Okay, so, I was raised a Catholic, but half the things that the Catholic church believe in, I absolutely do not. For example - I believe that homosexuals have just as much right to be accepted and treated equally as straight people. I don't believe in all the pagan rituals, like kneeling and wearing Rosary beads and little charms with Saints on them. Don't see how the Vatican City works, since they're living in this gold plated city while preaching about giving away everything you have. The whole 10 Commandments thing, like no sex before marriage thing. However, I do believe in - Saints, the concept of God and the Devil, but I don't see them as dieties somewhere, just 'forces', if you know what I mean. 'Good and evil energies'. So maybe I don't, I dunno. And I believe fully in the GENERAL teachings of Jesus, love your neighbour as yourself, etc. But at the same time, I also very much follow the teachings of Buddha, the eight-fold path, etc. I'm quite confused. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE God/The Big Guy, whatever terminology you want to use. I'm just not big on the whole 'I tell you to do this, therefore, you must do it or you're going to hell' thing. Seems like it was just created by a bunch of power hungry priests.
Religion & Spirituality - 24 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Try for Unitarian.
2 :
You are a cunt
3 :
Grow up and accept reality.
4 :
your a pagan...
5 :
Congrats! You've just created your own religious philosophy. It's a twist on Catholicism, I guess.
6 :
seriously, be universalist unitarian, although if you want like a general definition of you i would say maybe like an open-minded deist. :)
7 :
take this quiz: http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Quizzes/BeliefOMatic.aspx it's very accurate.
8 :
Religion is not something someone else can decide for you, and you beliefs are yours and unique, not a list waiting for a label.
9 :
Your just confused. Don't over analyze everything. Stick to Christianity and your life will be fine. However, you should respect the Ten Commandments.
10 :
go to a baptist church
11 :
THat is how it starts with questions..
12 :
Believe what you want, and call yourself non-denominational...or something. :3 Also, have you tried Tai Chi (it's not a religion at all, just so the slow ones understand that's not what i'm insinuating)? It seems like it would be a good fit, and would bring you closer to the energy around you.
13 :
You're absolutely right about the power-hungry priests thing. God, Jesus and his teachings are all fables. Just think about it: it is the ULTIMATE form of control. There is no way to disprove it and people must do as the book says for fear of going to hell. It's even working today. The power of religion is one of the scariest things in the world today. I'm glad there are Catholics out there that question what they have been taught, good work!
14 :
Well this is more of a personal issue you need to work out on your own. Pray or meditate or just sit in deep thought and think about this problem. But one addittional thing is the Church does not discriminate agaginst homosexuals, they think they should be treated equally. But the CHurch says homosexuals should not have sex or gett married.
15 :
I GUESS WHEN THAT DAY COMES AND U DONT BELIEVE IT AND U FIND YOUR SELF IN HELL U WILL HAVE WISHED U DID BELIEVE IT. AND WHEN YOU ARE A TRUE CHRISTIAN YOU WANT TO DO WHAT GOD TELLS YOU. IF YOU ARE A TRUE CHRISTIAN THEN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT WILL LET YOU KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG
16 :
Maybe you should try researching more about religions, check which religion matches what you believe most. And then, find out what other religions believe and see what you agree with. I can't really recommend a religion, because it could be bias. But, I do recommend research, try to find a religion that agrees with you. Or, if you find absolutely nothing, stick to a religion and see if you like it and maybe, even try to explore more rules so that your choices won't be so expanded, narrow them down by trying them out and seeing how they work. Oh yeah, and Good Luck, hope you find what you're looking for. :]
17 :
Here is what you MUST do! I can't emphasize this suggestion enough to you. I was in your shoes. But I didn't understand the concepts of exactly what God is, and what He wanted from me, or how to understand the universe from a human perspective. I read a book which forever changed my life concerning who God is, and exactly what life is really all about. It is so easy to read, so easy to understand, and so life changing, that I recommend it to all I know who are searching for the real truths of life. Here is the name of the book and its Arthur. It can be bought in most book stores or ordered. Please try it. It comes in paperback. It is a white paperback book with stripes of color on the front and simply entitled..."RAMTHA...An introduction", written by JZ Knight. Keep your mind open when reading it. Give a chance. It will direct you into understanding who you are, who God is, and how you should live your life. "RAMTHA...An introduction" by JZ Knight. And never again live in darkness. It is considered a classic of metaphysical thinking. Good luck!
18 :
Wow there was this ancient religion which many people believed was the foundation for Christianity. Its called Zoroastrianism. What your describing is virtually identical http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism
19 :
You are just confused and lost my child. You live by the law, Jesus died to free us from the law. Ask God how to get to him and listen he will lead you where you need to go. For he said "Behold I stand at the door and knock", let him in by opening the door by asking him to show you himself or say God come on in and make me yours. We have to ask using are free will to do so. It must be your decision so ask, I did when I started, I was a lot like you at that time.
20 :
Doesn't sound like you really need a formal religion. Sounds like you pretty much have it figured out. So, enjoy your beliefs & keep on reading whatever you find enlightening. I like the saints, too, although I was never Catholic. A woman at work listed the saints for me, at my insistence. At work, it seems like we were always calling on Saint Anthony (I think it is), the saint for finding lost objects. I copied the list into my address for safe-keeping (under "s" for "saints") in case I need to look it up to be sure at home. Seems like Saint Anthony is my patron saint or something. (ha, ha!) If you enjoy books, here are a few I've read recently: Buddha: A Novel by Deepak Chopra (great book!) Jesus: A Novel by Deepak Chopra The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore by Deepak Chopra (discusses God Consciousness, the apocrophal (sp?) literature, etc.) Happier Than God by Neale Donald Walsch (sp.?) (currently reading) I have enjoyed other books by Neale Donald Walsch (the Conversations with God series) as well. I'm a bit of a skeptic at times, but I figure I'll keep on meditating & take it as it comes. I listen to a pastor from The Church of Religious Science (aka Center for Spiritual Living) every Sunday morning at 8:30 on the radio. It lasts for 30 minutes, & that is exactly how much time I want to devote to going to church. I listen to it religiously. (pun intended) It combines many religions & quotes from them, although it most often cites teachings from Christianity because that's so much part of our culture, & I assume that many of it's members are primarily Christians. You asked a good question. It sounds like you're doing just fine in spite of the confusion. Just relax & enjoy. You might find that you'd like to learn meditation, which is different than contemplation. I'm in TM, but I'm sure Buddhist meditation would be good as well if you find the right teacher for you.
21 :
In Jesus name Hear this. What is religion? Just a member not to feel left out. A place where you can get good morals. A system build by men to rule. When sometimes Man can fail you. Do you need religion? For what? What we need in this world is love and support. thats why we find it in friends, but even friends fail us. But you say you believe in the Big Guy. thats because he is real. Your heart knows he is there. What you need is Jesus. The man who is thirsty of you. Christianity is not about Religion. Is about a Relationship with god. You can feel him, If you believe. Accept him in your heart. He loves you. Let him open the eyes of your heart. Go to Jesus and he would show you the truth. Hope this was the answer you were looking for. You ask, A pagan would make u get peace. But Jesus would give everlasting peace. Their is only one way to heaven. And that is Jesus.
22 :
You seem to have picked through the teachings and found the easy stuff. The church isn't here for your convenience. The church was founded by Christ himself in order that ppl would have a way back to God. And an avenue through which we can worship Him while we're still this side of the veil. You sound quite young and I pray in time you'll adopt the attitude of 'others' and not self.
23 :
Many Catholics are leaving the Church because they have 'issues" about it. Christ said this would happen. It is the result of the devil's extended power over the world which God has allowed the devil to do. This is the beginning of the great apostasy during which most "Catholics" leave the Church. The Church is not against Homosexual people. You don't wear rosary beads.Kneeling is a sign of respect to God.The Vatican is a museum of arts and is not a personal treasure for the Pope. The Church gives millions of dollars to the poor and underprivileged all the time.I have no idea what "Religion" you belong to. Only you can decide.
24 :
maybe u just need a kind of freeer (not sure if that is a word) denomination of christianity. perhaps u could try a nondenominational church. i go to one and it is amazing! i also go to a presbyterian group where i go to youth group. i think it is all in ur heart that God cares about. dont feel bad looking around for different churches that suit you. about homosexuality...i also believe that they deserve to be respected as people, but to put it frankly, i believe that it is a sin as it says in the bible. well i hope i helped!!! God bless you in ur journey closer to him.
