NationStates Jolt Archive

There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of different religon in the world. They all have good and bad aspects (some a bit more of one than the other). You may believe one or all or none, but the odds are you are somewhere in the religious spectrum (whether it's avid fanatic or atheist).

But even if you subscribe to one specific belief, I'd like to think that you're open minded enough to look at other religons without hatred. Other religons, even if incorrect in your mind, must have some upside. So, tell it here.

State whatever religion you belong to, then pick some other religon (a major one practiced around the world or even one just practiced in that weird house down the road) and say one good thing that that religon practices. I think it'd be good to have a chance to see the positive parts if the world's many religons.

I am Jewish, observant but not orthodox, and will say my good thing about Hinduism.

Hinduism, if my High School teacher is correct, accepts all other religons without pause. You can belong to any other religon and still be a Hindu. So, you can practice Hinduism and still believe that there is one God and that Jesus is his Son/Prophet. I believe that this is beautiful since it leaves no real room for religous hatred, since one of the parts of that religon is that it's okay to belong to other religons.

What do you think?

As a very anti-theist Strong Atheist, I find this hard, but...

Christianity has done some good charity. Doesn't make up for the millions that have died from christian persecution, but it's nice to see that individual christians are helpful and charitable even if the past organizations weren't.

Islam is supposedly a religion of peace...

Wicca seems to be a respectable religion that doesn't pretend all non-believers are going to die and be tortured forever or attempt to convert- I appreciate that in a religion.

I kinda like the idea behind Baha'i. It's a mix of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam founded in Persia (what is now Iraq) in the 1800s I think.

What about Baha'i do you like?

I love the teachings of Jesus--especially the most important one. "Love one another." That's as good as it gets. Too bad so many of his so-called adherents focus in on the misogyny of Paul instead.

And I love the search for inner peace from Buddhism.

I like the Pagan beliefs that personify God as a part of all things.

I admire the genial acceptance of Buddhism.

The pragmaticism of the Jewish religion is impressive.

There are others, but it's late and I'm fading.

I like Wicca, not because I believe it to be anything more than a rather silly new age religion. I just like the sound of the name, Wicca, Wicca, Wicca, it sounds almost like a religion based around the worship of baskets but, sadly, it isn't instead its about nature spirits and everything having a soul or something.

There is always the potential for a change, though, and then there shall be a religion in which its priests literally "read the weave." Hopefully they don't all become basket-cases, or follow only one spiritual leader, thus putting all their eggs in one basket. However, Wickers would invigorate the economy, as the quest for the Holy Wicker will cause many expeditions into the local Pier One! At least Wickers would never be without uncomfortable seating, as those (the seating, not the Wickers) seem to be an integral part of all religions. I think having horrible seating has something to do with making the asses uncomfortable, religion seems to do that too.

So I've changed my desicion, my vote goes to the Wickers. Weave on my wayward sons! Their will be peace when that chair is done. Lay your weaving tools to rest. And don't you cry no more.

I like Buddhists.

"What does a Buddhist terrorist do? Walks into the middle of the street. Douses himself with gasoline. Foosh. Self-barbecue. Other religious fanatics killing in the name of God say, 'What the hell are you doing?!?' Buddhist replies, 'Making you deal with your shit." -Robin Williams.

I like the simple wisdom in Chinese Taoism.
Practical, and deep all at the same time.

"Take two birds, and tie them together. Even though they have four wings, they cannot fly."

From what I've been told by Jewish people, they don't have a hell, so rock on.

Buddhism is really chill too. They accept everyone.

Paganism kicks ass. I love the Wiccan Rede. And I mean: I LOVE the Wiccan Rede. More people aughta listen to it.

My favorite part about Christianity is the Rapture ... Jesus comes back and takes all of the Christians up to Heaven ...

This leaves a world without Christians .... beeyootiful! Hope it happens in my lifetime.

im atheist, or angry, whichever you like

but Islam is very accepting and fairly peaceful when left alone and not run by the fanatics (which is all too common now). during the crusades the muslism foguht hard for stuff, but they wernt evil, especially the one major commander, after capturing a hoyl city he instructed it to remain open for all travel and to allow christians and jews in and out as the please.

I admire the unity of Islam.

I like the Jedi because they believe in cool mind powers like telepathy and telekinesis, which is a lot more interesting than most other religions.

I admire the unity of Islam.

Hmmm ... lol.


I admire the fact that Catholicism gave us the best ale brewers of the planet, namely the Trappist Monks .

I like the Jedi because they believe in cool mind powers like telepathy and telekinesis, which is a lot more interesting than most other religions.

I don't think that is what the person who posted this thread had in mind...
Also Jedi is not recognized as a religion, nor is it a religion in the world of Star Wars.

I kinda like the idea behind Baha'i. It's a mix of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam founded in Persia (what is now Iraq) in the 1800s I think.

Er, that would be Iran, but I also think Baha'i is an interesting religion.

I'm a secular Jew/atheist. However, if I was ever to have a religious epiphany (ack), I would probably want to be a Buddhist. Far from getting doctrine dictated at you by an orthodoxy, Buddhism focuses on your own personal religious experience through meditation. The philosophy that guides Buddhism, that we must all experience both suffering and joy before attaining enlightenment, is unique.

I don't think that is what the person who posted this thread had in mind...
Also Jedi is not recognized as a religion, nor is it a religion in the world of Star Wars.

It is a religion according to a recent British poll (there are more Jedis than Jews in Britain, apparently).

It is a religion according to a recent British poll (there are more Jedis than Jews in Britain, apparently).

Just because people put Jedi on teh census doesn't mean it is recognized by the government as an actual religion.

Just because people put Jedi on teh census doesn't mean it is recognized by the government as an actual religion.

I realize that, I was just trying to be funny.

i love the entertainment provided by the Catholic Church; no other club in the history of the world has made me laugh as hard or as long. here's one example of why that is:

The capybara is a shy and intelligent rodent that in size (40 Kg) and colour looks much like a pig. Yet in the 16th Century, in response to a petition by Venezuelans and Colombians, the Pope decreed that the capybara is a fish. This dispensation enables observant communicants to consume the creature during the Fast of Lent (when the consumption of meat is prohibited). To this day, that rodent remains a fish in the eyes of the Catholic God.

nothing like redefining reality so your followers can get around your own rules! i love you, Catholicism!

Though they arent technically a religion, I admire agnostics for questioning what they're told and coming to their own conclusion

What I like about Mormons and Muslims...Is Polygamie (can have multiple wives) :D

Gladly:

- Confucianism: stressing social order (but those in power have overstressed it, tainting the religion)
- Buddhism: simple, sinless life (but i think they go too far about not killing animals and talk long and excuse me, boring, un-understandable statements and then don't bother explaining them)
- Islam: their devotion, fraternity and initial tolerance (also twisted into radicalism, sadly)
- Mormonism: their complete devotion, really astounds me
- Tribal Religions: their respect for nature

I love them all because they give us so many infidels to smite!

Uhm, all religions offer one great thing that a lot of people need...

Hope.

Atop that:

Christianity/Judaism/Islam (i.e.: All religions involving various facets of "The God of Abraham"): Values. The base values of these religions are excellent things to build one's life on, regardless of the fact that many of the perversion of the other teachings and tenets have done a lot to really deface those religions. (Which is a fault of the Organization of those religions, not the religions themselves)

Buddhism: Self-empowerment, self-improvement.

Hinduism: I think a lot of those have all been said, they have a lot of good points.

I could go on, and on, and on, but most people won't know a lot of those religions. . . ;)

Me.

What I like about Mormons and Muslims...Is Polygamie (can have multiple wives) :D

Bump

Originally Posted by Revolutionsz
What I like about Mormons and Muslims...Is Polygamie (can have multiple wives)

BumpBump

Annoyed that nobody bit on your badly-spelled piece of flamebait?

Islam's always interested me, any religion where giving a portion of your wealth to charity is a requirement has to be note worthy. Unfortunately most people know it from suicide bombers and religious extremists, which is a shame - while Europe was having its Dark Ages they [the middle east/"Islamic nations"] were mapping out the stars and inventing chemistry etc.

dp

Annoyed that nobody bit on your badly-spelled piece of flamebait?
What do you have against Polygamists? :cool:

I like the Jedi because they believe in cool mind powers like telepathy and telekinesis, which is a lot more interesting than most other religions.
So...if i choose to become a Jedi....can I "mind control" my in-Laws ? :D :D :D

The closest I have to religious beliefs are explained here: http://www.simulation-argument.com/

As for things I admire about another religion, I like the way jews, despite being a popular religion, really don't go around telling everyone that they're right and everyone else is wrong like so many others do.


Wallsy.

i am an athiest catholic

i admire islams emphasis on brotherhood

What do you have against Polygamists? :cool:

If I've got my definitions right, polygamy is where one person is married to several people of the opposite sex and polyamory is just a group of people, gender not important?

If this is the case, then I'd say that what I have against polygamy is that it isn't polyamory. I could have my definitions wrong though, so if someone knows better, please let me know. :-)


Wallsy.

i am an athiest catholic

What does that mean?


Wallsy.

Christianity - Most churches take care of the poor

Jeudism - They plant trees in isreal, they don't go door to door looking for new members and for the most part are pretty peaceful here in the states

Muslims - Brought Europe out of hte dark ages with math and science, when practiced by true believers they are pretty peaceful (much like any other religon, but a few loonies always fuck things up)

Buddist - believe in religiouse tolerance

Hindus - They don't kill cows because they are holy (ever see a cow? those big dumb eyes always make me hungry it would be really hard for me not to fry them up)

I like the Zoroastrians
from Iran. They're cool with gay and transgendered people, and they see life as a battle between good and evil which seems to make sense when you think about it.

I like Wicca, not because I believe it to be anything more than a rather silly new age religion. I just like the sound of the name, Wicca, Wicca, Wicca, it sounds almost like a religion based around the worship of baskets but, sadly, it isn't instead its about nature spirits and everything having a soul or something.

There is always the potential for a change, though, and then there shall be a religion in which its priests literally "read the weave." Hopefully they don't all become basket-cases, or follow only one spiritual leader, thus putting all their eggs in one basket. However, Wickers would invigorate the economy, as the quest for the Holy Wicker will cause many expeditions into the local Pier One! At least Wickers would never be without uncomfortable seating, as those (the seating, not the Wickers) seem to be an integral part of all religions. I think having horrible seating has something to do with making the asses uncomfortable, religion seems to do that too.

So I've changed my desicion, my vote goes to the Wickers. Weave on my wayward sons! Their will be peace when that chair is done. Lay your weaving tools to rest. And don't you cry no more.



I myself am almost Wiccan, and normaly might find this offensive...but then I realize that it is not meant to be offensive, so none is taken...therefore...THAT IS FRICKIN' HILARIOUS!!!


My favorite part about Christianity is the Rapture ... Jesus comes back and takes all of the Christians up to Heaven ...

This leaves a world without Christians .... beeyootiful! Hope it happens in my lifetime.


Well said my friend. I'd certainly hate to be plucked from my living room by some 2,000 year old dude! Well, bon voyage Christians!


Alright, and now to my opinions:

Wiccan: As I said, I am almost one. I actually have no affirmed religion, nor am I atheist nor agnostic...I'm searching right now...anyway! I like their reverence for nature, their beliefs in magic and I love the Rede...

Christianity: There's more things I dislike about christianity than I like, but that's not the point here. I like their idea's about cherity, and about love for fellow man. It's like a cult of hippies...I wish!

Islam: I considered converting to this religion for a while. I like their rigid daily worship of Allah. I like how their bible is the word of God, as it was written right away from Muhammad. I also like their tolerance. Terrorists give such a foul name to one of the best and peaceful religions! I also like how the Middle east was way better than Europe in the Middle Ages (even if it doesn't have to do with religion!)

Judism: I like their passiveness. It's just so cool! I also like those little hats they wear...

Buddhism: Their no-violence policy. It's so serene and blissful. And their quest for enlightenment. The Chinese government should stop oppressing the Buddhists, and FREE TIBET! It's aweful that anyone would use violence against people so committed to non-violince.

Hinduism: Well, I'm sorry, but my bitter feelings about their views on reincarnation and the "class" system (I forget what it's called!) blind me from seeing the light. But, in an effort to say one nice thing: I like their tolerance of other religions!


And one final comment:

Klonor: You are the man, for helping to stir religious tolerance and co-operation. I love to see someone trying to make religion a good thing for everyone. Kudo's to you, man!

The thing I like about Buddhism is that they will accept all kinds of different beliefs. They accept you as who you are. Buddhism also makes a lot of sense when you read it. It basically says, "do good things and don't do bad things." More simplistic than other religions.

Buddists- good people, generally nice, accept anything
Russian orthadox- because they have cool churches and they're RUSSIAN

If I've got my definitions right, polygamy is where one person is married to several people of the opposite sex and polyamory is just a group of people, gender not important?

If this is the case, then I'd say that what I have against polygamy is that it isn't polyamory. I could have my definitions wrong though, so if someone knows better, please let me know. :-)
so you want to FORCE people to do it with their same sex...Forced GAYism and LESBianism?

so you want to FORCE people to do it with their same sex...Forced GAYism and LESBianism?

i don't see where you read that in his statement. perhaps you are just trying to provoke a fight?

If I've got my definitions right, polygamy is where one person is married to several people of the opposite sex and polyamory is just a group of people, gender not important?

If this is the case, then I'd say that what I have against polygamy is that it isn't polyamory. I could have my definitions wrong though, so if someone knows better, please let me know. :-)
.
This is like you tellimg me that : "what you have against me is the Fact that i am Hetero...that you hate me because i ma not gay"

This is like you tellimg me that : "what you have against me is the Fact that i am Hetero...that you hate me because i ma not gay"

um, no...notice that he said in polyamory "gender is not important." you could have a hetero set up, because the genders of the people involved are unimportant. you could also have a gay setup, or a bisexual set up, or any combination you wanted.

i don't see where you read that in his statement. perhaps you are just trying to provoke a fight?
I asked what does he have against Polygams?...
he answerd that "it is not Polygayism"

Its like me asking him what he has against "Blacks"...
and the reply would be "I dont like them because They are not "white"

I asked hwt does he have against Polygams?...
he answerd that "it is not Polygay"

Its like me asking him what he has against "Blacks"...
and the reply would be "I dont like them because They are not "white"

no, he was saying that he doesn't like polygamy because it is exclusively heterosexual. he indicated that he prefers a set up where people can have any combination they choose, hetero or homosexual. there's nothing hateful or prejudicial about that, you're just reading hate where you feel like it. i'd say it reveals much more about your biases than about his.

...what I have against polygamy is that it isn't polyamory.

This is what im talking about....correct me if i missundertood...or whatever

This is what im talking about....correct me if i missundertood...or whatever
i already corrected you.

no, he was saying that he doesn't like polygamy because it is exclusively heterosexual.
I dont think it is EXCLUSIVELY hetero....

and thats what I like about Budhism...thay are not Exclusivists...like the Jews(we are the chosen people of GOD)...and to some extent most other religions.

Could we get back on topic now?

I like the fundamental Catholic values:
- treating others as you wish to be treated
- not stealing
- treating your parents with respect
- not cheating, lying or abusing your partner
- not giving false information at a trial

I myself am almost Wiccan, and normaly might find this offensive...but then I realize that it is not meant to be offensive, so none is taken...therefore...THAT IS FRICKIN' HILARIOUS!!!
Thanks for appreciating my own particular brand of humor, and refraining from taking offence at my comments and smashing my face in with a rusty tire iron.

On a more serious note, Jainism is a nice belief set. No gods, no priests, no caste system, no killing. Though I think it is rather odd to go through life avoiding the killing of anything, including the roaches who are petitioning for squatters rights in my cereal box. Still, its pretty hard to complain about someone being nonviolent toward you.

I like a lot of buddhist philosophy.

I like Buddhism because it ties in greatly with my religion, Judaism


Also the word 'Islam' is derrived from the word 'Salam' which means peace.
Over one third of the world is Islamic. Is one third of the world's population terrorists?

The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Salam and Shalom. Beautiful.

I really like this thread, as in really really like it! Hmm, I'm Catholic, and the things I like best in other religions are:

in Judaism and Islam: I think it's cool to see people orient their lives so strictly according to their religion's guidelines (kosher and Shabbat rules for Jews, daily prayer for Muslims)

in Buddhism: I think the Dalai Lama ROCKS.

in Hinduism: I like the acceptance of other religions, and the notion (in some branches) that the world and the Divine used to be all one thing, and now the goal is to return it to be that way, and how some Hindus follow a path of wanting absorption into the Divine while others follow a path of wanting to still be able to adore the Divine. (This is what I remember from World Religions class; if I'm slightly wrong please correct me.)

in tribal religions, I really admire the greater connection to and respect for nature.

I dont think it is EXCLUSIVELY hetero....

I said I wasn't entirely sure of my definitions, so if you want to look it up somewhere and find out for sure, feel free. :-)


And thankyou, Bottle, for coming to my defense. I couldn't have said it better myself. ;-)


Wallsy.

I admire the instinct in a small specie called "Man" to see something outside of itself, and to possibly see its future. I admire seeing the most selfish it can be. I admire me, and the fact that I can admire one outside of me.

Jim

I like the fundamental Catholic values:
- treating others as you wish to be treated
- not stealing
- treating your parents with respect
- not cheating, lying or abusing your partner
- not giving false information at a trial

#1, #2, #3 are original Chinese values!!!!

I think the actual teaching of Jesus are wonderful. Love thy neighbor, turn the other cheek. All of that. Too bad those things are completely ignored now.

I like the Buddhist teachings of moderation and charity. The search for a common ground so that everyone can live in harmony.

All religions have given us great music.

But since religion has been the cause of so much death and destruction in this world, I'd be happy to see them all go.

Fundamentalism is a sign of a weak character. If you must fanatically adhere to a strict religious code, you obviously are unable to do the right thing without asking your god first.

Umm. The pope is cute.

The one thing I like about all religions is the central core of Love. :fluffle:

KornLee, I like you. I really do.