[reposted cos I fucked it up the first time round, thanks Hare for pointing it out.]


I got an email today asking if we might have a 'what religion do you align yourself with?' poll. I don't see any reasons why not and so here it is.

However I've put in some of the major christian seperate denominations too so please answer twice if you can.

Align means the faith you either actively practise or would practice if you could be arsed.

"Protestant" covers any church that rejected the Pope's authority and grew out of the Reformation ie Lutheran, Anglican (and its bastard child 'Episcopalian'), the Calvinists etc.

I'm an atheist myself.

Hindu's and Sikh's are not the same thing. Not even close. Infact sikh's get really pissed of when you call them a hindu. Something to do with the hindu's killing a bunch of sikh's and shit.

Hindu's and Sikh's are not the same thing. Not even close. Infact sikh's get really pissed of when you call them a hindu. Something to do with the hindu's killing a bunch of sikh's and shit.

WOW No shit sherlock?!

DUh why didn't I think of that? [/sarcasm]

Although not an expert on the faiths of India, I am aware of the major differences, thank you.

The poll only allows for a maximum of 20 options. Therefore I was forced to group various options together. Sikhish and Hinduism both stem from India and as I doubt we have too many sikhs here I felt it was ok to put them together.

I'm sure the SDA would be shocked to find themsleves grouped with the Jo-Ho's ...although both share a common heritage. Baptist and methodist disagree on fundamental areas of doctrine.

Calvinists aren't the same as Lutherans. LDS'ers will probably have puppies about being lumped together with the bickertonites. Others might claim that witchcraft and wicca are one in the same thing.



You may justifiably criticise my choice of groupings but please do not assume I didn't know the difference.

PS. has nobody got the joke about the Amish yet??! (for those who don't know, amish don't have evil modern things like computers, telephones, elec-Trickery.)

Monotheism deduced from rational and grounded thought. Because I can.

PS. has nobody got the joke about the Amish yet??! (for those who don't know, amish don't have evil modern things like computers, telephones, elec-Trickery.)

Couldn't an Amish person vote on this poll if they were in the middle of Rumspringa?

I chose other non-christian, I'm guessing that is where the Deists are.

Couldn't an Amish person vote on this poll if they were in the middle of Rumspringa?

I chose other non-christian, I'm guessing that is where the Deists are.

OK so now I'm even more impressed. Who the hell knows about Rumspringa?

Oopps my bad there was a whole 'big brother' type show about Amish in the city wasn't there?

Tell me you knew about it before that, please. Don't disappoint me.

OK so now I'm even more impressed. Who the hell knows about Rumspringa?

Oopps my bad there was a whole 'big brother' type show about Amish in the city wasn't there?

Tell me you knew about it before that, please. Don't disappoint me.

Scientific study about Amish genetics. Because the Amish isolate themselves, they risk having the lack of genetic diversity as all of us are open to. So sicknesses from the root of the family tree is abundant throughout the whole tree. A little study I read into, then continued onto reading about Amish traditions.

hmm i aplied to 4??? Baptist is protestant? anyways i was a Protestant Christian whos an Evangelical Baptist!!! Is that allowed? Owell whats done is done!

hmm i aplied to 4??? Baptist is protestant? anyways i was a Protestant Christian whos an Evangelical Baptist!!! Is that allowed? Owell whats done is done!

uhm I thought my definition of 'protestant' was fairly clear -so no baptist wouldn't be.

uhm I thought my definition of 'protestant' was fairly clear -so no baptist wouldn't be.

oops sorry i was didnt read any cpmments just the main post i figured all the other stuff was irrelevant so i didnt bother! Anyways i still belonged to three Evangelical Christian Baptist

Scientific study about Amish genetics. Because the Amish isolate themselves, they risk having the lack of genetic diversity as all of us are open to. So sicknesses from the root of the family tree is abundant throughout the whole tree.

Wow, I was just reading into the same thing for genetics just last week, as an example of the founder effect. Fascinating stuff.


As for the poll, I fit under 'None what-so-fucking ever dude!' Easy

Wow, I was just reading into the same thing for genetics just last week, as an example of the founder effect. Fascinating stuff.


As for the poll, I fit under 'None what-so-fucking ever dude!' Easy

You think they will ever create a geneology database as they did for New Zealand? As I recall, New Zealand faced the same exact problem. Oh man... the irony!! The Amish tries to isolate themselves and stay away from the everchanging modern world. The consequence of such a practice will inevitably cause the modern world to come to them for the survival of their blood lineages.

God truly is a douchebag that likes to mess with us.

Ironic how in a forum such as this the atheists outnumber the theists. I wonder why they come here so much.

Ironic how in a forum such as this the atheists outnumber the theists. I wonder why they come here so much.

True but some of the atheists have not only well thought out positions but actually know something about religion in general and even Christianity in general. This means those 'believers' among us are compelled to hone our own arguments and present non-dogmatic, 'sensible' cases.

I could probably go and hold my own on any of the major theology sites on the webz but I wouldn't get the feedback or flames I get here. Thats the strength of this site.

Ironic how in a forum such as this the atheists outnumber the theists. I wonder why they come here so much.

It's TOTSE. Judging from threads made in SG, the majority of TOTSEANS are atheists.

It's TOTSE. Judging from threads made in SG, the majority of TOTSEANS are 12 year old american virgins who think black men shouting out nursery school quality rhymes is music, and who say things like 'making out' and 'got to 1 base!!!11'

fixed cos I'm a cantankerous ol'git.

True but some of the atheists have not only well thought out positions but actually know something about religion in general and even Christianity in general. This means those 'believers' among us are compelled to hone our own arguments and present non-dogmatic, 'sensible' cases.

I could probably go and hold my own on any of the major theology sites on the webz but I wouldn't get the feedback or flames I get here. Thats the strength of this site.

That is way true.

I voted buddhist.People don't know alot about it,but its just letting go of desires and being peaceful.No real gods in this religion,just Buddhas.Buddhas are spiritually and mentally peaceful.They are in the state of nirvana all the time.

No commandments,just the eightfold path.

I align myself with this religion mainly because most others are hateful and spiteful,like christianity.Buddhism is about peace and accepting everyone.Christianity is living to be in a god's image in order to not burn in a lake of fire forever.

In terms of theistic beliefs, I am Agnostic so chose the non Christian one, but my spiritual path is Buddhism, which doesn't require one to believe in a god or anything.

I went Other NC because Taoism wasn't up there. I love how it's a big giant poem to tell you that there is something bigger than you that you can't comprehend, and any time you think you know to the absolute, you're going to get kicked in the balls for it. Nothing like a nice dose of truth and reality. :D

I went Other NC because Taoism wasn't up there. I love how it's a big giant poem to tell you that there is something bigger than you that you can't comprehend, and any time you think you know to the absolute, you're going to get kicked in the balls for it. Nothing like a nice dose of truth and reality. :D

I'll hold my hands up and admit I simply didn't think of that one :(

MY bad, and apologies to any taoists out there.

Ironic how in a forum such as this the atheists outnumber the theists. I wonder why they come here so much.

First of all, this thread deals with religion or the lack there of, so the percentage of those who chose "None what-so-fucking ever dude!" doesn't necessarily represent the number of atheists. There's could be theists, who believe in god, yet don't align themselves with any religious institution.

Second of all, ignoring the above fact for the sake of argument, how is that ironic? Why can't the irreligious discuss or debate the religious? That's tantamount to saying there shouldn't be skeptics in PD; a ridiculous notion.

Why do they come here? Because they like to discuss things? They like debate? They like questioning their position and/beliefs? They like questioning the position and/or beliefs of others? They are bored? Those are a few of the potentially infinite number of reasons, none of which are "ironic".

Too bad you couldn't have squeezed in "Gnostic."

First of all, this thread deals with religion or the lack there of, so the percentage of those who chose "None what-so-fucking ever dude!" doesn't necessarily represent the number of atheists. There's could be theists, who believe in god, yet don't align themselves with any religious institution.

Second of all, ignoring the above fact for the sake of argument, how is that ironic? Why can't the irreligious discuss or debate the religious? That's tantamount to saying there shouldn't be skeptics in PD; a ridiculous notion.

Why do they come here? Because they like to discuss things? They like debate? They like questioning their position and/beliefs? They like questioning the position and/or beliefs of others? They are bored? Those are a few of the potentially infinite number of reasons, none of which are "ironic".

Wow Mr. Serious. Way to over react to my light hearted observation.
And yes there is irony to be found here. You don't think so huh? I don't care.

How was that an overreaction? You made a nonsensical remark and I questioned it. That's it. No over reaction, not petty nicknames; just a simple reply. If anything here was an overreaction, it was this childish reply of yours.

Apparently, you can't even justify your remark. Perfect.

Apparently, you can't even justify your remark.

Your approval isn't worth the effort.

Too bad you couldn't have squeezed in "Gnostic."

fuckin' A.

The problem is one of definition. Gnosis isn't a religion or denomination.

I define myself as a gnostic but of the christian variety , which meant I fell under Other Christian.

Your approval isn't worth the effort.

Who said anything about approval? Just when I thought you couldn't get any more petty, you outdo yourself. Congratulations.

Shouldn't Catholic and Protestant both count under Christianity?

Shouldn't Catholic and Protestant both count under Christianity?

Wake up dude.

However I've put in some of the major christian seperate denominations too so please answer twice if you can.

'kay?

Clear now?

Good.

You know, the absurdist one. It's all pointless but might as well have a laugh at anythings expense.

I got an email today asking if we might have a 'what religion do you align yourself with?' poll. I don't see any reasons why not and so here it is..

w00t, email was from me. I haven't been on totse for a few days, but I'm glad to see that jackketch got my email. Thank you. ^.^

I am pastafarian myself

I voted both christian and the branch of it that is called pentecostal because that is the flavor of christianity I lean toward. However I could have selected more if the choice were more numerous.I am also a christian anarchist and a bit of a christian mystic.

wow chekc those buddhist numbers!

wow chekc those buddhist numbers!

Yes, but you have to ask how many are seriously Buddhists and how many are just westerners who think being labeled Buddhist is hip. Kenshiro_Kid, for example, has labeled himself as both a Buddhist and a satanist, yet I cannot see how they can be combined, when you consider the hedonistic egoism of satanism and renunciation of the ego of Buddhism.

Yes, but you have to ask how many are seriously Buddhists and how many are just westerners who think being labeled Buddhist is hip. Kenshiro_Kid, for example, has labeled himself as both a Buddhist and a satanist, yet I cannot see how they can be combined, when you consider the hedonistic egoism of satanism and renunciation of the ego of Buddhism.

That is your own fault.

Kenshiro Kid can be a Buddhist and a Satanist if he wants.

Yes, but you have to ask how many are seriously Buddhists and how many are just westerners who think being labeled Buddhist is hip. Kenshiro_Kid, for example, has labeled himself as both a Buddhist and a satanist, yet I cannot see how they can be combined, when you consider the hedonistic egoism of satanism and renunciation of the ego of Buddhism.

I think it's possible to come from a western background and be bhuddist, but very rare, and many people are just in it to be cool.

Personally, bhuddism is culutrally alien to me and doesn't strike a chord at all.

How come there are so many atheists posting in the religion forum, because doesn't that just result in every thread being an anti-religious flamefest. I'm not religious but I just don't see the effectiveness of debating religion in a forum where most of the people aren't religious.

How come there are so many atheists posting in the religion forum, because doesn't that just result in every thread being an anti-religious flamefest. I'm not religious but I just don't see the effectiveness of debating religion in a forum where most of the people aren't religious.

Generally people become strongly anti-religious as a result of their family/school/society forcing it upon them. First question I always ask someone who says something anti-religion is whether they went to a religious school or had religious parents, the answer is almost always yes:p

I'm not religious but I just don't see the effectiveness of debating religion in a forum where most of the people aren't religious.

Debate comes from opposing view points; what more fundamentally opposed viewpoints can you have than between the religious and the irreligious?

That it might be optimal for there to be a better ratio? Maybe. Be sure to invite your religious friends then...

This also ignores that the irreligious don't necessarily have to be atheist, which is a big part of the discussion that goes along in this forum: the existence or non-existence of a god.

Debate comes from opposing view points; what more fundamentally opposed viewpoints can you have than between the religious and the irreligious?


Debates don't come from opposing views they come from differing views. There is a difference.
Religious and irreligious discussions rarely give rise to any other debate than "god exists/no he doesn't". They are so overdone and are rarely productive. If there were more theists here there would actually be more fresh and interesting debates and discussion going on. Certainly a wider variety than if there were more theists here.

Debates don't come from opposing views they come from differing views. There is a difference.

Correct, however, opposing views are the most differing views, which was my point.


Religious and irreligious discussions rarely give rise to any other debate than "god exists/no he doesn't". They are so overdone and are rarely productive.

That's your opinion, apparently not that of many other people here on totse.

If there were more theists here there would actually be more fresh and interesting debates and discussion going on. Certainly a wider variety than if there were more theists here.

Again I remind you that this poll asks for the religious and non-religious. That is not the same as theist and atheist.

But lets assume that it is for the sake of argument: Who has said that a greater amount of theists (or the religious for that matter) wouldn't bring about "more fresh and interesting debates"? Nobody.

If you think this place needs more theists.. bring more then!

pretty much skipped the pages

SIKHS AND HINDU'S ARE " DIFFERENT RELIGIONS

fair enough the poll only had 20 options but im still cheezed off

and yh

im sikh :)

pretty much skipped the pages

SIKHS AND HINDU'S ARE " DIFFERENT RELIGIONS


No shit Sherlock?

No shit Sherlock?

you did give about 7 different options for various christian sects...

you did give about 7 different options for various christian sects...

And I explained my reasons why.

I would have liked to have inculded every religion and every denomination/sect and crazy fringe group of that religion going. But the poll would have then caused totse to crash and there would still have been arguments.

I wasn't sure we had any sikhs at all and I can only ever remember a handful of hindus posting on totse (who tended to be overly arrogant muslim-hating rich hindi kids who didn't last long).

And I explained my reasons why.

I would have liked to have inculded every religion and every denomination/sect and crazy fringe group of that religion going. But the poll would have then caused totse to crash and there would still have been arguments.

I wasn't sure we had any sikhs at all and I can only ever remember a handful of hindus posting on totse (who tended to be overly arrogant muslim-hating rich hindi kids who didn't last long).

Ah well fair enough, I'd have tried to get a broader spectrum myself though.

PS totally off topic did you get my email I sent a couple of days ago?

Ah well fair enough, I'd have tried to get a broader spectrum myself though.

PS totally off topic did you get my email I sent a couple of days ago?

No i don't remember any email from you. jacquesketch@gmail.com ?

I'll check again.

other-non christian.
guessing thats what diest falls under.
anyway, just one thing i wanna point out, the person saying that there were way more atheists than religious, actually its closer to 50-50, its just that there is only one catogory for atheists, and 19 for religious. so you have 93 atheists lumped into one, and 125 (if i counted right) religious ppl spread out over 19 catogories.

other-non christian.
guessing thats what diest falls under.
anyway, just one thing i wanna point out, the person saying that there were way more atheists than religious, actually its closer to 50-50, its just that there is only one catogory for atheists, and 19 for religious. so you have 93 atheists lumped into one, and 125 (if i counted right) religious ppl spread out over 19 catogories.

Sure. When I posted it there were quite a few more atheists.

*sigh of relief*

I'm not the only Catholic.

polythiesm works for me!!!

I would have to say I'm Asatru (an Odinist)

Interesting how many people align themselves with buddhism considering its followers aren't too numerous. I approve.

I would have to say I'm Asatru (an Odinist)

If I'm anything, it'd be that, but i'm still not to sure. I guess I'm agnostic heathen if that makes any sense at all:/

Are you involved in any groups or anything?

If I'm anything, it'd be that, but i'm still not to sure. I guess I'm agnostic heathen if that makes any sense at all:/

Are you involved in any groups or anything?

No, no groups. I'm a lone Odinist at the moment. Although I know and am in contact with other Odinists in NZ, I don't know of any in my city. Although some of the other Asatru don't live very far away at all.

I'm agnostic. I don't deny that a superior being could be watching over us from another realm. But at the same time, I don't think that Christianity is true. That's just me though. Nearly everyone in my life is, and I respect that.

This quote by Marcus Aurelius sums up my philosophy pretty well: "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."

I'm agnostic. I don't deny that a superior being could be watching over us from another realm. But at the same time, I don't think that Christianity is true. That's just me though. Nearly everyone in my life is, and I respect that.

This quote by Marcus Aurelius sums up my philosophy pretty well: "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."

I think you should research about Islam, I'm sure you gonna find what you need since we worship One God without any assiciate (aka jesus, buddha etc. etc..)

(:

you forgot uranthianism.
you know, the book of urantia. look it up and read it online. not exactly a religion itself, but they believe it was written by aliens, and the book says so it was itself, and well, no one knows where it came from either, and basically tells us how everything is and why, and follows the belief of one God, and says jesus wasn't god and was actaully an archangel and was here to show us how to live, not forgive us of our sins through him and god does that himself, but because he was so magificantly good at presenting himself and used tricky word usuage people were to think of him as god, therfore creating islam later on by the angel gaberial to tell people jesus wasnt god, but people wont be forgiven, makes sense eh? but it never goes into islam, stops at the death of jesus, but yet explains things until the 1950s and uses our scientific words in the 1950s cause that's when it was found and w/e. but yeah, apprently alot of people follow it, i don't um, follow it or w/e? but is very enlightening. =P i have my own beliefs but w/e. so im none up there. =D

I think you should research about Islam, I'm sure you gonna find what you need since we worship One God without any assiciate (aka jesus, buddha etc. etc..)

(:

Ya think?

None whatsoever, and proud, very proud.

In my view, religion is violent, irrational, intolerant, allied to racism and tribalism and bigotry, invested in ignorance and hostile to the principle of free inquiry, contemptuous of women and suppressive of children.

But yeah, whatever, I suppose we must 'respect' it because someone might get offended.

Ya think?

Yes of course.

Sweet, the one place in the world where the atheists outnumber the religious.

My idea isn't really on there, but I guess I would more closely identify with the ideas of Buddhism.

what i essentially believe is that"god" is the universe, and the laws that govern it. "god" doesnt interfere nor care about human affairs.

can someone tell me what my "religion" is, because i sure as fuck dont know.

^^ I don't think that would really be a 'religion' because you're not "worshiping" anything. It's more of a philosophy

*Note: I put worshipping in speach marks because some religions dont really require you to worship, so to speak

I am an atheist which means I simply don't believe in the ridiculous claims that are religion.

^^ I don't think that would really be a 'religion' because you're not "worshiping" anything. It's more of a philosophy

*Note: I put worshipping in speach marks because some religions dont really require you to worship, so to speak

theres no point to worship anything

I'm agnostic. I don't deny that a superior being could be watching over us from another realm. But at the same time, I don't think that Christianity is true. That's just me though. Nearly everyone in my life is, and I respect that.

This quote by Marcus Aurelius sums up my philosophy pretty well: "Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones."

wow, i love marcus aurelius, im suprized anyone here would quote him. lol. he's quite a figure that i look up to.

I was a drunken Episcopalian at one point.

Church of the SubGenius FTW!

None! They all reek of eliteism and sanctamonious bullshit!

I think Asatru deserved a place on that poll.
Now, who'll help set up a raiding party? Then we can get down to descending upon the Vatican and plundering and pillaging.

My own faith:

Its all very simple.. There is no god. And that means no heaven.


The bible, church and "god" is a result of human faith.

Its all made up by someone who had the need to belive that he would go somewhere nice when he died.. Which is wrong.

And the hole matrix idea is wrong too.

Our world, our place is unlimited.

The meaning with life is for it to end.
Too many people, that makes no sence. But thats the way it is!

Everything has its opposite. "In our world anyway"

Everything = Nothing.

Ever heard of the big rip?

Ever heard of Déjà vu (already seen)

Well.. Allow me to tell you all what i belive in:


The Universe will expand, then it will collapse back on itself, then it will expand again. It will repeat this process forever.

Every mistake you make you will live through again and again forever.

Everything will be exactly as it is now.

The question is if we will ever be able to change this process without jeopardizing our existence.

No-one can reject my faith as an option.
Because the "big rip" is definitely happening and nothing else can explain Déjà vu.

Got nothing more to say right now.. So for those who don't understand.. well, we're not meant to understand everything.

I think Asatru deserved a place on that poll.
Now, who'll help set up a raiding party? Then we can get down to descending upon the Vatican and plundering and pillaging.

Fuckin' aye! I second that!

Fuckin' aye! I second that!

Excellent!
Now all we need is a longboat and some mead.

Excellent!
Now all we need is a longboat and some mead.

I'll supply the mead, you supply the longboat

What religion do you align yourself with?

None what-so-fucking ever dude!

Simple as that.

uh...Not really sure myself...Im gonna go do some research asatru and other polytheistic religions. The only one I know much about is wicca. Im gonna google it, but to save some time could anyone post a link or two? Thanks

I put "Other Non Christian".

I am a Daoist.

I do not align myself with any religion, but I find myself agreeing a lot with Buddhism, Satanism and Taoism. Especially Taoism.

I dont really agree with organized religion, but I understand that it is important in today's society so I'm majoring in it for some weird reason. I think I need help. But it is fun to listen to everyone argue in class.

Atheist

I agree with Catholic morals and ethics though moreso than I do with any other religion.

taoism.

i pretty much believe in karma. i know it's a complex buddhist principle that i really only know a very minimal amount about, but i was raised christian and that just didn't make sense to me. karma makes sense to me; it's pretty clear even in its most basic form.
do good things in life and good things will happen to you in return.
do bad things in life, bad things will happen.
that's logical to me.

Um... yeah arsefuck. Just a point, christianity isn't completely different to catholisism. Your poll is flawed. Lulz.

I believe in One God

uhm I thought my definition of 'protestant' was fairly clear -so no baptist wouldn't be.

1. any Western Christian who is not an adherent of a Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Church.

2. an adherent of any of those Christian bodies that separated from the Church of Rome during the Reformation, or of any group descended from them.

Protestant groups include the Amish, the Anglican Communion, the Assemblies of God, the Baptists, Christian Science, the Congregationalists, the Lutheran Church, the Mennonites, the Methodists, the Presbyterian Church, and the Quakers.

Source (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protestant)


Why are you keen on using "your definition" instead of the definition agreed upon by the authors of the dictionary ? Seems like you're paving a path to ambiguity here.

1. any Western Christian who is not an adherent of a Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Church.

2. an adherent of any of those Christian bodies that separated from the Church of Rome during the Reformation, or of any group descended from them.

Protestant groups include the Amish, the Anglican Communion, the Assemblies of God, the Baptists, Christian Science, the Congregationalists, the Lutheran Church, the Mennonites, the Methodists, the Presbyterian Church, and the Quakers.

Source (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/protestant)


Why are you keen on using "your definition" instead of the definition agreed upon by the authors of the dictionary ? Seems like you're paving a path to ambiguity here.

Because I'd already listed Baptist with Methodist/Wes. That's all. The protestant option was more incase I'd missed something important.

As you can see from your own quote, no one is quite sure what protestant is...more what it isn't.

For example Anglican, some anglican churches are 'low' and therefore pretty much protestant. Others are 'high' which is basically catholic without the pope (some even light candles to Mary!)

As you can see from your own quote, no one is quite sure what protestant is...more what it isn't.

A Protestant is defined by what they aren't. That is nothing more than semantics. Which denominations Protestantism includes is clearly defined in the last paragraph of my quote.

I voted for pretty much half the list. Throughout my childhood we flitted between various different types of protestantism (depending on what church was closest to the house we lived in at the time.) I also identify as Catholic because I like to drink and fight and have sex with underage boys (sic). Paganism because I experimented with witchcraft when I was about 10 and some of that shit actually works. I also ticked 'Other Christian' because some of my day-to-day religious actions are downright Greek Orthodox in nature (thanks to the influence of my grandparents) and that is neither protestant nor catholic. I also ticked buddhism because I sort of believe in karma too. And as for Islam, I can honestly say that if I was a stronger person with better self-discipline I would become a muslim.

The way I identify myself may seem pretty stupid to a lot of people, but it's no more ridiculous than believing in any one single religion (including atheism).

Edit: Thinking about I guess everything I ticked was just a roundabout way of saying I'm agnostic.

This poll has way too much christianity

This world has way too much christianity

Fixed.

Karma would make a lot more sense to me if your life wasn't affected by decisions you've made (and don't remember or possibly would make differently now) in past lives. That's like getting pissed at your pet dog the day after it shits on your carpet, what's the point? Is my understanding of Karma wrong? Why don't we pay for the misfortune of our future wrong-doings while we're at it?

Jedi.

Last census over here, the officials were trying to hint that putting jedi as our religion would be coming close to putting down 'false and misleading information' :mad:
An empty threat, but what a step against freedom of belief that would be!

L O FUCKING L.

I AM A DUNKER.



HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH


Simple things amuse me.

I believe in One God

Why stop at one?

It is depressing to me to see that more than half the people are not part of a religion.

Why ?

It is depressing to me to see that more than half the people are not part of a religion.

Then let this be uplifting to you:

There are probably more religious people on this board who declined to take part in the poll. They may not ever post in this forum simply because they do not wish to have their beliefs challenged or examined by those of different beliefs.

It is depressing to me to see that more than half the people are not part of a religion.

Shut the fuck up.

Shut the fuck up.

"Shutting the fuck up" isn't encouraging discussion. If you don't want to read their posts, use the ignore function, please.

Buddhism, because It's philosophy is tolerant of a flexible interpretation, rather than a very rigid sort of belief system like christianity. It's not even really a religion at all.

I like to be free to carve my own path in life, and find my way through the labyrinth of life alone. I don't have any qualms about taking guidance (hence my Buddhist faith), but I don't want control. That's basically the essence and core of my faith, individual freedom to pursue an end that I am responsible for carving my way to.

It is depressing to me to see that more than half the people are not part of a religion.

I'm sure it is.
Your god-concept is dying, and when it finally croaks, you'll be left broken and weeping.

...either that, or you'll use your astute powers of Self Bullshit and start worshiping unicorns or something.

I would firmly say I consider myself a Satanist.

Not practicing, because I don't believe that you have to practice. Just agree, and abide by the rules.

Plus, I'm a lazy cunt.

Open up your eyes people. This is the Aeon of Lucifer, he is coming very soon. I was christian for 17 years not one prayer answered. Got an answer in about 2 months when I looked "elsewhere."If you dig deep enough in human history,you will find the oldest religions are of all satanic gods and tales which could easily be translated.Thousands of years ago noone even knew what yaweh or jehova was.Kind of weird right?Pops out of the fuckin woodwork all of a sudden.Look at egyptian and sumerian paintings and you will quickly realize the truth.Enki the roman bearer of light Lucifer shines upon us and those who oppose will sorely regret it.I bring cancer and diseases to those who oppose me.Many people will realize the truth at the very last second,but it will be too late....

So saith satan!!! From the Al-Jiwah.

Hail satan!

^^ I personally don't think that Pagan gods should be associated with the Christian Satan. If you do, you're just as bad as a Christian.

I have a copy of the Satanic bible, and to see names like Loki, the trickster god in the Norse faith, to be portrayed as a 'devil' in the "Infernal Names" part. It's insulting. Sure Loki certainly wasn't the most favourite of Gods, and often fucked the others over, he wasn't a devil. Theres many other Gods that shouldn't be associated with Satanism. It's a very christian thing to do.

I should get rid of my Satanic Bible. I wonder if I can find anyone stupid enough to purchase it off me.

So saith satan!!! From the Al-Jiwah.

Hail satan!

And according to your other posts Satan is on which planet and when can we return to the mothership?

I should get rid of my Satanic Bible. I wonder if I can find anyone stupid enough to purchase it off me.

Umm.....dark thinks satan is an alien with a spaceship, and just might be the type of person you should consider selling your book to.

unitarian

I voted for other non-Christian and I also voted for none. :)

59% Athiest

This is a fairly dencely populated athiest forum.

Either way Amish numbers should probely be lower because I fairly sure "How do you make bombs" google serches dont happen that much in the Amish community

It's interesting to see how religiously spread totse is. But I'd like to mention that you have forgotten The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Christian Gnosticism is my alignment... I derive most of the teachings of Christ to the Gnostic Salvation. However, even Jesus said:

"Often you have desired to hear these sayings that I am speaking to you, and you have no one else from whom to hear them. There will be days when you will seek me and you will not find me." - The Gospel of Thomas Saying 38

This means that we don't have to look to Jesus entirely for our salvation there are other wisdom teachers that are very clear and helpful to get us on our way to what you can call enlightenment.

I believe Nietzsche said it best "2000 years and no new God." He was speaking of Christianity...

I'm a Deist...so I put "none" as my answer. Really just believe in a creator...not necessarily church, rules or afterlife options.

Fixed.

Karma would make a lot more sense to me if your life wasn't affected by decisions you've made (and don't remember or possibly would make differently now) in past lives. That's like getting pissed at your pet dog the day after it shits on your carpet, what's the point? Is my understanding of Karma wrong? Why don't we pay for the misfortune of our future wrong-doings while we're at it?

I think both are terrible misunderstandings of karma. When you do the right thing, your actions secure satisfaction for the moment and the future, which allows you to see purpose in the past, present, and future. It is this satisfaction and freedom from worry and pain that is the positive turning of karma upon one's self.

When you do wrong, you secure temporary gratification for the moment only, which brings sorrow when viewing the past, and anxiety when viewing the future as you have accomplished nothing that needs to be done and have brought your past to no degree of usefulness. It is this dual sorrow and anxiety that is the turning of karma against one's self.

So far as I've ever been able to understand, karma is consequence; nothing less, nothing more.

Either way Amish numbers should probely be lower because I fairly sure "How do you make bombs" google serches dont happen that much in the Amish community

Since when did the Amish even use computers :p

There are 73 Christians here? :eek: WHERE THEY BE?!

lol

Shinto.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto#Definition

Agnostic.

And also we are all one being viewing the world perspectively.

^---Can you really be both?

Hello,

You could have added the Hawaiian "Huna" religion to your list of religions...

The Hawaaiian "Huna religion is many thousands of years old...

Many of you have probably heard the word "Kahuna" at some time...

A "Kahuna" is a Hawaiian High Priest in the "Huna" religion...

I would say that all native Hawaiians are familiar with the legends and numerous reported sightings of the Hawaiian Fire Goddess Pele...

The Hawaiian Goddess Pele is very strongly connected to the Hawaiian Huna religion...

Actually most everyone I have ever met who even just paid a visit to Hawaii, had some knowledge of Hawaiian Fire Goddess Pele...

If you type "Goddess Pele" into any search engine, there is a lot of information about sightings of Goddess Pele, waliking among mortal man and woman...
These sightings go back from hundreds of years ago, to the present time...

Aloha,
Ancient One

Agnostic....though some of the pagan/wicca things are interesting to say the least

Other/pagan. Other because I have been chosen to do what I want by who/whatever created this place, by necessity since I am here. Pagan because I believe there be more godlike things out here. I don't worship anything tho.

I see none-whatsoever is the clear victor. Do we win an internet?

I don't practice or believe in any type of religion. It is out there and yes i will still argue religion because it is false hope and unrealistic. I am not atheist or agnostic. I believe those are types of religions as well. As stated before the whole concept of religion baffles me so i do not practice any type. But because i don't practice any sort of religion i feel i have the right to give my opinion on religion and other peoples religious views.

Catholic because that's how I was raised.

Buddhist because I like aspects of buddhism (though I swear, I'm not "one of those guys" -- you know what I mean ;) ) and have read a fair deal of Buddhism-related texts.

None what-so-fucking ever dude! because I don't consider myself a part of any specific religious organisation... currently.

Where is Scientology?

Scientology wasn't listed; I noticed that when the poll was first made. Not sure why.

I was thinking about starting a new, updated poll.

Scientology wasn't listed; I noticed that when the poll was first made. Not sure why.

I was thinking about starting a new, updated poll.

Not like I was actually going to vote for it... ;)

I was thinking about starting a new, updated poll.
I think you should, I want to change my vote.

I think you should, I want to change my vote.

I'd like to, if it suits everyone here okay.

I'd like to first discuss with Arms, the regulars and lurkers alike what they'd like to have included or excluded, if anything. I was just going to dumb it down some and make fewer categories, such as:

Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Buddhism
Gnosticism
Hinduism
Sikhism
Neo-Paganism
Scientology
Agnostic
Other
None; Atheist

Any suggestions are welcome, even if your opinion is that making a new poll/sticky is completely unnecessary. I just thought it would be interesting to learn if the percentages have changed much within the course of a year.

Thats fine with me.

I was baptised and brought up catholic, but buddhist since I've been reading up and gotten into some aspects of it and never really followed the catholic shit much anyway.

Not like I was actually going to vote for it... ;)

well spit it out, what are your crimes?! How many people have you murdered today? I think you're a child molester myself.

Maybe you should add:
Pantheism [edit 3] - A human being is part of the whole called by us universe ... We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from the prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. The true value of a human being is determined by the measure and the sense in which they have obtained liberation from the self. We shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humanity is to survive. (Albert Einstein)

Deism - {edit4} - "A religion old or new, that stressed the magnificence of the universe as revealed by modern science, might be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by the conventional faiths. Sooner or later, such a religion will emerge."
Carl Sagan (1934-1996)

Rastafarian - [edit5] - "Facts an' facts, an' t'ings an t'ings: dem's all a lotta fockin' bullshit. Hear me! Dere is no truth but de one truth, an' that is the truth of Jah Rastafari."
Bob Marley (1945 - 1981)

Taoism {edit2} - Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river. (Lao Tzu)
- Reality cannot be found except in One single source, because of the interconnection of all things with one another. (Leibniz, 1670)
- The Tao that can be expressed is not the Eternal Tao. .. There is a thing, formless yet complete. Before heaven and earth it existed. We do not know its name, but we call it Tao. It is the Mystery of Mysteries.
(Lao Tzu, Tao te Ching)

[Edit]..............
Posthuman God: Cosmotheism, Transhumanism, and technological singularity. (I suppose these could be classified as a form of pantheism)

Scientology wasn't listed; I noticed that when the poll was first made. Not sure why.

I was thinking about starting a new, updated poll.

Uhm because its not a religion but a marketing scam? Actually I simply forgot that in America and the UK it still (somehow) enjoys religious (ie tax free) status, unlike other countries.

But yes, start a simplified version. Been meaning to close this for ages.