How many people are........

[EB24]

How many people here are religious in some way? No need to tell what denomination or anything personal. Just curious as to everyone's beliefs. Even if you don't belief, that is your right. Please no crazy debates or arguments, just wanted to start an interesting topic. Thanks Eric

Oh BTW, I am religious, and I do believe it has helped me get through a great deal of things.

 

[anonymous]

I am also religious. I don't preach my religion to others, but I myself believe.

 

[anonymous]

I'd be lost (no pun intended) without my relationship with God/Jesus. It just gives me peace and security. <><

 

[anonymous]

Not at all. I can't believe what the fuss is about but if it helps one, go for it. I just want to be a good law abiding person. I am honest and I love helping people whenever I can but I just don't feel the need at this time for religion. I must add that I find it strange when friends have found it, be it jehovah, born again whatever and they start thinking, acting differently like not accepting blood to save their life just because a book or someone has said so.
Just my view

 

[reillybug]

I am religious. Like the original poster, my faith has gotten me and my family through some tough times.<img src="i/expressions/angel_ani.gif" border="0">

 

[jacobus]

I am not religious in the slightest, although I think you'll find that the majority of posters here are.

I do agree that religion seems to help many people with cf and as such it can be a useful tool to deal with any serious illness. However, I personally feel that organised religion is the cause of almost all inflicted pain and suffering in the world. It's the ultimate paradox if you will.

 

[TCNJcystic]

I am not religious. It's actually my lack of religion that helps me deal with having cf. Were I to accept that there was a God then I feel like I'd have to blame him for my condition, and I don't want to have to deal with hating God. Instead, I just believe he isn't there.

For others though, religion offers a very very comfortable place to rest your feet. I can easily see how helpful it can be to get through the hard times, and I envy the ability of religious people to remain resolute in their beliefs in times when that seems impossible.

 

[anonymous]

I believe in reality.

Q

 

[Mockingbird]

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>jacobus</b></i><br> However, I personally feel that organised religion is the cause of almost all inflicted pain and suffering in the world. <hr></blockquote>

That would be caused by human imperfection and misinterpretation, not by the religion itself. =-) People may say they follow a particualar religion; they may <i>believe</i> they follow a particular religion, but that doesn't mean they should automatically be counted as a spokesperson for that particular religion. =-)

 

[jacobus]

<blockquote>Quote
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>Mockingbird</b></i>
<blockquote>Quote
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>jacobus</b></i>
However, I personally feel that organised religion is the cause of almost all inflicted pain and suffering in the world. <hr></blockquote>

That would be caused by human imperfection and misinterpretation, not by the religion itself. =-) People may say they follow a particualar religion; they may <i>believe</i> they follow a particular religion, but that doesn't mean they should automatically be counted as a spokesperson for that particular religion. =-)<hr></blockquote>

Well yeah, that's a little like the old 'god works in mysterious ways' retort. You will notice that I said 'organised' religon. I would argue that the organisation of religion is undoubtably the work of man and it is that which leads to all the problems.

 

[JazzysMom]

I was baptized Methodist, but have never been active in the religion. I follow the "basics" that I was exposed to like Christmas being Jesus Birthday, Mary/Joseph are his parents etc. I cant put my whole being into this as I dont know how much is mans version and how much is true. I have attended churches of different denominations & often like it (more for the fun/socializationt rather than the true meaning behind it), but it is not something at this point that I would find beneficial. As I explain to my husband (who use to be quite a regular church goer) is this.....I try to be the best person I can be. I have good days & bad days as I am only human. I try to make up for the bad days on the good days. I dont have the need to be forgiven by going to confession or any other gesture that religions offer. If I die & dont go to heaven because there isnt one... than so be it. If there is one & its terrific, great. If I go to hell, if there is one, then so be it. If I become reserected (sp) as a beautiful swan so be it. If I come back as a firehydrant that dogs pee on so be it. If I lay in the coffin becoming part of the earth & nothing else happens so be it. This is an issue that I have fought with internally since having my daughter. My cousin who is a Minister said that I NEED to get by daughter baptized. At first I was upset because I thought I was not doing the right thing for my daughter. Now I realize that if my heart is not into it then it would be hypicritical (sp) to do so. I guess I just dont worry about what happens after death because whatever it is it is. I just try to do my best as a person while alive & if that isnt good enough than tough! I dont disrespect those that follow their faith closely just like I wouldnt want them to disrespect my lack of it. I find that my inner strength is what gets me thru the tough times in life whether it be my CF, finances or something else........others need the faith....whatever works for you is what counts!

 

[jacobus]

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>JazzysMom</b></i><br>...whatever works for you is what counts!<hr></blockquote>

that is the crux of what i believe also, so long as what ever works for you doesn't involve taking down all those who believe differently.

 

[Mockingbird]

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>Anonymous</b></i><br>I believe in reality.

Q<hr></blockquote>

Are you Buddhist? I only ask because that statement is very much buddhist; only believe in something after you have applied it to your own life and found it to be real. =-) It is a good philoshophy, in my opinion, but one that requires a lot of dedication, for it is important to seriously consider every kind of ideal you come across, no matter how silly it may seem. A lot of work, which I'm sure is why meditation has so much play in Buddhism.

(I am a cristian, by the way, but that doesn't mean I can't know something about other religions as well! =-)

 

[Mockingbird]

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>JazzysMom</b></i><br> This is an issue that I have fought with internally since having my daughter. My cousin who is a Minister said that I NEED to get by daughter baptized. <hr></blockquote>

I agree with you on that point. =-) It's kind of silly to baptize a baby when the baby has no idea what's going on. =-) Much more meaningful after the child grows up and chooses herself to participate in the baptism, knowing what it means. =-)

 

[Mockingbird]

<blockquote>Quote<br><hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>Mockingbird</b></i><br><blockquote>Quote
That would be caused by human imperfection and misinterpretation, not by the religion itself. =-) People may say they follow a particualar religion; they may <i>believe</i> they follow a particular religion, but that doesn't mean they should automatically be counted as a spokesperson for that particular religion. =-)<hr></blockquote>

Well yeah, that's a little like the old 'god works in mysterious ways' retort. You will notice that I said 'organised' religon. I would argue that the organisation of religion is undoubtably the work of man and it is that which leads to all the problems.<hr></blockquote>


We are agreeing, but I don't understand how it is like 'god works in mysterious ways' ... I mean, my point is God isn't involved in stuff like that at all. =-)

 

[nobody]

I am religious and have made that decision using my powers of reason.
I don't blindly follow anyone - I always check what I'm being taught with
the Bible.
I feel that religion is best when made a way of life, actually letting what
you believe shape who you are. And yes, this has really had a positive
effect on me in coping with my difficulties.

 

[JazzysMom]

<blockquote>Quote
<hr><i>Originally posted by: <b>nobody</b></i>
I am religious and have made that decision using my powers of reason.

I don't blindly follow anyone - I always check what I'm being taught with

the Bible.




This I personally also cant grasp. I realize the Bible is the biggest selling book and highly respected by many, but to me its mans version put into words. My husband says that if I can see it for myself, I dont believe it. I wasnt there so I would have to believe what I read. I see it no different then history books in school except that religious beliefs seem to be more deaply rooted into culture and people lives and ways of thinking. Please remember that this is my view only on each matter & I am not telling you its right or wrong.....I just want to state my opinion or outlook on the different aspects.

 

[nobody]

Quote

Originally posted by:JazzysMom
"but to me its mans version put into words"

Man's version of what? (out of curiousity)
If you look at the actual history of this book, you have to admit it has overcome insumountable odds - just to stay in existance!
Just that fact alone, you have to give it some credance.
-steve

 

[JazzysMom]

I am referring to Mans version of what happened, the interpretation of such and the ramification from those words that I cant veryify are or are not true. I do give credance to the fact that it has stayed in existance for so long. I believe it exists for those and because of those who believe in its contents enough to allow the ideas and follow the words. Some people dont believe all of the words so they use it as a guiding tool rather then their main tool. Others use it in its extirety as the main tool. The Bible, Torah or any other holy book is used at the user deems necessary. Just like the religion itself.....whatever works for you is what counts.

 

[nobody]

That's the mistake of most religions. They tell you what to believe and then don't follow that up with
any real basis - just beilve it. I've always wondered - if your gonna worship God, why would you look for what's good for you?
Wouldn't it make more sense to find out what God wants you to do? Thereby being approved by him?
And where are you gonna find what God wants?

I've chosen the Bible. The thoughts contained in it - not any interpretations - just the teachings
and lessons from those histories, are positive - and that's the basis of my way of life.
That just the way I choose to look @ religion.

But the point of this thread was to find out if religion has helped, and for me it definately has.