Spinoff of afterlife post.....how faithful are you?

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Posted by Xelindrya

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Posted by CIMINOK

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Posted by Xelindrya


I get all sorts of hell for talking badly about the bible and one of my favorites is the belief that the Catholics wrote their own book.

I love this .. I gotta use this quote more often!

hehe

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Don't all religions have their own 'books' so to speak? Rules/laws/etc...That someone wrote and/or drew up which people could choose to or choose not to follow?

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Yes and most of them (not trying to generalize there) think THEIRS and ONLY THEIRS is the true and right 'one' book.
It really is very funny.

Look at the Mormons. They have never said that the companion book they talk about is the bible. They read and follow the bible but no one cares. They are generalized that they have a different 'bible'.

ANyway.. I get into these 'discussions' (shall we call them that) and people get very bent out of shape about 'their' bibles.

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WHAT?

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Posted by Xelindrya

Yes and most of them (not trying to generalize there) think THEIRS and ONLY THEIRS is the true and right 'one' book.
It really is very funny.

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While it would be ignorant to say it's the ONLY 'book' that's out there, I think it's natural to believe in the book that is incorporated into your religion. Why would you say you are buddhist but follow the torah?

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Posted by CIMINOK

WHAT?

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Uhmm
short answer
Yes.. each has their own book.

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Posted by ChristineC68

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Posted by Xelindrya

Yes and most of them (not trying to generalize there) think THEIRS and ONLY THEIRS is the true and right 'one' book.
It really is very funny.

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While it would be ignorant to say it's the ONLY 'book' that's out there, I think it's natural to believe in the book that is incorporated into your religion. Why would you say you are buddhist but follow the torah?

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I agree, personally.
But I've been around the 'christian' faiths (not EVERY church in every city and in every state, of course). Those I've been too, although you'd think it's the same basic book, it's really not and when I used to ask why one faith had no many interpretations of one book, I got slammed.

So I was referring not to different religions, per se, but the idea that some religions (Christianity being one) have several versions and each Church believes that only theirs is right and the others are wrong. (rather SOME churches believe this... to keep it fair)

I'm Jewish - Reform leaning towards conservative if you want to get specific about it.

I'm very spiritual about it. There are things that mean a lot to me and things that don't (hence, I'm Reform). I'm not Shomer Shabbos (I will work/drive/watch TV on a Saturday).

But there are few things that are as important to me as my religion and my relationship with G-d. Does that answer the question?

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Posted by Xelindrya

Yes and most of them (not trying to generalize there) think THEIRS and ONLY THEIRS is the true and right 'one' book.
It really is very funny.

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not exactly true...Jews...Christians...and Muslims share many parts...


and in Islam...Christians and Jews are (supposed to be) considered 'children of the book'

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Posted by Xelindrya

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Posted by ChristineC68

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Posted by Xelindrya

Yes and most of them (not trying to generalize there) think THEIRS and ONLY THEIRS is the true and right 'one' book.
It really is very funny.

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While it would be ignorant to say it's the ONLY 'book' that's out there, I think it's natural to believe in the book that is incorporated into your religion. Why would you say you are buddhist but follow the torah?

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I agree, personally.
But I've been around the 'christian' faiths (not EVERY church in every city and in every state, of course). Those I've been too, although you'd think it's the same basic book, it's really not and when I used to ask why one faith had no many interpretations of one book, I got slammed.

So I was referring not to different religions, per se, but the idea that some religions (Christianity being one) have several versions and each Church believes that only theirs is right and the others are wrong. (rather SOME churches believe this... to keep it fair)

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I guess that would be why there are different types of (let's say) Christianity. Some of their beliefs are different. I am pretty sure if I brought a Protestant bible to my Roman Catholic HS instructors, they would have something not too pleasant to say about it.

But I hear what you are saying. It seems that there is sometimes a resounding lack of tolerance and in come cases respect between different religions. (Generally speaking from my own observation or experience.)

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Posted by Xelindrya

I believe strongly in my beliefs.

Those beliefs just don't happen to follow those of any particular 'faith' or religion'

So I'll just say Im faithful to my own beliefs.

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Same with me.

I was raised Catholic, and although I am still a member of the church, I have some issues w. the Church as a whole. So I say I am not a great follower of religion, but I have a very strong faith. I talk to God all the time, pray every day, and I feel that there is a higher entity that watches over me and gives comfort to me in times of grief or sorrow. I dont feel its my place to question it too much, so I guess you can say I go on blind faith.

In college I was very into different religions, and studied everything from Catholisim to Buddisim to Wicca. I am fascinated at how people shape their entire life, and views on others, around organized religion.

I have no faith, no religious beliefs nor do I believe in an after-life per say. For me, I oppose religion for a multitude of reasons--partly because my father was a priest and REALLY FORCED his beliefs on us growing up. I should add that my father is one of the sickest, most vile creatures ever to walk this planet.
And when my mother passed away, I ceased in believing in ANYTHING.
However, to each their own. Some people take great pride and devote their lives to their faith. And if it makes someone live a fuller, happier, and peaceful life-than it's a wonderful thing that they've found something to believe in.

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Posted by shelzyp

Leelee, I ahve found that also, that the people that are most religious are the ones that are the meanest, and selfish. Of course, this has only been in my experience, and not for all.

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and I find them to be the most judgemental which is in itself ironic.

I agree.. not are they mean and selfish but often very sinful in being cruel and just plain nasty to people.

Not everyone of course.

My favorite was the guy at my old office who preached to me all the time. Very judgemental of me. (didn't stop him from looking down my shirt though) and he was really on me about having children and staying home (like it's any of his business?) We caught him RED-HANDED looking at porn in a store. Another co-worker and I were roaming racks in a Hudson News when we see him in the back moving aside the black areas to see the young T&A behind it. FREAK!
heh

Ugh...I mean, it's not EVERYONE who's religious but I found that because my father was this way (alchoholic, pedophile, abusive, etc.-you name it!!) and then things like the Catholic Church sex scandals come out, it makes me revolted.
This is my own experience of course and not everyone in a clergy is like this. I've seen many wonderful caring members of the clergy growing up.

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Posted by BellaBella

I just think it's wrong for the 'people' that reaise their kids with no religion. I just can't nor will I see my child being not baptized. Let them decide for themselves when they grow up if they don't want to be a part of it.

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yes, but you wouldn't baptize your child if you weren't religious, would you?
if you would---WHY?

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Posted by BellaBella

I just think it's wrong for the 'people' that reaise their kids with no religion. I just can't nor will I see my child being not baptized. Let them decide for themselves when they grow up if they don't want to be a part of it.

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I would have to agree with you. I know my parents thought they were “helping” me by not shoving religion down my throat the way their parents did to them, but as an adult I feel completely disconnected from religion and spirituality. And not having any spiritual comfort in life is making me feel very sad.

It’s a tough call to make. You want to raise your kids to think for themselves, but there has to be some sort of foundation to build on, IMO.

ETA: In no way do I believe that no religion = no morals. I feel that despite the lack of religion and/or spirituality in my life, my parents raised me to be moral, ethical, polite, and in general a good person.

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Posted by BellaBella

I just think it's wrong for the 'people' that reaise their kids with no religion. I just can't nor will I see my child being not baptized. Let them decide for themselves when they grow up if they don't want to be a part of it.

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I was not raised with religion...are you saying I must be a bad person? or are my parents bad?


IMHO I'm a pretty decent person...I smile and say thank you to all the people I interact with...I help people out in many ways


why should my parents raise me with something they don't believe....and further why should I do that to my own children...


would you raise your child Hindu if you didn't believe...


I am very annoyed with this comment...

i was raised catholic..
there was a point where i still believed in god and all, but i just stopped going to church..

then fh got me started in going again.. and I enjoy going each week.. I believe that there is some afterlife(heaven) where we continue on..

Gotta agree with Erica on this...
My DH was never baptized and grew up in an Italian family. While my father thinks he's the devil-incarnate ( ), I find my husband to be the most down to earth, kind heart, loving person anyone will ever meet.
Baptism or no baptism-it doesn't matter and it's not what defines someone...