If You Happen To Be Religious...Why?

[THUNDER HANDS]

What were your reasons for joining the religion you did, or just being spiritual in general?

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Fundy girls are hot

Not that I'd marry one, mind you.

:evilgrin:

--bkl

[Droopy]

2. I used to be somewhat religious

I did a lot of reading on eastern philosophy. I bought into some of that stuff for a while. In my case, I was looking for proof of the supernatural. My life was so bland, and still is really, that I needed something to make it exciting. It's kind of ironic because Buddhism and Hinduism pretty much say that a bland, boring life is the way to go despite all the stuff about siddhis and enlightenment. I guess that way you don't create too much karma.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. It's an experiential thing

I've had experiences that telll me that there is something beyond the material world.

My choice of religious "flavor" is culturally determined, but it's a way of keeping in touch with the Infinite.

[wiley]

4. I believe in the teachings, not the translated text of the Bible

I'm a Christian who understands that the version of The Bible being used by fundamentalists is not the original bible, but a translation by King James to suit political and historical needs of that time. But I believe that helping out each other through deeds and with love, cherishing and enriching people's lives, alleviating suffering, sharing strength and hope, and raising children to respect each other and all people is Christian. Lying is evil and making money off religion is immoral. So is using religion to exploit others who are weaker or fearsome or lacking resources. Like any other organized effort, the local or national or international leader can make the religion less than able to fulfill its' potential. They can also turn it into a mob like operation where adherents are punished for questioning the authority of its' secular leaders. Fundamentalists are just people who feel more comfortable with less choices, no gray areas, and control of the religion based on relationships that mirror those that give them a central role.

[supernova]

5. I'm primarily spiritual

I have experiences which I blieve to be of the divine. I can't explain them otherwise.

On a purely practical level, life is a lot more interesting, passionate and rewarding for me in a relationship with the Divine.

As for my specific relgion, it's primarily culturally infuenced. I grew up a mainline protestant, so that's what I am. Though I have to say that is changing. My relationship with The Other is leading me into things like UUs and the Quakers as well. I don't know if it's a transition or I just like experiencing different aspects of organized worship.

:shrug:

Mostly it's motivated by wanting certain things that are supportive of my perspective in a community. Sometimes protestantism is too heavy on the community sacrifice and not enough on the experience of the individual for my taste.