Religion (merged)

[Lying in a field]

...doesn't need religion, or faith. We don't need to assign human attributes the forces that shape the entire universe. I think anything other than just seeing whats out there and whats in front of you detracts from the wonder of it all. Why can't humans be animals? Why can't our existence be ultimately meaningless? Why do we have to be special?

We're NOT everything...we're IN everything.

I'm hungry.

[Samhain]

the thing is ive always had a set of beliefs that to me are sacred and mean so much to me, then one day I found out there was a name for those beliefs and it was a religion.
I know what you mean though, my friend once said to me when i went camping, stop seeing the trees as spirits and gods for a moment, as it detracts from them, see them just as trees
I could only do that for a moment I think though!
S

[Lying in a field]

the thing is ive always had a set of beliefs that to me are sacred and mean so much to me, then one day I found out there was a name for those beliefs and it was a religion.
I know what you mean though, my friend once said to me when i went camping, stop seeing the trees as spirits and gods for a moment, as it detracts from them, see them just as trees
I could only do that for a moment I think though!
S
My point too is, that no religion is more right than another and nobody, athiest or otherwise can dictate to you that the ultimate point of existence is for a certain thing. I don't know, i'm just thinking aloud.

I know its inevitable that we define things our own way and i do it too. I just try to do it in a way that gives me a sort of love for all "good" things - like happiness, and kindness and an appreciation of the non-material, and the good of human-kind as not dicated my money. But whos to say what a good thing is and isn't. I think you can find a feeling inside yourself that seeks after peace and happiness for all things, is this more real than the desire for power or to define everything by economic growth?

Sorry i'm still thinkin aloud.

[Samhain]

My point too is, that no religion is more right than another and nobody, athiest or otherwise can dictate to you that the ultimate point of existence is for a certain thing. I don't know, i'm just thinking aloud.

I know its inevitable that we define things our own way and i do it too. I just try to do it in a way that gives me a sort of love for all "good" things - like happiness, and kindness and an appreciation of the non-material, and the good of human-kind as not dicated my money. But whos to say what a good thing is and isn't. I think you can find a feeling inside yourself that seeks after peace and happiness for all things, is this more real than the desire for power or to define everything by economic growth?

Sorry i'm still thinkin aloud.
carry on talking like that and we'll have to have sex

i think religions that give freedom are more right than the ones that say 'i'm right and everyone else is wrong if you don't believe in what i do' I have to say
S

[Wond'ringAloud]

Lying in a field - I like your thoughts!

[AshtonsMom]

So, in light of one of my upcoming courses, "Religions of the World," I was wondering. A common misconception is that everyone should respect one another's religion, when in reality, most people don't. And it seems to be okay not to respect but expect to get respet. Just a thought...any others?

[Lying in a field]

People like to associate Gods with the actions of people. I don't think Allah chose for people blow up the world trade centre, nor did millions of his followers.

A lot of people so religion mostly for what they can get out of it, or what nasty inconveniences it can remove from their lives. But the point is what you can give to others and your god.

Just my rant. Enjoy your course :)

[AshtonsMom]

rant away, that's one of the things I was talking about...:D

[fritz]

You could check out the Internet Infidels forum, they have a free library too. Sometimes when I'm doing my online atheist schtick, I use them for informational purposes. Quite a resource.

http://www.infidels.org/library/
http://www.iidb.org/vbb/index.php

[Lying in a field]

Atheism is as faith based as religion

and agnositicism is just an excuse not to think

SO WHATS THE DAMN POINT

I suppose i am an agnostic then

[fritz]

Ummm, I was just passing along good study resources.........?

Be religious, or not...None of my business...It's all good. :)

[Samhain]

religions I feel we all need to respect.
what we don't need to respect is what comes out of people mouths and what people do in the name of 'their' religion
S

[AshtonsMom]

religions I feel we all need to respect.
what we don't need to respect is what comes out of people mouths and what people do in the name of 'their' religion
Slol...another point i was trying to get across...and a true one at that. :D. I'm a bit confused by it all is all. lol

[daisymae]

I find myself annoyed by people who do not follow their religions properly.

*If you are going to be a Christian, be one. None of this pussy-footing around, picking the rules you like out of the bible, molesting children....and then trying to shove your so-called beliefs down my thoat...

Same goes for the rest.

Personally, I choose no religion, and I do as I see fit.






*speaking to no one in particular, I just like to say "you"..:D

[seamonster66]

1000% agnostic over here, the only thing that makes much sense to me. i do like the idea of paganism, seems like giving thanks for the simple things that nature gives us to survive.

[alex714]

I have existentialist in my profile. and, for a while, thats what I consider myself. But, the other day, I tried to explain to myself what this really means to me and I couldnt come up with a reason or anything convincing.

Do I respect other people's religions? Not really. Religion turns me off and, as close minded as this sounds, if Im presented with a bleeding heart anything (christian, etc.) I can't honestly say I respect their choice so Im not going to pretend to do so like most people do.

[hippychickmommy]

I find myself annoyed by people who do not follow their religions properly.

*If you are going to be a Christian, be one. None of this pussy-footing around, picking the rules you like out of the bible, molesting children....and then trying to shove your so-called beliefs down my thoat...

Oh absolutely. I've lost track of how many people I've known who were/are this way. Drives me nuts. Plus, I don't understand the need to shove beliefs down the throats of those who just don't believe what you do. I mean, I don't go around shoving my spiritual beliefs down anyone's throat. I don't feel the need.

[kitty fabulous]

Does anyone feel the need to explore the difference between religion and spirituality?

[fritz]

I'm a spiritual person, & an atheist...Go ahead..Tell me I'm conflicted! Lol ;)
What I'd like to know is which bible thumpers decided that spirituality, & 'god' are synonymous?

[Samhain]

Does anyone feel the need to explore the difference between religion and spirituality?
sounds like a great idea for a new thread in here and possibly a poll!- go ahead
S

[AshtonsMom]

Does anyone feel the need to explore the difference between religion and spirituality?ahha. and there is a difference, one that most people practicing certain kinds of religion fail to notice...also, a spiritual person may not necessarily be a religious person. :D. The two are often confused.

[Samhain]

ahha. and there is a difference, one that most people practicing certain kinds of religion fail to notice...also, a spiritual person may not necessarily be a religious person. :D. The two are often confused.
I think by verture of being alive you are spiritual, but not everyone is religious of course
S

[Hacker]

I think religion is the basis of any cult like following, while spirituality is a personal belief system based on your own conclusions about what you believe.

I also think that I am hungry.

[Samhain]

I think religion is the basis of any cult like following, while spirituality is a personal belief system based on your own conclusions about what you believe.

I also think that I am hungry.
maybe thats only organised religion D, because in a lot of pagan religions sure theres beliefs systems, but your also encouraged to follow your own way of thinking and find your own answers too.
as the goddess says, if you can't find what you are looking for within yourself, you will never find it outside
S

[Hacker]

Yes, my apologies... I MEANT Organized Religion.

At the same time I still don't like to play a part in any religion that attempts to define itself.

As the great spiritual leader, Popeye, once said... "I yam what I yam."

[Samhain]

Yes, my apologies... I MEANT Organized Religion.

At the same time I still don't like to play a part in any religion that attempts to define itself.

As the great spiritual leader, Popeye, once said... "I yam what I yam."
how would you define your religious or spiritual beliefs?
S

[Oz!]

I respect any religion... except those who's doctrine teachers that i will be punished (either by their God(s) or followers) for not following them.... unbelievers in yahweh get thrown into hell for example..... i can't respect that or the people who believe such things

[heron]

So, in light of one of my upcoming courses, "Religions of the World," I was wondering. A common misconception is that everyone should respect one another's religion, when in reality, most people don't. And it seems to be okay not to respect but expect to get respet. Just a thought...any others?

Favorite quote on this subject....

One should respect another mans religion in the same way that
he respects that he finds his wife attractive and his children smart.

Thats paraphrasing it..

[Samhain]

I respect any religion... except those who's doctrine teachers that i will be punished (either by their God(s) or followers) for not following them.... unbelievers in yahweh get thrown into hell for example..... i can't respect that or the people who believe such things
Thats exactly how I feel
S

[Samhain]

Favorite quote on this subject....

One should respect another mans religion in the same way that
he respects that he finds his wife attractive and his children smart.

Thats paraphrasing it..
how about if his children threw a brick through your kitchen window, would you still be able to have respect for something that does damage?
S

[AshtonsMom]

I like to think of myself as spiritual. :D. I like to feel like I am connected with myself and everything around me, and it just gives me a whole new respect about things and the world I live in. :D

[heron]

how about if his children threw a brick through your kitchen window, would you still be able to have respect for something that does damage?
S

what the fuck? Whats that got to do with anything.....the quote means that you don't have to respect, except in that you wouldn't try to convince him that his wife is ugly and his children dumb.....and just because i think them dumb, and her unattractive, does not mean that he would ever share my views.....a little thought would have told you that.

[Lying in a field]

how about if his children threw a brick through your kitchen window, would you still be able to have respect for something that does damage?
S
Religions don't do damage, nor does the lack of them.

People do.

[Samhain]

Religions don't do damage, nor does the lack of them.

People do.
yeah I couldn't agree more
S