Religion and You

[Soulpieced]

So what do all of you think about the almighty religion and the way in which you were raised, and the way in which you wish to live your life? I was raised Methodist, but never really believed in what was being taught at church. Over the years, I have developed my own values out of experience and learning, and religion playing no part in my life.

A recent web search (wonderful isn't it) showed me the term Freethinker, which I believe puts my beliefs into an actual belief. Now, I'm not about to go waltzing around telling people I'm a freethinker, as I do still have the basic Christian beliefs I grew up with.

Anyway, the reason I bring this up is my girlfriend is Catholic and always bugs me to go to church with her. It's not that I wouldn't mind going, I just don't feel comfortable. I don't know whether it is my personal lack of belief in organized religion, the existence of "God", or if I just don't like going to Church. It hasn't been a problem in the past, and I know it would mean a lot if I went with her a couple of times. And for the future (assuming we end up staying together, having kids, etc.) I would have no problems having the kids raised Catholic, but that again brings up the quandry of "why doesn't daddy have to go to church", etc. etc. etc. Just a long rant to see what you people think, and sorry if this post didn't make any sense.

[StrayRogue]

People are free to believe anything they want to believe as long as they don't push it down other people's throats.

I'm not totally religious and unfortunately take a dim view of those who take it far too seriously.

[Vixen]

I wasn't raised really religious, though I did get into that scene when I was a teenager. I was rediculous, preaching to everyone, trying to "save" everyone on the planet.. shoving it down peoples throats.. It makes me crazy now to think of how brainwashed I was. But I was a really painfully shy military brat, who didn't know many people cause I moved too much, and these people were supposedly my "friends"

I still have my beliefs, but with a little time came to realize they were just MY beliefs and that no one else cared or needed to know them, nor did they have to be just like me for me to care. I think religion has its place in a persons personal life. But I definitely don't like it being forced on me, and it makes me sick to think of how I did that to other people.

[HarmNone]

There's a little bit of a lot of things in my family. There are Catholics, Baptists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Wiccans, Pagans, Atheists and Agnostics, just to name a few.

Oddly enough, when we all get together we get along fine. We've all learned not to discuss religion. :D

[SpunGirl]

I was raised non-denominationally (is that a word?) Christian. I stopped going to church when I was fifteen and my youth group leader told me I was going to hell. I said I didn't think you necessarily had to be Christian to get into heaven, and that if you were basically a good person and say, a Buddhist or whatever, there would be some kind of nice afterlife awaiting you. Apparently that's total blasphemy or something.

Jake and I had a completely non-religious ceremony. No mention of God was made. It was a really beautiful ceremony, though, centered all around family and what it means to make the promise of a marriage. My mom and my grandparents were pissed at me for not having a church wedding (we got married outside). We don't go to church, ever, and I think it's really fake when people who do not incorporate religion into their lives have huge church weddings.

Anyway, the more I think about it now, the more I believe in reincarnation. Not that I might come back as a table leg or something, but that there is so much to learn about the human experience that we cannot possibly learn it all in one lifetime. After that, I don't know. I feel spiritual at times, but I'm hesitant to put any kind of established label on it.

-K

[SpunGirl]

Originally posted by Soulpieced
And for the future (assuming we end up staying together, having kids, etc.) I would have no problems having the kids raised Catholic, but that again brings up the quandry of "why doesn't daddy have to go to church", etc. etc. etc. Just a long rant to see what you people think, and sorry if this post didn't make any sense.

My father was raised in a strict Catholic household and wound up basically shunning all religion after he went to college. He put up with going to church on holidays and when my mom asked him to, but otherwise stayed home. When I decided to quit going to church (I think 15 was old enough to make that decision), it was great to have my dad's support. I can't imagine how it would have been if BOTH of my parents would have been angry at me.

While I think it's good most times for parents to present a united front, it's also a good thing with regards to religion to have a variety, I guess. This lets kids know that it's OK to make your own choices and that one person's way isn't the only "right" way or the only way you'll survive eternal torture and hellfire.

-K

[Artha]

I went to a non-denominational (atleast, I think it was) church with a friend for a year back in third or fourth grade. There was definitely some religious teaching, but not a ton. Before that, I think I went to a Methodist church with my mom a couple times. Some time in fourth or fifth grade I joined the Boy Scouts and got a little bit of religious teaching from there.

I used to describe myself as a Deist, but I think Agnostic is far more accurate.

[Snapp]

Originally posted by SpunGirl
My father was raised in a strict Catholic household and wound up basically shunning all religion after he went to college.
That pretty much describes my religious background. Of course, mine is partially to do with the fact my church was telling me I was an abomination and that I was going to burn in hell for eternity. But yeah, Jesus :heart:'s me!

[Nakiro]

Uhm, biblical advice suggests that you not yoke yourself with a person of a different strength than you. There is a lot to hold for sharing interests and lifestyles, but having religious beliefs that agree with eachother also helps.

You've either got to accept that as you are you will always have this gap in your relationship, choose to strive for genuine change in what you believe about Catholism, or move on.

[SpunGirl]

Some of the strongest marriages I know of are composed of two people that have different beliefs and learn from each other because of it. Other than my parents, a prime example would be my Christian (though not "devout") Aunt... who married my Uncle, who is Jewish.

Some of the weakest relationships I have ever seen are composed of two people whose worldview is exactly the same, and their lives are that much more narrow as a result.

-K

[Back]

Agnostic. I believe in the afterlife, spirituality and the Great Designer of All Things.

Being that all of that is beyond our mortal comprehension, I refuse to believe one person’s opinion on it is more correct than another. So I reject all notions of organized religion and would even go so far to say that saying you know more, or are better, than someone else based on an unprovable notion is the biggest fucking sham, and the greatest evil, we face on this planet.

[SpunGirl]

Originally posted by Backlash
.... and would even go so far to say that saying you know more, or are better, than someone else based on an unprovable notion is the biggest fucking sham, and the greatest evil, we face on this planet.

I always knew I liked you.

-K

[theotherjohn]

Originally posted by Soulpieced
So what do all of you think about the almighty religion and the way in which you were raised, and the way in which you wish to live your life?

I was raised baptist but now I am a messianic jew.

Until your future child can make up their own mind, attend church with them. I feel your example not the content presented in the church is more important

My father was pretty religious and my mother not so much. As a kid I was forced to go to Catholic church, but that eventually died down. Basically, if I had to choose a religion to put down on a piece of paper, I put Catholic, but I'm really a non-practicing one. To each their own, but sometimes I find having faith in a religion can be empowering.

- Arkans

[Wezas]

<--- Non-practicing catholic.

However my girl is from a seriously religious family. Dad was on his way to being a priest before he met her mom. Uncle was a priest (died), another uncle is a monk, aunt is a nun.

That being said we drag ourselves to church maybe once or twice a year. She has informed me, however, if we ever have any children that we will be attending regularly.

Tough call.

Children vs. My Sundays free

[Czeska]

I was raised Methodist to the extent that my paternal grandmother took me to church. I did the Sunday school stuff, sang in the choir, etc.

My mother was raised VERY catholic, but drifted from that in her 20s. She tried Buddhism for awhile, but whereas she was looking for her spirituality, they were chanting for good weed. She ditched them, too.

Dad was raised methodist, but he's as agnostic as they come.

As for now, I'm 100% pagan, following a personal/eclectic path. I'm more spiritual and comfortable with myself and the world than I ever was as a child or teenager. I'm raising my daughter pagan, but exposing her to other ideas so that she can make an intelligent, informed decision as an adult. At the very least, she'll know enough about other religions/paths so she's not disrespectful to other people.

My mother is an ordained minister, but she has never been overbearing with religion. In fact, she has been the influence that has taught me to accept every person for the good inside of them regardless of their religion.

It's sickening that some people are infallible because they believe something that someone else doesn't and another, possibly good person is fucked because he may have been raised differently.

All that said, I'm not a religious person at all. I accept the probability of higher beings but I do not subscribe to any organized religions notion of our relationship with said being(s).

If a child wants to practice a religion, I see nothing wrong with it. As long as it is not taken to an extreme level.

"HEY FELLAS! BILLY DOESN'T LOVE JESUS LETS KICK THE SHIT OUT OF HIM!"

- Arkans

[Jazuela]

Born and raised in the Reform Jewish tradition. Never really got into the religious part but liked the cultural and historical stuff. Went to synagogue every friday and attended sunday school through confirmation. No bat mitzvah (those aren't traditional for girls anyway so it was no great loss).

Currently, technically, a non-practicing jewish pagan of no particular denomination.

[Skeeter]

Originally posted by Arkans
If a child wants to practice a religion, I see nothing wrong with it. As long as it is not taken to an extreme level.

"HEY FELLAS! BILLY DOESN'T LOVE JESUS LETS KICK THE SHIT OUT OF HIM!"

- Arkans

But that's how we roll.

Is my church wrong?

[Miss X]

My mothers family are Catholic, and my mum is a lapsed Catholic but she made the decision that we should be raised free of religious influence and make our own decisions when we could fully understand the ideas.

I have always struggled with religion, I have this obsession with wanting to believe in something but the cold harsh reality of the world has turned me into an agnostic. I sort of go through phases where I feel God and phases where I feel nothing.

On the whole, I despise the Catholic church for their contribution or lack of in some senses, to the growing HIV/AIDS crisis in the third world. I also feel that I cannot associate myself with any organisation that does not treat women as complete equals. When I see female Catholic priests in England, and the Catholic church stop telling people not to use birth control I may feel differently.

For the moment, I'm just a free spirit, floating around looking for something that I can really believe it, I sort of think once I have children I might have a revelation. I also figure I will bring my children up the way my mum raised us, as free thinking individuals. :)

[AnticorRifling]

As bad as this will sound....

I go to church to sing in the choir, sing solos, and help with the plays and things like that.

I have yet to form a solid opinion of what's right and wrong spiritually as I feel it would be a very conceited thing for me to do. I let people believe what they want as long as it doesn't hurt me or my family and I hope they let me do the same.

That being said I just try and live life in a way that doesn't hinder others. I've read the bible cover to cover several times and I like alot of what's in there but some of it I have to think is man's interpritation and as such can have a flawed view to it.

[DeV]

Originally posted by Miss X
I sort of go through phases where I feel God and phases where I feel nothing. This describes my feelings. At this point in my life I feel I'm agnostic but I had a very solid Christian upbringing that I respect. As a whole, organized Religion leaves somewhat of a sour taste in my mouth but to each their own as long as it's not shoved in my face.

[Hulkein]

Raised Catholic, 12 years of Catholic gradeschool and high school.

I don't really go to Church much while I'm at school, just really not on the list of things to do come Sunday.

Soulpieced, my uncle who wasn't religious went to Church every Sunday with his wife (my God-mother) until the kids were like 12 years old. Looks like you might be in the position.

[Parkbandit]

Raised in a very religious Methodist family. Umpteen years of Sunday school followed up by Sunday service.

I think Religion is great for reminding us of things like morals and family. I don't believe that there is some alien being that is watching over everyone in the world and that he is the reason for my being.

[xtc]

I was raised by an Anglican Mother and a Muslim father. I grew up going to Church and Mosque. I found fat heads in both religions and great examples of man's better side in both.

I have my own path at this point in my life. I believe in something greater than myself but I am not sold on the omniscient, omnipotent part. I don't believe any one religion is superior to another or that any group of people are chosen by God.

I have found that religion in its best spiritual form can be a wonderful and fantastic thing, conversely in its worst, small minded form it can be a horrible thing.

I am thankful for my dual religious upbringing. I have seen beauty and kindness in both Islam and Christianity. I think it also has helped me to be open to all religions and made me look for similarities rather than differences.

In the past few years, I have been flirting with Buddhism but have yet to go to a temple or attend a service.

[Nieninque]

Religion is a tool of oppression designed to stifle imagination and freedom of expression.

Fundamentalism is more about social control than spiritualism.

[Sylph]

Religion is by far the most ridiculous thing introduced to the human race.


If I could find the original guy... go back in time... and twist his head off like a bottlecap; I would.

[Keller]

I think religion is a means to understand social structures across the globe. It is nothing more than a people's collective understanding of their relationship with eternity. Rather, perhaps, their hopeful relationship with eternity.

Existentially speaking I am more in a buddhist camp and in firm agreeance with Jesus' social reforms.

[Hulkein]

There was no original guy to twist his head off.

It's been noted that groups of people who never came into contact with eachother inherently worshipped something greater than them, ie gods.

[peam]

I'm a heathen.

[SpunGirl]

I was talking to my mom the other day about my extreme interest in visiting Greece and Egypt, because I'm fascinated by their old religious practices. She said something really snide about how their religion "failed" and didn't exist any longer.

I asked her if she thought that in another few thousand years, people would make fun of the Christians and their failed religion that no one practiced any more. Granted I don't think it will happen because of all the offshoots, but it gave her something to chew on.

Ideas of the Great Beyond are not permanent. If anything has shown a kind of permanence, I would say nature-based pagan religions have been the most resilient.

-K

[Latrinsorm]

No love for Judaism, Spungirl? :(

[Farquar]

Originally posted by Sylph
Religion is by far the most ridiculous thing introduced to the human race.

I don't think the rationale behind religion is ridculous. Religion is an efficient means of social control and resource conservation. Since humans are largely rational and are aware of their own mortality, so humans should be in (or at least constantly seeking) a state of self-serving consumption and non-stop lovemaking. The dangling carrot on a stick (heaven, utopia, nirvana, whatever) prevents or at least reduces this type of behavior.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by Farquar]

[Back]

Only problem with you theory is that those who were of faith would eventually die out to those who weren’t. Obviously they haven’t and Hulkien actually hit on something with his post about disconnected people behaving in the same way.

After all this time I think its pretty obvious, despite wherever it came from, none of us can come to any factual conclusion about it, thus, need to concentrate on more earthly matters like trying to stop starvation, pollution, crime, pain and suffering amongst all our neighbors. As in, people who live on this planet.

[Hips]

My father was raised a Catholic (his name is Peter... my uncles are John, Mark, Matthew, and Paul, and my aunt is Mary) but stopped practicing as soon as he moved out. I don't blame him!

My mother is a Protestant and raised me as one, but when it came time for me to confirm (between eighth grade and freshmen year of high school if I remember correctly) and I didn't want to, I was told by her that either I confimed or was grounded for the rest of my natural life for being an "embarassment" to her.

That coupled with the fact that my younger brother was hit by a car and killed when I was ten (he was six) pretty much killed any belief or religious conviction that I might have had.

I consider myself to be agnostic.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by GS3 Michiko]

[Artha]

Agnostics in the hizzouse. Maybe.

I'm pretty sure Conformation is a Catholic thing not a protestant thing. (at least not any protestant faiths that I am familiar with)

[Hips]

Originally posted by Dave
I'm pretty sure Conformation is a Catholic thing not a protestant thing. (at least not any protestant faiths that I am familiar with)

Catholics do confirmation at a young age (first grade I think?), whereas the church I went to does it around high-school age. Catholics don't recognize the validity of Protestant confirmation, as it's more of symbolic rite rather than a sacrament.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by GS3 Michiko]

[Geoff]

Originally posted by GS3 MichikoCatholics do confirmation at a young age (first grade I think?), whereas the church I went to does it around high-school age. Catholics don't recognize the validity of Protestant confirmation, as it's more of symbolic rite rather than a sacrament.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by GS3 Michiko]

You're thinking of first communion, confirmation (at least at our church when I was a kid) was seventh or eighth grade if I remember right.

I went to Catholic school until 6th grade and, almost to a person, the people I was friends with there turned out pretty badly. Lots of felonies and short order cook careers in that group. You'd think God would treat the only people who know the "true way" to worship him better.

Editted to pull an italics tag I didn't mean to leave.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by Geoff]

[Hulkein]

Yeah, my Confirmation was 6th grade.

First Communion was 2nd, along with Repentance.

One thing I have issue with, people talk about those who are of another religion should not impose their views on other people, yet people who dislike organized religion freely bash those with faith.

Its a double standard that is rather annoying.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by Dave]

[SpunGirl]

Not really. Me saying that organized religion is silly is not the same as someone saying "KRISTIN YOU HAVE NO FAITH AND YOU WILL BURN ROT AND PERISH IN HELL."

And I had confirmation in Junior High and had to be a church acolyte afterwards, which sucked.

-K

[DeV]

Originally posted by Dave
One thing I have issue with, people talk about those who are of another religion should not impose their views on other people, yet people who dislike organized religion freely bash those with faith.

Its a double standard that is rather annoying.

[Edited on 3-25-2005 by Dave] There is nothing wrong with having faith as long as you are willing to recognize that faith without works is dead. So, if someone is willing to use their religion as law they better be ready to defend it as they would their own personal non-religious opinion. People aren't bashed or questioned for having faith they are bashed for being hypocrits to their own faith which includes judging others before themselves.

[Xcalibur]

Anyone that doesn't believe in something after life is as stupid as 16-17th century "elite" people saying the world is flat (hohoho) and the center of the univers.

The 3 biggest wounds of the ego of humanity:

Socrate's, Galilé's, Freud's

HOHOHOHOHOH

I hope the fourth one will be an humility based one: You are not alone.

[Edited on 26-3-05 by Xcalibur]

[Sean]

Are you trying to say that the world is flat?

Also it would be impossible for you to prove that there is an afterlife so how is it 'stupid' that someone might just have a different belief from you and not have that faith that there is an afterlife.

[Xcalibur]

Ask them to prove that there's no afterlife.

Then use the "blank" period that "coma" people describe when they wake up.

You cannot be "nothing" and think "nothing".

It's a human concept anyway.

[Sean]

You can't prove it either way. And you aren't dead if your in a coma so how is that an afterlife.

Originally posted by SpunGirl
Not really. Me saying that organized religion is silly is not the same as someone saying "KRISTIN YOU HAVE NO FAITH AND YOU WILL BURN ROT AND PERISH IN HELL."

And I had confirmation in Junior High and had to be a church acolyte afterwards, which sucked.

-K

I don't impose my faith on anyone. Scroll through this thread and read how many cheap shots people have taken at Christianity, then count how many times people have told others they will burn in hell.

[Edaarin]

Everyone needs something greater to believe in. For some people, it's religion; for other people, it's science.

I happen to be somewhere in the middle, leaning toward science.

I'm more than a little cynical about a few different religious institutions for not behaving as they preach, and I take issue with anyone that tries to push it on others' children for any excuse.

[Xcalibur]

Sciences doesn't remove fear of someone really sick that is dying.

Sciences doesn't remove the pain of a family that lost a dear one.

And so on.

What was Einstein's belief concerning God?