To The Undecided... (ritual, mystic, tradition, Buddhism, beliefs)

[Halcyon]

To all our members who don't know what religion they belong too, aren't sure of what you believe and those who have recently left a faith and may be seeking another - i have a couple of questions;

How many religions do you consider that you have researched in depth?

What religions are you most drawn towards, and what about them is stopping you taking the plunge?

Would you consider adopting a brand new religion, or do you feel a faith must have some history to feel 'credible'?

[Sunstone]

Thirty years ago, I was somewhat well read in three or four Eastern religions. But I haven't kept up my studies and no longer consider myself well read in any religion.

I don't see any purpose or advantage to latching onto any one particular religion. My prefered method is to take what I find wise and good from each and every religion, rather than to focus on just one.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

To all our members who don't know what religion they belong too, aren't sure of what you believe and those who have recently left a faith and may be seeking another - i have a couple of questions;

How many religions do you consider that you have researched in depth?

What religions are you most drawn towards, and what about them is stopping you taking the plunge?

Would you consider adopting a brand new religion, or do you feel a faith must have some history to feel 'credible'?

I've researched so many religions I really couldn't count them.

I'm drawn more towards the mystical religions: Gnostism, Wiccanism, Sufism, and such. Something about actively working towards a connection with the divine really gets me going! What turns me off to some of them is the emphasis on exclusive knowledge or wisdom. To me, if it's true Truth, it's not exclusive; Truth is in all of us, we just have to learn how to find it.

I'm currently building my own religion, so I suppose I wholeheartedly embrace brand new religions. Religion is a very personal thing that changes throughout one's life. Even established religions evolve through time in order to adapt to changing societies and technologies.

[GoldenDragon]

I have been searching for a religion that better "fits"me, don't know if I'll ever truly convert, and have been doing research on and been strongly drawn to Judaism(for about 6 years now) and recently Taoism and Buddhism. I probably should do some study on other religions. Right now whats stopping me from taking any plunges is the fact that I don't want to replace the religion I have already it would feel as if I'm turning my back on it it's a very big step. So right now I'm looking for that spiritual path.

[DuckySMT]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

I don't see any purpose or advantage to latching onto any one particular religion. My prefered method is to take what I find wise and good from each and every religion, rather than to focus on just one.

I tend to do the same thing. I've studied many diiferent religions and generally find that although I may be drawn to aspects, I'm not not fully convinced...This way I can truly cater to my own beliefs, however they may change.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by DuckySMT

I tend to do the same thing. I've studied many diiferent religions and generally find that although I may be drawn to aspects, I'm not not fully convinced...This way I can truly cater to my own beliefs, however they may change.

Would you (and Sunstone) say that you have formed your own religion?

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

How many religions do you consider that you have researched in depth?

3 - Paganism, Christianity and Taoism. Right now I am studying up on Buddhism.

What religions are you most drawn towards, and what about them is stopping you taking the plunge?

Paganism and the eastern religions. I feel that I can't go back to Paganism because after a while it felt superficial and too theatrical to me (sorry Pagans). Taoism is another one I feel a connection to, but frankly for all I've read and studied I still just don't get it.

Would you consider adopting a brand new religion, or do you feel a faith must have some history to feel 'credible'?

Well, Paganism is a new religion, so yes I would. I've also considered creating my own spiritual tradition from the ground up, but I get frustrated easily, so that didn't quite work.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

Taoism is another one I feel a connection to, but frankly for all I've read and studied I still just don't get it.

Lao Tzu say: she who looks in empty cookie jar, find only crumbs.

Nice thread Halc.

[DuckySMT]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Would you (and Sunstone) say that you have formed your own religion?

I guess you could say that...i've certainly formed my own set of spiritual beliefs using bits of many different religions, but i tend to shy away from the word religion for its a bit too organized and set for my liking...