The 3 things you like MOST about your religion

[mvd]

As a Catholic, I guess I'd say:

- the fact that Catholics are big on promoting peace.

- they believe in salvation

- Christmas is my favorite time of year

[Jay Bradfield]

1. As a Recovering Catholic turned agnostic

I like

1. not having to go to Mass
2. having the freedom to think about anything with a critical mind
and not be bogged down by dogma.
3. not being part of an institution that systematically covers up
sexual abuse of children
4. Not being part of an institution that seriously perverts people's
views of their own sexuality.
5. Not being part of a sexist institution that discriminates against
women and gets away with it in our supposedly equal opportunity
society

[Brahma Bull]

2. As a Lutheran, I guess I'd say:

-It explains the origins of our universe and ourselves perfectly. (And it makes sense.)

-It promotes peace and love one another.

-I also love Christmas. :)

-It gives me hope that there is a life after we die.

[pocket]

3. as an agnostic...

I can sleep in on sunday

I can eat whatever I want whenever I want

I don't really have any adversaries, like everyone else, even athiests, does :)

[jpgray]

5. Your second one is the reason for that weird clause regarding cannibalism

:silly:

[nickgutierrez]

59. The best thing about being an agnostic...

No matter what the 'truth' turns out to be, we're almost right!

[mede8er]

4. As a nothing I can.......

Make things up as I go along.......

Do what ever I want all weekend long as I havn't found a "Churh of Nothing Sacred" ....

Can always beg forgiveness at the last minute in case I 'see a light'.....hehhehheh

[TrogL]

6. Bells, smells, wine

[Red State Rebel]

7. Evangelical Christian

1. The praise and worship. Our church sets aside at least 1/2 hour for nothing but singing. One song flows into another pretty much and can be such a wonderful experience. For me, there is nothing that makes me feel closer to God than singing to him.

2. A pastor with a sense of humor :)that also is able to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that makes it easy to relate to your own life.

3. A faith that teaches strongly on forgiveness of yourself and others; understanding Gods grace and mercy and extending that in our lives and to others.


My scripture to live by is: Let your light shine before men that they might see your good works and thus praise your father in heaven.

In other words, it's what you DO, not what you yack about. People will respect your faith much more if they see it work in you than if you beat them over the head with it.

[El Supremo]

8. As opposed to other religions or denominations...

I a Presbyterian (PCUSA). I could be comfortable in most any other Protestant Church. It is worship, prayer and helping others that count the most. And you could be a Christian without belonging to any church (but you should at least be baptized).

But what I like about Presbyterians and what makes them a bit different is:

1) We have no Bishops or Popes ordering us what to do. The Congregation through the Session in each church is the controlling power. Even the Pastor can be removed. The session selects a new pastor not the Presbytery or Synod.

2) Most PCUSA Churches are liberal both interpretatively and politically.

3) We strongly believe that it is through Grace and not Works that one achieves salvation. There has been an enormous amount written explaining this subject and I can't do it justice here.

[supernova]

21. Presbys are very democratic

small "d".

- We have an elected denom leader who gets voted into office every 2 years. So it could be any one.

- We are very diverse, thanks ironically to the missionary zeal of the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Koreans, Chinese, Africans, Native Americans, African Americans, of course us WASPS, and many many more add to the mix. Though you might not know it just attending your individual church.

- We value knowledge and education as much as scripture. The Bible is not inerrant, literally true. It was written by humans. IWO, you're not expected to leave your mind at the door.

- We have a sense of humor. The Church of Scotland is our mother church. How could we not? Our summer school program is The Gospel According to Harry Potter. LOL!

[checks-n-balances]

67. Presbyterian here also, all my life

I agree with the other two above. My reasons:

1. Fair & just system of governance

2. Emphasis on God's grace & forgiveness vs. God's wrath & eternal punishment (contrary to common thinking, "predestination" isn't central and can be interpreted in different ways)

3. Critical thinking & questions are encouraged & not condemned, plus educational standards for clergy & church educators

What I DON'T like about it:

1. Presbyterian offshoot denominations are usually caused by people who misunderstand beliefs, and these people are usually fundamentalists who have no inkling of what "grace" is. (They are infiltrating & trying to take over all the mainline denominations now.)

2. Misunderstandings about beliefs also cause people to be either legalistic, controlling or mean-spirited (or any combination of the three). These Domininionist churches have their roots in Presbyterianism and they are way, way off the mark.

3. Historically, we tend to be more rational than emotionally-driven. And that's usually OK except sometimes spirituality gets a little ignored because most are so intellectually based. Because of that, we sometimes seem to be a little out of sync with the times.

That negative stuff I just said doesn't happen in the majority of our congregations and I hope it stays that way!


Anyone curious about general Presbyterian beliefs would probably enjoy a fun little book called Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt.

I may end up switching to Episcopalian for reasons other people listed, because they seem to be compatible and I prefer some of the Episcopal liturgy.

[UrbScotty]

9. I'm also a Catholic

I like:

The love of Jesus

That my Church is very involved in charity work, etc.

Church music

I also liked the style of the new Bishop of Grand Rapids, Most Rev. Kevin Britt. He took office in October, but sadly he passed away on May 15 of a rare disease.

[Aristus]

10. 1. Jesus promoted peace, and genuine concern for the down-

trodden.

2. He was a skilled craftsman.

3. He stood up to a ferociously powerful military nation, and won.

[iconoclastic cat]

11. As a Cthulhu cultist,

I enjoy the gentle, tuneless singing of Azathoth from his throne in the center of the universe; the proactive approach our members take in reviving the Great Old Ones (unlike silly Jeebus, who is too chicken to take on the likes of Dagon); and the pretty dreams in which I am soaring high over the Earth during the first Ice Age.



I wonder if Mullah Omar and Saddam were collaborating with Abdul Alhazred?

Cthulhu fthagn!

[MallRat]

12. Judaism, checking in here.

1. The Friday night Shabbat- a weekly opportunity to sit down and have a real family get-together, and give thanks for the week that's ended.

2. Kashrut- I'm not the strictest adherent (we keep a Kosher house, I don't eat pork/shellfish, but I do eat non-Kosher meat in restaurants). But when I pause for a moment to think about what I'm going to eat, it allows me to touch base with my faith multiple times each day. The treatment of livestock under Jewish dietary laws shows great respect for them and the sacrifice they make to provide us with food.

3. Tikkun Olam- literally, "repairing the world." It is the duty of every Jew to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and bring justice to the wronged. It is a call to social action which resonates with me, and it's a big reason why I (and probably many other American Jews) identify themselves as Democrats.

-MR

[molly]

30. You have touched on aspects of Jewish law that many

don't know - COMPASSION - relieving pain and hunger for those we are responbile for.

If you look at all the new investigations considering diet and what foods mix and what don't and how potentially dangerous shellfish are and what foods "mix" and which don't - they are all OLD Jewish law.

How did they know that way back when? I feed my pets before myself - I give to my neighbors even tho they are not my religion. I was "Santa Claus" this year and I loved it.

COMPASSION does not or should not have a religion.

[MallRat]

32. Compassion, tolerance, love

You're absolutely right- no religion has cornered the market on these. A religion without them at its core is just not worth following.

And sadly, I see a lot of self-styled "religious" people who fall short in at least one of these qualities.

-MR

[Padraig18]

13. Majesty, love and reverence.

Roman Catholic here.

[Renew Deal]

14. Bunnies, presents and days off

:evilgrin:

[leftofthedial]

15. it takes ZERO time

I'm an atheist.

[CBHagman]

16. I need ritual.

I'm Catholic, but I guess I would make a good Episcopalian, too, because I seem to thrive on the order provided in the mass, even if many of us can't sing, but the Lutherans and Episcopalians can. :-)

I also appreciate the Catholic Church's emphasis on social justice -- human rights, the labor movement, etc.

Then there are chapels, cathedrals, churches, all of which feel like sanctuary to me and to which I naturally gravitate while traveling abroad.

[DrWeird]

17. God loves us. We're going to heaven. Everybody else goes to hell

... because He hates you.

You know, the standard three reasons.

[rucky]

18. Jew: FOOD

Prayer over the wine.
Confession only once a year.

[sangh0]

19. Since I don't belong to any organized religion

the three best thiings about MY religion is

1) No rituals
2) No dogma
3) I can sleep as late as I like on the weekends

[JohnKleeb]

20. Catholic

- big on social justice, you know anti poverty, war, anti death penalty etc.

- we got a pope :)

- all kinds of different people, most demonations are mostly only an ethnic group or two, but we range from the Irish to just about anyone.

- catholic school girls :)

- wine and communion wafers

- free access to heaven no matter what ;), ok thats a joke.

[LostInAnomie]

22. Amish

What is this glowing box that I am typing letters on to... AAAAAHHHHHH!!! A camera just stole my soul!!!

[Dying Eagle]

23. Atheist

- There is no afterlife to worry about ALL THE TIME!

- Sleep in on Sundays

- No one ever touched me (OK I'm sorry, that was bad)

All in good fun ;)

[Rowdyboy]

24. Episcopalian

1) Committment to peace
2) Equality for women
3) General acceptance of homosexuality (gay bishop)

My partner's answers (he's also Episcop)

Roughly the same, except he mentioned the "liturgy" of the church, which is also one of the things I like best.

Also, the music is wonderful and the church buildings are usually like little gems.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

25. Another Episcopalian checking in

1.Openness, including friendliness to gays and to straight singles and to women in positions of leadership. (This is not true of all churches, especially not the Lutherans, my "native" denomination, who seem to require a spouse of the opposite sex, 2.1 children, a dog, and an SUV for full membership.) Our charities help anyone and everyone, whatever their religion or lack of religion.

BTW--Bishop Gene Robinson preached at my church yesterday, and no, he did not preach about sexuality. Instead, he preached about following Christ's example in doing what we can to alleviate suffering. He's a terrific preacher, and I can see why the people of New Hampshire supported him.

2. The beautiful liturgy and music, going back over the centuries. As a choir member, I get to sing everything from Gregorian chants to Renaissance motets to the English cathedral choir repertoire of the 20th century to music that was written in the last couple of years locally.

3. All the terrific English and Commonwealth people who gravitate to Episcopal churches in large cities.

I also agree that the architectural quality of Episcopal churches tends to be very high. Even my ticky-tacky little church in Portland, originally built as a "temporary" structure in 1927, had a great deal of charm.

In addition, we know how to have a good time. Our parish night out included wine with dinner, followed by dancing.

We respect the intellect, as well. I can't imagine an Episcopalian saying, "I don't hold much by book l'arnin'." :-)

[Rowdyboy]

31. My church was also built as a "temporary structure"

in 1853...

http://www.graceepiscopalchurch.net/history.html

If you're ever in the neighborhood...

[Lydia Leftcoast]

65. My Portland church doesn't have a picture on its website, but

here's the one I attend now:

http://saintmarks.faithoffice.com/index.asp

For some reason, I can't link to the nice picture on the front page.

[burythehatchet]

26. 1. Nobody in the world is a member of my religion except me

2. Anyone can join, they don't even need to tell me
3. I believe your religion is cooler than mine

[markses]

27. 1. There ain't no God

2. There ain't no God
3. There ain't no God

Those arte the three best things about my religion.

[PittPoliSci]

46. BUT BUT BUT

Ain't no is a double negative! So that means there is a god!!!

:P

[NashVegas]

28. Another Agnostic

I can ponder over just about anything I want without dogma getting in the way.

I'm free to find my own reference points regarding human nature and potential without having another's imposed upon me.

I'm not going to raise any children who'll get their hearts ripped out by disillusionment with a church.

[PVnRT]

44. I believe the same things

Yet I'm a Christian. Not all of us buy into the dogma, as you call it.

[DerekG]

29. Progressive Christian....

1. The Sermon on the Mount: Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Matthew harbors ideas similar to those of the Old Testament prophets (such as Amos and Micah), yet it surpasses said work and stands as one of the most glorious ruminations on justice and peace in the Western world. Reading the beatitudes in their entirety is an experience akin to being hit by a sledgehammer, for I know that I haven't fulfilled my duty as a Christian and human being.

2. The Crucifixion and Resurrection: The former demonstrated that God is not a deity far removed from our lives, but one Who chooses to suffer WITH us, when we are in the most impassioned throes of sorrow; the latter reveals that His love for us transcends evil, depravity and even death itself. In one fell swoop, Christ layed waste to the cruel Roman gods and scattered them into the winds of history; rendering the Pilates and Herods (and Bushes) of the world meaningless.

3. Perception of evil: By making Satan a fallen angel, Christianity wields a rather sophisticated view of moral psychology. Darkness is not the antithesis to goodness; rather, it shares a parasitic relationship with the latter. Evil is merely a corrupted good, and it is this notion that Tolkien (a devout Roman Catholic) adopted when forging his Lord of the Rings saga.

[69KV]

33. Religion?

Either Deist or agnostic, depends. Depends on what time of the day you ask me, and how many drinks :evilgrin:

1. The afterlife isn't important, if there is one. It's what you do here in this life that counts.

2. No need to grovel and do penance and beg for salvation. No need to feel guilty about "sinning". If there is a God, he doesn't concern himself with our affairs much.

3. When the televangelist comes on the TV, I get to laugh in amusement at his ignorance. And at the flock he is fleecing. How can people believe that stuff?

[NightTrain]

34. What is this "religion" of which you speak?

:shrug:

[No2W2004]

35. Agnostic here.

1) Knowing that my beliefs are not to others.
Agnostics freely admit we don't have a clue as to the meaning of life. Even Athiest believe that their is no god. Agnostics just say "meh".

2) No Guilt except guilt over our own actions.

3) No Dogma, no guidelines, no restraints. Agnostics are free to find their own inner peace.

[Spider Jerusalem]

36. The fact that I don't have one.

[testing123]

37. I'm a Devil worshiper

If I had to pick one thing about my religion I would have to say
1. Satan, 2. Dancing Nude while singing carrols, 3. Salems Lot.

"Roman Catholic that goes to Church on holidays only".

[Insider]

38. Methodists

1. the once-a-month wafer
2. the once-a-month grape juice
3. grace jones' twin brother was the minister (VERY cool)

sorry for the lame stuff, but i left years ago, and that's all i can muster. :shrug:

[T_i_B]

57. Methodist here

I would have to mention the fact that I have always found my church to be welcoming and friendly, I like the warmth and joyfulness of the church I go to. I am also comfortable with Methodist doctrine, but then again I do consider myself a Christian first and a Methodist second. Denomination is not what I consider important so much as being a Christian in the first place.

[Pretty_in_CodePink]

39. Unity - though a church, not really a religion

1. The space for individuals to explore and find their own spiritual path. So it is without dogma.

2. Incorporates many universal spiritual principles found in major world religions

3. Practical belief that the Kingdom of God is within so one need not rely on the interpretation of priets, ministers or masters to have a relationship with God.

[flamingyouth]

40. As a pagan, I'd say it's the appreciation of the natural order of things

I've found it quite comforting lately.

[Castilleja]

41. The lack of it, for me.

I feel like it leaves me free to wonder about things. But to each his/her own.

[DesolationRow]

42. As an I don't know I would say

1 - As a Buddhist I can meditate to chill out

2 - Follow it up with The Gospel of Mary (gnosticism) and feel the Christ within me

3 - Say a daily prayer to Amon Ra

and still manage to be dogmatic about not being dogmatic whenever the urge hits me.

[mvd]

43. Welcome to DU!

:toast:

[DesolationRow]

52. Thanks a lot.

:toast:

[PittPoliSci]

45. Agnostic:

1.) You still get shit for christmas

2.) You don't have to do any of the work

3.) Open to changing your mind, so you've got your bases covered.

[Zomby Woof]

47. I get to sacrifice Republicans

I get to chant hymns to Cutha.

I get to dance naked on Tuesdays.

[Bat Boy]

55. Just Tuesdays?

Jeez...your religion sucks.

But have a nice day tommorrow, it being "Naked Dancing Day" and all.

[Zomby Woof]

64. the other 6 days

Is "Dance Naked In Jello". Serves you right for being BIGOTED against MY PRECIOUS RELIGION!!! :grr:

[Dogmudgeon]

48. Omega-Point Pannenbergian Christian

1. There's no after life, per se.

2. Universal resurrection at some point after the universe starts collapsing in on itself again. Not an afterlife, but an actual return to existence, only this time, for eternity.

3. The Skeptics will have to apologize to Frank Tipler for all that nasty gossip they told about him.

--bkl

[DavidMS]

49. Classical Reform Judiasm

Let me quote from the 1885 Declearation of Principles, there are 8 points in total, 3 that are most important to me:

2. We recognize in the Bible the record of the consecration of the Jewish people to its mission as the priest of the one God, and value it as the most potent instrument of religious and moral instruction. We hold that the modern discoveries of scientific researches in the domain of nature and history are not antagonistic to the doctrines of Judaism, the Bible reflecting the primitive ideas of its own age, and at times clothing its conception of divine Providence and Justice dealing with men in miraculous narratives.

4. We hold that all such Mosaic and rabbinical laws as regulate diet, priestly purity, and dress originated in ages and under the influence of ideas entirely foreign to our present mental and spiritual state. They fail to impress the modern Jew with a spirit of priestly holiness; their observance in our days is apt rather to obstruct than to further modern spiritual elevation.

8. In full accordance with the spirit of the Mosaic legislation, which strives to regulate the relations between rich and poor, we deem it our duty to participate in the great task of modern times, to solve, on the basis of justice and righteousness, the problems presented by the contrasts and evils of the present organization of society.

http://www.ccarnet.org/platforms/pittsburgh.html

To sum up:

1. There is a just, loving God.
2. God inspired the prophets who wrote our texts. Unfortunately God was unable to excercise exitorial control.
3. There exists an explicit duity to improve the world.

For more information on Traditional Reform Judiasm, here is a link to the AJC.

http://www.acjna.org/

[qwertyMike]

50. The Virgins

2. The outfits
3. The free liquor

[Parrcrow]

51. cookies, parking validation and free virgins

[jobycom]

53. No gods, no rules, no friggin' Ashcrofts.

[BrotherBuzz]

54. I'm a member of the Church of the Holy Doughnut

Founded by Bernie Ward on his wonderful Sunday morning talk program "God Talk" (www.kgoam810.com). We mostly talk about morals and ethics of our society and we have only two rules: 1) you have to call to join 2) you can't eat croissants on Sunday mornings, only doughnuts.

The three things I like about my church? Glazed, Old-fashioned, and Jelly-filled doughnuts! Doh!

[ThePandaBear]

56. As not being a member of a relgion

1. I don't have to be afraid of hell.


2. I don't have a rule book that is over a thousand years old controling my life.

3. I get to keep money, dont have to go to church.

[Swamp Rat]

58. Heathen

Mardi Gras, Gay Pride parade, The Annual Day of Decadence, Jazz Fest

Music, booze, drugs, sex

No guilt complexes

The ability to change my mind whenever it suits me, especially in matters of religion

"Praise Bacchus... praise Dionysus!!!"




"error error error... I am Nomad... error"

[sweetheart]

60. Buddhist non-religion

nonviolence and a total reverence for life are nice...

celibrating the earth's holidays (solstices & equinoxes) is cool

Vigilance in meditation (mindfulness) to accept this moment as the
only moment where life will ever be, and the surrender of all
devices of ego that deny the present for imaginary futures and pasts.
It makes buddhism a religion without dogma, where the only
truth is *NOW*.

:-)

[Fight_n_back]

61. Top three things about being a Jew

3) On Passover you HAVE to drink a lot of wine

2) You only have to know one prayer

and the number one cool thing about being a Jew

1) You don't actually have to believe in g_d to be one

[Ellen Forradalom]

62. Episcopalian

We believe in salvation through good taste.
God trusts us enough to take summers off from church.
No matter what you believe, there's at least one other Episcopalian who agrees with you

[mvd]

63. I have been considering joining them

:hi:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

66. See posts #24 and #25

for some reasons. :-)