Your views (ritual, gospel, Buddhism, beliefs, soul)

[Jaime_carter]

Hi, I have not grown up as part of a religion and until recently knew very little about religion(which I am ashamed to admit) I am doing lots of reading about religion and would like to hear from different people and their views about their religion and other religions. I'd like to know why you believe(or do not believe) in that particular religion. Hope people can help me to understand more!Thanks, Jaime

[evearael]

First, there is nothing to be ashamed about... everyone is in their own unique place when it comes to spirituality. I think it is commendable that you are seeking to learn about various religions. I consider myself a monotheist, though I am not officially affliated with any one religion, and I am a strong supporter of science. I believe very strongly in a God, that is loving and just. I was raised by hippies that were very much into letting me decide for myself what I believed in... which was rough because it didn't give me any spiritual background to grow into or from. I've studied, prayed and just did alot of soul searching to come to the place I am now. My conception of God is incompatible with anything but monotheism, though I have the utmost respect for those who differ with me, as long as they are good people. My love of science is not compromised by my faith because, to me, God created the laws of physics even as He separated the darkness from the light.

[dawny0826]

I believe in the Holy Bible. I believe it is the infallible Word of God. I believe that Christ's sacrifice was the ultimate atonement for the sins of the world and that whosoever believes in Christ and follows Him will have eternal life with God the Father. When we accept Christ, we receive the precious indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our Helper and Comforter.

I'm a Christian. The Holy Trinity...God in three persons...Father, Son and Holy Ghost...that's the very core of my religious beliefs. I fully embrace the gospel of Christ. By His stripes we are healed...by his precious blood we are saved. By His love...we can shine like little fires in this dark world.

I attend a Pentecostal church and I enjoy my church. I am however, above all...a Christian.

I believe as I do because my belief and trust in Christ has resulted in a peace that surpasses any peace I've ever experienced before. He has made me complete. I know that without Him, I am lost. So, for me, it doesn't make any sense to take any other spiritual avenues. In Christ...I am home.

[d.]

here's a great site for investigating any religion :

http://www.religioustolerance.org/

[robtex]

Wow Jamie you are still really young. I have a confession. I didn't know much about many religions other than Christianty until I was 30 years old. The only reason I new much about Christianity is because of where I live. Looks like you are just getting out of high school. Do yourself a favor. Find direction in your life and while its cool to read about religion and God don't become pre-occupied with it. If there is a God he will be there when you get past that pivotal time of being right out of high school. The website Divine listed in post 4 is great. I love your open mind and I hope you enjoy figuring things out instead of letting it be stressful and encumbersome.

[ayani]

hey, jaime

well, it's surely different for everyone.

i was raised lutheran, but later walked away from christianity, not able to accept trinitarian thought. later i explored buddhism and quakerism, as well as spiritual approaches to psychology.

i think religion is generally a positive thing, though it comes in many forms- worship, prayer, philosophy, ritual. my advice is to take your time, enjoy your spiritual search, and learn as much as you can. diversity is not only a reality, it's often facinating and goes deep.

[BruceDLimber]

Originally Posted by Jaime_carter

Hi, I have not grown up as part of a religion and until recently knew very little about religion(which I am ashamed to admit) I am doing lots of reading about religion and would like to hear from different people and their views about their religion and other religions. I'd like to know why you believe(or do not believe) in that particular religion. Hope people can help me to understand more!Thanks, Jaime

Greetings, Jaime!

Please don't worry about getting a late start on religion: "better late than never, and all that!" :-) Anyway, I wish you good hunting!

I have the great good fortune to be a Baha'i!

As to why, this is tne result of extensive prayer, reading, investigation, research, and observation on my part. I love the Baha'i Faith's peaceful and unific teachings, and honestly believe it's both God's Word for humanity in this Day and the most positive and constructive religion around!

So I cordially invite you to investigate it as well as other religions, so that you're in a position to make an informed decision about which path to follow.

All the best, and enjoy your journey! :-)

Bruce

[Peace]

Originally Posted by Jaime_carter

Hi, I have not grown up as part of a religion and until recently knew very little about religion(which I am ashamed to admit) I am doing lots of reading about religion and would like to hear from different people and their views about their religion and other religions. I'd like to know why you believe(or do not believe) in that particular religion. Hope people can help me to understand more!Thanks, Jaime

Welcome Jaime! Hope you will enjoy the RF
I will say seek God, pray to Him to guide you and your way to what pleases Him. Pray to Him and you will find a Merciful, Loving and forgiving God who is so close to you. God never forsakes those who resort to Him.
I am Muslim and I am proud to be a Muslim. My religion is not seperated from my life, for it is applicable to my daily life. I find it easy and makes me happy. My religion granted me a peace of mind and contentment, thanks be to God for that!!!
I believe in one God who created you and me and all the exist. I believe in all Messengers of Allah, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Jacob, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Moses and Jesus and many others peace be upon them all, and I believe that Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him is the last Messenger sent as a seal of Prophets for all Mankind.
May Allah guide your way to His everlasting Light and knowledge!

I wish you all the best
Peace

[Cerrax]

In Madriism, your soul comes from the Mother spirit Gaia. Every soul has its own unique gifts, strengths and weaknesses. As you go through life, the Father spirit Feith will challenge your stengths and weaknesses. Upon death, if you have answered these challenges and overcome them, your soul will return to Gaia.

The nature of Madriism is one of humility, peace, and grace. It does not proclaim that it is the One True Religion. Simply Madriism says, "Yeah I'm here, but you don't have to believe me." One of the main things about Madriism is that as long as you are morally sound, you will go to Gaia. You don't have to "save others from their evil religions" or proclaim Madriism to be the "One and Only Truth" or even believe in Gaia. Its as simple as believing in yourself and others. Gaia is in every single person. Remember there are no miracles, just miraculous people.

If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask!