Have you converted from one Abrahamic religion to another? (choice, atheist)

[robtex]

I was raised in a non-religious household. At 17 I accepted Jesus as my savior but at age 19 I read the Bible in college and was aghast that a system of morality could be attached to a book like that (I read the kjv at that time). Dropped Jesus and the Christian way and left religion for about a decade as an agnostic who didn't really care about religion. At the age of 34 went back to re-investigate religion starting with Christianity. Couldn't stomach the Bible the second time around as a mature adult, became a UU to "find God" came here got crushed in constant debates with atheists on RF, as well as hearing really good arguments for non-theism locally (austin is the atheist capital of the usa). In addition was dating a Jewish ex genetics student and read lot about biology and genetics that crushed any idea of dualism for me, got hooked on philosophy, much of what is anti-dogma by design (aka question everything) as well as become a broad student of religion on a macro (as opposed to micro) level while being in UU. End result was becoming an atheist.

[shadow_fire]

I can see how a lot of people converted to the Baha'i faith. When I started doubting my old faith (Catholicism) I read up on Baha'i and I absolutely loved the concept. I was almost sold on the religion until I started reading the Baha'i laws which included that sex should only be between a man and a woman.
I'm not Catholic now however, I later became Agnostic...then Atheist

[arthra]

Originally Posted by shadow_fire

I can see how a lot of people converted to the Baha'i faith. When I started doubting my old faith (Catholicism) I read up on Baha'i and I absolutely loved the concept. I was almost sold on the religion until I started reading the Baha'i laws which included that sex should only be between a man and a woman.
I'm not Catholic now however, I later became Agnostic...then Atheist

Well to be a little more precise sex is only permitted in the context of marriage but you'll also find that in Catholic practise if I'm not mistaken...

I'd probably be in the category of formerly Christian now Baha'i...but as we Baha'is see it we are still recognizing Jesus and accept the Bible as inspired...

- Art

[Popeyesays]

Originally Posted by shadow_fire

I can see how a lot of people converted to the Baha'i faith. When I started doubting my old faith (Catholicism) I read up on Baha'i and I absolutely loved the concept. I was almost sold on the religion until I started reading the Baha'i laws which included that sex should only be between a man and a woman.
I'm not Catholic now however, I later became Agnostic...then Atheist

Chastity is the expected behavior in a Baha`i life. That means chaste sex requires marriage. Marriage requires a man and a woman.

Sex in a homosexual environment is a violation of chastity, because it is not condoned by marriage.

Heterosexual sex outside marriage is equally unacceptable.

This does not mean we have proctors standing outside bedroom windows.

It means that when a sexual relationship without benefit of marriage is obvious, and the parties admit to it, and perpetuate it in spite of Baha`i law to the contrary, THEN and only then can a Baha`i be deprived of administrative rights in the faith. That does not mean, however, that they are "excommunicated". It means they are denied the right to vote in Baha`i election, serve in Baha`i elected and appointed posts, and give to the Faith monetarily. They are still believers in Baha`u'llah and never are cast out of the faith. When they are willing to rectify the situation that caused the restriction of rights those rights can be re-established.

Marriage "good"! is Mongo's word on the subject.

Regards,
Scott

[YmirGF]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

Now, I consider myself agnostic again and more than likely have left the Abrahamic faiths behind for good.

Bravo! Ya see, there is light at the end of the tunnel of Abrahamic thought.

[Buttons*]

I was raised Episcopalian - baptised and confirmed.... then my parents got divorced and my mom started taking me to a non denominational church. It was a social group instead of an actual worship, so I started looking up the background of the church and found Gnosticism. I feel that it's abrahamic and worth discussing

Anyway, I always had gnostic feelings and beliefs... and after I found the scriptures, I knew I was home.

A certian sheep has been introducing me to tao. I feel that it carries the same message as gnosticism... so we'll just see where the light takes me.

[shadow_fire]

Originally Posted by Popeyesays

Chastity is the expected behavior in a Baha`i life. That means chaste sex requires marriage. Marriage requires a man and a woman.

Sex in a homosexual environment is a violation of chastity, because it is not condoned by marriage.

Heterosexual sex outside marriage is equally unacceptable.

This does not mean we have proctors standing outside bedroom windows.

It means that when a sexual relationship without benefit of marriage is obvious, and the parties admit to it, and perpetuate it in spite of Baha`i law to the contrary, THEN and only then can a Baha`i be deprived of administrative rights in the faith. That does not mean, however, that they are "excommunicated". It means they are denied the right to vote in Baha`i election, serve in Baha`i elected and appointed posts, and give to the Faith monetarily. They are still believers in Baha`u'llah and never are cast out of the faith. When they are willing to rectify the situation that caused the restriction of rights those rights can be re-established.

Marriage "good"! is Mongo's word on the subject.

Regards,
Scott

Same sex marriages are legal in Canada (where I live) and a few other places. Hooray for gay marriage

[athanasius]

I was born catholic, then fell away for a couple of years and flirted with agnosticism and then unofficially became protestant. I went to baptist services with my girlfriend for 5 years. Then in the process of doing that I read and studied many anti-catholic books and also Catholic books defending the faith to see what added up. I Studied Church history and read the early Fathers, and studied the many many miracles and exorcism cases of the Catholic church. I eventually came back home to Rome and embraced her dogmas as truth and the Catholic church as that one Church that Christ ordained and operates out of.