Why do you like your religion so much?

I have a religious background but wouldn't really consider myself religious. Religion didn't fit with me but that doesn't mean it doesn't have value you for someone else. I'm in the belief that everything has value or purpose no matter how small/large.

Personally I like there are multiple religions and beliefs( I think there always will be) It makes the world more exciting. I would hate to think of a world where we all think and believe the same things (I guess we'd all be robots, SKYNET). Not growing up in a strong religious community I would like to better understand what's like on the other side of the fence. Also maybe some more insight into other belief systems that I am not aware of.

I would like to come away from this with a better understanding into how others perceive religion/personal beliefs and the life they have built around them. Even if its cultural related religious things like certain food(egg nog, why is it only around Christmas time?), games, ceremonies, outfits. whatever makes you think about your beliefs fondly.

There is a huge difference between "religion", and "faith". I was raised Catholic, and was indoctrinated into the Catholic religion.

Now, I identify as a Gnostic.

I have extreme faith... but I am not religious. I attend no regular services (not religious), but I practice my faith daily. I need no "go-between" to contact the Almighty.

a reply to: madmac5150

So your saying that religion is a physical institution, the buildings, books, and people. Whereas faith is your personal conviction to what you believe.

did I get that right?

I never really thought of faith as a separate element outside of religion.

So I just glanced through gnostic. This Is very interesting, I have never heard of this before.

I'll have to read some more

originally posted by: DiaJax
a reply to: madmac5150

So your saying that religion is a physical institution, the buildings, books, and people. Whereas faith is your personal conviction to what you believe.

did I get that right?

I never really thought of faith as a separate element outside of religion.

So I just glanced through gnostic. This Is very interesting, I have never heard of this before.

I'll have to read some more

Very close.

Religion is a "system"; for the masses...

Faith is intensely personal.

Gnosis is personal, as it is a personal journey.

My wife is very religious. She goes to church, church functions, etc... for her, it is community.

My faith, as a Gnostic... that is MY journey. She gets that.

She told me once that she wanted me to become part of her religion... once she understood that it was MY path... MY faith... she got it.

I just believe there is this being that is running things, he has a crew of angels to set the stage of this reality. Not really a religious person myself, but definitely not an atheist. Religions tend to say their version of god is the right version, I used to be Lutheran, now I just believe in that being they refer to as god and the Messiahs that have been born throughout the ages who can link with him.

a reply to: madmac5150

Its interesting that you note how it religion does have its benefits for others. Also the fact that you have the mutual understanding of each other speaks volumes about your relationship. Its a wonderful thing to hear.

I have to say this gnosis is quite refreshing. I would like to talk about it more but unfortunately I haven't read enough just yet. Also because of my lack of understanding I don't want to potentially offend you.

Thank you for sharing I didn't think the first reply would be so illuminating.

a reply to: rickymouse

My background is in the Catholic faith.

I can relate to being in-between being religious and atheist. I think it would be a bit dull if we were just some cosmic mathematical probability.

Curious, what is it that makes Lutherans, Lutherans? I know you don't practice but I'm always up for learning something new.

originally posted by: DiaJax
a reply to: madmac5150

Its interesting that you note how it religion does have its benefits for others. Also the fact that you have the mutual understanding of each other speaks volumes about your relationship. Its a wonderful thing to hear.

I have to say this gnosis is quite refreshing. I would like to talk about it more but unfortunately I haven't read enough just yet. Also because of my lack of understanding I don't want to potentially offend you.

Thank you for sharing I didn't think the first reply would be so illuminating.

Some people NEED religion... they need a system of belief, and they need others to believe the same. I used to be one of them. I explained that I was raised Roman Catholic. I went to mass every week, and went to Confession before I received Communion. I said rosaries and did the Stations Of The Cross.

...now, this is MY journey (all of ours are different)...

I decided to dig deeper. I read every ancient Christian text that I could find. I realized that MY journey fell outside of the standard "Catholic" script of redemption.

Each of our journeys are different.

Those differences... those make us human.



My wife needs religion. I don't. We are on different paths. To admit that is difficult, and it was a strain for a long time... and we still butt heads...

I have no idea why we are together... but, we don't question it.

It is what it is.

Find your path, find God in your own way...

a reply to: DiaJax

Catholic here.

I'm actually a bit of a cafeteria christian and have spiritual beliefs with are incongruent to Catholicism and Christianity.

What I like most about being a catholic? Two reasons:

1. The Guilt
2. I had a really really really I kid you not REALLY handsome priest.

a reply to: madmac5150

I totally agree with you.

Its those differences that make the world so very interesting.

originally posted by: auroraaus
a reply to: DiaJax

Catholic here.

I'm actually a bit of a cafeteria christian and have spiritual beliefs with are incongruent to Catholicism and Christianity.

What I like most about being a catholic? Two reasons:

1. The Guilt
2. I had a really really really I kid you not REALLY handsome priest.

I get the guilt...

But... why not hot nuns???

a reply to: auroraaus

The guilt? I not sure I understand.
I don't want to guess to much. You enjoy feeling guilt because you work outside the bounds of prescribed catholic rules. A rebel of sorts?


The handsome priest I can totally understand

a reply to: DiaJax

Guilt helps me make better choices in life... most of the time. Too much guilt is not helpful though.

And I have had the misfortune to never meet a hot nun. The hot priest though, my stars.

originally posted by: DiaJax
a reply to: auroraaus

The guilt? I not sure I understand.
I don't want to guess to much. You enjoy feeling guilt because you work outside the bounds of prescribed catholic rules. A rebel of sorts?

The handsome priest I can totally understand

All Catholics are raised with guilt.... part of our upbringing...

a reply to: madmac5150

think that goes for Judaism too but can't speak from experience.

I can hear my devout grandmother, rest her soul, drilling into me the sacrifices Jesus made and it's his cross we must bear.

ahhhhhh (think epiphany), that is so wild, I would have never thought in a million years people benefitted from the guilt.

This is so eye opening.

Both a burden and a blessing (in the correct doses).

I'm a little speechless to be honest.

originally posted by: DiaJax
ahhhhhh (think epiphany), that is so wild, I would have never thought in a million years people benefitted from the guilt.

This is so eye opening.

Both a burden and a blessing (in the correct doses).

I'm a little speechless to be honest.

Guilt... shame... it is all about control.

originally posted by: DiaJax
ahhhhhh (think epiphany), that is so wild, I would have never thought in a million years people benefitted from the guilt.

This is so eye opening.

Both a burden and a blessing (in the correct doses).

I'm a little speechless to be honest.

This may enlighten you : Why it's good to feel guilty

Basically small amounts of guilt are helpful in making right life choices. What I mean by right is what is the prevailing societal norm wherever you are. It's a useful tool for controlling population behaviour etc

Feeling guilty all the time or over things that shouldn't matter - thats when it becomes a problem.

But its interesting to note that people thrive and are benefitted by these practices.

I guess you could look at religions like schools. All schools are good for some people but no one school is good for everyone.