mega thread Everypony's Religion And Why?

[Le Kvlt Dawn 2,364]

Yeah, I have no books either. Just my life experiences, and my parental guidance from childhood. They made sure I was a good boy.. mostly. XD

Ehh, I sort of just knew how to behave myself. I was never a trouble maker of any sort. So yes, I was a good little child. At least most of the time...

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

I'm not surprised that "Christian" and "Atheist" are the top two picks, though i am surprised that "Atheist" is the top pick. Odd considering the fact that many of the characters represent virtues within the average Christian. 

 

A more accurate way to look at it might be to say that effective, sustainable virtues are appreciated by most Christians and atheists.  No single group can claim exclusive inspiration to (or governance over) what could be objectively called "behaviors that are necessary for a peaceful civilization."  Anyone who claims otherwise is probably trying to profit from you or otherwise control you in some way.

[Midnight Scribbler 1,705]

A more accurate way to look at it might be to say that effective, sustainable virtues are appreciated by most Christians and atheists.  No single group can claim exclusive inspiration to (or governance over) what could be objectively called "behaviors that are necessary for a peaceful civilization."  Anyone who claims otherwise is probably trying to profit from you or otherwise control you in some way.

Well said. You've got brains in there, lots of them. I couldn't agree more though, the worst form of manipulation is through the abuse of control over people's virtues. It caused a lot of grim events throughout human history.

[Galen 1,354]

I'm not surprised that "Christian" and "Atheist" are the top two picks, though i am surprised that "Atheist" is the top pick. Odd considering the fact that many of the characters represent virtues within the average Christian. 

 

May I ask what virtues the characters have shown that is exclusive to Christians? Because what I saw from the characters is that they represented virtues within the average Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Atheist, you name it. No one religion has exclusive rights over any given virtue. And with the number of existing religions, it's nigh impossible to say which one is the most accurate, so it's all up to personal choice, with said choice not being the correct one for all others around you.

[Smitty91 57]

May I ask what virtues the characters have shown that is exclusive to Christians? Because what I saw from the characters is that they represented virtues within the average Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Atheist, you name it. No one religion has exclusive rights over any given virtue. And with the number of existing religions, it's nigh impossible to say which one is the most accurate, so it's all up to personal choice, with said choice not being the correct one for all others around you.

 

You are correct. But personally, I believe that my faith is the correct one seeing as there is a lot of evidence for it (archaeology, manuscripts, prophecy, etc). This can be saved for debate as the last thing I want to do is start a flame war. I am merely stating my opinion. Regardless, the characters do exhibit many qualities of Christian living, at least to me: 

 

Rarity: generosity (Proverbs 21:13, Matthew 10:42, 1 John 3:17-18)

Applejack: honesty (Psalm 34:12-16, Proverbs 12:22, 19:1) 

Rainbow Dash: loyalty (Ecclesiastes 10:4, Matthew 26:33, Romans 13:1, 

Pinkie Pie: laughter (Proverbs 17:22, Ecclesiastes 3:4, Luke 6:21) 

Fluttershy: loving-kindness (1 John 3:1, 4:8, John 3:16-21)

Twilight Sparkle: magic/friendship (Proverbs 18:24, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, John 15:13)

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

 

But personally, I believe that my faith is the correct one seeing as there is a lot of evidence for it (archaeology, manuscripts, prophecy, etc).

 

You talk as if other religions aren't correct.

 

It may be new to you, but religions are all the same. I can relate them to Buddhism and Islam too, if you want. It's very easy.

 

If there's a new religion of pure humanity which isn't influenced by a traditional culture or blood, count me in. I just see no difference between religions other than that this one is made in Europe, this one in India and this one in Arab, but most people do give a damn about it. Religion argument is like arguing which one is an apple among two apples of the same species.

 

Should I spread the words above, My Lord Inglip?

 

 

[Galen 1,354]

You are correct. But personally, I believe that my faith is the correct one seeing as there is a lot of evidence for it (archaeology, manuscripts, prophecy, etc). This can be saved for debate as the last thing I want to do is start a flame war. I am merely stating my opinion.

 

You say you're stating your opinion but you're passing it off as fact. So here's another fact for you: Archelogy does nothing more than give evidence for historical documents alongside a glimpse into what past societies were like, how they operated on a daily basis both on the commoner level to their system of governance, philosophical ideas, etc. Documents which were equally written by man, and manking has never existed without even the slightest hint of bias. If you're going to reference Archeology, we may as well say that Zeus, Thor and Amun Ra all existed because there's archeological evidence pointing to their existence, just as there's such evidence for all other religions, including Islam and Buddhism. To me, it seems more the case that you need to go out there and explore other cultures.

Edited October 28, 2013 by ~Chaotic Freedan~

[Smitty91 57]

You say you're stating your opinion but you're passing it off as fact. So here's another fact for you: Archelogy does nothing more than give evidence for historical documents alongside a glimpse into what past societies were like, how they operated on a daily basis both on the commoner level to their system of governance, philosophical ideas, etc. Documents which were equally written by man, and manking has never existed without even the slightest hint of bias. If you're going to reference Archeology, we may as well say that Zeus, Thor and Amun Ra all existed because there's archeological evidence pointing to their existence, just as there's such evidence for all other religions, including Islam and Buddhism. To me, it seems more the case that you need to go out there and explore other cultures.

 

Yes, that would be nice. I would like to get to know other people and what they believe. It is a good idea to get out there and mingle with other people outside of your social field. 

 

 

You talk as if other religions aren't correct.

 

It may be new to you, but religions are all the same. I can relate them to Buddhism and Islam too, if you want. It's very easy.

 

If there's a new religion of pure humanity which isn't influenced by a traditional culture or blood, count me in. I just see no difference between religions other than that this one is made in Europe, this one in India and this one in Arab, but most people do give a damn about it. Religion argument is like arguing which one is an apple among two apples of the same species.

 

Should I spread the words above, My Lord Inglip?

 

 

 

Well, yes, there are a number of religions out there and mine just works for me, that's all. You are correct in saying that no one religion can be true, as any religion can be proven true given enough evidence. Oddly enough, that's all we can do: weigh the evidence and decide for ourselves what we want to believe. 

Edited October 28, 2013 by Smitty91

[Galen 1,354]

Well, yes, there are a number of religions out there and mine just works for me, that's all. You are correct in saying that no one religion can be true, as any religion can be proven true given enough evidence. Oddly enough, that's all we can do: weigh the evidence and decide for ourselves what we want to believe. 

 

Indeed, so how can you say as a matter of fact that your religion is the correct one? If you say it's the correct one for you, that's all well and good so long as it encourages you to help others and be considerate of them. Others find inspiration and learning from other sources than you, but what matters most is that people are kind to each other, not that they adhere to the same belief system as you. This is especially true because even among Christians, every single individual will interpret the bible their own way. There's simply no way around that.

Edited October 28, 2013 by ~Chaotic Freedan~

[Smitty91 57]

Indeed, so how can you say as a matter of fact that your religion is the correct one? If you say it's the correct one for you, that's all well and good so long as it encourages you to help others and be considerate of them. Others find inspiration and learning from other sources than you, but what matters most is that people are kind to each other, not that they adhere to the same belief system as you. This is especially true because even among Christians, every single individual will interpret the bible their own way. There's simply no way around that.

 

I always thought the Holy Spirit was to help us interpret the Bible, but, yes, you are correct. This is why we have so many denominations within the Christian community. This is the really great thing about God: He doesn't force you to believe in His Son, but rather allows you to make your own choice, and we should allow others to do the same, act as Christ would. Preach the good message, but allow people to make up their own minds as to whether they want to follow it or not. It is true that inspiration can come from anywhere (this is especially true of writers like me), as there are many wise Chinese proverbs and such out there that one can find. Yes, we should love and treat each other with kindness, as Christ Himself instructed us. Only when we put our differences aside and embrace one another as brother and sister can we finally find peace within not only ourselves, but also within our own community as well. Therefore, I will allow your remarks to be the final words on the matter. Good day.  

[Pomfritter 165]

I am an atheist. Mainly because most of the people around me who are Christian seem to see things in a false light. Probably just the people around me, but they don't seem to have logic which most people have. Also, I don't think that some deity rules over people, has any influence on their behavior, or is a just reason to go to war. Honestly, I've always believed that religion was just a scam that was designed to control people.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

 

Oddly enough, that's all we can do: weigh the evidence and decide for ourselves what we want to believe. 

 

Why not just read the religion guide and follow what makes sense? That's how I religify (don't know verb for religion lol). I read the book, learn the teaching, and apply what I understand.

 

For example, Islam forbids drinking alcoholic beverages (outside medical purpose) because it's very obvious that it can make you drunk (lose your mind), and it can bring you harm. I understand the reason, and therefore I follow it, because it's good. Buddhism suggests to let go and give mercy, because it's very obvious that it brings peace and freedom. I understand the reason, and therefore I follow it, because it's good.

 

I don't need all those things about the God and His sons, or hell, or heaven, to be good. I be good because I want to, by heart, not because I'm afraid of hell or desire heaven, or seek fondness from the Son of God.

[Smitty91 57]

 I be good because I want to, by heart, not because I'm afraid of hell or desire heaven, or seek fondness from the Son of God.

 

Strange how this contradicts Jesus' words: 

 

"But these things that come from the mouth come from the heart. These are the things that defile a man. Evil thoughts, murders, sex outside of marriage, thievery, lying, and blasphemy all come from the heart. These are the things that defile a man." 

 

Also, your thoughts on why someone is Christian doesn't go along with Scripture. James 4:7 clearly states, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." This Scripture strongly suggests that Satan has no claim over us and that we have authority over him through Jesus Christ. There is no reason whatsoever to fear hell, the devil, or his angels. Also, nowhere in Scripture is it supported that we should only do good because we desire heaven. We should do good because we love others and want to help them. By doing so we are following the Golden Rule. Good works cannot get you into heaven, though God will judge all according to his/her works. 

 

I simply wanted to clear up any confusion regarding whether or not one should fear hell or do good deeds just to get some reward in heaven. The latter is completely selfish! Anyway, this is just what I believe. I believe that there are layers of truth to every religion. Mine just works for me. 

[Galen 1,354]

I always thought the Holy Spirit was to help us interpret the Bible, but, yes, you are correct. This is why we have so many denominations within the Christian community. This is the really great thing about God: He doesn't force you to believe in His Son, but rather allows you to make your own choice, and we should allow others to do the same, act as Christ would. Preach the good message, but allow people to make up their own minds as to whether they want to follow it or not. It is true that inspiration can come from anywhere (this is especially true of writers like me), as there are many wise Chinese proverbs and such out there that one can find. Yes, we should love and treat each other with kindness, as Christ Himself instructed us. Only when we put our differences aside and embrace one another as brother and sister can we finally find peace within not only ourselves, but also within our own community as well. Therefore, I will allow your remarks to be the final words on the matter. Good day.

 

Therein lies a major contradiction tho, one that I hear too often from people at that. He allows us the freedom to believe in whatever we want to, but regardless of how good we are throughout our lives, we still go to hell to burn for all eternity if we choose not to believe in god and act kindly out of the exercise of our free will, the very thing that makes us who we are as human beings. That is not fair toward them when there are plenty of christians who act unjustly and go for a confession thinking everything is fine after that (or worse yet think their vile acts are in accordance to god's will in the first place).

 

The bottom line is that you don't need religion to be a good person. If nothing else, Abrahamic religious texts discourage idolatry and fanaticism, wherein the books should be treated as guidelines as opposed to a set of rules one HAS to follow under any circumstance.

[Glaci 119]

I was a Christian, but as I've grown I'm not really sure what to believe, so I guess I'm in the category of "I don't care about religion" sort of thing. Maybe it'll change in time, maybe it won't.

[Guest]

I was raised Baptist Christian. And was raised to go to church almost all my life. I tried believing since that's what I was taught. I have my doubts though.

 

I consider myself Agnostic. No idea if I'll have a change of heart or mind later in life.

[Mio Akiyama 145]

I'm guessing I'm agnostic. I read that agnosticism is the belief that you can't prove nor disprove that a deity exists. But there's also subcategories too. This is basically my belief:

"I can't prove nor disprove that a god exists, but if one does, then I know FOR A FACT, that that god shows no concern over the universe or its inhabitants."

[Koelath 445]

But personally, I believe that my faith is the correct one seeing as there is a lot of evidence for it (archaeology, manuscripts, prophecy, etc).

I once read a manuscript about a boy named James, a big fruit, and an evil cloud rhino...I also once correctly predicted that curry is delicious and that Epic Movie would suck.

 

Can I be deified now?

i am a christian but not by choice i was christened as a baby so i didnt get a say in it

though i consider myself more agnostic

 

You always get a say in your beliefs. If you don't believe it, you're not it. Screw christening. I got circumcised as a baby but I've never been Egyptian or Jewish or any of those other things people were where snipping dicks originated.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Koelath

[Smitty91 57]

Therein lies a major contradiction tho, one that I hear too often from people at that. He allows us the freedom to believe in whatever we want to, but regardless of how good we are throughout our lives, we still go to hell to burn for all eternity if we choose not to believe in god and act kindly out of the exercise of our free will, the very thing that makes us who we are as human beings. That is not fair toward them when there are plenty of christians who act unjustly and go for a confession thinking everything is fine after that (or worse yet think their vile acts are in accordance to god's will in the first place).

 

The bottom line is that you don't need religion to be a good person. If nothing else, Abrahamic religious texts discourage idolatry and fanaticism, wherein the books should be treated as guidelines as opposed to a set of rules one HAS to follow under any circumstance.

Your concerns are ones that trouble some Christians as well. If God does indeed love us, why would He send His children who don't believe in Him or His Word to hell? It's not really whether or not you believe in God. Rather, it's your sins that do you in. Remember that one of the names for God is Judge. Another name for God is Father. It is our sin (wrongdoing) that God will judge on the Day of Judgment. When children do wrong, their parent must correct them. So is the same for God. (see Hebrews 12:6). What's sickening about some people is that they think that God gets some kind of sick pleasure from His children going to hell, but Scripture is in complete contrast to this theory. Ezekiel 33:11 and several other passages within the Bible tell us that God takes no pleasure in the wicked, but rather would like the sinful man to come to repentance. 

 

It is true that we have free will and, contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn't teach blind faith. It rather teaches us to arm ourselves with knowledge and learn more about the world around us. But doesn't giving us free will show how much God loves us? If He didn't love us, He would be like a strict schoolteacher, wanting us to follow all of His rules to the letter. 

 

Regarding the Bible, you are correct; it should be treated as a set of guidelines to follow instead of a set of rules that need to be followed exactly as specified. When Christ gave His life for us, He abolished the law so that the Mosiac law was no longer in effect. Leaving His disciples, He gave them only two commandments, that we are to love God and love our fellow man, the two commandments that are clearly being illustrated by The Ten Commandments found in Exodus. 

 

Also, God does not condone hypocrisy. Jesus openly opposed the Pharisees back in His day for being hypocrites, illustrating such in a parable in Luke 18:9-14. Christian hypocrites of today (those who hate gays, any other religious folk that aren't their own, etc) will have their place in the lake of fire. For more, go here: 

 

http://www.gotquestions.org/eternal-hell-fair.html

 

I once read a manuscript about a boy named James, a big fruit, and an evil cloud rhino...I also once correctly predicted that curry is delicious and that Epic Movie would suck.

 

Can I be deified now?

 

 

I'm not sure, but I think you're asking whether or not the above thinking makes you defiled. Well, no. Jesus wasn't talking about evil thinking in those terms. Jesus meant thoughts such as lust, envy, coveting, and so and so forth. Thinking that something will be bad or enjoying a good novel won't make you defiled. But as I said, I'm not entirely sure if whether you're asking "Can I be defied now?" or "Can I be defiled now." I'm pretty sure it's the former, but I just wanted to clear that up in case you were confused about it. 

Edited November 3, 2013 by Smitty91

[Galen 1,354]

Your concerns are ones that trouble some Christians as well. If God does indeed love us, why would He send His children who don't believe in Him or His Word to hell? It's not really whether or not you believe in God. Rather, it's your sins that do you in. Remember that one of the names for God is Judge. Another name for God is Father. It is our sin (wrongdoing) that God will judge on the Day of Judgment. When children do wrong, their parent must correct them. So is the same for God. (see Hebrews 12:6). What's sickening about some people is that they think that God gets some kind of sick pleasure from His children going to hell, but Scripture is in complete contrast to this theory. Ezekiel 33:11 and several other passages within the Bible tell us that God takes no pleasure in the wicked, but rather would like the sinful man to come to repentance. 

 

It is true that we have free will and, contrary to popular belief, the Bible doesn't teach blind faith. It rather teaches us to arm ourselves with knowledge and learn more about the world around us. But doesn't giving us free will show how much God loves us? If He didn't love us, He would be like a strict schoolteacher, wanting us to follow all of His rules to the letter. 

 

He doesn't take pleasure yet still does it. For a being supposedly sporting infinite patience and benevolence, you'd think he would take a more direct approach in reforming those who sin that no matter how many wrongdoings one committed in their life, he would send them to a place where they can think on their actions and cultivate goodness. Also, regarding god not caring about if one believes him or not, it is true, he treats unbelievers the same way he would any other depraved sinner:

 

"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.......Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. "

 

John 3:18-36

[Lonepony744 17]

I'm kinda a mix of atheism and apathesim,and to the reason why I am this mix is.That I've never really enjoyed the idea of a all powerful being watching and judging what I do in my life.But I also do consider that there may be something out there,I just rather there not be.To me I think religion is something people use to believe in something bigger than they are,as if they want to to be part of some plan.I like the idea of me controlling my own path,and not having it set for me. But I also do not judge others for wanting there to be a god or something.I think everyone should be able to believe in what ever than want so long as it does not harm those around them.  

[Coco Pommel 669]

I kind of don't like to identify under any beliefs while, at the same time, respecting others for their beliefs. I wouldn't call myself religious, nor atheist. I guess agnostic? *shrugs*

[QuirkyUsername 1,576]

I am an Athiest. While I believe the morals religions try to teach the religions themselves seem far fetched hard to swallow and flat out unbelievable to me. I do not believe in a higher deity but am open to the concept that I am wrong. It's just not for people to tell me I am wrong as it is not my place to tell them they are wrong. Guess we'll just find out which religion was correct on judgement day be at a religious one or a human decimating man made apocalypse 

[Galen 1,354]

I am an Athiest. While I believe the morals religions try to teach the religions themselves seem far fetched hard to swallow and flat out unbelievable to me. I do not believe in a higher deity but am open to the concept that I am wrong. It's just not for people to tell me I am wrong as it is not my place to tell them they are wrong. Guess we'll just find out which religion was correct on judgement day be at a religious one or a human decimating man made apocalypse 

 

Sounds more like you're agnostic rather than atheist. An atheist absolutely believes there is no deity, whereas you're saying you're open to the possibility and will wait and see on judgement day, whatever that may entail.

[Skylar 1,641]

I voted Agnostic: 

 

Reasons: 

 

I used to be Christian...(well our whole family were but I suppose I never really fully believed). I have studied alot of Philosophy, Science etc and would say I am pretty well versed on the subjects. For me religions are man made attempts to understand something that can't really be understood and they are full of man made hypocrisies. I think the core messages of each religion are great, I have nothing wrong with Christianity for example, my mother was a Christian and she was the most helpful amazing person you could meet. 

 

Looking around at the universe and it's immense complexity it would leave one of two options for me, 1 being that there is a creator (which I believe) or 2 the 'infinite universe / multiverse theory' both of which can never really be proved so...

 

But yeah I do believe there is a creator / god, I would like to think he is all loving and kind but I am not sure, I could write a lecture about evil etc and things that have happened to me but I won't  

 

 

I may well return to being Christian one day, but for now I will stay agnostic Religions are great when people use them for good but I can not stand people who forcefully preach it to others or force their Children into a religion 

 

Each to his own belief, as long as you don't use it to harm others then there is no problem, I wouldn't mind if you believed in a Giant Spaghetti monster, if it makes you happy and doesn't harm others who cares?  

Edited November 4, 2013 by Skylar