Religious Beliefs (or lack of)

[darklable]

Ok so I noticed that religion is a very... volatile... topic here. People seem to either REALLY believe in God or REALLY NOT believe. I know that I may be opening up Pandora's Box in saying this, but I thought that it would be good for people to just be able to discuss what they believe. So here we go: I'm opening this up in hopes that we can have a civilized discussion on God and religion (or lack of them if you believe otherwise).

So I'll get it started: I used to be Christian. I am now a form of Neo Pagan. I believe that there is a higher power but I don't think that the major religions aren't completley right. I believe that said higher power represents itself to different people as it sees fit (ie: the different Gods of different religions).

So there's what I believe in a nutshell.  What do you believe?

[AmyTrivitt]

Grew up Wiccan. Had to study different forms of religion to set myself up for life. As my parents wanted us to choose our own paths. I don't consider one god or goddess. To me a bealive is like an opinion we all have one and we all think were right when were not. NONE of us really know for sure. All I know is life should not be taken for granted, we can be here one minute and gone the next!! So for what I bealive in for sure is if your a good person, help others out, be there for your kids, ect. ect. karma will treat you good.
OFF TOPIC:
You know there is actually a church of MARIJUANA, (Amsterdamn). I would love to attend that one day 

[Falconer02]

I'm opening this up in hopes that we can have a civilized discussion on God and religion (or lack of them if you believe otherwise).

I think you've underestimated the internet, my friend! People are not going to read this one sentence and not see the word "civilized". I'm convinced it's practically impossible on the internet to have a civilized discussion without a moderator here banning people that spark attacks. Someone is bound to post something offensive and meaningless and then just troll this topic to no end.

To me a bealive is like an opinion we all have one and we all think were right when were not. NONE of us really know for sure.

This is PRECISELY what I believe in-- mystery. Nobody knows for certain. Agnosticism. I've been turned off from religion forever due to the supernatural claims. I guess I enjoy trying to understand the psychology behind that type of mindset. I believe that acquiring and spreading knowledge is the best way to further humanities progress. Even if we're here one minute and gone the next, we have to secure it for the next minute and the minutes after that. It's the only way we're going to eventually understand this whole equation.

You know there is actually a church of MARIJUANA, (Amsterdamn). I would love to attend that one day  

May Saint Mary-Jane bless you, sister.

[darklable]

Yeah, I know it's nearly impossible but one can dream right?  I do appreciate that we're not at eachothers' throats so far though (probably just jinxed it).

To me a bealive is like an opinion we all have one and we all think were right when were not. NONE of us really know for sure.

I totally agree, I'm not one of those people who gets angry over other people's beliefs.  Unfortunately I live in a household in which the others aren't happy when questioned or when I disagree with their beliefs.. But I like to try to keep an open mind and I really enjoy talking to people who believe different things than me because it's nice (in my opinion) to have a diversified view of things and I enjoy learning about people's minds

So thank you to both of you for coming on here and taking the time to share your opinions on the subject, I appreciate it very much

[teflonfanatic]

@marieelissa: article about happiness http://www.watchtower.org/e/20001001/article_02.htm

[Cuppycake]

You know there is actually a church of MARIJUANA, (Amsterdamn). I would love to attend that one day 

May Saint Mary-Jane bless you, sister.

LOL! Nice one!

[dell9031]

People should "own" their beliefs, not be born into them, conveyed upon them by some ceremony or childhood indoctrination.....they should be exposed to examples of lives and people daily who hold true to their convictions and live them out.  At which point a child can choose.  But I do believe there is only one path and hopefully others will follow and walk the road with me.  I just try to walk with conviction.  I know where I"m going.

[walksalone11]

Religious beliefs?....none

Spiritual beliefs?.....they're mine, don't think I will share them here.

[Planets]

Grew up Wiccan. Had to study different forms of religion to set myself up for life. As my parents wanted us to choose our own paths. I don't consider one god or goddess. To me a bealive is like an opinion we all have one and we all think were right when were not. NONE of us really know for sure. All I know is life should not be taken for granted, we can be here one minute and gone the next!! So for what I bealive in for sure is if your a good person, help others out, be there for your kids, ect. ect. karma will treat you good.
OFF TOPIC:
You know there is actually a church of MARIJUANA, (Amsterdamn). I would love to attend that one day 

one of my best friends is wiccan!

[Planets]

personally i believe that everyone has a different path and sometimes that path means they need a different religion, even atheism.  I'm still looking for mine...