Religious?

[Dedicated]

Just out of curiousity, what are everyones religious beliefs?

Personally, I don't believe in a higher power or whatever, but that's just me. I very much believe that there's no master plan for all of this, and that we're merely here due evolution. Not to say that I wouldn't be pleasantly suprised if there was an "afterlife" of any sort.



Note: I DO NOT want this to turn into a who's right/who's wrong thread because that's just a stupid discussion to have. I am merely curious of what variety of religious beliefs we have here.

[Linja]

My family is Muslim, however: Da's an atheist, and Maman and I are agnostics.

I think my views on life tie in with my views on religion (I'm too cynical to be an optimist, too hopeful to be a pessimist), so I'd like to believe that there is some greater power, that we're not just left to our own devices, although really, judging by the way humanity has a tendency of absolutely fucking things up...

[Jen]

I definitely think I am going to be in the minority here, but I was raised Roman Catholic, and while I have questioned my faith and my belief in God at times, I do believe that there's a higher power at work.

As I grew older, I researched other religions, and now I still practice Catholicism but I incorporate other religious beliefs as well, such as some Buddhist principles.

[Dean]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatheist

Put simply I still haven't figured out what exactly I believe on a personal level, and as things stand I don't really care. I feel kind of disillusioned towards both sides of the argument.

[11:54]

I believe in myself, and Google.

[Andrea]

I'm catholic. I went to a catholic school from kindergarten through eighth grade and had a strict religious upbringing because of that. I am religious to an extent, but I'm not a hardcore catholic like my mom is. *shudders*

I don't know if there is a higher power or not but if people choose to believe or not believe, then that's their own personal beliefs. You can believe in whatever you want. It's not like it affects me, lol.

[John]

I want to believe!

I believe in god 100% and i feel like there's definitely a higher power watching us, don't care if you don't believe, i won't treat or see people different if they don't believe.

[[TDWP] Jacob]

I'm Catholic. Been going to Catholic school my whole life and I'm confirmed in the Catholic church

[esaul17]

Antitheist. I really, really dislike religion.

[Todd]

George Carlin said it better than I ever could:

RNy6ziOyxoA

[11:54]

That video explains everything.

Nice!

[esaul17]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGFV6RXJmCA

[Jordan]

Atheist. I don't really care at all.

[minuteforce]

I believe in God and Jesus but I keep it strictly personal, and I stay the hell away from religious institutions. ;)


I'm not religious in any way, I actually oppose most religion.

Belief on the other hand is vital to the existance of mankind. It's when people start using their beliefs for conflict is where we let ourselves down.

^This.

[_cam_]

I'm Catholic. I was enrolled in a Catholic school since elementary to college and that fact, makes you hard to forget the teachings and beliefs you are used to. I'm happy with it although me and my brother Ryan embrace Asian philosophies like Buddhism and Taoism but we're still full pledged catholics. :D

[Messy Marj]

I am baptized a Christian, but I am a Taoist.

[Theazninvasion68]

I believe in myself, and Google.

http://www.thechurchofgoogle.org/

I SEE WUT U DID THAR!


Honestly, I Don't even know, but I'll sit happily in the Agnostic.

Though, Buddhist beliefs/principles are really inspiring. :)

And to those Atheists here, would you ever say something like "Wow, this guy is Really good at fixing cars!" or "Oh my! Whoever made this apple-cinnimon pie must be an amazing chef!"?

[Timothy]

I'm an atheist.

I've long held the belief that the answer to the eternal question (why are we here?) is likely more complex than any of us could possibly fathom. The idea of a divine being setting everything into motion, obviously, doesn't gel with that notion.


@Robert: I don't follow. . . . :lol:

[Dean]

I'm an atheist.

I've long held the belief that the answer to the eternal question (why are we here?) is likely more complex than any of us could possibly fathom. The idea of a divine being setting everything into motion, obviously, doesn't gel with that notion.


@Robert: I don't follow. . . . :lol:
I'm not sure I get what you meant about the two not gelling, unless you mean that saying that God or whoever did everything is a cop-out.

[Timothy]

I'm not sure I get what you meant about the two not gelling, unless you mean that saying that God or whoever did everything is a cop-out.

I wouldn't say I think it's a cop-out, but I do think deism is a simple way of assuaging peoples fears.


Now that I think about it, that is just a nice way of saying it's a cop-out. :P

[Jesse]

All in all I say that I'm an Atheist. Or a Zen Buddhist Atheist, as I hold onto some Buddhist views I was raised Christian and was baptized. I used to go to a Baptist Church.

Ultimately I think I am my own God. I control my own actions, and set my own path. I decide my own morals and opinions on what I think is right and wrong.

But I think about other religions like this. If there is a higher power and it's All loving then I have nothing to worry about. If there's a higher power and it's not all loving then we're all screwed anyway. And if there's not a higher power then it doesn't really matter.

[Luke]

I'm not religious in any way, I actually oppose most religion.

Belief on the other hand is vital to the existance of mankind. It's when people start using their beliefs for conflict is where we let ourselves down.

[esaul17]

I'm not religious in any way, I actually oppose most religion.

Belief on the other hand is vital to the existance of mankind. It's when people start using their beliefs for conflict is where we let ourselves down.

I will say having beliefs is vital for mankind's existence, but faith is not. Belief's should be based on reason and evidence. Religion is not, which is the problem, and tends to be why conflict leads to anger, violence, and emotion. In a logical field, such as science or philosophy, conflict meets rational debate, search for more evidence, and a peaceful conclusion.

And Theazninvasion68...I probably say things along those lines...where are you going with this?

[Theazninvasion68]

Where am I going?

Because the notion that God gave us Gifts + Talents, (God being anything such as the Creator, First Thing, Ect ect) means that we can do say "Man that guy has some serious skills in doing this" or "wow, whoever invented this shit is AMAZING"

Therefore, if you ever acknowledged this (By saying something like, "that mechanic is good but I gotta tell you, my older brother can fix a car like no other!), you Acknowledge that A) People have Gifts and Talents and B) That thereby you acknowledge the presence of God and his existence.

[esaul17]

No, we simply deny that God is responsible for our gifts/talents. We credit our teachers, environment, and ourselves...maybe even our genes. But an atheist in no way denies that people have talents, they deny the baseless assumption that they come from God.

[Luke]

I will say having beliefs is vital for mankind's existence, but faith is not. Belief's should be based on reason and evidence. Religion is not, which is the problem, and tends to be why conflict leads to anger, violence, and emotion. In a logical field, such as science or philosophy, conflict meets rational debate, search for more evidence, and a peaceful conclusion.

Couldn't have summed it up better myself.

[Arlene]

I used to believe in God, but about 2 years ago I had a personal realization that to me, believing in a God who provides you with everything you need etc. is like believing in Santa Clause. I dunno...I tend to be too fact-based to believe in something like that. I need hard evidence, a reason, proof. That's why I like math- there's no question- the numbers do this and you get that and there's no other way around it, because the answer is what it is.

Especially in times when things are hard, I wish that there was something for me to believe in, but there's no way that I can convince myself that there's a God watching over me.

[11:54]

I used to believe in God, but about 2 years ago I had a personal realization that to me, believing in a God who provides you with everything you need etc. is like believing in Santa Clause. I dunno...I tend to be too fact-based to believe in something like that. I need hard evidence, a reason, proof. That's why I like math- there's no question- the numbers do this and you get that and there's no other way around it, because the answer is what it is.

Especially in times when things are hard, I wish that there was something for me to believe in, but there's no way that I can convince myself that there's a God watching over me.

Based off what I bolded in your post, I've learned that the only person that can make things better for you is yourself. There isn't anyone one else, or any one thing, real or fictional, that will bring good to you and give you everything you need. Pray all you want, but nothing will change unless you do something about it yourself.

(I'm not speaking directly to you or anyone, Arlene)

I was raised Catholic, went to church seldomly up until I was about 8. But really, since I've turned 18 and know how this world really is and the type of people that live on this planet, there is no "higher power" and things happen because they just happen.

[Dean]

Based off what I bolded in your post, I've learned that the only person that can make things better for you is yourself. There isn't anyone one else, or any one thing, real or fictional, that will bring good to you and give you everything you need. Pray all you want, but nothing will change unless you do something about it yourself.

(I'm not speaking directly to you or anyone, Arlene)

I was raised Catholic, went to church seldomly up until I was about 8. But really, since I've turned 18 and know how this world really is and the type of people that live on this planet, there is no "higher power" and things happen because they just happen.
Well yeah, but even people don't always assume that things will go right for them just like that.

[Disturbedthoughts]

I believe there is something out there we don't understand; whether it be God/gods/goddesses I don't know. But there is something out there. I'm sure of that.

[Harlz]

Technically I'm Catholic, but I'd rather say I'm Christian, just cos i really disagree with some aspects of the Catholic Church.
And screw the Old Testament.

[Theazninvasion68]

No, we simply deny that God is responsible for our gifts/talents. We credit our teachers, environment, and ourselves...maybe even our genes. But an atheist in no way denies that people have talents, they deny the baseless assumption that they come from God.



Where did your teacher's aquire such talent to get such a skilled ability to teach, and further down help you realize your gifts and talents? How did the environment happen to be so, in a way too complex to figure out but satiable enough to keep a determined look on it? How we ourselves ever gotten to be how we are? Evolution, We've been gifted with a supremely mature mind in comparison to the animal kingdom. Sure, An Atheist no ways denies people have talents, You say, Then Where do people get these talents from earlier before? One Develops skills to become a better mechanic or mathematician, but that is to say that one would have a gift of learning machines or math easily. Our Teachers are skilled however, they were probably talented in a way that they excel in teaching, and present in a way that helps kids (or adults) understand. We ourselves Read and practice to become better. Yet, We are talented in a way that we understand language and put it into practice.

So you deny that God is responsible for our gifts/talents but taking a second look at your opinion, It too is baseless (though more...stable until you keep going back).
So we both have a baseless Argument, huh?

Yeah? :lol:

(Btw, This is just for good talk :). If it annoy's you, well..XD sorry)

========================================

@Arlene 11:55 is right. No-one can make things happen for you. If you want something to believe in, It should be yourself and your ability to persevere. If that proves tough, confide some stress to a close friend, ect and it'll help. :) Confidence that you can get through it no problem is something tough to get by. But you are never weaker if you ask for a buddy to help you get through or to tag along!

[esaul17]

Okay...basically we have two possible scenarios here:

1. The universe could exist in many ways. The fact that we live in a universe where people have talents means that universe exists in a way that allows for at least one species to have a possible set of talents on one planet for some time. It also allows for tonnes and tonnes of planets to be barren and lifeless. Just basic chance at work.

2. The universe was designed by God so that a small number of planets could sustain life for a short period of time, and so that life on these planets would be forced to kill and devour each other to survive, amongst other things. The inhabitants of these planets were given the gift of a possible set of talents.

The God hypothesis meshes with the evidence of reality poorly, and also needlessly complicates things by adding an additional entity. Occam's Razor.

[Linja]

I was re-watching Gk [as I am wont to do very often] and came across a quote about religion that I kind of agree with:


Theologically speaking, the world's been going downhill ever since man first offered entrails to the gods.

[Timothy]

Where did your teacher's aquire such talent to get such a skilled ability to teach, and further down help you realize your gifts and talents? How did the environment happen to be so, in a way too complex to figure out but satiable enough to keep a determined look on it? How we ourselves ever gotten to be how we are? Evolution, We've been gifted with a supremely mature mind in comparison to the animal kingdom. Sure, An Atheist no ways denies people have talents, You say, Then Where do people get these talents from earlier before? One Develops skills to become a better mechanic or mathematician, but that is to say that one would have a gift of learning machines or math easily. Our Teachers are skilled however, they were probably talented in a way that they excel in teaching, and present in a way that helps kids (or adults) understand. We ourselves Read and practice to become better. Yet, We are talented in a way that we understand language and put it into practice.

So you deny that God is responsible for our gifts/talents but taking a second look at your opinion, It too is baseless (though more...stable until you keep going back).
So we both have a baseless Argument, huh?

Just because, at this point in time, we can't explain why particular people are inherently gifted in a certain skill or vocation doesn't mean a higher power was responsible for it.

But, we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves now; this isn't supposed to be a thread for debating.

[minuteforce]

And screw the Old Testament.
^ This. The Old Testament needlessly complicates everything, what with everyone being divinely punished for all kinds of random sh*t and whatever.

I've lived in fear of not being good enough. I had preachers telling me what to do and what to feel and what to believe, I had endlessly conflicting answers with implications that were more damning than enlightening ... and, in the end, I decided the church services and whatever were not really helping me with my beliefs. The doubt I was feeling was getting in the way of things and I had to get away from it.

[Jesse]

^ This. The Old Testament needlessly complicates everything, what with everyone being divinely punished for all kinds of random sh*t and whatever.

I've lived in fear of not being good enough. I had preachers telling me what to do and what to feel and what to believe, I had endlessly conflicting answers with implications that were more damning than enlightening ... and, in the end, I decided the church services and whatever were not really helping me with my beliefs. The doubt I was feeling was getting in the way of things and I had to get away from it.

I kind of felt that way too.

Though my conversion to atheism was a slow process, I had many doubts whilist I was still attending church and quite frankly I came to feel kind of guilty being in a place that I didn't exactly have faith in , up to my ut-most ability. I actually use to be one of those people who tried to force their beliefs on you. Trying to convert people.

But I must say though that since I allowed myself to believe what I do without feeling guility for it that I feel better than I do than when I had actually believed in what I believed before. Still, I do get depressed but I don't think it has anything at all to do with religion. :lol:

[[TDWP] Jacob]

^ This. The Old Testament needlessly complicates everything, what with everyone being divinely punished for all kinds of random sh*t and whatever.

I've lived in fear of not being good enough. I had preachers telling me what to do and what to feel and what to believe, I had endlessly conflicting answers with implications that were more damning than enlightening ... and, in the end, I decided the church services and whatever were not really helping me with my beliefs. The doubt I was feeling was getting in the way of things and I had to get away from it.

Yes the old testament is completly out there
I ,who am catholic, dont believe a single thing from the Old Testament

[Theazninvasion68]

Just because, at this point in time, we can't explain why particular people are inherently gifted in a certain skill or vocation doesn't mean a higher power was responsible for it.

But, we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves now; this isn't supposed to be a thread for debating.

Rather than, isn't that such an ignorance if that's essentially the only thing to point to? I mean, It's either this or you out-right refuse to look.

:P But your right. This isn't for debating.

Still as I stand, Agnostic.

However, if a book is to be presented for this thread, I do recommend everyone at least Read this book Language of God (http://www.amazon.com/Language-God-Scientist-Presents-Evidence/dp/1416542744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199476056&sr=8-1) It's really good brain food and this guy isn't a dummy.

If you think he's a dummy, read this
http://www.amazon.com/Francis-S.-Collins/e/B001IGLLD0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

:P Hahaha.

[Iain]

I'm not religious at all. I'm not really an atheist either, but I know I highly disagree with Christianity.

[minuteforce]

I ,who am catholic, dont believe a single thing from the Old Testament
It's not a matter of believing the words to be true ... but it's really unecessary and it's just clutter. That stuff brought me nothing but doubt.

The church and its teachings were like that for me too, as I explained before; they were just clutter in the end. Granted, I wouldn't be who I am without my local youth group, but it came to a point where I just felt I was being attacked every sermon because I wasn't perfect. I know that's not how they meant it, but that's the message mainstream Christianity is putting across these days, nonetheless. The image that those who believe are somehow better than everyone else.

I don't want to support that assumption, I don't want to be associated with that image. I don't agree with the church's views on a lot of issues, probably all of them, such as their problem with homosexuality, and how they guess God has a problem with it. Like, I don't believe that at all. If that's being Christian, then, for that and other reasons like it, I'm not gonna be under that banner.

And, to me, that stuff has nothing to do with spiritual beliefs, really; to me, beliefs are a personal thing, my beliefs are not tied to a cause or an organisation. How I'm true to my beliefs won't be dependent on someone quoting and misconstruing the Bible to me through a PA system, and telling me I'm still not good enough.

[esaul17]

Rather than, isn't that such an ignorance if that's essentially the only thing to point to? I mean, It's either this or you out-right refuse to look.

:P But your right. This isn't for debating.

Still as I stand, Agnostic.

However, if a book is to be presented for this thread, I do recommend everyone at least Read this book Language of God (http://www.amazon.com/Language-God-Scientist-Presents-Evidence/dp/1416542744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199476056&sr=8-1) It's really good brain food and this guy isn't a dummy.

If you think he's a dummy, read this
http://www.amazon.com/Francis-S.-Collins/e/B001IGLLD0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

:P Hahaha.

About Francis Collins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tRpbkpNpgw

[Todd]

The old and new testament argument is a funny thing. Most of the fucked up crap you'll find in the bible (kill all the gays, eating shellfish is an abomination, women are property and not people, human sacrifice, etc) is in the old testament. If you use this in an argument with an evangelical nutcase to explain why the bible should not be taken literally and why we don't stone women who are not virgins on their wedding day, they'll say "We follow the new testament" and they're correct that Christianity does follow the new testament. The old testament is the foundation of the Jewish Torah, and yet, Jews have figured out that it is just stories, and are not to be taken literally. Even the more orthodox Jews out there tend to be liberal when it comes to human rights and support gay rights, marriage equality and gender equality. If you ever get a chance, have a talk with a Rabbi over the OT, they will all but tell you that it's complete bullshit.

[Sarah]

I'm meant to be catholic, highlight the words meant to be.

[Christopher]

I don't call myself an atheist, but I guess I am.

Religion to me is violent, outdated, irrational, ignorant, etc. I think, it's good for nothing. Esspecially, when mixed with politics, law or even science.

I believe in ethics and applying them to your life, educating yourself and working hard. But I also, strongly believe those are unhuman terms and that humans are violent, irrational and ignorant by nature. And you're only good when you can afford to be good.

You live, you die, you only have emotions in the present so I guess, you should feel as good as possible, as much as possible. But I don't, and I don't like Utilitarianism either.

[Theazninvasion68]

About Francis Collins:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tRpbkpNpgw

:P alright. There is a lot of views out there, and as Earlier said, this is not a debate thread that i kinda derail'd it to be. (Thanks Timothy!)

As he said "Vaguely sitting on the fence" is where I'm at, looking around.

:lol:@ taperecorder hahah.

And plenty of argument for both sides, no doubt.