Why your religion?

[jesusoneway]

You're thinking of classic Universalism, which is a heresy to mainstream Christians in that it posits an all-loving God being unwilling to condemn his followers to everlasting torment. However, there was a huge non-theist influx into our church in the 20th century, meaning that many UUs simply don't believe in any sort of deity.

Ok. so what made you come to the conclusion that there's no deity?

 

[J Bryson]

Ok. so what made you come to the conclusion that there's no deity?

Perhaps I should have stated that the phrase "many UUs" did not include me in that group. My beliefs straddle the fence between atheism and theism. Pantheism is the closest description, but that's not quite it, either.

 

[Zephyr]

Because it's the proper expression of my folk. A religion that focuses on the community while rejecting foreign influences.

 

[EverChanging]

I do not think Unitarian Universalism is "right." It affirms no creed. Rather, I think the principles it affirms are good for my life and for life in the world in general, and I like the idea that people of extremely diverse views can gather as one people to do good in the world, affirming, respecting, and loving one another even when our personal religious beliefs or worldviews differ drastically.

 

[jesusoneway]

Perhaps I should have stated that the phrase "many UUs" did not include me in that group. My beliefs straddle the fence between atheism and theism. Pantheism is the closest description, but that's not quite it, either.

hmm...so do you think that nature and god are one?

 

[jesusoneway]

I do not think Unitarian Universalism is "right." It affirms no creed. Rather, I think the principles it affirms are good for my life and for life in the world in general, and I like the idea that people of extremely diverse views can gather as one people to do good in the world, affirming, respecting, and loving one another even when our personal religious beliefs or worldviews differ drastically.

I definitely agree that those are good "rules of thumb" for peace, etc. so to speak. But what about God?

 

[J Bryson]

hmm...so do you think that nature and god are one?

I can't give an answer to that question. Words fail.

 

[jesusoneway]

I can't give an answer to that question. Words fail.

okie dokie

 

[J Bryson]

No, you know what? I'll give it a shot.

We all come from the same place, the same whatever-it-was before the explosion at the beginning of time that is commonly referred to as "The Big Bang". From the same singularity, the same infinitely compressed thing, we flew out into the universe at speeds beyond imagining. We are all part of the same stuff, made of the same materials that have simply changed how they seem over the course of countless billions of years. In that very real and meaningful way, we are all one, and connected. The air that touches my skin, the keyboard under my fingers, the wires that send this information are all from a single source, not truly separated. A star that burns billions of light years away from where I sit at the moment is connected with me, you, and all other beings and things in the most primal and fundamental way possible. Every atom in your body existed back then, and will exist until the end of time. This holds true of every atom in the universe.

The energy that was released in this explosion is the same energy that causes my heart to beat, my synapses to fire, the electricity that runs through the wires, the blood to course through your system, and the nuclear explosions in the sun that I mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Therefore, we are all one, and there is nothing that we can do to escape that fact. Stemming from that, we have developed a fascinating ability to observe and investigate all of these things. We are endowed with the ability to reason, to strive, to push further into the unknown.

And as we are all parts of the same origin, we are that part of the universe which is capable of observing itself.

We must get along to the best of our ability, because to harm another is to harm a part of one's self.

 

[EverChanging]

I definitely agree that those are good "rules of thumb" for peace, etc. so to speak. But what about God?

Some Unitarian Universalists believe in a higher power, or a deist creator god who is distant and removed from us. Others believe in a personal god or perhaps even the Christian god. Some are polytheistic pagans or duotheistic. To some people God or the gods are metaphors for aspects of nature or aspects of the mind or self. Others, such as myself, are atheists (though I have pantheistic leanings). Yet others are agnostics or find the entire matter of gods irrelevant to their own spirituality.

In other words, Unitarian Universalists are able to pursue their own spiritual path and search for truth: the religion doesn't tell anyone what to think about gods or even how to define God. It doesn't even tell us whether that question has to have any relevance to us at all.

I don't believe in anything supernatural, but as J Bryson has eloquently explained, if anything is to be be revered with a sense of awe and wonder, it is the universe itself and its natural laws, which is why I say I have pantheistic leanings. I like this statement, quoted from above, and have been making a similar statement for a long time that never ceases to make me wonder:

And as we are all parts of the same origin, we are that part of the universe which is capable of observing itself.

 

[Runewolf1973]

Animism predates nearly every major religion in the world. It stems from a time when humans were more connected to the earth, nature, and all of existence. At one time humans lived in harmony with the animals, in the "Garden" so to speak, but since then Man has only distanced himself even further from that oneness. I believe that God IS nature and energy, and existence, not some supernatural man-like deity dressed in white robes. If you want to really know what "God" is, then walk with the animals.

 

[Comicaze247]

Ok guys. I'm trying to get some info from all different sides about why people say their religion is correct. Just write why you think your religion is the way to go.

Because I said so! Yeah, you heard me!

 

[Twilight Hue]

wow...wasn't expecting that...how does that work?

Easy, just go out and select the correctly falling rainfall, and once you have selected the correct one, use the experience you have gained from that as a template to discover just who has the correct religion. -NM-

 

[Caladan]

I am a Jewish atheist.
as a Jew, we dont really want others to convert to our religion, the arrogant ******** that we are .
as an atheist, I dont have the will to 'open people eyes', I recognize the different religions as existing phenomena in our world.

 

[BruceDLimber]

Greetings, greetings!

Just write why you think your religion is the way to go.

Very simply, because IMHO it offers humanity maximal up-to-date spiritual guidance in an eminently peaceful and loving framework while recognizing and respecting all the other great religions of the world!

Best!

Bruce

 

[Riverwolf]

Mine isn't necessarily the "correct" one as it is not really universal. (the Triforce next to my religion is partially a joke; I don't actually subscribe to whatever as yet nonexistent religion that Hylians may have; mythology does not equal religion! )

While I do believe in the existence of the gods, I do not worship any of them as I view them as simply more complex forms of life, the only one whom I take real notice of is Gaia, the Living Earth.

But my religion doesn't focus on the gods; it focuses on wisdom and philosophy. I believe that wisdom can be found in all things, even where wisdom was not intended, such as a comedy routine. "Polish a turd, it's still a turd!" (from Jeff Dunham's "Arguing with myself" routine)

I also acknowledge Sages, who are people who have spent much of their lives in pursuit of some Truth, whatever that Truth may be, and have relayed it to others. Some notable Sages are Jesus and Buddha. A Sage, however, is different from a philosopher. Philosophers teach their view of the world, and pretty much each one has conflicting ideas of that. Sages don't teach that; they tend to be more practical about their teachings: Jesus's way to God through absolute universal love and faith in God; Buddha's Eightfold Path to Enlightenment.

I do acknowledge the greatness of philosophy as well, and I intend to read more works by philosophers.

It's right for me, because I made it up. But because I made it up, it might not be right for others. (indeed, some have accused it of being a creation of man, and therefore not legit)

 

[Storm]

Ok guys. I'm trying to get some info from all different sides about why people say their religion is correct. Just write why you think your religion is the way to go.

My theology: Because it's my current best attempt at understanding an intense and transformative theophany I had when I was quite young.

UU: Because I believe the 7 Principles represent a better way for mankind, because they give me room to grow theologically, and because it's a fantastic community.

 

[J Bryson]

But my religion doesn't focus on the gods; it focuses on wisdom and philosophy. I believe that wisdom can be found in all things, even where wisdom was not intended, such as a comedy routine. "Polish a turd, it's still a turd!" (from Jeff Dunham's "Arguing with myself" routine)

Fascinating! I'm currently investigating the theology of standup comedy.

It's right for me, because I made it up. But because I made it up, it might not be right for others. (indeed, some have accused it of being a creation of man, and therefore not legit)

Tell them that you considered any religion not made by man to be blasphemous. Then ask them what their religion is. When they tell you, look relieved and say "Well, that's all right then."

 

[DavyCrocket2003]

How, specifically, does your church help you to grow closer to God? I guess the reason I made this thread is to find our why people think their religion/belief is the real deal. Why is yours legit?

You asked for it
Well, in my opinion, all religions are true in a way. Sort of like universalism. At the same time, if you asked God, "Which church is true?" He wouldn't reply, "All of them." A hundred different factions and splinter groups can't all be simultaneously authorized by God. No disrespect, that's just what I think. I have a belief in Jesus Christ that is grounded in personal experience and reading the scriptures. Now, as to why LDS? Well, they have the same organization as Christ's original church he set up during his life on Earth, including a body of apostles leading the church with a prophet at their head and the right to receive divine guidance straight from heaven. They have the keys of the priesthood restored to the earth directly from Peter, James, and John. The fruits of the LDS church are incredible (by their fruits ye shall know them). And because my life has been changed by the testimony of Jesus in the Book of Mormon. And because of the powerful testimony of Joseph Smith, who saw the Father and the Son appear in the spring of 1820. I have never been so profoundly impressed as I did while first reading the account of that singular event.

Just because I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is "the only true and living church" upon the face of the earth, does not mean that I disrespect the others. I feel that the truth of the gospel is spread out through all religions. I believe that people of any religion can find their way to God. Anyone who accepts and seeks after light will continue until the light they have grows brighter and brighter into the perfect day. That perfect day is what I'm looking forward to. If I make it, I am sure that I will be joined by a crowd of all different races, backgrounds, and religions.

 

[jesusoneway]

No, you know what? I'll give it a shot.

We all come from the same place, the same whatever-it-was before the explosion at the beginning of time that is commonly referred to as "The Big Bang". From the same singularity, the same infinitely compressed thing, we flew out into the universe at speeds beyond imagining. We are all part of the same stuff, made of the same materials that have simply changed how they seem over the course of countless billions of years. In that very real and meaningful way, we are all one, and connected. The air that touches my skin, the keyboard under my fingers, the wires that send this information are all from a single source, not truly separated. A star that burns billions of light years away from where I sit at the moment is connected with me, you, and all other beings and things in the most primal and fundamental way possible. Every atom in your body existed back then, and will exist until the end of time. This holds true of every atom in the universe.

The energy that was released in this explosion is the same energy that causes my heart to beat, my synapses to fire, the electricity that runs through the wires, the blood to course through your system, and the nuclear explosions in the sun that I mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

Therefore, we are all one, and there is nothing that we can do to escape that fact. Stemming from that, we have developed a fascinating ability to observe and investigate all of these things. We are endowed with the ability to reason, to strive, to push further into the unknown.

And as we are all parts of the same origin, we are that part of the universe which is capable of observing itself.

We must get along to the best of our ability, because to harm another is to harm a part of one's self.

Regarding the energy from "the big bang" that you said makes our hearts beat...what energy caused the big bang then?