Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello guys and dolls.
Just curious about the religions/beliefs of our members.
Protestant Christian here.
If I have forgotten yours, tell me and I'll add it.

Pagan is close I guess as a category, but it's really more a personal mythology, and one that I've always just "known" since I was born, not something I learned or figured out. If anything, I've had to *unlearn* to get back to what I already knew.

So Faeries and Dreaming and Dove Dark Chocolate are pretty much my religion ;)

~Kate~

Quote from: Perchance on June 18, 2007, 12:39:03 PM
I'm gonna go with Other

Ditto.  Mine are somewhat based on christianity, but not completely.  It's really a mix of beliefs.

Quote from: Perchance on June 18, 2007, 12:39:03 PM
I'm gonna go with Other

Quote from: Melissa on June 18, 2007, 12:41:13 PM

Quote from: Perchance on June 18, 2007, 12:39:03 PM
I'm gonna go with Other

Ditto.  Mine are somewhat based on christianity, but not completely.  It's really a mix of beliefs.

ok. 'Other' has been added to the poll. ;)

It used to be the case that I would answer Buddhism.

Now, I'm not sure.  I don't know if I have one.

Jessica

I am a religious pluralist. My ethics and view on life is fueled by Philosophical Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and LaVeyan Satanism. Spiritually, I am a neopagan. I am a non-theist, meaning that I don't believe in a god, but I believe in spirituality.

But I do fantasize on being a Jew every once and a while.  :P

I'm sort of a chaos magician in the sense that I just use what system works best for me at that point in time.  I'm most familiar with Christianity and Buddhism though.  I was raised in an extremely fundementalist, almost radically so, childhood.  My dad and his family basically live out in the hills somewhere(I don't even know anymore) where they make their own food and stockpile weapons, keeping themselves isolated from secular society, and ready for...I don't know what.  The rapture I think.  Or zombies.  Probably zombies.

I'm sort of a discordian.  Or that's what they tell me.

I'm Evangelic; thus, voted OTHER.

It's hard to put a name to my religion, so "Other".

I tend to borrow bits and pieces from various religions( whatever suits my needs at the time), and have my own mythology to go along with it( some I thought up on my own, and the rest is based on existing mythologies).

There's no better religion than the one you come up with on your own. Otherwise your not really following your personal beliefs, just blindly following someone else's.

~Marciel

I have to say

none of the above

(including 'Other')

Quote from: None of the Above on June 18, 2007, 08:11:07 PM
I have to say

none of the above

(including 'Other')

ok, please share. :)

I couldn't find the option for Tinkerlicism so I voted Roman Catholic.  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Nero on June 18, 2007, 08:48:16 PM

Quote from: None of the Above on June 18, 2007, 08:11:07 PM
I have to say

none of the above

(including 'Other')

ok, please share. :)

Well, first this was an opportunity to make a bad joke, which I can't resist.

I have no firm belief system, I don't believe in them, yet. Which appears to be nonsense, yeah, well.
I'll grant you it's absurd, which is kind of the point....

I am studying what's called the Diamond Vehicle (Vajrayana) of Buddhism, but it would be absurd to say I practice, it's new to me. Buddhism is, to my view, a school-of-thought, rather than a Religion, anyway; the only thing I have been able to find, per 'God' in the texts (again I'm new, haven't talked much to any of their nuns or monks, ya know?) has been to deny God as we commonly know Him/Her/It; that it's all Mind, Universal Mind, which, long story short, is the one thing-in-itself, the rest is interdependent upon phemomena, which has no essence of its own.

[Buddhism is a heterodoxy of (proto-)Hinduism, which is something the Historical Buddha never quite repudiated, in the first place.]

(Then you have the whole chicken-eating dilemma in there, & ya can't go for that practice, no way no how...)

Anyway, long story short, I am extremely attracted to this non-religion, particularly as 'Belief', as is usually thought of EG: in this topic, is not believed in, in there, in any typical way.

South Park: "God is a Buddhist...*" who just doesn't go for all that stuff...

(*: only all the people in hebbin is mormons, so go figure  :o
also see; Discordianism cf. The Flying Spaghetti Monster)

nota

Quote from: Nero on June 18, 2007, 12:20:34 PM

Protestant Christian here.

same here

Other -- It is not on the books.

Any books
;)

---

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:57:33 PDT:
Just to reprise my words which are still pretty accurate really, but I seem to agree with the Gnostic view these days. Albeit, my view and understanding is still very eclectic I must admit.

I used to do discordian, then i met one. I can never be one again.

i'm an atheist.  i have to make a notation though.  atheism is neither a religion nor a belief system.

I'm an Evangelic..

I put other.

          I don't feel drawn to a particular discipline. I attend UU church, however, the UU congregation is made up of wiccans, agnostics, jews, muslims, catholics, etcetera & such.

     I am a spiritual person who believes that there is one hell of a huge spirit woven throughout the universe. It is every individuals choice in how they communicate with it, how they personify it, and how they relate with it.

     Every individual has the potential to relate to their God. Each individual is capable of discovering God within themselves. It doesn't have to be called 'God', but it absolutely cannot be called Edgar Cranberry Sparkleton Reese.

I am spiritual with the earth.  i wanna move to a place with some land and meditate out in nature, and play music.  So basically im a wood nymph as the token gay guy at my work said.....it was funneh

Quote from: Rachel on June 19, 2007, 08:33:48 PM
I am spiritual with the earth.  i wanna move to a place with some land and meditate out in nature, and play music.  So basically im a wood nymph as the token gay guy at my work said.....it was funneh

I'm sorry, Rachel, but we just don't tolerate Earth lovers here.  >:D

:D   ;)

i was friends with a nun once, does that count?

don't matter anyway, i have a get out of hell free card.

Quote from: Melissa on June 18, 2007, 12:41:13 PM

Quote from: Perchance on June 18, 2007, 12:39:03 PM
I'm gonna go with Other

Ditto.  Mine are somewhat based on christianity, but not completely.  It's really a mix of beliefs.

I decided to change my vote to agnostic.  It's similar to atheism, except it allows that there may possibly be some higher being.  That's kind of where I currently am.  Religion is just not something I have ever been able to truly buy into.

Quote from: Pica Pica on June 20, 2007, 06:07:56 PM
i was friends with a nun once, does that count?

don't matter anyway, i have a get out of hell free card.

didja paint her suit on any old boxes?

The ayes won't have it!
The naysayers have all left the building
& in this wordly realm
REDEMPTION! is free for only-the-willing...

Quote from: RebeccaFog on June 20, 2007, 08:42:40 AM

Quote from: Rachel on June 19, 2007, 08:33:48 PM
I am spiritual with the earth.  i wanna move to a place with some land and meditate out in nature, and play music.  So basically im a wood nymph as the token gay guy at my work said.....it was funneh

I'm sorry, Rachel, but we just don't tolerate Earth lovers here.  >:D

:D   ;)

-sticks her tounge out at you and sicks the earth on you-

Missing option:  I'm not anything.

No really, its possible to not be anything, including "other".

I chose Other.

I choose whatever is convenient at the time.  Sometimes I feel that I have no belief.  But them some compassionate and spiritual friend will touch me in some way.  Then my heart goes all mushy.

So, yeah... other.

Cindi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on June 23, 2007, 07:59:14 PM
I chose Other.

I choose whatever is convenient at the time.  Sometimes I feel that I have no belief.  But them some compassionate and spiritual friend will touch me in some way.  Then my heart goes all mushy.

So, yeah... other.

Cindi

But you don't need a belief to be all mushy and compassionate.  That is already your true nature.  Beliefs can get you into a mess of trouble if you don't watch it, i.e. Iraq war.

Quote from: Suzie on June 23, 2007, 09:35:12 PM

Quote from: Cindi Jones on June 23, 2007, 07:59:14 PM
I chose Other.

I choose whatever is convenient at the time.  Sometimes I feel that I have no belief.  But them some compassionate and spiritual friend will touch me in some way.  Then my heart goes all mushy.

So, yeah... other.

Cindi

But you don't need a belief to be all mushy and compassionate.  That is already your true nature.  Beliefs can get you into a mess of trouble if you don't watch it, i.e. Iraq war.

Sometimes beliefs are the only thing keeping people alive.

I know i personally treasure being connected with Mother Earth, and all the spirits that roam her

Quote from: NatalieC on June 23, 2007, 10:10:30 PM
I didnt see Satanism there so I chose other. I was brought up as a Christian and fell to the dark side as an innocent youth. Oh well....

Satanist added. Go ahead and change your vote. ;)

QuoteSometimes beliefs are the only thing keeping people alive.

I know i personally treasure being connected with Mother Earth, and all the spirits that roam her

You know, there's always the love for mother earth in my heart.  I moved to a place where I can be closer to nature and I do enjoy the wonderful life I see every day when I step through my door.  Some wild turkeys waltzed through the oak trees out front this morning.  They looked like a miniature herd of raptors migrating to more fertile feeding grounds. What a sight it was.

Cindi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on June 24, 2007, 09:34:01 AM

QuoteSometimes beliefs are the only thing keeping people alive.

I know i personally treasure being connected with Mother Earth, and all the spirits that roam her

You know, there's always the love for mother earth in my heart.  I moved to a place where I can be closer to nature and I do enjoy the wonderful life I see every day when I step through my door.  Some wild turkeys waltzed through the oak trees out front this morning.  They looked like a miniature herd of raptors migrating to more fertile feeding grounds. What a sight it was.

Cindi

I would love to live in a place like that myself, always surrounded by that kind of beauty.  I'm in a suburban area right now so connection with the nature around me is a little more limited.  I do wish my house could be surrounded by a forest.

Quote from: Cindi Jones on June 24, 2007, 09:34:01 AM

QuoteSometimes beliefs are the only thing keeping people alive.

I know i personally treasure being connected with Mother Earth, and all the spirits that roam her

You know, there's always the love for mother earth in my heart.  I moved to a place where I can be closer to nature and I do enjoy the wonderful life I see every day when I step through my door.  Some wild turkeys waltzed through the oak trees out front this morning.  They looked like a miniature herd of raptors migrating to more fertile feeding grounds. What a sight it was.

Cindi

    We have turkeys in the industrial park where I work. They do have that reptile thing going for them. We used to have a lot of deer too until Man tore down their habitat in order to make room for badly designed traffic and parking for a badly designed mall.

    I want to add that I have a new theory that monkeys evolved from God. I am starting a sect of monkey worshipers.  How many members do I need in my religion before I can get it on the list for this poll?

Quote from: Suzie on June 23, 2007, 07:46:34 PM
Missing option:  I'm not anything.

No really, its possible to not be anything, including "other".

'nothing' has been added to the poll. ;)

Quote from: RebeccaFog on June 24, 2007, 09:45:50 AM

Quote from: Cindi Jones on June 24, 2007, 09:34:01 AM

QuoteSometimes beliefs are the only thing keeping people alive.

I know i personally treasure being connected with Mother Earth, and all the spirits that roam her

You know, there's always the love for mother earth in my heart.  I moved to a place where I can be closer to nature and I do enjoy the wonderful life I see every day when I step through my door.  Some wild turkeys waltzed through the oak trees out front this morning.  They looked like a miniature herd of raptors migrating to more fertile feeding grounds. What a sight it was.

Cindi

    We have turkeys in the industrial park where I work. They do have that reptile thing going for them. We used to have a lot of deer too until Man tore down their habitat in order to make room for badly designed traffic and parking for a badly designed mall.

    I want to add that I have a new theory that monkeys evolved from God. I am starting a sect of monkey worshipers.  How many members do I need in my religion before I can get it on the list for this poll?

The Church of Simian Primates has been added for you, Rebecca ;)


In my effort to be all-inclusive, I've added many new options to the poll. If yours was missing previously, check again. You can also change your vote at any time. Thanks for taking this survey. :)

Hey I made the argument for nothing a ways back. At least now I can vote.

NONE

Quote from: None of the Above on June 24, 2007, 03:59:22 PM
Hey I made the argument for nothing a ways back. At least now I can vote.

NONE

Ok. I put your name up there. :)

thanx fer gimmying ma PROPZ  :D

Hey None,

Did you change your vote yet?

Quote from: Nero on June 24, 2007, 01:07:49 PM

Quote from: Suzie on June 23, 2007, 07:46:34 PM
Missing option:  I'm not anything.

No really, its possible to not be anything, including "other".

'nothing' has been added to the poll. ;)

Thanks Nero!  But, just to clarify, I'm not advocating nihilism.  Because to believe in nihilism is to actually believe in "something".

xo,
Suzie

p.s. reminds me of The Big Lebowski:  Ve believe in nussing Lebowski!

Woody Guthrie, when asked to state which religion he was on a form, wrote all. They said he couldn't do that, so he wrote none. All or none pretty much works for me. I was born Jewish, became atheist at age 12, and agnostic a few years later. I've always been spiritual and have visited or practiced various other religions such as pagan, sufi, buddhist, UU, etc. over the years. So I guess I'm an agnostic Jewish pagan buddhist with UU leanings  ;D

zythyra

Quote from: zythyra on June 24, 2007, 08:07:25 PM
Woody Guthrie, when asked to state which religion he was on a form, wrote all. They said he couldn't do that, so he wrote none. All or none pretty much works for me. I was born Jewish, became atheist at age 12, and agnostic a few years later. I've always been spiritual and have visited or practiced various other religions such as pagan, sufi, buddhist, UU, etc. over the years. So I guess I'm an agnostic Jewish pagan buddhist with UU leanings  ;D

zythyra

So, you dare to belittle us simian worshipers by ignoring our religion, eh?   >:D


* on a happy note, I'm proud to announce that 7.7% of all voters are of the Church of Simian Primates. Soon we will become the predominant religion on these boards at which point, we will disband and all go home.

I changed my vote from satanist to tree hugger. But only because there is no religion for the Force noted. Star Wars has nothing to do with it. The concept of the Force is taken from ancient Mythology. And precedes George Lucas's notion of it by thousands of years. Anyway when studying the Force one must understand its true nature. That being Nature itself. Thats why Yoda moved to Dagobah. Nothing but Nature there. This planet used to be strong in the Force but we are raping her for her resources without putting back what we take. So yeah Im a Tree Hugger and proud of it. Anything that is wild has my blessing. I relate to Satan and the Serpent though. Individuals who have given us a lot of insight and knowledge that keep us aware of our surroundings. Not following a mean God that is above and beyond everything and therefor has no influence over this realm. Sorry but Christians and other God fearing religions have fooled themselves for long enough. You dont know the power of the dark side! Ha Ha

Quote from: NatalieCarole on June 25, 2007, 02:12:38 AM
I changed my vote from satanist to tree hugger. But only because there is no religion for the Force noted. Star Wars has nothing to do with it. The concept of the Force is taken from ancient Mythology. And precedes George Lucas's notion of it by thousands of years. Anyway when studying the Force one must understand its true nature. That being Nature itself. Thats why Yoda moved to Dagobah. Nothing but Nature there. This planet used to be strong in the Force but we are raping her for her resources without putting back what we take. So yeah Im a Tree Hugger and proud of it. Anything that is wild has my blessing. I relate to Satan and the Serpent though. Individuals who have given us a lot of insight and knowledge that keep us aware of our surroundings. Not following a mean God that is above and beyond everything and therefor has no influence over this realm. Sorry but Christians and other God fearing religions have fooled themselves for long enough. You dont know the power of the dark side! Ha Ha

   Since God evolved into monkeys, God is closer to trees than ever also. We simian worshipers approve of your tree hugging ways, just don't desecrate the tree while you're hugging it.

:angel:

Quote from: RebeccaFog on June 25, 2007, 07:25:08 AM

Quote from: NatalieCarole on June 25, 2007, 02:12:38 AM
I changed my vote from satanist to tree hugger. But only because there is no religion for the Force noted. Star Wars has nothing to do with it. The concept of the Force is taken from ancient Mythology. And precedes George Lucas's notion of it by thousands of years. Anyway when studying the Force one must understand its true nature. That being Nature itself. Thats why Yoda moved to Dagobah. Nothing but Nature there. This planet used to be strong in the Force but we are raping her for her resources without putting back what we take. So yeah Im a Tree Hugger and proud of it. Anything that is wild has my blessing. I relate to Satan and the Serpent though. Individuals who have given us a lot of insight and knowledge that keep us aware of our surroundings. Not following a mean God that is above and beyond everything and therefor has no influence over this realm. Sorry but Christians and other God fearing religions have fooled themselves for long enough. You dont know the power of the dark side! Ha Ha

   Since God evolved into monkeys, God is closer to trees than ever also. We simian worshipers approve of your tree hugging ways, just don't desecrate the tree while you're hugging it.

:angel:

I wouldnt dare!

I believe God/god is in the six cosmological constants Astronomer Royal Martin Rees described in his book "Just Six Numbers".  If any of the numbers were changed by a fraction, we, or any life for that matter, would not arise to contemplate His/his(her) handiwork.

I believe that God/god is in the interactions of the six 'flavors' of quarks (Quick!  can anybody name the six flavors?)

I believe that God/god is on everybody's side, both individually and collectively -- NO!  He/(s)he isn't on our side, but BY our side.

But I've seen so many people and religions trying to capture and bottle 'God' for their own selfish purposes that I could only choose [other]... preferring to keep my spirituality personal.  I'll continue to enJOY my spiritual relationship with the force of the universe...

Karen

Quote from: Karen on June 25, 2007, 07:57:58 PM
I believe that God/god is in the interactions of the six 'flavors' of quarks (Quick!  can anybody name the six flavors?)

You mean besides the one with the little stature, big ears, and giant ego?

:: hides :: (waits to get rescued by other trekkers)

Quote from: David W. Shelton on June 25, 2007, 11:31:31 PM

Quote from: Karen on June 25, 2007, 07:57:58 PM
I believe that God/god is in the interactions of the six 'flavors' of quarks (Quick!  can anybody name the six flavors?)

You mean besides the one with the little stature, big ears, and giant ego?

:: hides :: (waits to get rescued by other trekkers)

Oh thats funny! Dont worry we are on our way at maximum warp! LOL

Quote from: Karen on June 25, 2007, 07:57:58 PM
I believe God/god is in the six cosmological constants Astronomer Royal Martin Rees described in his book "Just Six Numbers".  If any of the numbers were change by a fraction, we, or any life for that matter, would not arise to contemplate His/his(her) handiwork.

I believe that God/god is in the interactions of the six 'flavors' of quarks (Quick!  can anybody name the six flavors?)

I believe that God/god is on everybody's side, both individually and collectively -- NO!  He/(s)he isn't on our side, but BY our side.

But I've seen so many people and religions trying to capture and bottle 'God' for their own selfish purposes that I could only choose [other]... preferring to keep my spirituality personal.  I'll continue to enJOY my spiritual relationship with the force of the universe...

Karen

Karen, that's just beautiful. :)

Thank you, Nero!  :icon_redface:

Quarks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quark)' Flavors: Up, Down, Top, Bottom, Charmed, Strange.

But, y'all knew that, dint'cha?

Karen

P.S., David, a former co-worker (and still friend) of mine is such a trekker that she took the name Katra!

Atheist, though I believe that Jesus was a real and very wise person; just not who the bible makes him out to be.

my mom is Christian, and my father is Jewish.  They ended up sending me to sunday school at the synagogue but by second grade I decided organized religion wasn't for me.  although cartoons may or may not have influenced that decision.

now I'm kind of an agnostic.

Thanks for reminding me that this thread is here.

God, the Primate, speaking through me, has decreed that you all have a very nice day.


Eekmen


   What's the deal? I think someone admitted to being a necrophiliac in another thread, but nobody will admit to being a satanist?  I'd rather hang out with Satan than a corpse any day.
    My Primate God agrees.

Quote from: Tink on June 18, 2007, 09:10:22 PM
I couldn't find the option for Tinkerlicism so I voted Roman Catholic.  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

After some deep soul searching...agnostic!

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Tink on July 09, 2007, 07:42:34 PM

Quote from: Tink on June 18, 2007, 09:10:22 PM
I couldn't find the option for Tinkerlicism so I voted Roman Catholic.  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

After some deep soul searching...agnostic!

tink :icon_chick:

Wow, Tink, that's a pretty big move. I know how important your religion has been to you.  Are you okay with that?

I knew you'd come out of the closet one day Tink!

<Cindi smiles.... and you know why>

Cindi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on July 09, 2007, 08:03:50 PM
I knew you'd come out of the closet one day Tink!

<Cindi smiles.... and you know why>

Cindi

   Actually, Cindi, that makes a good question.  How does it feel publicly announcing something of this nature? Is it the same feeling of relief as when we "come out" about our natures? or, is it different, more like saying the Easter Bunny doesn't exist?

wait, the easter bunny doesn't exist?

Quote from: Kat on July 09, 2007, 08:13:48 PM
wait, the easter bunny doesn't exist?

Oh no. The Easter bunny does exist. I was just making believe there's no Easter bunny in order to make my point.  I'm sorry, I should have thought of a better example.

[wipes the sweat off of her forehead]  :angel:

whew, you had me worried for a second there.

Atheist

I am a Christian.

Romans 16:16

Im a Jedi! Like my father before me!

Oh wait! That wasnt me it was Luke Skywalker.

Quote from: Natalie Carole on July 09, 2007, 10:21:08 PM
Im a Jedi! Like my father before me!

Oh wait! That wasnt me it was Luke Skywalker.

Hmmmm....I forgot something: I'm a devout Pedestrian, too.

I can 'walk the walk'. :-\ >:D :police: :angel: ::) ??? ;D :( :o :) :)

Quote from: RebeccaFog on July 09, 2007, 08:10:54 PM

Quote from: Cindi Jones on July 09, 2007, 08:03:50 PM
I knew you'd come out of the closet one day Tink!

<Cindi smiles.... and you know why>

Cindi

   Actually, Cindi, that makes a good question.  How does it feel publicly announcing something of this nature? Is it the same feeling of relief as when we "come out" about our natures? or, is it different, more like saying the Easter Bunny doesn't exist?

It is finally admitting to yourself that you alone have control over your own destiny. It is a feeling of empowerment and relief.  It is an acknowledgment that your parents or teachers may not have had all the facts when they drilled those beliefs into your young impressionable mind.The guilt is washed away and your mind free to think about that new purse you want.  Seriously.

I know..... been there... done that.  It's not a complete denial of your beliefs necessarily.

Cindi

Quote from: RebeccaFog on July 09, 2007, 07:23:46 PM
   What's the deal? I think someone admitted to being a necrophiliac in another thread, but nobody will admit to being a satanist?  I'd rather hang out with Satan than a corpse any day.
    My Primate God agrees.

lol actually we apparently have 2 resident necrophiliacs. one identified themself, still curious as to who the other one is.

I can't answer really.

My beliefs are constantly evolving.

The biggest problem I have is identifing exactly WHY I believe certain things.

Once I begin to analyze why I believe a certain thing and then place that belief in the larger context of the rest of my understanding of the world, some of my beliefs are really quite silly.

So I revaluate that belief.

The problem is, there are so many beliefs that I have that I can't even truely identify because they are very deeply rooted.

It's like, at a certain point, the only thing I can say with any certaintly is "I believe I exist" but even that is rooted in the belief that existance is possible and we're not some dream or simulation of some other entity.
Even taking that would require the belief that it is possible that another entity can exist.

and around and around and around I go.

Therefore, I can't really say anything with any absolute certainty, other than, "I do not like this state of being"

Jessica

Yep, I'm sticking with the nothing religion.

It's hard to take that away from a person.

NOTA

Quote from: None of the Above on July 10, 2007, 05:27:57 PM
Yep, I'm sticking with the nothing religion.

It's hard to take that away from a person.

NOTA

Au contraire, Mon Capitain.
My Legions of Ape Gods are now working on how best to achieve that exact goal.

Signed,
Q

 Yeah, and what are they gonna do, reduce me to imaginary numbers?

Been there. done that. own the t-shirt.

'realizes that imaginary guitar notes and imaginary vocals exist only in the
imagination of the imaginer

and ultimately, who gives a  :o  anyway?'

Quote from: None of the Above on July 10, 2007, 05:46:04 PM
Yeah, and what are they gonna do, reduce me to imaginary numbers?

Been there. done that. own the t-shirt.

'realizes that imaginary guitar notes and imaginary vocals exist only in the
imagination of the imaginer

and ultimately, who gives a  :o  anyway?'

As a matter of fact, we intend to organize this religion/belief of Nothing. Once anything becomes organized, it can then be destroyed!!! Ha HA HA HA Ha Ha HA

   I will begin by asking right here - How many of you people reading this want to become believers of Nothing? Raise your hands and don't be scared. Nothing will hurt you. I mean, Nothing will NOT hurt you.  Join me.

  Zaius & the LawGiver call upon you now.

True believers in Nothing Whatsoever will never go for any Law Giver option, so, good luck with that, o primary slingers of fecal something-or-other.

It is only I/not-I who is fit to rule over nothing. Get used to it.

NOTA



Posted on: July 10, 2007, 03:58:03 PM

---

Quote from: Jessica on July 10, 2007, 04:56:21 PM
I can't answer really.

other than, "I do not like this state of being"

Jessica

That's why I keep telling you, go for the state of non-being.
"You betta off"

none

Quote from: Tink on July 09, 2007, 07:59:40 PM

Quote from: RebeccaFog on July 09, 2007, 07:44:45 PM

Quote from: Tink on July 09, 2007, 07:42:34 PM

Quote from: Tink on June 18, 2007, 09:10:22 PM
I couldn't find the option for Tinkerlicism so I voted Roman Catholic.  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

After some deep soul searching...agnostic!

tink :icon_chick:

Wow, Tink, that's a pretty big move. I know how important your religion has been to you.  Are you okay with that?

Actually this is not something that just happened.  It has been happening since probably two years ago.  I guess I just didn't want to accept what I already knew.  But you know what puzzles me?  that someone else here mentioned "my religion" and how a "Devout Christian" I was.  It really surprises me because no one here knows me too well to make such claims.  I may post here every day but I can assure you that no one knows how I feel about certain things (i.e. religion) If I remember correctly, I have always said that I grew up in a very strict Catholic household.  I was taught to attend church and pray every day.  In other words, I was programmed to do such things.  So it really bothers me when someone who doesn't know me at all makes an assumption about my person and/or my beliefs and has the audacity to post "their opinion" on a public forum.

I guess it is about time that I come clear so that such incidents don't repeat themselves again.  I have never believed.  I wanted to but I never did/could.  The fact of the matter is that I need concrete proof to believe, and there isn't any.  This is why I consider myself agnostic.

tink :icon_chick:

That's exactly what I've gone through and why I changed my answer to agnostic (see a couple pages back).  I didn't know what I was and I had done some soul searching lately and decided that the religion I was brought up as is fake.  I found the website godisimaginary.com to be very informative and does a very good job analyzing Christianity to sort things out and put together the things you are told to show how it all conflicts.  Basically, it just uses the bible to disprove Christianity.

However, I still can't give up the notion that there IS some higher power.  There's just too many unexplained things.  So, I'm not atheist, I'm agnostic.

I am agnostic.

Thank you for reminding me, Melissa.  I have just changed my vote as well.
From whatever I voted the first time to agnostic.

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Melissa on July 10, 2007, 06:06:29 PM
However, I still can't give up the notion that there IS some higher power.  There's just too many unexplained things.  So, I'm not atheist, I'm agnostic.

Exactly, I believe in a God or gods of some sort, I just don't believe having a religion based around them is necessary.

Religion was created by the Sith to supress, distract and mislead the Human races of the Earth. While the humans are in confusion the Sith have seezed control and dare not relinquish it. The Serpent has given us the knowlege of the light and dark side of the force as to maintain a broader perspective. The Jedi insist more civilised times are on the way.
Through the Force we can see everything and we know there is no God but only those who have returned from the netherworld of the force and spoke to Humans throughout history. These beings have tricked petty human minds for thousands of years into thinking that they are speaking to Gods and have also given them hope and power above other species on this planet. The result being the Bible, Koran and Bhuddist scriptures as well as other writings on the wall or caves! This all correct in its essence but has been misintepreted by history throughout the ages. Herstory In Wicca is much more "in tune" with this essence.
This Earth is your God. She is what gives you life. She is what gives you hope. She is what gives you food and water and all the blessings of life. Through the Force she see's and is aware and has perception beyond any Human. So give her some respect! Stop looking for what is right in front of you all the time.
I feel sorry that we as a species have distracted ourselves through schizophrenic notions and values of organized religions leading us to destruction of free thought and true freedom in our actions. Suppression, opression and extinction of the species will be the end result of this dark path.
Lets just hope the intelligent among us put our energy into healing these wounds and the Earth and all other species that dwell here among us.
Then we will have Peace!

Quote from: Tink on July 09, 2007, 07:59:40 PM
that someone else here mentioned "my religion" and how a "Devout Christian" I was.  It really surprises me because no one here knows me too well to make such claims.

i hear ya  ::)  make a thread & everyone thinks they really know you. tsk tsk tsk

Quote from: Tink on July 09, 2007, 07:59:40 PM

I have never believed.  I wanted to but I never did/could.  The fact of the matter is that I need concrete proof to believe, and there isn't any.  This is why I consider myself agnostic.

tink :icon_chick:

you know you're going to hell, don't cha darling?  ;)

I was surprised Unitarian Universalist isn't an option... that's what I am. :) An atheistic UU, but I really enjoy studying religions and meditation techniques. I borrow a lot from Buddhist and Taoist teachings.

Quote from: Tink on July 09, 2007, 07:59:40 PM

Actually this is not something that just happened.  It has been happening since probably two years ago.  I guess I just didn't want to accept what I already knew.  But you know what puzzles me?  that someone else here mentioned "my religion" and how a "Devout Christian" I was.  It really surprises me because no one here knows me too well to make such claims.  I may post here every day but I can assure you that no one knows how I feel about certain things (i.e. religion) If I remember correctly, I have always said that I grew up in a very strict Catholic household.  I was taught to attend church and pray every day.  In other words, I was programmed to do such things.  So it really bothers me when someone who doesn't know me at all makes an assumption about my person and/or my beliefs and has the audacity to post "their opinion" on a public forum.


tink :icon_chick:

Tink,

If I may be so bold...

What I have learned over the past 3.7 billion years is that, in general, agnostics and athiests tend to lead what would be called very christian lives.

Chaunte

(I hope you realize that I say this as a compliment!)

Quote from: Jaymes on July 12, 2007, 12:33:45 PM
I was surprised Unitarian Universalist isn't an option... that's what I am. :) An atheistic UU, but I really enjoy studying religions and meditation techniques. I borrow a lot from Buddhist and Taoist teachings.

because I'd never heard of such before now. Ok, there you go. Check your circle. :)

Quote from: Nero on July 12, 2007, 07:18:10 PM

Quote from: Jaymes on July 12, 2007, 12:33:45 PM
I was surprised Unitarian Universalist isn't an option... that's what I am. :) An atheistic UU, but I really enjoy studying religions and meditation techniques. I borrow a lot from Buddhist and Taoist teachings.

because I'd never heard of such before now. Ok, there you go. Check your circle. :)

Curse you both.  I'm in a UU church too, but I will not denounce my simian creators!

---

   I should mention for those of you who are unfamiliar with the UU church, we accept people of all faiths & people of no faiths.  Seriously.
   The Parish I attend performs gay weddings. We have open GLBT members.

I do not see the world like most humans do, so my religious beliefs are probably too wacky to discuss here.....

Quote from: Aeyra on July 15, 2007, 11:46:50 PM
I do not see the world like most humans do, so my religious beliefs are probably too wacky to discuss here.....

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, Aeyra.  Well, I am not human!  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Tink on July 16, 2007, 09:14:49 PM

Quote from: Aeyra on July 15, 2007, 11:46:50 PM
I do not see the world like most humans do, so my religious beliefs are probably too wacky to discuss here.....

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, Aeyra.  Well, I am not human!  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

She is a fairy, which means she is like 4 inches tall -giggles-

and there is no such thing as too wacky, i'm curious, tell us.

and apparently, according to a gay friend of mine, that i'm a wood nymph.  this is because I use music and the earth as my spirituality, so he made a joke about it. i found it funny considering he doesn't know i'm trans.

Well, I'll do my best to explain them here.

Religiously, I believe that something what many of you call God (YHWH, G-d, etc) created this universe billions of years ago. What God is, I don't know. I don't assume that God is supernatural at all even though it is certainly much higher on the food chain than anything on this Earth. It is likely that the universe is an artificial creation versus something naturally made, and my honest opinion is that God is some type of lifeform that has the capacity to basically create universes.

I do believe that the Exodusian Commandments (a.k.a. the Ten Commandments) are the only valid part of the Bible/Torah. While I don't consider them to be absolute, I do think that any nation that follows them will be better off in the long run. It is likely that whoever wrote that part of those writings understood how humans thought, literally millennia before modern psychology came into practice. Jesus in my opinion was no more than a human but he probably was a master psychologist. He knew how the human mind worked, and while he wasn't perfect, he certainly was light years ahead of everyone else at the time. The rest of the religious writings are too conflicted and unclear as to what they are saying for me to follow them.

Good and evil are real, but I see them as a part of the universe, not necessarily eminating from some entity. I believe that angels and demons and such can exist, but they aren't supernatural. They are merely some type of non-corporeal lifeform that co-exists with biological life on Earth. CAn they be good or evil? Certainly. While I do not believe in life after death, it is possible that some of these lifeforms can imitate people that we know.

Does God intervene in Earthly affairs? Not likely. I would think that "God" would have more important things to chase after rather than our Earth (very small in the scale of the universe). Salvation is a matter of personal responsability, not supernatural intervention. Is there real evil on the Earth? Very much so.

My religion is fragmented.

In one hand I am sorta a Sceptic almost Atheist,

But its more like Zen Bhudhist, though I have never worshipped in that manner though I have visited some temples. I take some of the beliefs about pain and detachment. So I checked Bhuddhism.

I am also Humanist in that I believe in some of their goals.

And I also place a lot of reality based on science, psychology, and sociology, but thats not really a religion.

Quote from: Aeyra on July 18, 2007, 11:46:16 AM
Well, I'll do my best to explain them here.

Religiously, I believe that something what many of you call God (YHWH, G-d, etc) created this universe billions of years ago. What God is, I don't know. I don't assume that God is supernatural at all even though it is certainly much higher on the food chain than anything on this Earth. It is likely that the universe is an artificial creation versus something naturally made, and my honest opinion is that God is some type of lifeform that has the capacity to basically create universes.

I do believe that the Exodusian Commandments (a.k.a. the Ten Commandments) are the only valid part of the Bible/Torah. While I don't consider them to be absolute, I do think that any nation that follows them will be better off in the long run. It is likely that whoever wrote that part of those writings understood how humans thought, literally millennia before modern psychology came into practice. Jesus in my opinion was no more than a human but he probably was a master psychologist. He knew how the human mind worked, and while he wasn't perfect, he certainly was light years ahead of everyone else at the time. The rest of the religious writings are too conflicted and unclear as to what they are saying for me to follow them.

Good and evil are real, but I see them as a part of the universe, not necessarily eminating from some entity. I believe that angels and demons and such can exist, but they aren't supernatural. They are merely some type of non-corporeal lifeform that co-exists with biological life on Earth. CAn they be good or evil? Certainly. While I do not believe in life after death, it is possible that some of these lifeforms can imitate people that we know.

Does God intervene in Earthly affairs? Not likely. I would think that "God" would have more important things to chase after rather than our Earth (very small in the scale of the universe). Salvation is a matter of personal responsability, not supernatural intervention. Is there real evil on the Earth? Very much so.

Thats not wacky at all, its like superscience and christianity mixed together in a weird way.  Kinda cool in a way.

It sounds very Buddhist, I have to say it.

for me I guess it varies on my mood.(sometimes I'm thinking god does not exist, others I'm thinking I don't give a crud whether god exists or not theres no way to prove either way so I'm staying out of it)
but overall I'm in between agnostic and atheist.
but either way I'm not getting involved in religion.

Quote from: Aeyra on July 18, 2007, 11:46:16 AM
Well, I'll do my best to explain them here.

Religiously, I believe that something what many of you call God (YHWH, G-d, etc) created this universe billions of years ago. What God is, I don't know. I don't assume that God is supernatural at all even though it is certainly much higher on the food chain than anything on this Earth. It is likely that the universe is an artificial creation versus something naturally made, and my honest opinion is that God is some type of lifeform that has the capacity to basically create universes.

I do believe that the Exodusian Commandments (a.k.a. the Ten Commandments) are the only valid part of the Bible/Torah. While I don't consider them to be absolute, I do think that any nation that follows them will be better off in the long run. It is likely that whoever wrote that part of those writings understood how humans thought, literally millennia before modern psychology came into practice. Jesus in my opinion was no more than a human but he probably was a master psychologist. He knew how the human mind worked, and while he wasn't perfect, he certainly was light years ahead of everyone else at the time. The rest of the religious writings are too conflicted and unclear as to what they are saying for me to follow them.

Good and evil are real, but I see them as a part of the universe, not necessarily eminating from some entity. I believe that angels and demons and such can exist, but they aren't supernatural. They are merely some type of non-corporeal lifeform that co-exists with biological life on Earth. CAn they be good or evil? Certainly. While I do not believe in life after death, it is possible that some of these lifeforms can imitate people that we know.

Does God intervene in Earthly affairs? Not likely. I would think that "God" would have more important things to chase after rather than our Earth (very small in the scale of the universe). Salvation is a matter of personal responsability, not supernatural intervention. Is there real evil on the Earth? Very much so.

What is so weird about this?  I like how you think, but again I'm not human. ;)  Thank you for taking the time to explain, Aeyra.

Rachael, I'm a bit taller than four inches but I do have blonde hair and magical powers and a cranky attitude (sometimes) LOL  ;D

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: xeno on July 21, 2007, 12:47:29 AM
for me I guess it varies on my mood.(sometimes I'm thinking god does not exist, others I'm thinking I don't give a crud whether god exists or not theres no way to prove either way so I'm staying out of it)
but overall I'm in between agnostic and atheist.
but either way I'm not getting involved in religion.

   It's quite odd that you should say this because it's almost exactly what God was telling me about you the other day.  Hmmmmm.   ::)


                ;)  I'm only kidding and I mean no offense.  :)

Rebis

Quote from: Rebis on July 21, 2007, 03:35:22 PM

Quote from: xeno on July 21, 2007, 12:47:29 AM
...but either way I'm not getting involved in religion.

It's quite odd that you should say this because it's almost exactly what God was telling me about you the other day.  Hmmmmm.   ::)

That's right, you heard right, I am so not interested in getting involved. With any of youse lot. Get over yourselves.

GOD

I'm an atheist.

I was formerly a Christian, but that was only because I was raised as one.

Quote from: Aeyra on July 18, 2007, 11:46:16 AM
Well, I'll do my best to explain them here.

Religiously, I believe that something what many of you call God (YHWH, G-d, etc) created this universe billions of years ago. What God is, I don't know. I don't assume that God is supernatural at all even though it is certainly much higher on the food chain than anything on this Earth. It is likely that the universe is an artificial creation versus something naturally made, and my honest opinion is that God is some type of lifeform that has the capacity to basically create universes.

I do believe that the Exodusian Commandments (a.k.a. the Ten Commandments) are the only valid part of the Bible/Torah. While I don't consider them to be absolute, I do think that any nation that follows them will be better off in the long run. It is likely that whoever wrote that part of those writings understood how humans thought, literally millennia before modern psychology came into practice. Jesus in my opinion was no more than a human but he probably was a master psychologist. He knew how the human mind worked, and while he wasn't perfect, he certainly was light years ahead of everyone else at the time. The rest of the religious writings are too conflicted and unclear as to what they are saying for me to follow them.

Good and evil are real, but I see them as a part of the universe, not necessarily eminating from some entity. I believe that angels and demons and such can exist, but they aren't supernatural. They are merely some type of non-corporeal lifeform that co-exists with biological life on Earth. CAn they be good or evil? Certainly. While I do not believe in life after death, it is possible that some of these lifeforms can imitate people that we know.

Does God intervene in Earthly affairs? Not likely. I would think that "God" would have more important things to chase after rather than our Earth (very small in the scale of the universe). Salvation is a matter of personal responsability, not supernatural intervention. Is there real evil on the Earth? Very much so.

Well Aeyra, FWIW, that basically makes you a deist with an agnostic slant.

Kristi

Technically I'm a chaote.  Or chaos mage, as the kids like to call it.

But really, I prefer the term True Pragmatist.

Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted

As far as religious affiliation, Buddhist.  I suppose that stems from my sporadic yearning for profound awareness.  I think I actually experienced it once - for about five seconds, maybe. ;)

-Celia

I wasn't wearing a watch, I was in the bath.  ;)

It was in the kitchen, I think - between a sip of coffee and a bite of sandwich, if I remember correctly. ;D

-Celia

Atheist, unless you can actually prove it to me then... I am not going to believe anything. I believe in facts.

Quote from: Jaston on July 30, 2007, 06:55:49 AM
Atheist, unless you can actually prove it to me then... I am not going to believe anything. I believe in facts.

Facts are merely opinions which the majority have agreed upon.

""Facts are merely opinions which the majority have agreed upon.""

Very true.

Quote from: Aeyra on July 31, 2007, 04:13:14 PM
""Facts are merely opinions which the majority have agreed upon.""

Very true.

not really. a fact needs an ontological basis, it needs to correspond to something that is or that has happened. that's why there aren't as many facts as are commonly assumed.


I believe that the universe has been going for a fair while and has got pretty complicated seeming

I don't believe in a higher power.  I think that classifies me as Atheist.

I am an athiest, have trouble believing religion.

Quote from: CrazyDiam0nd on August 05, 2007, 02:47:46 PM
I am an athiest, have trouble believing religion.

Have you tried Flying Spaghetti Monsterism?  I hear it has a lot of former atheists.

Quote from: VeryGnawty on August 05, 2007, 10:11:02 PM

Quote from: CrazyDiam0nd on August 05, 2007, 02:47:46 PM
I am an athiest, have trouble believing religion.

Have you tried Flying Spaghetti Monsterism?  I hear it has a lot of former atheists.

I heard that sect broke up after the atheists ate their deity.   ;D

Posted on: August 05, 2007, 10:27:26 PM

---

Hi,

   I understand that this thread has seen better days.  The early days of a thread such as this tend to be the bees knees.

  I am writing this epistle in order to announce that the Church of Simian Primates is accepting new members.

  Are you an atheist? Well, you are not going hell.  You are not going anywhere, in fact.  So, Join us, the Church of Simian Primates.  We don't believe in hell, but we'll do our best to make you feel that you are there.  ;)

  Are you of any other faith?  Well, we offer you a chance to renounce your God or Gods, or nature, or Universe, or belt buckle, or whatever it is that you worship.  In the Church of Simian Primates, we worship nothing.  We are only interesting in Being, and of course, we do follow The LawGiver.  However, the LawGiver is very generous and pays 1 whole dollar above minimum.

   So, please, change your vote. You know you want to.

Quote from: Rebis on August 05, 2007, 10:35:42 PM
I heard that sect broke up after the atheists ate their deity.

A common misconception.  The eating of spaghetti is actually a holy symbol.  But it has to be done in the traditional style, and one must be wearing a full pirate costume.  In fact, here is an avatar of the holy creator:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.venganza.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2007%2F07%2Ffsmvegan.jpg&hash=f00531be9c5732b3e7b725aae5de4e73bdd60fa4)

Besides, it can't be dead.  They are apparently still selling T-Shirts (http://www.venganza.org/).

The flying spaghetti monster scares me.   :'(

I keep thinking it's going to grab me and eat me.   :'(

Quote from: Rebis on August 07, 2007, 08:54:18 AM

The flying spaghetti monster scares me.   :'(

I keep thinking it's going to grab me and eat me.   :'(

Quote from: Rebis on August 05, 2007, 10:35:42 PM
   Are you of any other faith?  Well, we offer you a chance to renounce your God or Gods, or nature, or Universe, or belt buckle, or whatever it is that you worship.  In the Church of Simian Primates, we worship nothing.  We are only interesting in Being, and of course, we do follow The LawGiver.  However, the LawGiver is very generous and pays 1 whole dollar above minimum.

   So, please, change your vote. You know you want to.

Well, as anyone can plainly see, my religion, which is the One True Nothingness, has already eaten and digested (and is preparing to evacuate) yours.  :D

None

Quote from: None of the Above on August 10, 2007, 10:54:12 AM
Well, as anyone can plainly see, my religion, which is the One True Nothingness, has already eaten and digested (and is preparing to evacuate) yours.  :D

None

Is there an alternative plan such as following the One False Nothingness?
If so, do you have an available brochure?

We got nothing for ya. As promised in the non-brochure.

i signed up with the simians

Quote from: Pica Pica on August 10, 2007, 03:46:06 PM
i signed up with the simians

That's right!

Pica Pica joined the church of the Simian Primates and is now spending a month in Spain!

You too can win great prizes and live exciting adventures!  Join Us.

Be a Simian!

(a fortnight. Turned out you couldn´t have the full month without making a donation twice as large, but still....)

Thank you church of the simian primate

I am a Soto Zen Buddhist.

None of the above no beliefs without proof, experience and results, and then it will change with new evidence. Probability.

I chose wiccan as its closest to how I feel

something I can almost fit in with

i guess i'd have to say Taoist. it's the only creed i agree with in almost every aspect.

but i follow many different schools of thought.

i love the writings of Vivekananda.

i like much thought that is Buddhist, and also American Transcendentalism (esp. Thoreau)

i love the Roman philosophers. i learned alot from The Book of the Samurai.

and though people usually regard me as unreligious, i have alot of articles of faith.

-ellie

Discordian maybe?

atheist.

I selected "other" for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church

We have Quakers here at the Blue Mountains.  They are peaceful and very humble.  I like the sound of teachings, might join if they'll have me.  ;D


But I am actually a Roman Catholic.  :angel:

Quote from: buttercup on February 17, 2008, 11:46:41 PM
We have Quakers here at the Blue Mountains.  They are peaceful and very humble.  I like the sound of teachings, might join if they'll have me.  ;D


But I am actually a Roman Catholic.  :angel:

Quakers are peaceful unless you mess with their oatmeal.   >:(

Quote from: SarahFaceDoom on February 17, 2008, 05:46:26 PM
Discordian maybe?

Abstract?

I voted Roman Catholic because I the traditions of the church (rosary, veneration of saints, going to mass, etc) are part of how I was raised, and therefore part of me.  Even though I have SERIOUS issues with the church and the church has SERIOUS issues with me (being transgendered) I choose to worship in the way I was brought up, and ignore the churches shortcomings. I am open to the ideas of other religions though, and honestly my views on the nature of Christ are probably heretical in the eyes of the Catholic Church, but I'll remain Catholic unless they decide to excommunicate me.

Quote from: ell on February 17, 2008, 04:05:44 PM
also American Transcendentalism (esp. Thoreau)

Yes.

Thoreau was a genius  :icon_yes:

Raised as a hard-shell Baptist, where such things as drinking and dancing are frowned upon.

Have evolved into someone who sees hints of a 'supreme being' in lots of things, so I can get along with most religions.

Im Jewish, have been since birth, probably always will be, no overpowering direction to my life because of my faith, more a guiding light.
R >:D

I'm blessed to call Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I'm a Christian, but felt a bit odd about labelling myself as either protestant or catholic in the poll, so I chose 'other'.
I sometimes think the Christian church spends too much time arguing between denominations. If you believe that Jesus died for your sins, as was resurrected and alive today, that's what it means to be a Christian IMHO.  ;D


Posted on: February 29, 2008, 12:44:08 AM

---

Quote from: Jay on July 30, 2007, 06:55:49 AM
Atheist, unless you can actually prove it to me then... I am not going to believe anything. I believe in facts.

Said with love: "Christian, unless you can actually prove it to me". Seriously though, I'm not sure I have enough faith to be atheist, though I deeply respect people who examine their beliefs. Many of the most interesting conversations I've had about religion have been with atheists.

Hugs
Vanessa

Faith is stronger than fact. Without faith, belief that tomorrow will actually come. We have nothing. Faith = hope. Do you suppose most of todays scientific discoveries would have happened without faith, belief, persistance?

Without faith, and belief, would we have been to the moon? flown? invented the wheel?
R >:D

QuoteDo you suppose most of todays scientific discoveries would have happened without faith, belief, persistance?

Yes, a plan based on facts from past success will yield success regardless if you have faith. In science as math it is no metaphysics involved. Nothing is left to chance so no faith is needed.

If we dont have faith that other ways may also lead to sucess, we will sit on our lorrels for evermore comfortable that what we have no works fine...
R >:D

Quote from: lisagurl on February 29, 2008, 08:08:46 AM

QuoteDo you suppose most of todays scientific discoveries would have happened without faith, belief, persistance?

Yes, a plan based on facts from past success will yield success regardless if you have faith. In science as math it is no metaphysics involved. Nothing is left to chance so no faith is needed.

You have to have 'faith' in the fact that there is predictability in the world.  And when you encounter the unpredictable, you need 'faith' that there is an explanation for it.

Then there are those 'eureka' moments where ideas seem to form in the head, ideas that provide new directions for plans based on facts.  Note, that when doing pure research, a good plan may not yield success, except for showing that things don't work as expected.  In applied research, a good plan has better odds of succeeding.  (Edison and the electric light.  10,000 experiments before getting something that worked well.)

Quote from: Rebis on February 18, 2008, 11:45:54 AM

Quote from: buttercup on February 17, 2008, 11:46:41 PM
We have Quakers here at the Blue Mountains.  They are peaceful and very humble.  I like the sound of teachings, might join if they'll have me.  ;D


But I am actually a Roman Catholic.  :angel:

Quakers are peaceful unless you mess with their oatmeal.   >:(

Even though I had to translate that punchline, that was funny.

...

Quakers is good. Very open if a little quiet...they don't call them Friend's Meeting Houses for nothing.

Where is the "Spiritual, Not Religious" option hmm?  Hehe~  That's where I fit in any case~

Quote from: Pica Pica on March 01, 2008, 06:05:43 AM

Quote from: Rebis on February 18, 2008, 11:45:54 AM

Quote from: buttercup on February 17, 2008, 11:46:41 PM
We have Quakers here at the Blue Mountains.  They are peaceful and very humble.  I like the sound of teachings, might join if they'll have me.  ;D


But I am actually a Roman Catholic.  :angel:

Quakers are peaceful unless you mess with their oatmeal.   >:(

Even though I had to translate that punchline, that was funny.

...

Quakers is good. Very open if a little quiet...they don't call them Friend's Meeting Houses for nothing.

One of the buses I take to and from work goes by a meeting house.  I like looking at what the reader board says.  I'm tempted to visit at times.

i've always quite enjoyed quakering, and they make a mean jelly baby also

Quote from: Pica Pica on March 04, 2008, 10:00:41 AM
i've always quite enjoyed quakering, and they make a mean jelly baby also

What in the Sam Hill's a jelly baby? You?  >:D

I chose Pagan, as it's the closest single choice.

Actually, I am a Buddhistic Christo-Pagan. The "Christo" was orginally Roman Catholic, but lately United Church of Christ (UCC). The Pagan is primarily Wicca, with a bit of Asatru (Norse), although my matron goddess is Pele (Polynesian) and my patron god is Perkunas (Lithuanian). The Buddhism is Soto Zen.

My wife just completed her Master's of Divinity (M-DIV) course of study and should be ordained in the UCC later this year.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi66.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh255%2Ftlewis4372%2FDoctor%2520Who%2520Pics%2FJellyBabies.jpg&hash=111113942126fe3fea5f5a8e8129ee35637c97b1)

A popular british sweet, made to commemorate the end of ww1. Most of the big British sweet companies were founded by Quakers.

are those babies sour?

regular ol jelly babies :D
R >:D

I put Catholic, though I'm really Episcopalian.  The Episcopalians I know usually identify as Catholics (in the sense that Catholic means Universal).  Also, most Protestants I know (like the rest of my family) abhor some Catholic devotions that I like very much, like the rosary. 
Despite being transgender (or whatever I am--I identified as a crossdresser for a while) I don't feel odd about calling myself a Christian.  I haven't come out at church or anything, as I'm still feeling out my gender identity (and will be starting to see a therapist somewhat soon, I hope)  Despite the confusion about who I am, and though I may not understand everything, I like to remember what Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."  I believe that everything will work itself out in time. 
There's much more I could say about this topic, but I'll keep this one short.


 

secular agnostic  8)

i'm discordian, all the way.

if anything happens, it's always either a cruel celestial joke, or pure chance :D

This is a topic that is very dear to my heart.  My gender issues and my spirituality are very strongly connected.

I am a heathen (one of that species of pagan who venerate the Northern pantheon--Odin, Thor, Frey, Freyja, among many others), and primarily dedicated to Loki.  I feel that my androgynous nature is something that brings me closer to my shapeshifting, gender-changing God (this is not to say that people of all gender identities can't have a connection to Loki, just that this is mine). 

I'm glad this poll was posted.  It is amazing to see the wide differences in spiritual belief.  And look at us.  We all seem to get along.  What is it about us where we can set aside our beliefs to do this?  I find it absolutely amazing.

I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this forum and to "know" all of you.

Cindi

Well, I know I'm only new and all but I have to say that people here have been a lot more friendly and welcoming to me than mainstream heathen fora have... heheh...

Quote from: Rebis on March 04, 2008, 06:32:06 PM
are those babies sour?

no, but some are bitter.

Open minded and anti-dogma for me. Had to click Agnostic I guess.

I clicked Wiccan but most times I mostly refer myself as Spiritual.

Cindy

Atheist, even though I went through a Roman Catholic "phase". -.-

Religion - catholic

Belief -
believe in an all Loving non Judgmental Multi gendered God
I have many non catholic/ non biblical beliefs that that merge different concepts   

With those options I do not know. Maybe non-evangelic and modern theology Christian. It was not an option in this poll however.

I thought that I had voted on this but maybe not.

I am a witch, non practicing.  But I believe in the Goddess and the God.

Janet

Lol, you forgot to add 'Jedi'. ;)

I'm not really any of the above. I don't follow any preset religion. I do have some metaphysical beliefs and I consider the Universe to be sentient, but not in a 'bow down and worship me' kind of way.

Not mine first religion but there are not the logical religion of the post-industrial society. The religion where humankind tries to find the higher level entity by natural metods. When the ''stories'' are left behind and humakind tries to reach higher level entity. I mean extraterrestials.

I am a child of the Sacred Feminine, I am a spiritual being having a human experience.
We are all minute projections of the infinite intelligence or we are all individual sentient beings perceiving this reality individually but we are all of one conscience within the oneness of all realities.

What is life? Why are we here? What is our purpose here? We all have the answers to these questions within us. It's up to us to seek within us. I believe the answer is already there, then all that remains is to make the correct choice . Follow the little voice or as some call it, your gut instincts.

Cindy

Posted on: September 11, 2008, 01:59:10 AM

---

Hi Leiandra, would you happen to have the need of an unemployed Martian Warior Princess, well I come with my own space ship.  ;D

Cindy

My recomendations for those interested in the religion/ spirituality:
1. The philosophy of the religion by John Hicks

2. Stark Trek movie 5  :)

I got a better space ship then they do.  :icon_mrhappy:

Cindy

Personally if my recommendation were asked in regards to religion/spirituality/belief an so on; I would say throw out the works of humankind and instead trust your heart.

Mind you, there is truth in the works of humankind as far as I know, but in the same I know that there is untruth as well. Ah, but I should not say so much I suppose. Trust your hearts, it will not lead you astray...

Just follow your instinct, hear the spirit inside, it knows what is right, it knows the truth.  All you have to do is listen.

Well now Rachel and Kimberly, how would you like to go for a ride in my space ship.  ;D

Seriously, within is where you will find the truth but that is not to say that will be without barking your shin bone on a log or two and maybe a couple of lumps on the noggin to go with it, but if one just stops the other mental white noise and truly listen to the little voice I guarantee it will be 100% on the money each and every time. It doesn't lie, it is your own deceitful mind that will lead you astray by trying to convince you that the little voice is lying to you, or try to do it differently if you wish for it to work.

Cindy

Why can't choose multiple options or even all of them?  I've recently decided to believe in all religions.  Well, at least all of the major ones.

Ahhh, hi Melissa, that is not a bad choice of faith at all, I call mine my **patchwork faith**, it comes from multiple different sources, some I don't even remember the origin of where they came from and much is from the teachings of ancient beliefs.

Wing Walker is a Catholic and even she doesn't find it hard to understand my beliefs, for that matter we often spend hours discussing different concepts such as the infinite potentialities and possibilities of how these potentialities could be manifested and we also have on many different occasions discussed the possible origin of the multi-verses, or parallel universes in collision which could result in such a phenomenon like the big bang. Many parts of my patch work faith can be found in part in the Bible and the Qabalah and an assorted other few ancient texts, but only in part. Books have a limit. I am especially a novice in North American Native tradition.

But I have found that there is a great mix and match of faiths even just on this board and also many who are non-believers and ready to pounce on the unwary soul and pluck their feathers just for sharing something that is out of mainstream, or something that is just plain strange to them. Some folks shy away from strangeness and the unknown, how odd is that for trans folks to fear strangeness and the unknown where for myself it was the infinite potentialities of the unknown that helped me find myself, who I am.

Is it Confucius or confusion? Boy there is a topic that could take an entire thread to discuss.
Like those Bible thumpers who would make you believe they have real estate rights for the South corner of hell and the north corner of heaven and the parking lots with a parking space just for you to go with them. Like their very own little corner of spirituality. Heck, don't they know that there is room for everyone? Infinity is a big place, don't you know.  There is plenty of room for the intellectual, the dumb, kings and queens, and yes, even the would-be tin gods; the rich and the poor, slaves and peasants, and even the aliens and extraterrestrials.

In such cases not much has changed over the millenia, business as usual. It's the same old same old until we get smart and just say, in unison, world wide, "I will fight no more!" Now you may pick up your wings from the lady in the fairy suit on your way out, she is located just to the left of the church auditorium, you know, just next to the confessional over there. Just educating some, maybe what I speak is all **bunk**. Take it or leave it. ;D

Cindy

You've gone an made me curious now. Ergo the new topic Any thoughts of the old deities and such like (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,43318.0.html)?


I relate to the thought of a cobbled together mishmash in a large part because nothing "mainstream" ever really felt right, and in fact a few of the common practices seriously set my teeth on edge.

But on the topic of less than friendly "non-believers" well, I can't fault them too much really. I tend to think it is an equal an opposite reaction to how some religions go about "dealing with the masses" I think would be an appropriate term. Still though, people tend to do as they think best at any given time.

It is truly a wonder how much can change in such a short time. An in that context, it's ironic that I uncovered my "spirituality" by purposely throwing away all the facades when I thought to get to the bottom of me an throw out all that junk society thought of me. No boy am I, but .. yeah, it's a lulu if you dig deep enough I suppose. Oh well. I am pretty much convinced these days that truth is stranger than fiction so, sure thing Cindy, where do I stand?

(=
^*curtsy*

Thousands of years ago the elders told of then-ancient times where if one lived in harmony with the four gods, the four elements, air, earth, water, and fire, and the great Spirit, we could be as one within the Oneness of Creation.  One could become part of the elements by simply being in harmony with the forces around them: the spirit of Mother Earth, and the Sacred Mother, Universe. Father Sun, Grandmother Moon and the Star Elders. From the Star Elders we came, so shall we go back.  Thus a new cycle begins, the birth of a new universe: air, water, earth, fire and life becomes the fifth element born from the conception of the Oneness of Creation. Recall the fetus at the ending "2001: A Space Odyssey."  It is the universe that is the "egg."  And so we continue on.

Cindy

   

Wow, I can't believe I missed this thread.

I'm a radical atheist - I outright deny the existence of God, god(s), demons, devils, spirits, saints, angels, ghosts, etc.  Nothing supernatural exists.  Absence of evidence may not be evidence of absence, but pure logic and the definitions of words are all I need.

Hi Nephi, it is all in how one interprets the words, each will have his her own conception of what their concept of what as you say **absence of evidence that may not be evidence of absence at all**. It is all in the interpretation of the common English words we use to define infinity.

Cindy

Quote from: Nephie on September 12, 2008, 12:53:53 AM
Wow, I can't believe I missed this thread.

I'm a radical atheist - I outright deny the existence of God, god(s), demons, devils, spirits, saints, angels, ghosts, etc.  Nothing supernatural exists.  Absence of evidence may not be evidence of absence, but pure logic and the definitions of words are all I need.

We all have our own beliefs, not all feel the weight of the spiritual, and we all may believe as we must.  It is all one's choice, that is the wonderful part about belief, it is all ones own.  And whether there are creators or not, if there are, they gave us free choice for a reason.  If there aren't, we got lucky and cursed in our evolution at the same time, isn't life just so interesting though to ponder on?

Quote from: cindybc on September 11, 2008, 11:23:51 PM
Thousands of years ago the elders told of then-ancient times where if one lived in harmony with the four gods, the four elements, air, earth, water, and fire, and the great Spirit, we could be as one within the Oneness of Creation.  One could become part of the elements by simply being in harmony with the forces around them: the spirit of Mother Earth, and the Sacred Mother, Universe. Father Sun, Grandmother Moon and the Star Elders. From the Star Elders we came, so shall we go back.  Thus a new cycle begins, the birth of a new universe: air, water, earth, fire and life becomes the fifth element born from the conception of the Oneness of Creation. Recall the fetus at the ending "2001: A Space Odyssey."  It is the universe that is the "egg."  And so we continue on.

Cindy

  

Cindy,

My sister this sounds like our native beliefs and my personal Wiccan beliefs.  I am glad you wrote it so beautifully.

Janet

I also notice that Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Spaghetti_Monster) is not included.  I was afraid others might find my belief in many religions offensive, but I'm glad it was well received.

Well, if I had to subscribe to a religion, I'd be a Pastafarian.  FSM FTW!

Posted on: September 12, 2008, 12:25:50 PM

---

Wow, we have a Satanist?  LaVeyan or theistic?

Definitely a dirt, tree, goddess worshipping neo-pagan here.  With druid leanings.

I worship the spirit of gaia, mother earth, terra, whatever you wish to call her.  It has heavy druid leanings, with channeling of elements, and other things tossed in there.  I just need to learn more to do the true channeling, which will take some work.

Hi Rachel, channeling is very much like the regular use of prayer and meditation. Take five minutes, relax as best you can then send your prayer or request to grandmother universe or any other saint, angel, god, or goddess of your choice. They are all the messengers of the oneness anyway. Send your request then remain in silence for five minutes and listen with the inner ear, listen for the whispering inside your mind which will be the inner voice speaking to you. Please stay concentrated and listen intently to this voice, write the message given to you down if you must, but don't let the white noise of your mind distort what the meaning of this message is.

Cindy 

Quote from: cindybc on September 13, 2008, 01:12:06 AM
Hi Rachel, channeling is very much like the regular use of prayer and meditation. Take five minutes, relax as best you can then send your prayer or request to grandmother universe or any other saint, angel, god, or goddess of your choice. They are all the messengers of the oneness anyway. Send your request then remain in silence for five minutes and listen with the inner ear, listen for the whispering inside your mind which will be the inner voice speaking to you. Please stay concentrated and listen intently to this voice, write the message given to you down if you must, but don't let the white noise of your mind distort what the meaning of this message is.

Cindy 

I just like to feel the love of gaia flow through me, and I like to return the favor and channel my own love into her.  I feel it helps heal her a little bit when I do it, and I want to show my love for something that gives me so much beauty to live on.

Hi Rachel, Like I said in a previous post, the love in a woman's heart is a powerful tool that can move planets. I beleive that when you send out these thoughts and feelings to gaia, your feelings and thoughts will make themselves known to gaia. In the realm of the infinite, there is no time and space. Your thoughts can traverse the distance of the multi-verses in a split second.

I pray to the sacred feminine, the giver of life to the Universe. Maybe the sacred feminine and gaia are goddesses of the same heart.

Cindy

Quote from: cindybc on September 13, 2008, 03:27:46 AM
Hi Rachel, Like I said in a previous post, the love in a woman's heart is a powerful tool that can move planets. I beleive that when you send out these thoughts and feelings to gaia, your feelings and thoughts will make themselves known to gaia. In the realm of the infinite, there is no time and space. Your thoughts can traverse the distance of the multi-verses in a split second.

I pray to the sacred feminine, the giver of life to the Universe. Maybe the sacred feminine and gaia are goddesses of the same heart.

Cindy

It is possible, many spirits in this universe agree to the same ends, and love the same things.  There are millions of them, all of different mindsets, one for each of us.

Yea, mine is a little girls ghost I met while playing in the basement of the homestead where I grew up. Here name is Casandra, I was 9 years old and she is still with me, well Wing Walker and I, Wing Walker saw her shadow at her peripheral vision enough times to beleive she exists. She saved my life a few times once was with Wing Walker, we were in an auto accident that there was no way we should have walked out alive, let alone with only a few bruises. I have an imaginary friend to that I made up in my mind when I was in preschool. I think I held on to her for so long she became real, well to me anyway. I named her Gertrude.

Cindy

I put Atheist.. but I also wanted to put Agnostic.

I don't believe in any of this religion stuff.. and I don't think we can know the answers to questions about an afterlife etcetera etc..

I have a few of my own ideas of what might be 'going on' if there really is something 'going on'.. but I certainly don't believe any of those ideas to be true... I just find it interesting to think about sometimes.

I don't believe in any god/gods whatever..  But it'd be cool if there is more to do after I die.

Hi Dark hon, tell us what your ideas are, that is all that we are doing here anyway, just sharing different beliefs and giving our own opinions as to what makes this reality tick and what possibly takes place after we leave this reality or what we think exists outside this reality.

I beleive that much of it is mostly sensed since some of us are very sensitive to different outside energies which as yet can't be measured with the most sophisticated scientific instruments, Some phenomena can be guessed at or calculated to an approximation of it's existence through the utilisation of inference, measuring and comparing the movement of one energy forces one against another.

Since none of us have a patent on the spiritual we will all come out with different notions feelings and thoughts on what is taking place in the realm beyond this reality. Which of the energies from which dimension influences which reality which in turn affects this one? Like we know that at a certain date the energy of the moon influences human behaviour, just as the movement and alignment of the planets does as well. Energies at work that cannot be seen but felt.

What is this reality we live in? Some call it the **holographic universe**, if that is so, then that also makes this reality just another level in the many levels of none physical quantum realities. How can one truly describe the infinities with 100% accuracy using our finite minds as a guide line? How can one measure that which is not in the realm or space and time and can only be sensed? Any visuals like in visions cannot be interpreted any more accurately then what is sensed either, least ways none with a 100% accuracy. But then is 100% accuracy the alpha and omega of our existence?

Hon, if you wish to participate please do so. Your ideas are just as valid as anyone else who posted on this thread.

Cindy

I'd have to say other. I had bad experiences with people from a certain religion and have just mixed mine with a few different ones. Mine's a mix of catholic, judism and logical science. I don't condemn any one for there beleifs I think we should all just get along.^_^

Hi Sherue hon, I agree. we should be sharing in the wealth of spiritual, metaphysical, the sciences and different religious  beliefs. Like it says in the Bible where my people are united, nothing shall be beyond them. All souls united as one within the Oneness. The battle field is in the mind and for the mind.

Cindy

"Nothing."

I don't have any beliefs one way or the other when it comes to religion and spirituality, and it doesn't have any part in my life.

Quote from: Tink on June 18, 2007, 09:10:22 PM
I couldn't find the option for Tinkerlicism so I voted Roman Catholic.  ;)

tink :icon_chick:

You know, my wife is harping about people around here calling themselves Tonyaist - something about them agreeing with her beliefs.

Me, I'm a little bit different there - definitely pagan in the eclectic way.  Start with neo-Wicca, add in the philosophy of the Tao Te Ching, the beauty of Dicordianism at it's best and worst, and there's the starting point...

In short, I clickied pagan *gryn*

Laura

I believe you should treat others like you would like to be treated
I believe in karma, big time
I believe there are always people worse off than we are so we should be glad for what we have
This I believe
Myles

Atheist, and devout member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

ALL HAIL HIS HOLY NOODLED APPENDAGE!!!

Our pasta, who art in a colander, draining be your noodles. Thy noodle come, Thy sauce be yum, on top some grated Parmesan. Give us this day our garlic bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trample on our lawns. And lead us not into vegetarianism, but deliver us some pizza, for thine is the meatball, the noodle, and the sauce, forever and ever.

RAmen.

;D


My parents are atheists, and while they gave me the choice when I was little (took me to church and everything just in case I was interested), I've never been inclined at all. (One of my friends used to try to convert me at high school a few times, too. That was fun). It's not that I have anything against religion as such - my friend who tried to convert me really needs her religion - it's just really not for me (unless it comes with a bowl of spaghetti and pirate costume ;D).

QuoteWhat I have learned over the past 3.7 billion years is that, in general, agnostics and athiests tend to lead what would be called very christian lives.

It was funny, actually, at school my teachers thought I was Christian because I wasn't big on swearing and was fairly quiet and worked hard (some would say obsessively, but we'll ignore them :eusa_snooty: ;)). One of my teachers swore one day in the middle of class and then apologised to me (as in, of a whole class of kids, he specifically looked at me and apologised) because he thought I was religious. He seemed very surprised when I said I was atheist... :icon_confused2:

Peace out :angel: :icon_hug:

Will

I'm down with John Lennon on this one.

God is a Concept by which
we measure our pain
I'll say it again
God is a Concept by which
we measure our pain
I don't believe in magic
I don't believe in I-ching
I don't believe in Bible
I don't believe in Tarot
I don't believe in Hitler
I don't believe in Jesus
I don't believe in Kennedy
I don't believe in Buddha
I don't believe in Mantra
I don't believe in Gita
I don't believe in Yoga
I don't believe in Kings
I don't believe in Elvis
I don't believe in Zimmerman
I don't believe in Beatles
I just believe in me...and that reality

The dream is over
What can I say?
the Dream is Over
Yesterday
I was the Dreamweaver
But now I'm reborn
I was the Walrus
But now I'm John
and so dear friends
you'll just have to carry on
The Dream is over

I should always begin these spiritual discussions with a prayer to Great Spirit that the members here are sufficiently awakened, (open minded), to the concept of the infinite potentialities, in and out of the quantum realities of the realm of time and space continuum. One physical universe among an infinity of parallel universes. How about using a little science to examine the potentialities of the spiritual?

The infinity equation theory.

The mathematics of a certain part of quantum physics called quantum electrodynamics, or QED. This branch of quantum physics explains the electromagnetic interaction in quantum terms. The problem is, when you add the interaction particles and try to solve Schrödinger's wave equation, you get an electron with infinite mass, infinite energy, and infinite charge. There is no way to get rid of the infinities using valid mathematics, so, the theorists simply divide infinity by infinity and get whatever result the guys in the lab say the mass, energy, and charge should be. Even fudging the math, the other results of QED are so powerful that most physicists ignore the infinities and use the theory anyway.

One other interpretation, presented first by Hugh Everett III in 1957, is the many worlds or branching universe interpretation. In this theory, whenever a measurement takes place, the entire universe divides as many times as there are possible outcomes of the measurement. All universes are identical except for the outcome of that measurement. Unlike the science fiction view of "parallel universes", it is not possible for any of these worlds to interact with each other.

While this creates an unthinkable number of different worlds, it does solve the problem of Schrödinger's cat. Instead of one cat, we now have two; one is dead, the other alive. However, it has still not solved the measurement problem! If the universe split every time there was more then one possibility, then we would not see the interference pattern in the electron experiment. So when does it split? No alternative interpretation has yet answered this question in a satisfactory way. And so the search continues...

I personally love having an intellectual conversation about the phenomena of the unknown with one who is open minded to different potentials and beliefs and, of course, *philosophical poetry.* This is the music of the spheres where an indeterminable number of angels dance on the *point* of a needle with the universe within the eye of the needle.

Angles dancing to the song sung by the spheres of multiverses...

I made the error once of opening up too fast to others on these boards
and unfortunately discovered that there are many who are clearly not ready to accept or understand these concepts, experiences, and beliefs. I mean, I could tell things that would sound like it came straight out of a science fiction novel, and some may have thought exactly that. Is not today's science fiction tomorrow's reality, and perhaps the next days magic?

It is one thing to understand the mechanics of quantum physics, or any other type of scientific concepts or mathematical expression, but it is quite another to combine these concepts with the infinite potential force that is both within and without, as well as the combination of all the science research of physics and the metaphysical combined.

Some day there will be a fine line, even possibly there will be no line, separating science and magic.

Anyway, I have always loved a good game of mental fencing. I was born with the the gifts or the curse of the knowings, sensings, in certain perspectives that others cannot see. It only depends on which end of the telescope you are looking into.

I never had a need to learn it from a book. For many years I suppressed much of these knowings. I was alienated from society enough already. During those years I spent much of my time within the realm of my own mind, never quite allowed to rise to my fullest potential.

Have a wonderful day!

Cindy

How about post-modernist emerging church?

LDS (Mormon)

...seriously I can't be the ONLY one ;)

Quote from: interalia on February 07, 2009, 12:43:32 PM
LDS (Mormon)

...seriously I can't be the ONLY one ;)

Plenty of former Mormons here. You might be the first one to currently identify as one.

Cindi wrote a post about mormons at https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,6914.0.html (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,6914.0.html)

Interesting read.  Well I am most definitely Mormon currently and have no intention of leaving.  I am out in the open with my church.  They know my struggles and my past and how I am doing my best to live the Gospel.  That of course does not involve complete transition, but then again I'm relying on the idea that my faith says that such issues of gender incongruence are temporary earthly things and will be cleared up in the hereafter - I need only maintain myself the best I can now.  It is much like other disorders on this earth that currently have no specific cure.  You just live with them best you can and rely on God and the other members to help bear that burden.

Of course one could say that there is a cure - complete transition.  But if my faith rules that one out, then what cure is there?  I live androgynously now and very open - which helps a lot to limit the damage my gender dysphoria can do.

I watched an interesting program at work the other night on gangs in Salt Lake City, and other than the twisted story of how the gangs got to SLC was the fact that lots of the Crip sets were all LDS members.  Police were saying that they often arrested people who had a gun in one pocket and the Book of Mormon in the other.  Kind of like the Mafia guys being so Catholic and all.

Wow that is insane.  I've never heard that.  Talking about living inconsistently with your beliefs.

Gangland is the title of the series, and the SLC episode it called,  From Heaven to Hell

I think you can watch it here...
http://www.yidio.com/show/gangland (http://www.yidio.com/show/gangland)

And, as I said its not any different from the very Catholic Mafia people.  The juxtaposition is interesting to say the least, and a whole lot of people think that one of the best movie scenes ever is the Godfather deal where Michael is doing the baptism while all his enemies are being wiped out.

Quote from: tekla on February 08, 2009, 10:43:48 AM
I watched an interesting program at work the other night on gangs in Salt Lake City, and other than the twisted story of how the gangs got to SLC was the fact that lots of the Crip sets were all LDS members.  Police were saying that they often arrested people who had a gun in one pocket and the Book of Mormon in the other.  Kind of like the Mafia guys being so Catholic and all.

Given the early history of the LDS (not the RCLDS - Reorganized Church of Later Day Saints) in Utah, this does not surprise me. In those years before they supposedly cleaned up their act, the LDS had what were effectively enforcers, taking care of people who didn't pay their tithes or were backsliders.

Perhaps you can share with me where you found this particular "enforcer" tidbit.

Quote from: interalia on February 08, 2009, 01:33:34 PM
Perhaps you can share with me where you found this particular "enforcer" tidbit.

You're asking me to remember the sources I read about 40 years ago, you know. Here are some recent things you might read. Specifically you should learn about the Nauvoo Endowment Penalties, "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost," the Utah War, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and the Thomas Coleman murder.

http://www.shiblon.com/beliefs/mormon-history.php (http://www.shiblon.com/beliefs/mormon-history.php)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism_and_violence (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism_and_violence)
http://www.exmormon.org/violence.htm (http://www.exmormon.org/violence.htm)
http://www.keepapitchinin.org/2008/09/05/massacre-panel-not-so-live-blogged/ (http://www.keepapitchinin.org/2008/09/05/massacre-panel-not-so-live-blogged/)

...and many more. Do your own internet search; you'll find the information.

Honestly most of what you've linked to I know about.  I just wanted to see about the one I asked about is all since of all the anti-mormon stuff I've seen I've never come across that. 

Oh and BTW, the church has done a lot of good too. ;)

Let's just say that the Nauvoo Endowment Penalties, including the penalties for blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, were carried out by deacons of the church as one of their regularly appointed duties.

Let's just leave it there, I don't want to get into an apologetics debate.  I don't even know how we got onto the subject of anti-mormon kicking points - I certainly didn't invite disparaging information about my church past or present. ;)

Suffice it to say I am an active LDS member and believe the majority of its doctrines.  I cannot say I'm totally surprised I might be the only one on this vast forum. ;)

I believe in God and I believe in Jesus. I don't think I really fall into a certain religion with my beliefs though

I chose pagan, though it's an iffy fit at best. I chose it because I share the philosphy of living in harmony with natural cycles and revering nature and the like, but my spiritual philosophy incorporates bits and pieces of everything, from Buddhism and Gnostic Christianity to Ecology, Systems Theory and Quantum Physics ... hmmm, maybe there should be an option for "Universally Heretical Heretic" Since there's bound to be something in there that'll make me a prime candidate for a good barbecue, no matter what the other person believes!  ;D

Mina.

Nature is my church, the heavens above is the roof of my church, and the environment that surrounds us is the Holy Spirit, or the metaphysical grid which is the fabric upon which the tapestry of universe is stitched.

Grandfather Stars whispering in my ears as I meditate to Grand Mother Moon while I stand at the cliff's edge, letting spirit wind blow refreshingly upon my face as it plays teasingly with my long dark hair sending it to flowing like long black streamers behind me.

A blue-white glow materialises around the slim form of the maiden who stands bravely at the cliff's edge.

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi11.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa191%2Fcynthiag932%2Fangelinfantasyland.jpg&hash=ea2c3884cf1438eadde2503ec01a6bb9675f03db) 

Cindy

I am an amalgam of beliefs.
I'm a reconstructionist norse/teutonic heathen.
I'm a buddhist.
I'm a quantum solipsist (Everything, including me, doesn't exist, and that's why it exists!).
etc.. etc.. etc..

I believe in reincarnation and related to that, I am gonna hop out of yet another closet and say that I am Otherkin.
That's right, I believe that I have previously existed as something other than human. I believe that I remember some of my past lives, both this "other" one and some those I've lived as a human being.
I believe that I have existed as both men and women in the past however I do not see my current gender issues as a result of anything metaphysical in nature.
I understand that this belief may seem a little bit "out there", however, there are idiots in every one and every belief can seem nutty if you just word it "right".
If you have questions you want to ask in regards to this, shoot, I really don't mind being asked.

Hi Miniar, I find your beliefs interesting but then there are those who think my thoughts and experiences to be weird and nuts anyway.

It just gets to the point where one says to themselves, well I guess my thoughts and experiences are no nuttier then anyone else's out there, so why not toss it out there. Whats the worst can happen? Have rotten vegies thrown at me?

There are probably just as many different perceptions in faith as there are individuals thinking them up, or experiencing them.

I believe in reincarnation although I can only remember two I think are past life memories, recurring dreams. One of a teen aged girl who died of tuberculosis at the age of twenty in the late thirties during the great depression.

Another one was in a 1800 old western type town setting of a young girl with brown ringleted hair wearing a blue dress standing at a corner on a board walk.

Visions, oh yes many visions. Nuts he? well I am an empath as well, I feel peoples thoughts and feelings.

Cindy     

My belief.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYl4hkFRdTk#hq (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYl4hkFRdTk#hq)

http://sugarandmedicine.wordpress.com/nwo/ (http://sugarandmedicine.wordpress.com/nwo/)

Peace.

Quote from: Lisbeth on February 08, 2009, 04:33:32 PM
Let's just say that the Nauvoo Endowment Penalties, including the penalties for blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, were carried out by deacons of the church as one of their regularly appointed duties.

Deacons in the LDS faith are generally 12-13 yr. olds who pass the sacrament at Sunday meetings and tag along with their dads to visit and help members. Boy Scout types.  :laugh:

I'm not much for religion in general. But I also don't see the need to go bunking anyone else's religion. I think they're all nuts  :laugh:

Can't believe I appear to be the only Muslim on here! ;D

Go easy on me...Please :o

I actually don't subscribe to any particualr religion. I attend the Unitarian Universalist Church for that very reason. There are some pagans, wiccans,etc. One lady is into native american spiritualism. It's all good. Mostly I beleive in mother earth. I'm not leaving here soon I hope. I kind of enjoy gravity also. I'm not sure if there are multiple gods or just a very immense power.

Quote from: imaz on February 27, 2009, 05:52:33 AM
Can't believe I appear to be the only Muslim on here! ;D

Go easy on me...Please :o

Being, potentially, the only Muslim here, I'm interested in your background, should you be willing to share it. 

So feel free to answer any/none of these questions:
Were you born into the faith or did you convert?
Are you from a western or eastern nation?
How does your faith view your particular challenge?

Quote from: interalia on February 27, 2009, 09:52:01 AM
Being, potentially, the only Muslim here, I'm interested in your background, should you be willing to share it. 

So feel free to answer any/none of these questions:
Were you born into the faith or did you convert?
Are you from a western or eastern nation?
How does your faith view your particular challenge?

OK!

I converted young when I was back in Italy 22 years ago. I was madly in love with an Iranian at the time, so all the "wrong" reasons but things happen in strange ways. As you can see I'm ethnically European.

Been married to a Yemeni Jew, a Jamaican Christian and lastly an Indonesian Muslim. All since I converted.

How does my faith view my "particular challenge"?

That's a very good question and one that has many answers. In Shia Islam transexuality is accepted due a Fatwa declared by the late Imam Khomeini. The reasons for that are interesting; a TS lady was stopped by his security when trying to meet him. Khomeini instructed them to let her in and she discussed her situation with him, he understood her plight and initiated what is now one of the most progressive attitudes towards transexuals in the world today. Of course Iran has an appalling record as regards homosexuality but that's another issue.

As regards Sunni Islam in my personal opinion there is no clear situation. The Quran condemns "sodomy" but not only regarding male homosexuals. There is nothing regarding transexuality therein so as far as I'm concerned it's between me and Allah. Only He can judge me.

I have many Muslim Lesbian and Gay friends and while the men do tend to follow cultural sexist tendencies the same cannot be said of the women.

Let me put things this way, I'm a firm believer in Ijtihad. This means that I personally believe that I interpret things to the best of my ability in regards to my own person.

At the end of the day let me put things this way, in my eyes it's better to be TS and Muslim than TS and not Muslim. It's better for a woman to pray with her hair uncovered than not pray at all and so on.

There's plenty of bigotry out there of course, last autumn we had mixed prayers at an LGBT Muslim conference led by a woman (my wife incidentally). Of all the Lesbian and Gay delegates only three joined us.

As you can see there is a long road ahead, but it is our duty to walk it not just for ourselves but for our brothers and sisters.

Hope that answered your questions :)

You are made of awesome.  Thanks for the brief history lesson.  I really appreciated your comment concerning it better to be TS and Muslim than just TS.  I feel the same way but with regard to my own religion.

Quote from: interalia on February 27, 2009, 11:32:59 AM
You are made of awesome.  Thanks for the brief history lesson.  I really appreciated your comment concerning it better to be TS and Muslim than just TS.  I feel the same way but with regard to my own religion.

That's great, I firmly believe it's the only way :)

Interalia.... nope you are not alone. I grew up in the Salt Lake City area. I've been there and done that. They had no tolerance for me and excommunicated me.  I went on a mission, was married, full tithe payer, gospel doctrine teacher, ward choir director, and boy scout leader.  They got together and decided that since I had started using a woman's rest room, that there was no way that I'd turn back. I was stripped of everything I had, my job, my family, and my church.  They also processed a temple divorce within 6 months.

I won't say anything about the church other than share its real doctrine and my personal experience.  I figure that is fair.

Cindi

Quote from: interalia on February 08, 2009, 04:54:34 PM
Let's just leave it there, I don't want to get into an apologetics debate.  I don't even know how we got onto the subject of anti-mormon kicking points - I certainly didn't invite disparaging information about my church past or present. ;)

Suffice it to say I am an active LDS member and believe the majority of its doctrines.  I cannot say I'm totally surprised I might be the only one on this vast forum. ;)

I'm very sorry to hear about what happened to you, and I know you are not alone in your experience.  The church has been gradually relaxing its knee jerk reactions to transsexuals, but the decisions are still largely up to the brethren in the individual wards/stakes.  I know that not every stake is the same in how it handles these situations.  I for one, as well as others I know, were allowed to transition completely with no repercussions, but I know of others, such as yourself, who were not.

I have actually organized a fast for this Sunday and have made public notices to the various LDS affiliated boards I am on asking for strength for the individuals and their loved ones who deal with gender identity issues, that they will be blessed with a measure of peace and have direction from our Heavenly Father.

Usually I simply state im an atheist since thats what lots of people I met do understand a person to be who doesnt follow the mono-gods. Rest is mischief to them anyway, incl. hinduism, buddhism, wiccan, yea, that arrogant my folks tended to be some of the time :/

It might sound funny but my belief originates from stories i wrought about demons and demonesses from an outside realm teaching somebody the truths about the universe. it started in abotu 1992. i discovered it to become more and more fascinating to me to seek for the point in life to not just write a fiction. I have thought forth and back what i believe in, many years, until it manifested in its today-type of form, now, i suddenly had both, my story and a thing i believed in Oo Since this WAS no longer fiction, but named the "cevisk belief" after the stories beings, I was stunned - i do belief the truth surrounded by a fiction i have created.

I was about to test how it would stand and contradict with other religions, then discovered it to match / cover lots of the logical things from other religions rather than to blaspheme, it just didnt cover not the fantastic parts of miracles and things, and regarded mankind not precious but neutral. Sincerely I thought "In any religion seems to be a core of truths, surrounded by wishful thinking, you wrote all the cores from your feeling yet before you read them, so CAN your cores be wrong? These religions all claim to be true and you made them stop to contradict without to know them, this is cool Oo." - My belief worked great for me and had a name only i would use because its from that fiction.

When then, my trans prob filled my life so much I found philosophies in my belief, which added the final thing i had needed -- a purpose or need to actually practice my "beliefs". Now, the cevisk way to regard life and death really became part of my daily thoughts, if left all the initinal goddesses and demons out and it was a path... and since i had a name for my trans prob instead of calling it a transidental problem, more a path to walk, path of the mercury, i blended the paths and it was wonderful, renamed my belief the Mercurianism in which you have to travel the Mercurian Way leading to yourself if you decide to go it. But this is so difficult to explain in a language im not native in, i admit. I wish this "religion" would grow, imagine - christianity condemns our transgender ways, now, following the path of the Mercuy, ->-bleeped-<- is a path to choose for inner enlightment and tributing the female spirit and its acknowledgement to be the life-giving divine form (The big super vulva ^^), so you try to get close to that state of being divine (female) as you can, if you feel you were born to follow that path. There sure are other paths but I dont feel chosen to follow them, so i didnt search for what they consist of (to express it a little funny) - wouldn't that religion appeal  to you to join? Lets form a sect ^^

Agnostic is the only logical position.

Up to a point.  It is correct to state that, since one can never prove a negative, one can never prove the non-existance of God or Gods.  However, in the absence of any credible poke in the direction of theism, I always found atheism the more rational position to take.*  Otherwise you also have to be "agnostic" about Bertrand Russell's teapot, various pink unicorns, spaghetti monsters etc.


*Up until I was forcibly dislodged from it by a very cross Norse God, that is.

Atheist/Nothing, We live, we die the world goes on without us here, so I just keep living till the day I die.

Only two of us on here and I don't even know who you are? :) Big hug my dear sister or brother whoever you may be :)

BTW here's a link to a new LGBT Muslim site from the UK: http://al-jannah.co.uk/ (http://al-jannah.co.uk/)

I am not an atheist that would require a belief. I never had a spiritual feeling and can only guess that there are things I do not know. It seems religion is man made.

Me, I am Wiccan, lady of the mountains.

I have been told that to see, is to believe, even as we dream we see what tomorrow will bring. The great streams belongs to mother. It is ever flowing and never ending and steady as her "well of life". This is where all birth and manifestation occur. She gives us the ability to feel with our bodies. As stars in the night shine so does the unity of these lights as they wind around each other from light to light with pure(ness) darkness. The pillars of the pearly gates give us passageway between one realm of our hearts to the other realm of time, together we travel two roads as one journey. The love of the heart is as great as a mountain. Here where eruptions can occur, the law of love overcomes to build great things.

As interpreted to me by White Feather Princess, an honored friend.

Cindy

Quote from: lisagurl on April 20, 2009, 04:38:44 PM
I am not an atheist that would require a belief. I never had a spiritual feeling and can only guess that there are things I do not know. It seems religion is man made.

not all, but much spiritual thought, whether man-made or not, is actually helpful. many Eastern and Western principles are virtually free for the taking, and can actually improve people's lives.

-ell

Quote from: ell on April 22, 2009, 12:04:54 AM
not all, but much spiritual thought, whether man-made or not, is actually helpful. many Eastern and Western principles are virtually free for the taking, and can actually improve people's lives.

-ell

Philosophy also can improve people's lives. Less is more.

Agnostic, I guess. The way I see it, you can't prove or disprove the existence of God. I'll never know how we came to be or why we're here, and I guess I'm content just leaving it at that.
Suffice to say that I don't know and I don't care.

the closest thing i could possibly qualify as is pagan, i believe in spirits not deities, and the one i hold the most reverence for is gaia (mother earth).  She is the spirit I love most and hold the greatest love and respect for, though there are many others, elemental spirits, grove spirits, the like.  Thats just my take on the matter though, and pagan is the only thing i think i can qualify as.

*ONENESS*

What is the Oneness? The oneness experiencing all in creation within the One Consciousness? or the One consciousness experiencing all that is?

One of the most common experiences of this spiritual consciousness is feeling of "oneness." Or all experiencing all that is as a whole, or that we are all from one common source and share a common spirit. Let's then consider some ways that the spiritual beholder might experience the oneness.

To our ordinary perceptions, universe is an infinite increment of mass and energy containing an aggregate of individual life forms each seeking its own destiny as one consciousness. Behind this appearance is the essential nature of existence, the One Divine consciousness. This consciousness expresses itself in the universe in many forms, each with its own will to be. But in fact each form is an expression of the One seeking its infinite joy of existence. All true spiritual realization begins with this new perception of the essential Oneness of all beings and things.

The spiritual experience of Oneness often expressed by the feeling or understanding that we are of one essence or spirit. We experience that the same soul force that we feel in ourselves is there in each person we encounter.

Oneness = All in consciousness experiencing the Oneness of all, or Oneness experiencing all that is through us in consciousness.

Cindy
A New Dream ( Metta) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk9PNKFky40#lq-lq2-hq)

Looking at the poll results, zero Hindus being a case in point, it seems ethnic minorities are under represented here. Any thoughts?

Well the server is located in the US, the standard language is English, so that might figure in.  The digital divide also is a factor. 

In Northern California at least - which has a high Indian population, the whole Desi culture seems to be very inward, with few outsiders joining in, and few Desi people seeing outside deals.  So, where I rarely - if ever - see ads that would say "Black Man seeks Black Woman" or "Latino seeks Latina", I see "Desi Man seeks Desi woman" all the time.  In keeping with that, perhaps they just have their own sites.

Quote from: lisagurl on April 22, 2009, 07:19:40 PM
Philosophy also can improve people's lives. Less is more.

not BA philosophy, that's for sure.

Nor BS philosophy I suppose.

I beleive that there is a superior entity. I don't know HER name. Taking care of the earth is most important since I seemed to stuck to the ground. Mostly people invent a way to be spirtitual. I think someone invented "satan" to scare people into being moral or as an excuse for being evil. "The devil made me do it."

Quote from: tekla on April 25, 2009, 04:04:18 AM
Well the server is located in the US, the standard language is English, so that might figure in.  The digital divide also is a factor. 

In Northern California at least - which has a high Indian population, the whole Desi culture seems to be very inward, with few outsiders joining in, and few Desi people seeing outside deals.  So, where I rarely - if ever - see ads that would say "Black Man seeks Black Woman" or "Latino seeks Latina", I see "Desi Man seeks Desi woman" all the time.  In keeping with that, perhaps they just have their own sites.

Very interesting. I have direct experience of this as being Muslim and LGBT I've come up against it loads of times.

Used to be part of the UK branch of al-Fatiha for my sins... One of the reasons I left was not just South Asian domination but it got to the point of Pakistani and then Punjabi domination. I really think this is a cultural thing as frankly I haven't encountered it in the other Muslim cultures I've been directly connected to. There were also issues with misogyny and transphobia in that organisation which have since caused a mass exodus here in the UK.

Have to say the easiest Muslim country I've lived in has to be Indonesia. OK, they aren't great when it comes to the Chinese for historical reasons, and there's always been tension with Malaysia for various reasons, but generally I have to say I've never encountered racism.

I... actually had a bit of a spiritual crisis recently.

I'm going to become a Wiccan.

I was an atheist for a long time (and I think I still am in a weird sense), but I felt I needed something... more. Part of it is that I'm just so tired of being one of those hard-headed rationalists who stick to their convictions no matter how miserable they make them. I'm tired of thinking that I can't relate to other people and the world in a spiritual way. I'm tired of feeling alone and isolated because of it. I want to feel a connection to the universe, to see things in a different way. I want - I need - to bring some kind of magic and mystery and spirituality into my life. That admission was just as big a moment for me as when I accepted my transness.

The thing is, I have issues with most theistic religions, both logical and personal. I was an atheist for a reason. I needed to find something where I don't necessarily need to believe literally, and I won't feel like a hypocrite for it. I also need something without - as I see it - a tainted legacy.  Of course, it also needs to be trans-friendly. It came down to Wicca in the end, and making the decision was... wonderful.

(Theravada Buddhism was a distant 2nd)

Quote from: tekla on April 25, 2009, 04:04:18 AM
Well the server is located in the US, the standard language is English, so that might figure in.  The digital divide also is a factor. 

In Northern California at least - which has a high Indian population, the whole Desi culture seems to be very inward, with few outsiders joining in, and few Desi people seeing outside deals.  So, where I rarely - if ever - see ads that would say "Black Man seeks Black Woman" or "Latino seeks Latina", I see "Desi Man seeks Desi woman" all the time.  In keeping with that, perhaps they just have their own sites.

There's definately a distinct community in Cincinnati as well.  Our family is always the only white family at dancing events (my sister does Indian dance), and everyone else is Indian.  It doesn't seem like snobbery, but more that no white people are very interested in Indian culture.

Quote from: Kaitlyn on April 27, 2009, 01:38:02 AM
I... actually had a bit of a spiritual crisis recently.

I'm going to become a Wiccan.

I was an atheist for a long time (and I think I still am in a weird sense), but I felt I needed something... more. Part of it is that I'm just so tired of being one of those hard-headed rationalists who stick to their convictions no matter how miserable they make them. I'm tired of thinking that I can't relate to other people and the world in a spiritual way. I'm tired of feeling alone and isolated because of it. I want to feel a connection to the universe, to see things in a different way. I want - I need - to bring some kind of magic and mystery and spirituality into my life. That admission was just as big a moment for me as when I accepted my transness.

The thing is, I have issues with most theistic religions, both logical and personal. I was an atheist for a reason. I needed to find something where I don't necessarily need to believe literally, and I won't feel like a hypocrite for it. I also need something without - as I see it - a tainted legacy.  Of course, it also needs to be trans-friendly. It came down to Wicca in the end, and making the decision was... wonderful.

(Theravada Buddhism was a distant 2nd)

Well people find their ways to spirituality in their own way for many reasons.  If it helps you and makes you happy, then go with it, its your beliefs/religeon, and you should be able to glean something out of it.

My beliefs too came from a sudden realization type thing, a feeling i have always felt but never really acknowleged.  I feel more connected with the earth the farther i transition, as if mother earth is accepting me the more i become me.  Its a nice feeling, too bad I don't know of others like me, but meh thats ok.  When you feel a connection to the earth, and the love that is resulting from that, having others like me really doesnt matter.  I may sound nutty, but hey, im happy.

Hi Rachel, that's awesome, I have always been close to nature from as far back as I  can remember as a kid. I use to take stray and injured animals home and try to doctor them back to health again.

I have always attracted animals anywhere from bears deer, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, turtles etc. come right up to me and feed from my hand. But there was a period of years where I wasn't fairing to well in the world and ended up living on the streets for a number of years. Even on the street I had dogs and cats follow me around.

Anyway after I sobered up and got back on my feet and began transitioning I have come to be even closer to nature, I feel so close to the plants and their beauty that when I see where people are striping forest down for development I can actually feel the pain that nature feels and I cry. I get very emotional over such doings just as I do seeing people being mistreated and disadvantaged but feel equally as hurt to see animals mistreated. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
According to Ojibwa Native tradition all things, both animate and inanimate have spirit energy. Universe is living spirit. The stars are Spirit Elders.  The moon is Spirit Grandmother and the Earth is Spirit Mother. All upon the Mother is of the living spirit, the rocks, the soil, the plants, the animals as it the water and all that resides within it. The air and all that resides within it, too..

This was why in the old days when one had used what they needed from the land it was returned to the land from where all is born. An offering of tobacco and prayer in thanksgiving was offered to the Spirit who had provided for them. It was believed that all that was provided to the people should be returned to replenish the Earth Mother's living spirit.

Then there is the moon cycle ceremony of Grandmother moon who comes to visit every month to cleans and prepare the girl child for womanhood or to cleans the mother to be in the sacred moon lodge.

Father sun gives sustenance to Mother Earth and her children. The children of the grandfather stars from whence they came so shall they return.

In the old days the people celebrated  pot-loch twice per year, spring and fall. This is the ancient celebration that is basis of the modern day pow wow. A  sacred celebration in thanksgiving to the sun god and the spirit mother for providing them with the abundant seasons of trading, hunting, fishing and harvesting that they have been blessed to have to sustain them through the long
sleeping time.

Today physicists have begun to become aware of the various frequencies of energies coming from everywhere, the Earth, plants, air and water as well as from Universe itself.  If you can be at peace with yourself and become harmonious with the universal energies certain channels will open for you.  This is where your awakening consciousness can be gained through harmony with the environment around you, with unwavering attention. The last requirement is *believing* in your ability to do so.

You need to be in harmony with the Earth elements to manifest what you need or want. Do not forget that these energies do not discriminate negative from positive, that is left for you to make the right choice.

You can place your request or prayer to the elements in the Native traditional way, by sprinkling sweet grass or tobacco offering on an open flame. The fragrant smoke lifts your prayer or petition up to the heavens to the Great Spirit.  But then you still need to do the footwork involved to bring this magic into being in this reality. If you have gone this far you will know the right steps to take.  You will be led.

Cynthia ©
 

Quote from: Kaitlyn on April 27, 2009, 01:38:02 AM
I... actually had a bit of a spiritual crisis recently.

I'm going to become a Wiccan.

I was an atheist for a long time (and I think I still am in a weird sense), but I felt I needed something... more. Part of it is that I'm just so tired of being one of those hard-headed rationalists who stick to their convictions no matter how miserable they make them. I'm tired of thinking that I can't relate to other people and the world in a spiritual way. I'm tired of feeling alone and isolated because of it. I want to feel a connection to the universe, to see things in a different way. I want - I need - to bring some kind of magic and mystery and spirituality into my life. That admission was just as big a moment for me as when I accepted my transness.

The thing is, I have issues with most theistic religions, both logical and personal. I was an atheist for a reason. I needed to find something where I don't necessarily need to believe literally, and I won't feel like a hypocrite for it. I also need something without - as I see it - a tainted legacy.  Of course, it also needs to be trans-friendly. It came down to Wicca in the end, and making the decision was... wonderful.

(Theravada Buddhism was a distant 2nd)

My personal religion is a complicated thing. I currently attend a Unitarian Universalist church, but my personal practice is an amalgamation of Christian (non-denominational), Soto Zen Buddhism, and Pagan (primarily influenced by Wicca and Asatru).

Yet, it might be more accurate to say I'm agnostic. I will say that I believe in my gods (my Patron is Perkunas and my Matron is Pele) and in my Spirit Ally (the Lost Bison). I will not ever say that I know they exist and/or that I know that they have communicated with me. I will openly acknowledge that the interactions I believe I've had with them could be nothing more than flights of fancy.

At this point, my religion is primarily metaphorical in my life. While there is sufficient extra-biblical evidence to suggest that Jesus of Nazareth was quite possibly a real person, I don't cling to the idea that he necessarily was. Nevertheless, I try to live my life according to the Great Commandment and the Golden Rule. Likewise, there is evidence that Siddhartha Gatauma was real, but that doesn't necessarily mean I believe he actually transcended existence and became Enlightened.

For me, religion serves to open me to ideas I don't seem to encounter in other ways. That might seem backwards to others, but that's been my experience thus far. If my gods don't exist, they don't and there's nothing I can do about it. There are times when I wonder if I'm not a closet atheist at heart.

I have an easier time accepting the possibility that the atheists are right than I do accepting the possibility that the fundamentalists are right. And when I say "fundamentalists," I don't mean just Christian fundamentalists. I've encountered Wiccan, Asatru, Buddhist, Islamic, and Jewish fundamentalists to date. To me, it would be better if the atheists are right rather than the fundamentalists. If the fundamentalists are right, then the gods are just as petty as humans. And that is not an encouraging thought to me.

Quote from: Miniar on February 26, 2009, 03:18:13 PMI believe in reincarnation and related to that, I am gonna hop out of yet another closet and say that I am Otherkin.
That's right, I believe that I have previously existed as something other than human. I believe that I remember some of my past lives, both this "other" one and some those I've lived as a human being.
I believe that I have existed as both men and women in the past however I do not see my current gender issues as a result of anything metaphysical in nature.
I understand that this belief may seem a little bit "out there", however, there are idiots in every one and every belief can seem nutty if you just word it "right".
If you have questions you want to ask in regards to this, shoot, I really don't mind being asked.

Yay! Another of us! (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.faeriewylde.com%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fpook.gif&hash=e7490831c2ec1397a4a0a0f8550cb42e8d44011b) I am a fairy from waaaaay back and also a pagan/taoist, and don't see what all this fuss about religion is about.  I draw no distinction between spiritual and non; to me everything is spiritual because everything comes from there. Humans so often get Descartes before the horse, so to speak lol

Interesting cynthia, close to what i feel sometimes, but not quite, but interesting none the less.

Imagine that you are a bird, and you are flying over a city. Patiently consider the things that you would see, and examine them each individually in differing degrees of detail. At the same time, try to locate, in your mind, where your wingtips would be in relation to your head, your feet in relation to your rear-end, and so on. Immerse yourself in the things that you would see, smell, hear and feel. For a few brief moments, accept this existence as your reality.

Now, without attempting to rationally consider the question, ask yourself, "What is important?" Accept whatever thoughts enter your mind without attempting to cross-examine them. Because it is nearly guaranteed that you would be wrong about the thoughts and priorities of a real bird, then it is valid by mere virtue that this reality is your own invention. Try asking yourself different questions along this thread, and accept their answers with as little question. Continue with this fantasy until it has become more intense than your experience of the real world.

Allow this experience to fade away, and then go through the same process of self-examination that you did when you imagined that you were a bird. Take in what you see in varying levels of detail. Concentrate on the location of your fingertips, your ears, your feet, and so on. Ask yourself the same questions with the same easy acceptance of what their answers are.

Review what you have done in the past day, the past week, the past month, and the past year. Then begin dividing these experiences into related subjects: for example, review the books that you have read during those time frames, and then review the meals you can remember eating during those timeframes. Carefully and neatly catalog your experiences, so they will be easy to find when you need them.

Now, go through all of your experiences, and spend a while trying to understand why you read one particular book or ate a particular meal. Spend some time trying to understand what motivates you to do the things that you do. The most important person to have empathy for is your past self, after all. If you cannot understand that person, then you cannot very well understand others.

When you have completed this exercise, begin forming in your mind a list of people that you know, and review your past experiences with them. What you will do differently on this occasion is spend some time trying to understand them in the same way that you have attempted to understand yourself. Try to understand what motivates them. If they are religious, try to understand what makes them religious. If they are vegetarians, try to understand why they are vegetarians.

This is MY "religion." I have been lapsing lately.

OTHER & open to all!

Hmmm... well, when I first joined Susan's, I called myself an atheist, but I was really more of an anti-Christian.  I wasn't happy at all, and wound up having a spiritual crisis about 4 months ago or so. (I think it was 4 months, but I'm not positive).

As a result, I wound up converting to something like eclectic Wicca, with some Druidic leanings.  Wicca (and Neopaganism in general) was something I'd always been drawn toward, and I feel very safe and secure in it now.

For a while I told myself that I was still an atheist in a sense, because I was a pantheist and didn't believe in literal deities, but...

...that changed enough with time that I didn't think I could possibly fit myself into the atheist category anymore.  I learned to let it go.

Religion? Don't get me started. But who can pass up a bunch of fairy tales conjured up by a bunch of supurstisious cavemen? Let alone the promise of 72 virgins in trade if you commit murder and suicide at the same time.

Actually, I'm amazed how the invisible man has kept a hold on so many people and has caused so much violence among people. After all, Peace, Love and Happiness is what is preached. Oh, but that's so hippie

I am a rational atheist. No offense to those who are believers, but I simply fail to see how cleaving to superstitious belief systems in the modern world could possibly be of benefit to anyone.

Quote from: Virginia Marie on July 21, 2009, 02:43:09 AM
Religion? Don't get me started. But who can pass up a bunch of fairy tales conjured up by a bunch of supurstisious cavemen? Let alone the promise of 72 virgins in trade if you commit murder and suicide at the same time.

Actually, I'm amazed how the invisible man has kept a hold on so many people and has caused so much violence among people. After all, Peace, Love and Happiness is what is preached. Oh, but that's so hippie

Wow, what an odd feeling, seeing it from this side... I'm not sure whether I should agree, or be offended.

Fortunately, my fairy tales were conjured up in modern times, and they DO preach Love, Peace, and Happiness :)

Quote from: Kaitlyn on July 21, 2009, 04:06:48 AM
Wow, what an odd feeling, seeing it from this side... I'm not sure whether I should agree, or be offended.

Fortunately, my fairy tales were conjured up in modern times, and they DO preach Love, Peace, and Happiness :)

Although it still isn't my cup of tea, I have no real issues with *fairy tales* that preach peace, love and happiness.

It's the ones based on an us-against-them mentality that I find worrisome.

Quote from: KYLYKaHYT on July 21, 2009, 04:24:19 AM
Although it still isn't my cup of tea, I have no real issues with *fairy tales* that preach peace, love and happiness.

It's the ones based on an us-against-them mentality that I find worrisome.

It's the people that add the Us-vs.-them mentality.

Quote from: Miniar on July 21, 2009, 06:55:35 AM
It's the people that add the Us-vs.-them mentality.

That's only true up to a point.  Many of the major belief systems have some kind of holy text that describes genocidal slaughter of the non-believers at the direction of God.  Some people choose to ignore that part of the doctrine, others to embrace it.

I like to read books.  Some are novels, some about astronomy, some about botany.  If you can call that a religion.... then that's where I am these days. 

Cindi

I'm an extremely liberal christian.  The Bible and supporting texts, life lessons, prayer, scientific proof, that's where I get my beliefs from.  If a preacher happens to be preaching the same sort of thing, I'll listen.  I have, however, grown disenfranchised with the entire protestant and catholic churches.  The idea in most churches today is a pick and choose attitude, if you don't like what the text is saying, warp it to your own end or omit it.  It's how the crusades started, it's how religious hate crimes are perpetrated.  It's an us vs. them mentality, like someone above stated.  It's what makes people hate christians in the first place.

A good friend of mine loves the quote "I love God, I hate his fanclub," and it's so true. 

Sorry, I rambled, but yeah, that's why I consider myself an extremely liberal christian.  I march to the beat God is drumming for me, not what some preacher or man of the cloth, or even myself.

I checked "Pagan", cos it's closest; I'm an Hellenic Polytheist.  In more descriptive terms, that's "ancient Greek Pagan", and my primary cult practise* is to Eros, and so from that, I've made efforts to revive Boeotian rather than Attic practises.  Based on this, Kybele is an aspect of Gaia and a consort of Pan, and Eros is not only a God of Love, but a primary creator deity.  There are other quirks that differ greatly from the more popular Attic practises, but these are the major points off the top of my head right now.



*single-deity focus

My path is Theistic Satanism, which differs from LaVeyan Satanism in that I actually consider Satan to be a deity vs. a representation of individuality.

It really is much more complex than just that - saying what I am does not give anyone much idea of what I believe and do.  I do not believe in harming anything in cold blood nor do I consider myself or path 'evil'.  I was raised as a Pentecostal Christian, but soon fell away from those beliefs when my parents divorced.  Then I found Wicca in 1997, broke it down and became an Eclectic non-Wiccan witch and NeoPagan, and soon fine-tuned my path with Demonolatry and Theistic Satanism.  I also incorporate aspects of traditional witchcraft, Shamanism, Alchemy, Ceremonial Magic and Chaos Magic into my path.  :)

I don't judge others for their beliefs and try never to push mine on anyone else.

I am... some kind of mix of unspecified-spiritual and agnostic who occassionally associates myself with the Unitarian Universalist church. (I selected Unitarian Universalist  for the purposes of the poll, since that comes the closest to encompassing my whatever-it-is.)

I feel spiritually connected to something, but I don't feel any particular urge to try and discover the nature of that something. I talk about "god" sometimes, for simplicity, but my god(s) are more of a symbolic representation of whatever loving, creative power exists out there that I won't pretend to understand well enough to slap a definitive label on. I don't eally think god(s) are a singular, physical being (though I don't discount the possibility), more of an essence. Maybe it's just the universe itself being its own god. Nature itself can be spiritual whether there are deities involved or not.

I believe in goodness and nature and love and the beauty of imperfection. Beyond that, i don't pretend to know much. I'm not agnostic as in "I'm confused," I'm agnostic as in, "I'm only human and don't feel it's my place or in my best interests to try to label and define and pigeonhole something so much bigger than myself."

That being said, I think all religions have an aspect of truth and an aspect of nonsense. I see religion more as a cultural thing than a divine thing-- it's people's way of interpreting their spirituality in a way that feels right to them, and as long as no one is using that as an excuse to hurt or discredit anyone else, I think that's not only legitimate but really quite beautiful. As such, I'm more than happy to participate in other people's religious experiences if they're willing to share.

I guess I'm agnostic...I don't really subscribe to any one religion and I don't discount the possibility of a higher power, but I just try to not involve myself in religion...

I guess I should describe myself as a Judeo/mystical Islamic Anglican former Buddhist with a preference for Valhalla over the dreary harp music!

I try and keep my mind open, but with a fairly substantial BS filter fitted.

I laughed when I read that thanks to new work by translators there are going to be a lot of disappointed suicide bombers in Paradise looking at the 72 white grapes in their lap!

Quote from: justmeinoz on May 08, 2010, 02:59:54 AM
I guess I should describe myself as a Judeo/mystical Islamic Anglican former Buddhist with a preference for Valhalla over the dreary harp music!

I try and keep my mind open, but with a fairly substantial BS filter fitted.

I highly approve of this set of religious beliefs (and of your description thereof). |D *thumbs up*

I still prefer the church of Simian Primates. Our Spirits are capable of climbing great trees and opening small nuts with their furry little hands. Several times a year, we celebrate by gathering around The Great Tree while communally grooming under the sun. Quite often, we are chased off by humans and their canines.

Any religion that precludes the grooming of others is not a true religion.

There is a movement within our religion for our people to cross breed with rabbits in order to gain increased speed and larger ears, however, this sect will not survive the cleansing that is coming its way. So sayeth Bobo.

i have my own God , which is me, no confusions interpreting what they want (or at least less than other Gods) , no one can tell ME things about it other than me , no one else follows it *which makes me feel kinda special ,giggity*
we don't get along most of the time but it can't throw me in ell for it
well but to be honest i'm more of an agnostic

atheist

I mostly call myself a spiritualist, I have beliefs that don't follow any specific Religion.  Though I have come to accept Kami in the Japanese beliefs of Shinto to be better to describe the spiritual essences I have believed in.  I still am much exploring and learning and grasping the sense within myself of what I understand and believe as there are few human words to grasp everything.

empiricist.

I am a Cosmic Humanist. Which sounds like a spooky cult related to aliens or like some kind of Scientology, but really it just means that my beliefs are based closely to the New Age movement.

My religion/spirituality is rather complicated.  I have Catholic leanings, but I don't believe Jesus was anything more than a prophet with no divinity--like the Muslin view of Jesus.  My version of heaven and hell is rather complicated and it pulls in the reincarnation aspect into it, assuming I'm in the mindset that allows reincarnation in.  Then I believe that all religions and spiritualities are right, but that they only pertain to the person who believes in them.  What you believe in happens only to you and no one else.  I also believe gods and goddesses of other paradigms are also out there.  There's so many other things that pertains to my spirituality.  Like I said, it's complicated.

Baptist/Buddhist/Cosmic Humanist/Animist without religion or belonging to any organization would probably be the best description of what I believe :)

Thread necro!  >:-)

I dislike using the word Satanist because most people have already affixed one interpretation or another to the word, but my Luciferian beliefs are certainly similar in many ways to its atheistic practice - that what matters spiritually is what we do here with our actual lives, how that affects us, and how we then affect our world. You do not need a religion to have morals and be a good person.

The main difference is less emphasis on carnality, but with that same self-devotion focused towards seeking greater creativity and enlightenment. At times I've also described myself as Promethean, to those who do not understand that the translation of Lucifer (morning star) is widely synonymous in meaning with Prometheus - and that many spiritual misconceptions are the machinations of religious entities that seek to retard humanity's intellectual development.

I follow no religion. Just as I don't follow someone else's opinion. I take note, and at best integrate some of it after some serious scrutiny. I am eclectic with the focus upon thinking for myself, which incidentally, is harder than it is commonly assumed.

Agnostic Atheist, I don't know if there is a god, but at that, I don't think there is one

I'm more of a free thinker. They say those who are transgender, homosexual, etc. go to hell. But I refuse to believe or respect a God who would be that shallow. Overall I'm questioning if there even is one. Why are there so many people bored with defects? Why are there so many problems with the world? You'd think if there was a God he'd step in at some point. If there is one I feel like we're just his amusement.

I consider myself an Agnostic Deist leaning more towards deism. Basically meaning I believe if there is a God, they aren't too involved, like a programmer who designs a program and let's it run on it's own.

Nothing however I do feel like there is a heaven of eternal happiness and a hell for all those annoying anti gay people like Vladimir Putin.

While not technically a religion or belief, secular humanist describes me best.  Humanism has been around for generations and includes the entire human experience.  We can learn from the historical attempts to creating ethical guidelines and incorporate solid reasoning to arrive at a philosophical place that fits our current world.  We need not posit supernatural answers to our understanding of the cosmos and our places in it.

Ello everyone!  Well I don't follow a religion presay and while the closest I guess that I most identify with is Agnosticism or Omnism, I still can't completely explain what I believe in.  I'll probably come back when I have more time to carefully detail all aspects that I think about and consider but to a fine point:

I believe in a afterlife of existence, not a Heaven/Hell concept but a next level of living, a stage of transition where my essence/soul is carried on as my body returns to the Earth and Mother Nature's cycle.  I believe that there are aspects of our lives that may or may not be influenced by Gods and Goddesses that have touches of themselves in conjunction with the very science and metabolic structure of life.  I also believe that our life energy is returned to the earth and converted into a new "rebirth" of life, what that life is, is very unknown and subject to each of us.

I guess I'm a hodg-podge of beliefs, but I feel a balance in a acceptance of ifferent aspects to universally have respect for all and all life as it may be.  I could also just be crazy X_X :laugh:

At this point in time I would likely classify myself as an atheist.

I was raised in an evangelical christian home, and was an active christian for most of my childhood. I first started to become disillusioned with my faith around the age of 11 or 12, and my faith quickly began to fade after that. I've continued to attend a christian church even to this day, mostly for the sake of my family. Both of my parents were christian missionaries, so I don't know if being so deeply steeped within the religion as I was growing up led to my eventual rejection of it or not. I suspect it mostly came down to the idea that I have a lot of trouble with the idea of faith, with few people within my religious community offering any tenable answers.

I've never really tried looking into any other religions, mostly because I suspect they wouldn't interest me much either. I do find certain aspects of religion very interesting in general, but I don't know that it is anything I would ever actively choose to believe in.

I'm a Pagan. I normally follow the Greek pantheon, but I recognize other pantheons as well.

I've been thinking about this a lot. My first instinct is to claim I have no religion, because I don't hold any supernatural beliefs. But then I started thinking more about the role of religion in daily life. It's a source of comfort, guidance, mythology and narratives, and moral answers. With that as my new basis, I realized I do have a religion... my religion is pop culture. All those roles religion plays in the life of the faithful, pieces of pop culture play for me. Buffy and Angel give me mantras and philosophy, The Dresden Files and Harry Potter give me mythology, Friendship is Magic gave me succor when I was at one of my lowest points. Where others would turn to a saint or a Rabbi, I turn to Whedon, King, or Miyamoto. It isn't filled with supernatural beliefs, but my pop culture religion is otherwise functionally the same.