Ok, basically I'm an agnostic, but probably am leaning more towards being atheistic as certain developments in what I've learned in philosophy with the mechanisms of the universe. So, I want to believe, tell me, which religion do you think I should join, and why? Or why not? Really, this is going to be pretty fun, and don't feel too bad if I manage to counter your post. In the event that I do, or someone else counters your post, being for or against a religion, please don't go in an endless circle for the benefit of the community, thanks.

Don't "join a religion" because of what some people you've never met tell you on some message board. Believe somethign because you know that its the right thing for you to believe. And don't let anyone's self-interested brainwashing get through, either.

Do you have a problem believing in God or just a problem with religions. Personally I would not go near most organised religions because most of them are run by ordinary human being who have read a few more books than me and think that they can interpret God's will and expect me to follow them. I don't trust anyone that much.

Look into Buddhism. You are free to question all the teachings without consequence. If there are more religions like that I would be glad to hear about them.

I've 'wanted to belive' before...I think mainly so I could join a church and gain access to hot christian girls. I have a thing for hot christian girls.

Are your reasons for wanting to any better than mine?

I don't think it's something you can force, however...

The book series "Conversations with God" is the best none religious literature I've read that explains just about anything you'd want to know about who you are, why you're here, who you are in relation to God etc. The series made so much sense It's unbelievable.
Check out the reviews on amazon.

Don't "join a religion" because of what some people you've never met tell you on some message board. Believe somethign because you know that its the right thing for you to believe. And don't let anyone's self-interested brainwashing get through, either.

I know, I'm not very easily persuaded, but I just wanted to see how strong people are at converting, and which dedicated believer will make the most sense of something they can't even explain. Personally, I don't really believe in anything right now, but I'm open to suggestions. I don't condemn religions, but I know there must be some truth to them, but then there must be A LOT of exaggerations, most likely for some political gain at the time the religion was created.

Do you have a problem believing in God or just a problem with religions. Personally I would not go near most organised religions because most of them are run by ordinary human being who have read a few more books than me and think that they can interpret God's will and expect me to follow them. I don't trust anyone that much.

Look into Buddhism. You are free to question all the teachings without consequence. If there are more religions like that I would be glad to hear about them.

I have a problem with both really. A true relgion should be universally accepted with perfect proof and no chain of command, and if there is a God then he would have no problem being questioned if he was so loving and all knowing. Excuses are what most religions dish out.

I've read up on Buddhism before, I like the way that it's mainly based on practises (personally I don't believe in a Buddha or in reincarnation, but I still look into it). I think that it is a very good religion otherwise, however because of what one can gain, but I don't really feel like labelling myself as a Buddhist and practising repeated steps in order to become a higher being. If it was possible, then everyone would become a Buddha, it shouldn't just be an original man who had been reincarnated. But I'd like to know of any breakthrough you've might have made if you've been meditating or what not, if you don't mind, just e-mail me them.

I've 'wanted to belive' before...I think mainly so I could join a church and gain access to hot christian girls. I have a thing for hot christian girls.

Are your reasons for wanting to any better than mine?

I don't think it's something you can force, however...

lol no, I just want to because it'll be nice to find out which religions are worth learning about, and which can be proven wrong. But yeah, no one can force you to believe in something, unless you've been brought up by it from birth...or psychologically damaged like Scientology may do (not really sure about that).

The book series "Conversations with God" is the best none religious literature I've read that explains just about anything you'd want to know about who you are, why you're here, who you are in relation to God etc. The series made so much sense It's unbelievable.
Check out the reviews on amazon.

Sounds reallly good, I'll check it out. I could use all the neutral information I can get.

I suggest you stop wanting, and start doing.

Ok, basically I'm an agnostic, but probably am leaning more towards being atheistic as certain developments in what I've learned in philosophy with the mechanisms of the universe. So, I want to believe, tell me, which religion do you think I should join, and why? Or why not? Really, this is going to be pretty fun, and don't feel too bad if I manage to counter your post. In the event that I do, or someone else counters your post, being for or against a religion, please don't go in an endless circle for the benefit of the community, thanks.

Islam my friend, seek the truth, do your researchs, and perphas you will find the truth.

;)

I suggest you stop wanting, and start doing.

Well that doesn't really help me. If I believe I get sucked into the endless circle of confusion generated by a religion, never knowing what is real or not, just trusting that what others say is always true.

Islam my friend, seek the truth, do your researchs, and perphas you will find the truth.

I don't think Islam is so bad, I have a few neighbours who are, but I really don't see the difference between Islam and Christianity or Judaism concerning ethics. However, I'm intrigued by the truth you mention. What do you verify as truthful or not?

In Islam, we worship one God, no associate. Unlike every other religions in this world, they worship God as an associate

Christianism - > Jesus, holy spirit, pope,

Buddhism - > Buddha

Hindism -> Cows, rats..

and the list goes on.

In islam, we worship God without any other associate. There's no alliance for example :

In Islam, its

You -> God.

In Christianity, its
go tru
You -> Priest - > Pope -> Jesus -> God

Know what I mean?

We worship Him and nothing else, (:

http://www.harunyahya.com/Quran_translation/Quran_translation_index.php

Here's a copy of the holy Qu'ran if you are interested, reply if you need more info or anything :D

PS : If it doesn't work, refresh :D

In Islam, its

You -> God.

In Catholicism, its
go tru
You -> Priest - > Pope -> Jesus -> God



Fixed.


Also..

In Islam, we worship one God, no associate. Unlike every other religions in this world, they worship God as an associate

Catholicism - > Jesus, holy spirit, pope,

In Islam, we worship one God, no associate. Unlike every other religions in this world, they worship God as an associate

Christianism - > Jesus, holy spirit, pope,

Buddhism - > Buddha

Hindism -> Cows, rats..

and the list goes on.

In islam, we worship God without any other associate. There's no alliance for example :

In Islam, its

You -> God.

In Christianity, its
go tru
You -> Priest - > Pope -> Jesus -> God

Know what I mean?

We worship Him and nothing else, (:

http://www.harunyahya.com/Quran_translation/Quran_translation_index.php

Here's a copy of the holy Qu'ran if you are interested, reply if you need more info or anything :D

PS : If it doesn't work, refresh :D

You have a poor understanding of things.

In Islam, we worship one God, no associate. Unlike every other religions in this world, they worship God as an associate

Christianism - > Jesus, holy spirit, pope,

Buddhism - > Buddha

Hindism -> Cows, rats..

and the list goes on.

In islam, we worship God without any other associate. There's no alliance for example :

In Islam, its

You -> God.

In Christianity, its
go tru
You -> Priest - > Pope -> Jesus -> God

Know what I mean?

We worship Him and nothing else, (:

http://www.harunyahya.com/Quran_translation/Quran_translation_index.php

Here's a copy of the holy Qu'ran if you are interested, reply if you need more info or anything :D

PS : If it doesn't work, refresh :D

Good post. But well, firstly I'm kind of concerned with the Hindu part of your post, that's a bit ignorant. But otherwise, what about an Imam, is he a religious leader equal to a Christian priest? And what about the Caliphs, aren't they equal to the Cardinals of Christian tradition? But thanks for the Qu'ran link, I'll look up on it. Btw, one of the religions you left out was Judaism, which, if you look at it, has the same principles as Islam. Muhammed=Moses, Allah=God, same prophets and whatnot, generally the same worshipping practice with different beliefs.

Oh I forgot to mention. Okay, so you've persuaded your dedication to God, but now why is Allah so great?

In Islam, we worship one God, no associate. Unlike every other religions in this world, they worship God as an associate

Christianism - > Jesus, holy spirit, pope,

Hindism -> Cows, rats..

and the list goes on.

In islam, we worship God without any other associate.


http://www.harunyahya.com/Quran_translation/Quran_translation_index.php


1. Catholics don't worship the pope. It is God, Jesus, Holy Spirit. Protestants don't care about the pope, so putting Christians into one collective group is wrong.

2. Hindus don't worhsip cows. They worship Shiva, or someother God like that.

And in your comment about Islam being You -> God, what about Caliphs? They are descendants of Muhammad, and spritual leaders of Islam.

In conclusion, STFU

^QFT

muslims are the bastard children of abraham, the ones G-d cast aside. im kidding

to the op, don't worry about "joining" a religion, do some research and find some ideas you like and go with it. there's no need to choose just one.

Why do you need to worship something, OP? Do you have self-esteem issues or something? Don't unnecessarily complicate your life with superfluous supernatural entities.

I've 'wanted to belive' before...I think mainly so I could join a church and gain access to hot christian girls. I have a thing for hot christian girls.

I thought you were a girl?

Read Be Here Now http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be_Here_Now_%28book%29

I thought you were a girl?

Nope. Not sure where you got that idea.

2. Hindus don't worhsip cows. They worship Shiva, or someother God like that.


To clairfy, they worship many gods, but these gods are just different aspects and incarnations of the single god.

Why do you need to worship something, OP? Do you have self-esteem issues or something? Don't unnecessarily complicate your life with superfluous supernatural entities.

Why on earth would you have to have some kind of self-esteem issue to desire to worship something? I can see where you're coming from, but at the same time: No.

And don't these superfluous entities make life simpler in the long run?

Why do you need to worship something, OP? Do you have self-esteem issues or something?

Here's a thought, but I guess it depends on your definition of "worship".

Many people appreciate that they are not perfect. It's safe to say that each persons God represents their ideas of perfection, so to worship God is to worship and focus you attention on your idea of perfection, which in turn directs you life towards it. Towards a perfect state of being. So in this respect "worship" is a method of self development.

If you don't see God as perfect then the chances are you are subject to someone else's God, or someone else's ideas of perfection.

"Why on earth would you have to have some kind of self-esteem issue to desire to worship something?"

Whenever I talk to somebody that "wants to believe" they usually feel that they are crap, or something. Sorry, just going from personal experience with other people caused me to ask.

"And don't these superfluous entities make life simpler in the long run?"

No, since it doesn't really provide answers to anything. It's just picking a story and going "WELP THAT'S TRUE" and washing your hands of it.

"Here's a thought, but I guess it depends on your definition of "worship".

Many people appreciate that they are not perfect. It's safe to say that each persons God represents their ideas of perfection, so to worship God is to worship and focus you attention on your idea of perfection, which in turn directs you life towards it. Towards a perfect state of being. So in this respect "worship" is a method of self development.

If you don't see God as perfect then the chances are you are subject to someone else's God, or someone else's ideas of perfection."

*Or*

Cut out the bullshit middleman and focus on improving yourself and the quality of your life. Why do you need a fictional security blanket for that?

There is no one true religion--all have merit, although the Abrahamic religions are essentaialy based on fear and denial.

Forget "belief"-that is an artifact of the Piscean Age. Go for knowledge.

although the Abrahamic religions are essentaialy based on fear and denial.


I don't think that's entirely true.

Cut out the bullshit middleman and focus on improving yourself and the quality of your life. Why do you need a fictional security blanket for that?

The same reason a martial artist may worship Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee represents many martial artists ideal state and their focus on him gives them good direction.
And whether or not God is fictional is irrelevant. It's what God represents to each person that means something.

"The same reason a martial artist may worship Bruce Lee. Bruce Lee represents many martial artists ideal state and their focus on him gives them good direction.
And whether or not God is fictional is irrelevant. It's what God represents to each person that means something."

It's hardly irrelevant, if people go around making shit up and claiming it's true (as they do) then all kinds of problems arise, and that little security blanket is not worth the effort of dealing with the fallout for everyone else.

Well that doesn't really help me. If I believe I get sucked into the endless circle of confusion generated by a religion, never knowing what is real or not, just trusting that what others say is always true.

If you've recognized an internal void due to faithlessness, there are avenues to take without having to place any faith on unknowing people. I'd suggest philosophy rather than what most consider to be 'religion'. These days, religion is synonymous with a system of churches and church-leaders. If you actually *want* to believe...you don't have to believe a damned word that some group of fucking nut-jobs give to you. They 'know' all this shit about some beyond the grave, but they haven't died and come back to life...fuck them and their bullshit. Faith in a deity is something much more than the Santa Claus system that organized religions go into...He knows if you've been naughty, etc. etc.

There is no one true religion--all have merit, although the Abrahamic religions are essentaialy based on fear and denial.

Forget "belief"-that is an artifact of the Piscean Age. Go for knowledge.

Are you Hindu? Hindu-ish?

Nope. Not sure where you got that idea.

Neither to be honest. haha. Oh it must be because Kate is from welly also

It's hardly irrelevant, if people go around making shit up and claiming it's true (as they do) then all kinds of problems arise, and that little security blanket is not worth the effort of dealing with the fallout for everyone else.

It's irrelevant to the context of your question and my suggestion to it. Which is "Why do you need to worship something, OP? Do you have self-esteem issues or something?".
What you just mentioned is a different discussion.

If you want to fuck hot chicks, choose Christianity.

If you want to follow the coolest religion ever made, serve the gods of Olympus.

None of the other religions have really been marketed well enough to beat those two.

You don't really serve Olympians. You just make sacrifices at their temples every once in a while and make sure that you don't piss them off so that they don't smite you with thunderbolts/magic arrows/Harpies/whatever.

Email me at irlauo@hotmail.com,
I have something for you to read.
My religion makes sense, and doesn't have any barriers to science or any philosophy, and explains why things are the way they are.
So anyone feel free to email me and ask me to send you my beliefs that I have typed up in a word document. ^.^

Um, why don't you just post it on the message board?