Do you find peace in your beliefs?

[Unveiled Artist]

Please read the bold; and, do not yell at me. Take what I say in context; do not assume what is not directly stated, and respect my opinion even if you disagree.

That is a lie, you did several times.

I was saying that under your definition of religion that religions that believe that would e on par with people that have no real religious beliefs, I NEVER SAID ALL RELGIONS THINK THAT. You looked at it and took it the worst possible way you could showing you want to demonize me.

I NEVER SAID ALL ATHEIST ARE NOT RELGIOUS!!!

Dont yell at me.

Again, you are reading into my statements that do not directly state what you do or do not believe. I am not hidding anything. There is (edit) no meaning behind what I am saying just what you read.

With that said, where have I directly said you believe that all religions think that?

Where have I directly said you believe all atheists are not religious?

I dont like people in general reading more into my statements without clarification.

Talking to you now: Ask for clarification.

Sheesh. Okay. This is a comparative religion section. If you dont want to compare our religious views (and irreligious views) then we can make a separate thread.

Not everyone is looking for peace

Again, where have I said this directly. I never said all people are looking for peace.

I was defining how I see religion; and in my opinion according to the personal definitions people take up as a whole (which is not all in the dictionary again, dont read into it more than what it says) you display religious characteristics. To me that is religion.

What is in your signature and what you said about making the word a better place assuming that is what you said these sound religious to me.

In my opinion, from what you tell me, I see you as religious.

Howevver, you do not need to identify as such.

I never said you had to. Im just expressing my opinion.---comparative religion.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Dont yell at me.

Don't slander me.

Again, you are reading into my statements that do not directly state what you do or do not believe. I am not hidding anything. There is (edit) no meaning behind what I am saying just what you read.

YOU know what I was responding to you, when I saw you edited several of your post to hide your but.

I would quote the remainder that you did not But I find that to be pointless as I have no time to spend on someone who would do that.

You have lost all respect I had for you, I hope we never speak again.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Don't slander me.

YOU know what I was responding to you, when I saw you edited several of your post to hide your but.

I would quote the remainder that you did not But I find that to be pointless as I have no time to spend on someone who would do that.

You have lost all respect I had for you, I hope we never speak again.

Youre reading more into what I am saying. Capitalizing your text is considered yelling. Its not slandering you; its telling you please dont cap your text. I read what you said I just dont care for assumptions in general.

I am directly saying

1. Not all atheists are looking for peace
2. Not all atheist identify as being religous
3. Religion to me is more than what is in the dictionary
4. In my opinion, your signature and how you explained your working for others sounds religious to me
5. You dont have to agree with me. Just dont disrespect me (which there are specific quotes that directly direspect my opinion on this current topic)

If you cant respect my opinion about religion and how it people fit into the definition of it; and you think I am targeting you, why be in comparative religion?

If you notice all my posts since day one I edit (mostly for spelling, grammar errors, and thoughts I meant to say). Wait a couple of minutes before posting. You get a better idea of what I mean even if you disagree.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Youre reading more into what I am saying. Capitalizing your text is considered yelling. Its not slandering you; its telling you please dont cap your text. I read what you said I just dont care for assumptions in general.

I am directly saying

1. Not all atheists are looking for peace
2. Not all atheist identify as being religous
3. Religion to me is more than what is in the dictionary
4. In my opinion, your signature and how you explained your working for others sounds religious to me
5. You dont have to agree with me. Just dont disrespect me (which there are specific quotes that directly direspect my opinion on this current topic)

If you cant respect my opinion about religion and how it people fit into the definition of it; and you think I am targeting you, why be in comparative religion?

If you notice all my posts since day one I edit. Wait a couple of minutes before posting. You get a better idea of what I mean even if you disagree.

You did not change that post until after I had pointed out what you had done wrong.

Also I was not saying you slandered me by accusing me of yelling although since apparently all language is subjective I can say it was not yelling because I don't want it to be called yelling.

I am disappointed that someone of your intellect is acting this way and realize that you choose not to try to leanr truth but try to justifiy what you wish to be truth.

This is the last I will be replying to you.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I am disappointed that someone of your intellect is acting this way and realize that you choose not to try to leanr truth but try to justifiy what you wish to be truth.

What do you define as the truth?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

@Taylor Seraphim

And thank you for clearing that up. It is alright to disagree. As long as understand where each of us is coming from without cutting off conversations, I am okay with that.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

How would you guys define peace? Do you think its universal just defined differently?

 

[Deidre]

How would you guys define peae? Do you think its universal just defined differently?

I define it as not being conflicted internally. When I feel that a person's worldview and faith beliefs (or lack of faith beliefs) are one. For example, when I was an atheist, there was some internal 'unrest' going on with me. I was never really at peace as an atheist. Logically, I was accepting of where I had come in the path away from Christianity at that time, but I honestly can say looking back now, that I felt a sense of inner turmoil and conflict. I felt at peace somewhat when exploring Buddhism and Islam, because maybe for me, I'm authentically drawn to faith. But, those belief systems weren't fulfilling enough for me to follow and be on board completely with. I feel completely at peace now... in Christ.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I define it as not being conflicted internally. When I feel that a person's worldview and faith beliefs (or lack of faith beliefs) are one. For example, when I was an atheist, there was some internal 'unrest' going on with me. I was never really at peace as an atheist. Logically, I was accepting of where I had come in the path away from Christianity at that time, but I honestly can say looking back now, that I felt a sense of inner turmoil and conflict. I felt at peace somewhat when exploring Buddhism and Islam, because maybe for me, I'm authentically drawn to faith. But, those belief systems weren't fulfilling enough for me to follow and be on board completely with. I feel completely at peace now... in Christ.

Yeah. I feel the same way. I was very conflicted being in Christianity. It wasnt other people or the conflictions with other denominations with the Church. I mean, if I wanted to stay Catholic, I wouldnt care. It brought me a sense of peace, well being, and community.

Then, like rocks dropping in my chest, I found that I misinterpreted a good feeling or "high" with peace. It was a stress reliever (repenting/confession) and sense of acceptence but not inner acceptence as one gets directly from Christ. It was self-centered spiritual growth rather than Christ centered. I also interpreted the Passion differently than Christianity and it made me at disacord with the Church and scripture.

It taught me peace was much more than being accepted, repentence, and self gratification. It was more being in union with self and with others with that source being inside coming out rather thann outside (Christ) going in (Holy Spirit).

I should have listened to the priest when he told me to wait before commiting myself to the Church.



Buddhism helps with peace of mind. Its not really a heart thing. Its more looking at the mind and let the affects of "mind training" follow to peace, compassion, etc. It misses one thing. Connection with the spirits and ancestors. Its not a Buddhist teaching but many cultures have that. Syncronizing it into their faith.



Thats when I came back to paganism. Before you went to sleep, you were wondering how witchcraft helped me. Here it goes.

I kinda dont like the words witchcraft and pagan. I wouldnt know what words to replace it with, honestly. I got a tarot reading that the santero confirmed what I have been thinking for awhile. His head Orisha told him that it wouldnt be in my best interest to search for a religion. He says that I am more the one to give honor to my family and to my ancestors. He also gave me advice and folk traditional ways to honor the spirits like things and liquids that came from his country. Certain insense and simple candle colors for purity (white and purple) helps. I kinda knew this inside but I never was a neopagan person. Connecting it to older faiths (hence Paganism) just made so much more sense.

He didnt have it in the store yet, but he ordered prayer books that simply focued on prayer to spirits and ancestors. Santeria is mixed with Catholicism; so, the books he has or either in Spansh or they are Christian.

Common things considered witchcraft or pagan is revering the earth, sun, etc. It just makes sense. The elements take care of us literally. Listening to the spirits in the wind and earth andknowing the life and magic/energy comes from the sun and grounding from the moon just helps center myself. Ive always been intersted and practiced off and on witchcraft since I was what 14 years old.

Now I set up my floor altar with my candle I light for my family and elements for general prayers.

One thing I like about the Church is confession is free. Though, I dont mind paying for tarot readings from this gentleman. He is very nice and if I wanted to go into Santeria, Id ask him (or a recommendation from him) for a godparent.

Anyway, sorry to write a lot. I can write a full book about my faith and journey.

 

[Erebus]

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.

Some gods offer peace, others offer exhilaration, passion, melancholy, fury, adoration or inspiration.

One of the benefits of polytheism is that there's a god for any given moment

 

[YmirGF]

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 realize that other human animal's mileage may vary, but my current beliefs arose out of the so-called "peace" that I discovered already existing within myself. I certainly didn't need the shallow thinking of a given religion to echo what I experienced. The words and ideas just come out on their own... as they should.

 

[Guy Threepwood]

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 had a fairly similar experience, there was a certain 'intellectual gratification' with atheism, a purely academic peace of mind that there was no ultimate greater purpose to life to bother about, but I had to constantly try to convince myself of it. (Is that why most people on a religious forum are atheists?)

Also there is the inherent negative stance of a-theism, inherent eternal conflict with others' beliefs rather than peace with one's own. How can anybody find peace in a belief they don't even acknowledge as such?!

 

[Deidre]

I had a fairly similar experience, there was a certain 'intellectual gratification' with atheism, a purely academic peace of mind that there was no ultimate greater purpose to life to bother about, but I had to constantly try to convince myself of it. (Is that why most people on a religious forum are atheists?)

Also there is the inherent negative stance of a-theism, inherent eternal conflict with others' beliefs rather than peace with one's own. How can anybody find peace in a belief they don't even acknowledge as such?!

Oh my gosh, I honestly have never met online or offline, anyone at all...who has been able to articulate exactly what I had been feeling as an atheist, than you have with this post. Some could somewhat relate to me, but my atheist friends offline really didn't understand my internal dilemma, so thank you for this!! I wish I could give you 100 likes.

 

[Guy Threepwood]

Oh my gosh, I honestly have never met online or offline, anyone at all...who has been able to articulate exactly what I had been feeling as an atheist, than you have with this post. Some could somewhat relate to me, but my atheist friends offline really didn't understand my internal dilemma, so thank you for this!! I wish I could give you 100 likes.

Thank you Deidre, It's so nice to have a positive effect/response here, that makes my day! I originally joined this forum to see if I could find others with similar experiences- likewise it's not something that people I know really relate to. So I'd be interested to know more about how that change happened for you. I must run for now though- with a little lighter heart now

 

[Deidre]

Thank you Deidre, It's so nice to have a positive effect/response here, that makes my day! I originally joined this forum to see if I could find others with similar experiences- likewise it's not something that people I know really relate to. So I'd be interested to know more about how that change happened for you. I must run for now though- with a little lighter heart now

Yes, really, no one offline or online could ever fully identify with how I felt as an atheist ...that internal conflict I had going on. Your post here just makes me feel safe about it all, since you felt it, too.

Many atheists just don't understand the desire to believe in something greater than ourselves. At the time when I was an atheist, I had grown indifferent to it all. And maybe in those moments, I felt a sense of peace...but there obviously was something I 'needed' because I kept exploring other faiths. Being an atheist was a logical conclusion, but emotionally, I felt like I was in a desert looking for water and food, if that makes sense. To feel that way off and on for months, is a terrible thing. Many could say, well, this is because you were indoctrinated into Christianity during your childhood, so you feel like you need faith...it's been ingrained into you. Maybe. But, logically...atheism makes sense. There is no proof that I can offer to an atheist, to prove my beliefs...except my own word.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

So, do you find peace in your beliefs?

Is it really possible to find peace in mere beliefs? What about truth?

 

[Deidre]

Is it really possible to find peace in mere beliefs? What about truth?

Well, peace is subjective. And you don't have to find peace only in beliefs, no. But, my faith is truthful, to me.

 

[Riverwolf]

How would you guys define peace? Do you think its universal just defined differently?

That's a very good question.

I don't think it's entirely universal. If it were, achieving it would be so much easier.

For me, peace means lacking conflict, activity, and clutter all at the same time. In the context of this thread, that generally means either inwardly, and/or in the immediate vicinity (so we're not talking about "world peace", here). It's certainly a good thing to have from time to time, particularly after a long period of stress.

But I don't want it as a permanent state. No conflict can mean no growth; no activity can lead to stagnation; no clutter can mean no festivities (among other things).

I should also clarify something in regards to an earlier post in this thread. I said that in my religion, I'm not so much seeking peace, but frith. Frith is a concept in Heathenry that often gets translated to peace, but doesn't quite mean that. (In fact, defining it exactly is VERY tricky; it's kind of one of those "I know it when I see/feel it" things). It only has any meaning in interpersonal relationships, particularly in one's family, and pretty much means a lack of conflict therein. That doesn't mean a lack of activity or clutter, though; it's entirely possible to have frith with one's family and friends, and still have highly loud, boisterous parties with them, and engage in vulgar smack-talk during games. So, when I say I'm seeking frith, I mean to say that I'm trying to use my religion as a focal point to have better relationships with my family and friends.

 

[Deathbydefault]

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 feel that my beliefs put my life in perspective with the most likely reality.
Having that feeling of perspective is a certain kind of peace to me, yes.
Knowing (linguistic definition) that death is the end all puts me at peace the most.

 

[Deidre]