Religion

[Kyle37]

I believe humanity would just be better off if everyone abandoned religion altogether. This imaginary friend in the sky, these pointless stories that are so general they can be interpreted to an infinite degree, and the chaos it provides in every culture around the world, all GONE! Can we abandon books like the Bible which was probably stems from random parents in the far distant past who wrote bedtime stories for their kids, and these stories just all got jumbled up into what we know today.

If we could just live without these denominations that just divide people. Completely pointless. It even brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.

Plz people find it in your hearts to uphold good morals without the need for this belief of this mysterious friend in the sky.

[Left Now]

I believe humanity would just be better off if everyone abandoned religion altogether. This imaginary friend in the sky, these pointless stories that are so general they can be interpreted to an infinite degree, and the chaos it provides in every culture around the world, all GONE! Can we abandon books like the Bible which was probably stems from random parents in the far distant past who wrote bedtime stories for their kids, and these stories just all got jumbled up into what we know today.

If we could just live without these denominations that just divide people. Completely pointless. It even brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.

Plz people find it in your hearts to uphold good morals without the need for this belief of this mysterious friend in the sky.


A mysterious friend in the sky is just a science fiction mostly made by irreligious people not even actual religious ones.If you are not familiar with theology you'd better not comment on it my friend.The very concept of religion is not just for good morals,good morals are a necessity for being a good religious person.Religions like Islam and Judaism which are particularly closer to each others are orbiting arround one main principle;"Monotheism" and Unity of God.

The very concept of Monotheism is very logic and rightful.Atheism at the end just comes to disapprove itself.With just 10 Questions I can prove that actual atheism is either a Great Lie or a Misrable Idiocy.With respect to my atheist friend I meant no offense to them.

I hope Judean Zealot be able to help me explain what Monotheism really is,because I believe he is the only one here who has a good background in matters related to it.

[Judean Zealot]

Left Now

It's not even worth dealing with this.

[dxcxdzv]

Let's strike with the 50mm Spinoza® rounds.

[Katie NYC]

I didn't read the whole thread to see if this has been mentioned, but atheism is not a religion. (I'm an atheist).

[sqishy]

I didn't read the whole thread to see if this has been mentioned, but atheism is not a religion. (I'm an atheist).

Because I happen to have come on here, I'll give a basic response.


Theism: A general system that believes at least one god of some form, exists.

Actual Atheism (probably what you're not): The absence of belief that at least one god of some form, exists.

Anti-theism [what most atheists probably are] (am guessing you are too): A general system that believes no god exists.


All antitheists are necessarily atheists, but not all atheists are necessarily antitheists.

[Katie NYC]

Because I happen to have come on here, I'll give a basic response.


Theism: A general system that believes at least one god of some form, exists.

Actual Atheism (probably what you're not): The absence of belief that at least one god of some form, exists.

Anti-theism [what most atheists probably are] (am guessing you are too): A general system that believes no god exists.


All antitheists are necessarily atheists, but not all atheists are necessarily antitheists.

I'm an atheist.

"I do not believe any gods exist."

Boom. Atheism. Simple. No claims being made. Simply the rejection of a claim based on lack of evidence.



"I believe gods don't exist."

This is a claim. Claims require evidence.

[trackinglife]

I'm an atheist.

"I do not believe any gods exist."

Boom. Atheism. Simple. No claims being made. Simply the rejection of a claim based on lack of evidence.



"I believe gods don't exist."

This is a claim. Claims require evidence.


You are correct. It is a shame that the conversation doesn't really end there. The question then becomes how did the universe come to be? How did humanity come to be? Why are humans able to think abstractly meaning things outside of human experience. I mean if our minds are just electrical signals based on our experiences why is it that we can imagine so many things far far far outside our experience. This is the problem with Atheism yes it makes a statement but it answers no questions. All it does is leave you with more questions.

I am not suggesting you need to answer any of these I am just saying atheism as a whole does not provide any answers just questions.

[trackinglife]

I didn't read the whole thread to see if this has been mentioned, but atheism is not a religion. (I'm an atheist).

It depends on which definition of religion you want to use and how important your atheism is to you.


One of the definitions of religion is
"a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance."

So if you ascribe supreme importance to it the way say... Stalin and Mao did then yes it counts as a religion.

[Katie NYC]

You are correct. It is a shame that the conversation doesn't really end there. The question then becomes how did the universe come to be? How did humanity come to be? Why are humans able to think abstractly meaning things outside of human experience. I mean if our minds are just electrical signals based on our experiences why is it that we can imagine so many things far far far outside our experience. This is the problem with Atheism yes it makes a statement but it answers no questions. All it does is leave you with more questions.

I am not suggesting you need to answer any of these I am just saying atheism as a whole does not provide any answers just questions.

Atheism doesn't have to answer any questions. It's not a belief system. There's no dogma. There's no system of beliefs. It's simpler than that. It's just "no I don't believe".

All the questions you asked have nothing to do with atheism. Religion makes up stories to answer those questions. Science has some great theories based on evidence. Religion doesn't care about evidence.

[Katie NYC]

It depends on which definition of religion you want to use and how important your atheism is to you.


One of the definitions of religion is
"a pursuit or interest to which someone ascribes supreme importance."

So if you ascribe supreme importance to it the way say... Stalin and Mao did then yes it counts as a religion.

Yah that's a silly definition, IMO. I'm a bass player. I ascribe supreme importance to that interest. Doesn't make it a religion.

The religious love trying to convince atheists they're just as religious as the religious. Nope. No religion. Just "no".

[sqishy]

I'm an atheist.

"I do not believe any gods exist."

Boom. Atheism. Simple. No claims being made. Simply the rejection of a claim based on lack of evidence.

Why a rejection? Is indifference not what you're at with theism?

Are you rejecting possible existence of God/gods, because an argument for its existence does not have sufficient evidence for you (i.e. positively saying God does not exist, rather than just not saying that it does exist)?

[trackinglife]

Atheism doesn't have to answer any questions. It's not a belief system. There's no dogma. There's no system of beliefs. It's simpler than that. It's just "no I don't believe".

All the questions you asked have nothing to do with atheism. Religion makes up stories to answer those questions. Science has some great theories based on evidence. Religion doesn't care about evidence.

Common misconception that religion doesn't care about evidence. I in fact care MORE about evidence than many scientists do. At least now that quantum mechanics have come about more and more scientists believe you can just use mathematical proofs with computer models to prove things rather than using actual experiments with real life data. I prefer my science use the scientific method and gather as much empirical data as possible. Many of the most prominent scientists of today do not.

As for religion my faith has never been blind. I have examined the evidence. Jesus was a real person. He made real claims. Claims that have not been proven to be unfounded. This isn't asking people to prove a negative it is asking them to prove what really happened if they think the claims in the Bible didn't happen. But they haven't proved them. The Bible on the other hand offers a lot of evidence but they reject it out of hand. Oh and before you try to claim that using the Bible is circular logic I would remind you that it is a compilation of more than one book from more than one author all speaking to the same thing. So if using the Bible is circular logic then the same would be true for using several newspapers or magazines articles to prove a story that happened actually happened.

[Vilnius]

I've voted on this poll in the past, but since that was probably like 3 years ago, I'm going to post again, as I've gone from agnosticism to atheism since my last post. I don't believe in any god, but at the same time, I wouldn't really care if that were proven wrong. Could there be a god? Maybe. But I personally don't think one exists.

[Vlerchan]

Oh and before you try to claim that using the Bible is circular logic I would remind you that it is a compilation of more than one book from more than one author all speaking to the same thing.
There is no reason that later works could not have sourced earlier works since the likelihood is that these were all written at different times. Or that these works didn't source from an original now-lost document. Or a host of different hypotheticals.

You also state that the Bible was compiled (presumably by some authority), which makes any internal consistency fundamentally different than the consistency contained in the stories of a set of arbitrarily chosen newspapers.

Furthermore, the gospels, at the least contains several inconsistencies relating to the youth of Jesus, for example.

This doesn't mean that the Bible is necessarily false, it just demand that we supplement them with other historical sources.

I am not suggesting you need to answer any of these I am just saying atheism as a whole does not provide any answers just questions.
I'm agnostic, because some questions we just don't have the tools to answer.

Atheism doesn't have to answer any questions. It's not a belief system. There's no dogma. There's no system of beliefs. It's simpler than that. It's just "no I don't believe".
The fact that it has no dogma, belief system, etc. is the reason it is not a religion.

Nonetheless, you claimed earlier you don't believe because there is a lack of evidence (which is true), but there is no reason to presume that a lack of evidence demonstrates that there is an evidence of lack, which is the fundamental claim of atheism.

If you don't believe we can answer the question (because there is no evidence to examine) then you are agnostic.

[sqishy]

[...]there is no reason to presume that a lack of evidence demonstrates that there is an evidence of lack[...]

Exactly this.

[StoppingTom]

After a lot of pondering and thought, I've come to the conclusion that I can't accept an Abrahamic god in light of so much tragedy, not just recent events, but atrocities that span back forever.

Buddhism strongly interests me and I'd like to learn more about it.

[Judean Zealot]

After a lot of pondering and thought, I've come to the conclusion that I can't accept an Abrahamic god in light of so much tragedy, not just recent events, but atrocities that span back forever.

Buddhism strongly interests me and I'd like to learn more about it.

What is an Abrahamic God even? I ask because I see it referenced all the time in so many different ways - and practically none of them are how scholastic monotheism actually have interpreted the Supreme Being.

[StoppingTom]

What is an Abrahamic God even? I ask because I see it referenced all the time in so many different ways - and practically none of them are how scholastic monotheism actually have interpreted the Supreme Being.

I could completely be off-base here, but the way I define it in my head is the Great Omnipotent Deity that is the focus of the Christian/Judaic/Islamic faith and its off-shoots.

[Porpoise101]

Buddhism strongly interests me and I'd like to learn more about it.
Hey I'm not Buddhist, but I'm Hindu. Our religions are different in many ways, but many of the Hindu ethics come from Lord Buddha (Siddhartha). It also shares the same concept of death. Buddhism even was an offshoot of Hindu thought (asceticism in the Ganges). Personally, I regard Siddhartha Gautama a great man, one of the defining thinkers of my people. One thing that you should know about Buddhism is that it is atheistic in it's purest form (Theravada). But there are many different schools of thought which differ on this idea. Furthermore, they all tend to agree that you re-incarnate and that there is a greater spiritual force that connects life.

[StoppingTom]

Hey I'm not Buddhist, but I'm Hindu. Our religions are different in many ways, but many of the Hindu ethics come from Lord Buddha (Siddhartha). It also shares the same concept of death. Buddhism even was an offshoot of Hindu thought (asceticism in the Ganges). Personally, I regard Siddhartha Gautama a great man, one of the defining thinkers of my people. One thing that you should know about Buddhism is that it is atheistic in it's purest form (Theravada). But there are many different schools of thought which differ on this idea. Furthermore, they all tend to agree that you re-incarnate and that there is a greater spiritual force that connects life.

I understand the basics like reincarnation and the Four Noble Truths. Do you know how one would go about practicing and implementing its ideas in regular life?

[Porpoise101]

I understand the basics like reincarnation and the Four Noble Truths. Do you know how one would go about practicing and implementing its ideas in regular life?
From my understanding, the key is moderation. Try to promote good, healthy habits and do not do in excess. But also do not do that which is self-harming. Try to eat healthy and exercise. Be kind to others and implement emotional control. Another thing that helps people to learn this is meditation. Also recitation of Sanskrit.

These Thai people I met when I was a kid (local Lab Bua festival) gave me a book about Buddhism in the lives of youth... at the time I didn't know they were trying to proselytize :lol:. It was an interesting read though. I can't find this book right now when I need to of course.

[Ethan_Elric]

I'm sure something or someone created this planets and solar system we live in. Things are much too planned and organized to be an accident. As for religion itself, I am not fond of it. Sure, if it makes you happy then go for it. Many say the religion they follow has made them a better person. But, I think it is odd that many need some kind of God and rules to make them a better person. Also, religion has been the motivator of lots of death, pain, and hate. There are good things that come out of religion, but It's being out shined by the bad things. I think humans should be a little more independent and think for themselves instead of following rules and guidelines.

[Flapjack]

I am atheist but I did go through a Buddhist phase xD

[James_Wilson]

I'm Christian, more specifically pentacostal.

[ThisBougieLife]

I guess I never answered this. I consider myself an agnostic theist. I believe there is a higher metaphysical power of some kind, but I don't believe that it is the higher power as depicted in any specific religion, nor do I believe that the existence of this higher power is ultimately "provable" (but I don't believe this matters). And I believe that all human religions are an attempt at accessing this higher power and that no one religion "has it right" 100%. I also have a fascination with mysticism.

[sqishy]

I guess I never answered this. I consider myself an agnostic theist. I believe there is a higher metaphysical power of some kind, but I don't believe that it is the higher power as depicted in any specific religion, nor do I believe that the existence of this higher power is ultimately "provable" (but I don't believe this matters). And I believe that all human religions are an attempt at accessing this higher power and that no one religion "has it right" 100%. I also have a fascination with mysticism.

If you mean that the term 'God' would be better used if it went with an absolute entity that's beyond human scope of understanding and of human or worldly nature in every way, then I get you.

[ThisBougieLife]

Essentially, yes, that is what I mean. I do believe that whatever metaphysical creative entity is out there, it exists in another plane of existence and humans can never fully comprehend it.

[Just JT]

I want to say I'm a Christian. But I also know I'm still working towards that. It may be that I don't know what else to believe in, but for me, the more I read and learn, the more I get understand and agree with so I'm saying Christian
Protestant, I'm being baptized next month

[qwfoi]

HI :P It said specify so I suppose I'm protestant because I'm British but don't really have a denomination. Too many bad things in them, prefer to distance myself. :)

[brandon9]

I was raised a Baptist, however I'm on the fence about my beliefs at this stage in my life. I definitely think that there is a higher power that created this world - its impossible to not accept that as a truth in my eyes - but I begin to question if God created us and the universe we know, who or what created God, and who or what created the creator of God, and so on and so on. To me that is an unanswerable, never-ending question.

I also question certain aspects of the bible. I'm honest and admit I have not read the entire bible, but I have read parts, and I feel as if much of it is metaphorical versus factual. For example, David & Goliath; I do not believe it is the literal story told, but a metaphor for a lesser power overcoming odds to beat a bigger power. I don't believe Moses simply parted the Red Sea; there is no doubt they crossed it, but not in such a fantastical way (though I have read somewhere about a natural phenomenon that causes the Red Sea to pull water from north to south or some such thing, creating dry areas, would need to revalidate this). I mean the examples here are numerous - Noah's Ark is an impossible tale in my head rendering the entire story a metaphor for beginning anew, Jesus turning water to wine is not literal in my mind but a metaphor for his making people feel that simple water is as valuable as wine, his restoring sight to the blind is not literal but a metaphor for making people see the world around them with more than just their eyes, it continues. Even down to Mary being a virgin, that's just a purity metaphor, Jesus had to be normally conceived. I just have a hard time with the bible as literal truths, though I don't deny that it does record much of early human history. The same can be said of all religious texts in my opinion.

I also believe this planet is not the only one with life, nor are we the most advanced species in existence. I think religion is a tool for power and control. I believe in corruption among religious entities. It is responsible for more violence and death than any other thing in history. In all, there's a lot to question.

I also am not sure about whether we simply stop existing when we die, or if there is an afterlife. I go back and forth on that. Also, I struggle with faith in God because I was raised to believe he cared for us, for me, and yet I have not once had a prayer answered. I prayed for my grandfather to beat cancer - he died. Prayed for my friend to survive an accident - he died. Prayed people would want to hang out with me and invite me places - nobody does. Prayed that the girl I love would give me a chance - she didn't, hasn't, and won't ever. And that is the big thing that made me start to question God's benevolence, because if he gave a shit, my life would be radically different. I'd be happy.

[Seraph]

I am a Hindu, because I choose it. I examined every religion and this religion I felt like the most logical of all. Extremely scientific and one of the only religions that doesn't scare you of hell, in Hinduism there is in sin.

I believe in Spinoza's God, the one which is the universe itself, and just like every other Hindu I believe that there are many gods within one Supreme Lord.

But perhaps it would not be fair to say so because Hinduism is not a religion and rather a way of life, it is actually called Sanatana Dharma.

I believe in Lord Krishna, but also in Jesus, Prophet Muhammad, Buddha and Moses because all are avatars of God.

[Porpoise101]

I am a Hindu, because I choose it. I examined every religion and this religion I felt like the most logical of all. Extremely scientific and one of the only religions that doesn't scare you of hell, in Hinduism there is in sin.

I believe in Spinoza's God, the one which is the universe itself, and just like every other Hindu I believe that there are many gods within one Supreme Lord.

But perhaps it would not be fair to say so because Hinduism is not a religion and rather a way of life, it is actually called Sanatana Dharma.

I believe in Lord Krishna, but also in Jesus, Prophet Muhammad, Buddha and Moses because all are avatars of God.
Interesting. So you weren't raised a Hindu then? It's very much an insular faith, really only open to those who are born into it if I am being quite honest. It is like Shintoism or certain religions indigenous to the Americas in that regard.

Hinduism has sin, but not in the 'damnation into hell' sort you find in other religions. And if I am correct, only Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism really have a concrete idea of Hell as we know it in Western thought. Instead, Hindu sin is just committing yourself to wrong actions or wrong principles.

Additionally, the word religion comes from Latin meaning 'way of life' and 'moral obligations'. So in that sense, Hinduism is very much a religion, perhaps more so than others.

As for calling Hinduism scientific, I must agree. But that is not because of some intrinsic 'Hindu-ness' or magical 'Vedic Thought' as some on the religious right would think in India. No, it is because Hinduism was flexible and the canon changed and adapted to the times. New people bring their people and gods? Adapt. The rituals are too extravagant? Adapt. Need a strong moral guide? Adapt. Confronted with monotheistic thoughts? Adapt. Hindu thought developed scientifically in this way, as old theories and ideas were replaced by better ones over time.

That's the way of Hindu progression. To take in from the outside, make it into something cohesive, and then come out with a better idea as a result.

[Seraph]

Interesting. So you weren't raised a Hindu then?

I was born in a Hindu society but when I was old enough to understand life, I was given a choice to choose any religion I pleased, I chose to stick to Hinduism. The gist of saying 'I chose' was that I do not blindly believe anything told to me just because my ancestors told me.

[Bob billy]

Never believed in a religion, never will.

[Trevor.]

I am a Roman Catholic. Anyone else?

[NewLeafsFan]

I'm a Christian. I was raised as a Roman Catholic but my personal views are more protestant. I also accept Buddhist teachings to better myself and enrich my soul.

[Contraman]

I was raised Methodist, but I'm Agnostic now. I'm a pragmatic person and never felt any kind of connection to a higher being or anything like that, so I really didn't see the point of having religious beliefs if they didn't affect my life in any way besides me having to wake up early on Sunday. And I only really believe things if I have proof, and since so far nobody's managed to prove or disprove the existence of a god, Agnosticism it is.

[Justin569]

Free thinker here, but I don't mind celebrating religious festivals with my friends who have a religion.

[Snowfox]

I was raised protestant christian. Very conservative way. I still am one

[NerdSquared]

I was raised in an atheist household but I have become more agnostic as I've matured. I've realized that for the same reason I can deny a religion (that there's no proof), that's also the same reason why I can't deny a religion (because there no proof against it either).

[igalg]

I am Orthodox Christian. My parents is not religious people, so that was my choice.

[lolaa]

I'm an orthodox christian , mom is too and comes from a very religious family
very hard to be christian in an arab community :/

[ShineintheDark]

I'm agnostic because I can't bring myself to believe in a world with a God and alsocan't bring myself to believe a world without one

[kyle2003]

I am a protestant christian. I find christianity is right for me, but lately I have been wondering why God would spread His word to only one group of people and let all the others be wrong. I think that maybe he speaks to all and we have just chosen to worship Him in our own ways.

[Bull]

@kyle2003 Kyle, Matt. 28:19-20 directs followers of Jesus to share the Good News of salvation through belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus with all people of all nations. We are to do so in love and respect. We are admonished, through Scripture to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. And, again through Scripture we are admonished to treat others as we wish to be treated. Would that ALL Christians would follow these admonitions!
Peace and Love my brother!

[Coolteenboy]

I consider myself "Spiritual" not necessarily religious.

[Aldee]

I am Christian - Anglican. Faith was introduced to me during primary school.

[Mrflufay]

Native american religion. I wasnt raised into it because my parents are christians but i do have elders that have passed their teachings onto me.

[Porpoise101]

Native american religion. I wasnt raised into it because my parents are christians but i do have elders that have passed their teachings onto me.Just a question here, but how do you worship? I'm curious. Do you have a liturgy or do you follow oral tradition?

[Diana2002]

Christian here

[Sandra123]

Christianity! This is only true religion!

Red text is reserved for moderators. ~Elysium

[Mrflufay]

Just a question here, but how do you worship? I'm curious. Do you have a liturgy or do you follow oral tradition?

Its mostly oral tradition. Every tribe has will switch it up a little but not too much. I wont share too much since its not really okay to share with non indians, but what it mostly consits is a group of people will go into a tipi and Road Man will sing with a kettle drum and another with gourd rattle. Songs are usually in indian languages but will sometimes say jesus in various phrases.At the end we go out of the tipi and share tobacco in the direction the sun goes in the sky. I myself dont believe fully in the church i also beleive a lot of my traditional religion.

[kadencole]

The only proof I need to make me believe there is no god is that time my 13 year old cousin was raped and murdered 3 years ago. If god loved all his children, he wouldn't allow that to happen, Good luck trying to convince me otherwise.

[MeganA]

Catholic

[Purple_Star]

I definately believe in a Creator, Supreme Being, etc. who I think is God. I don't quite believe in Adam and Eve being the first two human beings. I think God didn't create man at first, He first created dinosaurs but wiped them out. Then He helped life along afterwards and when primates came along, He had the idea for humans, so He made evolution happen. I think God made evolution happen because for apes to evolve into humans by mutations and stuff is very unlikely and would take a lot longer than it actually took, IMO

[liberal raj]

if you want to know about my faith search http://adriraj01.blogspot.in and follw the blog

[Chrisbm]

The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

[LucyCee]

Catholic girl

[Sofiya02]

I’m not religious and raised this way. My mum’s bf does have a strong Christian background. We respect that.

[MiniYoda]

Penacostle christian

[InternetTeen]

I believe in nothing.

[Char03]

I am a Catholic Christian

[letters0numbers]

I am a Christian Catholic and while I do believe in my religion, I also have some doubts with this entire concept of religion in general. I somehow think it's all just a big manipulation, what with making people fear god/s and believe what is 'right'. But I have also grown as a Catholic and seriously, I'm a better person with it. It is nice to have something to hold on to when in deep shit, and I have also become a less judgemental person. I accepted and respected everyone's views and opinion no matter where they came from. And also, I have collected 3 sacraments and am getting one more next year. I studied years for this thing (on parents' arrangement). I ain't leaving my faith despite having doubts.

[abcdeqwe]

I find it very appalling you didnt put Islam, considering it’s the second most populous religion in the world. Also, i’m not even Muslim, and I’m still appalled. I mean come on, you specified Wicca by name, but not Islam.

[lliam]

I find it very appalling you didnt put Islam, considering it’s the second most populous religion in the world. Also, i’m not even Muslim, and I’m still appalled. I mean come on, you specified Wicca by name, but not Islam.


Who are you referring to? At least the poll above, lists Islam.

[Sannuli]

I don't really know what I believe. I'm technically chirstian meaning I've been babtisted and all that but I don't really believe in any of that. I've been researching a lot of different religions but haven't find anything that feels right yet. I've been considering being buddhist for a long time but I'm not sure about it yet so I'm just calling myself an atheist for now.

[The_Spaz]

Religion I just find kind of dumb. No offence to those out there who follow one.

The social setting of church seems foreign to me, even though I've been going since birth. I don't understand how some find it spiritual. It's really boring imo. Sit, listen to this guy I have to call my father talk about some shit that happened forever ago, drink some wine, then leave and forget about the morals you just spent an hour listening to. Then rinse and repeat every Sunday.

Not my cup of tea. Now Matcha, that's some good shit. No complaints there. Church definitely ain't my brew though.

I believe in science.

(Note: Not saying you disagree with anything that I've said below, just wanted to put this thought out there)

Science is arguably more based than religion, but still has a collective/tribalist side. All of mainstream science runs on peer approval of theories, which is basically just a more sound/advanced popularity contest. Not saying it's a bad system, but just noting that this aspect is something to look out for as it's definitely not full proof. Time and time again once thought full-proof theories have been completely rejected and replaced with now thought full-proof theories. Of course we should still take notice of the fact that each time we improve on a theory, it's usually always in a positive and worth-while direction.

To summarize, don't believe everything you read, but please still do read, you can always learn something or another. Just keep an open mind while doing so.

That's why I wouldn't say I believe in science, or anything else for that matter. Just observing and making connections is enough for me. No need for solid bases in any one thought or idea.

Double posts merged. Please edit your first post next time if you would like to add something. ~Jinglebottom

[Chrisbm]

Doctrine and Covenants 115: 3 “And also unto my faithful servants who are of the high council of my church in Zion, for thus it shall be called, and unto all the elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scattered abroad in all the world;”
4 “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

[Oscar-V3.0]

I am catholic, I believe in god, i go to church, but i dont agree with every thing they say. And I do think i'm grown enough to know by myself what's right and what's wrong

[xSashax]

I’m just not religious at all...

[Pultost]

I believe in God, Jesus and the miracles that took place, but I don't follow any specific church, as there are plenty of things I don't agree with.

[ska8er]

Since this was brought up after awhile
IDK if it is allowed. Im Catholic and a Christian
but must say like many others that I have some
doubts but I rather b safe than sorry not to at least
believe in a Supreme Being.

[arnorway]

i am a member of the norwegian church (lutheran) but not sure i believe in it

[kayin]

I think faith is good for human.

[Tyler111]

I am not religious. I think my grandparents were religious at one point, but I do not know what religion they were. I've gone to a Christian church with friends before, but am not a fan of the idea.

[Lyonella]

Not religious at all,just believing in myself :)

[thewilddog]

Think about it this way, if you beleive in god all your life IF he comes and there is a heaven , what have you lost -- NOTHING! If you dont and it turns out you have to sit in a volcano forever, you'll wish you could have believed! XD

[Gone Away]

I am not religious. I suppose I am an atheist, but I hate labels.

[Oscar-V3.0]

Think about it this way, if you beleive in god all your life IF he comes and there is a heaven , what have you lost -- NOTHING! If you dont and it turns out you have to sit in a volcano forever, you'll wish you could have believed! XD

If there is a heaven and a hell, I do believe you will go there according to how you acted on Earth. If you're a Christian and spent your life hurting people, you dont belong in heaven. If you're an atheist and spent your life doing the good around you, you do!

[thewilddog]

If there is a heaven and a hell, I do believe you will go there according to how you acted on Earth. If you're a Christian and spent your life hurting people, you dont belong in heaven. If you're an atheist and spent your life doing the good around you, you do!
No, No , No thats not how it works.
1. If you are a christian and you go around hurting people, you dont follow the word of God. 2. If you are a non-christian and dont get the chance to hear about god then according to what the bible says, no because our job is to spread the word as fastly and as efficiently as possible. When he comes he will only take those who love and truly believe in him, according to the bible, a small select number
3. if you are an abortioned or an unborn child or a die at birth child or a die as a baby toddler/young child. According to the word he said: Let the children come to me. A theory is that he will let the children come into heaven as they are an example to sinning adults, althought theyg are still sinners.
4. If you are an atheist who refusesPoint Blank to believe in religion or that god is the one and only God or that jesus rose from the dead then NO it dosentg matter who many good acts you do in your life, You must be doing them for God!
Hope that helped...

[thewilddog]

I believe in God, Jesus and the miracles that took place, but I don't follow any specific church, as there are plenty of things I don't agree with.
Yeah as we are all sinners all the parts of vthe church do have some probleems nobodys perfect. i go to a non-denominational church although my dad is a baptist.

[thewilddog]

I am a Christian Catholic and while I do believe in my religion, I also have some doubts with this entire concept of religion in general. I somehow think it's all just a big manipulation, what with making people fear god/s and believe what is 'right'. But I have also grown as a Catholic and seriously, I'm a better person with it. It is nice to have something to hold on to when in deep shit, and I have also become a less judgemental person. I accepted and respected everyone's views and opinion no matter where they came from. And also, I have collected 3 sacraments and am getting one more next year. I studied years for this thing (on parents' arrangement). I ain't leaving my faith despite having doubts.
Doubts are normal everyone has doubts. The one thing the catholics have a problm with is (no offense) the lpoving personal relationshipwith god. They really concontrate on the Sins side and the do good deeds stuff but that really is not the main focus of christianity. ;-) hope that helped....

[Natacha]

I'm an atheist. It's difficult for me to believe in something supernatural. I dare to equate the presence of a god with the presence of a Santa or easter bunny. If there is a god, I'm not sure I'd like him.
And because it says so in the bible is really not enough for me.

[Oscar-V3.0]

No, No , No thats not how it works.
1. If you are a christian and you go around hurting people, you dont follow the word of God. 2. If you are a non-christian and dont get the chance to hear about god then according to what the bible says, no because our job is to spread the word as fastly and as efficiently as possible. When he comes he will only take those who love and truly believe in him, according to the bible, a small select number
3. if you are an abortioned or an unborn child or a die at birth child or a die as a baby toddler/young child. According to the word he said: Let the children come to me. A theory is that he will let the children come into heaven as they are an example to sinning adults, althought theyg are still sinners.
4. If you are an atheist who refusesPoint Blank to believe in religion or that god is the one and only God or that jesus rose from the dead then NO it dosentg matter who many good acts you do in your life, You must be doing them for God!
Hope that helped...

Not quite.
I dont think God is selfish and egomaniac so that he will reject someone just for the one reason he didn't believe in him, no matter what he did in his life :rolleyes:
I dont do something FOR God, he's not my master and I'm no blind slave. I see God as a guide, not a master who thinks everything revolves around him

[Shaythen]

I’ve been raised Baptist

[SpunkyMonkey]

I am a Catholic Christian,

[BJade]

I believe if there is a God it's more important to do the right things in life than to believe and worship him/her/it

[Oscar-V3.0]

I believe if there is a God it's more important to do the right things in life than to believe and worship him/her/it
I do agree but you can do both :)

[Ginger Spice]

I was raised to be a good person and I suppose I have tried my hardest to do just that. I consider myself a spiritual person as I do believe that some God or Gods created this place we exist on and are making a mess of today. I just try to live my life in a positive nature and try to lift other people up who need it whenever I can.

[Knightley]

I don't believe in god but one thing ive never understood is people believing everything that's in holy text because fundamentally they were written by man so there is going to be a certain amount of people adding there on opinions and stories from the time being exaggerated or warped because at the time they were written they wouldn't of hear the tales of Jesus and stuff straight from Jesus they would of heard it from a person who heard it from some else and so on as they travelled around the world they would have been completely warped as anyone whose played Chinese whispers would know.

So I have no problem with people who believe in god and follow a certain religion but you have to go into it understanding that the bible or what ever religious text isn't a word for word a book straight from god its a book written by many people all adding there own ideas and suggestions

[Zika]

Since this was brought up after awhile
IDK if it is allowed. Im Catholic and a Christian
but must say like many others that I have some
doubts but I rather b safe than sorry not to at least
believe in a Supreme Being.

Think about it this way, if you beleive in god all your life IF he comes and there is a heaven , what have you lost -- NOTHING! If you dont and it turns out you have to sit in a volcano forever, you'll wish you could have believed! XD

Are you familiar with Pascal's Wager? There are several significant flaws to it.

No, No , No thats not how it works.
1. If you are a christian and you go around hurting people, you dont follow the word of God. 2. If you are a non-christian and dont get the chance to hear about god then according to what the bible says, no because our job is to spread the word as fastly and as efficiently as possible. When he comes he will only take those who love and truly believe in him, according to the bible, a small select number
3. if you are an abortioned or an unborn child or a die at birth child or a die as a baby toddler/young child. According to the word he said: Let the children come to me. A theory is that he will let the children come into heaven as they are an example to sinning adults, althought theyg are still sinners.
4. If you are an atheist who refusesPoint Blank to believe in religion or that god is the one and only God or that jesus rose from the dead then NO it dosentg matter who many good acts you do in your life, You must be doing them for God!
Hope that helped...

Your whole reasoning is based on Christian doctrine, but what about religions other than Christianity?

[Catt]

I feel connected to the old Nordic beliefs of my ancestors

[Zika]

I feel connected to the old Nordic beliefs of my ancestors

Is there any particular religion which encompass that, or is it beliefs passed on from one generation to the other?

[Catt]

Is there any particular religion which encompass that, or is it beliefs passed on from one generation to the other?

Definitely a cultural thing
Like been gifted or finding old things of my grandparents with runes on them
That there is protection, strength, healing from the right ones if worn or kept with us
And the stories to me have as much meaning and legitimacy as anyone else’s faith

I know I’d consider having some tattooed later even though it would freak out my parents

[Zika]

Definitely a cultural thing
Like been gifted or finding old things of my grandparents with runes on them
That there is protection, strength, healing from the right ones if worn or kept with us
And the stories to me have as much meaning and legitimacy as anyone else’s faith

I know I’d consider having some tattooed later even though it would freak out my parents

That's really interesting. A lot gets transferred from one generation to another by stories, objects, songs, etc.

From what I understand Judaism was passed on by generations for over 1500 years before it was formally codified into a religion.

[Catt]

That's really interesting. A lot gets transferred from one generation to another by stories, objects, songs, etc.

From what I understand Judaism was passed on by generations for over 1500 years before it was formally codified into a religion.

That’s really interesting, I guess they weren’t trying to prove anything, they just knew who they were and what was right for them
They are one of the older faiths

[Zika]

That’s really interesting, I guess they weren’t trying to prove anything, they just knew who they were and what was right for them
They are one of the older faiths

Yeah, along with Hinduism.

[Catt]

Yeah, along with Hinduism.

I do appreciate the Hindu high valuing of all life not just human

[Zika]

I do as well, but I have to admit, I do like my beef :).

[Catt]

I do as well, but I have to admit, I do like my beef :).

I eat more fish but I do like beef, I just don’t waste meat and respect the animal
Refuse to buy anything factory farmed

[Zika]

I eat more fish but I do like beef, I just don’t waste meat and respect the animal
Refuse to buy anything factory farmed

I think respect for the animal in important.
I have nothing against hunting or fishing, but it bothers me when someone fishes and throws them back in the water, after injuring them.
Or the go hunting, cut off the antlers as a trophy and leave the rest of the animal.

I do admit, we buy mainstream meat in the store. And while people may have a problem with how they're raised, the big meat processors make sure every bit of the animal is used.

Somewhat off the subject, but it used to be that 'offfal' was considered low end food, barely edible. Now it's the hit of high end restaurant menus.

[Catt]

I think respect for the animal in important.
I have nothing against hunting or fishing, but it bothers me when someone fishes and throws them back in the water, after injuring them.
Or the go hunting, cut off the antlers as a trophy and leave the rest of the animal.

I do admit, we buy mainstream meat in the store. And while people may have a problem with how they're raised, the big meat processors make sure every bit of the animal is used.

Somewhat off the subject, but it used to be that 'offfal' was considered low end food, barely edible. Now it's the hit of high end restaurant menus.

I fish with my grandpa, mostly it’s catch and release but anything that will suffer becomes a keeper unless illegal
He hunts too but he hunts like an indigenous person and harvests everything - bones, skin, meat and neighbors as well as family get fed from it
But he never takes too much, just almost enough

[SouthernDude]

I am a Baptist, so yeah

[Knightley]

I am a Baptist, so yeah

What form of Buddhism do you practise ???

[SouthernDude]

What form of Buddhism do you practise ???

It's not Buddhism, it's a branch of Christianity

[Knightley]

It's not Buddhism, it's a branch of Christianity
ops sorry wasn't pay attention obviously lol

[Char03]

I am a Catholic Christian,

Me too! That's my confession today.lol

[Wheels]

I am a Christian Lutheran.

[Oitamara]

I’m Muslim. I’m not strict at religion but I think it’s a tradition and culture from family.

[Maarten-Victorian]

I'm atheist I dont believe in any god

[Sinanju]

Agnostic. I don't know if there's such a being or not.

[Anna Kadlecova]

Ateist for 120% :)

[jaredcal]

unsure