Do you wear a religous symbol?
By dismalgrin
@dismalgrin (2604)
United States
August 29, 2012 12:39am CST
When I first started to follow my religion I was very excited about it. I bought a necklace with my religious symbol on it and wore it everywhere. I got a lot of negative feedback for this choice. People critised me for not knowing what I was about. My Granny even tried to flush my necklace down the toilet with me still attached to it! After that I stpped wearing it to keep the peace. It's been 10 years and I still follow my religion. I just don't rub it in people's faces. There is a double standard in society about displaying our love of our religion so only a few people know what I practice now. But I often wonder about other people. Do you brag to the world about your religion or is it a private thing for you?
3 people like this
19 responses
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I'm so sorry others do not respect your path. I do. I'm glad you have found and you are still on your path! To answer your question , i have to say yes and no. Yes I keep my religion private offline . I have a Star of David made of gold but I don't wear it. And I have to say no because here I will discuss and defend my faith!
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I have friends of your faith too, and I think that it is awesome you have the symbol whether you wear it or not. I have a small symbol on a necklace somewhere in my house. I don't wear it because I'm not ready to flaunt it, and because I can't find it! Lol
1 person likes this
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
30 Aug 12
I stopped practising the nearest thing I have to a religion over 15 years ago, but I still wear the symbol for it, permanently. Although it no longer means to me what it once did, it is still a reminder of a time in my life which was, for quite a while, very good.
Lash
@grandpa_lash (5225)
• Australia
2 Sep 12
Very discreet of you lol. Star of David lol (no hint of offence meant to the Jewish religion).
Lash
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
Good times are something to always celebrate and I am glad you are able to have a reminder of those times with you always.
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
31 Aug 12
I don't actually wear any religious symbol. I think it is better to show your love for God not with the symbols you wear but with the way you live your life. I have a personal relationship with Jesus so I commune with Him by praying and reading the Bible every day. I am not a religious fanatic but I love the Lord very much. Religion will not save me but Jesus did. So now even if I have a religion, it is not the religion that I flaunt but my Savior Jesus. I share everyone what Jesus did for my life, how he saved me, how he changed my life and how he could do this thing to others if only they'd give Jesus a chance in their life.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
That is awesome that you are able to have your faith without wearing a symbol of it. I wish you luck in your faith.
@silverfox09 (4708)
• United States
4 Sep 12
My mother hate seeing people in religious symbol , she think bad luck happen to the person after they take it off . I dont wear religious symbol even though I go to church .
I dont think nothing is wrong with showing love for your religion its just become negative when you want to dictate to others or cast judgment . I am a christian but I have friends from other religion because we all respect each other and understand that no religion is perfect but our friendship is what our creator like to see peace and love.
I brag to the world but I am also a nice person and I dont judge others , I think everyone should have the freedom to choose . nice topic
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
4 Sep 12
Yes, I don't think it's ever right to 'shove your religion down someone elses throat.' I respect almost every religion out there. There is only one that I can't respect and that is just my personal thing. It's the religion I have a problem with not the people that follow it. But, any religion that teaches people to strive to better themselves and interactions with fellow man is good in my book.
@riyauro (6421)
• India
29 Aug 12
well wearing a religious symbol is not bad. I used to wear it and i still have some that I wear sometimes, but what your Granny did was very rude and I did not like it. I don't find any problem in that, it is your choice. I don't know why people do like this. It is illiteracy I guess. But I am for you!! Have a wonderful day ahead.
@fantabulus (4000)
• India
29 Aug 12
I agree with you riya not bad wearing a religious symbol. This is depend upon the persons view if they think they should wear then wear it. Some feels odd so they not wear but I think nothing is bad in it.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I think it wasn't so much the religious symbol, but the religion it symbolized. No, I don't she was right to do that, but I could have been more understanding of her viewpoints as well.
@extremefun4fun (2908)
• India
3 Apr 13
well, I want wearing religion thing will be private and not known by people, I have respect for religion and it is good to not wear those as a fasion, but some believe in safety of themselves and that is why they wear it.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
5 Apr 13
Although I don't think we should have to hide our beliefs, I do think you make a good point about being private about it and not blasting it to everyone we know when they might not appreciate it.
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
29 Aug 12
if it comes up in a conversation I talk about it. No I don't wear a religious symbol, but I was thinking about it though,.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
That is pretty much what I do. I often refer to my religion as 'my faith' because that is what it is and it doesn't really bring up lots of questions. Many people would down me for my beliefs and I find it easier to just let things be. I was very up front with my boyfriend about my beliefs when we got together because that is not something you should keep in the closet for a relationship. He ended up blabbing to his whole family so they all think I worship the devil of something. Lol... but at least they don't dog me about it all the time and I don't shove my beliefs in there face either. My workds and deeds speak for themselve that I'm a decent person.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
Yes, it was over the top. But, I think because she is very into her faith I was being young and imature to wear my faith symbol to her house.
@bellis716 (4799)
• United States
31 Aug 12
I don't go around bragging that I am a Christian, but there are things I do not do because I do not think that activity Christ like. I will explain if asked but don't brag about it.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
As I was raised a Christian I totally understand where you are coming from and I wish you the best in your faith.
@Christoph56 (1504)
• Canada
30 Aug 12
Many different religious groups are very closed off to other religious practices that are not their own. Most religious people will say that they know the true path and that the others are evil. Its really too bad that it goes that way, be ause I feel that each person should have their religious freedom, just as long as it doesnt lead to anything thats breaking laws or doing harm to others, etc...
I took a peak at your profile, and it said that you're in the US, a fairly devout Christian area of the US (I could be wrong, I've never been there, Im a Canadian on the west coast). So if you don't mind, I'd like to hear more of what religion you've taken that has offended so many people? Its really too bad that it goes that way, but perhaps with your alternate direction, you can get more people to be a bit more open to others, rather then just sticking to their own as the only way.
Happy mylotting!
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
It is a very Christian area. The only other place I've lived was another very Christian area! And I do believe in allowing everyone their religious freedom! Let's just say that at first my Granny thought I was wearing the star of David and when she realized that was not in fact what I was wearing, it all went downhill from there! Lol
@toxic_lifestyle (1213)
• Philippines
29 Aug 12
Yes! I'm wearing everyday a bracelet with a religious symbol on it. My mom gave it to me because she believes that wearing this bracelet would protect me from danger. :)
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
That is cool that you wear that for your mom. Whether you believe the same or not. My mom is cool with my faith... sort of. She appreciates that I have my beliefs. But she doesn't want it shoved in her face so I don't talk about it to her. It's just easier to keep things to myself mostly.
@PlatinumFubu (23)
• United States
30 Aug 12
Well after reading all that im really wondering what symbol was it. LOL. But it definitely sounds like its not approving of your family. Well i feel like that goes for almost everything in our society. Things that are seen as positive are given positive feedback, and things that are seen as negative are given negative feedback. Just like some people hide their love for dorky things such as dungeons and dragons because its seen as dorky or immature if there in the older category. I guess yours is on a higher level of negative feedback though.
@Gautam1002 (730)
• India
29 Aug 12
There is this huge tradition in my country to wear religious symbols in the form of rings or chains etc. I am not involved in much of these as this is followed mostly in villages and one living in cities gradually get rid of it themselves. I was asked to wear a ring with some religious connections and I tried but then I felt uncomfortable wearing that so I preferred not wearing the same. It depends on the person and is a matter of belief.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I completely agree with you. It does depend on the person. My boyfriend wears a ring with a cross on it, but it is an odd looking cross. But, that is just him.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I don't think its racist at all to wear a religious symbol unless your religion is tide in some way to a racist group.
@maidangela7349 (1191)
•
30 Aug 12
I can understand that some people cannot cope without believing on some sort of superstition but what baffles me is that while it nothing to be ashamed of as this sort of thing affects lots of people why would you wish to tell people about this sort of weakness.
@namiya (1718)
• Philippines
29 Aug 12
my personal belief is religion does not guarantee one's salvation but the quality of faith coupled with good works will. I love my religion and will stick to it until the end and respect others whose beliefs differs from mine. I find nothing wrong on wearing religious symbols and admire those who stand up and are proud of their faith without bragging to and downgrading other sects. You cannot please all people all the time, hence, i don't let someone's opinion shake my faith.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
I admore your point of view. I don't really down other people for their faith, though I catch myself making comments on the side about one particluar faith to my boyfriend. It's because I was burnned baddy by people of that faith growing up so it's hard for me to 100% accepting of that faith. However, I won't down someone personally for their faith. That's just mean.
@rog0322 (2829)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
29 Aug 12
Hi,
I often hear stories on the radio or reading on some magazines stories about people who are saved from certain evil things by the religious symbols they had on their person, be it a necklace, bracelet or amulet. I am not really a superstitious person nor overly fanatic about my beliefs but I do wear something sometimes if the chance presents itself.
Right now, I have this best friend, a nun from Italy who brought me items from the Holy Land, a cross made of Olive wood, a chaplet and a medallion.
Well, one's faith cannot be measured by material things but it really doesn't hurt to believe in what is tangible and things that points to other realities other than our limited senses.
As the saying goes "Blessed are those who see and believe but more blessed are those who didn't see and still believe."
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
My boyfriend bought me a silver locket because he says that in every faith silver is lucky to wear. I don't wear it often because the chain it not long enough for my thick neck! Lol... I don't know that it would bring me luck per sae... but I think that people tend to do things to bring themselves the luck they want when wearing lucky jewelry. Like it's kind of in the head, but not.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
That is a good reason to wear your cross. I know somepeople that use the cross as an object to worship in and of itself. Though if they do that I don't personally find it wrong, I have to wonder if they know their faith well enough because of the story behind the cross. Just a simple observation and I don't mean any harm if someone does worship the cross. I applaude you for your faith.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
2 Sep 12
We have the freedom by law... but to we have the freedome by culture?