Where did you start? (ritual, Buddhism, beliefs, Mormonism, attend)

[Moni_Gail]

What was the religion you grew up with? How and at what point were you comfortable with opening yourself up to this thought process?

I began with going to a Southern Baptist private school until Jr High, at that point my family converted to Mormonism. I think this was a huge leap for me. The two are polar opposites of the Christian scale. It enabled me to think outside of the box. Also, growing up my dad always told me that not one church or religion has the whole truth, but each one has a piece of it. That has always stuck with me.

My main point of this question/thread is, what helped you step away from literalistic teachings? For those literalists it's so hard for them to stop and think that others may be right also. They believe their texts and dogmas to be infallible.

[Willamena]

My parents were Protestant, but not active in the church. We attended Sunday school as kids, but left soon after we started. My early impression of it was that it was nonsense: God living on clouds in the sky, and such. I remember being frightened by the thought that God watched everything I did --talk about paranoia.

Much later in life, I learned to understand that as the image of God. From that point on, I developed a personal spiritual understanding of things that made sense to me.

What helped me to step away from literalistic teaching is, in a word, Joseph Campbell. The series on PBS The Power of Myth and Transformations of Myth Through Time, had a profound impact on me, turning me from a callous athiest into a reader of myth and a believer in god (as opposed to the Image of God).

Oh... but I'm not Gnostic.

[gnostic]

Originally Posted by Willamena

Oh... but I'm not Gnostic.

Oh, yes. You're in the wrong forum and thread. You must have taken the wrong turn. Agnosticism is the third door to your left. Make sure you take off your shoes before you come in.

[michel]

Originally Posted by Moni_Gail

What was the religion you grew up with? How and at what point were you comfortable with opening yourself up to this thought process?

I began with going to a Southern Baptist private school until Jr High, at that point my family converted to Mormonism. I think this was a huge leap for me. The two are polar opposites of the Christian scale. It enabled me to think outside of the box. Also, growing up my dad always told me that not one church or religion has the whole truth, but each one has a piece of it. That has always stuck with me.

My main point of this question/thread is, what helped you step away from literalistic teachings? For those literalists it's so hard for them to stop and think that others may be right also. They believe their texts and dogmas to be infallible.

My Father was an ex communicated Roman catholic (Having divorced his first wife in 1940), my Mother was a member of the Anglican church - but hardly ever went to Church.

I was therefore brought up in a religious 'Vacuum'; it was as a result of trying to kill myself that I began my search for God.

[Moni_Gail]

I also found that many who share these beliefs hold a deep respect for Eastern religious practices, such as Hiduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. While growing up I always had my little jade Buddha sitting next to my bed. For me, this united my Christian upbringing with those enigmatic and thought provoking religious paths.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Moni_Gail

What was the religion you grew up with? How and at what point were you comfortable with opening yourself up to this thought process?

I began with going to a Southern Baptist private school until Jr High, at that point my family converted to Mormonism. I think this was a huge leap for me. The two are polar opposites of the Christian scale. It enabled me to think outside of the box. Also, growing up my dad always told me that not one church or religion has the whole truth, but each one has a piece of it. That has always stuck with me.

My main point of this question/thread is, what helped you step away from literalistic teachings? For those literalists it's so hard for them to stop and think that others may be right also. They believe their texts and dogmas to be infallible.

I grew up atheist, bordering on anti-theism.

My father's death when i was 14 caused my to explore spirituality. I began by exploring pagan (specifically Kemetic) beliefs. When i went to university i carried on my pagan beliefs, but also was introduced to Buddhism.
Buddhism and its lack of theology as well as its esoteric nature appealed to me greatly. But i was still fond of my pagan gods and goddesses.

While doing some idle internet research i came across Sophia for the first time, She introduced me to Gnosticism. I still have trouble taking things literally, but i'm getting better at understanding things from a purely Gnostic position.
I'm a scientist by nature and profession, so none of the big religions with their emphasis on the realised supernatural appealed to me. Gnosticism deals almost entirely with the spirit and the mind, it doesn't encroach on the physical realm so it doesn't conflict with my scientific understanding of the universe.

[Buttons*]

I was episcopalian

[Moni_Gail]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

I was episcopalian

Was there one thing that you can recall which opened you up to more possibilities and a broader view of religion?

[Hacker]

I was Catholic for YEARS, but as Williama said, I was a little lost girl during my childhood education years. I was very dedicated though, like when I was a child, if I would sin I felt the need to confess to the priest, I went to church every Sunday, prayed the Rosary. Then I claimed Christianity, the explored a little Buddhism, and spirituality.

[gnostic]

Are you involved in any with Gnosticism, tlcmel?