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I am personally non biased when it comes to religion but the people around me often try to force their personal religion down not only my throat but anyone who believes differently. I wish that people could just stop looking at what religion you are or what cloths you are wearing and see the person underneath.

I do agree with your thoughts on this but unfortunately the way society is they want everyone to be conformists to their views. We are inviduals of free will and can make up our own minds and form our own opinions on what we believe or how we wish to live.

Yeah, some religions make more out of their subscribers than viseversa, That notion reminds me of an observation i witnessed: I was in the grocery store and i saw all this sections of candles, candles of numerous "saints" i could swear it was around 20 and like 4 of jesus and like 10 virgins and all the candles were like 3.49$, and the color alone was 1.99$ with no picture, and I could see people discussing that they didn't have the red color of one of their saints, I couldn't believe how much money they make with candles alone; the person took around 9 of them . I never knew a ritual was so precise as to have a picture/drawing of the saint in the candle to work?, i mean the candle is red what's the fuzz with the casing?

I am a christian and I try to be tolerant and respectful of other peoples religions. People have a right to choose what they want to believe, and if I was to force my beliefs down your throat, then it sort of loses all of it's meaning in my opinion. I hate it when beliefs are forced on someone, like "I'm better than you because I believe this and you should believe the same thing I do or you're sub-human" .... I'm sorry but that isn't how it should work. I may not totally agree with what someone believes, but they have the right to believe what they want to.

i think what's going on is that you're seeing a section of this religion where a big part of it is to convert new members to the "faith". there is a lot of groups and subsets of the big religions that do this. some actually require their faithful to bring a set number of new people to church every year. but it's the member's choice to follow that branch of what they believe.


personally, i don't like seeing or having it happen to me at all.... i get it a lot from some family members, that's, sadly, how i know that some churches do things like that.

Bill Maher:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmUvhKr9SPk

I agree but the way society is now, ppl see what they want to see and not who You are based on clothes You wear, music You listen too..Most doesnt care and judge the book by it's cover...I am proof of narrow minded ppl and it sucks..But I am me and I am happy with who I am...

If people dont like the trligion u practice or the clothes u wear then they atr not your friends

People are going to believe anything that makes them feel better or maybe even safer. Most christians live there life believing that if there good they'll go to heaven one day, which sounds so much better than hell, but me personally, I think we're in heaven now, we just keep screwing it up and making it into the hell everyone believes is off in space somewhere.

Religion should be an optional personal quest and nothing more.

The Christians who burned people as witches and tortured heretics are no better than the Romans who fed the Christians to the lions at the Coliseum.

Any Christian who forces their beliefs upon others should take a page from Jesus Christ himself- learn to love thy neighbour and all that jazz.

In order to stop an evil, one must never become it.

I will give an example from my personal life: For years I looked upon the people I interacted with on a day-to-day basis as if I was attending high school with them; Some were "jocks", some were "goths" etc. What I did not mention yet was that I was pushed around a lot in high school by many of the "popular" crowd. Hating people irrationally for years only resulted in me becoming those same people whom persecuted me.

And society wonders why the "hermit kind" refuse to make their presence know...

Yes maybe because nobody accept arrogance from sensationalist/roleplayers of X "community"? it doesn't take philosophical standing to denote that judgement, neither does leverage in "knowledge". As I see in your journal, I observed and concluded that your "hermit kind" is any different from any other proclaiming few in regards of those convictions: robes, fangs and BS, all in all.

Im not antireligion. Im all for people finding their spiritual happiness but when you come waving your bible at me and say that Im going to hell because I don't believe in your god is so not cool. I had an incident that happened to me last year. This lady at the stables where I worked started talking to me about Christianity when she asked me what my religion was, I told her I was Buddhist, well suffice to say I was shocked when she said she was sorry. Like I should feel sorry that I am a Buddhist. Yes my religion is a pagan one, as its not one of the three main religions, ie christianity, catholicism, or Muslim.

What it all boils down to is this;
people have a right to believe or not to believe in a god in any way, shape, or form. Anyone who's trying to pretty much shove their religion down you throat should go and shove their head up their backside.

Once and for all ~Illuminaria~ leave me out of your opinions in other individual(s) threads. If you have a problem with me... TAKE IT UP IN MESSAGE!

Futhermore, you know nothing of me or the "hermit kind." The things I say within my journal have absolutely NOTHING to do with the "hermit kind." So in the future... Think before you post.

Your lack of knowledge for the next individual would be a very very good reason why threads such as this would come into form in the first place.

NOW BACK OFF!

Hehe Im just posting as extent of your previous post, and thus your interview seems to shed light to it; so in a way shares your point, why so a hasty, didn't meant to strike a nerve. I wont refract comments as long as you post as in absurdity, or is it hard to get inquired/tested?

You are merely trying to "fish" for information inside another individuals thread. if you are going to blatantly begrudge another member within a thread... I would advise you to create your own and enjoy seeing it getting RIPed.

Like I said, if you have a personal problem with me... Message me accordingly.

Why does a correspondence of someone's convictions seems as that?, I merely talking as a broad sense, you are creating the problem by inflicting yourself that this is a negative approach, either way seemed to invite the post by saying" "well this is why 'hermit bla bla' doesn't come out from the shadows", as if their is a mystical esoteric dis-acknowledgement of such a thing and that another thing is authentically preventing the outcomes . Either way ill refract from this touchy case.

Again, like I stated earlier... If you have a certain question you wish to ask that I may know the answer too. Then start a new thread and quit disturbing this one.

(Dominars, feel free to delete my select ranting posts.)

Religion I feel is one's personal, and very spiritual path. For anyone to bring their ritualistic, and very much commercialized religion that supposedly works for so many onto any of us is quite ridiculous. It's obvious ones way of life is not adequate for anyone else besides that person. Now we may take bit's, and pieces from here and there on our spiritual journey. It's the make up that is so individual for one's person. Kind of like a certain phone plan, or food. We tailor our beliefs form experience, and to shove our beliefs into everyone else can't always be right for them. So I do believe that it is wrong to put it out there in a my religion should be your religion. Sharing is nice when its not being pushed.

There is scarcely a day that passes where some ridiculous git tries to force feed me christianity. I am past the point of wanting to argue back, since I have had the same argument so many times.

Trying to convert people dates way back to the year dot, I doubt it will ever change. Religious people just aren't happy unless everyone in the world shares their stupid fictitious belief.

What seems to detract them the most is when I say... "sorry preacher man, I am already spoken for."

They tend to look at me quite strangely, then go about their business.

I have had to deal with this sort of thing being a homecare nurse, clients start talking about there religion and you know the very next thing out of there mouth is "what church do you go to"? and believe me when you say "I don't "it starts .I try not to let it out that I,m a witch because it could have hurt my job seeing as I worked with the elderly , and I do live in the Bible Belt so .... if they Do get nasty about it I will tell you that my faith or spirituality is private and no ones business .I,m not ashamed of what I believe but I also am Very Cautious about who I tell. granted I do have friends and Acquaintances from a lot of different faiths and I feel I just them on them and not what they believe in.

Once you are a legal adult, you can make whatever choice you want on religion, or lack there of.

So what if someone "preaches" to you? They cannot truely force you into their religion.

i personally don't like when people force religion down your throat and nothing against christianity but they say it's all about free will but they are the mani religion trying to getting everyone to join christianity.

i just want to be respected and accepted based solely on my actions or lack thereof not bassed on what i believe. I rarely even ask a person what their beliefs or religion is. I think that this is personal and strictly between a person and thieir god or personal deity. i apprecitate all your comments on the subject

whats worse is when it happens to a child, even if the religion is more ludicris than usual (hard to imagine one but..) the child is defenseless and can be easily silenced from asking rational questions by use of threats. thats what hell is, right? a copout in case someone starts to wise-up, in other words that extra level of brain washing to insure against doubt.

I feel a lot less sorry for adults being force fed religion. An adult can move away, but a child cant escape the mental abuse (unlike phystical abuse which leaves marks and is blatant evidence of wrong doing, child endoctrination leaves no obvious evidence but the damage is permanent)

After a while all the believers snap out of it, it is just how much they have personally invested socially that determines if they stay after the "charm' wears off, and they come to their senses, lets face it most believers are constantly looking for liberal loop holes to lessen the restrictions placed by their faith.

Yeah I have had that happen to me before one of my friends mother tried to stick her religion down my throat.

always will be people that will try to convert you into their belief. That is called "saving" you in according to their religion. I can not mention any religion because the rules and regulation of VR. But, I do know, that every religions that I know, always are trying to get new members.

Having been raised Catholic attending a catholic school, I wouldn't say that it was forced down my throat but, it was my parents decision to choose what they thought was best, and when I later in life realized what they chose didn't fit me, I sought out answers else where. I have never made my son chose what faith he wanted to be, he has been raised around several and is very open minded. As far as trying to be saved, ya it happens from time to time, my response is usually something along the lines of saved from who ? Although I have never seen a bunch of Witches going door to door recruiting....yet anytime we have a Pagan Pride Day we have *others* trying to block the gates and picketing, and being the only donation we ask for to gain entrance to the event if canned non perishable items that we donate to the local soup kitchens and have been told in the past they they wouldn't accept them from us. And I think that is very sad.

I get it forced down my throat everytime i go to holiday dinners and because they 'bless the food' and even though i'm not Christian, i still bow my head and listen to their prayers and blessings because i respect them and their choice of faith. I would do the same in respect to other people of other religions if they had a tradition in their home or on holidays simply out of respect. No one likes it when people argue what they don't agree or dislike about one's choice of belief, but one thing for sure is that the more you fight them on it, the more they seem to hold onto it. I can't tell you how many times i have been asked how come i don't go to church or have i ever thought about helping to teach the "word of god". I just simply say that it is not my path in life and i choose to follow my own road spiritually. That usually tells them enough to not ask again and they respect me on that in return.

All of these religious groups have many denominations so to say their name doesn't really describe what is being spoken about specifically. I don't believe in that but free choice. This is what I allowed my children and they have diverse veiwpoints. The thing is my brother, lol...he is a little over the top but to each their own . I think it is fine to believe things but not fine to force them on others. When that happens to me I am afraid I am a little meany about it and bring out what I know and people tend to shut up because no one likes "drama" as they all now call it. It's not for that purpose but just putting the shoe on the other foot but unfortunately if under 18 or so you will have to put up with what your parents choose for you. After that you are free to do what you like in this area.

Some are getting a little too heated in this thread. Hope things smooth out because it isn't worth getting upset over because people don't see eye to eye on a topic...sorry had to say it.

are we talking about "coercion" or "indoctrination"?

Personally I believe that religion is nothing but a big ole pile of crap and preachers trying to steal your hard earned money.

I come from a non religious upbringing and i feel sorry for those that are brought up and made to go to church or any other religious places by their parents, some of them are frowned upon by their parents for not attending, which i think is an awful thing to do

I'm a Christian, I still study many religions, I'd rather be learned than ignorant.

The bible states NOT to judge people, to love ALL people, and to accept ALL people. The only thing you SHOULD do is pray that they find salvation or help them find salvation, but DO NOT force them. DO NOT be little them OR criticize them.

Of course, in the REAL and o' so modern world, either your part of the solution or apart of the problem. You speak for the masses or against the masses. You tend to the 'sheep' or slay the 'sheep'.

The world is BLACK and WHITE. Not GRAY. Either you're in the light or dark, there is no shaded areas.

As for conformity, everyone is a unique individual, but NO-ONE can claim to be a non-conformist and it be true.

EVERYONE is a conformist. There is no one in this world that hasn't used words or speech you use, that doesn't wear clothes or labels you do, or doesn't have the same hairstyle as you.

Simply...short and sweet.

Religion or lack of is individual choice and should never be enforced.

Bottom line.

I hate it when having a discussion with someone about religion that they feel that their faith is superior to yours.

I have had this happen with me with an ex-boyfriend. I find it very disrespectful and belittling for someone to think that because you do not believe as they do that you are somehow inferior.

My life and my beliefs are my own..so if they don't like it..then f**k it!

This is exactly why I abhore organized religion. Don't get me wrong, I am accepting of all religions, I just do not like the way in which some followers behave! This "holier than thou" crap could be spared. I believe that all religions should co-exist together. You should not force a religion or belief on to another person, nor should you judge a person on their beliefs.

Exactly VF..funny how usually these same people who preach this and are so obsessed by it do not follow what is in the "holy" bible which states.."Judge not lest thee be judged."

Its just too bad that a certain religion plagurised a sect called: Followers of Mithra. Then told the world that they must fear their God and bow down to his son in order to be saved.

Such fear tactics consume society the world over. Too bad that Mithra came before the "son of God" by about 200 years. It is society that corrupted religion to be the way it is. If only society would stop and think for themselves just to "smell the roses" then they may come to their sense and not worry so much about where they will be within the next day or so, let alone where they will spend their afterlife at.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081226174833AA5LmiA

The link that you provided is hilarious...

Oh, darn... Since the bible dictates that I should loathe other genderous wreches, then I should make myself completely miserable in that concept that I perceive to what the bible dictated.

Oh wait, you mean that I need to have my family follow the same guidelines as my "pastor" says is the "right" path? Give me a break.

Try acting like an adult for a change and F*CK what others tell you to do. Live for yourself already...

Who cares if other individuals judge you. Look at them and smile back thanking them for such a rediculous comment.

When is society going to grow up and not take offense to what others say, or do. It is your life, your personal choice to take offense to whatever ails you.

Soulshroude- I'm not subscribing with the notion being placed in the link I provided, I found it as humorous as you did, I just wanted to share the link with the subject, since it correlates in regards of the topic and the circumstance presented in the inquiry of that well- "innocent"(for a less judgmental word) mother, Is really evident- what can "some" religion make "robots"(people who live in the painted world) do in terms: talk, behave and think in ways to suffice their insecurities in the adoption of doctrine to everything in their respective lives; often delivering impressions of delusion for not believing in their deity, like it is a factible entity and that is evident by their sacred books alone, as well with all their humane behavioral patterns and future outcome events.

I used to go to church, I was brought up in church. I kept going to church after I was 18, but I stopped going around October of 2007. I had kept going for a little bit, but around here, the church I went to didn't feel right. I felt like an outsider, so I stopped going. I can praise my Father just fine from my own home. I don't need someone to tell me how to follow him.

In their pure form, religions are a wonderful comment on the changes of belief, history and knowledge.
Taken back to their original grounding, the modern version is rarely in keeping with the old.
Writen by man, they have been writen and re-writen again through the centuries.

And my point is...

If someone's going to shove their religion down my throat, they had better make sure that they actually know what it is they are following.

I agree 100% with you wolfnomad!
Let everyone be themselves and don't judge them.

I admire people's passion about their religions, but I can't stand when they try to preach to me. They have no idea who they are talking to. If I brought out my beliefs and feelings and tried to explain my self as a psi vampire. Id mostly likely be committed or placed on anti-depressive drugs. I'm actually very happy with what I am... But I wouldn't push what I believe on anyone...... I also don't car weather they believe in what I do.

I was raised catholic my parents even put me through 8 years of catholic school. The entire time I was there I never felt like I belonged. I was always questioning things about the bible and I was looked at differently by the nuns, just because I was a free thinker who believed in evolution and that the world did not just merely appear out of know by some white bearded guy in the sky. Thankfully my parents couldn’t afford catholic high school and I was put into public high where I could be accepted for my thoughts on religion and such. Now don’t get me wrong I have nothing against Christians and other types of religion, but I can’t stand when people preach to me that I’m going to hell if I don’t attend church and what not. The new thing I’m dealing with is people asking me when I’m going to baptize my daughter. Like splashing magic water on a baby is going to keep her from going to heaven or hell, she a baby for Christ sake what kind of sins is she commenting. I think people just need to leave others alone on their beliefs. College and I can tell what I did learn. I learned one thing we all are worshiping the same god, we just have different names for him, end of story.

This forum is a good one. My Grandmother tries to cram religion down my throat all the time. Now on the other hand my Father was Ordained Minister before his death. The best religious advice he gave me was "Follow your heart it will led you to the right on." I've followed his advise closely and found that taking my time about it is what's best for me.

I refuse to follow anyone's organized religion.

The word religion comes from the Latin word, religio which basically means supernatural constraint and to sanction, which probably stems from another Latin word, religare, which means to restrain or tie back.

I have a hard time accepting that spirituality should be sanctioned and regulated in any way, so I turn peeps away the minute they try to proselytize me into believing what they believe. If someone wants to sell me on facts instead of building up their church's attendance numbers, then that's fine....otherwise they can go push pamphlets to someone else.

Religion and dress, both, address what you aspire to be. If you dress poorly and your values are not easily defined... people presume that you need help in these areas...

Asume someone only wears heavy metal band t-shirts and never goes to any form of organised religion or other significant societal group (ie volunteer work). Most people would asume at first glance that they are not a contributing member to society, as that is exactly what you are projecting. In reality they may be displaying thier values, but in a way that others may have no frame of reference for.

Because they do not understand your reference (or maybe you are a inattentave dresser or thinker) people may be assuming that you need this sort of direction.

Of course there are going to be prople who proceletize... tehy are trying to do you a favour, by saving your soul. Most people are to immature to realize that you can only help someone who wants to be helped. Trying to help someone who does not feal tehy need help... only pisses them off.

I find it interesting that when people talk about the evils of religion they seem to almost always point towards Christianity. The Christian religion is not the only religion that has been misused or identified with brutalities. It is certainly not the largest nor the most violent religion.
One's religious beliefs should be their own and they should not be forced into something they either don't believe in or can't identify with. But, don't think of Christianity and religion as synonyms. One is simply a single example of the other.
In most cases, including the witch trials, it wasn't so much the church promoting the atrocities as it was secular interests, who sometimes proclaimed religion as the basis for their acts.
Make no mistake, the church, whether it be Christian or another religion has done some terrible things. Religion, sometimes Christianity, has been the excuse for many terrible things. But those evils, those atrocities, those murders and tortures were permitted by and performed by man. Not Gods but men.

Personally I think all religion was aimed to better society, teaching many people good morals and an easy way to connect and form a group of people like them. An unexpected result was that these people take the religion into their own hands as if they own it, using it against other people, their urge to dominate and have people do what they do. They misconstrued what religion was truly aimed at, and instead, mankind has turned a kind gesture aimed at peace into another form of war. Human nature has a natural feeling towards destruction, our other desire, although less dominant is kindness in general, to help others although most do not care for the well being of others, only themselves, thus religion becomes war. As an open atheist I have been 'bashed' by many, co workers, family, even friends. Once they find out you arent 'one of them' you are an entirely different person to them. Our want to dominate and control has led to most peoples corruption of their own religion, christianity although it has many good intentions, some followers take the words from their book as whatever they want it to be, usually for their own amusement or benefit, and yes this happens with any religion, you just have to check into it.

Someguy, We seem to view some things in a similar way. Thanks for the post. It was interesting to hear an unbiased idea on religion from one who calls himself an atheist. Very well done.

Thanks.

How many knocks I have had at my door from people from certain religions.

I kindly excuse my self...for I feel it is rude to slam a door in someone's face.

I agree it is one of personal choice.

Neither do I ram my religion on to other's nor do I care to.

When they are ready they will decide what Spiritual path feels right to them.

Its not their fault that they were programmed as children to ingrain others with the same thought process as their own.

It seems to be a way of life for some, love it or hate it, take it or leave it, the choice is yours to listen or walk away.

So many negatives in the same room always brings about a negative effect. Why not act on a positive for once. Religion is just a subject, not to get all bent out of shape about.

Too many little worries in the world, but when one is actually on the verge of death, they will then realize that the only thing that matters at that time is themselves and what peace they felt during that time.

Enforced religion isn't religion at all. It's forced ritual.

That sir was a brilliant answer. And stated in a very few words what we have all been trying to say. Not meaning to sound like I am sucking up but it is exactly what I love about these forums. The fact that we can discuss, share ideas, and then suddenly be struck with an answer that seems so obvious that it is difficult to understand why we didn't think of it.

Growing up in mixed family one half italion and the other peruvian and both grandmothers pagan practioners I can say this relgion is a personal thing I didnt grow up in home that practiced both of culters pagan beliefs but I know what it is do be stiffled both my paret were mormon converts it was very hard untill I learned my own truth as i was growing up

Growing up in Florida i was raised Baptist and i was always forced to go to church every sunday. Most think that some of my beliefs are "religious based" because in todays world not having sex isnt normal. They forget that everything (including sex) is a choice and people choose to do things everyday. It's just who I am. I am choosing not to have sex right now.

About a year ago I made the decision to not be baptist anymore. It just didnt fit me. I am currently a practitioner of Messianic Judaism and it fits me more. Its my heritage in one religion and i like it. I dont force it on anyone i just tell people what my religion is and if they want to know more i will tell them.

Why people try to force religions on others is human nature. In this area in the "bible belt" people everywhere single you out and try to force christianity on you no matter what you say. Me being who I am i tell them off.

In the end, the choice belongs to you. If it is your choice then it is right. At least right for you at the time. Doesn't mean you can't change your mind later.

This is an all too common occurance in the area I live in. It is frustrating to say the least. Most of the time when the question comes up I smile and let them know, but then i also tend to educate them on how i made my own personal choice and that they were free to do the same. It normally stops there and we agree to disagree about things. I find there are those within certain religions that are closed minded to anything, but there are the select few who actually have an open mind and walk the walk so to speak.

All i have to say is bravo woldnomad and here here.. lets us make our own beliefs.

But, is that not what society has been doing from day one? Making up their own beliefs and getting the population to live with them? Is this not what "enforced religion" is about?

It is what the cleanse is all about; destroying all this taboos. But yes the problem with individuals is trying to sell something where is not called upon, you can only help when help is advised not to come and try to implant your beliefs (with "truth") on others, or by "helping " them, that is why you can have a website, location, contact source to let the people come to you when called for, rather than fight to impress, and inspire ideals where is not asked for or open to.

I have been through this personally and this is why I do not tell people what my religion is , I have had the phrase "you're going to go to hell " thrown at me so much by "well meaning People till I,m ready to spit.I do not ask people what there Religion is I don,t care what it is . I feel that is there private business . I feel that if you have to force your religion on on other people you might need to stop and take a look at how you really feel about it your self. you might be the one who needs the change not me.

To some, religion is based on fear. They do not like the idea of 'suffering for enternity' so they become what Ive heard as 'a god fearing man' Have we gone to such ends just so others will bow to our will or is it truly a god that will torture you because you simply do not believe in him? Religion is also, to some, an easy way to manipulate people, mainly for wealth, power, and being a 'star' (whatever youd like to call it, its all popularity).

I never thought I would ever do this but here it goes

Everyone who has posted on here is just a bunch of whiney b***** in my opinion. NO OFFENSE but I honestly don't know of a nicer way to put it. I bet you anything the good majority of you who posted are in america. Where people can't actually force you to believe what they do. Sure they are REALLY REALLY annoying but either way, they can't MAKE you believe what they do.

That being said let me shine a little light on the subject.

We've all heard of China right? Right. Well, they don't not have freedom of religion there. How would you all really like it if it was your government trying to force you into communism?

Anyway, yeah I also like how everyone automatically catogorizes christianity into the whole 'forced religion' thing. Simply because of things that happened hundreds of years ago, yes the christians/ catholics/ whatever were wrong.

However 9/11 is a little more recent than that and therefore I believe it holds more validity. "Believe what I say or you are an infidel and I will kill you and myself in the process" They seem to be way more desperate than the christians were. They are willing to do anything to get rid of people who don't subscribe to thier beliefs.

Anyway, I'm not exactly a christian I just want you all to view the argument from all sides.

This reminds me of the Jehovah's Witness people that always comes to my door every Saturday. You think after a dozen times or so they'd get a hint and leave me alone. Maybe I should start to answer the door naked? That'll either make them run or stare. Hmmm I'll see how strong their faith is then.

Sorry for the typo and sorry if I offended anybody and sorry if my post doesn't apply to you.

Christains are annoying but they don't kill people (anymore)

Whats that suppose to mean?

Euterpe - How can you say Christians no longer kill people? You don't know that for a fact. I'm sure there are plenty of murderers in prisons who claim to be "Christians". As there are those "Christian" fanatics who believe they are doing "Gods" work by killing and thinking it is a heavenly deed for the "Almighty".

How can YOU say for a fact that all christians are bad?


Okay, let me try this again.

Lets plug in another easily identifiable group with what you are talking about like gay people... or black people... or even fat people. What I'm trying to say is everyone makes mistakes and everyone has their own beliefs.

Did I say "all" Christians? No, I did not. No need to put words in my mouth that I did not speak of. And using gays or blacks as examples has no point. Those groupings have nothing to do with religion.

No but persecuting christains and grouping them all together-

*which is what you did along with a lot of other people who posted on this*

-is the same damn thing. It's all the same. Disliking them or talking about them as a whole even though everyone is different. I mean HELLO? Some of my best friends are christians and some of them are wiccans. Why would people think thats controversial?

What i read is pretty much along the lines of "yeah christains are annoying."

Well, if you are against racism and that sort of thing than you should be against that sort of talk.

Again....it is the same thing as accusing me as saying all "Christians" are like that. In which I did NOT. I am not grouping them together as a whole. I'm just saying you can not know that there are none out there who do such things. I just get tired of "Christians" trying to play the "goodie light and fluffy, oh look at me I'm perfect and you're not" role.

yes well, I'm sick of people (mainly on here) trying to make them out to be villanous. Just because god never did anything for them or for some other reason they lost faith. AND in case you didn't read what I said before I did state that NO ONE is perfect and that statement included christains.

Dominars are free to delete my rants by the way, I just wanted to get my point across

Well this is the internet, and everyone is free to voice their own opinions. Everyone is not going to agree with what you say or do....

Well, part of the reason why this world has so much suffering and war is because of differences in religion and people who refuse to get over them.

the other part is no one ever wants to admit when they are wrong.

That is true and it goes the other way around as well. There is nothing worse than religion.

For some people there is nothing better. Some people need to have something like religion to hold onto in order to be able to survive.

All religion has good intentions, its just that some have been altered since they were created or given notice, people also feel that religion is 'theirs' and do whatever they want with it, manipulating their religion into their own amusement or benefit. Christianity is probably not so highly regarded here due to most here are of different religions and areas, also christianity and catholicism is most manipulated in the US. It distorts the views and beliefs of our society. Everywhere, WE are shunned and misunderstood, but here, those religions are misunderstood and not so highly regarded, most people here have been treated badly by those of the mainstream religions. Allow me to re-emphasize that NO religion is 'bad', all have good intentions and teaches certain good morals, some of which, like i said before, are misinterpreted and manipulated by others.

I find that those who believe they have to hold onto something such as "religion", to be weak willed and lacking personal inner strength. Too many people become dependent on such idealistic things instead of believing in their self and their own inner power.

Yeah, sometimes that is indeed the case. Although sometimes its actually the other way around, some people find it hard to believe in something they can't see. Lacking faith can be a bad thing too. People need to find a healthy balance that they can live with

As an athiest, I agree with that statement. But I am always open for debate over religion, I do not however, appreciate people trying to convert me or invoke fear into me so I will 'believe'. The fear approach is by far the most annoying, I refuse to believe in some god that his(or her)'s only intention is to make people worship them or else suffer for eternity, a real, 'good' god would only want people to better themselves and society. I do appreciate religion that teaches good morals and guide society, despite whether it is real or not.

One does not need to have so called "faith" to survive. Personal inner strength, power and a will to live is all that is needed.

Yeah actually you do. The synonym of faith is trust. If you can't trust other people, you need to trust yourself.

I never trust others, I only trust myself, I live by my own code. If I have faith, it is in MYSELF. For I believe I am my own god. That is just me, people can take it or leave it. They can have their own opinions on the matter, I won't stop anyone and I wouldn't be able to if I tried, so no point.

Okay, And I respect your beliefs. Im just saying *no need to explode unless you just want to*

I am calm and at peace. If I was to explode, you would know. *grins*

I'm sure I would (lol)

~Euturpe~, you are a hypocrite and a whiney little ***** to boot. Blaming society for your own metaphors is irrational to say the least, as well as blaming one religion on a mass destruction.

I am calling you out on your B.S. statement of everyone in here are whiney little whatever. You are simply adding to the hoopala of posts that invoke such animosities. You are just as annoying as all the other "whiners."

Live and let live already and quit blaming society for your personal problems even if you are not.

Oh, and by the by... Never once have I whined about stupid sh*t, I have been passive throughout this entire thread. So don't involve the loaded title of "everyone" within your arguement.

I think people need to make "God"as well as religion their self virtue (a faith in one self and surpass the root of fear); not to pay your respect or admiration on other external things/images, thus empowering a belief system that may grow in egotistical means flawed by negative components. By following a good self realized action to you and others, you are acquiring "God" so to speak (in universal connotations, God is all and you and the others make that all). Thus greetings become something of interchangeable gratitude. Enforcing is empowering/enslaving the free will of another being, furthermore attracting negative greets by default, when it should be done by inspiration, the real impressions that a group wants to portray, not by expecting reception or acquisitions(materials) of say-influence, but self realization of a prime purpose in collectiveness.

I love to view of this as the beginning everything is separated in the universe (expansion of the universe theory) and everything will be one in a given distant time be: the regression of stars within their respective space in galaxy returning to one in its own concentric black whole, everything in time seize to expansion and comprising in oneness. The same as how we have to view ourself as individuals looking up for others instead of eating ourselves and our planet by our separation, narrowed down by fear and manipulation, when it should be the other way around, when we destroy the barriers of fear you can open up for a new level of universal purpose with a relative purpose in other types of scale.

I agree with you wolfnomad the religion is not the way to judge people because people are not thier religions and all should treat Every one about what he's in his personality not on what he do believe on

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