NationStates Jolt Archive

What are your beliefs, which religion do you follow. If your religion isint featured on the poll then tell us about your religion.

i'm an agnostic humanist with buddhist leanings.

though it's not really a religion (agnostic humanism) and i'm just quite interested in buddhism.

The only Pagan religion on your list is Shinto .... any reason why?

Jewish and proud of it.
I apologise for the next ten pages which will probably be full of ridiculous anti-Jewish remarks but like I said, i'm proud of it.

I am spiritual, not religious.

Sanctaphrax, I'll see your 10 pages and raise you 5 more. (I bet I'll trigger 15)

I'm a Mormon.

Quote I like
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Wiccan.

The only Pagan religion on your list is Shinto .... any reason why?

use the 'other' option then!!!

Shinto is a religion? Maybe I just use a different definition.

The only Pagan religion on your list is Shinto .... any reason why?
How are you defining pagan? If by pagan one means non-Christian then there's all those other choices. Pagan can also mean polytheist, in which case Hinduism is also pagan, as is Confucian ancestor-worship, and some forms of Buddhism.

Shinto is a religion? Maybe I just use a different definition.

Shinto has temples, priests, ritual, and beliefs and deities based on faith. What else do you need for something to be a religion?

I'm a spiritualist, with some Buddhist beliefs, as well as athiestic beliefs... Like my ethnic background, my religious choices are of the Heinz 57 ;) variety

Proud Prodestant (United Methodist) Christian. We don't let the pope tell us when we can eat meat. (I'll see your 15 and raise you 20)

Pretty strict Protestant Christian. I come from the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. If you don't know anything about us, we have over 8 million members. Find out more by googling us or you can telegram me. No, I'm not advertising, I just really really REALLY like it a lot.

-R. S. of UC

I'm Protestant mainly because of where I live. And that's not to say that I haven't thought about it a lot... but I'm a big believer in the "When in Rome" factor. My girlfriend is in Morocco, and were I over there, I'd probably be praying in a mosque.

I am proud to be an anglican protestant christian! God rocks my world!
(I see your 20 pages and raise you 30)

Formerly Christian now agnostic.

As shown by Decartes, the only thing people can absolutely know for certain is that they exist as thinking things. Every thing else requires a level of faith.

How are you defining pagan? If by pagan one means non-Christian then there's all those other choices. Pagan can also mean polytheist, in which case Hinduism is also pagan, as is Confucian ancestor-worship, and some forms of Buddhism.

In this case I think my friend was implying Neo-Pagan, which is roughly a polytheastic, earth-based spiritality which for the most part draws on ancient European and sometimes Egyptian mythologies and practices. That is not to say it is a exact reconstruction, but some people try really hard, of any of them or doesn't blend a lot of the pre-Christian themes together. In fact that's part of the fun.

Mostly we believe that the earth and the human body itself are holy things,
and should be treated as such. I my own case I acknowelage that the God of Abraham exists and has some conflict one of his less like servents, but that's not anything I partake in.

Which brings up an interesting point, aren't Satanist just another form of Christianity/Islam/Judaism? I mean someone whose patron is Loki and someone whose patron is Odin are both Norse

(I'll see your 50 and raise you 30)

I find the list of religions far to based on the major Eastern and Western World beliefs, and as for Satanist.. you do not cover which form of Satanism you speak of.. do you speak of the Church of Satan which believes in no figure by the name of Satan, using it only as a name to bother Christians.. or do you mean Traditional Satanists who worship the AntiGod of Christianity's "God"?

I will refrain from speaking my own beliefs, but instead I will leave you with a few quotes.

"Question with boldness even the existence of a "God"; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.” -Thomas Jefferson

"So go now and strike down the Amalekites. Destroy everything that they have. Dont spare them. Put them to death--man, woman, child, infant, ox, sheep, camel, and donkey alike. - 1Samuel 15”

For those of you claiming to be attacked I have answers. For the Jewish/Hewbrew.. I say that it [-WAS (and at times still does)-] mainly attacked by "Christians". They believe that it was the Hebrews who killed their savior. Though, many will deny it.. it was that very reason that the French slaughtered the Jews in the Middle Ages, a reason Hitler used, and many "evangelical" Christians.. (though of course, not many [publicy or not] now.).

To the Christian, one of the faith that claims those who do not believe will burn for all eternity.. I have no reasoning for you, for I was once a Christian and I know the terror and fear which is used against those who they force (emotionally and mentally) to believe in their "faith", and to become "Born Again", instead I say to you: "Search the history of Christianity, it has answers you may be looking for."

For the Neo-Pagan/Wiccan/NonChristian(Who is not a Heathen), I say that whether you believe in Goddess Worship alone (which is where the Mother Mary was birthed in the Catholic Church), or the Balance of God/Goddess.. I say that the reason for hate against you? Those who claim you are choosing heresy (translated as: choosing the wrong path, purposely.) and that you will burn in "Hell" for eternity. If you are going to "Hell" isn't it someones job to attack your beliefs so that you do not corrupt others?

Eve,
Magnus Apocrypha
The Evil Savior (Ristakhiz Saoshyant)

Formerly Christian now agnostic.

As shown by Decartes, the only thing people can absolutely know for certain is that they exist as thinking things. Every thing else requires a level of faith.

I think you and Decartes are both totally right in this. For some, that means that agnosticism is about as far as they can commit. Because committing to faith is a scary thing. But for some, the leap of faith can lead to greater discoveries about themselves and about a higher being. Neither path is better or worse.

Jewish and proud of it.
I apologise for the next ten pages which will probably be full of ridiculous anti-Jewish remarks but like I said, i'm proud of it.So if you expect anti-Jewish remarks, is that because you know deep in your subconscience that there is something wrong in Judaism?
To my knowledge people who are proud of something are just trying to cover their doubts.

][ @®£ +|-|£ _|£|/\|! |<£|<£|<£|<£|<|<£|<£|<£|<£! |=£@® ¤|_|® |/\|¤®7ð ð¤/\/\¡|/|@+¡¤|/|!

(if you can translate this you have way too much time on your hands..)

I'm Jewish and much like Sanky i am also proud of it... :P

This is not in criticism of previous remarks but instead inspired by them:

Is it wrong to be proud of being a member of a faith which promotes humility?

I am spiritual, not religious.

Ditto. I voted other.

This is not in criticism of previous remarks but instead inspired by them:
Is it wrong to be proud of being a member of a faith which promotes humility?What faiths would that be?

My thought was Christianity. And by that I mean the ideal of Christianity, not the way some people are. But the ideals of Christianity do promote being a humble person.

Happily Athiest.

I congradulate everyone on this thread, I think this is a new record: Two pages and it hasn't fallen to a flamefest yet! Lets keep it that way!

all aiethiests are the dumz and my moomy sayz u burns in hell when u die! hahahahah

..sorry couldn't resist :P

all aiethiests are the dumz and my moomy sayz u burns in hell when u die! hahahahah

..sorry couldn't resist :P

Ah, the misspelling on "atheists" is priceless. :)

In this case I think my friend was implying Neo-Pagan, which is roughly a polytheastic, earth-based spiritality which for the most part draws on ancient European and sometimes Egyptian mythologies and practices. That is not to say it is a exact reconstruction, but some people try really hard, of any of them or doesn't blend a lot of the pre-Christian themes together. In fact that's part of the fun.

Shinto is not a neo-Pagan religion. Shinto is the living, thousand-years old Japanese religion which has had a gradual course of development and is not a modern interpretation/synthesis of long dead religions.

Other: agnostic.

I think you and Decartes are both totally right in this. For some, that means that agnosticism is about as far as they can commit. Because committing to faith is a scary thing. But for some, the leap of faith can lead to greater discoveries about themselves and about a higher being. Neither path is better or worse.

While I agree with your sentiment - I really don't think the majority of agnostics (myself included) are "afraid" to commit more faith - in my case (and all of the other agnostics I know) it is more that we believe something probably does exist, but don't subscribe to the man-made concept of any particular organised religion...

I can't believe there are so many religious people!

Personally, I'm a devout atheist and can't understand why anyone would have a religion

I'm Protestant, although sometimes Protestants get a little extreme and kind of scare me (the real conservative ones anyway).

I'm a Unitarian Universalist.

My family is very Catholic. I went to Catholic grade school for nine years, but nonetheless I am unwavering in my atheism. I could see joining the Buddhist faith as it seems more a way of life than a religion, but even that is not likely.

I wouldnt class myself as any one religion although i have been interested in the bible and paganism.

It is all interesting in my eyes the thought of a higher being and the life beyond.

I do beleive in life after death but i think we are reborn in debt from the good we done in this life being passed on into the next..

I definately dont beleive in a devil or an actuall god that sent his son down to die.

Ive asked myself why i beleive in this and there are a few things ..

1. I have had dreams about other lifes

2. I like the thought of coming back again LOL

3. When i do come back we may have colonies in space (hopefully) meaning for even more madness (if we could handle this )

Well, I dunno about you guys, but I'm a person, not a religion. Though some worship me, I suppose.

I’d probably describe myself best as a Christian – humanist. Though as some has already said, humanism isn’t really a religion it’s more a way of thought. So I voted for other.

Formerly Christian now agnostic.

As shown by Decartes, the only thing people can absolutely know for certain is that they exist as thinking things. Every thing else requires a level of faith.

It seems to me that you have misused what Decartes was saying. His whole argument, "I think therefore I am," originally, was being used to demonstrate that we are created beings by a divine creator, namely God. However, people, such as your self, have taken his argument to support their own ideas which he did not intend.

By the way I am an Evangelical Conservative Christian-Southern Baptist.

Zen Atheist. So basically Atheist infused with some Buddhist morals, etc.

I wouldnt class myself as any one religion although i have been interested in the bible and paganism.

It is all interesting in my eyes the thought of a higher being and the life beyond.

I do beleive in life after death but i think we are reborn in debt from the good we done in this life being passed on into the next..

I definately dont beleive in a devil or an actuall god that sent his son down to die.

Ive asked myself why i beleive in this and there are a few things ..

1. I have had dreams about other lifes

2. I like the thought of coming back again LOL

3. When i do come back we may have colonies in space (hopefully) meaning for even more madness (if we could handle this )


Sorry for reposting but i was just thinking what would this make me in religious terms ?

Christianity, although I disagree with alot of their teachings.

Did you know that God exists and that SHE is a WOMAN??

Jedi, baby!

Taoist here.

How are you defining pagan? If by pagan one means non-Christian then there's all those other choices. Pagan can also mean polytheist, in which case Hinduism is also pagan, as is Confucian ancestor-worship, and some forms of Buddhism.

Shinto is a nature worshipping religion. That's the definition of Pagan I'm using. I tend not to define religions based on what they're not.

Personally, I picked Shinto because it is the closest to my spiritual beliefs. I am a Native American and follow the old ways of my tribe, which, incidentally, comes from the same paleolithic spiritual ancestry that Shinto came from.

It never ceases to amaze me how similar Japanese religions and Native American religions are to each other.

So if you expect anti-Jewish remarks, is that because you know deep in your subconscience that there is something wrong in Judaism?
To my knowledge people who are proud of something are just trying to cover their doubts.
No it's because people like you turn up everywhere they're not wanted and start spouting racist crap. Leave the thread and I have no problem with you. Post your religion, if you came to insult Judaism there are a million threads started by people like Tenete Traditiones and Austrealite which you can use!

Shinto is not a neo-Pagan religion. Shinto is the living, thousand-years old Japanese religion which has had a gradual course of development and is not a modern interpretation/synthesis of long dead religions.

Paganism never died. It was just forced into the shadows when the christians started killing them all. :sniper:

I'm an atheist. I dont believe the existance of a god.

I can't believe there are so many religious people!

Personally, I'm a devout atheist and can't understand why anyone would have a religion

The atheists I've met have more faith in the absence of a creator than most Christians have in God. I've always been confused in my discussions with them... I don't understand "devoutness" in believing that something doesn't exist.

By the way I am an Evangelical Conservative Christian-Southern Baptist.

Heh ... in modern western society, that's almost as bad as saying you're a pinko-liberal communist. :D You get the most pages.

All for the atheism. I have to ask though, why no Buddhism listed?

Paganism never died. It was just forced into the shadows when the christians started killing them all. :sniper:

Yes as we seen in scotland a long time ago..

It was pushed into hiding but we wouldnt let the legend die.

I'm wiccan, myself. I was a Christian for a long time, but they're far too screwed up for me.

It never ceases to amaze me how similar Japanese religions and Native American religions are to each other.

This is probably because your ancestors were from Japan. ;)

The Japanese and Native American languages share lots of similarities as well.

I'm pretty sure that's what scientists decided on where the ancient Native Americans comes from.

P.S I got the first insult so:
Jews 1
everyone else 0

P.S I got the first insult so:
Jews 1
everyone else 0

Look who nose that i dont care what you think ?

and what you have insulted me about but it was rather pathetic if i didnt see it LOL

This is probably because your ancestors were from Japan. ;)

I wonder if I could get away with calling myself Japanese-American. :D

I wonder if I could get away with calling myself Japanese-American. :D

LoL i dont see why not.

Could be quite funny on a passport though ;)

The atheists I've met have more faith in the absence of a creator than most Christians have in God. I've always been confused in my discussions with them... I don't understand "devoutness" in believing that something doesn't exist.

not correct...an atheist dont care about religion at all, because its not a part of his/her world. But that ateist sometime tell their opinion about religion and religius people is a different thing. Like in politics everybody would defend their opinions and try to get people on your own side.

I'm an Episcopalian... you know, the church of England that broke off with King Henry VIII, so he could get divorced, and is now called Anglican in England, and Episcopalian everywhere else. Personally, though, I'd be both Catholic and Episcopal if I could.

I like Christianity, and believe that anyone who hears the word, and believes goes to heaven. This makes all of Christianity right, just different variations on the same theme. As for those who have not heard, God is the creator of Justice, and will use it to the fullest.

How is it that people can talk about religion, but not the contents therein?

And as for the person who posted that people hate the Jews, well, kinda, of course! I don't, and most people don't, but you are God's chosen people. The teacher's pet is always hated and is the victim of mean things: how much more so for the Jews, who are the Creator's special people?

I'm an Episcopalian... you know, the church of England that broke off with King Henry VIII, so he could get divorced, and is now called Anglican in England, and Episcopalian everywhere else. Personally, though, I'd be both Catholic and Episcopal if I could.

I like Christianity, and believe that anyone who hears the word, and believes goes to heaven. This makes all of Christianity right, just different variations on the same theme. As for those who have not heard, God is the creator of Justice, and will use it to the fullest.

How is it that people can talk about religion, but not the contents therein?

And as for the person who posted that people hate the Jews, well, kinda, of course! I don't, and most people don't, but you are God's chosen people. The teacher's pet is always hated and is the victim of mean things: how much more so for the Jews, who are the Creator's special people?


A white room with gold to me is unbeleivable - and do you think we stay there for ever ?

We aint that lucky and its fear of this that runs the show concerning beleif of heaven and hell.

yeah, a white room with gold is unbelievable to me, too...
the Bible says that in heaven, all we do is worship God.

I'm agnostic. I think that if so many cultures over the centuries have had so many different religions, how can there possibly be only one "true" religion. Also, the universe is a big place, so even if there is/are a god/gods, they probably wouldn't care about indevidual humans. I respect everyone's right to believe what they want, just as long as they don't try to convert me.

yeah, a white room with gold is unbelievable to me, too...
the Bible says that in heaven, all we do is worship God.

Geez now that is scary that people would actually want to do this..

I for one aint gonna sit and kiss someones feet if im dead im going to meet my family who loved me and my freinds that i have met on the way.

Shinto is a nature worshipping religion. That's the definition of Pagan I'm using. I tend not to define religions based on what they're not.
Words like "pagan" and "gentile" are both words that can be used to define religions based on what they are not though the definition you are using is becoming more popular. Hinduism also has nature worshipping qualities... animals, plants, places, and inanimate objects like rocks can all be worshipped and Hindu gods and goddesses preside over themes common to all nature-based religions such as fertility and the communion of all living things.

Christian, Charismatic. (If this doesn't start a flame-fest, then I may have found the most reserved - or most open-minded - forum on the net.)

I am a Subgenius...and I must have my Slack...

It seems to me from those whom I've talked to that a lot of people are ignorant of the basic principles of Christianity. Therefore, I intend to set them out here, so that, if nothing else, you might walk away with a little more knowledge than you started out with. First of all, Christians believe in one God who created the world in 6 days; He created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. When Adam rebeled against God, he, and thus the rest of mankind became sinful, but in order to enter God's eternal kingdom, we must be absolutely pure and sinless. Since man could not achieve this on his own, God sent His son Jesus Christ into the world as a savior. In addition to being the son of God, he was a perfect and sinless man, born to the virgin Mary. He was crucified to pay for yours and my sins. On the third day after his death, he rose again and ascended into heaven, but sends God's Holy Spirit to live within and guide his people who have accepted his free gift of salvation. "For there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) As for the history of the Catholic church, et c., that was a government authority using the name of Christianity in order to expand their power. You can't judge Christianity by those who claim to be Christians but who go out and violate everything Christ taught; the Bible says you'll know a true Christian by their actions. If you'd like to learn more, I'd like to direct you to http://www.bbnradio.org/bbnnet/readtheanswer.asp

ok i don't know what religion i am i'm deciding.

First of all, Christians believe in one God who created the world in 6 days; He created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. [/URL]

I agree with everything you wrote but this: not all Christians believe that the world was created in 6 days; I believe in evolution.

Otherwise, kudos to you.

This is probably because your ancestors were from Japan. ;)

The Japanese and Native American languages share lots of similarities as well.

Japanese language is highly unique and researchers have had a hard time linking it definitively to any other languages though there have been suggesting connecting Japanese with Malaysian, Korean, or Dravidian (South Indian). The most common theory is that Japanese is in the Ural-Altaic family of languages which includes Turkish, Hungarian, and Korean but then again Japanese's connection with Korean is somewhat weak. Native American languages' origins are even more controversial... there have been attempts to link Apache with Chinese but no definitive proof has been offered for any generalizing theory about American Indian languages. There is vast diversity among American Indian languages and some tribes may live next to each other but have languages that are completely unrelated to each other or any other language family in the world.

I'm pretty sure that's what scientists decided on where the ancient Native Americans comes from.
Native American did not come from Japan but both the Japanese and Native Americans originated from northeast Asia.

I'm deist, meaning that i am not a member of a specific religion, though I believe in god. I make my own moral and spiritualistic decisions.

I'm undecided. I believe in God but if anyone starts ranting about it I get pissed off. I guess it's a personal thing.
:mp5:

Paganism never died. It was just forced into the shadows when the christians started killing them all. :sniper:
Firstly, knowledge of the ideas and scriptures of pagan culture never disappeared but in most Christian and Muslim lands active practitioners of paganism did not exist for centuries after the monotheist religions took hold. Second, neo-paganism is not a very accurate resurrection of Europe's ancestral pagan religions. Thirdly, paganism isn't just European paganism and other pagan religions such as Hinduism or Shinto or taoism have been mainstream religions that have thrived for thousands of years uninterrupted.

I consider myself a solitary wizard...I believe that all religions have a basis in truth somewhere, so I don't discriminate when it comes to that. The only prob I have with Christianity is that it's message gets so distorted by humans.

There's this really great site that I visited once or twice that has a quiz to tell you what religion you are (or should be) based on your beliefs...

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

Firstly, knowledge of the ideas and scriptures of pagan culture never disappeared but in most Christian and Muslim lands active practitioners of paganism did not exist for centuries after the monotheist religions took hold. Second, neo-paganism is not a very accurate resurrection of Europe's ancestral pagan religions. Thirdly, paganism isn't just European paganism and other pagan religions such as Hinduism or Shinto or taoism have been mainstream religions that have thrived for thousands of years uninterrupted.

Correct me if im wrong but did druids/pagans not exist mainly coming from the shamen type settlers before the other religionscame into play ?

Correct me if im wrong but did druids/pagans not exist mainly coming from the shamen type settlers before the other religionscame into play ?
Druids were part of the animist/shamanist pre-Christian religion of Celtic peoples. Pagan can describe the Celtic religion but can also describe other non-monotheist faiths like Hinduism, the classical Greek religion, etc.

Hmmm....
Baptized a Methodist, went to church maybe 10 times growing up, got saved at a Billy Graham crusade in '93, started going to church and found that a lot of Christians are jagoffs, started meeting a lot of pagans around 2000 and found that most of them were pretty cool, now attend pagan functions but have a strong interest in Buddhism and meditation.
(whew!)
Put me down for "other."

I am a religion of one.

I believe in an infinite, eternal universe.

I believe god is a part of man that transcends man's being; a godhood --for me, this manifests as a love that is as infinite and eternal as the universe --and that through man's actions all life-forms are capable of sharing in this godhood.

I believe man, with his faculty of intellect, abstracts god into concepts of glory, valour and tortured bushes. I believe that whatever form this conceptualization takes, that it symbolizes an internal "knowledge" of godhood.

I believe it's a shame that so many take the image literally.

"Be exellent to each other."

Mark me as a Catholic, my beliefs? see the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

I'm willing to talk with anyone who wants to.

-PM

Shinto is not a neo-Pagan religion. Shinto is the living, thousand-years old Japanese religion which has had a gradual course of development and is not a modern interpretation/synthesis of long dead religions.

I'm sorry if I was taken the wrong way, I never meant to imply Shinto was Neo-Pagan. Neo-Pagan is mostly a western idea, and a response to many thing western. Shinto, while by old defintions may be pagan (note the lowercase) it was not what I mas referring too.

Hi!

I think it is really cool that each time I flip to a new page there seems to be at least another page added to the end of this thread.

Just so you know, I am Atlantic Baptist (At least in Canada, being Baptist means one divides into different regional groups called Conventions). By way of introduction; Atlantic Baptists are allowed to dance and drink (Although not too many seem to be really wild party-animals), and we get along pretty well with the other Denominations. After all, David danced and Jesus was not opposed to wine. I guess it all comes down to "Doing everything in the name of God", as the Bible says.

Anyway, introductions aside, I am really impressed that everyone seems to be getting along while learning about each other's beliefs. I am all for interfaith exchange. After all, part of having faith is being able to successfully present yourself to the world in a spirit of openness. I have lots of Christian friends as well as Islamic friends, not to mention Agnostic and Atheist friends (Although in my opinion having some kind of religious belief is far more important than being devoutly anti-faith). Although I pass two Synagogues in the course of going around town, I have not met many Jews who are my contemporaries. Then again, my city is kind of known for its high Muslim population. I think it is really precious when my friends (Either from other Christian sects or Islam) try to convert me. Truth is, I am really happy being Baptist; and I feel God's Spirit with me, so I never have to worry about that kind of thing. I just feel sorry for those who do not have that personal relationship. That's why I encourage all this sharing. A friend and I have this deal worked out where he will come with me to Church some Sunday if I go with him to Friday prayer sometime. I am really looking forward to the chance for both of us to get to know more about each other's faiths in this way. I heartily encourage it!

This post is getting really long... I apologise. I ought to get back to reading what other people have to say! Have a great day.

Breathe Deep, Seek Peace, God Bless, (And yes, I always type that to end off a conversation)

Kie Turtlecrest.

OK, I'm a little confused - I consider myself agnostic, but I have seen people here with pretty similar beliefs to mine describe themselves as deists and solitary wizards...can anyone help me to define the three? Also, what exactly is humanism?

Thanks :)

I'm a devout Catholic...who was raised in both the United Methodist(father) and Catholic Church(mother). I enjoy fasting during Lent.... "Proud Prodestant (United Methodist) Christian. We don't let the pope tell us when we can eat meat. (I'll see your 15 and raise you 20)" ....it allows me to reflect on my Faith in Christ...besides Christ died for my sins so I can have Eternal Life in heaven...fasting is just a very small way of acknowledging my gratefulness to Him for His sacrifice.

This question is a bit off the thread I know but would be interested in comments.

Everyone is working hard to not be rude while describing their positions.
If we can put aside the examples where belief/faith has been hijacked for other purposes, I still wonder if it is possible to have a set of beliefs where wanting to promote and convert is not part of them. If what you believe is right and implicitly best, would not a caring person want to espouse and provoke people to accept their beliefs?

Ultimately, one should, I believe, challenge other peoples' beliefs in a way that respects and maintains their self esteem but challenges the steps they took to get to their ultimate step of faith - which we all take including those who work so very hard not to believe in a deity or spiritual force.

OK, I'm a little confused - I consider myself agnostic, but I have seen people here with pretty similar beliefs to mine describe themselves as deists and solitary wizards...can anyone help me to define the three? Also, what exactly is humanism?

Thanks :)

I consider humanism in its broadest and purest categorization as any approach to life that places man at the center as the source for what is right. Other religions, particularly those that define man as created to serve another, may see it as a sinful activity or method of thought that draws people away from the true expression of their faith.

Spiritual Satanist and damn proud.

FAQ:
No I don't worship Lucifer, I follow his teachings, there's a difference.
No I don't sacrifice things, life is sacred.
No I am not an angsty teen (I am teen but not some stupid goth).
Demons are not evil, they are friends.
No I am not an inverted Christian. There are links to Christianity, but Christianity stole almost everything from other religions, so it's no surprise. Spiritual Satanism is the first religion, according to my beliefs.

I believe two things.

That "it is" is the one absolute singular entity.

That all things are fragments of "it is".

That I can take comfort and direction from listening to "it is"

That I may create and converse with the gods of my choosing.

That my ultimate goal is to leave those that I care about with smiles during my after-lifetime.



That may not seem like two things, but it boils down to two things:

Take comfort and direction from "it is" and leave smiles behind.

I can't remember if I posted in this topic...I thought I did, but yeah just in case..

I am a Messianic Israylite

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

Gotta love something calling itself "Belief'O'Matic!" :D But it does confirm my vote, specifically says my beliefs match 100% to a mainstream to liberal christian/protestant.

You're a wizard? Is there a specific path you follow (Druid, Wicca, etc.?) Just curious.

I'm agnostic.

But I have a question for any well informed christians out there.

I was talking to some one once who explained that the reason the believe in the bible so literally is becuase though it was written by men, it was divinly inspired and was the word of god flowing through thier hands. And that word has not been preverted in any was by the series of translations becuase of the dedication of the early monks and the guiding hand of god.

So my question is, why are there so many different versions of the bible? In my house alone I found three, and on any given page could find multiple differences, some that really change the meaning or tone of the passage.

The atheists I've met have more faith in the absence of a creator than most Christians have in God. I've always been confused in my discussions with them... I don't understand "devoutness" in believing that something doesn't exist.

Yes, I am vehement in the absence of a god, more so than many religious people have faith in a higher being (I like to think so, anyway :) ).

I use the word "devout" to try and show that rather than not being sure about a god (as in being an agnostic) I am sure, and I am sure that a god does not exist. Whether someone believes in a god, or gods, or not, that is their religious view, and since it is a religious view I feel the word devout is apt.

I'm Church of England (also called 'Anglican' or, more generally, just 'Protestant').

I can't remember if I posted in this topic...I thought I did, but yeah just in case..

I am a Messianic Israylite
That's a new one to me!
Judging by the Israel thread you posted on I would have guessed you were a Australian Christian Arab.
I realise you posted that to provoke a response from me so there you go:)

I can't remember if I posted in this topic...I thought I did, but yeah just in case..

I am a Messianic Israylite
BTW congrats on being the first person to spell their belief wrong!!!
I believe you meant ISRAELITE.

I clicked on "Other": I'm an atheist. The "are you joking?" option would have implied I disrespect people who have religious beliefs, which I don't.

As the satire that inspired my nation name, I am Roman Catholic. I like the traditions of the Church, but I do believe that true spirituality cannot be limited by religion and must come from within each individual.

ok....I was baptized in the Catholic Armenian church. Then when I was eight, Iwas baptized as a Mormon. Then ......I stopped going to church.....let say I'm deist I do believe in a God and maybe more...

Manu aka Glutzembaüm, leader of the Theocracy of Glutz

Cool I have the 100th reply....

Manu aka Glutzembaüm, leader of the Theocracy of Glutz

Similar question posted in a different thread yesterday, I basically posted this
via a different nation:

Raised Roman Catholic, heavily influenced by evangelical Protestants (especially Baptists and Pentecostal/Assembly of God people) in college days and had a born again experience. Sensed that God wanted me back in the Catholic Church, retained a lot of good things from the evangelicals but also had to toss a lot of baggage. Still Roman Catholic with influences from evangelicals, Eastern Orthodoxy, the great Rabbis, and 12 step recovery; more and more an eclectic Christian in the way I express my beliefs.

I am a recovering catholic. Was baptized without my knowledge and consent when I was 18 months old. Believed all that crap for a long time. Now that I have matured and am able to figure out what I really want to believe, I find myself following Native American/Mother Earth based Spirituality. As someone else said, I am a Spiritual being not a religious one.

For me, there is no god. There is no satan. No heaven nor hell.
Anything that we do wrong, is our own fault, not that of some imaginary demon. Anything we do right is also our own fault, not that of some mythical god.

Take responsibility for your own deeds and actions and quit blaming everyone/everything else for all your own problems. Live life to the fullest. When you die, who knows.... Not I.

my 2 cents.

Born a Catholic...but not raised one (as such).

Japanese language is highly unique and researchers have had a hard time linking it definitively to any other languages though there have been suggesting connecting Japanese with Malaysian, Korean, or Dravidian (South Indian). The most common theory is that Japanese is in the Ural-Altaic family of languages which includes Turkish, Hungarian, and Korean but then again Japanese's connection with Korean is somewhat weak.

.

Interesting you mention Hungarian. I grew up in the Cleveland OH area which has the largest Hungarian population outside Hungary. I had neighbors who spoke the language, so although I do not understand it I know how it sounds.
When I have heard Japanese spoken, the sound of it reminds me a lot of Hungarian.

Correct me if im wrong but did druids/pagans not exist mainly coming from the shamen type settlers before the other religionscame into play ?

Yep, you're wrong.

:)


Actually, I'm not sure just what you were *saying,* mind you, but
Druids and Pagans existed. More survived than certain mass-market books will let on.

When people look at Neopaganism, they tend to see it in scriptural monotheist terms, when they call old Pagan religions 'dead,' ...like someone burned all the books and temples and erased the substance of the religion from memory...

The thing is, it's more like this, we had some really nice houses with some nice stuff in them. And, someone burned down the houses and most of the stuff in them. When that happens, you don't stand around forever going, "The house is gone, there will never be a house again..." You build a new house for what remains.

Our Gods aren't *dependent* on human belief, and our beliefs aren't *dependent* on names, books, and temples. That stuff is an *expression* of what comes naturally. No one said it had to stand *still,* and it would probably serve us ill if it had.

A song I like a lot calls that spirit the 'Church Not Made With Hands.'

"Not contained by man."

You can call it 'dead,' but there's nothing about it you can really kill.

:)

I am the first High Priest of Joannaism. All must worship the Goddess.

:p

yeah, a white room with gold is unbelievable to me, too...
the Bible says that in heaven, all we do is worship God.


Why would anyone want to worship something that, by omission or design,
has caused some much war, torture, murder, and destruction in this world in it's name. Look at all the "holy wars, inquisitions, purging, witch hunts, etc" that have occured do to thus god worship crap.

*childvoiceon* My god is bigger and better and stronger than your's, so I am going to kill you to show you how much better he is. *childvoiceoff*

This question is a bit off the thread I know but would be interested in comments.

Everyone is working hard to not be rude while describing their positions.
If we can put aside the examples where belief/faith has been hijacked for other purposes, I still wonder if it is possible to have a set of beliefs where wanting to promote and convert is not part of them. .

This seems to me to be the general stance of Judaism. Very few Jews, if any, try to convert members of other religions, and if someone wants to convert to Judaism, he/she will be told to study it thoroughly and really be sure this is the right thing to do.

I have what I like to call my "Holy Religiousisms".. This way, I'm not bound by "organized religion". Though I did found Catholic Pagan Sars Piratism.

Catholic Pagan Sars Piratism, solving all your moral quandries in minutes!

This question is a bit off the thread I know but would be interested in comments.

Everyone is working hard to not be rude while describing their positions.
If we can put aside the examples where belief/faith has been hijacked for other purposes, I still wonder if it is possible to have a set of beliefs where wanting to promote and convert is not part of them. .
The Tenets of the Mazdayasni Zarathushtri religion

"...Marrying, Zarathushtri man or woman, to a Zarathushtri only is commanded in our religion in the Vendidad, to preserve the spiritual strength of the Aryan Mazdayasni religion, and the ethnic identity of the Zarathushtri Aryans. For the Zarathushtri, ethnic identity and religion are synonymous, as declared in the Vendidad by Ahura Mazda Himself - the Mazdayasni faith was revealed by Ahura to the Aryans under King Jamshed, thousands of years before Zarathushtra, and was meant only for the Aryans of Iran.

As such, there was no "conversion", because the Aryans of Iran were already Mazdayasnis when Zarathushtra came, and Zarathushtra was RE-REVEALING THE ORIGINAL FAITH, along with the AGUSTO VACHO - previously unheard of words of Ahura Mazda, such as the most powerful Ahunavar (Yatha Ahu Vairyo). The Fravardin Yasht also says that the Righteous of every nation in this world are present in heaven in the form of Glorious Fravarshis. Thus, the Righteous of every religion go to heaven, all religions are equal, and it is folly to convert. Conversion goes against the Master Law of Ereta (righteousness) itself, because God has given us birth in our respective religions, to adore Him in them, and not to mistrust His Judgement and rebel and go over to another faith. For, each faith leads ultimately to God. Thus, the Zarathushtris do not convert other people, but they rely on MARRIAGE WITHIN and INCREASED CHILD BIRTH to increase their numbers...."

Jewish.

im a quaker, kind of a super pacifist universal unitarian without preachers.

hehe, i'm the first Muslim to say so :)

I'm agnostic.

But I have a question for any well informed christians out there.

I was talking to some one once who explained that the reason the believe in the bible so literally is becuase though it was written by men, it was divinly inspired and was the word of god flowing through thier hands. And that word has not been preverted in any was by the series of translations becuase of the dedication of the early monks and the guiding hand of god.

So my question is, why are there so many different versions of the bible? In my house alone I found three, and on any given page could find multiple differences, some that really change the meaning or tone of the passage.
To answer your question. The reason there are so many Bible translations out there is the fact that what is "Divinely Inspired" differs between faiths. Judaism for example has TaNaK the 22 books of the old testament. These were translated into Greek in Alexandria and became known as the septuagint or LXX, here they also added the seven deuterocanonical books. The Jews did not believe the deuterocanonical books were "divinely inspired" so they still leave them out. Anyway later the Greek version was translated into Latin by St. Jerome and was called the Vulgate. To that was then added the new testament which is the same for both Protestants and Catholics. However when Martin Luther decided to break away from the Catholic Church he decided to go back to the source for his old testament books. So he took out the deuterocanonical books, he too did not believe them to be divinely inspired, hence the King James Bible. As time has pasted though in recent protestant editions i.e. the New International Version they have once again included the deuterocanonical books in a seperate section. Anyway these are the basic structural differences but then there are different applications to each translation first of all the New Jerusalem bible is more for scholarly research, they tend to keep to the ancient Hebrew better, the New American bible is used today in Catholic Masses, and the Good News bible is used typically for houses it is a very loose translation. So the real differences are on book structure the number of books and on how strict a translator wishes to remain to the original. I think that was pretty good. Hey if you ever have the opportunity to take a theology class I would very much suggest it look at what I learned. I'm Catholic.

Why would anyone want to worship something that, by omission or design,
has caused some much war, torture, murder, and destruction in this world in it's name. Look at all the "holy wars, inquisitions, purging, witch hunts, etc" that have occured do to thus god worship crap.

*childvoiceon* My god is bigger and better and stronger than your's, so I am going to kill you to show you how much better he is. *childvoiceoff*
First of all I would not say that God or belief therein causes war suffering etc. Humanity in its original sin is incomplete, and at strife with itself. The holy wars, inquisitions, etc. are exactly why we must believe all the more in God, we as a whole must move closer to him so that we may once again delight in his friendship. Purgings are the result of a perversion of God wants for his people, you cannot throw belief in God out the window because of the actions of people. I believe in God, not in other people, so why should your faith be determined by the actions of others. I hope you revisit this thread and read this.

I live in an Anglican family but consider myself a non-denominational Christian. I identify strongly with Christian values and see no contradiction or lack of reason in my beliefs. When someone questions me with something I cannot answer, I research and always find the answer. My friends are a diverse lot and keep my faith strong.

P.S I got the first insult so:
Jews 1
everyone else 0

The first, yes. But there was some classic pagans-bashing-christianity going on too. :)

Hmmm....
Baptized a Methodist, went to church maybe 10 times growing up, got saved at a Billy Graham crusade in '93, started going to church and found that a lot of Christians are jagoffs, started meeting a lot of pagans around 2000 and found that most of them were pretty cool, now attend pagan functions but have a strong interest in Buddhism and meditation.
(whew!)
Put me down for "other."

Jagoffs? Wheee! A yinzer! :-)

I'm not REALLY a buddist and i do not belive in a god but i think their lifestyle is correct.

Quote I like
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
Wiccan.

"If you take the Christian Bible and put it out in the wind and the rain, soon the paper on which the words are printed will disintegrate and the words will be gone. Our bible IS the wind and the rain."

^ actually attributed to a native american indian, but rings with a certan resonence for me (and no i dont hate christians, the above is simply a quote, etc.. disclamer etc..bla bla)

Wiccan

was recently thinking of becoming a Born Again Christian. Any1 know much about it or are indeed Born Again

I'm Atheist and I'm glad to see that so many people on this site are non-believers to.

I worship the almighty Squiggely Spooch! You will bow to his squiggelyness!

I agree with everything you wrote but this: not all Christians believe that the world was created in 6 days; I believe in evolution.

Otherwise, kudos to you.

I'm a Biblical inerrantist, meaning I believe that the Bible is completely true and free of error. If you say God lied about Adam and Eve, then you believe he is capable of lying about anything else, and if you don't believe in the word of God, how can you call yourself a true Christian?

was recently thinking of becoming a Born Again Christian. Any1 know much about it or are indeed Born Again

I am a born-again Christian. There are a lot of sources to learn more about the Bible and Christianity, although some are pretty off in their interpretations. I do know of one site, http://www.bbnradio.org/bbnnet/readtheanswer.asp It can provide you with a lot of answers and information about Christianity, and there are a lot of people there whom you can email, and I believe there is also a phone number somewhere.

Why would anyone want to worship something that, by omission or design,
has caused some much war, torture, murder, and destruction in this world in it's name. Look at all the "holy wars, inquisitions, purging, witch hunts, etc" that have occured do to thus god worship crap.

*childvoiceon* My god is bigger and better and stronger than your's, so I am going to kill you to show you how much better he is. *childvoiceoff*

Maybe you didn't realize this, but if someone claims to be a Christian, and then turns around and violates every principle thereof, they aren't really Christian.

So if you expect anti-Jewish remarks, is that because you know deep in your subconscience that there is something wrong in Judaism?
To my knowledge people who are proud of something are just trying to cover their doubts.No it's because people like you turn up everywhere they're not wanted and start spouting racist crap. Leave the thread and I have no problem with you. Post your religion, if you came to insult Judaism there are a million threads started by people like Tenete Traditiones and Austrealite which you can use!1. I have no religion. The only thing I accept is reality, not beliefs.
2. So you define who is not wanted? And I would say that posting entries supporting zionism and justifying the killing of Palestinians like you have done, are a lot more racist than anything I would ever write or say or do. All I do is put in doubt Judaism from a theological point of view because it just does not make sense as it contradicts historical facts, and that includes Christianity and Islam in the same way (normally I do not even distinguish these religions because for me a religion is defined by the deity/deities worshipped and not the form of worship). And I cannot accept claims in the real world that are based on theological beliefs.
PS: pride is a form of possessiveness, and possessiveness is the root of all bad human behavior in this world.

I'm a Biblical inerrantist, meaning I believe that the Bible is completely true and free of error. If you say God lied about Adam and Eve, then you believe he is capable of lying about anything else, and if you don't believe in the word of God, how can you call yourself a true Christian?


The Bible may be divinely inspired, but it still went through many different hands of man. Lets say for the sake of argument that the theory of evolution is true. If God tried to explain that to Moses (the author of Genesis, which contains the Adam and Eve story,) do you really think he would understand? The bible uses numerous parables and metaphors to explain its points, which are not forms of lying. They are ways of helping people understand ideas that would otherwise have no chance of comprehending.

The Bible may be divinely inspired, but it still went through many different hands of man. Lets say for the sake of argument that the theory of evolution is true. If God tried to explain that to Moses (the author of Genesis, which contains the Adam and Eve story,) do you really think he would understand? The bible uses numerous parables and metaphors to explain its points, which are not forms of lying. They are ways of helping people understand ideas that would otherwise have no chance of comprehending.Give it up! People who believe in the Bible as being without error are incapable of intelligent reasoning. They will not get the point that the deity portrayed in this book is only a haphazardly assembled caricature of much older and well-known deities of the region (i.e. Mesopotamia and the Zagros).

So if you expect anti-Jewish remarks, is that because you know deep in your subconscience that there is something wrong in Judaism?

The fact that a member of a long-persecuted community has grown to accept the likelihood of persecution is in no ways necessarily indicative that they believe there is something wrong with THEM.

To my knowledge people who are proud of something are just trying to cover their doubts.

So people who march in the St. Patrick's Day parade have "doubts" about being Irish? "Proud" feminists have doubts about being women? I'm not sure I follow this logic.

1. I have no religion. The only thing I accept is reality, not beliefs.

But really, isn't your acceptance of what you perceive to be reality as BEING reality in itself a belief? ;)

2. So you define who is not wanted?

He's entitled to his position, isn't he? As are you.

The Bible may be divinely inspired, but it still went through many different hands of man. Lets say for the sake of argument that the theory of evolution is true. If God tried to explain that to Moses (the author of Genesis, which contains the Adam and Eve story,) do you really think he would understand? The bible uses numerous parables and metaphors to explain its points, which are not forms of lying. They are ways of helping people understand ideas that would otherwise have no chance of comprehending.

So you're saying that Moses was too stupid to understand evolution, and God was too stupid to come up with a good explanation for him? If you've actually read the bible, the parables, et c. all have explanations as to what they represent. If people evolved from some slime, why do we have moral responsibilities? What about the apes from which we supposedly evolved? Why are humans exclusively charged with the burden of sin? Why are humans the only ones who need a savior, one found exclusively in Jesus Christ? I've been taught evolution in public schools, I have the mental capacity to review the evidence for and against it, and you think that just because you live in an age with better technology that that makes all generations that came before you inferior to your apparently superior intellect?

I made mine up...Well, still making. How many times do I have to remind people of my general laziness?

I am a religion of one.

I believe in an infinite, eternal universe.

I believe god is a part of man that transcends man's being; a godhood --for me, this manifests as a love that is as infinite and eternal as the universe --and that through man's actions all life-forms are capable of sharing in this godhood.
"Be exellent to each other."

Wow, there was a lot of replies since I last visited...I'll try to reply to as many as I can...

That is so awesome. Thou Art God ;) (I read "Stranger In A Strange Land" too...)

Spiritual Satanism? That's an excellent term...I like that.

Gotta love something calling itself "Belief'O'Matic!" :D But it does
confirm my vote, specifically says my beliefs match 100% to a
mainstream to liberal christian/protestant.

You're a wizard? Is there a specific path you follow (Druid, Wicca,
etc.?) Just curious.

Cool. I would say it's closer to Wicca, although I'm not averse to using pieces of other religions. My path is to have my eyes opened to all knowledge...I basically respect all religions except for Catholicism... :sniper:
My heritage is actually Native American, and I identify deeply with the introspection and community with nature, although I almost always identify most with the "dark side" and "LeVay Satanism" because I don't think that we, as humans, should deny ourselves simply because of social mores.

Take responsibility for your own deeds and actions and quit blaming
everyone/everything else for all your own problems. Live life to the
fullest. When you die, who knows.... Not I.

Exactly.

"If you take the Christian Bible and put it out in the wind and the rain, soon the paper on which the words are printed will disintegrate and the words will be gone. Our bible IS the wind and the rain."

I REALLY like that....As far as the recent discussion about the validity of The Bible...nobody knows. You have to take into account that the Bible consists of books that were ALLOWED in. There are several books that are not even in the Bible that you probably have on your bookshelf. I look at them as historical accounts, and a way to live your life...unfortunately humans have misused the power of religion to their own evil ends.

Give it up! People who believe in the Bible as being without error are incapable of intelligent reasoning. They will not get the point that the deity portrayed in this book is only a haphazardly assembled caricature of much older and well-known deities of the region (i.e. Mesopotamia and the Zagros).

From the way you talk, you seem to know all about the Bible and its entire contents, and obviously have read the entire thing, because I know someone of your mental capacity would never form opinions based on whatever someone else told them without checking it out for themselves. Therefore, as someone who is obviously SO much more intelligent than I, I would like for you to point out one error in the Bible that I might be enlightened and not so limited by my lack of intelligent reasoning.

That is so awesome. Thou Art God ;) (I read "Stranger In A Strange Land" too...)so have I

Spiritual Satanism? That's an excellent term...I like that.So do I but there is no such thing.


Cool. I would say it's closer to Wicca, although I'm not averse to using pieces of other religions. My path is to have my eyes opened to all knowledge...I basically respect all religions except for Catholicism... :sniper:
My heritage is actually Native American, and I identify deeply with the introspection and community with nature, although I almost always identify most with the "dark side" and "LeVay Satanism" because I don't think that we, as humans, should deny ourselves simply because of social mores.



Exactly.



I REALLY like that....As far as the recent discussion about the validity of The Bible...nobody knows. You have to take into account that the Bible consists of books that were ALLOWED in. There are several books that are not even in the Bible that you probably have on your bookshelf. I look at them as historical accounts, and a way to live your life...unfortunately humans have misused the power of religion to their own evil ends.

Bada BUMP!

So you're saying that Moses was too stupid to understand evolution, and God was too stupid to come up with a good explanation for him? If you've actually read the bible, the parables, et c. all have explanations as to what they represent. If people evolved from some slime, why do we have moral responsibilities? What about the apes from which we supposedly evolved? Why are humans exclusively charged with the burden of sin? Why are humans the only ones who need a savior, one found exclusively in Jesus Christ? I've been taught evolution in public schools, I have the mental capacity to review the evidence for and against it, and you think that just because you live in an age with better technology that that makes all generations that came before you inferior to your apparently superior intellect?

Two of your questions are based on your own opinion. First off there is no conclusive evidence that we are born with original sin. I am not denying that it is entirely possible, but there is not a sufficient amount of evidence to prove it. And second not everyone believes that they need to be saved through Christ. So both of those are invalid points.

Now about God being too stupid to explain to Moses the theory of evolution, no I do not think that God is incapable of explaining evolution to Moses, but I do think that if Moses heard it as the theory is taught today his head would probably explode by all of the completely foreign concepts that he was hearing. And even if Moses was able to understand evolution do you think that all of his peers and everyone after him would understand?

As for moral responsibility. Do two-year olds understand the idea of morality? Of course not, it is something they develop with time. And not just through their parents, but by trial and error. I know I did not learn most of morals through my parents. I learned them through life experience. If you read a psychology text on human development you are bound to come across moral development.

So you're saying that Moses was too stupid to understand evolution, and God was too stupid to come up with a good explanation for him? If you've actually read the bible, the parables, et c. all have explanations as to what they represent. If people evolved from some slime, why do we have moral responsibilities? What about the apes from which we supposedly evolved?

Well actually, Judaism DOES more or less believe in evolution- but the "original cause" is attributed to God.

http://judaism.about.com/library/3_askrabbi_o/bl_simmons_evolution.htm

How did G-d create the world? The Torah commentator Rashi tells us that G-d created everything in potential on Day One, and then different species developed from that primordial soup. (see Genesis 1:24, 2:4) It is worthwhile noting that as he was writing in the 11th century, Rashi was not making apologetics in the face of a scientific challenge!

Rabbi Shimshon Rafael Hirsch (19th century Germany) further explains that each "Day" represents a specific stage of creation - i.e. a mingling of raw materials and bursts of dramatic new development. As you go through the Torah's account, you see described a gradual process from simple to more complex organisms - first a mass of swirling gasses, then water, then the emergence of dry land, followed by plants, fish, birds, animals, and finally, human beings. This pattern may be similar to the evolutionary process proposed by science.

It is truly fascinating to realize that the Torah's position never changed; science has come to match it! In fact, the recently proposed Punctuated Theory of Equilibria is a further step toward the reconciliation of Judaism and science. In other words, Arnold Penzias, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his research on the Big Bang, remarked: "What we see marking the flight of galaxies with our telescopes, Maimonides saw from his metaphysical view."

* * *

Of course, there is a point where the Torah and the "evolutionists" diverge. The Bible says these things didn't happen by accident. God made it all happen. Or in other words, is the human being simply a smarter monkey, or a qualitatively different creation? The Torah tells us that G-d blew into Adam a spiritual soul, which is what separates man from all other creatures. (see Genesis 2:7)

Why are humans the only ones who need a savior, one found exclusively in Jesus Christ?

Well that one OBVIOUSLY doesn't apply to all religions ;)

Spiritualist! I believe the sun is the source of life and light (duh for the second one). Without it, at the beginning of civilization we'd have had no crops, no photosynthesis, no happy people (everyone would be depressed and the like).

I worship sunsets and peace.

Cool. I would say it's closer to Wicca, although I'm not averse to using pieces of other religions. My path is to have my eyes opened to all knowledge...I basically respect all religions except for Catholicism... :sniper:
My heritage is actually Native American, and I identify deeply with the introspection and community with nature, although I almost always identify most with the "dark side" and "LeVay Satanism" because I don't think that we, as humans, should deny ourselves simply because of social mores.

For a time I considered myself a solitary Druid. I believe in God, but I also believe he has other spirits helping out. Tried being part of a grove, but couldn't handle the personality conflicts. :p I guess my beliefs are a kind of merge between Christian and Pagan, since I also revere nature. It makes sense to me, anyway. :)

From the way you talk, you seem to know all about the Bible and its entire contents, and obviously have read the entire thing, because I know someone of your mental capacity would never form opinions based on whatever someone else told them without checking it out for themselves. Therefore, as someone who is obviously SO much more intelligent than I, I would like for you to point out one error in the Bible that I might be enlightened and not so limited by my lack of intelligent reasoning.No way. Go and read the Bible, then read the works of Josephus Flavius, then read Manetho, Berosus, and Herodotus. Read the Sumerian epics, read the Phoenicians' tales about their own origins, read Akkadian, Assyrian and Babylonian literature. READ and you will find that the Bible is just a poor copy of stories from origins in the more civilized nations of the region. The Hebrews coming to the Levant were simple and uneducated pasturalists, does really anyone expect them to produce reliable literature? And even the Israelites coming out of Egypt were not necessarily the brightest folks. Get real!

Catholic
Christian Mystic
Pantheist

I have no religion. The world would be such a better place without it.

Agreed.

Okie everyone ... fess up .... how many of you created a bunch of puppet nations just to skew this poll?

I am a Jehovah's Witness [ Christian ] although we don't follow along on the "ritualistic practices"that correlate with other religions who are christians as in holidays observed by worldly governments....that's one reason why we are different from "other christians"

Find Out More-http://watchtower.org/library/jt/index.htm?article=article_08.htm

Okie everyone ... fess up .... how many of you created a bunch of puppet nations just to skew this poll?

I'm a new member. In what way do you think the poll is skewed? towards or against religion?

If I remember correctly, 90% of America believes in God...I'm not sure about the demographics on this board.

I tend to find on other forums though that atheists and the like are more abundant than in real life, just been my experience.

p.s
Shana Tova to all the Jews here:)

Okie everyone ... fess up .... how many of you created a bunch of puppet nations just to skew this poll?


Not me! I'm one of a kind...but... now that you mention it... :D

I am an atheist because I think it allows me to question more. I like questioning and coming up with my own answers instead of having someone tell me how it is and how it's going to be. I like to hear other people's thoughts, but in the end, I like to come to my own conclusions based on my own reasoning. Then I start questioning all over again. It's what keeps me alive.

I'm currently into between Catholicism (by birth) and Christianity (by choice).

I have no religion. The world would be such a better place without it.

I agree

El Totalitaria: you have told us time and time again that religion is wrong and that you think all people who have religions are deluding themselves. SHUT UP!! I don't think you quite understand religion and what it does to people. Also, think about what would happen to the world at large if everyone was devoutly religious. No war, hunger, cruelty, etc. So, shape up or shut up. I'm sorry i was so rude. If you are atheist, say it once, and then leave us alone.

Personally, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or, the Mormons. No, we don't do polygamy, yes, we worship Christ, It's in our name, we use the King James Version of the Bible, annotated and Cross referenced. :gundge: :sniper: :mp5: :gundge: :sniper:
:invasion:invasion:invasion:invasion:

I agree

Ditto. I would go into all my reasons as to why I agree, but that doesn't matter. I respect the hell out of Jews, though: they don't proselytize, and I respect that. I do the same. If anyone wants to know, I could be classified as a Satanist I guess, not to be confused with Devil Worship. Those are two entirely different things. As taken from an internet site:
“All Satanists are atheists." They don’t believe in god above, or the devil below for that matter. Satanists believe that each individual is god of his or her own life. Rinker said, “It’s a religion or philosophy that was meant to free man of his built-in fears of the unknown and of god. Really teaching that the only higher power is yourself and the abilities that you possess. It means doing for yourself instead of praying for somebody else to do them for you.”

You only get one shot at this life, you might as well take advantage of it as best as you can. I grew up a Protestant for 18 years, and never missed a day in church (you can believe me or not, but I have no reason to lie) for 15 of those first 18 years of life. But in the past 4 I have since found my own personal truth to life, and now I live the way I see fit.

Other

Taoist. It's not really a religion, more of a philosophy which I like.

I don't think you quite understand religion and what it does to people. Also, think about what would happen to the world at large if everyone was devoutly religious. No war, hunger, cruelty, etc..

I don't think you understand what happens when the world is devoutly religious.

A few examples: The Spanish Inquisition, the crusades, The Salem Witch burnings, The Islamic Jihad, 9/11...you get the idea.


I love the part about no hunger, though, as if we were all religious bread would fall from the sky.

America was by far much more religious in the 1800s...and it was used to justify slavery. Nice.

Religion is what you make of it, it doesnt make you any more just or altruistic.

I'm not religious, but I think I'm a decent guy. Me being religious wouldn't make any difference in that respect.

actually.........


Those things only occured because there were people of other religions.

I can guarantee that if everybody was of the same religion, that like he said...there would be no more war since everybody could agree on the same ideology.

I can guarantee the opposite. Christians didn't seem to find it difficult to start killing each other after the Protestant reformation or in the Inquistions.

I'm polytheist, with taoist leanings...(that seems strange, but it works). I beleive god is the underlying fractal pattern of the universe. fractals rock.

actually.........


Those things only occured because there were people of other religions.

I can guarantee that if everybody was of the same religion, that like he said...there would be no more war since everybody could agree on the same ideology.


That made me laugh.

I can guarantee the opposite. Christians didn't seem to find it difficult to start killing each other after the Protestant reformation or in the Inquistions.

has anybody taken a look at ireland lately? christians kill eachother quite frequently. monotheism is conducive to murder.

actually.........


Those things only occured because there were people of other religions.

I can guarantee that if everybody was of the same religion, that like he said...there would be no more war since everybody could agree on the same ideology.

catholic france has invaded catholic italy before...throughout the height of the middle ages catholic europeans invaded eachother. hell, the popes were generals every now and then. I'm sure most other religions have their parallels, except perhaps buddhism, jainism, and other religions that make sense.

Japanese language is highly unique and researchers have had a hard time linking it definitively to any other languages though there have been suggesting connecting Japanese with Malaysian, Korean, or Dravidian (South Indian). The most common theory is that Japanese is in the Ural-Altaic family of languages which includes Turkish, Hungarian, and Korean but then again Japanese's connection with Korean is somewhat weak. Native American languages' origins are even more controversial... there have been attempts to link Apache with Chinese but no definitive proof has been offered for any generalizing theory about American Indian languages. There is vast diversity among American Indian languages and some tribes may live next to each other but have languages that are completely unrelated to each other or any other language family in the world.


This is some info I've been wanting to see. Thank you. I have a question though...wouldn't it be better to check for similarities with tribes closer to Japan physically? Northern tribes like the Haida or Inuit languages would make more sense. Apache is just to far south in my opinion and logically there would have been more drift in the language as distance from asia increased (at least so I think).

Opinion?


Native American did not come from Japan but both the Japanese and Native Americans originated from northeast Asia.

Yeah, they did take a lot of their language from buddhists and other asian influences and I have no background on ancient Japanese language so I'm in the dark about its history. Many experts probably are as well.

I guess any similarities could be because of a 'common ancestor' from asia.

I was born and baptized catholic, but about the age of 11 I looked and myself in the mirror and thought “Why?”

I am an atheist.

I would also like to take a minute to talk about some of my friends. I have friends that are Wicca, atheist, Christian, an extreme right wing Christian fundie (we don't agree on many subjects, but we both like video games :) ), agnostic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and everything in between. I wish that others could see and accept each other like we do.

I would also like to congratulate this thread on being (mostly) flame free.

Religion shouldn't have anything to do with morals. You should do stuff because it's right, not because your version of God tells you to.

I'm technically Jewish, but my family never observed much (four generations in the USSR can do that to you) so I never really feel part of the Jewish community, and that is really what it's all about, because I have many many theories about God, so without the community I guess I'm pretty much an Existentialist Philospher.

The thing about religion is you dont have solid facts, just hearsay (ie the bible and various other holy books). So if you're going to think about God in terms of the scientific method (which i use for everything) you have to go by working assumptions instead of facts, PFI.

Lets say I'm thinking about one thing and working from the assumtion that the idea of gods omnipresence is a fact, then my theory is that he/she/it cant control our lives because being everywhere, according to the laws of physics, requires you to be everything, so it'd be like us interfering with our kidneys.

But then for a different theory I might have the working assumption that God created the universe etc and there is some unknown factor allowing him to be outside it but see everything.

I cant decide on any one theory until I have enough information to prove or disprove my qworking assumptions, ie never.

Agnostic with diestic leanings (yearnings?).

Actually these days I'm leaning a bit more towards pantheism, and I'm begining to wonder if the Zorastorians might have been onto something - existance these days seems like it may very well be composed of two opposing forces. Maybe a manchian pantheism?

Agnostic with diestic leanings (yearnings?).

Actually these days I'm leaning a bit more towards pantheism, and I'm begining to wonder if the Zorastorians might have been onto something - existance these days seems like it may very well be composed of two opposing forces. Maybe a manchian pantheism?

Among other things, I consider myself a Pantheist. What's a Manchian Pantheist?

Among other things, I consider myself a Pantheist. What's a Manchian Pantheist?
A belief that everything is part of two competing(?not good but closest I can come up with) Gods/forces, one creating order and one creating opportunity. My bad spelling hurt, it would have been clearer if I had spelled Manachian correctly, but the context of Zorastorianism should have made it clear. Zorastorianism holds that existance is a battleground between two forces, order/creation/light and chaos/destruction/darkness, and Manachianism is a more recognizable Western version of that duality (often expressed in terms of G*d and Satan) and is most likely the genesis of modern Satanism. One of the things about Manachianism is that neither force can exist without the other, and the dominance of one over the other is not desirable, the two must be kept in a ballance and "evil" comes about when one of the forces becomes dominant in the world. Order and regularity are necessary, but so are disorder and change - too much of the former leads to stasis while too much latter leads to chaos. Who knows, in the end existance will probably degenrate into the entropic heat sink with no opportunity yet no order, both "sides" losing.

A belief that everything is part of two competing(?not good but closest I can come up with) Gods/forces, one creating order and one creating opportunity. My bad spelling hurt, it would have been clearer if I had spelled Manachian correctly, but the context of Zorastorianism should have made it clear. Zorastorianism holds that existance is a battleground between two forces, order/creation/light and chaos/destruction/darkness, and Manachianism is a more recognizable Western version of that duality (often expressed in terms of G*d and Satan) and is most likely the genesis of modern Satanism. One of the things about Manachianism is that neither force can exist without the other, and the dominance of one over the other is not desirable, the two must be kept in a ballance and "evil" comes about when one of the forces becomes dominant in the world. Order and regularity are necessary, but so are disorder and change - too much of the former leads to stasis while too much latter leads to chaos. Who knows, in the end existance will probably degenrate into the entropic heat sink with no opportunity yet no order, both "sides" losing.

I see. Very interesting. Just for completion, how would you desribe plain old Pantheism?

I see. Very interesting. Just for completion, how would you desribe plain old Pantheism?
Pantheism is a belief that G*d is existance and everything in existance is G*d. There are variations like the great growing circles of divinity (one I rather like) where there are godheads (small gods?) relating to certain aspects of existance, making of part of greater gods until all meet into the Universe/G*d - i.e. a god of wind is part of the god(dess) Gaea of Earth is part of the god of the solar system is part of the god of the Milky Way is part of the Universe. Many pantheists consider Nature to be the Divine, something I shy away from because implicit in this is a division between Man and Nature.

***edit, last sentence is unclear, it is not the concept of Nature as the Divine I shy away from (this is close to Deism anyway), but the formulation or wording I shy away from. Instead of using Nature I prefer to use the Universe. Scientific Pantheists tend to use Nature in a rejection of the preconceptions of what is ment by the word God, but the word Nature also has connotations and rouses preconceptions in me and some others about its meaning. You pays your money and you takes your chances.

Pantheism is a belief that G*d is existance and everything in existance is G*d. There are variations like the great growing circles of divinity (one I rather like) where there are godheads (small gods?) relating to certain aspects of existance, making of part of greater gods until all meet into the Universe/G*d - i.e. a god of wind is part of the god(dess) Gaea of Earth is part of the god of the solar system is part of the god of the Milky Way is part of the Universe. Many pantheists consider Nature to be the Divine, something I shy away from because implicit in this is a division between Man and Nature.

***edit, last sentence is unclear, it is not the concept of Nature as the Divine I shy away from (this is close to Deism anyway), but the formulation or wording I shy away from. Instead of using Nature I prefer to use the Universe. Scientific Pantheists tend to use Nature in a rejection of the preconceptions of what is ment by the word God, but the word Nature also has connotations and rouses preconceptions in me and some others about its meaning. You pays your money and you takes your chances.

I see. Thanks. That's fairly consistant with what I've been told. I basically regard Pantheism as a belief in everything. As God is everywhere and the creator of everything, also is he in the hearts of everyone. Hence, I see Pantheism as sort of a "link" between the major religions of the world. Allah = God. Polytheism = smaller portions of God. Etc. I realize I'm probably bastardizing the word a bit, but it seems that the spirit and meaning of the term are the same.

I appoligize if I'm being unclear. I just finished about four-to-five hours of astrophyics homework, and my heads a giant jumble of mass and luminosity relationships.

I voted "Religion?????"

I'm actually Atheist with Non-theistical leanings :p

I am a Jehovah's Witness [ Christian ] although we don't follow along on the "ritualistic practices"that correlate with other religions who are christians as in holidays observed by worldly governments....that's one reason why we are different from "other christians"

There's a funny religion... :rolleyes:

I have this funny story (or at least funny at the time) about the last time I was awoken by these people...
I had been working 3rd shift, and got home to sleep...it was late morning, around 11ish, so I 'd been to sleep for around 4 hours. These people started beating on my door...they wanted to tell me some "good news"...I knew what they were getting to, so I told them to come in, and up to my room, which at the time had an altar and tools of my then black magic practices...
They looked around, kinda freaked out, when I interrupted them, saying, "Let me tell you about older gods..."
man, they beat feet outta there so fast, they almost fell down the stairs.

That was back when I was rude to people...lol...now, I just tell them no thanks...

I would consider myself an agnostic with atheistic leanings--I was raised RLDS (my father was pastor of our congregation)...The thing is...It was sooo much easier when I believed...personal responsibility issues I guess...

It is almost impossible to choose to believe once your "reason is out of the BOX"...As for getting flamed, my 9 yr old gets grief at school (public) because she doesn't believe the Christian mythos...

My biggest problem with MOST religions is that in order for me to be right... you must be wrong.

non-religous. none of my family are so I guess I never thought about it

Agnostic.

Roman Catholic

Protestant and Orthodox are not Christian!
Why are they classified with the one true Church?

extra ecclesiam nulla salus

Ah... Religious arguements. One of the things people love to argue long into the night about and end up getting nowhere. Like... The best Final Fantasy, for instance.

Roman Catholic

Protestant and Orthodox are not Christian!
Why are they classified with the one true Church?

extra ecclesiam nulla salus

I'm a Lutheran, meaning, obviously, that I'm not Catholic. I am, however, very much a Christian, perhaps not by your standards, but by the standards of Jesus Christ Himself, as set forth in His holy and infallible word the Bible. If anything, I would say Roman Catholics are not true Christians, or at least those who believe in priests granting forgiveness, all that "Hail Mary" stuff, the pope being infallible, and purgatory, which are un-biblical concepts.

I heard this somewhere, I wish I could claim authorship - I am a apathetic agnostic. "I don't know and I don't care."

I heard this somewhere, I wish I could claim authorship - I am a apathetic agnostic. "I don't know and I don't care."

I wonder about agnostics. It seems like if you don't know if there's a god/afterlife, you'd want to find out now rather than later when it's too late, wouldn't you?