What's your religion?

Any topic that doesn't fit elsewhere.

What religious faith do you follow?

Christianity
69
62%
Judaism
5
4%
Islam
4
4%
Buddhism
0
No votes
Hinduism
1
1%
Sikhism
1
1%
Indigenous faith/belief
0
No votes
Other (please explain)
7
6%
Non-religious
9
8%
Atheism
16
14%
 
Total votes: 112

PapiBear

Post by PapiBear »

indianajdp wrote:I was born-and-raised Catholic, but broke away from the church during my HS years. I was active in Youth For Christ/Campus Life programs at that time, but I was so utterly disgusted with the many hypocrises within the doctrines of Catholocism and actions of some of its fervent followers, that I could not bring myself to practice that faith anymore. The last straw for me was when my grandmother, a lifelong Catholic, dying of Alzheimer's in a Catholic nursing home, was denied communion. The reason? She was not of the right mind to receive the body of Christ.
Phew. Jeez. I don't blame you for leaving.
indianajdp wrote:Anyway, I drifted for awhile until I met my angel, mrsindianajdp, in college at Indiana University. She brought me back to religion, and to the methodist religion, and the rest is history. Although I will say that it was not easy telling my Italian Godmother that not only would I be married in a Protestant church, but a woman would be "officiating"! She took it well, though.
That's great to hear, Indy, I'm glad you're back in the body of Christ (the church of Jesus Christ). Just FYI, and this is more semantics than anything else, but Methodism isn't generally considered a separate religion from Christianity, as such, but rather a specific denomination of it. I'm sure you already knew this, I was just clarifying that for anyone who might be confused by your reference of "the methodist religion." The body of Christ, the church, is the totality of the followers of Jesus Christ. The various denominations are all a part of that.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (NIV):
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
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Post by carter1971 »

When discussing religion, one should keep in mind that doctrines which may seem outrageous to those outside a particular faith are anything but to those who are a part of it. Communion in the Catholic Church is not the same as communion in most other sects of Christianity, with the exception of the Orthodox churches. Many of you are likely aware of the difference, even if you don't agree with it or understand it. In short, communion in our church is not a symbol as it is in many other churches. We believe that Christ is physically present in the consecrated bread and wine.

I am going to voice my opinion on this subject as a Catholic. Anyone who is not aware of what he or she is receiving should not be given Catholic communion. Again, if you are outside of the faith, you will likely consider this to be an absurd statement. Also, the pain of watching a loved one suffer through a horrible disease can cloud one's own judgement. This is not the first time I have heard of a family member being hurt because of this, and it won't be the last. But as a Catholic, I would not want to receive communion if my mental state were impaired to such a degree that I was unaware that I was receiving the body and blood of Christ. This series of posts has certainly reminded me that I need to sit down with my family and discuss this issue with them. I am the only Catholic in my family (I converted in my late teens) and I don't want them to harbor any ill feelings toward the Church should this situation arise with me. I would expect them to adhere to my feelings on this, not to theirs.

In closing, I want to say that I was not angered or offended by the posts that were made on this. I simply chalked it up to misunderstanding, and that is why I replied. I have been reading posts by all of you for a long time and I know that none of you would mean to be offensive or attack someone else's religion. I hope that none of you are offended that I must respectfully disagree with what you said.
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Post by Chernabog_Rocks »

I was actually kicked out of my church, apparently I wasn't coming enough for them :roll: My family is split I think, my Dad and his side are Roman Catholic and my Mom's side is Baptist (from what I remember).

I find it hard to take the bible and follow it word for word like a lot of people do, simply because it was written a very long time ago, by more than one person, and not everyone agrees on everything. So aside from that I've heard from some people that the book does contradict itself in a few places, and I myself have found a contradiction without having to read the bible. I had a friend who followed the bible word for word, I would much rather follow what my heart says than follow a book.
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Post by Siren »

I think people need to remember. The Bible was written many years ago. Some things that were law back then, no longer apply now. Back then it was acceptable to keep slaves and arrange a marriage for your teenage daughter to marry a 40 year old man. It has lessons and stories in it sure, but so often its words are used against other people. And I doubt that is what God wanted.

If you want to know what I mean, Google, "So you want to buy a Canadian?" Its an interesting read about how people pick and choose what verses they say are God's words, but then skip over the rest.
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Post by PapiBear »

Chernabog_Rocks wrote:I was actually kicked out of my church, apparently I wasn't coming enough for them :roll: My family is split I think, my Dad and his side are Roman Catholic and my Mom's side is Baptist (from what I remember).

I find it hard to take the bible and follow it word for word like a lot of people do, simply because it was written a very long time ago, by more than one person, and not everyone agrees on everything. So aside from that I've heard from some people that the book does contradict itself in a few places, and I myself have found a contradiction without having to read the bible. I had a friend who followed the bible word for word, I would much rather follow what my heart says than follow a book.
Well, if you do that, then you're not following the word of God, you're following your own rules. The human heart is anything but perfect. God is, however.

I understand that the Bible can seem to have some contradictions, but that's really what Bible study is for - to help clarify the difficult parts. I used to think the Bible was a muddled mess of contradictions myself, but once I actually started STUDYING it (and the NIV Study Bible is an absolute DREAM in this regard, because it is chock full of valuable study notes and an intro to each book of the Bible), I realized that everything in the Bible fits perfectly and makes plenty of sense.

That said, there are those who are Biblical literalists, in that they take every single word of the Bible literally. I think this is a flawed approach, because some aspects of the Bible teachings are done with metaphor and simile. That, however, is lost on some people. I do believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, but I don't believe that every word in it is meant to be taken as literal fact.
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Post by indianajdp »

Carter--

That was a very responsible and level-headed reply, and I thank you for that. It could have been easy for you to take offense at my remarks, which, were not intended to attack Catholicism. I was reared under that church, so I know you do understad that I don't speak as someone outside the umbrella, so-to-speak.
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Post by xxhplinkxx »

Chernabog_Rocks wrote:I would much rather follow what my heart says than follow a book.
:clap:

My sentiments exactly.

Not to bash anyone who believes in the bible. There are people who enjoy it and it makes a positive influence in their lives, and I'm glad it helps some people. Live and let live.
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Post by disneyfella »

carter1971 wrote:When discussing religion, one should keep in mind that doctrines which may seem outrageous to those outside a particular faith are anything but to those who are a part of it. Communion in the Catholic Church is not the same as communion in most other sects of Christianity, with the exception of the Orthodox churches. Many of you are likely aware of the difference, even if you don't agree with it or understand it. In short, communion in our church is not a symbol as it is in many other churches. We believe that Christ is physically present in the consecrated bread and wine.

I am going to voice my opinion on this subject as a Catholic. Anyone who is not aware of what he or she is receiving should not be given Catholic communion. Again, if you are outside of the faith, you will likely consider this to be an absurd statement. Also, the pain of watching a loved one suffer through a horrible disease can cloud one's own judgement. This is not the first time I have heard of a family member being hurt because of this, and it won't be the last. But as a Catholic, I would not want to receive communion if my mental state were impaired to such a degree that I was unaware that I was receiving the body and blood of Christ. This series of posts has certainly reminded me that I need to sit down with my family and discuss this issue with them. I am the only Catholic in my family (I converted in my late teens) and I don't want them to harbor any ill feelings toward the Church should this situation arise with me. I would expect them to adhere to my feelings on this, not to theirs.

In closing, I want to say that I was not angered or offended by the posts that were made on this. I simply chalked it up to misunderstanding, and that is why I replied. I have been reading posts by all of you for a long time and I know that none of you would mean to be offensive or attack someone else's religion. I hope that none of you are offended that I must respectfully disagree with what you said.
When I try to explain this to people, it gets really hard. You're right....to most, the concept seems outrageous (and understandably so). I kind of came up with a weak analogy to try and help get the idea across to some friends of mine once.


Here goes my super weak....lame......inaccurate....and totally inapropriate analogy:


Think of a baby. You have a trillion dollar bill. You want that baby to have that trillion dollar bill, because you know that it could do so much for them. But they are still a baby. They don't understand what a trillion dollar bill is. If you just give them the trillion dollar bill, they might tear it up and make it no good; or stick it in their diaper; or eat it. They would totally ruin the value and purpose of that trillion dollar bill. So what do you do? You wait until they know what that trillion dollar bill is and understand how to use it before you give it to them.


I know that was a completely lame analogy, and probably will spawn more jokes than 'oooohhhhhh I get it' moments. But I feel what Carter is saying. Just because you don't understand or agree with a faith's teachings doesn't mean there aren't others who do. There is obviously a reason for churches and faiths to do what they do.....they are not just mean idiots :lol:
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Princess Leia
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Post by Princess Leia »

I'm a Christian. I was raised in the Methodist Church. However, my parents and I broke with the Methodists over the issue of homosexuality.(I wasn't actually involved in this dispute. Suffice it to say, where my parents go, I go.) The Methodist Leadership wants to recognize homosexuality! That's an affront to God. We left three years ago and now we've found a non-denominational church that really teaches the Word of God. The Methodists thought it would hurt us when they, well, shall we say, excommunicated us.(In other words, they took our names off the member list.) We didn't care.
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Post by JiminyCrick91 »

Careful what you say 'round here. There's bunch of gays popin' about. Surprised you haven't noticed yet 'Are you Gay?' the gay lesbian bi transgenderd discussion thread now on it's third long running incarnation.

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Jules
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Post by Jules »

Princess Leia wrote:That's an affront to God.
Ahem ...

I'm gay. I'm not mad at you or anything ( :P ) but please be careful what you say.
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Post by Goliath »

I worship the sun. But I don't pray to the sun. Instead, I pray to Joe Pesci.
candydog wrote:I consider myself non-religious. Yes, I know that I said I believe in magic in my Magic thread, but not as part of a religion.
So exactly how do you believe in magic then? Do you believe it's in a young girl's heart? How the music can free her, whenever it starts? And that it's magic, when the music is groovy, and it makes you feel happy like an old-time movie?
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Post by Escapay »

Princess Leia wrote:The Methodists thought it would hurt us when they, well, shall we say, excommunicated us.(In other words, they took our names off the member list.) We didn't care.
I won't comment about the other part since I'm sure others will, but I just had to :lol: at the part I quoted. "Excommunication = not on the member list anymore" is hilarious! How far we've come from what used to be something along the lines of "Excommunication = shun them on sight, do not speak of or to them, do not think of them, they are shameful, they no longer exist to us." :lol:
Goliath wrote:
candydog wrote:I consider myself non-religious. Yes, I know that I said I believe in magic in my Magic thread, but not as part of a religion.
So exactly how do you believe in magic then? Do you believe it's in a young girl's heart? How the music can free her, whenever it starts? And that it's magic, when the music is groovy, and it makes you feel happy like an old-time movie?
That's the best kind of magic, IMO. ;)

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Post by Elladorine »

Goliath wrote:I worship the sun. But I don't pray to the sun. Instead, I pray to Joe Pesci.
candydog wrote:I consider myself non-religious. Yes, I know that I said I believe in magic in my Magic thread, but not as part of a religion.
So exactly how do you believe in magic then? Do you believe it's in a young girl's heart? How the music can free her, whenever it starts? And that it's magic, when the music is groovy, and it makes you feel happy like an old-time movie?
I'm gonna have that in my head all day. :p :lol:
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Jules
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Post by Jules »

enigmawing wrote:I'm gonna have that in my head all day. :p :lol:
:lol: is it because of the rhyming bit at the end?

Anyway, I could have sworn I started this thread, and not papibear ( :scratch: ), but since it seems I've yet to chime in I'll just say I'm Roman Catholic.

But I really suck at being Roman Catholic. Big time. :(

I haven't been to Sunday mass in ages. I have a problem going to confession, and lately, I've become extremely critical and/or indifferent to the teachings of the Church.

Am I even a Roman Catholic, at this stage? *sigh* Getting to heaven is so complicated.

EDIT: There! I knew I'd started a thread myself! And, crikey, over three years ago! How time flies.

http://www.ultimatedisney.com/forum/vie ... sc&start=0
Last edited by Jules on Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Elladorine »

Julian Carter wrote:
enigmawing wrote:I'm gonna have that in my head all day. :p :lol:
:lol: is it because of the rhyming bit at the end?
This would be why: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKyGyH9mWHk ;)
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Religion

Post by Disney Duster »

In response to what PapiBear said but yet cannot reply to as he was banned...

If some things in the Bible are lost on people, and you have to study, perhaps with things other people besides you figured out and told you, and you may not get it anyway...why would God do that?

Maybe people that can't understand would just have to trust what the church says? I know religion is about trust but if all someone can say is "trust in the Bible, and if it doesn't make sense, trust in the church or those in the right who tell you what to do, or don't and go to hell", that is not very good and does not sound like what God wants.

So, yea, God gave me a heart. And a brain. And people have done things to the Bible. I'm going to use my God-given heart and brain, because, after all, that's what I feel God with, I should use that to. I don't just believe because others tell me to.

Hm, I almost wish PapiBear could respond to that one. I wonder if the idea is, someone can tell you to believe, and then if you do for real, that works. But you still have to decide, you still have to feel it and think it with your heart and mind...

But anyway, if I go to the afterlife and God says, "Yea, all that stuff you thought I was okay with...No", then I would ask for forgiveness and accept that I wouldn't do those anymore, whatever he/she wanted, and hopefully that would be enough. Hey, I love God.
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Post by milojthatch »

A dangerous topic for sure, especially in this day and age. While I firmly back my faith and believe it to be the true church of Christ on this Earth, I was also taught to respect and learn about other faiths and beliefs. I enjoy learning about other faiths in fact and have made many friends from all over the place. And while I may not agree with them, I respect those especially who are firm in their various faiths and who follow it.

I personally am a Christian who belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But, so long as people stay respectful, think topics like this can be very good. I think for sure you can learn a lot about one's thought process based on their religious denomination and how zealous they are in said faith. Something like religious is very much tied to who a person is and how they think I think and how they see the world. Peace out friends. :D
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Post by a-net-fan »

milojthatch wrote:A dangerous topic for sure, especially in this day and age. While I firmly back my faith and believe it to be the true church of Christ on this Earth, I was also taught to respect and learn about other faiths and beliefs. I enjoy learning about other faiths in fact and have made many friends from all over the place. And while I may not agree with them, I respect those especially who are firm in their various faiths and who follow it.

I personally am a Christian who belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But, so long as people stay respectful, think topics like this can be very good. I think for sure you can learn a lot about one's thought process based on their religious denomination and how zealous they are in said faith. Something like religious is very much tied to who a person is and how they think I think and how they see the world. Peace out friends. :D
VERY WELL SAID. My feelings exactly. I dont see why discussing religion or ones personal beliefs has to be thought of as dangerous, risky or taboo. The sooner we learn everyone in the world is never going to agree and acknowledge and accept each others differences....the better off we as people who share the same world are going to be.

I want to thank Princess Leia for sharing her thoughts on here and being honest and genuine. Dispite what JiminyCrick91 had to say, you didnt say anything wrong. Actually in the US anyway she represents the opinion of the majority of people in this country. So I just wanted to relay to Sky that I appreciate you sharing your feelings and being honest just as I thank everyone else for sharing and contributing honestly here (and for the most part being respectful while doing it).

That said I am a Christian 8)
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Post by Widdi »

As it currently stands I am a Agnostic-Pastifarian, but I have not always been.

I was born a non-denominational Protestant, but was raised in both Jewish and Catholic households (two step fathers who were both very religious). Six months after the second divorce my mom and I became active in the Mormon Church. I was baptized into the church when I was 11 years old. When I was 14 I took a World Religion Class in High School which ignited my love affair with Religious Study...

After spending months researching my own religion I came to the conclusion that I did not believe in the Book of Mormon and left the church; a decision that devastated my mother. At that point in my life I began searching for a religion that fitted my independent belief systems. I flirted with Buddhism, Judaism, Catholicism, Islam, Hindu, Paganism and many others. I did not find a perfect fit and thus decided that I was an Atheist.

Time went on and though I told myself there was no chance of a God, I found myself conflicted; eventually deciding that there was the possibility of God(s), but also deciding that no religion is correct.

About six months after this revelation I stumbled upon the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Although the book is a Religious Satire that is more atheist than anything, I found the words of wisdom such as the eight "I'd Really Rather You Didn'ts" more useful and true to a happy life than things like "The Ten Commandments".

So that's my religious history.
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