Do you find peace in your beliefs?

[Unveiled Artist]

If you will twist a word to whatever you want at any time then that means that we cannot converse as I will be unable to understand you.

Saying Im hopeless is a straightforward statement. It is not kind.

 

[Deidre]

I like this mindset very much!

I do because my beliefs make sense. It's kind of like a simple revelation or knowing the answer to a riddle that you thought was really hard to understand at first.

 

[Deidre]

To spread and embody the eight virtues in my signature, enjoy my life, learn as much as I can, and fight for minority rights among other things.

I'd say that most everyone here strives for this, atheist and theist/deist, alike.

 

[Aupmanyav]

interesting... i am feeling more Happy, Powerful , Strong after i started following Vedic Dharma.

maybe because most of vedic gods are war and nature Gods.

Glad to hear this. Vedas have all kinds of Gods and Goddesses. For war and peace, for nature and society. I would be interested to know what beliefs and rituals interest you. I invite you to the Hindu forum to discuss this.

 

[ADigitalArtist]

When I first left Christianity the only thing I felt was missing was that, up until that point, I was involved weekly in a tight-knit community that strived to do a lot of good, so there was a lot of immersion and accomplishment. But I figured I didn't need a church for that, so I joined a couple different groups with different community-oriented goals, as well as started a couple social nights for games and food and the like. I've never been happier.

As far as everything else concerning the afterlife and gods, I observe the quote that's come to be known as the atheist wager:

"Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but...will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."

 

[Deidre]

When I first left Christianity the only thing I felt was missing was that, up until that point, I was involved weekly in a tight-knit community that strived to do a lot of good, so there was a lot of immersion and accomplishment. But I figured I didn't need a church for that, so I joined a couple different groups with different community-oriented goals, as well as started a couple social nights for games and food and the like. I've never been happier.

As far as everything else concerning the afterlife and gods, I observe the quote that's come to be known as the atheist wager:

I like that quote, it is thought provoking.

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Interesting thread!

I used 2 be an atheist and found precious little REAL comfort in it. I used 2 ridicule anyone with religious beliefs and thought it was all just one big delusion.

I have changed dramatically over the years ...

I don't subscribe 2 any one religion - I like this quote -

"Like the bee gathering honey from the different flowers, the wise person accepts the essence of the different scriptures and sees only the good in all religions."

~ Gandhi

I find that when I cultivate kind & compassionate thoughts I enjoy peace of mind. When I forget 2 practice, things can go downhill VERY fast

All the best!

 

[Baladas]

Well...not really my beliefs alone, no.

It's more about a combination of my personal philosophy, and what I actually do in the world.
Helping others is a natural human instinct, as we are social creatures (thought admittedly our definitions of what will help others can and does vary).

In practice, I try to be kind and compassionate, but also logical and honest (both with myself and others).
This gives me more of a sense of inner peace than when I do otherwise.

I help people in need because I want to. It makes me feel good inside.
Compassion can be a wise form of selfishness in that sense (as the Dalai Lama has said).
Another reason I help others is because I consider that person (in a sense) an extension of myself.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Why do you live? (Taking religious jargon out since thats kinda tripping you up)

Atheist can have the same peace of mind as theist. If you dont have peace, dont depend on anything or anyone or self to be happy, what is there left?

You dont have to find the purpose of the universe to find peace in loving life ans yourself at the most supreme importance.

Religion is a tarnished word. If we shines it atheisrt and some christian denomni may see it different.

For innumerable reasons, no one reason keeps me alive.

Atheist can have peace like a theist but I choose to be worried and try to improve the world instead of having peace. What is left is various routes of improvement and enjoyment.

This is where we disagree you think that everyone thinks that finding peace is of supreme importance but it is simply not the case for me.

No we should not, religion is what it is. You should not change it so you can feel better about being under it.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Interesting thread!

I used 2 be an atheist and found precious little REAL comfort in it. I used 2 ridicule anyone with religious beliefs and thought it was all just one big delusion.

I have changed dramatically over the years ...

I don't subscribe 2 any one religion - I like this quote -

"Like the bee gathering honey from the different flowers, the wise person accepts the essence of the different scriptures and sees only the good in all religions."

~ Gandhi

I find that when I cultivate kind & compassionate thoughts I enjoy peace of mind. When I forget 2 practice, things can go downhill VERY fast

All the best!

So you think there are no non-religious sources and ideas or peace and comfort?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

For innumerable reasons, no one reason keeps me alive.

Atheist can have peace like a theist but I choose to be worried and try to improve the world instead of having peace. What is left is various routes of improvement and enjoyment.

This is where we disagree you think that everyone thinks that finding peace is of supreme importance but it is simply not the case for me.

No we should not, religion is what it is. You should not change it so you can feel better about being under it.

That is religion what you are describing. If you dont find importance (meaning a priority no matter where on the scale) in what you do to make a world a better place, why do it?

The dictionary defines organized religion. If what you do is not important to you, why do it?

Dont get hung up on the words. These are simple questions about life. Atheist can love live a productive lifestyle (if you like) and find benefit in it.

Get the context. You getting hung up on the words (religion, peace, etc) Thats not the point.

Im not putting you in a box.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I'd say most humans yearn for peace...peace within one's self, one's life, with others. When I was an atheist, it's not that I lacked a sense of peace in my life, but *something* seemed to be missing. I couldn't ever put my finger on it really, and so I searched for meaning in other faiths and belief systems. Coming back to Christianity, I've had a sense of peace over these past few months that had been missing. To me, you have found the 'right' path for want of a better word, if you are at peace in your life. If you are truly content with who you are, and how you are living...then you have found a path that works for you.

So, do you find peace in your beliefs? Atheists are always welcome to answer, for even though you may not hold spiritual or religious beliefs, you believe something. Look forward to your responses.

I don't have peace in the popular sense of the word. Not that peace comes about time to time. It does, yet so does chaos and noise.

Rather, a focus is placed on emptiness concerning all phenomina and things, whereas understanding comes naturally by mind and body. One could say a form of "peace" can be had through that understanding, by which I practice religion and live my life.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

That is religion what you are describing. If you dont find importance (meaning a priority no matter where on the scale) in what you do to make a world a better place, why do it?

The dictionary defines organized religion. If what you do is not important to you, why do it?

Dont get hung up on the words. These are simple questions about life. Atheist can love live a productive lifestyle (if you like) and find benefit in it.

Get the context. You getting hung up on the words (religion, peace, etc) Thats not the point.

Im not putting you in a box.

I do not find SUPREME importance in it, why do you keep insisting I do?

It is important but not SUPREMELY so.

I would know this as I do and have.

Seems to be the point to me.

I disagree.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

@Taylor Seraphim

"Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it.” ―Christopher Hitchens

This is organized religion where people find peace in structure, ceremonies, community, to find a higher purpose in their life, defining its nature, and their place in it. The believer finds

"Selflessness, Objectivity, Honesty, Curiosity,Kindness,Restrain, Patience,and bravery."

in their organized religion. Since abstract and spiritual words are not pined down by dictionaries (ask a christian and atheist to define themselves. Youll get a lot of answers. They are not false) an atheist can acheive this without organized religion as the theist can with it.

I am talking about religion itself. The practice and belief related to finding purpose in life (no matter how its defined). This does not always have to do with the supernatual. Humanist religions lack that.

However in religion is not always organized. Religion could be finding productiveness in walking their dog. I roller skate on a religous basis. Mind as well say its my religion.

Many people practice religion by

[Not choosing to] be worried and try[ing] to improve the world instead of having peace. What is left is various routes of improvement and enjoyment.

Not everyone practices religion for peace.

You may not call it religion. Maybe you call it being you. I dont know. To me its religion because it is what you do, what you believe, and it shapes your morals.

Supernatual need not be involved.

I dont understand how you dont understand the naturecof religion (not organized) and how it is defined by the people who live it not by a dictionary.

Stumps me.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I do not find SUPREME importance in it, why do you keep insisting I do?

It is important but not SUPREMELY so.

I would know this as I do and have.

Seems to be the point to me.

I disagree.

I didnt. I said high priority whever you place that priority on the scale. You are hung up with words.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Saying Im hopeless is a straightforward statement. It is not kind.

That is not what I said.

I am saying if you continue to do that It will be impossible to communicate effectively.

Please restrain from slandering me in the future.

 

[Akivah]

I used 2 be an atheist and found precious little REAL comfort in it. I used 2 ridicule anyone with religious beliefs and thought it was all just one big delusion.

I have changed dramatically over the years ...

I did the exact same. But since I became wise and found G-d, I have become a better person. And more peaceful as well.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

I didnt. I said high priority whever you place that priority on the scale. You are hung up with words.

Since we are having a discussion on whether or not I am under the word "Religious" then we are going to be getting hung up on words due to the very nature of our discussion.

And as I do not fit the definition can we both agree that I am not religious?

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

I did the exact same. But since I became wise and found G-d, I have become a better person. And more peaceful as well.

By wisdom do you mean intellect or emotion?

 

[Akivah]

By wisdom do you mean intellect or emotion?

By wisdom, I mean knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life.