Anyone non-religious here? Please be nice!

[schmije]

I'd like to thank redux for starting this thread, and BYC admin for allowing and monitoring it.

I'm not an overly religious person, but I try to live by the Golden Rule. I am fascinated to learn about the beliefs and behaviors of different religions.

I believe that there is a purpose for my life. When I'm going through a difficult time I pray the prayer that never fails. "Thy will be done." It gives me comfort to believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes I need help making decisions that will take me in the right direction.

 

[KDbeads]

Redux, thank you! And thanks to everyone being civil!

I shall share my story...
I read the entire bible cover to cover (KJV, OT and NT) at least 6 times before I was 10 (how's that for an avid reader?). I have passage memorization trophies, certificates, etc. I was raised fundamental pentecostal. In 4th grade I started asking questions. Questions no one could give me an answer to. About that time my sister had the worst of her night terrors. It was claimed that our house and toys were possessed. My mother pulled us through it but it made my questions more intense and probing. Being a kid in a private christian school, this lead to many parent teacher conferences.
I wasn't satisfied with what I had read. Too many little things seemed contradictory. Too many stonings for minor offenses and the devout around me couldn't explain in enough detail the answers as to why. I started reading other religious materials. asked more questions. And still, I received no help.
By the time I was in college I was confused and doubted everything I had read. It was then I met a group of people just like me. Together we discussed all our questions and I finally received some closure. For us organized religion was created in all it's different forms to explain the unexplainable, to give hope to the dieing, to give peace to the weary, to calm the masses.
Not long after that I considered myself agnostic/atheist however I am a MORAL person, almost to a fault actually. I do not judge others on what their ideas on religion are, it is their right to be religious. No lieing, cheating, stealing, etc. Many bible teachings I follow because they are moral teachings, like tolerance.
Doesn't mean I'm not still conflicted in the superiority of another being, it's just some days I think there is and others... well I wonder. But I keep myself educated on other religions/theology, I am always learning something interesting. I want to understand. My last foray into studying was Wicca. Haven't decided what's next though.

Hubby...
Well, he was studying for seminary when he decided to start questioning what he was reading/studying. He was raised Lutheran/Catholic To this day he can quote scripture better than I can. I let him deal with those who come to the door asking us to join whatever church. It's usually entertaining to watch him out maneuver a pastor in teachings or 'out latin' a priest. Once the people leave, they leave with a bit more respect for us than what this town would have people believe about a couple of over educated engineers.

Again, thanks for this thread, I don't feel so alone on this board anymore!

 

[the lemon tree]

I consider myself to be an atheist; that is, I don't believe in "God" or any other higher being. I wholly believe in evolution and credit fortuitous and unfortuitous circumstances to luck and coincidence. I don't steal, only benignly lie to my husband (mostly about my shopping habits), would happily walk elderly folks across the street, and know the difference between right and wrong.

Thanks to the OP who was brave enough to start this thread; I was starting fo feel a little outnumbered

. One of the worst and uncomfortable things I know is feeling alienated or isolated due to my beliefs (or lack thereof). This thread has made me feel less inclined to be so.

 

[Junkmanme]

I have a strong belief in GOD.

However, I am against "Organized Religion", which I believe has caused MORE trouble and divisions within the human race than ANY OTHER "political" entity.

I allow for others to feel however they choose on this subject....BUT, I MUCH resent some people's "self-righteous" attitude that "I'm Right, You're Wrong." It is foolish and childish.

I believe that "Organized Religion" has been, throughout human history, a tool which some humans have used to "manipulate" and control other people. It is largely "fear-mongering" and NOT generally or ultimately "productive".

GLAD this "thread" was allowed. (also surprised !!! )

just ONE "old man's" attitude.
-Junkmanme-

 

[DuckLady]

Quote:
Just a reminder about the OP's hard work in keeping this on topic.

 

[Junkmanme]

For: terrielacy,

I, personally, much appreciate your allowing (and monitoring) THIS "thread".

It appears, after all, that BYC does NOT have a "double-standard" with respect to this topic.


THANK YOU !!!

-Junkmanme-

It is all in the approach....honey vs vinegar, manners etc

~ Terrie

I think it is all in the "pre-conceived" illusion of "incorrect approach" and "poor manners". Re-read my statements.
-Junkmanme-

 

[AngieChick]

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All one needs is compassion and empathy to be kind to others, not any other belief system necessary.

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Oh, you aren't alone. I think we just tend to be quiet about our beliefs on some of the other threads (it's that kindness creeping in), so it gives that impression sometimes.

We may be outnumbered (which is okay), but you certainly aren't alone. Besides, there are so many people on the boards that are compassionate, there is no way that they could think less of us (or we of them) because of religion.

 

[AngieChick]

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That's a lovely gesture. Honestly, it doesn't bother me as much as it used to when people try to convert me. As long as they get the hint when I tell them "I respect your belief system and it's importance to you, would you please do the same courtesy for me?". My mother and my sister are both evangelical, so I understand the thinking. They are trying to do what they see as protecting me, in accordance with their belief system, and it comes from a place of love. Again, I really try not to be hurtful or rude about other's beliefs, so I will try my best to avoid a full out discussion, even when people try to convert me. Of course I can't lie, so I do try to shut it down quickly, kindly and unambiguously.

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Same here. I have many friends of many different (or no) religious backgrounds and there is no way that religion would be allowed to be an issue. That goes for the "virtual" friends as well as the "real life" ones

 

[jojo54]

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You could have taken the words right out of my mouth!

 

[HippieChickens]

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