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Kia Ora,

::) Constance's comments on her being 'Christian' 'Pagan'  and 'Buddhist' inspired this poll/thread...[Thanks Constance]

It would seem that many of us don't just adhere to the one belief, even though we may have a 'core' belief we tend to dabble in other belief systems[ I'm using the term 'belief system' to cover the different kinds of religious and spiritual beliefs people have]...

For example Constance see herself as the three, Christian=monotheistic, Pagan=polytheistic  and Buddhist= non-theistic, which is an interesting combination which for the most part also brings her comfort...

I also know of people who call themselves Christian atheists and attend church and join in religious festivities, many secular Jews 'atheists' still attend synagogues..I'm sure there are others who attend other kinds of faith group meetings who are 'non' believers.... 

So I was just wondering how others see things when it comes to their beliefs...

What 'DO' you adhere to ?

Metta Zenda :)   

"Secular humanism is a comprehensive life stance or world view which embraces human reason, metaphysical naturalism, altruistic morality and distributive justice, and consciously rejects supernatural claims, theistic faith and religiosity, pseudoscience, and perceived superstition.[52][53][54] It is sometimes referred to as Humanism (with a capital H and no qualifying adjective).
The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) is the world union of more than 100 Humanist, rationalist, irreligious, atheistic, Bright, secular, Ethical Culture, andfreethought organizations in more than 40 countries. The "Happy Human" is the official symbol of the IHEU as well as being regarded as a universally recognised symbol for secular humanism.
According to the IHEU's bylaw 5.1[55]:
Humanism is a democratic and ethical life stance, which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. It stands for the building of a more humane society through an ethic based on human and other natural values in the spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities. It is not theistic, and it does not accept supernatural views of reality!"

My core belief is Christianity. I also have studied Taoism, and follow it's teachings (though not as well as I would like). In some areas of my life I follow my family's Tribe's beliefs (Native American). For me, this is a good combination and enriches my life.

There's someone in my sangha who doesn't really identify as a Buddhist, but as "an atheist with a Buddhist practice." I thought it was an interesting distinction.

My belief system is atheist, think card carrying one :) that doesn't mean I am not open to other belief systems. It means I believe in the maxim "extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence". To me a belief system that requires death to understand can never be understood except by the dead and the last I knew they aren't talking :), except on my favorite tv show (the walking dead).

Quote from: Constance on January 15, 2013, 05:16:17 PM
There's someone in my sangha who doesn't really identify as a Buddhist, but as "an atheist with a Buddhist practice." I thought it was an interesting distinction.

Kia Ora Constance,

That's an interesting distinction your sangha member makes...Buddhism when seen as "a religion" is often referred to as a 'non-theistic' religion...Many prefer to call it non-theistic so as not to antagonise theists who find the term 'atheist' somewhat threatening...

Metta Zenda :)

Quote from: Zumbagirl on January 15, 2013, 05:21:35 PM
"extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"

This is why I try to be care to never make any definitive claims regarding my faiths. Really, it's probably best to describe my faith as "agnostic" as I don't know and I believe that no one can know (until it's too late!). I feel that my practice gives me some kind of benefit in the here and now, and that's why I practice.

Quote from: Zenda on January 15, 2013, 05:29:29 PM
That's an interesting distinction your sangha member makes...Buddhism when seen as "a religion" is often referred to as a 'non-theistic' religion...Many prefer to call it non-theistic so as not to antagonise theists who find the term 'atheist' somewhat threatening...

I think it's because this particular person is so proudly atheistic that she claims this description for herself.

I'm Pagan, but I follow three different pantheons and Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity [primarily the notion of angels and demons, though I have a different view of demons] have played a part in my beliefs/ideas.

Once, forever and always, just one Christianity.

Accepted when I was 30.