Comments on: I Am Not Religious (I Comment Therefore I Am)

By: unknownmami

unknownmami — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:52:00 +0000

In reply to Blessedsoandso. No, I think this particular comment makes you seem more open-minded than most.

By: Blessedsoandso

Blessedsoandso — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:31:00 +0000

I despise religion…..

That’s right I have hundreds of posts about my faith in God and Jesus, my “name” is Blessed So and So and I despise religion.

I am not religious, I don’t like to go on and on about what God is against – I am Christian – I do believe that Christ died for my sins and is my saviour and I do believe I am filled with the Holy Spirit and guided by that spirit every second of my life. I believe that being a Christian is nothing about morals and all about Christ’s love for everyone! An individual’s set of morals has little or nothing to do with their beliefs. Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Atheists, Agonistics and so and so forth can all have excellent morals. Likewise – Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, Atheists, Agonistics and so and so forth can all have really horrible morals.

I also believe that your quality of character, whether or not you are a “good” person isn’t tied to your beliefs. I also believe that time spent trying to “convert” someone from one way or another is a waste. I know for me being a Christian I heard a Johnny Cash song line once – “You ain’t got no argument for what I feel inside.” To me that’s the foundation of it all – I can’t argue what I know in my heart and you can’t argue against it.

Does that make sense? Does it make me sound like a red neck, small town, bigot?? I sure hope not…..

By: Laurie Matherne

Laurie Matherne — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:58:00 +0000

I am a Christian. However, I am put off by people who live for heaven, for some other day. It’s about now. It’s about living in the moment. My theology has changed over the years. I am a kingdom now sorta person, which I think means that I believe that God wants us to restore and renew the bits and pieces of creation around us. It’s not about the sweet by and by. It’s about what we do today that matters. I am not fond of rules, either. As other people have posted, religion often weighs people down with all sorts of stuff that is not about God at all. Jesus’ had his harshest words for the religious crowd, not the ordinary person who lived in his time. I wish more church people would think about their rigid belief systems and harsh judgments and how little that reflects the love of God as reflected in the Jesus of the Gospels.

By: Cyndy DysFUNctional Mom

Cyndy DysFUNctional Mom — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 23:06:00 +0000

My relationship with God would be classified on Facebook as “it’s complicated”. Raised in church but as an adult, not fond of most organized religion. Considered myself spiritual but events of the last year have seriously shaken my faith.
But I do believe that above all we have a responsibility to take care of one another. And I also greatly identify with the Native American “Great Spirit” philosophy.

By: unknownmami

unknownmami — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:55:00 +0000

In reply to zen. I'm with you 100%. Thanks for sharing. I don't really get into it with my family very much because they are all very Catholic and my ideas are too out there as far as they are concerned, so I just respectfully listen to what they believe and keep my mouth shut (for the most part).

By: zen

zen — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 19:53:00 +0000

This is exactly how I feel. I don’t often talk about it but when asked, I tell people I’m agnostic and I tend to get a “Oh… I’m sorry to hear that” type reactions. I respect religion and have come across many wonderful religious people. But I’m not ashamed to be agnostic and like you, I do not feel lost.
I grew up watching religion pull people apart and turn good people against each other, perhaps that’s why. I love how you talked about being more invested in the NOW. I believe that it doesn’t matter whether there is a higher power because we should all still live our lives to the best of our abilities; not because we seek good karma or a spot in heaven… just simply because we can and that’s the way it should be.
I am at peace with the world.

By: ::xishell::

::xishell:: — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 02:18:00 +0000

Religion is definitely one of those hot button topics but it goes so much more smoothly when people aren’t trying to convince or convert one another. I happen to share a lot of your beliefs so I may be a bit biased in feeling that what you wrote is not at all incendiary.
I was raised Catholic but left religion many many years ago and currently live in the “Bible Belt” of California so it can be a little difficult for me at times. When I was younger I was very angry and outspoken about my thoughts on religion, which is not always positive. With age I’ve become a little more considerate (I hope) and can better see the positive aspects of religion (although it is still not for me). Thank you for sharing and starting a conversation.

By: Tami

Tami — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 01:24:00 +0000

There are so many different beliefs and religions. They all have the similarity of goodness. No matter what your beliefs are – I think as long as you live a good life, treat others with respect and show kindness… then you make the world a better place.

By: tracismixedbag

tracismixedbag — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:59:00 +0000

I tried commenting on said post but I couldn’t find the words, I thought it was a very good post but I didn’t feel like I had anything to add. As far as believing goes, I was raised Christian by parents who have been a little on the extreme side but I was given the freedom (even though ultimately it’s been hard for them to accept) to decide how I believe for myself. I don’t feel bound by believing in God and knowing he’s there, praying, trying to live right, those type of things. But I do feel bound by the Christian lifestyle and by other Christians, which is why I’m very picky about the Christians I’m actually friends with and I tend to sway towards atheists and agnostics because for the most part they don’t say one thing and do another. I do tend to stay away from anyone of any religion or non-religion who is EXTREME.

I appreciate how open and honest you are and I feel like as long as someone has peace with what they believe, that’s what matters. We should be able to read someone’s perspective and respect it and for the hope of maintaining friendship ask questions if we don’t understand. I will have to go back to that post and read Are You There God, It’s Me Mami.

By: lisleman

lisleman — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:46:00 +0000

That was a great post that Mrs 4444 did. If I understand you correctly (this stuff can get confusing) you are not worried about how we got here or what was responsible for us being here. Your concern is the present and making it better. I agree. “what comes after” – you mean death, heaven, hell, doomsday, etc? Because what comes after now is the future. Every parent should be concerned about the future at some level. I suspect you are. I also agree about responsibility which can be tricky thing to teach and implement. Some look for answers in old translated books. You can find good guidance there but our knowledge has advanced so translating those ideas to our language and our modern culture could produce some errors.
thanks for a thought provoking post.

By: lisleman

lisleman — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:33:00 +0000

In reply to Eva Gallant. thanks for sharing that Eva. I have a similar experience. Long established churches do have a hard time with changing. The accepted relationship between men and women has changed (about time and maybe not enough yet - different topic) but the Catholic church which has a bias toward men hasn't changed much. Regarding divorce, I was amazed that the Catholic church could annul a marriage that took place in another religion. To me the whole annulment process was all about giving them money. It really turned me off.

By: unknownmami

unknownmami — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:56:00 +0000

In reply to Eva Gallant. I think you would have been living in hell if you didn't divorce him. I was raised Catholic as well.

By: Eva Gallant

Eva Gallant — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:51:00 +0000

I was raised Catholic, but I haven’t been to church in about 30 years; I lost interest when my first husband cheated on me and the church insisted I was going to hell for getting a divorce. I try to live by the golden rule..do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have no problem with different belief systems, as long as no one tries to force theirs on me.

By: Bossybetty1

Bossybetty1 — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:47:00 +0000

I’ve come to the conclusion that there are many different belief systems and whatever people believe is their choice. Making the world better is the ultimate goal for me. What path we take to get there is an individualistic choice.