Religion/beliefs
Discussion
This is possibly the the wrong place for a discussion of this nature but has anyone here been actively seeking a spiritual path in life ? (Or you may have beliefs already then great)
after about 5 yrs of researching ,trying and considering various things,I don’t believe in anything in particular so far but I’ve came to realise now the whole thing can pretty much be whatever you want it to be (If it feels real ) .And not necessarily what someone may suggest it should be if that doesn’t personally work for you. Its turned into a very personal thing for me which doesn’t particularly fit with any particular beliefs which is also still slightly frustrating but the price of seeking true faith
Does it sound daft that I’ve considered going to various churches before knowing I don’t believe in it but thinking that theres a slim chance I could meet people who were maybe just trying it out /in a similar place spiritually .
after about 5 yrs of researching ,trying and considering various things,I don’t believe in anything in particular so far but I’ve came to realise now the whole thing can pretty much be whatever you want it to be (If it feels real ) .And not necessarily what someone may suggest it should be if that doesn’t personally work for you. Its turned into a very personal thing for me which doesn’t particularly fit with any particular beliefs which is also still slightly frustrating but the price of seeking true faith
Does it sound daft that I’ve considered going to various churches before knowing I don’t believe in it but thinking that theres a slim chance I could meet people who were maybe just trying it out /in a similar place spiritually .
You might as well allow yourself a free choice and make up whatever you want to believe as that is pretty much what all religions are.
People tend to have their religion and believe it but look at other religions and not believe a word of it…it’s odd how we find other religions laughable and unbelievable.
I used to be believe until I really thought about it.
People tend to have their religion and believe it but look at other religions and not believe a word of it…it’s odd how we find other religions laughable and unbelievable.
I used to be believe until I really thought about it.
There are plenty of modern religions available, many have a scientific bent, so it’s easier to believe.
https://churchofclimatechange.org/
https://churchofclimatechange.org/
Faith is a strange thing.
I am a deeply rational, analytical individual. I am not given to introspection and disinclined to believe in anything for which I can't see evidence.
By any rational measure, there is no evidence to suggest that Jesus Christ was more than a Judean carpenter who lived, created a cult following and was executed by Judeo-Roman authorities.
Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that the New Testament and, more specifically, the synoptic gospels are more than a series of morality tales, loosely based around the history of 1st century Judea.
Problem is, despite all that weight of evidence, I just can't not believe in God.
A funny old thing faith.....
I am a deeply rational, analytical individual. I am not given to introspection and disinclined to believe in anything for which I can't see evidence.
By any rational measure, there is no evidence to suggest that Jesus Christ was more than a Judean carpenter who lived, created a cult following and was executed by Judeo-Roman authorities.
Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that the New Testament and, more specifically, the synoptic gospels are more than a series of morality tales, loosely based around the history of 1st century Judea.
Problem is, despite all that weight of evidence, I just can't not believe in God.
A funny old thing faith.....
Caddyshack said:
You might as well allow yourself a free choice and make up whatever you want to believe as that is pretty much what all religions are.
People tend to have their religion and believe it but look at other religions and not believe a word of it…it’s odd how we find other religions laughable and unbelievable.
I used to be believe until I really thought about it.
There is some truth in that but I am respectful though of others beliefs People tend to have their religion and believe it but look at other religions and not believe a word of it…it’s odd how we find other religions laughable and unbelievable.
I used to be believe until I really thought about it.
I kind of feel that people might be interested or benefit from if I was to set up a new age religion / belief sessions .it would either be seen locally as controversial or uplifting and what some people want
ClaphamGT3 said:
A funny old thing faith.....
Faith = belief without reason.But if it makes people feel happier or more content and doesn't do them or anyone else harm, I guess it's OK. What's not acceptable to me is when it gets weaponised - whether that's Israel vs Palestine or a born-again Christian poisoning minds.
If all the 1600 faiths keeps adherents too busy to foist their faith on me, I'm happy.
But many don't; so they are either trying to drum up support or, worse genuinely believe they are helping you. A step on from that is that they see outsiders are 'less than' their own brethren. This is what allows, even encourages, wiping out those who don't share your beliefs. (those people are 'less than')
Growing up in a theocracy in Ireland my experience is that the more observant the Catholic the less good they did. If Catholic Ireland of the 60's 70's and 80s has taught me anything it's that religious fundamentalists can have a very bad impact on their communities and their nation. I don't have much to say about fundies in the US (spiritual leader D Trump) or Iran (spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei)
No surprise that I am happier in my own (hard-won) spirituality, and it helps me to try and live a principled life. But I have no desire to have others join my gang to validate me.
If someone's faith doesn't make them worse people, fair enough. Sincere faith can give people a sense of security, connection with their brethren, and a confidence that all will be well; in theory these gifts should help folk be better to others.
But many don't; so they are either trying to drum up support or, worse genuinely believe they are helping you. A step on from that is that they see outsiders are 'less than' their own brethren. This is what allows, even encourages, wiping out those who don't share your beliefs. (those people are 'less than')
Growing up in a theocracy in Ireland my experience is that the more observant the Catholic the less good they did. If Catholic Ireland of the 60's 70's and 80s has taught me anything it's that religious fundamentalists can have a very bad impact on their communities and their nation. I don't have much to say about fundies in the US (spiritual leader D Trump) or Iran (spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei)
No surprise that I am happier in my own (hard-won) spirituality, and it helps me to try and live a principled life. But I have no desire to have others join my gang to validate me.
If someone's faith doesn't make them worse people, fair enough. Sincere faith can give people a sense of security, connection with their brethren, and a confidence that all will be well; in theory these gifts should help folk be better to others.
I personally cannot understand why an intelligent rational person can believe in a god, makes no sense. However, I would never judge an individual, as they must have a reason, as irrational it may be. I do think the world would be a better place without religion though. I have found some of the least tolerant people I have come across have had strong religious beliefs. Equally there are plenty of kind and thoughtful people with no religious beliefs at all.
Silvanus said:
I personally cannot understand why an intelligent rational person can believe in a god, makes no sense. However, I would never judge an individual, as they must have a reason, as irrational it may be.
Why would you not judge on that basis? If I believed that I should punch every person over 6 foot tall that I met; would you not judge me to be an idiot?
If someone believes that someone of a different skin colour is “lesser” than them, should i not judge them for that?
If someone believes that chanting to the sky will get their wishes granted, should i not judge them for that?
Yes, i judge the religious wazzocks who cause so much antipathy and destruction in our world.
Stuart70 said:
Silvanus said:
I personally cannot understand why an intelligent rational person can believe in a god, makes no sense. However, I would never judge an individual, as they must have a reason, as irrational it may be.
Why would you not judge on that basis? If I believed that I should punch every person over 6 foot tall that I met; would you not judge me to be an idiot?
If someone believes that someone of a different skin colour is “lesser” than them, should i not judge them for that?
If someone believes that chanting to the sky will get their wishes granted, should i not judge them for that?
Yes, i judge the religious wazzocks who cause so much antipathy and destruction in our world.
I know once I die that's it, that doesn't scare me one bit, the only thing that scares me is I don't make the most of my short time before I go back to being a component in the carbon cycle.
Silvanus said:
I try not to judge, many people with strong religious beliefs come from places with very poor education. I guess in areas where education is good, it makes far less sense. I have made a conscious decision to learn about the world religions, to quite some detail. It baffles me why someone who would be considered intelligent and well educated can follow a religion. I think much come down to fear and control.
I know once I die that's it, that doesn't scare me one bit, the only thing that scares me is I don't make the most of my short time before I go back to being a component in the carbon cycle.
I think we are in wholehearted agreement in substance regarding religion, I am more willing to judge adversely as a consequence. I know once I die that's it, that doesn't scare me one bit, the only thing that scares me is I don't make the most of my short time before I go back to being a component in the carbon cycle.
That makes you the better person.
I have no fear of death at all. The two elements that bother me are the pain of dying and the impact my passing would have on my family; they are practical things not existential angst.
Stuart70 said:
Silvanus said:
I try not to judge, many people with strong religious beliefs come from places with very poor education. I guess in areas where education is good, it makes far less sense. I have made a conscious decision to learn about the world religions, to quite some detail. It baffles me why someone who would be considered intelligent and well educated can follow a religion. I think much come down to fear and control.
I know once I die that's it, that doesn't scare me one bit, the only thing that scares me is I don't make the most of my short time before I go back to being a component in the carbon cycle.
I think we are in wholehearted agreement in substance regarding religion, I am more willing to judge adversely as a consequence. I know once I die that's it, that doesn't scare me one bit, the only thing that scares me is I don't make the most of my short time before I go back to being a component in the carbon cycle.
That makes you the better person.
I have no fear of death at all. The two elements that bother me are the pain of dying and the impact my passing would have on my family; they are practical things not existential angst.
Stuart70 said:
TwigtheWonderkid said:
It's a malignancy disguised as a virtue.
Well saidI don’t understand why faith is seen by many as a virtue. Many American films make me feel queasy because of that.
Sorry to fall for the Godwin’s law already in the thread but the hardcore Nazis (and other examples of extremists, both religious and non religious, through the ages) all had “faith” in the righteousness of their beliefs.
I think faith means never having to think about whether your beliefs are valid or what you are doing is right or wrong.
It is antithetical to the way my mind works and my outlook on life so very difficult (actually impossible) for me to empathise with people of faith.
I’ve long thought I’d really like to be part of a ‘club/church’ that meets every Sunday morning in a beautiful building, sing some nice songs, have some tea/cake, maybe a drop of red wine, meet local people from the community, listen to a philosophical/moral sermon, time for reflection etc but critically, with no sky fairy involved.
There’s a lot to like about religion but I can’t buy into the ‘god’ figure and on the odd occasion I attend church I feel like a phoney.
There must be a gap in the market for this sort of thing!
There’s a lot to like about religion but I can’t buy into the ‘god’ figure and on the odd occasion I attend church I feel like a phoney.
There must be a gap in the market for this sort of thing!
T1547 said:
I’ve long thought I’d really like to be part of a ‘club/church’ that meets every Sunday morning in a beautiful building, sing some nice songs, have some tea/cake, maybe a drop of red wine, meet local people from the community, listen to a philosophical/moral sermon, time for reflection etc but critically, with no sky fairy involved.
There’s a lot to like about religion but I can’t buy into the ‘god’ figure and on the odd occasion I attend church I feel like a phoney.
There must be a gap in the market for this sort of thing!
that's called 'a pub' There’s a lot to like about religion but I can’t buy into the ‘god’ figure and on the odd occasion I attend church I feel like a phoney.
There must be a gap in the market for this sort of thing!
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