Where would you put yourself among these???
By mr_pearl
@mr_pearl (5018)
India
October 24, 2011 6:36am CST
Hello Dear myLotters... Recently in on of the discussions which involved religion and God, I explained my own views and a few friends called me athiest (I'm sorry if the spelling isn't correct). I did not even know that term before this. Before a few years, they'd have called me a non believer, for I didn't believe in God at all in those days. I used to argue, used to put forward the scientific evidence to prove that there no God. I know very well today, I WAS WRONG!!!! A few miracles in my life told me that there's a power, unknown, undefined but one that is kind and works for the Best. I call that power the God, the Almighty...
In case of religion, I have always been a non believer. I've been taught that religions were created in ancient times, by humans only. And they got created by tribes. So each tribe had its own God and faith. With time and civilization only a few of those religions remained. Thats how I have trained myself. So all the religious activities thurst upon me by Mom were useless for me. And I still make faces when they tell me to do something.
And yet, I know there're people who're extremely religious and they'd hear none of it. They respect other religions, but are too much attached to their own.
And there are a few more, who hate other religions. These fanatics believe that only their religion is true and others are there to destroy their religion. They positively treat other religions as enemy.
How do you think about all these categories? Where would you place yourself? Please share your true and heartfelt opinions...
Thank you...
4 people like this
12 responses
@umabharti (3972)
• India
24 Oct 11
Religions are like a single tree of mankind having different kinds of flowers on it.I just think humanity is the main thing which we can see every where.Should care for and think for.
I do give respect to others who follow other religions.Only one God having different names .
1 person likes this
@umabharti (3972)
• India
24 Oct 11
yes ,should not see the differences,every religion has its own significance and the human who follows the religion has his own way of belief in such and such religion.Should not put any religion down or any human.
@henkiprananda (2729)
• Indonesia
24 Oct 11
i like it umabharti. me too, didn't care about other religion. it is their choose, and i respect it.
1 person likes this
@berlynn1975 (737)
• United States
24 Oct 11
I believe that "religion" is man-made. I am a Christian, and believe in God and a relationship with Him through His son, Jesus.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
24 Oct 11
I believe Every religion is true. every religion sets a path to , Allah or Jesus or any other name for G-d. There are so many different peoples so they have different visions or versions of the One Being named G-d. So it is up to every person to choose their path. Or, choose Not to get on any path. G-d is there for those who Want and or need Him. If a person doesn't That's ok too. I'm Jewish so I Need G-d in my life But I would Never , Ever demean a person without G-d in their lives. It is up to them. So I'm in the religious group but I'm no bully. And That what a person is when they say Believe what I believe OR ELSE! That doesn't work. How can love live if you are in fear. And that is All religion is. A way to show your Love for Your G-d.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
25 Oct 11
'A way to show show your love for God...' :)
Very carefully and very well put Sarah.. I know and I appreciate the fact that you are one of those good souls who say, 'Live happily and let others live happily...'
I believe in God, from the bottom of my heart... But the religious activities that I've been forced to do, make me think not too sympathetically about it...
Thanks a lot!! Have a good day!
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
25 Oct 11
Many Americans believe in G-d but do not follow Any organized religion. The important thing is to have a good relationship with G-d Not a religion.
@lampar (7584)
• United States
28 Oct 11
Yes, my friend! We mankind already face with so many problems in our daily life, and actually don't need more headaches from these fanatics and extremists adding more issues on our shoulders abusing the religion they profess is the real one and use it to justify murdering innocent men, women and children. It is time to finish them off from the face of this planet and place them into obsolete space under ground before they destroy every great religion man kind ever produced since the time of creation. 
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
30 Oct 11
Hi Lampar, thanks a lot for sharing.. Yes, I agree with you.. The extremists with their destructive ideas are making it difficult for all of us everyday... But do you think, that we should let the religion system go on??? How do you see religion? What is your point of view????
@RobtheRock (2433)
• United States
25 Oct 11
Mr_Pearl. You are right when you say, "And there are a few more, who hate other religions. These fanatics believe that only their religion is true and others are there to destroy their religion." Yet, there is another category. There are those of us who cannot accept other religions. What is the use of being a Christian or Muslim or anything else, if you accept other people's religions. The point is that you believe your god is the god and you wish others would worship that god. As a Christian, I am not to have any other gods before me. I believe God is serious when he says that. So there's no use in me being a Christian, if I can't follow that commandment. Yet, I am not a fanatic and don't hate other religious folk because Jesus told us to love our enemies.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
25 Oct 11
Hello Sir.. Thanks a lot for sharing and being honest to it.. :)
I didn't quite understand when you say that you can't accept other religions.. No one is asking us to convert, are they??? Maybe, I have missed the point that you're trying to make... Please elaborate just a little.. .
I appreciate it that you don't hate other religions, but why do you think that they're enemies??? I have studied these things and No religion has ever taught to hate other religions.. That is unheard of! The basic idea of every religion is 'love n respect everyone'.
@RobtheRock (2433)
• United States
25 Oct 11
Greetings mr-pearl. The best way to answer you is this way. Commandment 3: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3. What I am saying is that in my mind, there is only one God. There is no Allah or Buddha nor anything else. Thus, these gods are not before me, although I have friends who are Moslems and Buddhists, etc. I am not into this thing where you condemn religions. Thus, I believe that in America, we should have freedom of religion. I see a threat though. I believe that the Moslems truly believe in Allah also. And were this country ever to become preminately Muslim (which I doubt), then Democracy or not, Shariah law would hold sway. I speak of experience. I lived in Detroit. Although predomiately Black, there is a sense that you NEVER disrespect a Muslim woman. I really wish Christians were as strong about their beliefs as Muslims are.
I disagree with your "basic idea". Yes, religion does teach us to love everyone "except" when they do something against your religion. A Buddhist will not love me, if I am eating beef in front of him. In Muslim countries, Jews were tossed out and Christians are forced to convert. I think that even most atheists will tell you that religious people do not practice what they preach.
To answer your question about enemies. I believe that the other religions are enemies because they do not worship my God. I do not see them as someone to fight though. Buddhism and Shintoism are no threats to me. But of the major religions, the Abrahamaic ones concern me. Although I am a Christian, Judaism is my brother. We just don't have a common belief that Jesus is the Messiah. Islam is a different story. Our division is them thinking that Muhammad is a prophet like Jesus. I can't accept that. Another source of division is Israel. It is not just the extremists who want to see Israel destroyed. There are a number of so called Christians I don't trust either. There are still a good number of so called christians who hate Jews for crucifying Jesus. In your lifetime, you will see Muslims continue to try to destroy Israel. Even if there is a Palestinian state, Israel will be hated and attacked. Thus, although I don't wish it to be so, they are my enemy.
@RobtheRock (2433)
• United States
25 Oct 11
I must add that I differ with the Muslims because Jesus is not a prophet. He is the Son of God.
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
24 Oct 11
I believe everything works together and has a purpose. Some religions for example are closely related and can find things to disagree with but by far have much more to agree with, than disagree with, that is quality over quantity. If two religions state they share a believe in God, that is by far a greater agreement, than not. I see atheism as a religion, though most people might disagree with me on this. Any movement or people with ideas that promotes religious discussion in a certain direction, in my opinion is creating an entity. So that being said there would be more arguments than agreements for example with an atheism and a Christian movement. I am referring here only to engagements of a religious nature.
In reference, to the bible only, I believe the first religion originated with Able and Cain. It indeed produced bad results. Still, we can see much good in reference to all groups that collectively have something in common and seek peace. Many acts of charity for example. Regardless of the outcome though, good or bad, a purpose can be found for everything in existence, if we look hard enough.
As far as truth is concerned because I do believe and have faith in Jesus Christ these words mean the most to me. When asked by certain scholars, what is truth? Jesus answered, "I am the truth." So I will follow him.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
24 Oct 11
HI BlueDoll... Thanks a lot for sharing...
Atheism can't be a religion, because it is all against the religion. I think so! But the way you've defined about the movement and the entity was smart and it'd compel many of us to agree with you, if seen your statement in that light...
I am sorry, I didn't understand the statement about 'Able and Cain'... Forgive my ignorance please... English isn't my native language, so I am apt to be ignorant of many things... When you say bad results, can we refer to the Inquisitions in Spain in the middle ages? I have read all about it and it was horrible, trust me. Anything in excess, is harmful, as a rule.
I agree with you when you say that religion at least has caused the acts of charity etc. Yes, I have seen and experienced many such events.. I am not a non believer. I believe in God, but I don't wish to name the Almighty... I mean, I am far too small to give something to that Supreme power...
Thank you once again!!!
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
24 Oct 11
Hi Jack... hi once again.. Thanks a lot for adding value to this discussion...
You seem to have made a lot of study of these things... I appreciate that! Yes, atheism can't be a religion because that whole thing is against religion.. But I am yet to understand the terms 'Agnostic' and 'Gnostic' which you added in another post...
I have nothing against the personal beliefs of anyone. If one wants to name God and follow that then I don't see any problem. At the same time, I would insist that that following should not be blind one.. If you have good reasons to follow then that is good. But just following for the sake of it, is not acceptable.. right? I like your last statement in that light, Jack..
Thank you once again.. I really hope to read more from you about this...
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
25 Oct 11
Hi Jack.. thanks for the brief explaination of the terms. I fear I am yet to understand thoroughly... It is too deep, absorbing and knowledgable... Thanks a lot for so much food for thought.. I'll write to you about this when I am done studying all this... Thnak you a lot!!
@gjabaigar (2200)
• Philippines
28 Oct 11
We are just all the same naturally human beings even we have different cultures, societies, religions, races or on, we are all just the same. We all inhale and exhale the same air, and eat and digest foods, and also been born naked and going to die. But, still individually we are still different or uniquely with each other. Because of intelligence and emotions or the way we think, react or receiving whether negatively or positively, good or bad or evil of mindful thoughts or actions.
On my very own personal opinion for my own truth of what I believing spiritually, even we have different religions (even with those very old ancient religions or in our todays modern generation society or culture), even they called themselves as Atheists or simply none or have of whatsoever -- I believe, there's only way we are going to, whether like or not, consciously aware or knew or have not known or not consciously aware.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
30 Oct 11
Hello friend... Thanks for adding some more value here... I totally agree with you. We're just humans and we do all the activities similarly, without any difference; regardless of which religion we belong to... How True!! And yet, they follow religion, which results unhappily for human kind.. I wish all could see this point, clearly... Thank you again!!
@barehugs (8973)
• Canada
24 Oct 11
Thinking of history, I'm looking at the past, and thinking how religion has murdered multitudes, caused countless wars, and how the Vatican is rich and opulent, while poor nations grovel for sustenance.
On the other hand, science is constantly making life easier and better for everyone. Medicine, transportation, food, communication, and many other scientific discoveries are constantly being invented and improved, while religion stagnates and continues to recommend the outdated bible as the only way to the truth!
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
24 Oct 11
Very well put, barehugs... I was of the same opinion before a few years.. But experience taught me that religions are definitely something that we don't want... and yet, God exists!!! I don't believe in religions at all. But the power of Almighty can't be denied... You might have experienced it personally too... right?
@allknowing (136100)
• India
26 Oct 11
First things first Atheist is the correct spelling!
I do not know which browser you use but most browsers have spell checks that help one as one types along.
Coming to your topic, it is wrong to impose one's beliefs on others and when that is done a discussion becomes unpleasant. When we are born we follow what our parents follow but when we start thinking for ourselves some get liberated from these beliefs and follow what their conscience tells them but not many have the courage to get liberated. I believe in God but not in the religious rituals. We do need to belong to a religion as that is how the system works.
I do not know which browser you use but most browsers have spell checks that help one as one types along.
Coming to your topic, it is wrong to impose one's beliefs on others and when that is done a discussion becomes unpleasant. When we are born we follow what our parents follow but when we start thinking for ourselves some get liberated from these beliefs and follow what their conscience tells them but not many have the courage to get liberated. I believe in God but not in the religious rituals. We do need to belong to a religion as that is how the system works. @mr_pearl (5018)
• India
26 Oct 11
Hi... Thanks a lot! Actually, I posted this one on my phone. And I have no idea how check spellings over phone... Thanks for agreeing to the discussion too.. It seems to me that you've read my life in my post... :).
You truly are AllKnowing then... :) Good Work... Take care...
Good Day!
@Sanitary (3968)
• Singapore
25 Oct 11
I'm neutral. I respect all religions as long as people don't try to put other religions down, saying they are not good. What i hate most is people on the streets, trying to recruit members to their religion, acting in an aggressive way. NO offence to Christianity, but they are always the ones. They can pester for hours, trying to make one turn against their religion to join christianity. What i can't stand is how they used the reason of preaching when in fact they are nagging. I'm sorry but to say how disappointed i am with them.
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
25 Oct 11
Hi Miss... I appreciate your being away from all that mess.. I personally haven't come across anyone who could try to convert me to other religion... Oh yes, I did once... When I was in college, I met with a muslim youth who did his best to persuade me to convert... I finished him only in one sentence, "I don't believe in any religion..." And he was off then...
Now, if anyone tries then its gonna go real bad with them... I hate the idea of religions... I believe in being human and respecting humanity.. .That is all!!!
1 person likes this
@henkiprananda (2729)
• Indonesia
24 Oct 11
for me, religion is very important, above all. but i can't tell other that hey have wrong about their religion, i just can say it to people who have same religion with me. for me, people have a rightful with their own religion.
i don't care if you are atheis or noe, cause my religion teach me. i love people who respect other.
@gelayagui98 (1336)
• Australia
24 Oct 11
Hi mr_pearl, I only known just now that you are not God-believer at first, and I was touched about this. Well, NUMEROUS PREACHERS NOWADAYS claim and declare that they have found the truth concerning salvation. They assert, and not without confidence and conviction, to have learned such knowledge and truth from the Bible and are thus sharing this to their fellowmen. Not only do they use the pulpit but they also have gone multimedia in spreading their message. Their ubiquitos presence is all the more emphasized by their frequent appearance on television and even on the internet. However, it is so noticeable that although these preachers use one and the same Bible as basis, they have varied and, at times, even opposing explanations and interpretations on how a person can attain salvation. It is very important for one to know and learn how he will be saved, but equally important is to be certain that the preacher leading him knows and understands the biblical truths concerning this matter. Because if not, then he is being led toward something he doesn't know about by another who is as ignorant as he is on the matter. What is the consequence if the preacher leading a person toward what he aspires for as salvation of his soul does not truly understand God's way to salvation as taught by the Bible? Our Lord Jesus Christ answer in Matthew 15:14; " Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. and if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch."(New King James Version) If a person who does not understand leads someone who also does not understand, it's a simple case of a blind man leading another blind man. They are blind not in a literal sense, but in the sense that their hearts have been shut so that they cannot see or understand.
