Seekers who have found what they were seeking

[Infinitum]

I knew what I believed and had experienced, but I didn't know of any group that agreed with me. After a few years of study I settled on calling myself one of the Left-Hand Path. However I'm an independent practitioner (and a bit of a seeker), since I haven't found a tradition that's able to provide spiritual tools that would improve my current practices.

 

[Nerthus]

I thought I had found what I was looking for... At this moment, I'm not too sure.

 

[Nerthus]

Speaking for myself, I felt the same as him - greatly admire Muslims - converted (not sure that was done properly) on a whim before but...

-I can't stand the segregation.
-I don't agree with having to pray in Arabic, I don't see the point and God should understand anyone praying from the heart.
-Some of Muhammad's character is in question and I can't find definitive answers that aren't biased.
-I'm too liberal, no matter how you put it, I'll never agree with things like gender roles or anti-homosexuality or hate the sin (imo, love and sex goes hand in hand, unreasonable to expect everyone homosexal to abstain).
-My husband is not Muslim and never will be.
-Eternal Hell. Enough said!
-I very much dislike the Hadith, I find they cause a lot of problems and overwrites what the Quran says in many cases. Proof is in this thread.
-I believe in a different concept of Higher Being that's different from the various God described in Abrahamic religions.

I've heard explanations of some of those, but it didn't help since I disagree. It's not that I didn't try to see the other side, just that it doesn't feel right. Sure I suppose I could be a Quran only Muslim, but still can't ignore things like lashings and certain things like no interest is pretty much impossible to do in this society, etc. I'd have to bend the religion so much, I don't think it would be Islam anymore.

But I'm glad Islam works for you, I wish I could have certainty on chosing path.

It's similar for me too. There are some things in Islam that I like, but the things listed above are too much for me to take on.

I know religion changes you eventually, but I don't think I'd like the person I'd become if I began to agree with those views.

 

[cocolia42]

Speaking for myself, I felt the same as him - greatly admire Muslims - converted (not sure that was done properly) on a whim before but...

-I can't stand the segregation.
-I don't agree with having to pray in Arabic, I don't see the point and God should understand anyone praying from the heart.
-Some of Muhammad's character is in question and I can't find definitive answers that aren't biased.
-I'm too liberal, no matter how you put it, I'll never agree with things like gender roles or anti-homosexuality or hate the sin (imo, love and sex goes hand in hand, unreasonable to expect everyone homosexal to abstain).
-My husband is not Muslim and never will be.
-Eternal Hell. Enough said!
-I very much dislike the Hadith, I find they cause a lot of problems and overwrites what the Quran says in many cases. Proof is in this thread.
-I believe in a different concept of Higher Being that's different from the various God described in Abrahamic religions.

I've heard explanations of some of those, but it didn't help since I disagree. It's not that I didn't try to see the other side, just that it doesn't feel right. Sure I suppose I could be a Quran only Muslim, but still can't ignore things like lashings and certain things like no interest is pretty much impossible to do in this society, etc. I'd have to bend the religion so much, I don't think it would be Islam anymore.

But I'm glad Islam works for you, I wish I could have certainty on chosing path.

It's similar for me too. There are some things in Islam that I like, but the things listed above are too much for me to take on.

I know religion changes you eventually, but I don't think I'd like the person I'd become if I began to agree with those views.

This is where it's important to recognize the difference between belief and worship. Believing in God is one thing, making a commitment to do what He tells you to do even if you don't like it is another. And this is a key aspect of the Abrahamic religions.

 

[chinu]

I'm curious who here came onto the board because they were seeking. Did you decide on a religion, and if so, which one?

Actually.. i think somebody is seeking me here.

 

[sandandfoam]

It's similar for me too. There are some things in Islam that I like, but the things listed above are too much for me to take on.

I know religion changes you eventually, but I don't think I'd like the person I'd become if I began to agree with those views.

I don't think Islam requires one to take these things on - maybe have a look at Quran alone