NationStates Jolt Archive

This is an..exchange of experiences with religion. I was bored, and thought up some questions.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?

I figure I might as well go first.

Up until Fourth Grade, I was a devout Catholic, but rather accepting that there existed religions outside of mine own, albeit I wasn't too informed about them. My father is a nonpracticing Muslim, so I never learned any religious beliefs from him. My mother was the one who'd insist on my going to catechism, etc, and both my sisters, at this point, were Catholic, as well. However, around this time, I began questioning the beliefs of the Church, as well as of Christianity, in general.

By middle school, had become atheist. My mother was of the firm belief it was just a phase, and she was right, in a sense. I became interested in other belief systems, and learned about them. I began slowly converting to Pagan beliefs, and it wasn't until I met my now fiancee (who is an eclectic Pagan, and taught me further about the beliefs of them) around my Sophomore year of high school that they really started to settle in. I'd had serious doubts for a while about an omnipotent creator, and had always felt rather attuned to the energies around me, as well as a respect for the need for the existance of a natural balance in all things. My mother regarded this, too, was a phase, and would lecture me often on the evils of Magic and its related subjects, when she wasn't telling me it didn't exist. I sadly wound up having to stop discussing my beliefs in places she could overhear me. She then decided I'd dropped this "phase", and went back to atheism.

For the most part, I am generally accepting of the different religious systems and beliefs of others, though I do have some major problems with what Christianity has seemed to have, to a large degree become, though I don't have problems with what it's supposed to be..a religion of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. However, I've a very big problem with Wicca, as I find it very..fluffy, and the classification of it being Pagan as (in my opinion) false, as it was founded on a number of Christian principles.

I tend to be classified as an eclectic Pagan. I don't worship any specific god or gods, but rather acknowledge the existance of the Celtic Morrigan Trinity and of the Egyptian pantheon. I practice non ritualistic Magic and tend to be rather solitary: I work on my own, and tend to leave others to their own paths.

My youngest sister is, while more liberal than my mother in her beliefs, is also a devout Catholic, though my middle sister has turned athiest. My father's never had my interests in religious beliefs, and has kept to himself about his thoughts on all this. My friends have tended to be of the "whatever makes you happy" point of view, and respectful of my beliefs. In regards to the beliefs of others, I tend to try to be very accepting, so long as they are of mine.

This is an..exchange of experiences with religion. I was bored, and thought up some questions.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?

[snip]
(1) I'm not a part of any organized religion, so I guess you can call me a Meist. :p It isn't a religion of my choice so much as my conclusions from various phillosophical thought processes I've had over the years.
(2) The overly Christian influence of my enviroment was probably part of my influence away from their "god". I tend to keep my views to myself, as many people around me would not be able to handle them if I did happen to share them.
(3) I think I'm more accepting than most. I will admit that I don't know if my beliefs are "right" or not, and that other religions may be more "truthful" than my own.
(4) Obviously, they don't contradict each other. Like I said, I'm not part of any organized religion, so there are no others.

(1) I'm not a part of any organized religion, so I guess you can call me a Meist. :p It isn't a religion of my choice so much as my conclusions from various phillosophical thought processes I've had over the years.
(2) The overly Christian influence of my enviroment was probably part of my influence away from their "god". I tend to keep my views to myself, as many people around me would not be able to handle them if I did happen to share them.
(3) I think I'm more accepting than most. I will admit that I don't know if my beliefs are "right" or not, and that other religions may be more "truthful" than my own.
(4) Obviously, they don't contradict each other. Like I said, I'm not part of any organized religion, so there are no others.
Ah..I always figured you were aethiest/agnostic, or something similar, judging from the debates/statements you've made..or was I wrong in this assumption?

C'mon, people..anyone else willing to share their experiences?

Ah..I always figured you were aethiest/agnostic, or something similar, judging from the debates/statements you've made..or was I wrong in this assumption?

C'mon, people..anyone else willing to share their experiences?
I consider myself theist but could be considered to have agnostic views on other supernatural/religious/spirtual beliefs. So, somewhere between theist and agnostic.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?
I am currently an Athiest, with some leanings into Buddhism. I was Roman Catholic until about a year ago. My revelation came by (a) looking at how contradictory Christianity in general is, and (b) all the problems it has caused throughout history. Though this can be said of all religions, that's why I became an Athiest.

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?
There was little outside influence. My friends were OK with it, but, seeing as I go to a Catholic school, many of my peers were not. I'm OK with that. My family really doesn't know yet, not that they'd probably really care.

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?
I have no religion.
As for other religions, I feel the differences within religions are a sign of weakness, but the number of different religions shows how nice and varied different cultures are.
To actually answer the question, I feel I personally am very tollerant of all religions. Now that's less that I can say about the practitioners of some of those religions.

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?
As stated above, I have no religion.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?


I'm a fundamentalist atheist. I vaguely remember deciding to be one after a set of letters to Santa.

My parents are both agnostic, and while they encourage me and my siblings to choose whatever religion we want that has led to us choosing none of the above, to a greater or lesser degree. Most of my friends are atheist, agnostic, or apathetic christian (y'know, the ones where it doesn't really matter)

I don't argue with people over their religion unless they seem comfortable with it. I'm uncomfortable with religion in general, but I'm not as vehement as some of the more militant atheists. Any creationist earns my ire, however.

Atheism's only real tenet is that there is no God, which is something I wholeheartedly agree with. I understand that because of various communist regimes we have lost our old moral high ground over religion, but I still think atheism is the best hope for the future.

For the record, I was raised Methodist. I can even boast being baptized with water brought back from the Jordan River. Same one Christ was baptized in.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

I am no religion. I am not atheist or pagan, though. I believe that whatever supreme being made this earth never intended for people to worship in churches. Church has become a corrupt place full of greed and money. All it is is politics...who can climb the ladder the fastest! It's wrong. Church is wrong. If anyone wants to do any worshiping, it should be in a place precious to you. I know this is the right choice for me because I feel it in my heart and mind.

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

No one influenced this. I was influenced so much in my younger years by friends I got sick of it. I decided to figure out who I am without someone telling me. I arrived at my decision on my own. My parents don't really care, nor does anyone else in my family. Grandma tells me I should go to church, but pooy.


How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

I'm openly accepting of any religion. In the end, it's all the same concept. One or more supreme beings. People striving for answers to the unknown and closure for death and illness. Belief in something is necessary...everyone believes in something, even atheists. They believe there is no god.


What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?

I think that my view is one of the most uncomplicated. I thank God every day that I'm alive, that I have my fiance, that I have my family, and for every thing, good and bad. I don't know if the views I hold are in agreeance of major religion. I don't think so because I don't believe it's necessary to have a church, pastor, or any of the pomp and circumstance that comes with religion. I've found that just being between God and me is the best religion in the world. I live my life morally, justly, and fairly.

I think my disagreements with church and major religion has been made clear. One was never meant to worship God or any supreme being in a huge building nor was there ever supposed to be one person telling 200 how to live life or telling people they should contribute money every Sunday and come back on Wednesday to save your soul midweek. Stupid. But I guess some people like it. I don't.

LGD...I will reply...but it's going to take me a bit. I'm working on a couple of things right now, and I'll more than likely sit with pen and paper and write you a response before I type it.

So you're just gonna have to wait. :p

LGD...I will reply...but it's going to take me a bit. I'm working on a couple of things right now, and I'll more than likely sit with pen and paper and write you a response before I type it.

So you're just gonna have to wait. :p

lol..Alright. Thank you, Stella. I'd just like to get more people involved in this, but I've a feeling the "vs" threads and the pointless, repetitious debates fad is going to take precendent over this...lol. Oh well.

-- What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?
I am nonreligious. Arriving was a gradual process of let go of illusions.

-- How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?
My friends and family had very little influence.

-- How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?
I accept that people may want to believe different things to me. Trying to stop them would only cause conflict.

-- What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?
Non applicable.

Religious Impact
http://img28.echo.cx/img28/9996/impact7kf.jpg
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What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?
Agnosticism.
I arrived at it through trying out a couple of other things, and eventually settling on the one that felt the least ridiculous to me.
How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?
At firs, my parent's choices of religion was what steered me through my choices. My friends never had an influence on me religiously, as none of my friends are the type that really feel like discussing it and trying to convince others.
How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?
Are there any different 'sects', so to speak, of agnosticism? I don't know of any.
What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?
If I disagreed with any of it, I would pick something that I didn't disagree with.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you? I am a nondenominational Christian. I am kind of a loner, although if I do find some brothers or sisters that I can converse about My Father I form a close bond. Most churches do seem to be steeped in greed and corruption. I have only found a few people that are filled totally with the Holy Spirit, but I think it's mostly my anti-social attitude. Most people talk on the surface about material that wastes away and last as long as a breath of air.

If I was any of the Churches of Revelation I would be the loveless Church. This thing about being loveless is the thing I am going to be battling my whole life until I die. It is the thing I need to overcome. I have taken the high ground a few times, but have been beaten down many more in this spiritual war over love and hate, pride and humility, courage in action and cowardice. It is only by the grace of Jesus Christ that I am still here battered and wounded.

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?
I accepted Christ when I was five years old. Most athiests will say that I was too young and I was brainwashed. Well I reaccepted Jesus Christ as my Savior when I was 12. I was raised and homechooled in the Word.

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions? As I said above, most churches are filled with greed and corruption. I have heard many things pastors have said that do not coincide with scripture.

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets? Alot of churches do not believe there can be miracles or spiritual gifts. As if they were limited now and there is no need for prophecy or healing. Tongues are widely suppressed, but when they are used in the church, they are used the wrong way. I myself speak in it, but only alone in the wilderness or driving my car with the windows rolled down. It is good to have it, in times of severely turbulent situations like hiking in the woods at night alone without a flashlight. When I am about to make a decision most critical that it is a turning point in my life, is usually when it starts to pick up. It's strange, it's always a different song that I never heard before. It's hard to talk about it and it's purely a personal gift. I guess because everyone does think you are crazy for even having it.

I also don't like to be bound by certain methods of conduct.

Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations--
21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,"
22 which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men?

This is an..exchange of experiences with religion. I was bored, and thought up some questions.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?

I figure I might as well go first.

Up until Fourth Grade, I was a devout Catholic, but rather accepting that there existed religions outside of mine own, albeit I wasn't too informed about them. My father is a nonpracticing Muslim, so I never learned any religious beliefs from him. My mother was the one who'd insist on my going to catechism, etc, and both my sisters, at this point, were Catholic, as well. However, around this time, I began questioning the beliefs of the Church, as well as of Christianity, in general.

By middle school I had become atheist.

Holy f***, sounds a lot like my life. Only both my parents were Christians.

Eh, why not? I suppose I should start out by saying I was raised Christian.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

The most general description I'll say is agnostic, but the best way to describe it is that I'm a little bit of everything. I'm a little Shinto, a little shamanistic, a little Buddhist, and probably even a little pagan. I believe in reincarnation and that the entire universe moves in a cycle and is its own organism, of which we are a part. Every god there was or will be is most likely an incarnation of higher beings. I believe in kami.

I used to be Christian and really, the reason I stopped was because I went through a period of depression where I constantly asked God and Jesus to help me and they never did. I got to the point where I tried to commit suicide and that's about the time I stopped being Christian for a while and became atheist. Over time, I drew conclusions about the universe through observations and I revise my beliefs based on discussions with others. A lot of it is based on faith, though one could say that I had a divine vision at one point. *shrugs* Though if you say that as a person who isn't of an old religion, you tend to come off as a crazy person, but we're all anonymous here. ;)

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

Ironically, my friends and family have mainly turned me away from Christianity as I don't believe in trying to convert other people and that's exactly what my friends and family have done - and this is with the assumption that I'm still a Christian. They just want me to be their sect. But with the more understanding and open people I know, I've been able to discuss ideas and refine and redefine my own, so I'd say the influence is about half-and-half.


How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

Since I made up my religion, I don't really have to worry about variations, though I recognize certain pantheons above others and I always get pissy if someone misquotes/mischaracterizes/etc., a god. As of other religions, my husband is a Mormon and I occasionally have discussions with him to figure out the subtleties of his religion and why he chose it. I really could care less what religion a person is as nearly all of them teach peace; they just worship different names.

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?

I think I pretty much summed up my religion, though I could clarify. I have a rather cynical view anyway and I'm fairly certain that if the universe is self-aware, it's rather indifferent. The only real problem that I have with my religion is that there is no book or tenets to follow aside from the ones I choose and sometimes that is a hard path to traverse.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?
Pagan, last year I heard alot about it and liked it. I was agnostic before.

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?
my grandma is a presbrytian and got mad. I remeber when i was little she wouldn't let my Ah Ma give me a necklace with a cross on it

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?
very acceptin i actualli like hearin other pple talkin about theirs

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?
i hate fluffy wiccans. as i'm in their age group i no alot but don't hang around them.

When I saw the title of this thread I envisioned a huge crater where organized religion had impacted.....



What a disappointment.

When I saw the title of this thread I envisioned a huge crater where organized religion had impacted.....



What a disappointment.

lol...I'll..try to do better next time...?

To quote the great Shae! "I am of the Porn Religion. We believe that pornography is a great way to get off, when you don't have a piece of ass around to pound like mad, every Sunday."

Im Atheist.

My family is basically christian, they dont attend church regularly, or at all, but believe in "god". Ive impacted friends by changing their views at least slightly but no one has ever influenced me religiously, I know what I know that is all.

I could care less about what someone else believes but I dont hold any of it against them as long as they dont sit their and try to explain why their religion "changed them" or some other bull crap. Believe what you want I dont care, just dont shove it in my face like most people do.

AS for my "religion" I see it as the most logical choice, the only logical choice and therefore why I chose it... why else would I... and its basically opposite of everyone else...


Most religions are complete BS and just some sort of excuse for people to go on and and blame crap on and blah blah blah. I myself am Atheist, no not Agnostic, I can make up my mind, Agnostics are indecisive tards. Im sorry but logic prevails in my life, give me a pair of "gods" crusty underwear and I might believe "god" exists, otherwise "god" is as real as Jar Jar Binks. I dont care that trillions of people are stupid enough to believe what they believe(this is mainly in reference to christians, basically anyone who believes in some god as their creator) dont jump on the bandwagon like a lot of people do to seemingly fit in. I also dont think that going to sermons and having some old wanker "preach" crap that you as a "believer" should already know is productive in anyways except to fill peoples minds with more jargon.

I know that people dont know everything and need to be taught, as in certain skills and just information, but after hearing the story of god and his misadventures with the coemdy crew just once I know its a load of crap. the way people try to enlighten others with the readings of the bible seems like brainwash. Besides, if I want a nice story Ill go read a Neil Asher novel or play a video game.

I am a sometimes catholic who cannot walk into a serious place of worship without being baptized anew by organ music and choirs and magnificent art and architecture.

Aside from that i am a convinced sensualist, and a romantic.

I worship dead war heros from england and great writers and chefs and people who play the piano and violin.

My temples are glorious cathedrals and concert halls and kitchens and libraries filled with old books.

Deep down however, i'm an atheist and a zen buddhist.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

Christian. Non-denominational, though I was formerly Southern Baptist. I would have been agnostic if I didn't got in touch with the preaching of Grace.

The concept of God exists always have been with me, after experiencing many strange and shit occurances, from staying in haunted and poltergiest houses, to having cousins and aunties possessed and the simple matter, that every year you get to see all kinds of mysticism practiced in my country.

I choose Christianity, because all other religions, it's always to do about 'Your good works'. Whereas Christianity, it's about the finished works of Christ. I find that supirior in many ways of Christianity and it makes most sense.

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

My parents are Christian. Though they we're formally very religious-like coming from a very southern baptist traditional background. However now they've kinda opened up knowing that there is no condemnation in Christ. Nothing really much with my friends. Religion to them isn't very big a deal. Just as long as you don't hurt people or cause people to be hurt and just do good.

Nobody likes a Jihadist or a crazy fanatic of any religions.

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

Very accepting I guess. I live in a mixed religious nation. Though I don't believe they are correct, but I don't push my religion on them. Why should I? I'm rather more apathic, and would only help if they ask for help.

In fact it's in the bible. That if people hearts are stone, and not willing to listen, move on. Preach to the hungry.

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?

I see some agreement, but I believe Christianity is the better deal compared to other religions.

I understand to some extent some or most religions have similar backgrounds. Usually we'll see all religions have the 'do good, don't do bad' and you'll get a just reward in heaven and earth. Which is to attain righteousness. Which is a good thing.

However I believe God's standards are perfection. Hence the need for sacrifices, usually you'll see in most ancient and old religion, there is always the blood sacrifices or other sacrifices to appease God or for cleansing of sins. Because good works is not good enough to attain righteousness. God's standards are perfection.

Christianity, is not about Good works, but rather it's about the final sacrifice Christ his only son. The fact that he is the lamb of God, or the ultimate sacrifice. That to those who believe is fully cleansed and is now forever perfect.

Sounds too good to be true right? Thats why it's called Gospel. Or the good news. Then people always argue that if thats true, God is giving us a licence to sin. Which I don't believe it's true. Man's hearts is deceitfully evil, but a renewed heart by the blood of Christ is now different. And thats the difference. This is what it means living in Grace.

(Hope I didn't bore you guys :D)

*snip*
(Hope I didn't bore you guys :D)
Not at all. The whole purpose of this thread is for people to learn about others.

1. I'm rabidly agnostic. I lack faith completely. When I was little I was forced to go to church. We moved alot and I was sent to what ever Christian church was nearest, my parents never went. When I was 7 it was a Southern Baptist church. They taught me to chant things like "rock and roll is the Devil's music" and that inter-racial marriage was wrong. My parents didn't make us go to church after they found that out. It was in junoir high that I started questioning the Bible. Every time I asked a pastor a question I got a non answer. Eventually I reasoned they didn't have any. And neither did I.

2. When we were first dating my now husband pointed out that being Athiest requires just as much faith and being a believer. Mom was shocked, Dad admitted feeling the same way. My best friends are spiritual but understanding of my nonbelief.

3. I don't care for the most part but I always wonder at Christians ability to ignore/ accept the contradictions in the Bible. Also I'm disgusted by believers who insert their religion into otherwise reasonable discussion. I don't care if the Bible/Koran/vedas says it's wrong.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?
I am a Christian, Roman Catholic to be exact.

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?
~Well, I would assume that the fact that my family is Roman Catholic helped impact my choice and I am quite sure they are happy of the faith I chose.
~I have friends in quite a few of the major religions, and I think that my theological discussions are the reason that my faith has become so strong.
~Some of my friends are agnostic and since I used to be one of them they are a little hurt that I chose to go back to religion.

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?
I tend to be very accepting because I can't see God as being so unkind that he would send people to hell because the worshiped him slightly differently than he wanted, though I do think they would need to be devoted to their religion in order to get to Heavan. I do think that salvation will be difficult for Non-believers to attain, but not impossible.

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?
I don't like the ideas that go against what I've said above, but otherwise I follow the same ideas of every other Roman Catholic that I know.

~~~

I say he to make things easy for me.

What religion are you, and how did you arrive at deciding it was the right choice for you?

How has the influence (if any) of your friends and family impacted this choice, and how did they react to it (if different from their own)?

How accepting are you of the variations of religious differences within your own religion, and that of other religions?

What're your personal views on the religion that you hold? Are they in agreeance with the majority of others of this religion, or do you have some critical disagreements with some of the tenets?


1. Currently I am an Eclectic Pagan. When I first discovered Paganism, I studied Wicca, Dragon Magick, Faery Magick, plain old Witchcraft, and many other subjects. If it was Pagan-related, I read and researched it. During all of this study, I found bits and pieces that made sense to me and correlated with many of my own ideas. (Mind you, I was not raised "with religion". I formulated my own ideas and opinions while observing how the world worked.) After all was said and done, I realized that, by dictionary definition, I am eclectic, so I call myself Eclectic Pagan.

2. Currently only 2 actual family members know my religious affiliations (outside of my immediate family, that is. My husband is also an Eclectic Pagan.). Two cousins have discussed Paganism with me. One has dabbled in Wicca. The other just happened to stumble into the conversation and stayed to listen. I haven't confided in the rest of my family yet because they are not currently at a stage where they would understand. I keep my own council to keep the peace. After ten years, I've gotten quite good at it, lol. However, I have been dropping subtle hints lately, and I'm just waiting for my family to pick up on them. (They can be a little slow, lol.)

3. I am completely accepting of others beliefs SO LONG AS they don't advocate violence, hatred, intolerance of other races, religions, etc. and so long as they don't violate the civil or religious rights of others and are within the law. People that take religious doctrines and twist them in order to deny the rights of others to hold whatever beliefs they choose are some of the most ignorant, hateful people, IMO. I don't suffer the ignorant.

4. I view my current religion as very tolerant. I believe it is accepting of all other religious paths. True, I have met a few people claiming to be Eclectic Pagans that were more fundemental than some mainstream religious fundementalists I've dealt with, but, on the whole, many other Eclectic Pagans are just as accepting as I am.
Being an Eclectic Pagan, I don't think there are any "set" tenets. As far as Paganism in general, it stresses personal responsibility. You are responsible for the beliefs you choose to adopt and any consequences that arise from them. I am in total agreement with this. People make choices that end badly and blame it on their beliefs to try and justify their actions. They may choose that belief and have complete faith in it, but they are still ultimately responsible for the outcome. (Example - the supposed "possessed" children abused and killed during "exorcisims") I feel this is one of the biggest problems with dogmatic religions that don't .....grow (for lack of a better word) and change with the times and advances in technology.

Well...I could probably go on, but it's late, and I think I have answered the questions fairly completely.