Alternative religions. Anyone follow one?

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Replies

  • EponaBlue
    EponaBlue Posts: 96 Member
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.
  • southpaw211
    southpaw211 Posts: 385 Member

    I would have to say I'm this too.... but more Agnostic with a Taoist twist. I also have to say that I'm very impressed with this thread... it's civil, open-minded, and I for one learned of a few different belief systems that I had never heard of before... which of course sent me to google, and was very interested in learning more about some of them.

    I can't help but wonder tho'... all the friendliness in this thread, when normally talks of religion and beliefs etc turn ugly... perhaps the fact that it is a thread about 'alternative' belief systems and not mainstream religion is the very reason for it's civility and open respect toward all the other posters.
    [/quote]

    I had the same thought. Many of these "alternatives" share the concept of doing good for good's sake. Our inner compass points the way.
    [/quote]

    I think just as often it comes down to the human practicing said religion, and how they choose to inflict their belief as the only way onto others. I belong to what is considered a "mainstream" religion according to this thread, but none of the churches I've attended in my life taught or preached intolerance . I guess that's why I never left! I was taught to love others, treat them how I would like to be treated. I was also taught that the way into Heaven was not measured by the good deeds I did, but by following Christ and his teachings. ::shrug:: Perhaps I'm just one of the lucky ones who had parents who were able to find a balance between religious beliefs and applying them to the real world. Certainly that doesn't seem to be the case these days, by and large. In any case, despite my faith or beliefs, I've got plenty of respect for what others choose to believe (or not). That's not a religious point of view, just human.

    **edited to say crap, I screwed up the quote. Well, anyone following this thread knows what I'm talking about anyhow. :laugh: **
  • emergencytennis
    emergencytennis Posts: 864 Member
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.

    What would you consider to be the parameters of our innate morality? Human sacrifice, child brides and incest have all been considered natural and good at times throughout human history.
  • Cajoke123
    Cajoke123 Posts: 54
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.

    And just to try to make sure I understand, do you think some form of deity gave you this conscience or that it just evolved out of evolution?
  • Cajoke123
    Cajoke123 Posts: 54
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.

    What would you consider to be the parameters of our innate morality? Human sacrifice, child brides and incest have all been considered natural and good at times throughout human history.

    I think that many people go against their conscience (or innate morality) since sin (dare I use this word?) is appealing by human nature.
  • EponaBlue
    EponaBlue Posts: 96 Member
    There are no parameters. It is highly personal and individualized just like the beliefs we are discussing. It is what our parents taught us, what our experiences have taught us, how we interact with our world. I think most of us try to do the best we know how to do and hopefully we will feel good about the lives we have lived at the end of each day and at the end of our lives.
    :flowerforyou:
  • soldier4242
    soldier4242 Posts: 1,368 Member
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.

    What would you consider to be the parameters of our innate morality? Human sacrifice, child brides and incest have all been considered natural and good at times throughout human history.

    I think that many people go against their conscience (or innate morality) since sin (dare I use this word?) is appealing by human nature.

    Well if by sin you mean any reprehensible or regrettable act then I would agree that it at least exists. If by sin you mean a transgression against a divine law then I would say the word is meaningless because I don't think that there is an actual divine law to transgress against.

    While some actions that could be defined as reprehensible could be appealing to people. Take gluttony for example I do not think it would be accurate to say that "sin" is in general appealing to the nature of humans.

    Torture for example is such a horrible thing in my mind that it makes me ill to even see it. I despise slavery and in general I do not find any action that has a victim to be "appealing." If "sin" was appealing to human nature then how is it that I do not find these sins appealing?
  • bauer1971
    bauer1971 Posts: 70 Member
    I thought religious posts aren't allowed in the main forums? Reported to save future butthurt.

    Really? But we were having such a nice chat with 7 butthurt-free pages.

    exactly. leave it be.
  • foxro
    foxro Posts: 793 Member
    Throughout human history each generation believes it has acheived the pinnacle of human intellect and knowledge. However, things that were deemed as science fact become dismissed as we continue to garner information. Science itself is dynamic and if time allow us, we will continue to find new things and change prior theories and conclusions. It was once held that man could not fly. But here we are flying. People believed in sky gods, that come down from the sky but are dismissed. Yet we are doing it ourselve. My faith is based on the model of human achievement. We continue to do what was considered impossible. We don't know it all. However, if we are able to obtain the impossible then given the enormity of this vast universe, is it not possible for something else to obtain the impossible or to be godlike ? I try to keep an open mind. Science is great but inconclusive as we find new facts and make conclusions. Those too will be challenged and change. If we are able and continue to do the once held impossible are we not proof enough that it can happen elsewhere ?
  • CrazyTrackLady
    CrazyTrackLady Posts: 1,337 Member
    I have rather strange religious beliefs. I believe we are here on earth to learn lessons our soul needs to learn, whether it be patience, tolerance, etc. Call it re-incarnation or whatever, but I believe we can choose to live more than one life if we want to grow further. I'm Christian, but not. Meaning, I believe in god but I believe the bible is a book of stories written to teach lessons to THAT era's people, not a hard core guide for today's living. I don't believe sitting in church for 1 hour on Sunday means more than HOW YOU ACT the other 167 hours of the week.

    I like this. I am Catholic, teach in a Catholic school, AND teach that the bible is a collection of books that include the "myth" genre. It is hard to get my students to understand this concept, but it has to do with the fact that the bible was written by second hand sources. The Catholic church supports this notion, so I am not risking losing my job because of this.

    I'm fascinated by other religions. I have a Jewish brother in law, and my brother and his wife practice some Japanese/Christian religion with Buddhist leanings. My one sister is Episcopalian. Two of my brothers and my remaining sister are agnostic. We are a blended family of religious differences, and nobody ever judges one another for this.
  • CrazyTrackLady
    CrazyTrackLady Posts: 1,337 Member
    There are no parameters. It is highly personal and individualized just like the beliefs we are discussing. It is what our parents taught us, what our experiences have taught us, how we interact with our world. I think most of us try to do the best we know how to do and hopefully we will feel good about the lives we have lived at the end of each day and at the end of our lives.
    :flowerforyou:

    I like this. I am a parent, and I believe that kids should come to their own understanding and be allowed to formulate their own religious beliefs and practices, AS LONG AS their practices and beliefs do not insult or judge other religions, or knowingly cause harm or disrespect to others. I would love them and welcome them into my home regardless of their religious (or, for that matter, sexual preference) affiliations.

    It bothers me when parents get upset with their children for expressing interests in or converting to some other faith. My daughter is becoming more and more involved in a Christian faith that is outside the Catholic faith. I'm perfectly accepting of this -- UNLESS she begins to preach at me that Catholicism is "wrong, evil, etc".

    I know people who would be horrified and angry if their children converted outside of their Christian faith. Sad.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    I grew up in alternative religion. Don't really want to talk about it.

    I'm a secular humanist now.
  • Cajoke123
    Cajoke123 Posts: 54
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.

    What would you consider to be the parameters of our innate morality? Human sacrifice, child brides and incest have all been considered natural and good at times throughout human history.

    I think that many people go against their conscience (or innate morality) since sin (dare I use this word?) is appealing by human nature.

    Well if by sin you mean any reprehensible or regrettable act then I would agree that it at least exists. If by sin you mean a transgression against a divine law then I would say the word is meaningless because I don't think that there is an actual divine law to transgress against.

    While some actions that could be defined as reprehensible could be appealing to people. Take gluttony for example I do not think it would be accurate to say that "sin" is in general appealing to the nature of humans.

    Torture for example is such a horrible thing in my mind that it makes me ill to even see it. I despise slavery and in general I do not find any action that has a victim to be "appealing." If "sin" was appealing to human nature then how is it that I do not find these sins appealing?

    These are really quite interesting questions. I think that sometime our sinful nature over-rides our conscience, and sometimes our conscience wins out. If this were not the case and sinful nature ruled, then there would be no good in the world. Yet, I do think that everyone does have a sinful nature that sometimes does win out. Selfishness and etc. are very common sins.
  • soldier4242
    soldier4242 Posts: 1,368 Member
    <<<Atheistic Modern Satanist

    It is possible that you are being sarcastic but if you aren't then I can't understand what you are saying here at all. As I understand it a Satanist is someone who believes in both God and the Devil and simply chooses to worship the Devil. If that is true then it is logically impossible fore you to be an atheist in any sense of the word because if you are an atheist then you don't believe that there is a Devil to be worshiped. Could you explain what you mean?
  • RawMomma10
    RawMomma10 Posts: 89 Member
    I am paggan/Wiccan with a twist coming from a christian background.... :wink:
  • pinkledoodledoo
    pinkledoodledoo Posts: 290 Member
    I am an atheist but also practice witchcraft... which many people would consider a religious belief but for me it's more of a lifestyle choice.
  • CrazyTrackLady
    CrazyTrackLady Posts: 1,337 Member
    <<<Atheistic Modern Satanist

    It is possible that you are being sarcastic but if you aren't then I can't understand what you are saying here at all. As I understand it a Satanist is someone who believes in both God and the Devil and simply chooses to worship the Devil. If that is true then it is logically impossible fore you to be an atheist in any sense of the word because if you are an atheist then you don't believe that there is a Devil to be worshiped. Could you explain what you mean?

    Funny, I read that as "Atheistic Sadist". Not sure why.
  • soldier4242
    soldier4242 Posts: 1,368 Member
    Would you consider this our conscience?

    Sure, you could definitely use that term. But based not on what our belief system tells us is right, but by an innate sense of morality.

    What would you consider to be the parameters of our innate morality? Human sacrifice, child brides and incest have all been considered natural and good at times throughout human history.

    I think that many people go against their conscience (or innate morality) since sin (dare I use this word?) is appealing by human nature.

    Well if by sin you mean any reprehensible or regrettable act then I would agree that it at least exists. If by sin you mean a transgression against a divine law then I would say the word is meaningless because I don't think that there is an actual divine law to transgress against.

    While some actions that could be defined as reprehensible could be appealing to people. Take gluttony for example I do not think it would be accurate to say that "sin" is in general appealing to the nature of humans.

    Torture for example is such a horrible thing in my mind that it makes me ill to even see it. I despise slavery and in general I do not find any action that has a victim to be "appealing." If "sin" was appealing to human nature then how is it that I do not find these sins appealing?

    These are really quite interesting questions. I think that sometime our sinful nature over-rides our conscience, and sometimes our conscience wins out. If this were not the case and sinful nature ruled, then there would be no good in the world. Yet, I do think that everyone does have a sinful nature that sometimes does win out. Selfishness and etc. are very common sins.

    Since we have established that people are somethings good and sometimes bad why then would we assume that it is our nature to be sinful? It would be the exact same result if we were good by nature and we occasionally transgressed. Essentially our world would look no different. For that matter our world would also seem identical to how it is now if we were all basically blank slates and we became X parts good and Y parts bad based on our life experiences.

    We can reasonable conclude is that we are not pure evil or pure good but there isn't any logically justifiable reason to conclude that our nature is one way or the other based on the evidence that has been presented so far.
  • soldier4242
    soldier4242 Posts: 1,368 Member
    <<<Atheistic Modern Satanist

    It is possible that you are being sarcastic but if you aren't then I can't understand what you are saying here at all. As I understand it a Satanist is someone who believes in both God and the Devil and simply chooses to worship the Devil. If that is true then it is logically impossible fore you to be an atheist in any sense of the word because if you are an atheist then you don't believe that there is a Devil to be worshiped. Could you explain what you mean?

    Funny, I read that as "Atheistic Sadist". Not sure why.

    At least that would be possible. You could simply not believe in god or gods and enjoy inflicting pain.
  • SDkitty
    SDkitty Posts: 446 Member
    I am paggan/Wiccan with a twist coming from a christian background.... :wink:

    ^ This. First let me say how wonderful this thread is! As someone with out of the box beliefs I usually steer clear of these conversations but I've actually been reading this quite thoroughly.

    I consider myself a christo-wiccan which basically means I am a monotheistic wiccan who recognizes the Holy Spirit (and in turn Christ) as my "higher power". My faith is strongly rooted in nature and the spirit that flows within us all. My whole life I felt pulled strongly in both directions until I got to an age where I realized they don't have to be separate. It's about right vs wrong for me, not who is correct.
  • juliemouse83
    juliemouse83 Posts: 6,663 Member
    I am a spiritual eclectic. I believe in the duality of man, that people can be good AND bad, not strictly one or the other.

    I believe in the "Do unto others" concept, as well as the Law of Threes.

    I believe in magic(k).

    Spiritually speaking, I'm pretty simple, and hesitate to label myself. :flowerforyou:
  • MaydayParadeGirl
    MaydayParadeGirl Posts: 190 Member
    Tree-hugger :glasses:

    WOOWOO

    Anyway I was baptised Catholic but my mother abandoned that way and studies Wicca and my step father who helped raise me is Protestant. I've been to youth group, I've sat under the trees and spoken of the Gods and Goddesses. I don't want to just take one persons word for anything, I believe that there is some divine being out there I'm just not yet sure who that is, or how many there are. I honestly don't know what I would even call myself, however I'm reading through this and perhaps I will find my answer.
  • MaydayParadeGirl
    MaydayParadeGirl Posts: 190 Member
    Im a Jedi.

    .....you're the coolest person I don't know....
  • asyluma
    asyluma Posts: 65 Member
    I believe in Individualism. Basically, I believe in myself and don't follow "the herd". It all comes down to one's basis of faith. If I put my faith and belief into thinking the sky was purple, no one could change my mind (I don't btw, just an example = P). This, in turn, means I respect others' faith. If they hold faith and belief in nature, or human nature, or a higher power, who am I to tell them they are wrong? Every human being has the ability to determine what is right and wrong (let's exclude the environmental factors for now) so if the "Golden Rule" is do unto others as you wish done unto you, then truly, all religions have the same base of faith. It's our individualism that make up the various varieties. = )
  • richardheath
    richardheath Posts: 1,276 Member
    If atheism is a way of life with organized points of view on life, then it may qualify as being a religion. The difference perhaps is faith in a being that is beyond being human such as a superman. However, is atheism organized, or is it like religious faiths that have varied points of view ?

    I do not believe that atheism is an organized anti-belief system. But, just because I don't believe it is not organized, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist as one.

    Did you see how I turned that around?

    I don't think it HAS to be an organized system but it certainly is for many. You can not believe and not have any other aspects to your non-belief but many Atheists that I know do not believe in a God but they do have an organized, commonly accepted structure to what they DO believe.

    Just like the three main, organized religions out there (Judaism, Islamic and Christian), I believe Atheism has it's own set of guidelines/principles and tenets. I'm not an atheist, but I sense the atheistic tenets are more scientifically based than faith based.

    I could be entirely wrong here, and would love to hear from "organized atheists" on here if that holds true. But, just as I believe there is a speed of dark to counterbalance the existence of a speed of light, I feel there is an atheistic set of principles to counterbalance theistic principles.

    The only thing you need do to be an atheist is not believe in any gods or goddesses.

    To be clear: the opposite of atheist is not Christian. It is theist. Other than on the existence of god question, atheists are no more organized and in agreement about what we believe than are Christians, Muslims, Jews, and every other religious people all thrown in together.

    There are some atheist organization, but one does not have to join one to be an atheist. These groups are mainly (on a National level) concerned with things like maintaining the separation of Church and State (at least in the US). Smaller groups on the local level are more of a club than a church.

    And no, Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens, Harris, PZ Myers etc are not our high priests. Some of us may read their book or blogs, but that doesn't make them saints any more than CS Lewis is a saint.

    I, personally, think that having dismissed gods as the source of morality and law means that humans are therefore free to write our own laws that better the whole of society. Much of what I think is mirrored in secular humanism, although I've never been a member of any specific group.
  • RawMomma10
    RawMomma10 Posts: 89 Member
    dont see a delete... removing my double post.. :) lol
  • RawMomma10
    RawMomma10 Posts: 89 Member
    I am paggan/Wiccan with a twist coming from a christian background.... :wink:

    ^ This. First let me say how wonderful this thread is! As someone with out of the box beliefs I usually steer clear of these conversations but I've actually been reading this quite thoroughly.

    I consider myself a christo-wiccan which basically means I am a monotheistic wiccan who recognizes the Holy Spirit (and in turn Christ) as my "higher power". My faith is strongly rooted in nature and the spirit that flows within us all. My whole life I felt pulled strongly in both directions until I got to an age where I realized they don't have to be separate. It's about right vs wrong for me, not who is correct.

    Ive just been reading The Path of a Christian Witch.... Love it so far... many things ringing true for me in this book... :)
  • foxro
    foxro Posts: 793 Member
    My silly question to the atheist community is if you don't believe in gods or godesses doe this mean you also don't believe in the concept of extraterrestrials(sp?) influenzing the development of early humans and taken as gods ? Does it also then follow do you believe human beings are the highest form of sentient beings in the universe - just asking to know
  • monjacq1964
    monjacq1964 Posts: 291 Member
    My silly question to the atheist community is if you don't believe in gods or godesses doe this mean you also don't believe in the concept of extraterrestrials(sp?) influenzing the development of early humans and taken as gods ? Does it also then follow do you believe human beings are the highest form of sentient beings in the universe - just asking to know

    I don't think its a silly question at all. I believe that there could be ETs out there, who have influenced the early development of humans, for sure. They would explain it to themselves using their own frames of reference, and yes, consider them "god like". I don't think we're the only sentient beings in the universe. Lots could be smarter than us, FOR SURE!! i think we're pretty dumb, on the whole.
  • not religious either, im an agnostic......although Ive always loved studying religions & comparing them




    what I find interesting though, is that the majority (not all) of atheists & agnostics know more about the bible then most christians do


    (this isnt to offend anyone, just stating what I think)

    :)