Anyone non-religious here? Please be nice!

[Randy]

I'm agnostic but I'm non-practicing.

 

[redux]

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[gryeyes]

Wow. Wow. Just found this thread. Wow.

I'm not anything. I know there's an energy to the universe, and we all resound to it. So does a tree, the ocean, a fertilized egg, a rock. Everything. I have found myself saying, "Oh, god - please let this [or that] happen," because I had a mixed bag of religious upbringing and some associations as a spouse to three husbands. It slips out. I don't believe in a monotheistic Higher Power. I don't believe in multiple gods, either. I do believe in wise people, but find that so many of what has been attributed to wise people has been exaggerated, or fabricated, or "interpreted." To serve someone's agenda, generally not mine. And claim it's for the greater good. Riiiiight.

Science fascinates me.

I am 56 years old and feel I am definitely not religious, and often not very spriritual. I've had people ask me, "But of course you're a Christian?!?" and my response is a simple "No." And then I meet that person's gaze evenly, not offering any further information. Not confrontational, just not trying to justify what I believe - or not - to someone who undoubtedly has an agenda about other folks' beliefs.

I've been married and divorced three times. It's been my choice to separate from my husbands and a good part of the problems have been related to the difference in our beliefs. First was Catholic. And not a very good one, at that. The second was Missionary Baptist, but he was a VERY GOOD one, and I was not. The third was undefined, but underneath that lack of definition was his desire to be my God. Or my Saviour. Whatever.

My mother was Lutheran. My father was ..... the Highest Power in our family.

I'm rambling, sorry. But I believe in gravity and would like to know more about quantum mechanics. When I die, the person who is me right now will be gone, poof! The essential energy of the atoms holding my physical body together will be free to be utilized elsewhere, or everywhere, as it already is. I'm just borrowing it for the time being.

 

[KDbeads]

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Ooohh.... I like that!

 

[sourland]

Kano, perhaps we (mankind) are not God's masterpiece? More likely this world that we live in and frequently try to destroy is the Masterpiece. I think it is runaway ego on man's part to even consider that we might be the "Masterpiece."

 

[EweSheep]

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Ooohh.... I like that!

Me too!!!!!!!

Some masterpiece, huh????? Well look at me, one KIND of a masterpiece that no one can reproduce, not even my dd!

 

[OrpingtonManor]

I've been reading this thread since it started. I'm thoroughly enjoying every post. It is so rare to have a chance to talk about non-religion and feel so safe.

I was raised Christian, Baptist, Born-again. At some point, I just couldn't go along with it anymore. I started wondering why I would want to spend eternity with a God who would turn his back on the people in other religions besides mine who were selfless, caring, amazing people. It was my first step away.

Then, I started to wonder why the prize of eternal life was something to be gotten for simply believing the right things. Would my fellow church-goers be so zealous if there was no eternal life? What if there was nothing after death? Would we find it easier or harder to be compassionate, dignified people if those characteristics were their own reward?

Since I spent decades studying the bible, I still compare much of my belief system to its teachings. It really isn't because I believe it more. So, take this for what it's worth...

There is a parable in the bible where the landowner gets workers for the fields early in the morning, and agrees to pay them a certain amount. This goes on throughout the day, and right up to the end of the day, the sum to be paid is the same, regardless of when the contract began. Traditionally, this parable is used to show how you can come to God at any point in your life and receive the same reward. (Oh how I recoil from that word!) However, I couldn't help but wonder why this parable couldn't apply to every person following whatever religion and belief system that spoke to them, even no beliefs at all. The deal we make with our own god is just that, our own.

I could just as easily been raised in another religion, and interpreting those teachings. There isn't any significance meant to be inferred.

I do what I do because it is right for the moral compass that guides me. I don't expect anyone else to follow what I believe, and I can't follow a belief system that belongs to someone else. You can be you, and I'll just be me.

Do I even believe in God? Today I might. Tomorrow I might not. I'm okay with either.

The Desiderata was great! Mark Twain, too!

I'm living the best way I know how. And when it ends, I'm okay with that too.

Great thread!!

 

[destinduck]

Im not religious I was raised baptist, then episcapalian i cant spell it now my family is catholic. I dont believe in religion . i just believe in Jesus and there is DEFINITELY ONE GOD. If I thought any other way my life would be useless nothing else would matter . AND i mean ANYTHING. i dont judge anyone on this thread. Please dont judge me. In the words of forrest gump (AND THATS ALL I GOT TO SAY ABOUT THAT)

 

[Shannon's Chix]

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Anywhoo...this reminded me of an old Roseanne episode. DJ asks what religion they are and Roseanne tells him something like "well, I guess we're just good people" and Dan says "yeah, but we're not practicing"

 

[debilorrah]

OrpingtonManor - this is where I have issues with most organized Christian churches. I am a firm believer that God is goodness, Jesus died for us. I also wholeheartedly believe that God comes to us in our last moments and shows Himself. I believe Hell is empty. I aslo believe that every human being on earth is worthy of love and acceptance. And I am sorry to say, that seperates me from many Christians. Not all, but many.