I was hoping to get some help figuring out what religion I might be

[Kaged Doc]

My boyfriend told me that this forum is really useful for getting information and figuring things out. He suggested I come give some information and receive some question to try and figure out what religion I'm closest too. The label doesn't matter so much as I want to be able to look more into it and learn more.

I believe that there is a god who exists and kind of tries to keep people on track. I think that this god just wants to help people find peace. I believe in free will but that there are correct and incorrect paths. I do not believe in heaven and hell, more just that if you follow the "wrong" path you won't find peace. The paths depend on the individual though. Different symbols and beliefs and such can work for different people and god tries to help us choose what's best for us. I don't think we can really contact god, god is just there without us consciously being aware of its presence. While god wants us to be peaceful it does not directly interfere with us and let's us choose our own path.

My view is god as a force of nature, not a creator.

If people intervene with the free will of others there is some sort of karma within this life that catches up with you. Not sure I believe in reincarnation.

I think there is some objective morality. It exists as a part of human evolution. Maybe, I don't know actually where I stand on morality.

That's about it. I don't know, I'm pretty confused on it all and just want to straighten my thoughts out. Be nice please

 

[Quintessence]

Well, since it sounds like you're a monotheist, that eliminates a large number of religions. You're mostly left with the big three: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The lack of belief in heaven and hell eliminates many if not most denominations of Christianity and Islam, but more progressive or novel/contemporary variants would probably suit. Those, or Judaism might suit. Deism would probably suit better, though it is not, in many contexts, considered a religion as much as a theological approach that can be found in any of the three monotheisms.

As an aside, would you like this moved to the Seekers DIR? I think this topic is more appropriate there, as you posted this in a debate forum.

 

[fantome profane]

Here, try this.
Belief-O-Matic

 

[1137]

Well, since it sounds like you're a monotheist, that eliminates a large number of religions. You're mostly left with the big three: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The lack of belief in heaven and hell eliminates many if not most denominations of Christianity and Islam, but more progressive or novel/contemporary variants would probably suit. Those, or Judaism might suit. Deism would probably suit better, though it is not, in many contexts, considered a religion as much as a theological approach that can be found in any of the three monotheisms.

I'm not sure about deism. She says god interacts in some sense. Perhaps panentheism or pantheism.

 

[Kaged Doc]

Well, since it sounds like you're a monotheist, that eliminates a large number of religions. You're mostly left with the big three: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The lack of belief in heaven and hell eliminates many if not most denominations of Christianity and Islam, but more progressive or novel/contemporary variants would probably suit. Those, or Judaism might suit. Deism would probably suit better, though it is not, in many contexts, considered a religion as much as a theological approach that can be found in any of the three monotheisms.

As an aside, would you like this moved to the Seekers DIR? I think this topic is more appropriate there, as you posted this in a debate forum.

No I don't think I would. I put it here so people could debate and ask questions because I think that would help me figure out my ideas. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Also, I don't necessarily believe that it is only one being. Could be many for all I know. Like I said, I'm confused and just trying to figure out my thoughts.

 

[fantome profane]

I'm not sure about deism. She says god interacts in some sense. Perhaps panentheism or pantheism.

But it also sounds like she is describing some kind of "personal God", not an impersonal "ground of all being" concept.

 

[Quintessence]

I'm not sure about deism. She says god interacts in some sense. Perhaps panentheism or pantheism.

Sounded much too anthropomorphic for either of those to me.

EDIT: Or what Fantome said. XD

 

[Desert Snake]

I believe that there is a god who exists and kind of tries to keep people on track.

Theist. Theism, personal G-d.

I think that this god just wants to help people find peace. I believe in free will but that there are correct and incorrect paths.

Free-will is a biggie, you'll need to check that when searching.

I do not believe in heaven and hell,

Not too rare afaik...well for the big religions, rare I think.

more just that if you follow the "wrong" path you won't find peace. The paths depend on the individual though.

many religious groups are not kosher with this.

Different symbols and beliefs and such can work for different people and god tries to help us choose what's best for us. I don't think we can really contact god, god is just there without us consciously being aware of its presence. While god wants us to be peaceful it does not directly interfere with us and let's us choose our own path.

Now you're going in the "non-personal deity/god/dess direction.

My view is god as a force of nature, not a creator.

Major problem with some beliefs.

If people intervene with the free will of others there is some sort of karma within this life that catches up with you. Not sure I believe in reincarnation.

I think there is some objective morality. It exists as a part of human evolution. Maybe, I don't know actually where I stand on morality.

Evolution is o.k. with most groups apparently, but not all.

That's about it. I don't know, I'm pretty confused on it all and just want to straighten my thoughts out. Be nice please

Hope that helps!

 

[1137]

But it also sounds like she is describing some kind of "personal God", not an impersonal "ground of all being" concept.

Interesting. I took is as kind of a mystical force rather than something personal - like it's there naturally for everyone. Why a god that's not a creator would want us to be happy throws me off.

 

[Quagmire]

My boyfriend told me that this forum is really useful for getting information and figuring things out. He suggested I come give some information and receive some question to try and figure out what religion I'm closest too. The label doesn't matter so much as I want to be able to look more into it and learn more.

I believe that there is a god who exists and kind of tries to keep people on track. I think that this god just wants to help people find peace. I believe in free will but that there are correct and incorrect paths. I do not believe in heaven and hell, more just that if you follow the "wrong" path you won't find peace. The paths depend on the individual though. Different symbols and beliefs and such can work for different people and god tries to help us choose what's best for us. I don't think we can really contact god, god is just there without us consciously being aware of its presence. While god wants us to be peaceful it does not directly interfere with us and let's us choose our own path.

My view is god as a force of nature, not a creator.

If people intervene with the free will of others there is some sort of karma within this life that catches up with you. Not sure I believe in reincarnation.

I think there is some objective morality. It exists as a part of human evolution. Maybe, I don't know actually where I stand on morality.

That's about it. I don't know, I'm pretty confused on it all and just want to straighten my thoughts out. Be nice please

IMO your veiws/beleifs sound a lot like Taosim: Taoism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here's an online version of the Tao Te Ching: Accurate Translation of the Tao Te Ching

 

[Kaged Doc]

Quagmire,

My boyfriend has actually said that before when I had asked him for help. I will definitely be looking into that. Thank you!

 

[fantome profane]

Interesting. I took is as kind of a mystical force rather than something personal - like it's there naturally for everyone. Why a god that's not a creator would want us to be happy throws me off.

There seems to be an unusal combination of ideas, that might make it difficult to pin it down. A "force of nature" that "tries to keep people on track" and "wants to help people find Peace".

Maybe Taoism might come closest.

 

[Sha'irullah]

I'm not sure about deism. She says god interacts in some sense. Perhaps panentheism or pantheism.

Pantheism? Might as well told her atheism

 

[Quagmire]

Quagmire,

My boyfriend has actually said that before when I had asked him for help. I will definitely be looking into that. Thank you!

Your welcome, Kaged Doc.

Personally I think the Tao Te Ching is a worthwhile read for anybody.

 

[1137]

There seems to be an unusal combination of ideas, that might make it difficult to pin it down. A "force of nature" that "tries to keep people on track" and "wants to help people find Peace".

Maybe Taoism might come closest.

I agree about Taoism. At least a basic form.

 

[fantome profane]

I agree about Taoism. At least a basic form.

I think the thread has spoken.

 

[Pegg]

My boyfriend told me that this forum is really useful for getting information and figuring things out. He suggested I come give some information and receive some question to try and figure out what religion I'm closest too. The label doesn't matter so much as I want to be able to look more into it and learn more.

I believe that there is a god who exists and kind of tries to keep people on track. I think that this god just wants to help people find peace.

Isaiah 17 This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God,
The One teaching you to benefit yourself,
The One guiding you in the way you should walk.
18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments!
Then your peace would become just like a river
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea

I believe in free will but that there are correct and incorrect paths.

The bible would agree with this summation.

The Scriptures show that God extend to humans the privilege and responsibility of free choice, hence we are free moral agencts (De 30:19,*20; Jos 24:15),
But if we choose the wrong path, we will be accountable for those choices. (Ge 2:16,*17; 3:11-19; Ro 14:10-12; Heb 4:13)

Our having free-will stems from the fact that he created us in “God’s image” and therefore free-will is part of our makeup.

I do not believe in heaven and hell, more just that if you follow the "wrong" path you won't find peace. The paths depend on the individual though.

Heaven in the bible is the place where God resides...its the invisible realm. Its not a place where humans go, the bible says heaven belongs to God, whereas the earth he has given to mankind.
Hell is the grave of man. Its not a place portrayed by religion (all religions portray hell as a literal place of torture and fire) But the bible does not.

The bible hell means the 'grave'. Its not a place of fire and torment, though the church has put that meaning to it, its not the original meaning.


Jesus spoke about 2 paths before us. One leads to life and one leads to death.

Matt 7:13 “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.

I don't think we can really contact god, god is just there without us consciously being aware of its presence. While god wants us to be peaceful it does not directly interfere with us and let's us choose our own path. My view is god as a force of nature, not a creator.

If 'God' was only a force of nature, then he would be completely impersonal and uninterested in the natural world..... but then we would need to ask why this mysterious creative force would put such beauty and character into what has come into being.

And why is it all so ordered? When you look around the earth, does it not appear that a lot of forethought has gone into it? The colours, the wisdom shown by the animals, the amazing design we see in living organisms, the water cycle.... from the atmosphere to everything inside the earth is completely recyclable and biodegradable, the oceans have their own cleaning mechanism, their are some fish in the ocean who's only job is to clean other fish...and other fish come to these 'doctor fish' for regular maintenance.

the world around us shows such amazing forethought that I can't believe it could have all happened through an unintelligent process.

If people intervene with the free will of others there is some sort of karma within this life that catches up with you. Not sure I believe in reincarnation.

the scriptural principle is "you reap what you sow" Our actions have consequences and somewhere down the line they will bite us in the butt.

karma is more the idea that something guides those bad consequences...so if I do something to you, i'll have something bad done to me. Its like a revenge act but i dont know if those who believe in karma actually think its God who brings such revenge or if it just happens naturally.

In any case, the scriptures tell us that we reap the consequences of our actions. its similar to 'cause and effect' If i do something now, it will have an effect.

I think there is some objective morality. It exists as a part of human evolution. Maybe, I don't know actually where I stand on morality.

It would appear more that we are de-evolving in terms of morality because things are getting worse today then they were in the past. People today are less moral then those in the past.

And the other question would be why the animals dont have a morality if evolution drives it. They've been evolving for a lot longer then we have...so surely they would have worked out the same sorts of laws that we have?

The other alternative is that the one who created all things is also a lawgiver and because we've been made in his image, we have his laws within us. I mean if you look at the universal laws found in all people (murder, rape, lying,stealing,fraud,violence etc) and of all beliefs and religions, there are a bunch of laws which are the same for everyone....why would evolution change the way we look but not the way we think?

Unless of course we have a connection with the mind of God who has instilled his laws within us.

 

[dynavert2012]

My boyfriend told me that this forum is really useful for getting information and figuring things out. He suggested I come give some information and receive some question to try and figure out what religion I'm closest too. The label doesn't matter so much as I want to be able to look more into it and learn more.

I believe that there is a god who exists and kind of tries to keep people on track. I think that this god just wants to help people find peace. I believe in free will but that there are correct and incorrect paths. I do not believe in heaven and hell, more just that if you follow the "wrong" path you won't find peace. The paths depend on the individual though. Different symbols and beliefs and such can work for different people and god tries to help us choose what's best for us. I don't think we can really contact god, god is just there without us consciously being aware of its presence. While god wants us to be peaceful it does not directly interfere with us and let's us choose our own path.

My view is god as a force of nature, not a creator.

If people intervene with the free will of others there is some sort of karma within this life that catches up with you. Not sure I believe in reincarnation.

I think there is some objective morality. It exists as a part of human evolution. Maybe, I don't know actually where I stand on morality.

That's about it. I don't know, I'm pretty confused on it all and just want to straighten my thoughts out. Be nice please

well, i would say that Judaism could be a good trial for you, it also might open the doors for you for wider options and more point of views

had you ever read the old testament?

 

[1137]

If 'God' was only a force of nature, then he would be completely impersonal and uninterested in the natural world..... but then we would need to ask why this mysterious creative force would put such beauty and character into what has come into being.

Beauty is pretty subjective and "character" is explainable by evolution and psychology. How are these evidence of a personal entity?

And why is it all so ordered? When you look around the earth, does it not appear that a lot of forethought has gone into it? The colours, the wisdom shown by the animals, the amazing design we see in living organisms, the water cycle.... from the atmosphere to everything inside the earth is completely recyclable and biodegradable, the oceans have their own cleaning mechanism, their are some fish in the ocean who's only job is to clean other fish...and other fish come to these 'doctor fish' for regular maintenance.

All completely explained scientifically without anything supernatural needed.

the world around us shows such amazing forethought that I can't believe it could have all happened through an unintelligent process.

Can't or won't believe it? How does it show forethought at all? Have you looked around and seen all the flawed aspects of our world? All the suffering, starvation, death, an environment that can be destroyed, even an inevitable extinction. Pretty poor foresight.

It would appear more that we are de-evolving in terms of morality because things are getting worse today then they were in the past. People today are less moral then those in the past.

I don't things are worse at all, there is just more going on. Since the beginning of history there have been horrible acts committed by mankind. Look at all the wars throughout time, all the "flawed" morality of the past. It's always been this way.

And the other question would be why the animals dont have a morality if evolution drives it. They've been evolving for a lot longer then we have...so surely they would have worked out the same sorts of laws that we have?

Who says they haven't? Not necessarily the same laws as us but animals certainly act certain ways. If we've evolved to do other things differently why would morals be an exception?

 

[Kaged Doc]

Isaiah 17 This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God,
The One teaching you to benefit yourself,
The One guiding you in the way you should walk.
18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments!
Then your peace would become just like a river
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea




The bible would agree with this summation.

The Scriptures show that God extend to humans the privilege and responsibility of free choice, hence we are free moral agencts (De 30:19,*20; Jos 24:15),
But if we choose the wrong path, we will be accountable for those choices. (Ge 2:16,*17; 3:11-19; Ro 14:10-12; Heb 4:13)

Our having free-will stems from the fact that he created us in “God’s image” and therefore free-will is part of our makeup.



Heaven in the bible is the place where God resides...its the invisible realm. Its not a place where humans go, the bible says heaven belongs to God, whereas the earth he has given to mankind.
Hell is the grave of man. Its not a place portrayed by religion (all religions portray hell as a literal place of torture and fire) But the bible does not.

The bible hell means the 'grave'. Its not a place of fire and torment, though the church has put that meaning to it, its not the original meaning.


Jesus spoke about 2 paths before us. One leads to life and one leads to death.

Matt 7:13 “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; 14 whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.




If 'God' was only a force of nature, then he would be completely impersonal and uninterested in the natural world..... but then we would need to ask why this mysterious creative force would put such beauty and character into what has come into being.

And why is it all so ordered? When you look around the earth, does it not appear that a lot of forethought has gone into it? The colours, the wisdom shown by the animals, the amazing design we see in living organisms, the water cycle.... from the atmosphere to everything inside the earth is completely recyclable and biodegradable, the oceans have their own cleaning mechanism, their are some fish in the ocean who's only job is to clean other fish...and other fish come to these 'doctor fish' for regular maintenance.

the world around us shows such amazing forethought that I can't believe it could have all happened through an unintelligent process.

It is all so ordered because of evolution and science. The Earth was, in my opinion, not created by a higher being. I'm not going to lie and say I'm completely knowledgeable about the science aspect, but it was the Big Bang or another scientific theory that created the earth the way it is and it's order.

the scriptural principle is "you reap what you sow" Our actions have consequences and somewhere down the line they will bite us in the butt.

karma is more the idea that something guides those bad consequences...so if I do something to you, i'll have something bad done to me. Its like a revenge act but i dont know if those who believe in karma actually think its God who brings such revenge or if it just happens naturally.

In any case, the scriptures tell us that we reap the consequences of our actions. its similar to 'cause and effect' If i do something now, it will have an effect.

Yes. Karma is the idea that of you do something bad, something bad will happen to you. And that is what I believe whole heartily.

It would appear more that we are de-evolving in terms of morality because things are getting worse today then they were in the past. People today are less moral then those in the past.

And the other question would be why the animals dont have a morality if evolution drives it. They've been evolving for a lot longer then we have...so surely they would have worked out the same sorts of laws that we have?

The other alternative is that the one who created all things is also a lawgiver and because we've been made in his image, we have his laws within us. I mean if you look at the universal laws found in all people (murder, rape, lying,stealing,fraud,violence etc) and of all beliefs and religions, there are a bunch of laws which are the same for everyone....why would evolution change the way we look but not the way we think?

Unless of course we have a connection with the mind of God who has instilled his laws within us.

Animals do not have morality because they do not have a higher reasoning like human beings do.

And I do not believe that there is a person who created all things.