Celibacy in religion (ritual, choices, choice, spiritual, organization) - Page 4

doppelgänger · #31 11-11-2006, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burchfam

Those that are called come of their own accord.

Can you describe how you were called? How, where and from whom did you hear about Famism? How did you experience your calling to Famism?

What was in your mind at the point it dawned on you that this was the Truth for you?

Burchfam · #32 11-11-2006, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Can you describe how you were called? How, where and from whom did you hear about Famism? How did you experience your calling to Famism?

What was in your mind at the point it dawned on you that this was the Truth for you?

It's quite a long story. I was at college away from home, I was seeking, I looked at a lot of religions, I found the literature of the Famists and contacted them. I had deep spiritual experiences and felt the calling. I resisted at first because of the requirements.

doppelgänger · #33 11-11-2006, 07:32 AM

Does your religion teach that there is anything wrong or immoral about sex for people generally, or is it just a rule that's part of being an adherent to the faith?

doppelgänger · #34 11-11-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burchfam

It's quite a long story.

I'd be interested in reading it. It sounds intriguing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burchfam

I was at college away from home, I was seeking, I looked at a lot of religions, I found the literature of the Famists and contacted them. I had deep spiritual experiences and felt the calling. I resisted at first because of the requirements.

How did you find the literature? Where and what was it?

What kind of deep spiritual experiences? Anything you can describe?

Burchfam · #35 11-11-2006, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

How did you find the literature? Where and what was it?

It was part of the collection held by the Faith and Religion Society at the college. It was just a short leaflet.

PureX · #36 11-11-2006, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burchfam

Those that are called come of their own accord.

Hmmmm ... Well, I would say this: you have been given the gift of life, to do with as you feel appropriate. If this is what you believe God wants you to do, and you aren't harming anyone else's freedom to do as they feel appropriate, then you have my blessing (though I realize you weren't seeking it, nor do you need it).

I suspect that folks who seek to "transcend life" are doing so because they wanted life to bend to their will, and it doesn't. I suspect they want to be God, and the reality of this world is not cooperating, so now they want to "transcend" that reality, to another, where they can be what they want .... God.

But I publicly admit that I'm biased in favor of what I percieve to be real life because when I lived by my ideals (fantasies) my life was a horrible mess, and my effect on other people was almost always negative.

doppelgänger · #37 11-11-2006, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burchfam

It was part of the collection held by the Faith and Religion Society at the college. It was just a short leaflet.

What did it say that so grabbed you?

Burchfam · #38 11-11-2006, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PureX

Hmmmm ... Well, I would say this: you have been given the gift of life, to do with as you feel appropriate. If this is what you believe God wants you to do, and you aren't harming anyone else's freedom to do as they feel appropriate, then you have my blessing (though I realize you weren't seeking it, nor do you need it).

I suspect that folks who seek to "transcend life" are doing so because they wanted life to bend to their will, and it doesn't. I suspect they want to be God, and the reality of this world is not cooperating, so now they want to "transcend" that reality, to another, where they can be what they want .... God.

But I publicly admit that I'm biased in favor of what I percieve to be real life because when I lived by my ideals (fantasies) my life was a horrible mess, and my effect on other people was almost always negative.

I suppose we must all follow our path.

doppelgänger · #39 11-11-2006, 07:37 AM

Thanks for taking the time to answer all these questions, BTW. I've never heard of Famism and I'm a devotee of comparative religion and the academic study of mythology (hopefully your willing to discuss that with me too). I'm always interested in learning about new approaches and seeing what people find inspiring about them.