Home made religoun

[Mavrikmind]

I came up with an interesting thought and for chuckles I thought I would share.
After exploring the forum for a while, I've found that from my perspective that alot of the religouns have a little bit that makes sense to me. No one faith interests me in a big way.
For one, I believe in God. No doupt about that. Secondly I'm no expert in theology.
So my thought is this. Why couldn't a person like me create his or her won religoun and practice this faith? If nothing else makes sense to them why not create something that does ?

 

[Halcyon]

I came up with an interesting thought and for chuckles I thought I would share.
After exploring the forum for a while, I've found that from my perspective that alot of the religouns have a little bit that makes sense to me. No one faith interests me in a big way.
For one, I believe in God. No doupt about that. Secondly I'm no expert in theology.
So my thought is this. Why couldn't a person like me create his or her won religoun and practice this faith? If nothing else makes sense to them why not create something that does ?

There is no reason you shouldn't. In fact, every religious person does this to some extent, no two practitioners of a faith will practice exactly the same way, or hold exactly the same theological/cosmological beliefs.

For some faiths eclecticism (which is the word that describes picking and choosing different bits form different faiths) is a normal part of the religion, in Wicca for example many people pick and choose different bits from different traditions.
And modern paganism as a whole, i'd say, is composed more of the eclectic kind of person than the dogmatic kind.

A lot of people on this forum pick and choose aspects from differnt faiths, myself included. Mainly i follow Buddhist and Mystic thinking, heavily influenced in particular by Gnosticism.
I encourage you to do two things if you're interested in laying out a path for yourself;

1. Write down everything you already believe, make a list of everything you can think of that appeals to you, then whittle out the chaff so you're left with a good solid selection that you absolutely believe in.

2. Research. Read up on all the major faiths, www.religioustolerance.org and wikipedia are great places to start. As are the DIR forums here.
See if any of those religions hold similar beliefs to yourself, then read around the subject - this expands your understanding of the philosophy of a belief within an already established religion, that probably has had many centuries of brilliant thinkers pondering those beliefs.
You can also look to other faiths for practical ideas, for example if you are into worship you can see how other people pray and sometimes modify their ways to suit you. Or if you like meditation then you can use age old forms that have been tried and tested. Its all very useful.

 

[Mavrikmind]

Thank you Halcyon, that sound like a good idea. I guess I was feeling a bit of trepidation about the idea because I was raised in a very southern babtist family. The mere thought of doing something even remotely like this was bad juju. Anyway I just needed some validation from someone else before I would begine to give this serious thought

 

[PureX]

Just as you could always be wrong in what you believe, you could also be right. While we remain human beings, there isn't any way for us to know for sure which we are. So I think the best we can do is sincerely try to be honest with ourselves and others, and keep a close watch on the results of what we choose to beleive about "the big truths". I get nerveous when I hear people telling me how they're seeking the "Truth" because I know that they aren't going to be able to know whether or not they've found it, and if they insist that they have, anyway, they're beginning to walk a road that does not lead to anywhere good. Faith without the humility that comes with skepticism quickly turns to hubris.

It's good and right to respect the mystery, just as it's human nature to ask the questions.

 

[Halcyon]

Thank you Halcyon, that sound like a good idea. I guess I was feeling a bit of trepidation about the idea because I was raised in a very southern babtist family. The mere thought of doing something even remotely like this was bad juju. Anyway I just needed some validation from someone else before I would begine to give this serious thought

Glad i could help.

And for something to think about, Southern Baptists didn't spring from the forehead of God.
As Christians they began as a Jewish sect, Gentile converts didn't like to have to take part in Jewish practice like circumcision, so they reorganised the Christian faith to suit themselves incorporating along the way certain of their own pagan practices - saint veneration, veneration of Mary etc. Forming the Catholic Church.
Much later some people in Europe decided that certain aspects of Catholic Christianity didn't appeal to them, so they changed the religion again to suit themselves, becoming the Protestants.
The Baptists were one of these protestant groups who selected certain beliefs and practices that appealed to them, some of which were quite different to other protestant denominations.
Then once the Baptist movement reached America we have the eventual formation of the Southern Baptist churches, who have yet again slightly modified the Baptist beliefs to suit themselves.

Eclecticism, and free religious thought have always been prevalent within religions, which is why there are so many different religions and denominations/sects within those religions.

 

[Mavrikmind]

Thats is food for thought. I have one more question. If this diversification is so prevelent in so many faiths then why is it so looked down upon.Even though change is a usually a force for the better ? one would think that religious groups would embrace change. At leat it would keep things from getting stagnant .

 

[Halcyon]

Thats is food for thought. I have one more question. If this diversification is so prevelent in so many faiths then why is it so looked down upon.Even though change is a usually a force for the better ? one would think that religious groups would embrace change. At leat it would keep things from getting stagnant .

That's a good question.

I think its because once people are settled into a religion and have adopted that religions beliefs as their own, they assume the attitude of one who belongs to the One True Faith.
Therefore any change represents a moving away from Truth for them. It doesn't matter that their faith originated as a split from the norm, once they are indoctrinated they view any further change or splitting as heresy.

 

[Mavrikmind]

That makes sense, I've been known to get that way myself. Now that I'm a little bit older I love change, it keeps my mind active and it keep things fresh for me. especially where faith is concerned.

 

[athanasius]

I came up with an interesting thought and for chuckles I thought I would share.
After exploring the forum for a while, I've found that from my perspective that alot of the religouns have a little bit that makes sense to me. No one faith interests me in a big way.
For one, I believe in God. No doupt about that. Secondly I'm no expert in theology.
So my thought is this. Why couldn't a person like me create his or her won religoun and practice this faith? If nothing else makes sense to them why not create something that does ?

Hey, you stold Martin Luther's idea! Thats what every protestant sect does! LOL!

 

[Mavrikmind]

LOL I didn't think that my idea was original but it's a fresh idea to me. * goes to look up Martin Luther ;P

 

[joeboonda]

Mavrikmind, you say you still believe in God, no doubt, so what else do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus died to pay for all our sins and offers salvation as a free gift? That once one has trusted Christ they are eternally secure as the Southern Baptist (and many other churches believe)? Do you still believe the Bible is God's Word to us so we may know how to be saved and how to live, or are you just striking out in the dark here? What I am saying or asking, is what are the main doctrines you believe, that is a good place to start. Then study to find out about the less important doctrines and how you look at them, it is an individual effort it is true, and we should examine all things, but eventually, there is THE TRUTH, Jesus said He is the truth, do you believe that? Just asking, God bless.

 

[ayani]

Mav- this is really what i have done, in a sense. my faith is my own. i believe that my understanding of faith has come from God, but the way that i practice and understand this is unique to me, so far as i know.

go for it! there is beauty in diversity- like stained glass windows in a cathedral. some very small, some huge, all of different colors and patterns.

 

[Mavrikmind]

Mavrikmind, you say you still believe in God, no doubt, so what else do you believe? Do you believe that Jesus died to pay for all our sins and offers salvation as a free gift? That once one has trusted Christ they are eternally secure as the Southern Baptist (and many other churches believe)? Do you still believe the Bible is God's Word to us so we may know how to be saved and how to live, or are you just striking out in the dark here? What I am saying or asking, is what are the main doctrines you believe, that is a good place to start. Then study to find out about the less important doctrines and how you look at them, it is an individual effort it is true, and we should examine all things, but eventually, there is THE TRUTH, Jesus said He is the truth, do you believe that? Just asking, God bless.

Yes I do believe in God. As for Jesus .... ( This is just my humble opinion ) I think he was a great man who did exist. I think he was extremely charismatic and I think he really truely believed in his teachings. I also think he was a healer ahead of his time. I also think he did wonderous things. But as far as being the son of god! No I don't think I follow that notion. I think he he was tortured and died for what he taught wich is sad.
Now as far as the bible goes. I think that it was written by men who truely believed they were recieving the word of god. I think that the bible is an execellent guide to live by. Most of the writing in the bible I only take as far as it was written by men. They were great men to be sure, but men just the same.
As far as "The Truth" goes. I think a little bit of truth lies in each of us. I also think a little of God resides in each of us and that he speakes to us every day.
Most of my opinions change a little here and there as I learn more. So in saying that I could be wrong about anything I say here. I have a pretty open mind, so I believe I have alot to leanr

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

Maverikmind....
I don't think God worries at all about the details of our beliefs.
Much of what we are taught is most likely quite inaccurate.
You are moving along the path ,like me , where you see no problem with being a heretic.

I believe much of what the Anglican church teaches... more about what it teaches about Jesus ; than about what it teaches, that it sees as necessary to be an Anglican.

So I have been able to find a home amongst people who share many of my beliefs though ,not have to worry about swallowing the whole lot with out thought.
The Anglican faith is a very broad church and puts up with the likes of me no trouble.

 

[Booko]

And for something to think about, Southern Baptists didn't spring from the forehead of God.
....
Then once the Baptist movement reached America we have the eventual formation of the Southern Baptist churches, who have yet again slightly modified the Baptist beliefs to suit themselves.

All excellent points, Halcyon.

I'd add that it's worth pondering that once upon a time in America it was the Baptists who derided as "free thinkers."

So I don't see how Baptists have much of a foot to stand on in criticizing free thinking. It's like saying your own ancestors should not have lived to reproduce. :sarcastic

Also, there's more than one kind of Baptist out there. I don't see much resemblence between Baptists where I grew up and, say, Southern Baptists in Texas.

 

[Booko]

That makes sense, I've been known to get that way myself. Now that I'm a little bit older I love change, it keeps my mind active and it keep things fresh for me. especially where faith is concerned.

Change comes in several forms. One is the sort that results in growth and/or adaptation to current conditions. That kind of change is desirable generally, and to shut it out means to get stagnant and eventually to be of little benefit to the world.

There's another sort of change that just results in further division, though, and that also ends up diluting any religion's ability to be of benefit to the world.

The thing, as it usually is, is to walk the middle path.

 

[Booko]

Yes I do believe in God. As for Jesus .... ( This is just my humble opinion ) I think he was a great man who did exist. I think he was extremely charismatic and I think he really truely believed in his teachings. I also think he was a healer ahead of his time. I also think he did wonderous things. But as far as being the son of god! No I don't think I follow that notion. I think he he was tortured and died for what he taught wich is sad.

Do you think it's possible that God communicated to us through Jesus?

Ignore the whole son of God thing and writings about Jesus and maybe just look at the stuff in red print at first...what do you think?

 

[Mavrikmind]

The thing that I forget about sometimes is that God will allways love us no matter what we do. We could all be wrong or we could all be right. I think what is most important isn't going to church or becomeing a member of a certain faith. It's the desire to worship god in a meaningfull way, from the heart.
I don't think he really cares if you pray to him in a grand catholic church or a run down clapboard meeting house.
With all the choices out there, I find it easy to forget about the simplest things. Loving God with all your being, trying every day to be a good person. Anything more than that might be good but I just don't think it's all that important.

 

[ayani]

The thing that I forget about sometimes is that God will allways love us no matter what we do. We could all be wrong or we could all be right. I think what is most important isn't going to church or becomeing a member of a certain faith. It's the desire to worship god in a meaningfull way, from the heart.
I don't think he really cares if you pray to him in a grand catholic church or a run down clapboard meeting house.
With all the choices out there, I find it easy to forget about the simplest things. Loving God with all your being, trying every day to be a good person. Anything more than that might be good but I just don't think it's all that important.

:clap2:

is all i can say to that. :yes:

 

[Ðanisty]

I came up with an interesting thought and for chuckles I thought I would share.
After exploring the forum for a while, I've found that from my perspective that alot of the religouns have a little bit that makes sense to me. No one faith interests me in a big way.
For one, I believe in God. No doupt about that. Secondly I'm no expert in theology.
So my thought is this. Why couldn't a person like me create his or her won religoun and practice this faith? If nothing else makes sense to them why not create something that does ?

Go for it! I pretty much developed my own beliefs. It wasn't until a couple years later that I met other people who had done the same thing and come to the same conclusions.