Thread: Christianity

Originally Posted by Brewtality

Absolutely, and at the same time people debate whether or not they're atheist, agnostic or whatever when it just doesn't matter. Just say, 'I don't believe in religions but never say never' or 'nah, don't believe in God, it's all rubbish'.

I think that dialog would work better if I wasn't so interested in the topic. I think about it a lot. Religion is my traffic accident I can't help but slow down and watch and I'm also angry my parents raised me christian and it took me a long time to realize how pervasive my religious training was in my thought processes. Hopefully I will grow out of this because it is frustrating. If someone says something dismissive I would consider them someone who doesn't care all that much about talking about god at all, whereas if they label themselves athiest or theist or anything, the concept matters to them.

I know the last question I would ask anyone, "what are your religious beliefs?" I do not see how and why it would figure into any conversation; unless religion was the topic of conversation, that is. I pretty much equate it with asking someone what their sexual persuasion is. Again, least it be the conversational topic. Some things are really not great ice breakers, and avoiding certain topics make for less arguing, passing judgements and lip curling.

I can respect anyone's religious beliefs/non-beliefs if they are their OWN beliefs and follow the doctrines, ie. living what they profess to believe. We humans exhibit a herd mentallity. We find comfort in people who think as we do. Thus clubs, churches, cults, etc. I am of the thought that one's beliefs are personal and one of the few things another cannot take away from you are your thoughts. Unless of course, you allow them to. Our World would turn more smoothly if we saw our likenesses rather than our differentces. Sorry, I must go and put my soapbox back in the closet.

PS people would do well to get along through talk and opinions as they do here in this great forum......I am impressed for what it matters. ()

I've been thinking lately that loved ones dying and what happens is why religion is so popular to begin with. The idea of an everlasting soul, the hope that you will see that person again, and explain how they can be here now and then just be gone. Believing that you will see them again is really handy for dealing with that.

no, I'll have to check that out sometime.

pseudo, I think you are being a tad hard on yourself. As children most of us either attend church Sunday School or whatever classes are taught. This is to give children a basis for their family's beliefs. As we get older we begin to think for ourselves. There are those who continue to follow their teachings, and there are those who question and form their own way of believing or not believing. I believe this is how it should be......unquestioning blind faith may work for some, but in this day and age I think many many children and adults find it hard to make sense of certain teachings. I was one of those kids who had 40 questions, and I had a teacher who was unable to answer my questions. I think she thought I was a wise arse, as my final question got me kicked out of the class for good. All I asked her: did Cane's mother have Cane's children? Hey she was the only mentioned woman, and Cane started all this begetting. Needless to say my life (beliefs) began some very serious changes. From that day until now I have never stopped learning or growing. There is never any selfdoubt should I change the way I believe or think. Growing and working for acceptance (self) is an evolution of our times, what we live and how we perceive things that effect our lives and those of others. Who is right, who is wrong?? What might be wrong for me may be just what is right for you..........we are the only ones that can physically determine our needs. Crap, here I go again! Off the soapbox..........My concern in all of this,pseudo, is the degree of not trusting yourself. I wish I could fix it for you, but only you can do that. And you can, and you need to......you will. If I am sounding self-rightous, I don't mean to. I care.

I'm just annoyed that even though I doubted & rejected Christianity early in life, I spent a lot of years looking for something else--a thing that made sense--and never finding it. Then I finally really realized, why am I looking for anything?? Even though I knew I wouldn't find anything I still looked. Maybe it was the leftover believe that I had a soul and spiritual purpose, or if Jesus Christ isn't it I have to find what is - and that fulfilling these needs will improve my life somehow and make me a better person. Letting go of that assumption was what made me realize what a big thing it was for me. It was actually very depressing. I think there's something to the thing about religious people being more content with life. (cue vindication for all the religious people reading this)

I can only imagine how depressed a really, really religious person who has devoted their lives to religion would feel upon "losing faith".

I hear you, pseudo. I cannot say I know how you feel, because I don't. You may spend many more years "looking for something else--a thing that makes sense--" If you can believe we all have a Creator, it is not important by what name he is called. We all have a soul, it is part of who we are. Some call it religious, some call it spiritual. Neither is right or wrong, it is terminology we use as to identify our "beliefs", so to speak. AS for "spiritual purpose", I am not sure the context in which you use these words. I will have to give this some serious thought.......still learning, still growing. If I may be so bold as to suggest you could perhaps investigate the beliefs of other cultures. For example; Native Americans, Buddism..................

Will continue......have to run, sorry