mega thread Everypony's Religion And Why?

[Stancet 689]

I guess Christian.

 

Call it faith and hope, and the feeling we're not alone and someone is watching over. It's also the hope, no, the feeling that life doesn't end here and there's something else waiting at the end of the road. I've lost so many people in my short time here(and now my dad is getting ready to go home) and my faith gives me hope that they'll be waiting for me when my time is up and I'll get to see them all again, and hopefully stay with them for good this time. 

 

That's what I have faith in. The eternal hope that Goodbye is never forever and death is not an end, but merely the closing of a chapter and the opening of another one someplace else.  

 

If it's any consolation, I believe in heaven too.   When I one day go there myself, I hope I'll be there too with everyone I'm going to miss.

[GreyScholar 1,584]

I am Christian, though one that does not believe in the Trinity doctrine or that it is divinely inspired. I believe the Bible to be the Word of God, but a book that must be cpnsidered with a spiritual eye and a prayerful heart.

 

Why? Because of mistranscription, mistranslation, or even purposeful alteration I do not believe it is without flaws or errors. I do believe must of it is history though its focus is often more spiritual.

 

I am one that believes that though Christianity as has its struggles and stumbles, as well as darkness, it is still a divinely inspired institution that is guided by the Creator of our universe. I will not deny the Crusades, Inquisition, the witch hunts, the corruption of religious leaders, or even the fact there's so much conflict and division between different denominations... it is still Good.

 

I am a Christian. A follower and believer of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, one that knows our Redeemer and Savior lives. That he gave himself unto death so that we may live, returning to our Father's embrace once we have completed our task and purpose on this earth.

Edited February 25, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[Guest90210 3,568]

That's what I have faith in. The eternal hope that Goodbye is never forever and death is not an end, but merely the closing of a chapter and the opening of another one someplace else.  

 

It would be nice to believe this, but it's hard for me to accept. It seems like wishful thinking to me. But maybe it isn't?

 

One could say that with how humans are, and the amazing history we've all had, that there has to be something after life. This may be true, but at the same time, who's to say there aren't other beings even more advanced than us? What's their story? Do they go to a Heaven? These are the questions no one has the exact answer to.

 

Maybe we aren't meant to know the answer?

 

Those are just a few of my thoughts on the matter. It's a puzzle that I don't think any one will ever solve.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

It would be nice to believe this, but it's hard for me to accept. It seems like wishful thinking to me. But maybe it isn't?

 

One could say that with how humans are, and the amazing history we've all had, that there has to be something after life. This may be true, but at the same time, who's to say there aren't other beings even more advanced than us? What's their story? Do they go to a Heaven? These are the questions no one has the exact answer to.

 

Maybe we aren't meant to know the answer?

 

Those are just a few of my thoughts on the matter. It's a puzzle that I don't think any one will ever solve.

 

I think with all we are, we have to be more than flesh and blood. There has to be some part of is that lives on, and it is true we know very little about "consciousness" and what being alive actually means in that regard. as well as it's nature. The fact people can recall the nothingness they felt while "dead" proves it's somehow independent of our physical body and lives separate from it.

 

The fact the concept of an afterlife, the soul, and spirits exists so strongly across so many cultures is also interesting.    

[Stancet 689]

 

 

One could say that with how humans are, and the amazing history we've all had, that there has to be something after life. This may be true, but at the same time, who's to say there aren't other beings even more advanced than us?

 

You don't have many questions to answer, but maybe I can respond to some of them. Yes, I do believe in aliens. Maybe not in our own universe, but God has a plan to continue expanding his heavenly kingdom. There could very well be other beings who share it with him like we will too. It is of course interesting to consider that aliens could be suffering in an imperfect world the same as us but finding their own path to God.

 

 

 

Maybe we aren't meant to know the answer?

 

 

But the answer isn't supposed to be 'no'. God wants to give you an enlightened soul, but he will only answer your questions one at a time; and during a time and place of his choosing. This is the greatest struggle my own faith has suffered, but God has answered questions of mine before. I know he will continue doing so until I'm satisfied, which might be only when I'm in heaven, but I'm sure it's worth the wait.

[~Sole~ 852]

I know this is kinda off topic, but I need some advice guys. I while ago I became a Wiccan, and it was good for a while... But recently I've felt like it's just not right for me. In fact, I've been considering another religion might suit me and my lifestyle better... But I've felt like a traitor for it, like I'm some fickle child who abandons something when they have no more use for it... What do you guys think?

[Lightning Bliss 1,674]

I'm an open minded christain methodist, probably borderline non-believe.

 

I still believe in the morals of the religion and that theres an after life and a force greater then our own. But I also believe in evolution and change. Change is NOT a scary thing to me in regards to religion and seeing outside the boundaries of it. Like I understand why others are Jewish, or Buddah etc, or none believers.

 

My husband is none religious, he believes its caused nothing but devestation to humanity, and in a way he's right. Like the Crusades or this terrorist war going on right now, it all comes down to beliefs and what people think is right or wrong. His points are valid and I respect and at times agree with it.

 

But I believe in the good morals. Treat others the way you want to be treated, love your parents (if you can), keeping the hope and faith in all you do, and never give up. I've strived to do things and not leave them hanging. Some of my worst life experiences I managed to get through because I "believed" it would get better in time and something good will come my way, and it always has.

 

So thats really just me, a very open minded christian, borderline none believer who takes in all the GOOD morals about my religion but disregards the negatives, like "If you don't believe in what I blieve your going to hell" what a crock that is am I right? lol

[Krampus 197]

You know, I was about to ask if you could put up Episcopalians, but then I realized they're called Anglicans outside of America. Silly mistake.

[TurtlesForSale 128]

Christian in a sense because I believe in god and heaven and hell but everything else I believe in is all things science. Evolution is my true belief and my guilty pleasure is to watch nature documentaries which I have watched since I was young and the fact that ive always loved dinosaurs means that even from a very young age I knew a lot about science and evolution so that's what I believe in. 

*insert cute dinosaur picture here*

[GreyScholar 1,584]

To recap the results of the Big Three from greatest to least:

* We have 282 for Christianity, all denominations, and I would seriously ask consideration for there to be a consolidated total shown

* We have 268 for Atheism, even though this is actually the lack of belief or more disbelief in religion in general

* We have 126 for Agnosticism, as above but more those that neither believes nor disbelieves in a deity or deities/religion

 

On Christianity it always frustrated me on there being a division and with such the argument of who is right or who is wrong. To an outsider it shows a degree of indecisiveness and offers fuel for those that are against religion or more just Christianity. Christians need harmony and unity if they are to be taken more seriously, not bickering and infighting on who actually 'gets' God, the Bible, and how Christianity works.

 

I will say this though: out of any other I believe C. S. Lewis got it right in his book Mere Christianity and others in his religious series, held back only by his acceptance and use of the Trinity Doctrine. Seriously, for a former atheist I am in awe for just how well he presents Christianity and respect his as an expert on the subject.

 

I do wish there was more love for Taoism, though it may admittingly be more of a philosophy then a religion, as I respect the belief systems of this group. If I was not Christian I would become a Taoist in a heartbeat.

 

Buddhism and Wiccaism I also respect, though it seems only 12 for the former and 9 for the latter on this site have voted to being such.

 

Also I disagree on Wicca being any more then an earth focused religion, and though Christian I find the idea they secretly worship Satan to be stupid. I will admit, I find some of what they deal as potentially dangerous, when it comes to how some deal with spirits and other more 'occult' subjects... this being from those professing to be Wiccan. It does confuse me that many Wiccans doesn't seem to always share beliefs, or even share belief in the Goddess and her Cohort which I have originally believed all Wiccans believed in.

Edited March 2, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[RAGESTAR 479]

To recap the results of the Big Three from greatest to least:

* We have 282 for Christianity, all denominations, and I would seriously ask consideration for there to be a consolidated total shown

* We have 268 for Atheism, even though this is actually the lack of belief or more disbelief in religion in general

* We have 126 for Agnosticism, as above but more those that neither believes nor disbelieves in a deity or deities/religion

 

On Christianity it always frustrated me on there being a division and with such the argument of who is right or who is wrong. To an outsider it shows a degree of indecisiveness and offers fuel for those that are against religion or more just Christianity. Christians need harmony and unity if they are to be taken more seriously, not bickering and infighting on who actually 'gets' God, the Bible, and how Christianity works.

 

I will say this though: out of any other I believe C. S. Lewis got it right in his book Mere Christianity and others in his religious series, held back only by his acceptance and use of the Trinity Doctrine. Seriously, for a former atheist I am in awe for just how well he presents Christianity and respect his as an expert on the subject.

 

I do wish there was more love for Taoism, though it may admittingly be more of a philosophy then a religion, as I respect the belief systems of this group. If I was not Christian I would become a Taoist in a heartbeat.

 

Buddhism and Wiccaism I also respect, though it seems only 12 for the former and 9 for the latter on this site have voted to being such.

 

Also I disagree on Wicca being any more then an earth focused religion, and though Christian I find the idea they secretly worship Satan to be stupid. I will admit, I find some of what they deal as potentially dangerous, when it comes to how some deal with spirits and other more 'occult' subjects... this being from those professing to be Wiccan. It does confuse me that many Wiccans doesn't seem to always share beliefs, or even share belief in the Goddess and her Cohort which I have originally believed all Wiccans believed in.

 

Wow...I now have a lot of respect for you! You wouldn't believe how many Christians I've met or seen, that believe that Wicca totally evil and trickery of the devil! In all honesty, almost all of the Christians I've seen online and in other articles, believe every religion BUT Christianity is a trick of the devil. That includes personal experience as well, I've had at least two or three Christian's on another website try and lecture me on how all of my gods are fake and an illusion of evil, not to mention other crap...but that's not to say that I don't also know a plethora of great and understanding Christians as well. In fact, more than half of my family is Christian and even more of my friends. But I digress, again, respect to you for such understanding! /)

[~Sole~ 852]

Anyone ever heard of a lokean? It's basically a sub-religion of heathenism, and those who practice it worship loki as their patron god. Yep, you heard right. People worship the god of mischief

[GreyScholar 1,584]

@

Well I wouldn't let you go so far as to believe I don't think there is an element of deception and confusion added by Satan when it comes to religion, or by extension the truthfulness of Wiccaism. Yet following an arguably incorrect path does not equal being a follower of Satan. I have spoken with actual Satanists so I know and understand the difference between them and Wiccans.

 

I believe one can learn much from other religions, even if you may disagree with some/most of their practices or beliefs. I am... more 'open-minded' then most Christians, so much so I was willing to join a site called My Satan to learn about Satanists.

 

With such I have a thirst to learn about and understand others, especially of different faiths or beliefs as long as the one I speak with tries to insult my beliefs and I do the same there is little issue.

 

@,

That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that Loki turned bad/evil and seeks to destroy the world. The fact being while at first his mischief was harmless enough and he brought about many nice things with the problems he helped fix, counting Odin's six legged horse, he slowly moved to the point he willingly killed another god and ally himself with the enemies of the Æsir. He was punished and on being released would show how dark his heart became in what would come to be called Ragnarok, an event that would destroy the world and force it to restart with all but two killed from within Æsir... one of the two being Baldr, the one that Loki had killed.

 

I admit I do feel Loki is worthy of sympathy not hated as the bringer the end of the world.

Edited March 2, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[~Sole~ 852]

@

Well I wouldn't let you go so far as to believe I don't think there is an element of deception and confusion added by Satan when it comes to religion, or by extension the truthfulness of Wiccaism. Yet following an arguably incorrect path does not equal being a follower of Satan. I have spoken with actual Satanists so I know and understand the difference between them and Wiccans.

 

I believe one can learn much from other religions, even if you may disagree with some/most of their practices or beliefs. I am... more 'open-minded' then most Christians, so much so I was willing to join a site called My Satan to learn about Satanists.

 

With such I have a thirst to learn about and understand others, especially of different faiths or beliefs as long as the one I speak with tries to insult my beliefs and I do the same there is little issue.

 

@,

That wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for the fact that Loki turned bad/evil and seeks to destroy the world. The fact being while at first his mischief was harmless enough and he brought about many nice things with the problems he helped fix, counting Odin's six legged horse, he slowly moved to the point he willingly killed another god and ally himself with the enemies of the Æsir. He was punished and on being released would show how dark his heart became in what would come to be called Ragnarok, an event that would destroy the world and force it to restart with all but two killed from within Æsir... one of the two being Baldr, the one that Loki had killed.

 

I admit I do feel Loki is worthy of sympathy not hated as the bringer the end of the world.

not evil. If you think about Norse mythology, there isn't really a definitive good and evil, just which side your on that makes it seem so. I see loki as someone who could be good or bad depending on the circumstances. And to be fair, if you were chained up and had acid dripping on your face for thousands of years wouldn't you want some revenge?

[GreyScholar 1,584]

@
Perhaps, though the fact remains though he setup for the murder of an Æsir, and then made sure he could not be brought back to life by disguising himself as a giantess that refused to shed tears thus making the deal of "You can take him back, but all of creation must cry for him". Everything else the others could forgive but killing one of their own was unforgivable.

 

I actually have my own interpretation involving part of what happened based on the fact of reading that Hel had the equivalent of a crush on/lust for Baldr yet unless he died a dishonorable death and was sent her to realm Hel could never have him. Loki is Hel's father and I have considered that perhaps it was not just for jealousy of being ignored by Odin that the god killed Baldr, either his blood brother or son mattering the version, but also as a favor to his daughter who wanted to have the man she loved.

 

… putting aside the fact Baldr was married and his wife committed suicide when she learned that Baldr had been killed. Thus Hel really never had a chance in the first place and Loki probably knew this.

Edited March 2, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[~Sole~ 852]

@

Perhaps, though the fact remains though he setup for the murder of an Æsir, and then made sure he could not be brought back to life by disguising himself as a giantess that refused to shed tears thus making the deal of "You can take him back, but all of creation must cry for him". Everything else the others could forgive but killing one of their own was unforgivable.

 

I actually have my own interpretation involving part of what happened based on the fact of reading that Hel had the equivalent of a crush on/lust for Baldr yet unless he died a dishonorable death and was sent her to realm Hel could never have him. Loki is Hel's father and I have considered that perhaps it was not just for jealousy of being ignored by Odin that the god killed Baldr, either his blood brother or son mattering the version, but also as a favor to his daughter who wanted to have the man she loved.

 

… putting aside the fact Baldr was married and his wife committed suicide when she learned that Baldr had been killed. Thus Hel really never had a chance in the first place and Loki probably knew this.

that's a pretty good theory actually but I was just disagreeing about the evil part. Even if he's against the gods in ragnarok its only because he's siding with his birth kin. You've got to think, he is a frost giant by blood after all.

[GreyScholar 1,584]

@
Well I would argue, even considering the circumstance and the idea that the Æsir could have done something different, he I feel became evil. Excuse or otherwise the fact remains he was willing to join with the frost giants and willingly be a part of bring the end of the world: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FreudianExcuse

Edited March 2, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[~Sole~ 852]

@

Well I would argue, even considering the circumstance and the idea that the Æsir could have done something different, he I feel became evil. Excuse or otherwise the fact remains he was willing to join with the frost giants and willingly be a part of bring the end of the world: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FreudianExcuse

but he was just siding with his family. Think about it. Most of his children and his frost giant kin were against the gods, so he sided with his family in the war.

[GreyScholar 1,584]

but he was just siding with his family. Think about it. Most of his children and his frost giant kin were against the gods, so he sided with his family in the war.

Sure why not. Of any case for me Loki is my favorite of the Æsir: whether as a villain, anti-hero, or anti-villain and I honestly doesn't see a character being evil as a bad thing. For all that is good I believe there but be evil to bring it into focus and enhance. Now even I admit, when it comes to Norse and Geek Mythology the question of who is good and who is evil is not always clear. Heck Zeus was a adulterer and arguable rapist mattering if the gods really gave woman a choice in sleeping with them, Athena turned a woman into a spider simply for being better at weaving (though mattering the version is seem it was also because she used her skill to mock the gods),

 

I would though say things are a bit more clear when it comes to dividing between those that are good and those that are evil among the Æsir, for one because I don't believe I remember them killing humans for petty reasons or committed any act that could be deemed evil accept for thief, deceit, an the imprisonment of Fenrir through breaking an oath made (or arguably so, it have been shown that Týr kept his promise but in thinking the god had betrayed him bite off his hand).

Edited March 2, 2014 by EquestrianScholar

[long gone 8,929]

I have been told that my religious views are closer to agnosticism, but I haven't practiced any religions since 1997 and abandoned any remaining beliefs in 2000. Maybe I'm agnostic-atheist.

 

I dunno, me and religion has always been a rocky road. Maybe not holding any actual religious beliefs (outside of maybe parody religions, like the Cult of the Helix Fossil or Gabenism) is just best for me.

[~Sole~ 852]

Sure why not. Of any case for me Loki is my favorite of the Æsir: whether as a villain, anti-hero, or anti-villain and I honestly doesn't see a character being evil as a bad thing. For all that is good I believe there but be evil to bring it into focus and enhance. Now even I admit, when it comes to Norse and Geek Mythology the question of who is good and who is evil is not always clear. Heck Zeus was a adulterer and arguable rapist mattering if the gods really gave woman a choice in sleeping with them, Athena turned a woman into a spider simply for being better at weaving (though mattering the version is seem it was also because she used her skill to mock the gods),

 

I would though say things are a bit more clear when it comes to dividing between those that are good and those that are evil among the Æsir, for one because I don't believe I remember them killing humans for petty reasons or committed any act that could be deemed evil accept for thief, deceit, an the imprisonment of Fenrir through breaking an oath made (or arguably so, it have been shown that Týr kept his promise but in thinking the god had betrayed him bite off his hand).

in my opinion none of them are really evil, at least not fully. It depends on how you look at it. And Besides, if they wanted to prevent loki from joining/causing ragnarok they could have easily killed him or his children. But they wanted it to happen, or at least that's how it seems.

[~Sole~ 852]

 

Alright guys, I guess you'll be some of the first I tell. Recently, I've converted to heathenism. Basically the belief in old norse/Germanic polytheism, or norse gods if you will. It fits my lifestyle much better, and I feel much more true to myself now. And before anyone asks, no, rage didn't convert me

 

Could you add heathenism to the list please?

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

I will say this though: out of any other I believe C. S. Lewis got it right in his book Mere Christianity and others in his religious series, held back only by his acceptance and use of the Trinity Doctrine. Seriously, for a former atheist I am in awe for just how well he presents Christianity and respect his as an expert on the subject.

 

When reflecting on his years as an "atheist", Lewis once described his younger self as "being angry at God for not existing." To me, that's like a kid being angry at Santa for not showing up to deliver presents or coal as expected. More precisely, he wasn't angry at God for "not existing. " Rather, he was angry that God (apparently) existed differently than Lewis wanted him to exist. In this regard, he believed in God all along (though quite resentfully at first). A lot of people tout him as a "former atheist", but that strikes me as a disingenuous attempt at giving his arguments a perspective and gravity that is not warranted.

 

Nobody goes back to believing in Santa once they've come to understand it's all just wishful thinking. Similarly, an actual skeptic is equally unlikely to return to an esoteric worldview that their own reason has determined to be invalid. There are exceptions, but if you look closely, they generally involve a great deal of desperation and/or social pressure to conform.

Edited March 6, 2014 by NLR Information Minister

[Away 2,077]

I dislike the fact that atheism is listed as an option here. It's obviously not a religion. Instead, there should be an option that just says "None".

 

"Atheism is a religion like abstinence is a sex position" - Bill Maher

 

Anyways, I'm not entirely sure what to categorize myself as. I don't believe in the existence of supernatural entities, but I don't deny that it could be possible for them to exist. I don't think the supernatural is something that could ever be proved or disproved. I've been called an atheist by some and an agnostic by others.

Edited March 11, 2014 by LatinoChurro

[Envy Noson 39]

Religion: I'm an Atheist

 

Why: When I was little (9 years old) I never like to be blame for things I didn't do, when I heard "Jesus died for me" I lost my S*** I really thought someone JUST died for something I did, I stared crying and called the cops on myself because "I didn't want Batman to get me". when the cops arrives the first thing they see is a crying boy calling himself a killer and demanding to go to jail. When my mom explains why am I crying, one of the police officer informed me that Jesus has been dead for a "long long time and before I was made."

in seconds I notice all the grow up where smiling and the police officers left. I took that as an insult I thought everyone blamed me for killing a water walking zombie. after that day all the Gods including the devil (I thought the devil was an evil god) has been in my boo list (still till this day).