What's your religion?

[Disney Duster]

Super Aurora, religion, or spirituality, is something that will always be important to the people of this world. It is important. It gives everything more meaning, that everything was made for a reason, that it will last forever (well, the important stuff, our souls). That there is a higher power, something good will come of this all in the end, we will reach a happy goal, no more bad will happen, etc. Besides, a higher power creating everything is still an explanation, and a sensical one at that, for how everything exists, not necessarily evolution, but what started evolution and everything else.

yukitora, Socrates from ancient Greece was married, Egyptians were married, marriage existed way before Christianity. I don't want to get into a civil union with someone I love, I want to marry them.

Pap, no, you would not get punished for praying but "not having enough faith." You weren't intending to disprove anything or do anything bad to God, right? Look, it could be a lesson that you must make your own day good (if you can), or maybe you should pray for others instead of yourself, or something, but none of it matters (and praying for yourself is actually perfectly fine, I'm just giving ideas, I pray for myself all the time and I actually feel God has helped me, and I thank him).

You have to believe because you want to and it makes you happy. If praying doesn't make you happy, okay. But if believing there is a a God that made you and will take care of everything in the long-run makes you happy, then do it. And if you feel praying is not working, still, every time you have done it, then who knows what's up, the world is a mystery, go ahead and stop. But keep loving and thanking God. Well, if you want to I mean.

Goliath, I have indeed thought of the things you have said. Through my life I did think I might not believe in God anymore. But I felt like something was missing and I felt empty and bad. So I still believe, and it makes me happy. Believing in this gives me a real feeling of completeness and happiness, so of course I believe it is real. But the point is, I thought of those things you said before, and I still believe.

To try and answer some things, I feel God does answer me in either doing what I ask for, or not doing it, and some things seem to be a miracle only God could do, or even if it seems it could have happened anyway, something makes me feel God particularly wanted that to happen, to make me happy or any other reason. Sure it could be a concidence. But I don't feel that way. But even considering it, yea, sure, what you say could be possible, but I still believe what I believe thinking of that.

And even though God decides everything anyway, then apparently he also decided I would pray? Look, there's free will, even though God knows that everything is going to happen. God wouldn't let certain things happen I guess, but even the evil in the world he allows. God is something I can't understand, and I'm fine with that. I'm not an all powerful all knowing...god. But I believe I have free will that God allows me to have, while God does not allow just anything to happen, or at least knows everything that will happen.

Kubrick, what did you mean atheism is inconclusive? And I understand you may be so into the physical world you don't feel you need God in the world around you. But think outside of the box, think of the spiritual, and then at least give thanks to whoever made all this (God). Maybe you're just too into the physical. That would probably be most atheists.

[Duckburger]

Would somebody mind telling me what the difference is between 'non-religious' and 'atheïst'.

[blackcauldron85]

Would somebody mind telling me what the difference is between 'non-religious' and 'atheïst'.

I could be wrong, but my guess is that athiests flat-out don't believe in God or a higher being, and non-religious people maybe don't care either way, they just don't participate. Like, athiests are vocal about their beliefs of no God, versus non-religious people don't care, aren't vocal about it.

[Wonderlicious]

Would somebody mind telling me what the difference is between 'non-religious' and 'atheïst'.

This is how I see it:

Atheist: somebody who most certainly believes that there is no sort of God, and sticks to that mantra incessantly.
Non-religious person: Somebody who simply doesn't bring religion into thought.

These are somewhat related to agnosticism: simply being unsure as to whether supernatural deity exists.

[Duckburger]

Ah, I see. That makes sense, thanks for explaining.

[zackiellovedisney]

I am a mixture between a Christian and a non-religious. I am a Christian by birth but don't really care about religion.I think God exists but don't pray to him that much.Religion was and probably won't be something big in myl ife.

[Sotiris]

I am a Christian by birth but don't really care about religion.

I think you mean that you were brought up Christian. Unless Christianity is genetic

[Siren]

I am a Christian by birth but don't really care about religion.

I think you mean that you were brought up Christian. Unless Christianity is genetic

Reminds me of Scooby Doo and the Witches Ghost when Thorn was saying how she was part-Wiccan. Here was a movie trying to break the mold and bust the myths of Wiccan and they go and make a BRAND NEW MYTH! LMAO

[ajmrowland]

I am a mixture between a Christian and a non-religious. I am a Christian by birth but don't really care about religion.I think God exists but don't pray to him that much.Religion was and probably won't be something big in myl ife.

This is so me.

[zackiellovedisney]

This is so me.

I am glad you agree I think a lot of people are like that but just don't admit it. Church attendance has been dropping because religon isn't becoming as big as it used too

[Siren]

I don't think church attendance means there are less people who believe. My parents are Christian and they never go to church. They believe the House of God is this entire earth. Christianity is still the number one religion in the USA. I wouldn't be so quick to judge just because of low attendance at church means less people believe in God. It is becoming more widely accepted that you don't need to go to church to prove you believe or to speak to God or to be a good Christian. Or pay admission...I mean donations...

[pap64]

I don't think church attendance means there are less people who believe. My parents are Christian and they never go to church. They believe the House of God is this entire earth. Christianity is still the number one religion in the USA. I wouldn't be so quick to judge just because of low attendance at church means less people believe in God. It is becoming more widely accepted that you don't need to go to church to prove you believe or to speak to God or to be a good Christian. Or pay admission...I mean donations...

That's exactly what happened with my parents recently.

As I explained a few months ago, my parents became Christians after many years of personal turmoil. But a few weeks ago, they were beginning to feel angry at the church they were attending. Simply put, the church was demanding WAY too much out of them while ignoring their own issues, flaws and other members who are committing sings right under their noses.

How bad was it? Some of the attendees would actually scold my parents simply because my dad would buy milk for my breakfast on a Saturday. See their faith dictates that Saturday is God's true day of worship, so nothing except worshiping and doing God's work is accepted, meaning that shopping, playing sports, watching a movie (unless its religious) and ESPECIALLY working is forbidden and thus considered a sin.

It bothered them because it was really a nitpicky rule based on a faith that may or may be wrong with them. Then there was the hypocrisy going around the church, like looking down on other people, criticizing, failing to work together and too many people committing sins while we got the blunt edge of the stick simply because we wanted to eat.

So mom and dad decided to leave, with the idea that you don't need to go to a building to worship and "talk" to God.

Easily the best thing my mom told them was this...

"I can guarantee that not everyone in this Church will go to heaven, and you guys know it"

It's so, so true...

[ajmrowland]

I am glad you agree I think a lot of people are like that but just don't admit it. Church attendance has been dropping because religon isn't becoming as big as it used too

Yeah. I go for Youth Group every week, but that's mostly because I enjoy hanging out with everyone there. Our local Church is actually very casual, you know, for a Church.

EDIT: I can't find the singer/songwriter Brian Sergio anywhere on youtube. I was gonna post a video of one of his songs. Oh, well. Maybe I got the last name spelled wrong.

[KubrickFan]

Kubrick, what did you mean atheism is inconclusive? And I understand you may be so into the physical world you don't feel you need God in the world around you. But think outside of the box, think of the spiritual, and then at least give thanks to whoever made all this (God). Maybe you're just too into the physical. That would probably be most atheists.

I didn't say atheism was inconclusive, but agnosticism. You know 'there's either a God, or there isn't. But I believe there's something out there'. I don't know about you, but that seems pretty vague to me.
And how can you thank someone you don't believe exists? I don't believe a higher being made all of this. I don't need a higher being for comfort whenever life is tough. I think people are scared of sorting these things alone, and they're searching for help, or consolation. That's why people in a crisis can turn to religion, but that doesn't mean you're not able to face whatever situation alone. People are stronger than they think, they just need to realize that.

[Mayhem]

So mom and dad decided to leave, with the idea that you don't need to go to a building to worship and "talk" to God.

Which is exactly what an American friend of mine did a few years ago... she felt exactly the same way about her local church Pap. Seems to be a growing trend...

[Goliath]

Some of the attendees would actually scold my parents simply because my dad would buy milk for my breakfast on a Saturday. See their faith dictates that Saturday is God's true day of worship, so nothing except worshiping and doing God's work is accepted, meaning that shopping, playing sports, watching a movie (unless its religious) and ESPECIALLY working is forbidden and thus considered a sin.

I thought sunday was the 'resting day' for Christians? Like friday is for the Muslims and saturday for the Jews.

[carolinakid]

Some Christian denominations (Seventh Day Adventists come to mind first) retain the Jewish Shabbat (Saturday) as their day of worship....as I understand it, they feel Orthodox Christianity (Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and classic Protestant) was wrong to observe Sunday (the day of the Lord's Resurrection) as their day of worship....I could be wrong, though....

[CherryLipTherapy]

There's so much to say after reading the posts here. I'm not here to condemn anyone. I just want to offer my perspective. To answer Pap's question, I think prayer is a very helpful thing, but it is also very complex and mysterious. I once read a book by Phillip Yancey, the title escapes me at the moment, but it was helpful in understanding some aspects of prayer. I used to think that God would give me the things that I prayed for if I wanted them badly enough. However, I've come to learn that God doesn't always give us what we want, but what we need. He also "reserves the right to determine what we need now and what we will be able to enjoy more if it is deferred until later."

We live in a world where free will exists, it may not be absolute free will, but we can make millions of choices that effect out lives and the lives of others. I think when we follow God's commandments and the other rules he has given us to live, he uses us to answer the very prayers we pray. For instance, say if someone prays for food, or to not be lonely anymore, or to get a job, if that persons asks us to help we can do what ever is in our power to help. It could be a kind word, or a suggestion, or a few dollars to help get that night's dinner. You could even invite that person to your home for dinner. They may not even ask for help, you might see that they have a need. We have to be God's eyes, ears, hands and the like. There's so many ways prayers can get answered. I also think people just aren't asking for the right things. God is loving, but he doesn't interfere with free will. If I pray that someone I love will love me back. How can God possibly grant that request if the person doesn't feel the same way about me? Perhaps, the person has also prayed that I will understand and accept that he doesn't love me.

Now for prayer's that someone will get better and not die and things that are a matter of life and death, those are a different story. Sometimes we cant see the bigger picture. We live in a physical world where people get sick, sometimes they get better and sometimes they don't. If we believe that God is good and He has our best interest at heart, we have to accept the things we can't change or influence and ask God to give us the strength, understanding and wisdom to make it through life in a fallen world. The Bible says we should store treasures for ourselves in Heaven where things don't decay, die or be stolen, rather than obsess about the world that is passing away.

I'd also like to address atheism. It seems to take a lot of faith to be an atheist. Just as much it does to believe in God or a god. We are limited in knowledge as humans. I've never seen God nor have I heard him speak, but I know he exists because contrary to what some may think He has left evidence of Himself. If we will only take the time to put away the cynicism, stupidity, and the chatter of the world that wants to influence everything we think and do. A relationship with Christ is between Him and just that other person. If we need to block other people out and their influences out for a while to seek him out, do it! As a Christian I know there are people who proclaim to be of Christ, but they really aren't. There are also people who mean well, but don't understand their actions could be pushing people away. Just know that God has given us a choice we can either live for Him or act as if He doesn't exist. Those choices have consequences, but you are free to choose. When Christians tell you about God, there are just carrying out the mandate that they where given. To be a Christian and to experience the joy God gives and to not share it wouldn't be the mark of a true Christian. They shouldn't be boisterous, pushy, and demanding, but sadly many are. Christians aren't perfect, but are being perfected. We all make mistakes and being a Christian doesn't stop you from making them. Ultimately, no matter what you hear it is your choice and no one can make you believe or disbelieve but you. You simply might not want a relationship with God, and he has given you that right. I'm not sure if we can suggest websites on here, if not just let me know and I'll edit the post. There is a site called everystudent.com. It helped my understanding of God and Christianity.

[Disney Duster]

Pap,you know that you can go to another church, right? You know you can choose any church, or any faith, right? In fact, you could not think you particularly fit into one kind of faith everyone else shares, but still go to a church to feel like you're more respecting God, if you want, or think you should. I wish I would go to church more, but I haven't been to church in a while, last time was Christmas I think. But there are even gay churches out there, so...

And as for saying not everyone there will go to Heaven...well, you don't really know that for sure. We kind of decide if we want to go to hell, to be without God (that's what hell is), anyway.

Kubrick, if you don't think something more powerful than us (thus, a higher being/power) exists and made everything, then how do you think all this came to be, all this was possible? People do not turn to spirituality just when they are going through any problem. Spirituality makes sense of deep problems like death or, as I gave an example, how we are here, and what's going to happen to us, will we eventually reach a happy ending (eternity)? You can pretend you don't care, but everyone wonders at some point, and cares. You can think you're strong by accepting something miserable like we just turn to dust in the wind after everything, but that's being hard, not strong. Strong is believing things will be better in the face of adversity and misery, like death. That things will be better through it all, in the end. That's staying strong through it all.

And I do believe people are stronger than they think, but that strength was still given to them, made possible, exists, because of a higher being (God).

[Goliath]

Kubrick, if you don't think something more powerful than us (thus, a higher being/power) exists and made everything, then how do you think all this came to be, all this was possible?

We don't know for sure (yet). But we don't have to make up a all-powerful being as a substitute to our faulty knowledge. There are scientific theories, like the Big Bang theory. Why is that less plausible than the 'God made everything'-theory? We already have stablished that the stories in the Bible about the creation of earth are nothing but fairy tales (not supported by reality-based fact finding).

People do not turn to spirituality just when they are going through any problem. Spirituality makes sense of deep problems like death or, as I gave an example, how we are here, and what's going to happen to us, will we eventually reach a happy ending (eternity)?

Spiritualism doesn't really makes sense of deep problems as much as it provides clear-cut, easy solutions. Once you have decided it's all the work of an all-powerful, yet mysterious higher being whose ways cannot be known, you don't have to deal with the 'deep problems' anymore. You have found yourself an easy solution.

You can pretend you don't care, but everyone wonders at some point, and cares.

Of course everybody wonders. But that doesn't mean we reach the same conclusions. But I think non-religious people wonder more often than religious people, since -as I pointed out before- religious people already have an easy, ever-fitting answer ready in the form of a supreme being.

You can think you're strong by accepting something miserable like we just turn to dust in the wind after everything, but that's being hard, not strong.

Well, who's to decide what is or isn't strong? I think it's much stronger to face a reality in which we don;t know what we live or die for, than it is to make up an imaginary supreme being just to comfort you orprovide dogmatic answers.

Strong is believing things will be better in the face of adversity and misery, like death. That things will be better through it all, in the end. That's staying strong through it all.

No, that's staying naive. Wake up and smell the coffee, will you? You're talking about life like it's a Disney fairy tale, and it's not. No, a happy end is never guaranteed. No, things don't get better only by hoping so. No, positivism itself never has accomplished anything. Why does everything always have to be HAPPY for you? Seriously, I've been wanting to ask you this for a long time. What's with this obsession for unrealistic Disneyesque happiness? What drugs are you on?

And I do believe people are stronger than they think, but that strength was still given to them, made possible, exists, because of a higher being (God).

You may believe what you want, but you can't know. That's why it's called 'believing'.