I have no idea which religion would fit me the best

[Nerthus]

I can see your point. In fact, even my old therapist told me once to not view myself as a person with mental illness because if I do, I will somehow subconsciously try to conform myself to that mental illness's traits.

Well no, you should definitely not do that. When you think about to most people in the world will have some traits of mental illness, all to differing degrees.

Just be yourself, but try not to ficus on religion too much. The more you try and make yourself believe in something, the more you will find faults in everything. Take it slowly and let it happen itself.

 

[cynic2005]

I can see your point. In fact, even my old therapist told me once to not view myself as a person with mental illness because if I do, I will somehow subconsciously try to conform myself to that mental illness's traits.

Yes, exactly. And, if the therapist is wrong, you could end up with a disorder you never really had to begin with. It could make you feel more neurotic and unstable.
Also when people see or hear of your BDP diagnosis (and can fully appreciate what it means), they will consciously or subconsciously treat you in a discriminatory and derogatory manner, which definitely won't make you feel like you are a normal human being. So, IMO, its best to just drop the idea that you have BDP all together. Recognize that there are issues with self, but everyone has issues that must be dealt with. Having issues is a normal part of being a human being. Anyone who has been through what you have been through would probably react in the same manner as you. Also understand that often times, the difference between "normal" and "abnormal" is not very clear. The distinction is often solely based upon subjective interpretation, which is highly unreliable.

 

[ZooGirl02]

Yes, exactly. And, if the therapist is wrong, you could end up with a disorder you never really had to begin with. It could make you feel more neurotic and unstable.
Also when people see or hear of your BDP diagnosis (and can fully appreciate what it means), they will consciously or subconsciously treat you in a discriminatory and derogatory manner, which definitely won't make you feel like you are a normal human being. So, IMO, its best to just drop the idea that you have BDP all together. Recognize that there are issues with self, but everyone has issues that must be dealt with. Having issues is a normal part of being a human being. Anyone who has been through what you have been through would probably react in the same manner as you. Also understand that often times, the difference between "normal" and "abnormal" is not very clear. The distinction is often solely based upon subjective interpretation, which is highly unreliable.

Oh okay. Thanks for the advice.

Anyway, as far as religion goes, I am still seeking. I am strongly considering Buddhism at this point in time but I want the most liberal form of Buddhism that there is you know. I am also considering Atheism and Agnosticism. I really don't want a religion or belief system that imposes a ton of rules on me.

 

[Nerthus]

Oh okay. Thanks for the advice.

Anyway, as far as religion goes, I am still seeking. I am strongly considering Buddhism at this point in time but I want the most liberal form of Buddhism that there is you know. I am also considering Atheism and Agnosticism. I really don't want a religion or belief system that imposes a ton of rules on me.

But, it's not like choosing a book. You can't force yourself to believe or not believe in something. Sometimes one religion might sound better to me, but that doesn't mean that I can just turn a switch and wholly believe in that religion.

 

[cynic2005]

Oh okay. Thanks for the advice.

Anyway, as far as religion goes, I am still seeking. I am strongly considering Buddhism at this point in time but I want the most liberal form of Buddhism that there is you know. I am also considering Atheism and Agnosticism. I really don't want a religion or belief system that imposes a ton of rules on me.

Also there's nothing wrong with continuous searching. Its been 5-6 years since I abandoned the Christian faith. I still don't have a religion despite studying various religions for the past 5-6 years. Actually, I prefer not to have a religion now, because I feel it treads upon a my individuality and freedom to think. Personally, I think religion is obsolete, and that humanity is in need of emancipation from religion (and certain societal institutions)--a revolution that sets the self free from imposed beliefs, allows one to explore truth for themselves, and to come up with one's own system of beliefs.

 

[ZooGirl02]

Also there's nothing wrong with continuous searching. Its been 5-6 years since I abandoned the Christian faith. I still don't have a religion despite studying various religions for the past 5-6 years. Actually, I prefer not to have a religion now, because I feel it treads upon a my individuality and freedom to think. Personally, I think religion is obsolete, and that humanity is in need of emancipation from religion (and certain societal institutions)--a revolution that sets the self free from imposed beliefs, allows one to explore truth for themselves, and to come up with one's own system of beliefs.

Yeah, I know that there is nothing wrong with continuous searching but I just can't continue like this. I have this need to belong to some sort of group or something. I can't stand not having some kind of label if that makes any sense.

 

[SageTree]

Belief-o-matic

 

[Breathe]

Yeah, I know that there is nothing wrong with continuous searching but I just can't continue like this. I have this need to belong to some sort of group or something. I can't stand not having some kind of label if that makes any sense.

I can understand what you mean, since a big part of religion is community in my opinion. However, I feel you are attempting to put a label on yourself too quickly. It would be better for you to be a seeker for a month or two and see where most of your beliefs lie regarding God, the soul, the afterlife, and so on. Find which one is the most common of your beliefs--for example, do you tend to have Christian or Buddhist thoughts most commonly?

You don't have to label yourself too quickly, you have your whole life ahead of you, so don't worry too much about the label yet, spend a month or two trying to find out what it is you believe before you dive into a religion.


Just my advice, from a previous seeker to another.

 

[cynic2005]

Yeah, I know that there is nothing wrong with continuous searching but I just can't continue like this. I have this need to belong to some sort of group or something. I can't stand not having some kind of label if that makes any sense.

No, it makes sense. Social scientists refer to this as the "social imperative." Basically, humans have a need to belong to a group, a need for social interaction, etc.

I was just sharing my personal ideology, which is something that is not going to appeal to, or work for everyone. Some people can't easily cope with life without some religious faith. Religion gives meaning and purpose to many. Secondary to this, I think I was trying to address the rapid change of religious identity. I personally think, as Odion suggested, that it would be beneficial if you gave yourself more time before changing your religious identity. It is definitely not an easy thing to sort out, so why not give yourself more time to think about it?

What you do is perfectly up to you, and if anything, it is very important that you address your social needs in whichever way you go about doing it. If that means that you become Catholic or Buddhist, I don't really see a problem with that. And anyways, you're an independent human being, you can decide these things for yourself.

 

[ZooGirl02]

Belief-o-matic

Yeah I've tried that but the results never really seem to be accurate for me. I mean, like I tried it earlier and it came up with Wicca. I have considered Wicca in the past but I don't think I would now.

 

[hutena]

I tried this years ago and forgot about it. I came up neo-pagan or Baha'i. This time my top ten are 1. Unitarian Universalism (100%) 2. Liberal Quakers (98%) 3. Neo-Pagan (96%) 4. Reform Judaism (90%) 5. New Age (82%) 6. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (80%) 7. Baha'i Faith (79%) 8. Sikhism (78%) 9. Mahayana Buddhism (71%) 10. Jainism (71%) I didn't even know that there was such a religion as liberal Quaker, interesting.

 

[bowingtoGod]

I'd say UU as well.

Have you thought about Reform Judaism?
Some of your views seem Hindu and Sikh, but they generally view abortion as bringing bad karma--but not all hold this view, especially liberal ones.

Or Bahá'í?

my thoughts exactly.

 

[bowingtoGod]

But I would like to add, should you be looking for a religion that fits you best? I think it better to look for a religion you believe is true. For example, if a said religion says that most people will burn in hell, but it has so much evidence behind it, then I would still believe in said religion. It isn't good to deny the truth for something that seems pleasing.

 

[cynic2005]

Yeah I've tried that but the results never really seem to be accurate for me. I mean, like I tried it earlier and it came up with Wicca. I have considered Wicca in the past but I don't think I would now.

Hmmm. I've been keeping track of your religious conversions, and I notice that this had been at least the third time you have become a roman catholic. Perhaps this would be your preferred religion, since it appears to be the most frequent one that you revert to?

 

[Carol G. King]

Hi everyone. I have no idea what religion would fit me best and I was hoping you all could help me out. Here is an overview of what I believe:

• There is no Hell. There is no eternal punishment of anyone because all religions lead to the same place, Heaven/Paradise/whatever.
• There is, however, consequences for evil behavior (basically murdering someone, depriving them of their basic human rights, abusing animals, etc is what I would call evil behavior). These consequences may either be a lack of rewards in Heaven/Paradise/whatever or it could involve a place where people are cleansed of any "bad karma" that they received through their evil behavior. Or possibly maybe they just won't be as important in the afterlife as those who did the most good.
• There is one God but he/she is not the kind of God that would demand worship or else you are going to be punished.
• God manifests his/her truth(s) in all of the various religions. There are many different ways of interpreting the truth.
• ALL people regardless of race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, political views, national origin, etc are created equal and all deserve the same basic rights.
• All animals are deserving of basic rights as well. This does not necessarily mean that one should feel obligated to be a vegetarian/vegan. It is okay to eat meat so long as the animal that was slaughtered was slaughtered in as humane and compassionate manner as possible. It would be preferable, for example, that the animals are given a hefty dose of pain killers before they are slaughtered so they feel as little pain as possible.
• Religious freedom is a must. No religion should be prohibited so long as it does not pose a physical danger to society.
• Reproductive freedom is a must. Abortion is not a sin or something that will bring you bad karma. There should be absolutely no restrictions on abortions. However, the abortion industry should be regulated more so as to prevent dangerous abortions and unsanitary abortion facilities. Abortion clinics should be required to notify law enforcement personnel if they have reason to believe that the client has been abused in any way. The client should also have the right to protection from any further harm from abusers.
• Freedom of speech is a must so long as it is not speech that is threatening violence. Hateful speech should be allowed but strongly discouraged as much as possible. We should seek to end such hate speech such as the Fred Phelps type.
• Freedom to assemble peacefully is a must.
• Heath care should be free as it is a basic right of all people.
• Oppressive governments should be opposed with any non-violent means possible. Either that or the least violent alternative should be used if all other methods of changing the government fails.

That is all I can really think of right now. I'll add more if it comes to mind. Thanks!

I think your summary of your beliefs is great! I belong to an Episcopal church in Morristown, NJ where most of us would agree with you on all counts, but I don't by any means claim that's "typical" for Episcopalians. In fact, when our members have to relocate they often find it hard to find a new pace to worship. If you find something, please let me know where & what it is - it may help to know where other congregations welcome such ideas.

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

I didn't even know that there was such a religion as liberal Quaker,

This is what little I know. There are two types of Quakers. The church type have more of a traditional look with a church and a minister. The meeting type that has no leader and every one sits quietly for a while. Then who every feels moved speaks out.

All the meeting type of Quakers I have known are liberal.
Since they are so anti war. They have a great history and are very kind. I have always enjoyed my contact with the meeting quakers.

 

[tomato1236]

Hi everyone. I have no idea what religion would fit me best and I was hoping you all could help me out. Here is an overview of what I believe:

• There is no Hell. There is no eternal punishment of anyone because all religions lead to the same place, Heaven/Paradise/whatever.
• There is, however, consequences for evil behavior (basically murdering someone, depriving them of their basic human rights, abusing animals, etc is what I would call evil behavior). These consequences may either be a lack of rewards in Heaven/Paradise/whatever or it could involve a place where people are cleansed of any "bad karma" that they received through their evil behavior. Or possibly maybe they just won't be as important in the afterlife as those who did the most good.
• There is one God but he/she is not the kind of God that would demand worship or else you are going to be punished.
• God manifests his/her truth(s) in all of the various religions. There are many different ways of interpreting the truth.
• ALL people regardless of race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, political views, national origin, etc are created equal and all deserve the same basic rights.
• All animals are deserving of basic rights as well. This does not necessarily mean that one should feel obligated to be a vegetarian/vegan. It is okay to eat meat so long as the animal that was slaughtered was slaughtered in as humane and compassionate manner as possible. It would be preferable, for example, that the animals are given a hefty dose of pain killers before they are slaughtered so they feel as little pain as possible.
• Religious freedom is a must. No religion should be prohibited so long as it does not pose a physical danger to society.
• Reproductive freedom is a must. Abortion is not a sin or something that will bring you bad karma. There should be absolutely no restrictions on abortions. However, the abortion industry should be regulated more so as to prevent dangerous abortions and unsanitary abortion facilities. Abortion clinics should be required to notify law enforcement personnel if they have reason to believe that the client has been abused in any way. The client should also have the right to protection from any further harm from abusers.
• Freedom of speech is a must so long as it is not speech that is threatening violence. Hateful speech should be allowed but strongly discouraged as much as possible. We should seek to end such hate speech such as the Fred Phelps type.
• Freedom to assemble peacefully is a must.
• Heath care should be free as it is a basic right of all people.
• Oppressive governments should be opposed with any non-violent means possible. Either that or the least violent alternative should be used if all other methods of changing the government fails.

That is all I can really think of right now. I'll add more if it comes to mind. Thanks!

The LDS faith fits many of these, but not all of them.

 

[Breathe]

But I would like to add, should you be looking for a religion that fits you best? I think it better to look for a religion you believe is true.

The thing is, people go for things that they believe in that fits them best, because they believe these things are the truth. That's what I did. I think reincarnation is true, for example. Not because I think it'd be nice if there is reincarnation, but because I think it is the most likely thing.

Many people also believe in many ways to God, after all.

For example, if a said religion says that most people will burn in hell, but it has so much evidence behind it, then I would still believe in said religion.

Honestly, I don't think this is something many people, especially seekers, adhere to the belief in, or even find it logical or truthful, and it's an appeal to consequence in the eyes of many of them.

Hell is something that puts a lot of people--like myself--off and brings more questions, especially forever. The concept of eternal divine punishment was one of the few 'no goes' during my time as a seeker; I couldn't believe in a God if there was a divine eternal torment for those who did not 'make the right choice', let alone one who was worthy of worship or praise.

Generally, eternal hell is one of the first things to drop off the belief system for one who comes from seeking from one with a belief in hell, but one of the last to truly take the subconscious damage and in-built fear away from. I was lucky to have never been raised with the idea of an eternal punishment though.

It's worth noting that evidence when it comes to religion is a bit of a tricky subject, because what one deems as evidence may not be very convincing to another person at all.




However, this is a DIR so debating is out of the question here. I'm just speaking from my own opinion as one who has been a seeker.



Just my $0.02. This may not be true for ZooGirl02, though, but it was my own thoughts, hopefully it helps you understand that a large number of seekers do go for what they think is true.

 

[bowingtoGod]

The thing is, people go for things that they believe in that fits them best, because they believe these things are the truth. That's what I did. I think reincarnation is true, for example. Not because I think it'd be nice if there is reincarnation, but because I think it is the most likely thing.

Many people also believe in many ways to God, after all.


Honestly, I don't think this is something many people, especially seekers, adhere to the belief in, or even find it logical or truthful, and it's an appeal to consequence in the eyes of many of them.

Hell is something that puts a lot of people--like myself--off and brings more questions, especially forever. The concept of eternal divine punishment was one of the few 'no goes' during my time as a seeker; I couldn't believe in a God if there was a divine eternal torment for those who did not 'make the right choice', let alone one who was worthy of worship or praise.

Generally, eternal hell is one of the first things to drop off the belief system for one who comes from seeking from one with a belief in hell, but one of the last to truly take the subconscious damage and in-built fear away from. I was lucky to have never been raised with the idea of an eternal punishment though.

It's worth noting that evidence when it comes to religion is a bit of a tricky subject, because what one deems as evidence may not be very convincing to another person at all.




However, this is a DIR so debating is out of the question here. I'm just speaking from my own opinion as one who has been a seeker.



Just my $0.02. This may not be true for ZooGirl02, though, but it was my own thoughts, hopefully it helps you understand that a large number of seekers do go for what they think is true.

I see what you mean but I have to disagree. People do not search to see if something is true, but then continue on searching their whole lives. Once they find an answer they like, they stick to it. Even if evidence goes to the contrary. But alas, I can see how Hell would be a horrid thing to believe in yes.

 

[Tashi]

Oh okay. Thanks for the advice.

Anyway, as far as religion goes, I am still seeking. I am strongly considering Buddhism at this point in time but I want the most liberal form of Buddhism that there is you know. I am also considering Atheism and Agnosticism. I really don't want a religion or belief system that imposes a ton of rules on me.

I see that you have chosen Roman Catholocism, but hear me out. Dont label yourself too quickly or label yourself for the sake of having a label. Also, all forms of Buddhism are VERY liberal, even the conservative ones are liberal.

Tibetan Buddhism is seen as one of the most conservative forms of Buddhism. But the Dalai Lama said that if science 100% disproved rebirth (a fundamental belief in Buddhism) that he would cease to believe in rebirth.

Us Buddhist take truth first, that is what you need to do.