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Curious, how many people one are are religious (some form of being Christian I'll say) and feel like they don't belong and/are lured to the other things...vampires, ghost, the darkness. Maybe not so much the devil, but something in between...For I have this feeling, have for awhile. What do you do? What have people done in the past (on here)?

Are you questioning your faith, or are you questioning the amount of room in your religion for occult ingredients?

I find it more suiting not to clump myself with a group of indivduals, but rather do things freely the way I want. I believe in my own ideals and have spirituality in my own right. I just find it better to venture into different things on my own, instead of with other people. How can you discover things for yourself if you already have someone/something telling you how this and that are supposed to go or be? I like my way of doing things, I get the most out of it like that.

I like this question, if I am understanding it correctly.

I am more than just a Christian I am an ordained minister and I am obviously drawn to a "darker" part of life.

Religion governs actions within a particular context, faith governs your actions within the context of your own perception.

The role of Christianity (since you brought it up) is not to flee from the unknown but to draw closer to God and help your fellow man. God being the creator of all things both light and dark, good and evil. We being created in his image and having the mandate to try and be like him. I would say that it is wise to learn what is not understood and to try and understand that which may be "unorthodox" or even evil.

How are we to know what is light if we dont know what darkness is?

Both paths to enlightenment are paths to enlightenment, what makes it right or wrong is not religion but faith. Faith that we answer a higher calling, faith that we engage in a path which is our own and not part of some conformity even.

It is that which we have faith in, be it light or dark, that shall bring us to a universal truth.

Does this make sense?

Thanks for the input right at the start my friend. These threads can quickly spiral out of control and good meaningful conversations get ruined.

I will attempt to explain the way I see things in this regard. I am a Christian. I am an elder in a main stream denomination. I don't really think that the exploration of the "dark" is an anti Christian experience.

The main thing i am concerned with is, what does my 'heart' feel? If I am doing, learning, exploring something to gain power over another, advance myself at another's expense etc, then what I am doing is likley against the tenants of my faith and I need to look within myself and consider my motivations and the potential ramifications of my actions. If I am simply seeking understanding or knowledge of the world in general and more arcane aspects of i, I believe that God created ALL of existance, and intends for us to explore it, as long as we do it in good faith.

There are some aspects of witchcraft that I think are "on the fence". I was taught that God forbade his followers to use magic. That magic was reserved for use by God and Gods servants (i.e. Angels). The reason behind this is that God wishes "His" (her...whatever gender you prefer) will to prevail in our lives. By using magic to gain what we want, may circumvent God's intentions and invite his wrath. I am not 100% certain of how I stand on this. I have not rsearched it enough. There is the potential that these prohibitions are from "The Law", before Christ and were supplanted by the "New Covenant".

I hope this thread can continue and more people share their thoughts and feelings without 'crossing the line' towards insults and demeaning posts.

i agree with PiNkLuSt. it makes things so much easier to just do things your way, or what you feel is right.

Yes Xzavier, you are following my idea, I just realized all the typos, sorry everyone! :)

Good question, but when you limit the question to Christians only, Muslims like myself can't participate. Please keep in mind that not everyone is Christian, not saying that was the intent. Again, I really think this is a good question.

I put Christians mainly for my own curiosity, but of course, I am more than happy to have any religions voice up :)

We're not religious. I'm Pagan and a Shaman.

i also like this subject, but i kind of, don't like talk about it in here...
almost everyone talks about being open-mind, but when it comes something that goes against their beliefs, is better run cause hell is going to release is demons...
i am a christian, and by that i mean that i follow Jesus teachings (at least i try)
but i do not like religions, at all... almost every religion serves other purposes than the ones that they were designated to do...
so, i do not follow any religion.
in part i believe what KCRC said, about the reasons that leads you to like the 'dark side'
if you want to extract knowledge from there, alright, but if you can't control yourself, it's better to leave the darkness alone...
it is easier to believe in man than in God, but i prefer to believe in God, because all man's proved to be failed...

I was baptized catholic as a child, but I do not claim any religion.

While I enjoy learning about the various and different religions out there, I find all of them to have their flaws.

I have my own beliefs in life, but they are based mostly on logic and common sense. However, I've seen a lot of unexplainable things in my short lifetime, things that throw the term "logic" right out the window.

I believe that most questions about any religion, or life, that can't be answered during our lifetime, will be answered in death.

i find that some tend to make the mistake of thinking a subculture community is a religion,particularly the young and unwise.

i think one can fit into their own religion most of the time with the set religious beliefs and still have an interest in paranormal and other topics from which subcultures tend to talk about more freely than others,although this does sound like a poll i thought i would share a few words of my own on the topic.

I'll have to agree with Xzavier on this. You can't make an antidote if you don't know what the poison is made of.

nice topic..

I'm Christian, and I believe that Jesus died to forgive my sins. all that.

It still doesn't keep me from adoring vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural.
I don't really agree with all that God commands, but I'm still a Christian. *shrug*

Oh lets see where I am from noone understands me or my way,I accept it and just continue to do what I do,I have had people literally accuse me of casting spells to make their cars break,to steal men and mind you I am lesbian so that is absolutely absurd,and for making people ill,it really goes to show you the fear and stupidity of some people who just can't open their minds to anything other than their nose.

My family is church of christ all the way, but I have never agreed with some of the things, I have always been one to ask questions lol , which kinda hurts that faith thing :)

If that response seemed harsh it wasn't meant to be,I just wanted to state what some people can be,I have had so much hate for being what I am,and from people you should be able to trust like Pastors and the such you really wouldn't believe how some can turn on you when they find out just what you are and they have a right to call me Evil Filth,so exactly what does that make them?

I do not feel any affiliation towards any religion. I do not believe in God or the Devil, I believe those come from within oneself. If someone does good deeds, they are called 'godly' yet if someone commits a crime, it is said they have the 'devil in them'.

Religion was created to explain the unexplainable. Something happened, it was good, therefore it is from god. I believe religion, also, comes from within oneself. It's all a matter of what every individual feels most comfortable with. One person may like going to church, while another may prefer to worship at home with a TV evangelist. They believe in the same god yet practice differently.

Wolfsbohne initial question re. occult vs religion sent me on a quest for a definition of the occult, since I don't differentiate between the two (much).

Here's the def. from about.com: Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.

Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable.
Available only to the initiate; secret: occult lore. See synonyms at mysterious.
Hidden from view; concealed.

Not much different from Catholicism, at least the brand I was exposed to.

Religious dogma is abhorrent, but community is fab.

I'm a atheist, but enjoyed the Unitarian Church which I attended mainly for my son's sake.

My main spiritual vibe now is the communal Om in yoga.

I hate to miss it.

I am unsure of the beliefs of others; I however was born into the Serbian Orthodoxii. I still enjoy a good mass, and go to the monastary from time to time, for I am a patron.

An irony of fate I would say...

Thank you, BloodMother. It's from the Latin word which means hidden or secret, and has a base word meaning eyes (occular) So I don't think it can be regarded as a religion on its own. Anything that is hidden from the masses may be considered occult.

I will respond the best way I know how and say that many of regardless of religion, have felt that we didn't quite fit in. Not that there is anything wrong with us or them just we aren't like them, whoever they are. The lure of darkness is an individual thing that each and ever human deals with in one fashion or another just some of us are more in the open about it. I say get it out in the open and deal with it because hiding it indicate shame and shame breeds self contempt. did that make sense?

one more thing, remember Christ was a non conformist

quick question you want to know about hwo we feel in our religion if we are religious right? but you speciafy only for the christian religion, tis kind of a bit offensive for those who are not christian, and here please I mean no disrespect to those who are and no offence, I am simply asking if you will accept the opinion fo thers religious paths?

I was raised a Southern Baptist preachers daughter. I have found that I never have had to worry about picking and choosing what to believe, I have found that there is no choice to be made. Following my heart has always lead me right.

I have never been drawn to religion as in becoming Christian, Muslim and so on...
I just follow a path that I believe is correct and live by a moral code that I believe suits the way I see things...

I don't believe that one set of rules for all is something I could live by, as I am vastly different from the brothers and sisters that stand next to me

CryingMist:

The original poster has already stated up there somewhere that she onlu used Christianity as an example as that was her personal background. She was more than willing to hear veiwpoints from other paths.

for me... my beliefs are a combination of many rituals and stories... i am not pushed into just one group, and as i grow and learn, my beliefs grow with me...

i believe that everyone has a 'dark energy' in their person, and if you ignore it it will only increase and get stronger, thats why i learn as much as possible about everything, not closing my mind to any detail... so i find exploration into the dark a very meaningful and nessessary practice... i don't know if i've actually stayed on topic, if not i apologize...

KCRC, okai docki, sorry for my missunderstanding.

I think it was mention abotu following what we see as morally good, adn I beleive in that, in a good morality, in a way of life that is for well behing and good of everyone. A path that enlight the spirit and that warms the heart and radiates a feeling of goodness.

Over the years i have seen religion change from being spiritual to just another form of business. I know a church has to send out pledge forms so they can anticipate what moneys they will receive so the budgets can be figured out. What I dont agree with is that when they send out a pledge card they also ask what your yearly salary is and want to make sure you are giving 10% of your salary. This just makes it all about the money and not what religion is all about.

I agree with yo so.

We do "pledges" at our church, but the odd thing is no ne ever looks at them. They are turned in in a sealed envelope and hey sit in a basket on the chancel all year, unopened. Our belief is that what one gives to the church is between them and God.

Each denomination is vastly different and even congregations within a denomination differ. The one thing I believe is that if a church is judgemental and focusing on what you shouldn't do vs. what you should do, I am suspisious of their motivation.

Many times it depends on your personal beliefs as they relate to your chosen religion, and the level of acceptance of those the you may worship with.

I have a friend who is a major, devout, non-denominational Christian.

He is ironic, in that he enjoys fantasy games, and fantasy role-playing as well as games that involve magic, demons, and devils.

He is comfortable with his beliefs, and he sees the entertainment for what it is, entertainment. He does not let his enjoyment of his entertainment interfer with his beliefs as well.

Now, if his fellow church members and the church had a "policy" of denouncing all things magical and demonic, he would likely have a fight on his hands. He would likely go to a church that would accept him and belive that he can separate his faith and beliefs from his entertainment.

Wonderful topic. Really lets us examine human's attachment to religion and items of the occult.

maybe ppl should dabble in all religions to get a perspective of each one

All of you, thank you. Yes, I could have stated my question better (and included more than JUST Christianity), but I can restate that ....

is it wrong of me to be attracted to Vampires? And dare I say, a wish and desire to be one? Being a loyal Catholic (that I am), part of me for some reason believes I am betraying the church and God himself....I don't wish to go to Hell (no joke!).

The idea of hell simply stems from the fear of dying. Unfortunalty most American religions take this tactic to paranoia. I am a universalist, I study all religions, as well as being a polytheist. This is a right I have taken upon myself, since arguement seems to come from chosen religions.

Contraversy always comes with religion no matter what. I still do not see what being a "vampire" has to do with religion. It is neither light nor dark. Cross's are simple tools of faith. Some even claim them to be idols. If this is the case than most of America are idol worshipers?

My point being, debates such as this could and have lasted for hours on end. There is no set end for conversation like this. Just tred lightly, the wrong choice of words may result in discipline.

Trinity, I don't believe for a second that you are doing anything wrong by being attracted to Vampires. Though you may live by the set rules of your said religion, that should not mean that it should rule what you feel drawn to, no matter what you follow, it is your right to have wantsn needs and to be curious about things of this world.

The most wonderful thing about humans, Trinity, is that we are able to rationalize anything. It may be assumed that our most important trait for survival and continuance as a species is rationalization - maybe even more so than reproduction. If you can rationalize it, i.e. make room for these things in your religion, than go for it.

what ever u decide to be or do good or bad make sure it is what u want not what others want life is about what u feel is right

I would not say that I am religious. I am definitely a spiritual person though. I do have deep seated beliefs. I think that it is my open-mindedness that attracts me to everything. I never rule out anything therefore it is fun for me to learn about everything. I have just found a very distinct beauty in Goth and vampires. I would just assume spend time with things that I find interesting and beautiful. I don’t think I am drawn towards anything because of my faith.

I was born a raised a Chatholic. As I aged , I began to questian a lot about my religion , and many other religions also. Still , the foundation of my faith is still there. I feel in no way , drawn away from it, pursuing the darker side of things and learning what I can it.

Well I was born Catholic, made my first comminion, and once I was able to make my own choices, I decied to follow a path that had always called to me and I know follow the way of the Witches. I have just recenly started studying into druidism =P

I was raised to believe in God and like to believe and do believe there is something out there that is controlling everything. I call it God. What does he or she call themselves? I have no idea. They could go by Bernie or Samantha for all I know.

I do believe or like to believe in Jesus. It is nice to know someone gave up his life so others could find their way to God. By no means, do I believe that is the only way. I am sure there will be members of every belief in Heaven. Jesus may not be the only answer or the one for everyone. Nor do I believe that I am required to be Jesus to enter the kingdom of Heaven. I cannot be someone I am not.

And for those who do not believe there is a God- They may be right. I am sure there may be a few of them hanging around Heaven. Would sure piss off the religious bigots, Wouldn't it?

lolitamarie - interesting thought. It would be funny to see an atheist in heaven. I had an uncle who believed in God "just in case". He could probably have been deemed an atheist.

God named Bernie? Most fathers try to name their kids after themselves. Maybe God's name actually starts with an H. I always wondered why my parents used to give Jesus the middle initial H.

Whatever the case, it seems the majority here have a Christian base but found other rational reasons to alter their faith, myself included.

I was born into the Southern Baptist denomination of the Christain religion.

I was taught that it was a sin to dance, drink, smoke and pretty much do anything fun. I realize that others brought up this way were not taught the same things. However my grandparents raised me and my grandfather was a Preacher/Minister/Pastor...

I stuck to this for some time and as a teenager explored other realms of religion. I dabbled in Wicca and paganism. and I even learned about Buddism.

At 20 I went back to the church because I felt the need to return. Hoewever I came to realize over the past 9 years that "church" to ME was a waste of time. It was more politics than anything. If you were divorced (which I have been) you were treated differently. If you had a questionable past (which I do) you were looked down upon.

So being fed up with the whole ordeal I left the church. I still believe there is a God however I also feel that I have to do what is right for me.

I don't believe you will be going to Hell Trinity. Not for coming to VR anyhow. I beleive that as a Christian your personal belief and relationship with God is between you and God. If you are comfortable being here and feel not guilt then don't sweat the small stuff.

I myself am a Baptist. However, I understand your feeling. I have feelings of being lured to, not the devil or anything like that, just the fantasy of paranormal experiences. Trust me it's not easy being an indiviual in southwest Ark where any darkness is percieved as Devil worship. But I have an open mind to all things. Even though I might not partake in them. I don't know what my specific religion says about this, but as long as I'm true to God and ask Him for guidence, I feel I'm not doing anything wrong by being interested in other things that aren't so biblical.

I constantly have theories of a parallel nature to the great sneeze belief in hitch-hiker's guide to the galaxy.

i believe that asking questions is more important than knowing all the answers.
~what if theres no soul, that the brain is powerful enough to give such an illusion?
~if you were born a mouse or amoeba would you still have a soul?
~is everything we will ever know just some particle of dust on somebody's sweater? if so is that sweater god? don't answer that. lol.

i was raised baptist , i was baptised(sp) when i was 13. when i got older i didnt feel like that religion was for me anymore i have been studing and practicing wicca for about 10 yrs now. i am now feeling that wicca isnt for me either. i am not sure what religion if any is right for me. but i do believe that liking/loving vampires and or magic isnt going to make anyone go to "hell". i was raised to believe that having tats will make u go to hell, that being gay will make u go to hell all that sorta stuff. but the way i see it there is a reason so many people have tats and are gay. i dont believe there is anything wrong with either. i dont think it is wrong to practice magic and be in a religion at same time. i know i have rambled but i hope it helps some.

I think all humans are drawn to at least learn about other beliefs if not eventually practice those beliefs.

For many people to be drawn to the darker side of things is nothing new. If you look at most religions they all have ties to each other. Take Wicca/Pagan/Norse they all have more than one god or goddess involved. As with Catholics they have the various saints that follow the same pattern as the others.

Another example would be the true story of Yule versus the story of Christmas. They are closely realated and both names mean birth of a new sun/son.

Having said that, the draw to the darker side is a natural thing because most religions are based on other ones. Plus not all ideas are original. They all had to come from somewhere and that would cause the dark side to show through as an inspiration for ideas in religions.

I'm Christian and the "darker" things in life (i.e. vampires, ghosts, magic, etc.) have a great pull and are if high interest to me.

Sonneillon has taken the words right out of my mouth, i was baptized catholic as well and i do not call out on it or any religion at thsi time how ever i am drawn to the dark side , i can only wait till my lead comes and follow what i feel, i can take my time have no need to be forced or rushed, take time for you and exspiriment read around and wait till the feel

I use soap to wash my hands. I use christ to cleans my sins. Use the highest power to move heaven and earth and keep the stars doing what they are supose to do. i use My higher power to keep me free of anxiety so the universe can help me. i look to all teacher for guidance. i believe love is the greatest power on earth.

Religion helped shape my spirituality. I am glad I had it when I needed it.

Iwas born and raised in the catholicchurch but never felt right being there. i tried to ignorethis feeling but it never went away. it wasnt until i started studying the polytheistic religions that i found out why... i had a bit of an epipheny and i started practicing wicca then i moved more to the base religions thatmoder wicca has its roots in. thats when i started to have a sense of belonging and everything just felt right that was about 17 yeaars ago. (had to hide it from my mom and step-dad, they are strick christians, i just resently told mom about what my beliefs are and how long i've been practicing)

so i think its something that each person has to deal within there own way and really search there souls for what feels right for them not others.

My upbringing was odd in this area my mothers family did the normal middle class Christian outlook thing. My fathers people are Navajo so I was raised with both religions at once. To put it mildly it was confusing. Add my seeing.. sensing spirits.. being a vampire to the mix and I was very lost for awhile.

I finally found the path that brings me happiness and makes me feel complete. I do not say my path is one others should walk it is mine. I am not Christian but Pagan.

Now for me a central belief in my life is actions matter not words or reasons. An act of evil in the name of good ... is an act of evil... an act of good in the name evil ... is an act of good. People need to find the system that makes them feel happy and complete.

I'm Catholic, but I've only been that way since I was 20. I guess you could say it was the opposite for me. I came from a dark place, attracted by something shiny. I guess you could say I'm the raccoon of spirituality. Hah!

I was raised to be Christian most my life...it was hard finding ground within family especially with my desire for the dark...I was told it should be forbidden and that I was evil...I found ground on my own, religion in my opinion is a cult in any form, if you look at the definition of cult it explains it in more detail...and like said before evil and good are within oneself...I, today, am a firm believer of the God described in the Holy bible but I will not classify myself into any group of religious believers...if you'd like to discuss this further please feel free to message me...it seems as if you are in a place where I once was;)

I am having a bit of a confusion going through my head, as most are saying they are born into their religion. If I am not mistaken, you are not born into anything, you may be forced into it out of family ties to said religions, but surely not "born" into them.

Baptisms as infants forces one into religion, I can see why most are more interested in the darker sides of life, from "arcane" knowledge, to the occult, to vampires, to the paranormal.

Subconciously you have grown tired of the humdrum of the religious aspect that has been thrust upon you at too young of age. You should learn it, grow into it, not have it thrust into your life.

I was personally forced into religion at the age of 5 by the family I was living with. As I was fostered, I had no choice but to go to their church every what ever day it was. I started into the "other" side of life when I was going on 8 years of age, as religion just did not interest me.

I do believe in the proper higher power, but I most surely do not call it "god". This always has been a religion term, not for me. Instead I call it the Universe. As it should be, in my opinion...Duelly named.

It would seem, Soulshroude, that we are more like minded than I at first thought.

Soulshroude, if you can keep the way you feel like that for the rest of your life, then your just like me on the case of religion. I believe their is a higher power, call it what you like. If you try to bring it into this world and it works well......have fun with it and don't force it on others...Plz

I was raised in the Christian faith, then moved into Wicca about 10 years ago, now, I am trying to find a way to blend the two. That is the way for ME.
I was drawn to the different, the dark, the magical, since a child. For ME, I think the religious aspect kept me from taking things too far. It tempered the darkness within. Making me look for positive ways to release it.

i was raised catholic. i consider myself catholic but i have a lot of interest in buddhism. and ive been working through reading about and learning everything i can about it.

but in my opinion religion does not affect the ability to see hear belive in ghosts and otherkin. i dont think they are related in any way.

I'm catholic, but i've never felt that that religion is right for me. I've always been interested in the "darker" side of life.

I have been really lucky. I am a buddhist and the rules are fairly free and easy. As long as I don't cause harm/distress I can pretty much do as I please.

I know a few jews personally for whom it is much harder to practice vampirism alongside their religion. I think it has to be really hard for people who eat kosher/halal as part of their belief system.

Being brought up in a Church of England family, I reacted against an overbearing preaching style, but later found myself exploring Eastern philosophies of Taosim and a little Bhuddism, before taking on Chaos magick ideas.

This has left me now in something of a Universalist Unitarian mindset, where I'm open to knew ideas and will incorporate that which I see value in to further my own spiritual path.

So the dark ideas of vampirism are able to be integrated with relative ease, alongside the moral principles of Christianity. Many of the ethical frameworks of the occult community do also paralell those of institutionalised religions.

I have practiced the old pagan ways for a long time. My blood family tried to raise me to be christian. They have also turned their backs to the power in my family blood line. Oh well, their loss. lol

we all have different gods/goddess`s
and different beliefs, why was there even a first god to saposeably be for everyone to warship, is this just to find what we believe in and warship that what is the purpose for this anyways, if a god/goddess wasnt known then wouldnt we just believe in our selves.

i hope this makes sence i have no other way to put it so if confused please just ask

I was brought up a Roman Catholic. But was lucky in that I had a mother that was a little more farther thinking than most Christians. She taught me that I can make a choice.

I struggle for a time with Christianity because of the bible stories, I couldn't see how the stories were real. I constantly questioned things, and in the end through a study on mythology & other religions I found my spiritual path.

i was brought up catholic it was mainly a hispanic congergation the spiritual like in card reading and prophetising was part of the life style i had a priest that at the homly expressed that some gifts are from God and we are to use them as such i am drawn to the natural apprieciation of the wiccan religion i stll believe in God i know that i will do my best to be a good person and to have good morals we are human the best gift is free will sometimes we fall but when one ask one is forgiven or so i believe this is only an opinion take it as u will

You know one thing I have noticed about some vampires in literature is their feeling betrayed by God or disconnected from him. I think religion in some aspects is man's way to feel connected to something greater than himself.

Wow, thank you all. You guys went above and beyond for responses :) I am NOT afraid of dying more of afraid of clashing my faith with things that intrigue me (ie: vampires). I do believe the Pope and church goes too far when restricting films and songs, I remember my mom telling me not to play the Ouji board for it is a passage way for Satan, so I never did...I just fear ending up in Hades. I know death is a part of life, it's after death (and my actions now) that I ponder.

bloodangel i feel a bit the same i founf out thatthe old religion runs deep in my family too. perhaps that is why i felt such a strong pull to it, and felt out of place in the christian faith.

Lolitamarie...I couldn't agree with you more...Well said as I was raised to have those very thoughts about Man's search for God.

I was brainwahed as a **************, but i belive what I feel not what others tell me. I have always been drawn to the occult and the like.

do men take religion different from women ?

I think religion is something ill never find because i have to have facts and proof before i can believe in something. and those who have blind faith and believe just because someone told them there was a god are fools to follow something with no factual basis, thats my opinion.

i totally agree, those may be following false hope, but who knows thats why i havent found my belief yet god/goddess

My faith is built on trust, my religion tells us we are born into it.
Interesting the use of the words 'love' and spirituality in the way they are mentioned, I stand in religious awe at some of these posts.
Maybe if we build on both the Western esoteric tradition and theosophy we may begin to see a glimmer of the enormity of 'what its all about'!

I, like many here, have studied many different forms of religion.. most of which was done during intense soul searching. And like many here I have compiled what I believe myself and stick to those. However I am not closed minded to hear other views as you never know what you might learn or find you believe in. If I were to be catagorized (which I detest) I would say I am equally Baptist and Pegan. It was a joy taking the time to read all the other views.. and thank you for this post.

As Luciferian, I believe your primary focus should be the knowledge you gain from experience and how it becomes wisdom for your future... not whether you are good or evil...

there was a time when i followed such christian beliefs,that was before i opened my eyes to the world and all that is out to be discovered,yes there even was a time when i had a role in the church and did baptizims and sermons but that is another story,now although i am open minded mostly to the world in universal religion rather than personal religion i am more connected to the fellowship of isis which is a reputable religious organization that have sects around the world.
i do not think there is anything wrong with liking or being part of the subcultures and belonging to a secular religion surely it can't mean you will go to hell for that.

grendel,

I think that in order to help explain their surroundings, a person's religion must change as our understanding of the world changes. The tenets of the majority of these religions were established centuries and sometimes several millenia ago.

The more later versions of Wicca and Christianity have been adapted based on different group mentalities. For instance, Martin Luther "father of Protestantism", revised his Catholic beliefs and from their we have Lutherans and Calvinists. In the Late 1800's a large group of Christians from several denominations, gathered in an Upstate New York town to witness the end of the world. Obviously it didn't happen. During this meeting of the minds however, a small group of people revised their Christian beliefs and walked away as Seventh Day Adventists.

Religions change through adaptation and adoption, but the primary foundation of these new religions is what determines a person's religious name.

Religion is purely to be honest a matter of opinion.

look at some of the core religions(not intended to offend anyone so please dont be)

Christianity, Hindu , even catholics

what are their core beliefs.
listen to our laws and how our religion says we should live,then when we die we go to heaven of their version.
Dont then we follow going to their hell.

so then look at the basics of each be obedient to your wife or husband dont lie steal cheat covet.

so over all religion itself there are some with very unique rules and outcomes but far in wide
old school druidism was one of them

There are a couple reasons that I am no longer a Christian like I was growing up. Mainly it was the hypocracy that pushed me away but in other ways there was always the fact that they refuse to accept that there could be other things in this world. I for one believe in ghosts and the supernatural. And that always put a barrier up between me and the rest of the congregation.

for some reason my post was deleted..

i was raised to believe in the babtist way.. but now i no that it was forced on me .. now im grown up and so i see the difference from tons of religions

I don't think it was meant detrimentally, I think he needed to open his eyes and still does...

BLOODLIFE.. what do you maen by eyes opened ..who are you talking about ..(his) ?

.......not you my friend.
I just think religion needs to stay private as it is very personal.

ok cool .. in some sort you are right but in another way some our not ashamed to talk about there religion.. im not .. i dont no what i believe any more thou do to the fact to many religions with different views..

I'm not sure if I understand the question completely but let me say this.

I was raised in a basically Christian family. I've always believed in the supernatural, most Christians and people of similar faith actually do...
Nobody can totally ignore the existence of the supernatural, the unseen. Christians believe in demons. Some people believe in ghosts. etc.

Same things, with a different name.

Kryptick i was raised to believe certain things to butsence ive grown up and all i have turned to be a septic of religion now.. im sapose to believe thats what i was taught but now im wondering if its all true no but here i go again .. ok i will stop..

i agree with the previously stated, and i have started other posts on the very issue of the fact that all religions, have somewhat identical ideas and principles and yet have the same bias' and discredit toward other religions that somewhat believe the same thing but call it something different. If you look into any religion or i should say belief structure that they all have similaritieds with the ancient religions may it be wiccan or even figments of the ancient norse structure, there is no true difference, just the specifics and in turn.... as stated before and in other posts.... each person has a dark side and a light side the way to be total while following a structure is to embrace both aspects learning from both.

because without one the other can't exist, so we must find a way to allow them to co-exist, without pushing one away. Thats why every person has a draw to the darkside of life, or to better put it the darker side.

Just because you profess the faith in one religion does not stop you from being able to appreciate other religions or even the "darker" side of things. I am a Christian and I still enjoy Rock & Roll "THE DEVIL'S MUSIC" LMAO

I'd opened this thread expecting to find a debate on religion, because that's usually what it turns into. People tend to have the mentality that "my religion is better than yours" and like to treat religions other than their own as inferior. After reading all of the responses here, I was pleasantly surprised. I think it's wonderful that everyone can contribute their feelings on their religion without trying to sway others. I was also blown away by the passion that some people, such as imagesinwords (just one example), feel for their religion. I think it's wonderful that so many of you have such faith. I've never been a religious person, but I enjoy learning about all different religions from other people. When you can sit and talk with someone about their faith, with both people having an open mind, it can be a great learning experience. Thank you all for your input. I've enjoyed reading this thread immensely.

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