Do you have a religion?
By Tacia Elise
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
United States
January 22, 2018 4:21pm CST
So I come across a lot of religious discussions and I just wanted to share my ideas and see what everyone else thinks as well.
My background: I grew up with Christian parents who usually attended Nazarene churches.My mom is the typical closed minded, bible thumping, straight edge person. My father was a lot more open and less religious. While growing up I always questioned everything. I basically had to experience everything for myself to draw my own conclusions.
So I think I am Agnostic, which I don't have a religion but I believe in God? I could be wrong. I like the way of life that Buddhism portrays.
My thought is, if something/one/being intentionally created us...wouldn't it just want us to be happy? Wouldn't it want us to live peacefully?
What are your thoughts in religion? Which religion do you follow and why?
8 people like this
6 responses
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
23 Jan 18
I was raised a Catholic and was not happy in that religion. I stopped going to church in my teens and even stopped believing in God. When I turned 20, I was in university and exposed to many different kinds of thoughts and philosophies. I started to search God and came to realize that He existed and that we can have a relationship with Him. I looked at many religions and chose to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses as my religion of choice and I continue as such to this day.
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
24 Jan 18
@db20747
1) The mass was in Latin and it was boring.
2) So many embarrassing collections during the mass and they even came go our house for more money.
3) I was sexually abused by a "brother".
4) I was beaten up and thrown down a stair by another "brother".
5) We had to kiss the hand of the priest.
6) Instead of my faith being build up, I stopped believing in God.
7) I got the feeling that the church cared more for money than for me.
1 person likes this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
24 Jan 18
That is a beautiful story. I think that it is awesome that you were open to God again and open to other's religions and in that experience you discovered your own.
1 person likes this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
22 Jan 18
I respect all religions too. What is the reason you are a Christian? Did you grow up in that religion or did you make your own choice?
2 people like this
@aureliah (24319)
• Kenya
23 Jan 18
@taciaelisepeace I would say that its because I was brought up in a Christian family and village.
3 people like this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
23 Jan 18
@aureliah Nice! I like that with Christianity they believe in forgiveness, and being aware of negative actions.
3 people like this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
23 Jan 18
I was baptized catholic then tried chirstianism now I have no religion, beleive more in medicine and science than miracles and wonders etc
2 people like this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
25 Jan 18
@taciaelisepeace Yeah I mean I do beleive in a higher power and to me God is a female if that makes any sense I just dont get too into religion or politics
1 person likes this
@BACONSTRIPSXXX (14351)
• West Haven, Connecticut
26 Jan 18
@taciaelisepeace Yeah in the since that only a femal can give life etc amongst all species from animals to plants. I know for a fact woman are the meaning of life and the begining as the trivial question goes, what came first the chicken or the egg, lol
1 person likes this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
24 Jan 18
I can relate to that view more. Science is actual proof on how things work,exist, and behind most innovations.
1 person likes this
@NJChicaa (116003)
• United States
22 Jan 18
I was baptized Catholic and made my Communion and Confirmation. I went to Catholic elementary school. I even went to a Catholic university! After getting my degree in Biology, I just couldn't reconcile the ideas of life starting from bacteria and evolving from that with the whole Bible story of Adam and Eve so I moved away from religion. I don't believe in it any longer. It makes no sense to me. There is no evidence for it.
3 people like this
@NJChicaa (116003)
• United States
22 Jan 18
@taciaelisepeace I can't believe the people who take it LITERALLY. My neighbors across the street think that the Earth is only 6000 years old because that's what the Bible says. 
1 person likes this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
23 Jan 18
@NJChicaa Me neither! Yes there are some stories you can learn from. But those who don't believe in things cuz the bible says so, does not make sense. I feel bad for your neighbor.
2 people like this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
22 Jan 18
That is interesting how your beliefs changed. It is crazy how knowledge can really change your perception on life. I think the bible shares a very abstract idea on how life came about. It probably didn't take 7 days, (24 hours a day) to create everything. I think the days mark time periods of change, could of equalled 300 hours or something crazy.
Either way it was written so long ago and probably altered throughout this time. It would be silly to live word by word on what it says.
3 people like this
@josie_ (9763)
• Philippines
23 Jan 18
Blaming "God" for our problems is like a cop out. Life is messy and there will always be difficulties. Many people turn to religion for inner strength to help them cop with daily problems. I was raise in the Catholic faith but have long since left the church. I believe those who would preach morality to others should first be beyond reproach and there's a lot of hypocrisy going on in religious institutions.
Buddhism is not actually a religion but a way of life. The Buddha preach enlightenment through mindful living practices.
3 people like this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
23 Jan 18
I agree, we shouldn't blame anyone but ourselves for our problems. Sometimes things do happen out of our control, for that we can't blame anyone. It is just the way of life.
I agree with the issue of hypocracy in churches. That is why I and many others I know do not participate in churches anymore.
And that actually makes sense that Buddhism is a way of life. I fixed my post!
2 people like this
@db20747 (43427)
• Washington, District Of Columbia
24 Jan 18
But always remember, JESUS SAVES. Remember God is love and He wants us to be the same. We have our own minds and hearts and it is we who have to make the choices we make. He gave us dominion over the earth, and we were intended to follow His words. It is the heart that has to change. When U ask someone to buy u a sandwich, u will know who loves Jesus. Most of the time it is the people who love Jesus that will give it to you. No other religion teaches this. They teach peace, meditation and a bunch of other stuff. But it's all crap if it doesn't say to feed and help thy neighbor. This is the true spirit of God!!!
2 people like this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
24 Jan 18
I respect your religious views. But the lifestyle of Buddhism does incorporate selflessness. It teaches what goes around comes around, how you treat others will come back to you. If you treat someone with kindness--buy them a sand which, then something good will happen to you in return. And if it doesn't you ought to not be about yourself and care for others. Many religions and lifestyles tech kindness along with peacefulness. Something I find beautiful in most religions including Christianity.
3 people like this
@db20747 (43427)
• Washington, District Of Columbia
24 Jan 18
@taciaelisepeace They all have that element of goodness, on the surface, but go to one of those temples and ask for financial help or a sandwich and see what they say. But always ask also, Can they save the soul? Who has the power? Nivana , no. God's word, the word of Christ is power!!! You can reply if you want. Jesus took away our sins on Calvary!!!
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
24 Jan 18
@db20747 Again I respect your religious views. I love to keep an open mind, heart, and soul to all things. I take it all into consideration. My ultimate goal is to live peacefully without hurting others or this earth.
I am not christian, nor will chose to buy someone a sandwhich because of Jesus. I do it because I want to genuinely help others.
I've had Christians bully me, lie to me, and treat me worse than those of other religions. (In more than one church, might I add) So no, not all kindness comes from Christians. Does that mean I think any less of them? Absolutely not, they should br treated just as well as everyone else.
It is beautiful that you found God and are very passionate about your beliefs. I wish you peace and happiness moving forward.
1 person likes this
