Are there aspects of your religious doctrine that you struggle with?

You sure know how to open up a can of worms! I've seen more heated responses on this topic than on any other. I guess it is because it is so much a part of our core identity. I struggle with the limitations religions put on God. I see God as boundless and religions try to box God into rules and laws that exclude rather than include. As I've matured my view of God has expanded and expanded. I struggle now with what name to use when addressing that boundless Spirit. Every name is too small and too common. I find myself addressing my Creator with traditional terms that really have little relevance to my current spirituality. But I don't have words that fit. Sometimes I go through lists of names searching for what seems to fit. Usually I end up using "Great and Holy Spirit", knowing that there is even more than that contains. So, now, will I hear condemnation for not fitting someone else's idea of God?

I am one of many who have switched religions because I couldent quite grasp things that were being said. I learnd about other religions and picked one that did and does everything in "Perfect Love and Perfect Trust" and I will not switch religions again. The things I have learned in this religion are all things I have always believed in but were told were evil and there for pushed aside. I dont have to hide part of me any more I cam fully express myself and get introuble because of it.

Oh my another one!! TO me the golden rule always goes" do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I have gone to seeral church other than the one I grew up in and to me they are basicly the smae just some twist and turns on different ideas. I have some tell me my religion is a cult well if uya look at them all are in away. I mostly just enjoy nature and beleive that some day I will be united with my loved ones that have gone on . I just dont think I have to attend any church to do this. I prance to my own drum.

I am 110 per cent anti-religion. I don't believe in any of them. However... thanks to my catholic background... I had to struggle all my life with believing in God... or not. I was forced to do my communion at age 12... in order to not bring shame to my parents. That the way it was in those days... thanks to religion. But I have not set foot in a church ever since. 1) I believe in the Big Bang Theory. Not Creation. 2) I am still not sure where man comes from. Evolution or Extra- Terrestre? Was God an Astronaut? 3) I believe in God because I am not brave enough to dismiss him without proves. 4) I don't believe in the resurrection of Jesus. 5) Religion does not represent God. The simple fact that people switch religion does highlight the fact that religion is a joke. If religion represented God... there would only be one religion. I don't regard myself as spiritual. I prefer the word "enlightened". However... I believe in destiny and gardian angels... I guess that makes me spiritual. I cannot get out of my head that my grand-parents are my guardian angels. Go figure! John Lennon and his bloody song "Imagine". Yes... beautiful song. I love it. But 20 years down the track... I realised that it was that song which did screw up the whole Western World. It was that song which gave birth to our politically correct world. Where everyone had to be treated the same... regardless of race or religion... etc... We lost the plot! We all are different. Nobody is the same. When you try to force the issue in making us all the same... you are going to have more trouble than you can handle.

I don't really follow one doctrine or another. I'm into Buddhism and I have been learning and practicing that. I take a little from this faith or that faith. There is something beautiful about every religion or faith system. I go with things that I can relate to and so I have adopted that. I really feel that I make me what Iam, no religion can give me that. I look inside myself for guidance and acceptance. Buddhism is my guide but I have been known to take a little from Wicca, Hinduism, and even Christianity. Religion for me is a way to gain a little more knowledge about the world I live in. Not necessarily to give me something higher to believe in..the power that I believe in most, is the power I hold within myself and the power that is the good in other people around me. Have a great day!

hey all~ i don't know that there are aspects of the beliefes per se that i struggle with, as much as there are aspects of how people act w/ the doctrines.....namely being so bull headed that they become extremists and overlook that we should be LOVING one another, not trying to condem one another! that's why i don't become a 'memeber' of any church i attend...and if the leadership even seemingly 'endorses' actions like that, i'm out the door (even if its mid service) as i believe that actions and attitudes like that have NO PLACE in Christianity ~j

Hello again, my friend. I feel you know already that I was Christened as a small baby, and that I spent a few years as a Christian before I started to receive signs that there was a different and more suitable path for me. That went on from early adult life, but after my Grandson departed this World, I knew that I was in the wrong religion, and he was about my turning point. The signs came thicker and faster... even he had unknowingly passed signs to me, and when he left for the Otherworld, I got to thinking, and finally made a decision to change my religion. My new path is much more spiritual. I find myself [/b]wanting[b]to learn and to grow, instead of following others, like a sheep. I'd always had difficulties coming to terms with certain aspects of my religion previously, but I have never looked back from my present beliefs. Why? Because I'm no longer restricted in my views. I have a much larger scope to deal with, and I'm more than comfortable with it. I love to read and learn about others who share my traditions, and I don't have to answer to anybody but my inner self. Therefore, I have found room to grow in spirit and know that I have the knowledge to share with others, and help them on their way, should they require it. I don't have to approach them... they approach me, when they see how happy and content I am with my life path. They become inquisitive and approach me.. and I feel I'm much better accepted and liked by people. I think that says it all. At last, I have found the religion/beliefs with which I'm most comfortable, and I'm enjoying the comfort and peace of mind. Brightest Blessings, my dear friend and soul sister. xxx

I do not know enough about this and have a feeling ,am likely to be slightly vague and contradictory in my expression[I do not know how it will come forth].Anyhow, it really doesn't matter between friends who are openminded in their discussions and so I am going to voice a few of my thoughts. I am one of those people who would not question the fundamental beliefs or teachings or literature of my religion because I feel thatI do not know enough-the subject being so vast and complex ]So I have chosen the easy way out.In this context I would like to mention one of my uncle who is a very learned judge and erudite scholar--he has doen a lot of reading /analysis/etcetc..,and remarked once -this was once in again his comment on his daughter's fatherinlaw[who is a very religious, slightly rigid and ritualistic old man and , and he clings to his Acharya/teacher.He is convinced about the path to salvation and has deep faith in his Guru/teacher. My uncle said that he was not too sure where his analysis was leading him apart from the fact that it was agreat intellectual pursuit and satisfied his intellect.On the other hand the other gentleman ,[the one that I referred to as my uncle's daughter's fatherinlaw]was much more at peace .This was his comment. How does this fit in with my thoughts?--here I have to touch lightly upon what my religion says-namely we have to attach ourselves to an acharya who would guide us through the right path to salvation.This brings in certain compulsions like getting a sanghu and chakram [this is the conch and wheel used by Lord Krishna]on our arms once in our life time-[the Acharya just stamps this brand on us--like vaccination. Many rebel against this concept and do not get it done.It is after all a belief and the done thing.That is all.While my motherinlaw protested loudly against this and condemned her inlaws for branding her 57 years ago, I did not utter a word of protest when my husband told me about this. I voluntarily had it done[if it has to ]These are external.I follow whatever is easy to follow [in the text] .This surrender to Acharya demands that I say his name along with our Lord's name and other Gurus who preceded him.I do not mind. I am an imperfect human being and what harm is there to follow the dictum of religion? My husband has also had this ritual done -he broadly believes in the guidance of that Omnipotent Spirit who stands by us and believes only in prayer/NOT RITUALS.[the ritual with the Acharya is something he does not question because our religion has imposed this on us.-]-meaning ,at home he does not demand any ritualistic preparations.We have our style and this is orthodox in a way but terribly modern.He is not too much in favour of going to crowded temples but would recite all the verses that his religion has asked him to.I am nowhere near.But I go to temples and follow other things that my religion has asked me to. But I hate people imposing restrictions and twisting rules acording to what they know and saying that 'that is it'.This is with regard to what I do in a temple. It is very stupid to call one religion as good versus another because it only leads to unnecessary feuds. How does it matter? As I had pointed out earlier I studied in a school run by nuns and my son and husband call me a christian in belief/thoughts. They feel that a Hindu school does not teach so much of Moral Science. Well, all I know is one thing -that whaever religion I follow does not matter as long as my thoughts or actions do not harm others. I may not be a wonderfully benevolent human being who sacrifices all for the general good of humanity but I would not like to harm anyone by thought or deed. That is all. This religion subject is so complex that as I pointed out I have just drifted in the end of my response. The summary of my story is that I do not question/nor like to question the FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS OF my religion because I feel that religion and faith would be defied by rational thinking and would confuse a person.I would endm up nowhere because I won't get enough answers. I would like to carry on in peace with simple beliefs and 'live and let live' policies.I would not question the funadamental faith taught in my religion--to sum it in one sentence-there is a God in the orbit of the Sun and He is --- and He would give us salvation.Our religion calls Him by a name but the basic concept is one of Formless Omnipotence. I have exchanged religious concepts and stories with Catholic friends of mine too and there was no discord whatsoever. There is something that keeps us going and I am thankful to the Lord for this.

I agree with you 100% on the "mine is the only way" belief and behavior. That's always been something that's bugged me. It's interesting for me because I grew up being one of very few people with my beliefs where I lived... or any belief other than Christianity for that matter. So I grew up looking at the major religion of my area from the outside (usually in a negative light because of how people claiming that religion treated me) and learning my own beliefs in a very non-pressured way. While my actual spiritual training was sometimes a little straining, it was all training I asked for and even insisted upon, so I never felt pressured by people of my own beliefs. In order to decide if I have problems with any of my religious doctrines, however, I have to figure out what those doctrines are. It's not as obvious as it sounds to people who are part of "organized" religions. The Irish historical and mythological cycles, the Welsh Mabinogion, various historical and literary resources, oral tradition, family folklore, personal revelation... all these things tie into my personal beliefs. While "Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism" is a title used by others as well as myself to describe our beliefs, no one has exactly sat down and written one complete resource for it. Nor should they, because the personal research involved now is very much in the spirit of "thirst for knowledge" that the ancient Celts possessed. Since, however, the beliefs do come out so personalized, it's hard to say there is anything I don't agree with. There are parts of ancient Celtic culture I wouldn't agree with, but those are cultural rather than religious aspects, and wouldn't really apply in the modern world anyway. If I widened the scope in which I am talking from "Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism" to "Paganism" there are lots of things I could say bother me. But they mostly come down to the actions of individuals, not the beliefs themselves.

religion, and cultural beliefs is a very delicate topic. and i am proud of you being courageous to start a discussion like this. when it comes to religion topic for example with friends or classmates (during college days), co-workers.... i just listen and never contribute anything. because i know this kind of topic always end up with a misunderstanding or sometimes causes feud. some people not just because of a certain church or religion but some people tends to be very upset or angry if the person they are talking to are not the same as what they believe in. people always tend to disagree when you tell something of what you believe in but not the same as what they believe at. i respect all religions and beliefs as well. i have friends who are christians, born again, protestant and others. i alwasy believe that it is not your religion who will save you but your faith. i dont have problems with my religion. i was born and riased with this. i pray and go to church, help people if i can and pray for them too. i also light candles for people i want to help with special intensions. some people kept on changing their religion for the reason that they are looking and searching for something. i think searching should start with the heart. this is a very nice discussion raia.

I have no qualms with the doctrines and dogmas of the Religion I subscribe to. I believe them all, completely -

First let me express my appreciation of the time and effort you put into this thoughtful and well written Post. By way of introduction- I spent some time on Manitoulin Island in 1991 as a government bee inspector. Yes Religion and Spirituality cannot abide each other, for one collects money, and dispenses fear, while the other has no use for funds and teaches Love. I grew up in a strongly Religious Family but gave it all up as soon as I began to think for myself. Soon after that I began a study of Spirituality. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love is all there Is, God is Love, and Absolute Love demands Absolutely Nothing! I believe God is Absolute Love and demands absolutely Nothing! God is Love not Fear!

Raia, I have practiced most every religion known to man before I settled into my beliefs now. I will be posting tonight about my fasting because I will be starting that today. OH JOY....however I am thankful for my faith and my beliefs. I believe all should practice as they wish as long as they are not hypocrites. It seems there are a lot of topics about faith and religion and beliefs lately with is very funny seeing that it is Ester tide or Easter depending of the faith of your beliefs. I always love your words and topics, thank you for sharing. Happy Ester Tide. Ainge Sorry I have not been on much, this GitMo story is draining me.

I was raised Catholic and consider myself non-practicing Catholic. I have begun to raise my children in the Catholic faith but I'm not sure how much I will "push" at them. I have sev eral problems with some of the teachings of the Catholic church. I feel that there is a drastic difference between our faith and our church. I feel like most of the things that bother me about my religion where created by man. I went to Catholic school till college. One of the biggest problems I have is that according to the Catholic Church i shouldn't exist. My parents had their marriage annulled for multiple reasons that really don't have anything to do with me but in the eyes of the church an anulled marriage should never have happened and so therefore any children from that marriage should never have happened. A priest told me this in 6th grade in front of my whole class, nice! Another problem I have is confession. We are only forgiven if we tell a priest our sins. Who cares if you are really repentent, or if you've told God, etc.. only forgiven when you tell a priest. Does God really need a go-between for a confession? Another problem is the church and their "wealth." You know the only reason priests can't get married is because ages ago priests would get married and have children and their children would not pursue an advocation with the church but would inherit the fathers estate therefore taking away wealth from the church. The remedy, childless priests so the church can keep their wealth. That same priest who told me I never should have existed, that took a vow of poverty, also had a brand new car every two years along with all the other priests at that church. And one last one. Infertile couples can not pursue medical means of fertility treatments because God is the only one who can give children. In my opinion if God didn't want you to have children fertility treatments wouldn't work. I know there are people that will disagree with these things but it just some of the things that bother me as an individual.

Hi Perspectives, You're a brave little vegemite for starting this thread. If ever there was an invitation to a blitzkreig, this would be it. Anyway, for what it's worth, IMO religion is either a hobby or it's reality, one or the other. There's no middle ground. And I think that, to most people, it's just a hobby, the same as most other social obligations that our respective communities choose to burden us with. I personally subscribe to the Catholic view of things, not the least because no matter where I look, everything keeps pointing back to that one particular line of Christian faith as the only one that fully reflects reality. Not to mention the many saintly persons, among them many mystics, who have inadvertently borne testimony to the singular authenticity of the Catholic Church by the prodigies of their lives. I do have a gripe, and that is that the Catholic Church has largely failed in its responsibility to educate its members on so many matters that can help to clarify just what we're doing here and why everything is as it is. The smoke of political correctness and ethical convenience has long ago entered the Church, in my view. Everyone has freedom to choose, there is no doubt about that. And everyone has a religion, whether they know it or admit it or not - it's their view of reality, whatever that might be. And that might be entirely different from the positions asserted by their publicly acknowledged denominational affiliations. I might mention here that I have particular respect and admiration for the Eastern religions, which in my view have progressed knowledge of the nature of our reality to the maximum extent possible within the limits of mere human faculties. They embody a great deal of truth, wisdom and understanding, but are nonetheless constrained by the shackles of humanity which are ultimately rooted in the material realm. A key tenet of Christian (and related) beliefs is that we've had some outside assistance - we've been given the inside Word, so to speak, to obtain an understanding of who we are, where we've come from and where we're going that just isn't achievable using human resources alone.

Hi perspectives, You have started a good discussion here, and I hope a lot of people will respond. I like the quote from John Lennon, and he was absolutely right, love is the answer. I too was raised an Anglican, but there is no denomination that I don't have some problems with now. The closest for me now would be the Unity churches. I raised my three sons in the Anglican faith because I was actively involved then. One of them has since joined another church, one is still actively involved in the Anglican, I don't know for how much longer, because of the division in the Anglican church of Canada, and the third attends no church at all. Faith is a great comfort to many people especially when they get older, and I don't think that anyone should take that away from them. Dale Carnegie was right, we all borrow our ideas from others. Even Jesus appears to have borrowed from the great teachers who came before him. Let us promote love as Jesus and other great masters did, and we will not stray far from the path. My personal belief is that the best is yet to be. Blessings.

I know this is an old discussion but I wanted to put in my two cents, and maybe someone will read it. I DO have doubts about some of things my "religion" or church teaches. I realize that all religions/religious movements/incorporated churches, etc are man/human created; but I think spirituality and the human tendency to want justice and fairness are from God; that is just one reason that I believe in an intelligent, caring God. I am tolerant of my church's flaws because I believe in community and accountability and government. I myself am not perfect and don't have a perfect attitude or thought life, so who am I to criticize those trying to learn about God and themselves through church or synagogue, etc? I agree with you about love. "Is it loving?" is a pretty good litmus test to determine the rightness of our actions or words. I find that despite a lot of flawed humans and some bad behavior at church, there are also many loving people trying hard to find the best way to live as compassionate, social human beings in community with one another. When it comes to doctrines (church laws and practices based on each group's interpretation of their scripture), I basically take it or leave it as my mind and heart lead me. For instance, I choose to leave end-times and punishment up to God. I believe God can work that all out and I don't have much say in it, so I might as well focus on how I live today and not worry about that. It's not up to me to determine who goes to Hell or Heaven or exactly what the architectural plans are for each. I'm a Christian, but I like the primarily Jewish belief that says each should try to make the world a better place - pick up the broken pieces that YOU can find.