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Aviator27J · 10-14-2006, 08:40 PM

There have been several posts by several people in here with whom I agree and of course disagree.

My take on it, to sum it up hopefully in a rather short post, is this. I was born and raised Christian (Baptist at first, then Presbytarian, but I didn't notice the subtle changes at my age of 12 or so). My mother was raised Catholic and I know of that religion too, my father baptist and they're both pretty religious and sort of pressure me to be, especially since I'm getting married soon and have one child with another on the way. They thankfully don't pressure me into Christian faith since I mentioned that we're open to a lot of interpretation when it comes to religion but they do believe (justly, might I add) that my children should be raised with some religion at least. I do keep searching for what religions seem to suit me and even though nothing fits quite right yet I do have a few things I look for in a religion.

One, I do believe in a superior power of some sort. There's no way in my mind my son was created by random events and no amount of evolution (which I do believe in) has formed his personality and explains anything close to the way I feel when I think about him, my fiancee, or the thoughts we all individually have in our minds. If we're all the same then our world would be much different without personalities and everything else of that nature.

Two, speaking of nature, I prefer a religion that encourages the respect of the environment. Almost all religions might not exactly tell you to litter or dump oil in the ocean but not many show the respect or explain or encourage the feeling I get when I'm in nature. That's very important to me. I don't think it's necessary to believe in spirits in every object in the world but there's more behind life and nature that other religions don't even touch.

Three, there's no strong pull to worship in a church or temple or anything else like that. Ceremonies, special gatherings, optional times to gather and give thanks or praise or whatever would be fine and not just understandable but nice. There are times people like to come to the comforting place like that and feel welcomed, accepted, and loved in situations when family or friends can't fill that hole in the heart.

Four, it has to be accepting of other religions and how the followers live their lives for the most part. None of the Catholic "if it feels good, stop" mentality or the belief that if you're not "one of us you're doomed." Paganism I hear is similar, for what it's worth. Religion has become not just political but it has passed its boundaries for the scientific advancement of society. Native Americans many times believe in stories about the earth being created by a couple animals and the stories seem very far-fetched...yet how's that any difference than the bible explaining the world being created in 6 days not long ago? I'm not bashing anyone or Christianity, I'm just making the point about how religious beliefs should evolve with civilization.

Five, explain goals for people both individually and as a whole. For example, the belief that each person has a talent and it's his or her goal in life to find that talent and use it to the best of his/her ability to help others. Take it how you want but the Aborigines of Australia, one of the first groups of people on the planet (I know, it may go against the bible) believe in this very strongly. Even if it's not true it's a nice thing to aim for in your life.

I'm sure there are a few more but I've already typed far too much. I'm not trying to offend anyone but I'm just saying that I agree and disagree with almost every sentiment every single person has said in here. Except for that one that said "idiot" on the first page.

10-14-2006, 08:40 PM	#55 (permalink)
Aviator27J Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: IAH/XJTCE Posts: 547	There have been several posts by several people in here with whom I agree and of course disagree. My take on it, to sum it up hopefully in a rather short post, is this. I was born and raised Christian (Baptist at first, then Presbytarian, but I didn't notice the subtle changes at my age of 12 or so). My mother was raised Catholic and I know of that religion too, my father baptist and they're both pretty religious and sort of pressure me to be, especially since I'm getting married soon and have one child with another on the way. They thankfully don't pressure me into Christian faith since I mentioned that we're open to a lot of interpretation when it comes to religion but they do believe (justly, might I add) that my children should be raised with some religion at least. I do keep searching for what religions seem to suit me and even though nothing fits quite right yet I do have a few things I look for in a religion. One, I do believe in a superior power of some sort. There's no way in my mind my son was created by random events and no amount of evolution (which I do believe in) has formed his personality and explains anything close to the way I feel when I think about him, my fiancee, or the thoughts we all individually have in our minds. If we're all the same then our world would be much different without personalities and everything else of that nature. Two, speaking of nature, I prefer a religion that encourages the respect of the environment. Almost all religions might not exactly tell you to litter or dump oil in the ocean but not many show the respect or explain or encourage the feeling I get when I'm in nature. That's very important to me. I don't think it's necessary to believe in spirits in every object in the world but there's more behind life and nature that other religions don't even touch. Three, there's no strong pull to worship in a church or temple or anything else like that. Ceremonies, special gatherings, optional times to gather and give thanks or praise or whatever would be fine and not just understandable but nice. There are times people like to come to the comforting place like that and feel welcomed, accepted, and loved in situations when family or friends can't fill that hole in the heart. Four, it has to be accepting of other religions and how the followers live their lives for the most part. None of the Catholic "if it feels good, stop" mentality or the belief that if you're not "one of us you're doomed." Paganism I hear is similar, for what it's worth. Religion has become not just political but it has passed its boundaries for the scientific advancement of society. Native Americans many times believe in stories about the earth being created by a couple animals and the stories seem very far-fetched...yet how's that any difference than the bible explaining the world being created in 6 days not long ago? I'm not bashing anyone or Christianity, I'm just making the point about how religious beliefs should evolve with civilization. Five, explain goals for people both individually and as a whole. For example, the belief that each person has a talent and it's his or her goal in life to find that talent and use it to the best of his/her ability to help others. Take it how you want but the Aborigines of Australia, one of the first groups of people on the planet (I know, it may go against the bible) believe in this very strongly. Even if it's not true it's a nice thing to aim for in your life. I'm sure there are a few more but I've already typed far too much. I'm not trying to offend anyone but I'm just saying that I agree and disagree with almost every sentiment every single person has said in here. Except for that one that said "idiot" on the first page. __________________ Clark W. Griswold, Ernest P. Worrell (the importance of being Ernest)...sometimes life can be better if we get hilariously pissed off or depressed.