What are your religious beliefs?

[apple strudel]

Same, only I'd say I'm more agnostic than atheist, mostly because as I understand it atheists tend to be more "I do not believe" where as agnostic is more "who cares?"

Agnostic is not so much "who cares" as "I can't know". This is derived from logic and the lack of a foolproof argument against the existence of God more than anything else. If you can't prove God doesn't exist, it's wise to say that rather than say he doesn't exist without the strength of the argument.

The reason I'm atheist is more inductive: it's extremely likely God doesn't exist. But I can't prove it deductively, and nobody else can, either. The agnostics are the most honest of all the positions, and the most logical.

 

[gomezcat]

Agnostic is not so much "who cares" as "I can't know". This is derived from logic and the lack of a foolproof argument against the existence of God more than anything else. If you can't prove God doesn't exist, it's wise to say that rather than say he doesn't exist without the strength of the argument.

The reason I'm atheist is more inductive: it's extremely likely God doesn't exist. But I can't prove it deductively, and nobody else can, either. The agnostics are the most honest of all the positions, and the most logical.

Agree. I class myself as practically an atheist, but not quite, because I can't PROVE that God doesn't exist. I'm open to the idea that I am wrong.

 

[TBradyOwnsYou]

Agnostic is not so much "who cares" as "I can't know". This is derived from logic and the lack of a foolproof argument against the existence of God more than anything else. If you can't prove God doesn't exist, it's wise to say that rather than say he doesn't exist without the strength of the argument.

The reason I'm atheist is more inductive: it's extremely likely God doesn't exist. But I can't prove it deductively, and nobody else can, either. The agnostics are the most honest of all the positions, and the most logical.

That's what I meant by "who cares"
Is there a god? I don't know. I don't think so, but I know enough to know that I know nothing, so who knows, there could be. This also could be the Matrix and our robot overlords made that movie popular to mock us. Again, probably not, but I can't prove it otherwise so "meh".

 

[PatsFanInVa]

Your words displease Ceiling Cat

LOLCat Bible Translation Project

 

[patriots54]

Practicing Roman Catholic. Had a span of about 2 years where I didn't go to mass regularly. Grew up going to mass weekly. Got back into it this year. I believe in God and understand that it is really important how we interact with others as well as go to church. Not like some of the people that go to church with the "holier than though" attitude and are total egotistical jerks in real life.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Agree. I class myself as practically an atheist, but not quite, because I can't PROVE that God doesn't exist. I'm open to the idea that I am wrong.

As an atheist, you don't need to prove God doesnt exist. There is a lack of evidence of the existence of God, until there is, you lack belief.

I'm an atheist btw

 

[Patriotist]

Was raised in a "free-evangelical" household, whatever that means. I think my father convinced my mother stop practicing Catholicsm. Anyway when I turned 23, I wanted some answers to obvious questions (Existence of God, afterlife etc) and I wasn't a religious person despite growing up in a household that was lukewarm Christian at best.

I asked my dad and his new wife about will I know people in heaven, relatives and such. Couldn't give me a straight answer so I started searching on my own.

I became a religious skeptic for a few months, I like to weigh both sides of the argument (for and against Christianity). I studied the Resurrection of Christ quite a bit and stumbled upon the Orthodox Church, and I'm never looking back. It has made me a free man, I can lay those doubts to rest (yes I have come to the conclusion that Jesus did rise from the dead).

Hoping to be baptized during Holy Week leading up to Pascha this year.

 

[tine]

It's time to get something going in here. I was born, and partly raised a Catholic. I went to Mass until I was 10. Then, in my teenage years, I flirted with Evangelical Christianity. That was before my Heavy Metal phase- I've yet to grow out of that.

Currently, I'm an agnostic. Something or someone created the universe and I don't know what it was. As such, I just can't be an atheist.

So, what's the story for everyone else?

I'm also a catholic and we have the same religious belief.

 

[DolphinzSuck]

Liberal/Moderate Christian. Although I've flirted with the idea of deism and agnosticism a few times.

 

[TheSolderKing]

There is a CREATOR
Organized Religion is CRAP
I believe our spirit lives many lives and in each 1 we experience new circumstances and something different
we all have some great purpose in each life (some may know it most do not know what that purpose is)

heaven and hell I am at odds w/ not sure what to think.

 

[SUPERCHARGERS]

interesting

 

[SUPERCHARGERS]

i detest any and all religion. i long for the day that it fades out of society, too bad that will never happen. oh, and i'm an atheist

no, i did not sign up just for this post. this section caught my eye though.

right religion is crap

 

[SUPERCHARGERS]

What Do I Believe????


I believe that in order to achieve the ultimate wellbeing and spiritual joy that is the result of being close to God you are required to……………

1) Be willing to always share your spirit with others, knowing you may receive nothing in return……….
2) Be humble…….(especially in front of God)
3) Be merciful to everyone…
4) Be pure in mind, will and emotion…
5) A peacemaker….
6) To thirst for righteousness……(while never demanding it or being hypocritical)
7) To never think, look or act in lust for a woman (or man) who is not your own…… (yes that includes your right hand as well)
8) To love your enemies unconditionally….
9) To always and continually give to those less fortunate than yourself….(whether that be in kindness, time or/and money)
10) Love your neighbour as you love yourself…..
11) Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength……

Quite a list I’m sure you’ll agree. The observant among you will notice all these characteristics are part of the teaching and ministry of one man - Jesus.

Some say the result of his teachings, Christianity, is only a crutch used by the weak and needy in times of need. I absolutely, totally and wholeheartedly agree!! Our flesh is far too weak, and too easily tempted by selfish desires to achieve any of these above for long. In my opinion you could never even think about approaching them without 3 vital things.

- The Removal of Our Sins
(We all have baggage, all of us, everyone, and I bet you can think of something right now that stops you from achieving something on that list. Forgiving yourself and others is vital.)
- Prayer (and Worship)
(Thanking God for our blessings, there are always numerous people less fortunate than ourselves. Confessing new sins. Asking God for enough strength to accomplish whatever it is we were put on this earth to do.
N.B. Who knows which religion is actually right in how to achieve this communication with God.
- Doing Works
(Saying the words without backing it up with the actions of helping others is worth little)
- “Now sin no more”

Personally, I could not accomplish the removal of my sins without Paul’s interpretation of Jesus’ message. Prayer without the belief in God, and Jesus’ message that he does indeed love and cherish everyone of us like a father. The works I always tried to do, but I have to say Jesus’ half brother James has a lot of common sense to say on the matter, and I find works much more enjoyable and easy to do now.

I have always respected everyone’s views regarding their spirituality (or their right to a lack of it) and that will never change. I myself was invited late to the party, after years of intellectual arrogance. I am only writing this because of the joy I have found following his teachings, and the affect it has had on my life every day. And even if you don’t agree, that’s fine, just please, be aware, looking back I think someone up there was trying to catch my attention for years before I wanted to notice.

I have a scientific background, and am fascinated by the history (and lack of it) surrounding this man, and his immediate followers. There are so many unusual circumstances and missing information surrounding the ministry of Jesus and that of those who immediately continued his teachings. I firmly believe these issues should not be avoided, and should be asked and actively discussed.

- Was Jesus really born divine? Or did he receive his blessing and healing powers following John’s baptism aged 30?
- If he had them before why is there no documentation of their use anywhere?
- Was Jesus really resurrected from the dead? Did he die in the first place?
- Was he really the son of God
- Did he really do all/some of the miracles the NT claims?
- Did his followers produce miracles following his death?
- Was Mary really a virgin when she had Jesus? Is there any scientific explanation for this claim however remote?
- Was an elderly Mary really a source in Luke’s gospel?
- If so why the absence of his life pre-ministry in the texts, she must have known?
- Did Jesus ever sin in his unrecorded past?
- What was a doctor (Luke) doing testifying about supernatural miracles anyway?
- And why did such a thorough and comprehensive researcher (Luke) completely miss out Jesus’ earlier life in his gospel?
- Was James (the Just) really Jesus’ biological half brother? And why did he not believe Jesus until after his death and resurrection (where he became a major force in the developing church)
- What was Jesus’ real relationship with Mary Magdalene?
- How did Paul, a man who never (we think) even meet Jesus, become the greatest force in the spread of Christianity? And if he received no extra content to his message from the “super-disciples” where did he learn it? And is it accurate?
- Did Paul use versions of the current Gospel? Or just teach what is in his letters?
- Are the attributed authors of the NT accurate?
- When were they written?
- Is there any hidden documentation?
- How would God really prefer He was worshipped?
- Is the Bible God’s Word on Earth? If so should it be taken literally or should the scope of human error be accounted for?

If I’m honest, as much as I love these questions, and will always be happy for a good debate about the answers with anyone regardless of their choice of beliefs. They really don’t matter. You judge a tree by the fruit it produces. Even if Jesus was just a man, a man with an extraordinary vision of the way to live, who got extremely lucky to have his legacy carried on the way it did even after 20 years let alone 2000. The fact is this man has saved billions of people over 2000 years, encouraged them to lead better lives, and to love each other. Even he died without resurrection, the fact is his death has wiped the slate clean in the hearts of billions of people, allowing them to move forward. Even if it was accidental he chose men from all walks of life as his disciples (and apostles) so that everyone can relate to someone. Even if the Bible is warped by human error, and Paul distorted the truth, by reading it, it saved me, and Paul was the messenger who found me, and I am not alone.

If you factor all these things together, you have to admire the beauty and dare I say majesty of this. Now look back at the teachings at the start again. They are heart-achingly pure and beautiful in every way, the perfect way to live your life. Could a simple carpenter from an adulterous relationship really have achieved this, this man, who only took three years for his wisdom to change the world forever, and after his death, sparked the emergence of normal uneducated men, most without formal religious training, to spread his message and teaching of love throughout the world to this day.


Was this man really the Son of God?
Personally I don’t need evidence.
I think the answer is clear.



If he wasn’t he should be adopted.

Lol dude ************'s tomb would have been the most popular site in the ancient world and would have been the size of a mini castle.

 

[SUPERCHARGERS]

Born Catholic. Went to the local Catholic church until I was around 8 or so. My dad refused to go to church except for Christmas, so my mom got tired of bringing me and my litter sister because we were pretty hard to handle. Mom started going to the Presbyterian church with my sister because she knew more people who went there such as my paternal grandmother. I go there just for Christmas now. I consider myself agnostic. If I'm to do religion again it will be with the Catholic church as I have more respect for them.

right religion is a community thing.

 

[Christiancat]

I am a Christian I love my Lord and Savior ************. If you have any questions for me than feel free to ask.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

There is a CREATOR
Organized Religion is CRAP

LOL... but... is the creator the good guy?

(A little gnostic joke there. And no, I'm not a gnostic. And I'm talking about historical gnostic belief, not web-gnosticism or whatevah)

 

[brady77]

Raised Jewish. Never really believed or disbelieved until i was 13 or so, as it never entered my mind. Once I did start thinking, I realized the idiocy of religion. Been an atheist ever since.

 

[everlong]

Raised Catholic but haven't attended church regularly since I was 15. The last time I went to a mass that wasn't a wedding, christening or funeral was Easter when I was 17. I was dog tired from working a lot of hours and my mother forced me to go. It was boiling hot out and the church was a sauna. I kept falling asleep and snoring. I'd wake up to my brother roaring laughing and my mother poking me in the ribs and mouthing admonishment. I'd shrug and go back to sleep. She never forced me to go again.

I had a life altering event 3.5 years ago which made me take a close look at what I believed. I read the first half of Genesis and thought this is a really poorly written fairy tale.

I did extensive reading on a lot of other religions at that point and my views are a combination of paganism and toaism with some string theory thrown in. Basically I believe the entire universe is connected as one and that there is some type of afterlife but that it's beyond man's comprehension. I believe in reincarnation as well.

Both the belief in the afterlife and reincarnation are based in things I feel. I cannot prove them and don't expect anybody else to believe in them. I dislike religions that have a strong doctrine of thou shalt do this or that. I believe in live and let live.

 

[Suddyfan]

Happy atheist. Religion makes no sense to me... never has.

 

[inmemoryofjrseau]

Hi everyone, I'll try to keep it as short as possible but, like most us it's a long story.
I was born & raised a strict, practicing Catholic or they referred to it as a Roman Catholic.

I went thru all the baptism as a baby, caticism ( I spelled it wrong but it's Catholic Elementary school), my 1st confession to a priest (man) called a "Father", made my 1st communion, etc. I just want all to know, we were forced as children there were 4 of us (3 boys & 1 girl) to kneel down & pray the Rosary to the Virgin Mary, mourn every death in our family by wearing all black, they'd turn the radio & TV off for one whole month, etc

It went on & on, until I finally became a teenager and I rebelled started walking out of church they called them "Masses", I could go on but, I think I've said enough so a Catholic would understand how strict & serious my parents, uncles, grandma, aunts, and extended family took their belief!

Well, naturally I rebelled big time, I still attended "Masses" but, right after myself & friends would attend a "Baptism" celebration. Which was basically a party with a lot of drinking involved.

Well, finally in my mid 20's, I started searching for GOD a very good friend of mine a "Biker" found ************ & accepted him as his Lord & Savior!

My girlfriend at the time & she later became my wife & the mother of my children.
She had a very good friend of her's that found ************ as her Lord & Savior!

Believe it or not, a guy whom I worked with started witnessing to me from the bible the very same message! I knew for a fact that GOD was definitely trying to get my attention & he did!

I actually rebelled at 1st, I started reading the Catholic bible that still sat on display at my parents house on a shelf (collecting dust.) I thought I was going to be able to refute their message b/c I was sure that the Catholic bible would read differently & support the belief I was taught since a child! Well, the Catholic bible & the Christian bible are very much the same! There's a total of 66 books in the Christian bible & there's a total of 72 books in the Catholic bible! I was shocked to find out, that the verses they were telling me to worship GOD only read the same in the Catholic as they did in the Christian bible!

I finally decided to surrender my life to GOD THE FATHER, BY accepting ************ (GOD THE SON) as my LORD & SAVIOR and his sacrifice dying on the cross for my obvious transgression (SINS) and I received GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT into my life to help & console me & guide me in this life until The Almighty GOD calls me home to live with him for all Eternity!

No, I'm not perfect it's been almost 30 years walking with the Lord God & I'm like just about anyone I've struggled financially, suffered losses, been sick etc, I gained more not only eternal life but. broken relationship were repaired, I've lived to be grandpa with GOD through it all.
I know, I'm not alone GOD is with me and he loves me. In fact, he lived & died physically in the body of ************! U can have eternal right now, just by asking him right there where UR at to come into UR life & guide U. Just admit that we all have sinned & fall short of GOD"s Glory. He proved, he is perfect in the body of ************!

One of my favorite verses is in the book of Acts, when a roman soldier asked
some of Jesus followers "What must I DO TO BE SAVED" they simply answered "BELIeVE IN THE LORD ************ & YOU & YOUR WHOLE HOUSEHOLD WILL BE SAVED". It's written in the book of ACTS chapter 16 verses 30 & 31!

I'm sorry, I went so long but, it's very important to me and I believe to you, also! I'm not preaching religion like I was brought in I'm preaching GOD (JESUS)!
It's a personal relationship with the creator of our world! There's been a tremendous difference in my life (even though I understand I'll never be perfect like until after death & I'm resurrected) to live with him & other believer's in him for ever! I'm just sharing, feel free to share with me or ask me any question's I'll be more than happy to answer anything asked, LOVE to YOU,ALL!