LilOne1989

I'm right there with you on that one mtatum4496. I can't stand when others tell me that I'm going to go to hell or some other horrible place because I don't follow their religion or subject myself to their rules of life. I don't even have to tell them my religion, just saying that I'm not a believer in their religion is enough to set them off. I have only had one person push me so far that I told her my religion, never have I seen an old woman walk so fast in my life. I don't feel that I have to explain myself to anyone, but that woman would not go away.

SithLord

You can't tell a true believer their religion is just a tool. Why because if they knew that then it would seem silly to believe in a lot of the things they are asked to just take on "faith".

mtatum4496

I think part of the problem is that so many people have the idea that in order for their perspective to be "right" that everyone else's has to be "wrong". Once you can free yourself from that mindset, it is much easier to see varying religions (and varying anything else for that matter) as simply looking at the same objective from a whole slew of different angles.

I've also known people who saw their belief system almost like a line of dominoes - if any one of their cherished beliefs had to be abandoned, then the whole line had to fall. I think that frightens some folks, in that they see so many other areas of their lives as chaotic and out of their control - they don't want the security of a "sure" religion to be taken away from them.

SithLord

good points mtatum4496.

But it comes down to one simple unescapable argument that within it unfortunately someone has to be right. It's the basic argument. Either dieties exist or they don't. On that argument there kind of is no middle ground because it's such a black and white question.

DizzyDee

I think this is a very mature way to look at religion. This is also why I see myself as more of an agnostic then an atheist. I used to believe I was right and everyone else was wrong - now that I don't believe in a higher power anymore (and if there is one, I don't believe there is a way to know it), I am open to evidence. I used to say "I know there is a God and I belong to His only true church" I know don't want to be just as arrogant by saying, "I know there is no God". I am comfortable with uncertainty now and open to ideas and experience, although based on my own experiences and research, I really do believe all religion is man-made.

It's funny you say that - that is exactly how I began to lose my faith. I was involved in a church that believed they were the only way and the belief system itself was very much like the line of dominoes you describe. I was lucky though, I let myself let go of the security of a sure religion and I know that for myself, I am a better person for opening myself up to more than I then thought I knew.

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DizzyDee

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts." - Bertrand Russell

sonoffred

Richard Dawkins provides some insight into the subject that might be worth a look, and that insight is freely available here.

Part II is also available.

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"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed." - Albert Einstein

mtatum4496

I would agree that there is such a thing in the universe as ultimate truth. At the same time, I am not so sure we could point to any one faith or ideology and say that is where ultimate truth can be found.

Or I could be wrong about that. To paraphrase Dr. Jubal Harshaw (from Robert Heinlein's excellent "Stranger in a Strange Land") when it is all said and done, we may find that ultimate truth was held and taught by an unknown tribe that lived in the deepest of the jungles of Africa.

When it gets right down to it, the best any of us can do is develop our personal understandings based on both head and heart, and allow others this same privilege. And maybe someday we can learn how to share them without considering it a contest where there has to be a winner.

LilOne1989

Well I know that I don't have the right answer for anyone but myself and that is one of the main reasons that I refuse to "teach" my children religion. I give my children the facts as they are given to me and if and when they choose to follow a certain path that will be up to them. Until that day comes I will teach them right from wrong and hope for the best in whatever they choose.

rowan

Organized religion should be a means for people to gather and share the commonality of their belief system. It is my opinion that it is NOT such a venture within most sects in our time.

Personal spiritual beliefs, or lack thereof, belong in the mind and the heart first and foremost and should not need regular reinforcement by outside partie s or groupthink.

That said, I'm one of those people who is curious to know what you believe and why you believe it...though I will not tolerate you trying to make me believe the same way if I don't already.