Do you belive in God? why?

[CathyBogart]

Catnapper, your post reminds me so much of why I am a solitary pagan rather than part of any coven or circle. I was interested in being part of a circle for awhile, but I got on their email list and I saw so much bickering and even a bit of bigotry towards members of other religions and I was just aghast. I poked around online and found that it is much the same in a lot of covens or circles, and I decided I didn't want to be a part of that.

There's no pressure when you're being spiritual on your own....the words are yours, the rituals are yours, it comes more from the heart, IMO....

[mugsy]

I think that God gave us free will for a reason....we can choose to worship whichever way we choose. I guess we'll all find out who is "right" when we die eh?

I personally think that most religions have at least 1 or 2 things that are "good" or "right" in them and that everyone should accept what others believe without, necessarily, agreeing with them.

I have friends from every religion known to man I think...except, I don't think any of them are Muslim...I have to think on that one, but, while I don't always agree with their belief system, I am still his/her friend.

[ramanth]

Catnapper, your post reminds me so much of why I am a solitary pagan rather than part of any coven or circle. I was interested in being part of a circle for awhile, but I got on their email list and I saw so much bickering and even a bit of bigotry towards members of other religions and I was just aghast. I poked around online and found that it is much the same in a lot of covens or circles, and I decided I didn't want to be a part of that.

There's no pressure when you're being spiritual on your own....the words are yours, the rituals are yours, it comes more from the heart, IMO....

I echo this sentiment. I tried joining a circle and there was so much fighting and strictness. That's the reason I left church in the first place. I feel physically ill sitting in church. It just doesn't feel right. I'm more of a spiritual person myself. I believe there is a higher power or powers and they could be aliens on Mars for all I know.

To me the bible was written by man and My Peanuts stated how I feel a few pages back. We as humans have always had our own agenda. According to the bible, I can stone my children or sell them into slavery. And don't tell me the Old Testament doesn't count. It was written right? So by your claims, it's the word of god.

But overall to me, if following the book and attending church makes you feel good then I'm happy for you. It's all about self esteem and not harming others.

Peas be with you.

[mugsy]

I am Catholic by birth and still feel strongly about my beliefs that are mostly modeled after that belief, but, I am, more and more, coming to believe that the Native Americans have it right.

I do see the Bible as a great piece of history and literature, but, like Kimmy, there are too many discrepancies and double speak to be taken literally. I'm all into interpretation...

And, yes, the Old Testament counts...good heavens....that's what the Jewish faith is based on and they have many very useful beliefs and traditions that hold a lot more common sense (after studying them) that some Christian traditions....

I also find it interesting that many (if not most) of the "religious" holidays coincide with many pagan holidays. And that many Jewish holidays are close to many Christian holidays....

[VTJess03]

Thanks, popcornbird and CathyBogart for your carefully thought out explanations. It definitely helps me to understand better where you're coming from.

[RICHARD]

What religion is this?


If someone says that religion is evli, does that give the followers a right to riot, kill and burn buildings?


Again,

The morons who have hijacked Islam show just how stupid they are.

Prostest the writtenb/spoken word-then ignore the sins you perpetrate against your brothers and sisters.

[Pam]

What religion is this?


If someone says that religion is evli, does that give the followers a right to riot, kill and burn buildings?


Again,

The morons who have hijacked Islam show just how stupid they are.

Prostest the writtenb/spoken word-then ignore the sins you perpetrate against your brothers and sisters.

Couldn't agree with you more Richard. (I assume you are referring to the hullabaloo with the Pope's comments). That reaction to me was quite like what the *holier than thous* do by bombing abortion clinics. It is an excuse to demonstrate their own hate.

[JenBKR]

Couldn't agree with you more Richard. (I assume you are referring to the hullabaloo with the Pope's comments). That reaction to me was quite like what the *holier than thous* do by bombing abortion clinics. It is an excuse to demonstrate their own hate.

Another agreement here.

Also, something I don't understand. They were burning Vatican flags in protest, then threw in some American flags too during the same protest. Why? That didn't make sense to me. The Pope is not an American? Is it just me, or does that make no sense?