Looking at the basis for the question of why people choose syncretism, can syncretic religious choices ever satisfy anyone but the individual who chooses their own beliefs, for their own reasons?
When it comes to “religion”, don’t we have to ask why humans have a need for it in the first place...
But what if the “treasure” is just cut glass and fool’s gold? Don’t you need help to identify what is real and what just looks real?
“All that glitters.....”
It seems as if most people feel at liberty to do that.....almost like its trendy to describe oneself as a mixture of faiths....sort of like they had attended an “all you can eat” religious buffet....help yourself to whatever appeals to your pallet.
I never knew what it meant to be a Christian...
I started life with a very different worldview....one that I came to question and reject. I know what led me to my present view and how it resonates with me in ways that mainstream Christianity never did. I found the God of the Bible...the one that the churches do not teach you about....the one...
I appreciate that, and I guess that it confirms for me that people believe according to what is in their heart. If what they accepted as the religion of their parents, no longer appeals, then who can blame anyone for wanting something more meaningful? Will some settle for a sapphire or a...
All submissions are welcome because I'd really like to understand why people choose to believe things that are others find repelling....
I agree here to a point......"by their fruits" I believe was alluding to what they produce...what kind of people do these religions turn out? The "fruits" in...
The Bible does not argue with this.....there are only two roads according to Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14)....and all of us are on either one or the other. If that is true, then no one should be surprised to find themselves on the road where the majority choose to travel. They are in very comfortable...
If only religion was as simple as barbecue sauce....then we could make our own, to our own taste and it wouldn't matter....not a great analogy I'm afraid.
We can adjust to any major change in our way of living.....new spouse, new house, new country, new language....and we will, if we want...
Aussie through and through mate......not a KIWI...can't you tell by my use of vowels....?
Would you like some fesh and cheps? Love a nice bit of fesh.....
I love me pelicans as these are in abundance where I live....brothers in arms (wings) but don't park under a lamp post......
My confession...
Well, I guess that is what separates people.....their beliefs in God(s) or lack of them. What is the purpose of spirituality if it leads you in many directions with no clear destination?...and no purpose to your existence?
There are not multiple pathways if one true Creator God...
I agree....but original Christianity was devoid of those things.....the "weeds" of Jesus' parable (leaders of the church after the death of the apostles) did to Christianity what the Pharisees did to Judaism. Same MO...same enemy who sabotaged both....which is the reason why you will not find...
This is very true.....some beliefs simply contradict each other and cannot be blended without a lot of gymnastics.
Unfortunately many of the "established tried and true sects within religions" are expert gymnasts....they haven't really worked out the contradictions, but simply learn to live with...
All of the above....but it still has to teach the truth....even if its not what you want to believe. The truth doesn't have 'escape clauses' to make us feel better.
My God is not an elephant who accepts the spiritually blind person's interpretation of him. He is an "eyes wide open" kind of God who reveals a great deal about himself in an instruction manual that he inspired his servants to write about him and his intentions towards those who presently tenant...
That is, I believe, a good place to start. Being able to identify whether something is authentic, means having a thorough knowledge of our chosen faith. Many do not choose their faith but simply follow family or cultural tradition, often mindlessly. These are not the people I am talking about...
I've always been a pelican LnM.....you wont ever see an actual picture of me for the reasons I am seeing when people use actual pictures of themselves now after years of seeing their avatars.....it can be soul destroying to have an image shattered like that. :eek: I'll keep my ugly mug to...
Yes indeed....it can lead to very unstable thinking processes in those who have the propensity to become fanatical. Fanaticism can be seen in many areas (sport, celebrities, politics...as well as religion) and none of it supports intelligence IMO.....but the passion seems to be the same for some...
That’s an interesting point.....if there is just one truth, but people find parts of it uncomfortable or unacceptable in their worldview, are they then at liberty to add any of their own enhancements to make it more acceptable to themselves? :shrug:
Can we create or accept a religion that is...