you thank you. :)
I believe that no matter what I believe has no effect on the actual answer of "is there a God". That is after all, how reality does function. Believeing or not believing something doesn't make it true. I'll know the answer soon enough, life isn't that long a ride.
I guess that makes me an "other".
Quote:
Originally Posted by Timberwolf
But Wolf, if we didn't think about and explore these questions, place them in context with past and present knowledge, wouldn't we still think the Earth was still flat? Life is long enough for us to ponder upon these questions - or am I becoming the thing I fear the most - a preacher *smiles*
I feel we owe it to the next generation to explain that there is no 'heaven' and 'hell' and that thunder is not 'God' when he's shouting - or is that what thunder is? *looks worried and runs*
Asia
xxx
We all ponder it. It's human nature.
But like most genuinely philosophical questions, we know full well we can't answer it with 100% certainty. At least, not in this case while we're alive. I have far more pressing concerns, that I perhaps *can* answer. I shall focus on those and leave that which is out of my hands.
I'd honestly be far more concerned if the answer to "is there a God" turns out to be "yes". He/she/it must be one seriously mad scientist.
As for organized religion itself, I find very little in any of them that appeals to me in any way, but it does make a good example of the "if everyone else jumped off a bidge, would you do it too?" scenario.
But Wolfie, maybe it isn't a philosopical or theological question - simply a scientific question? I am more than willing to be proven wrong and punished accordingly (burning eternally in hell apparently) - in the mean time, I'll search for evidence while absorbing the words of the Conflict Theorists while sliding down my dancing pole (another sin apparently) *smiles*
If "God" exists as some sort of life, then yes he would have to fit within the scientific definition of being "alive" so it is also a scientific question, yes. But in order for God to be proven to exist, in the scientific sense, would require a pretty seemingly unlikely set of circumstances.
I'm prepared to accept either outcome, there is a God or there is not a God, as the truth. But I hope to wait about 100 more years (give or take) to find out the answer!
I'd much rather discuss/observe that dancing pole sometime. Though if one comes with the other... what an interesting date that would be.
You could play God and I could play your pole dancing devil - I'm sure that would prove to be a lively debate. *smiles*
For the record, I was raised Christian in small town America. A couple of years ago, I saw the light (metaphorically speaking) in that most Christians, and indeed most of Christianity (in my opinion, mind) was a hypocracy, and very little of it was what Christ taught. (Historically speaking.) From there, I went soul searching.. and found my current religion. Buddhism. I did my research, and its jsut right for me. But just to make things interesting, I do believe firmly in the teachings of Fredrich Nietzche, and Niccolo Machiavelli. Makes for an interesting, if complicated system. But it works.
Asia, Shaded, I agree with you both but I'm converting to Islam because Asia has told me I can have a hareem, and looking at Asia and her sisters ....enuff said
:)
Dundee!
And you a good Orange proddy from the Kirk of Scotland - watch it, your blue nose will fall off *laughs*
Asia
~kiss~
xxx
Well think about this, I have heard two that in Islam when you die, in heaven you are greeted by seventy two virgins but I assume that in order for virgins to get into heaven they would have to die virgins so lyou would probaly denie seventy-one of those seventy-two. :icon176:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dundee
Also, I agree with Timberwolf, I believe that the existance of a god or gods can never be proven with 100% accuracy so it should just be unimportant to human life. However I am gaining some interest in Buddhism but I would never go as far as to join it I think becuase joining a religion means you accept it as 100% truth and I could never be swayed to do that.
I wasn't raised with any type of religion. My father had wanted to raise me Catholic, but my Mom said, "Well, you'll be the one bringing her to Church."
He changed his mind pretty fast. :P
I started exploring religions at the age of 12. I was always interested in anything Nature based, and anything out of the ordinary, and now consider myself an Eclectic Pagan with Egyptian tendencies. :]
<3Fae
Born and raised Jewish, but I'm more of an atheist now.
Wiccan.
Voted as Pagan, closest thing to it on the poll :)
I enjoyed reading the many responses here.
Voted as Pagan also...
I was born and raised Southern Baptist for 15 years. I went to church like a good little girl on Sundays and even on Wednesdays. I was baptized and saved because it was what we were supposed to do. Little did I know that once I turned 16 I would realize that none of it meant anything to me. I began to read and explore all different kinds of faith at that point. Christianity isn't the religion for me, but that isn't to say it can't be the right religion for someone else.
I have no particular pagan beliefs (ie: Wicca) but do believe in Gods and Goddesses...oh and reincarnation. I am currently studying Celtic Druidism. My daughter is 7 and so far I've tried to expose her to all different kinds of religions. She knows about Christianity and Wicca and Buddhism and Islam. She knows what I believe and I told her that once she is old enough, she can decide what faith works for her. I DO NOT believe there is only one true religion and all others will rot in hell. Take Buddhism for example. How can a faith that began nearly 6 centuries before the birth of Jesus be false? And comically speaking, How can over 700 million Buddhists worldwide be wrong? LOL
Actually I should correct myself...I do believe there is one true faith...I just happen to believe that it can be found in all the different types of religion in the world. The right religion is the one that works for you. It's what you need it to be. :)
Technically, I'm a pagan. I believe in the Goddess and Her consort, and follow the Threefold Law. Other than that, my basic tenet is this: play nicely, don't pee in the sandbox and have warm cookies and cold milk before naptime, and we'll all get along just fine. In other words - I don't judge you, you don't judge me, and we'll be friends. Life's too short to argue about what happens to us when we die.
I was raised Mormon, converted Southern Baptist. I have found organized religion is not for me, I have beliefs that don't fit into one religions teachings.
So when do we get to hear and see your friend, Asia the Revoultionary Islamic Athiest Catholic again? :confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dundee
And did you say SISTERS? :)
Ed the Muslim Convertee
Well I used to athiest, but this is so close to the way i think, I might have been converted.:confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by arwcuw
Interesting to see what people believe in here, but one thing I think is universal of all the replies here, are that all have said something towards: "My belief is ----- , and that works for me. But I do not belive that it's the ULTIMATE proof or way of believing. If it's wrong for you, then it's fine with me. Religion is what makes you comfortable with your situation of life."
After having read the posts here, I believe this community should gather up and expose their teachings to the fanatics of the world. I believe we could make a difference if we went all the way. We could maybe even stop alot of the wars and troubles of the world if we got everyone to realise that religion should be an including way of life, not excluding.
Myself, I'm a firm believer in Night Magick. The general idea isn't too far from Christianity, Judaism and Islam, in that there are two forces of Nature: Good and Evil. But what makes it true for me, is that the Night Dragon (Good) made the world and the plants and the animals, but he didn't make humans. He made a world free of hate and conflict. But the Day Dragon (Evil) became jealous of this perfect world and made humans as mind-less slaves to destroy the work of the Night Dragon. Instead of fighting the Day Dragon, which would have been futile considering they were both gods and immortal, the Night Dragon embodied himself within all humans and freed our mind from slavery. He gave us free will. And thus, the battle continues today.
I do not believe that everyone should follow my belief. It would of course make me happy to find another believer, but I truly believe that religion is a personal matter, not for the community. I believe everyone should be allowed to explain their belief, but unless asked about it, noone should ever proclaim it, thus being a preacher.
Raised methodist (thank mom), lutheran (thanks dad) and fundamentalist Christian (thanks grams). Since adulthood, I have been agnostic, studied Buddhism, Pagan, Naturalism, etc... Joined UUA church about a year ago because I get to keep on studying without converting to anything. For me, my higher power is the sun shining on my eyelids, watching a meteor shower, and the colors changing with the seasons. Corny, I know... I have never seen a god, or heard one whisper, but I do see the miracles of the universe everyday, and enjoy the show. Whether its Mother Nature, Zephyrus and Khloris, or the Christian god is not for me to say.
For now, I'll take the Dalai Llama's (sp?) advice...The meaning of life is to seek happiness.
Heh. Dalai Lama.
I was raised atheist, but have softened my view over the years, realizing that there is nothing to prove god doesn't exist, and lots of things to indicate he does. That said, no religions feel at all right and if god cares about my worship he hasn't let on, so I'm content to go on as I have been with the concept of Be a Good Person.
i was raised chirstian(Baptist to be exact) but i did not feel right. i am now Wiccan and have been for awhile. i don't currently belong to a coven, so i am a lone witch ;)
Orthodox...which falls under the umbrella of Christianity.
The form of orthodoxy, i do not want to let on, at this point, as it will reveal too much about my background and culture. xx
Catholic with loads of guilt.
What is "religion" ? I have discovered it to be a personal relationship with the eternal God of the universe. This relationship has been taught by many Prophets in different cultures.
The prophet; son of God, Jesus Christ; has changed my life: caused me to be born again if you will. Because I have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ I live in a state of Grace.
Religion is the faith that comforts in times of uncertainty. Praise God always.
I have a very close friend who is a minister. He has often said that I would make an excellent addition to the clergy, it is just a shame I don't believe in a god.
I do however find myself seeking a spiritual element in my life and found that practicing a particular martial art (Aikido) fulfilled this for me. Unfortunately I now live miles from the nearest dojo.
Does anyone think that the BDSMLibrary forum counts as a religion?
When I was in Chicago, I was a practicing Catholic, then when I moved to Florida, I was a Baptist, Non-Denominational, Swedenborgian, Jevovah's Witness (yes I was one of them for about a year), and Mormon. Now I consider myself to be spiritual. I read the Bible and pray, but I do not consider myself to be of any one particular faith or anything
According to Richard Dawkins just openly believing in the supernatural, (ie being religious) means that you're making the world an evil place, no matter how kind your actions are. After reading his books it's hard not to agree.Quote:
Originally Posted by ElectricBadger
I was a born-again Christian for a little over a dozen years. I was very zealous and embraced teachings that included Watchman Nee, and taking it too far, the innhilation of self.
I started reading and studying (Walk Away from Christianity and Infidel dot org) and finally walked away. I then enjoyed studying philosophy and comparative religions, the work of Joseph Campbell, and embraced my free-thinking.
I searched to find something that more clearly defined my spirituality. I just don't fit in a box or a label. Deist comes the closest.
I was raise presbyterian, but found problems with the bible and people in the religion. Ever since I was a little girl I had felt a connection with the earth and done certain things that I later discovered where very similar to things that you do in wiccan practices. Afterr a long inner struggle with what to do I chose wicca and have found my life to be happier and more prosperous.
I call my path Eclectic Shaman. a very broad mix of Wicca, Druid, Lutheran from my youth...actually most anything that i've found universal truth in.
But i lean most heavily on NAI beliefs. simple really.
They all tie together if you're open to understanding and relating terminology and phrases... that is the difference in all religions.
I am a Lutheran Christian.
I believe in God Almighty. As Anselm of Canterbury stated: I can think that than which a greater cannot be thought. Now, if that than which a greater cannot be thought existed only in the intellect, it would not be that than which a greater cannot be thought, since it can be thought to exist in reality which is greater. It follows, then, that than which a greater cannot be thought exists in reality.
I was raised christian by my grandmother and for a long time, accepted it as the only religion that really existed. My mother wouldn't allow me to be baptised until I was old enough to decide for myself. I considered myself a very devout christian. I went to church twice, sometimes three times a week, both here and occasionally in another city, where my grandmother lived. I sang in the church choir, led worship at my youth group, went to bible study. At about age 16, sitting at church, it occured to me that I really didn't agree with anything the pastor was saying. I had studied countless other offsprings of religion, and while he was saying that christianity was the one true religion, I found that impossibly hard to believe. I left my church that day and have not been back since.
Now, I am a pastafarian and think that the flying spaghetti monster has blessed me, by touching me with his noodly appendage.
Now seriously, put very basicly, the religous path I follow lies in the general area of pagan. I prefer to worship nature, the earth, and all the good things I can see, as opposed to a supposed god, whom I don't know. I believe their is a higher power out there, as our world is too perfect to be accidental, and while I thank said "god" for helping us get started, it is not who I choose to worship.
I have the George Carlin + "Contact" theory of religion.
I was raised as a Mormon until I was 9 and told my step father his church was stupid. He then introduced me to other religions. I settled in a small Lutheran church.
Never seen a reason to change. It makes me wonder, have you looked. Organized religion has doen some despicable things, or at least men have done them in its name, but I daresay that God feels the same about it as you do.Quote:
Originally Posted by vistana