Well, I love you. Yes, you. My dear readers. You all rock and are some of the most extraordinary women on earth. Such a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and values.
Aw, diversity is just fantastic isn't it?
I love that there is so much religious diversity among the blogs I follow, and the blogs of those whom read ISC. And while I will not open up that can of worms that is politics, I have no problem opening up religion for discussion.
Religion fascinates me. It always has. How various groups of people and individuals make sense of this earth (in both past history and present day.) What people perceive their purpose of life to be. What they determine to be "good" and "evil." How they believe we came to be on this earth? If we are even here!
Fascinating stuff.
And I am not just talking about Judeo-Christian philosophies. But, other organized religions like Buddhism, Jainism, or even Sikhism. I also get a huge kick out of talking with Atheists.
(Note: "Atheists," should not be confused with "Agnostic" persons (a common misunderstanding.) "Atheists" believe in certainty that there is absolutely no higher power or deity. On the other hand, "Agnostics" aren't too sure what to think. They do not believe in anything in certainly and might allow for many different possibilities or philosophies.)
Andrew and I have been discussing recently which religion, or religious philosophies we would like to instill in our children. Historically, I have always held the idea that I would instill various values in my children, not necessarily religion. However, recently we have been exploring that wondrous place that is that land of organized religion. Attempting to think as a future parent, I began to ponder the possibility that perhaps my own religious/spiritual development is not quite finished.
So, I was hoping for a few comments regarding your religious philosophy. Perhaps suggestions of ideologies to look into. Certainly don't comment if you are uncomfortable doing so (some cultures/societies dictate that people should feel uncomfortable discussing religion and I am empathetic to that concern.)
And please, do not even bother making a rude or disrespectful comment towards myself, another reader, or towards another faith or religion. I will not publish it.
Also if you are trying to recruit me for your cult, don't bother. I guarantee you would not want a LOUD-outspoken-opinionated woman like me, who refuses to conform to societal expectations, anywhere near your naive and vulnerable followers.
"Cause if you never open the can of worms, they just sit on the shelf in your pantry.
And who wants that?!" - Me
Haha what a nice subject of discussion! You sound just like me! I would probably have to categorize myself into the agnostics because...
ReplyDeleteI *like* to think there is a higher power but I can also see how one can logically think there is not. Yet, I think the world is nicer if you allow it to hold some mystery and spirituality.
The beliefs that colour my view of the world come from different religions/ideologies and can probably be passed down to a child without the need for specific labels or association to one religion.
oooh i love talking religion. partially, because i like to question and be questioned about viewpoints. i am one of those agnostic kids :) raised catholic; unofficially rescinded my confirmation. i believe in a higher power that connects us all, but i do not believe in the paternal Christian God. i do not believe that religion/faith makes someone a good person outright. we all make choices to build up other people or tear them down; those actions determine our individual worth. it's our impact on the present that matters most, not where we end up after death
ReplyDeletei don't believe in heaven or hell. i think in the end, we just return to the earth (back to the mother if you will). i havent decided if i believe in full reincarnation quite yet...
my views are kinda scattered (if you couldnt tell) and do not lend themselves to specific organized religions. at this point, i prefer belonging to my own group and forming my own opinions rather than ascribing to one pocket of faith
Hi Cynthia!
ReplyDeleteI currently fall right about the level you just described. However, it is such a fascinating topic for me to investigate. There is just so much out there. And so many different ideas which people "know" to be true.
Thank you for gutsy-ing up and letting me know how you think/feel. :)
Hi Michelle!
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an interesting point about the "afterlife" too. There are so many theories regarding what happens after we die, that sometimes it makes my head spin. Can there really be "nothing" after this? Might I have another shot at this whole life thing? Fascinating.
Thank you for sharing and touching on another interesting point. :)
Religion is tough. I was brought up Catholic, but over time I have decided that I don't think I'm catholic. I don't necessarily believe in organized religion and I believe that you can believe in God, and be a good person and that is enough...I think organized religion is about $$$ and loses what it is supposed to REALLY be about. My husband was brought up Greek orthodox...religion is important to him because he believes its a huge part of th greek culture..mind you we don't go to church..but he feels strongly about it..I have agreed that our future children will be brought up Greek orthodox as long as DH takes charge. I said I won't be the one pushing them to go to church....so we'll see what happens..
ReplyDeleteI have some koolaid to offer. That's it.
ReplyDeleteJust some ' INNOCENT" " CULT" koolaid.
WAIT. did i say cult out loud?
CRAP.
I am no good at this.
I dont' beleive in religions that require this or that... I believe in something beautiful giving me my children. I believe in praying to someone whose listening .. when I cannot grasp what is going on around me. Comfort. I figure.... why not. What do I have to lose you know? I might as well believe just in case. Love everyone and teach my children to find beauty in the world. I'm not a conformer though and organized religion with stipulations and rules.. pushes me away.
But again.. you .. me .. koolaid?
xoxo
supah
Buenas noches
ReplyDeleteIt is my first time here. I just wanted to say hi!