nazz
Doubting Thomas
You sound like me, LOL. Well, I reject religion in favor of spirituality but I consider myself a Gnostic Christian. Have you looked into Gnosticism?
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Help me find a religion
- Thread starter Sand Dancer
- Start date
You sound like me, LOL. Well, I reject religion in favor of spirituality but I consider myself a Gnostic Christian. Have you looked into Gnosticism?
Sand Dancer
Currently catless
Funny you should say that. When I put my answers int the Belief-o-Matic thingie, those are the things that come up, along with Baha'i. I like to many aspects of multiple religions that it's hard to pick one.
Sand Dancer
Currently catless
I don't even know where to start with that. Sounds so abstract. I'd love to talk to someone one on one or get some kind of "Gnosticism for Dummies" guide in order to understand it.
Bunny
Member
You could always ask questions on the Gnostic board. I'm sure they'd be welcomed.
Sand Dancer
Currently catless
Some Sikhs reject the concept of reincarnation.
Oh, you're adding fuel to the fire! Do men have to wear a turban? What do women do? Sorry if that's an ignorant question.
Treks
Well-Known Member
Not ignorant at all.
According to the Sikh Code of Conduct Sikh men should wear a turban and Sikh women should cover their head - they can choose whether that's with a turban or something else.
In practice most Sikhs cover their heads only when they're at Gurdwara or reading scripture. At the Gurdwara I attend about 40% of men wear turbans, the rest wear bandanas. Of the women I've seen maybe 3 wearing a turban, the rest wear scarves or bandanas or mayan headbands etc.
Ideally all Sikhs would wear turbans, the same uniform. But in reality it doesn't happen this way.
According to the Sikh Code of Conduct Sikh men should wear a turban and Sikh women should cover their head - they can choose whether that's with a turban or something else.
In practice most Sikhs cover their heads only when they're at Gurdwara or reading scripture. At the Gurdwara I attend about 40% of men wear turbans, the rest wear bandanas. Of the women I've seen maybe 3 wearing a turban, the rest wear scarves or bandanas or mayan headbands etc.
Ideally all Sikhs would wear turbans, the same uniform. But in reality it doesn't happen this way.
Sand Dancer
Currently catless
How many US Sikhs are born in the US, as opposed to another country, or at least being of Middle Eastern descent?
Treks
Well-Known Member
Originally Sikhs are from Punjab which is in India/Asia, not the Middle East (just).
Are you asking how many non-Punjabi Sikhs are in America? I don't know. A small number compared to Sikhs of Punjabi descent which is the vast majority.
Or are you asking about Sikhs of Punjabi descent who were born in America?
Either way I don't know. >.<
Are you asking how many non-Punjabi Sikhs are in America? I don't know. A small number compared to Sikhs of Punjabi descent which is the vast majority.
Or are you asking about Sikhs of Punjabi descent who were born in America?
Either way I don't know. >.<
Sand Dancer
Currently catless
I meant the former. Just curious. Thanks!
nazz
Doubting Thomas
Check your local library or bookstore. There are some good books out there that give a basic overview. Also if you google Gnosticism there are some websites that give a good overview as well. I'm glad to answer any questions myself (as someone suggested in the Gnostic Forum).
Breathe
Hostis humani generis
Haha, I totally understand how you feel.Funny you should say that. When I put my answers int the Belief-o-Matic thingie, those are the things that come up, along with Baha'i. I like to many aspects of multiple religions that it's hard to pick one.
Sand Dancer
Currently catless
I am studying them and I like something about all of them. I am so indecisive. Thanks!
Luke Morningstar
Mourning Stalker
Why is this evil spirit allowed to do this? Is evil a natural force? Does that mean certain things are evil and must be destroyed? That's a tricky path to label things as good and evil. What if you disagree with someone? Does that make them evil?
Be careful with personifying evil into beings, it encourages you to look for other evil beings that are closer to home. Instead, consider evil as a harmful act. Then you can create a being or beings that commits harmful acts. They may need to be destroyed, or maybe just stopped, but it's their actions that are harmful, not their being.
What if God created a universe without compassion in order to find other beings who would strive, against all odds, to have reason and compassion to rise above it all?
Why is a natural disaster evil? Did God tell people to put a city there (or anywhere)? What about the volcano that needs to erupt? Is it good for the Volcano not to erupt, only to explode sometime later and kill more life? Is the Sun, who provides for ALL life on this planet, good, or is it evil because it will eventually consume the Earth and destroy it completely? We have a 5 billion year head start, so whose fault will it be for sticking around? Did Satan set up the sun like a time bomb? Why didn't God stop that?
From the beginning of humanity until the late 20th century, the average lifespan of humans was under 40 years. Is it evil to live longer; is that a defiance of God's creation? What about the millions of animals that have gone extinct due to human expansion, are we evil or good for prospering? What about the genocides and the medical cures that came from our prosperity?
It's really hard to categorize everything as either good or evil when you start looking beyond your own actions. Was Churchill evil for declaring war on Germany, or was he good because the war led to ending a terrible genocide? Even though he didn't know the genocide was happening? Was Churchill good or evil when he wrote a letter to the USA around 1900, asking them to intervene in the Cuban rebellion, in his words:
Winston Churchill said:
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Sand Dancer
Currently catless
I guess it's the yin/yang thing. You gotta have evil to appreciate good. But I can't explain a loving God creating evil. I can understand evil that we bring on ourselves, but not the kind that kills innocent people "randomly." The more we know, the more we can explain, but what about those who couldn't forecast bad events coming? They couldn't help it that they didn't have the technology. Just doesn't seem right. I do think that evil spurs us to do compassionate things, but I just don't know if that's the reason for evil.
Maija
Active Member
join the club! lol
Otis Nomark
New Member
Please take time to read this article.
Religion—What Good Does It Do?
“I CAN be good without being religious!” That is a common sentiment. Many honest, compassionate, responsible people are not attracted toreligion. For example, few Western Europeans are churchgoers, although most say that they believe in God.Even in Latin America, a mere 15 to 20 percent of Catholics go to church regularly.
Like many others, perhaps you feel thatreligionis irrelevant to a better life. Possibly, though, you are also aware that decades ago, in your grandparents’ day, most people were much more religious than they are today. How didreligionlose its widespread appeal? Can a person be good without being religious? Is there areligionthat can benefit you?
Why Many Have Turned From Religion
For centuries, most people in Christendom believed that God requires obedience. They went to church to gain God’s favor, either through rites conducted by a priest or through guidance provided by a preacher. Of course, many were aware of the hypocrisy inreligion. The role ofreligionin war was well-known, as was the abusive conduct of some clergymen. But most people felt thatreligionitself was good. Others liked the mystique, the tradition, and the music; some even saw value in the threat of eternal damnation in hell, which is a teaching not found in the Scriptures. Then, several developments changed the way that many people viewed the churches.
The theory of evolution became popular. Some became convinced that life originated by accident—without God. Most religions failed to provide convincing evidence that God is the Source of life. (Psalm 36:9) In addition, as technology advanced, dramatic achievements in medicine, transportation, and communications gave people the impression thatanyproblem can be solved by science. Further, it was felt that social scientists and psychologists provided better guidance than did the churches. The churches, for their part, failed to demonstrate clearly that living by God’s law is the best way of life.—James 1:25.
In response, many churches changed their message. Priests and preachers gave up teaching that God requires obedience. Instead, many taught that each individual must decide for himself what is right and what is wrong. Trying to gain popularity, some religious leaders claimed that God accepts you no matter how you live. Such teaching calls to mind what the Bible foretold: “There will be a period oftime when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled.”—2 Timothy 4:3.
Rather than attracting people, such teaching turned them away. They naturally wondered: ‘If the churches doubt the power of God to create and the wisdom of God to make laws, how does going to church benefit me? Why should I bother teachingreligionto my children?’ Individuals who were just trying to lead a decent life began to seereligionas irrelevant. They left the churches, andreligionwas no longer important to them. Where did something that should be right go so wrong? The Bible provides a persuasive explanation.
Religion Used for Evil Ends
The apostle Paul warned the early Christians that some would use Christianity for evil ends. He said: “Oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:29, 30) One who spoke “twisted things” was the Roman Catholic theologian Augustine. Jesus had taught his followers to convince others by reasoning from the Scriptures. However, Augustine twisted the meaning of Jesus’ words recorded atLuke 14:23, “Compel them to come in,” to mean that it was all right to use force in the work of converting people. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 28:23, 24) Augustine usedreligionto control people.
Satan, a rebellious angel, is behind the misuse and corruption ofreligion. He provoked religious men in the first century to try to corrupt Christian congregations. The Bible says of those men: “Such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.”—2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Satan still usesreligionthat makes a pretense of being Christian, moral, and enlightening in order to make people live by his standards rather than God’s. (Luke 4:5-7) You have probably noticed that many clergymen today usereligionto elevate themselves with high-sounding titles and to obtain money from their flocks. Governments have also usedreligionto persuade citizens to sacrifice themselves in war.
The Devil employsreligionmore extensively than most realize. You might imagine that only a few religious extremists are serving Satan’s interests. But according to the Bible, “the one called Devil and Satan . . . is misleading the entire inhabitedearth.” The Bible also says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (Revelation 12:9; 1 John 5:19) How does God feel aboutreligionthat is used by leaders who just want to draw people after themselves?
“What Do I Care?”
If you are shocked at the conduct of some churches of Christendom, know that Almighty God is greatly displeased with them. Christendom claims to have made a pact with God; ancient Israel made a similar claim. Both have proved unfaithful. Jehovah’s denunciation of Israel therefore applies with equal force to Christendom today. Jehovah said: “They have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. What do I care about incense from Sheba? . . . Your sacrifices do not please me.” (Jeremiah 6:19, 20,NewInternationalVersion) God did not recognize acts of worship performed by hypocrites. He was not interested in their rituals and prayers. He told Israel: “Your festal seasons my soul has hated. To me they have become a burden; I have become tired of bearing them. And when you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening.”—Isaiah 1:14, 15.
Is Jehovah attracted to festivals that the churches present as Christian but that originally honored false gods? Does he listen to the prayers of clergymen who corrupt Christ’s teachings? Does God accept anyreligionthat rejects his law? You can be sure that he reacts to church rituals today just as he reacted to the sacrifices of Israel of old, regarding which he said: “What do I care?”
Nevertheless, Jehovah does care deeply about worship rendered in truth by sincere people. God is pleased when individuals express appreciation for all that they receive from him. (Malachi 3:16, 17) So can you be good without worshipping God? A person who does nothing for his loving parents is hardly justified in considering himself good, is he? Can a person who does nothing for God be good? Reasonably, we should take an active interest in the true God, with whom life itself originated. In the following article, we will see how true worship not only honors God but also benefits us.
Religion—What Good Does It Do?
“I CAN be good without being religious!” That is a common sentiment. Many honest, compassionate, responsible people are not attracted toreligion. For example, few Western Europeans are churchgoers, although most say that they believe in God.Even in Latin America, a mere 15 to 20 percent of Catholics go to church regularly.
Like many others, perhaps you feel thatreligionis irrelevant to a better life. Possibly, though, you are also aware that decades ago, in your grandparents’ day, most people were much more religious than they are today. How didreligionlose its widespread appeal? Can a person be good without being religious? Is there areligionthat can benefit you?
Why Many Have Turned From Religion
For centuries, most people in Christendom believed that God requires obedience. They went to church to gain God’s favor, either through rites conducted by a priest or through guidance provided by a preacher. Of course, many were aware of the hypocrisy inreligion. The role ofreligionin war was well-known, as was the abusive conduct of some clergymen. But most people felt thatreligionitself was good. Others liked the mystique, the tradition, and the music; some even saw value in the threat of eternal damnation in hell, which is a teaching not found in the Scriptures. Then, several developments changed the way that many people viewed the churches.
The theory of evolution became popular. Some became convinced that life originated by accident—without God. Most religions failed to provide convincing evidence that God is the Source of life. (Psalm 36:9) In addition, as technology advanced, dramatic achievements in medicine, transportation, and communications gave people the impression thatanyproblem can be solved by science. Further, it was felt that social scientists and psychologists provided better guidance than did the churches. The churches, for their part, failed to demonstrate clearly that living by God’s law is the best way of life.—James 1:25.
In response, many churches changed their message. Priests and preachers gave up teaching that God requires obedience. Instead, many taught that each individual must decide for himself what is right and what is wrong. Trying to gain popularity, some religious leaders claimed that God accepts you no matter how you live. Such teaching calls to mind what the Bible foretold: “There will be a period oftime when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled.”—2 Timothy 4:3.
Rather than attracting people, such teaching turned them away. They naturally wondered: ‘If the churches doubt the power of God to create and the wisdom of God to make laws, how does going to church benefit me? Why should I bother teachingreligionto my children?’ Individuals who were just trying to lead a decent life began to seereligionas irrelevant. They left the churches, andreligionwas no longer important to them. Where did something that should be right go so wrong? The Bible provides a persuasive explanation.
Religion Used for Evil Ends
The apostle Paul warned the early Christians that some would use Christianity for evil ends. He said: “Oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:29, 30) One who spoke “twisted things” was the Roman Catholic theologian Augustine. Jesus had taught his followers to convince others by reasoning from the Scriptures. However, Augustine twisted the meaning of Jesus’ words recorded atLuke 14:23, “Compel them to come in,” to mean that it was all right to use force in the work of converting people. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 28:23, 24) Augustine usedreligionto control people.
Satan, a rebellious angel, is behind the misuse and corruption ofreligion. He provoked religious men in the first century to try to corrupt Christian congregations. The Bible says of those men: “Such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.”—2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Satan still usesreligionthat makes a pretense of being Christian, moral, and enlightening in order to make people live by his standards rather than God’s. (Luke 4:5-7) You have probably noticed that many clergymen today usereligionto elevate themselves with high-sounding titles and to obtain money from their flocks. Governments have also usedreligionto persuade citizens to sacrifice themselves in war.
The Devil employsreligionmore extensively than most realize. You might imagine that only a few religious extremists are serving Satan’s interests. But according to the Bible, “the one called Devil and Satan . . . is misleading the entire inhabitedearth.” The Bible also says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (Revelation 12:9; 1 John 5:19) How does God feel aboutreligionthat is used by leaders who just want to draw people after themselves?
“What Do I Care?”
If you are shocked at the conduct of some churches of Christendom, know that Almighty God is greatly displeased with them. Christendom claims to have made a pact with God; ancient Israel made a similar claim. Both have proved unfaithful. Jehovah’s denunciation of Israel therefore applies with equal force to Christendom today. Jehovah said: “They have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. What do I care about incense from Sheba? . . . Your sacrifices do not please me.” (Jeremiah 6:19, 20,NewInternationalVersion) God did not recognize acts of worship performed by hypocrites. He was not interested in their rituals and prayers. He told Israel: “Your festal seasons my soul has hated. To me they have become a burden; I have become tired of bearing them. And when you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening.”—Isaiah 1:14, 15.
Is Jehovah attracted to festivals that the churches present as Christian but that originally honored false gods? Does he listen to the prayers of clergymen who corrupt Christ’s teachings? Does God accept anyreligionthat rejects his law? You can be sure that he reacts to church rituals today just as he reacted to the sacrifices of Israel of old, regarding which he said: “What do I care?”
Nevertheless, Jehovah does care deeply about worship rendered in truth by sincere people. God is pleased when individuals express appreciation for all that they receive from him. (Malachi 3:16, 17) So can you be good without worshipping God? A person who does nothing for his loving parents is hardly justified in considering himself good, is he? Can a person who does nothing for God be good? Reasonably, we should take an active interest in the true God, with whom life itself originated. In the following article, we will see how true worship not only honors God but also benefits us.
Otis Nomark
New Member
PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ THIS ARTICLE
Religion—What Good Does It Do?
“I CAN be good without being religious!” That is a common sentiment. Many honest, compassionate, responsible people are not attracted toreligion. For example, few Western Europeans are churchgoers, although most say that they believe in God.Even in Latin America, a mere 15 to 20 percent of Catholics go to church regularly.
Like many others, perhaps you feel thatreligionis irrelevant to a better life. Possibly, though, you are also aware that decades ago, in your grandparents’ day, most people were much more religious than they are today. How didreligionlose its widespread appeal? Can a person be good without being religious? Is there areligionthat can benefit you?
Why Many Have Turned From Religion
For centuries, most people in Christendom believed that God requires obedience. They went to church to gain God’s favor, either through rites conducted by a priest or through guidance provided by a preacher. Of course, many were aware of the hypocrisy inreligion. The role ofreligionin war was well-known, as was the abusive conduct of some clergymen. But most people felt thatreligionitself was good. Others liked the mystique, the tradition, and the music; some even saw value in the threat of eternal damnation in hell, which is a teaching not found in the Scriptures. Then, several developments changed the way that many people viewed the churches.
The theory of evolution became popular. Some became convinced that life originated by accident—without God. Most religions failed to provide convincing evidence that God is the Source of life. (Psalm 36:9) In addition, as technology advanced, dramatic achievements in medicine, transportation, and communications gave people the impression thatanyproblem can be solved by science. Further, it was felt that social scientists and psychologists provided better guidance than did the churches. The churches, for their part, failed to demonstrate clearly that living by God’s law is the best way of life.—James 1:25.
In response, many churches changed their message. Priests and preachers gave up teaching that God requires obedience. Instead, many taught that each individual must decide for himself what is right and what is wrong. Trying to gain popularity, some religious leaders claimed that God accepts you no matter how you live. Such teaching calls to mind what the Bible foretold: “There will be a period oftime when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled.”—2 Timothy 4:3.
Rather than attracting people, such teaching turned them away. They naturally wondered: ‘If the churches doubt the power of God to create and the wisdom of God to make laws, how does going to church benefit me? Why should I bother teachingreligionto my children?’ Individuals who were just trying to lead a decent life began to seereligionas irrelevant. They left the churches, andreligionwas no longer important to them. Where did something that should be right go so wrong? The Bible provides a persuasive explanation.
Religion Used for Evil Ends
The apostle Paul warned the early Christians that some would use Christianity for evil ends. He said: “Oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:29, 30) One who spoke “twisted things” was the Roman Catholic theologian Augustine. Jesus had taught his followers to convince others by reasoning from the Scriptures. However, Augustine twisted the meaning of Jesus’ words recorded atLuke 14:23, “Compel them to come in,” to mean that it was all right to use force in the work of converting people. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 28:23, 24) Augustine usedreligionto control people.
Satan, a rebellious angel, is behind the misuse and corruption ofreligion. He provoked religious men in the first century to try to corrupt Christian congregations. The Bible says of those men: “Such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness.”—2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Satan still usesreligionthat makes a pretense of being Christian, moral, and enlightening in order to make people live by his standards rather than God’s. (Luke 4:5-7) You have probably noticed that many clergymen today usereligionto elevate themselves with high-sounding titles and to obtain money from their flocks. Governments have also usedreligionto persuade citizens to sacrifice themselves in war.
The Devil employsreligionmore extensively than most realize. You might imagine that only a few religious extremists are serving Satan’s interests. But according to the Bible, “the one called Devil and Satan . . . is misleading the entire inhabitedearth.” The Bible also says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (Revelation 12:9; 1 John 5:19) How does God feel aboutreligionthat is used by leaders who just want to draw people after themselves?
“What Do I Care?”
If you are shocked at the conduct of some churches of Christendom, know that Almighty God is greatly displeased with them. Christendom claims to have made a pact with God; ancient Israel made a similar claim. Both have proved unfaithful. Jehovah’s denunciation of Israel therefore applies with equal force to Christendom today. Jehovah said: “They have not listened to my words and have rejected my law. What do I care about incense from Sheba? . . . Your sacrifices do not please me.” (Jeremiah 6:19, 20,NewInternationalVersion) God did not recognize acts of worship performed by hypocrites. He was not interested in their rituals and prayers. He told Israel: “Your festal seasons my soul has hated. To me they have become a burden; I have become tired of bearing them. And when you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening.”—Isaiah 1:14, 15.
Is Jehovah attracted to festivals that the churches present as Christian but that originally honored false gods? Does he listen to the prayers of clergymen who corrupt Christ’s teachings? Does God accept anyreligionthat rejects his law? You can be sure that he reacts to church rituals today just as he reacted to the sacrifices of Israel of old, regarding which he said: “What do I care?”
Nevertheless, Jehovah does care deeply about worship rendered in truth by sincere people. God is pleased when individuals express appreciation for all that they receive from him. (Malachi 3:16, 17) So can you be good without worshipping God? A person who does nothing for his loving parents is hardly justified in considering himself good, is he? Can a person who does nothing for God be good? Reasonably, we should take an active interest in the true God, with whom life itself originated. In the following article, we will see how true worship not only honors God but also benefits us.