Originally Posted By X-san Okay, break out the pitchforks...X has a new hypothetical. IF you were to CHANGE YOUR RELIGION, assuming there were some compelling reason to do so, which religion would be your second choice? In other words, which OTHER religion is the most aligned with the way you believe, other than your current religion? And I'm prepared for all the caveats here too. I realize many will chime in with caveats (those are so fun, aren't they?), so here are a few options for the ones who want to caveat... a) if you have a religion and you will stick with it til the day you die, you could offer which religion you think is "the second coolest religion"...in other words, what you might like if your religion of choice didn't exist at all. b) if you are a staunch Atheist, you could mention whichever religion you thought MIGHT be interesting, if you weren't a staunch atheist. c) if you feel as though any and all religions in existence are totally wrong, you are free to say "my religion is the only way, and I reject each and every other religion out there". SO...if you were religion shopping...where would be your second option should you decide to leave the first one for some reason?
Originally Posted By WilliamK99 I have no current religion, but if I were looking, it would be Mormon, because for one, I feel they are getting a bad rap from the media and Christians, and for two, they seem to be most aligned with how I view things. If I ever decided to introduce religion to my children it would be to the Mormon religion and steer them away from Catholicism and Protestant Christianity, which are way too commercialized these days.
Originally Posted By X-san Wow, two for Mormon already! (yes, I was thinking along the same lines but figured I'd wait on it til others chimed in...but no time like the present! )
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I know very little about it, but buddhism has always seemed like a very cool faith. In high school, I had a class (I think it was English lit, but I can't remember now for sure) that had an unusual topic for several weeks: Death. We read stories about it, getting different writer's perspectives on what death means, how it impacts people. We visited a funeral home, where we got a tour of the facilities (the owner of the mortuary was surprisingly frank at what a profitable business it is). Then the teacher arranged a panel discussion, inviting a representative from several different religions, an atheist, agnostic, etc. (Can you imagine any teacher attempting that now? It is pretty amazing to think back on it.) Anyway, I just remember that out of all the people that spoke, the buddhist was the most surprising in that so much of what he said mirrored things I had felt inwardly for a long time. I never delved much deeper into it than that, but it always intrigued me.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I'm also intrigued by Buddhism, and I've long admired Quakers. I like the (very American, really) idea that you don't need all the fancy trappings to worship God, just simple wooden pews and a congregation of friends (pun intended). They're also a very democratic (small "d") denomination, as opposed to hierarchal, and really seem to get to the basics of things.
Originally Posted By mele Ditto on Buddhism and Quakers. I've done a lot of thinking about religion the past few months and while I have my beliefs, I am just not set up for any sort of traditional religion/worship. The only kind of daily/weekly ritual I would be able to do is a kind of meditation (and frankly, finding the peace and time to do that is nearly impossible). My point, I guess, is that I have been shopping around for awhile and have come to the conclusion that there is no religious organization I want to be long to. I believe in spirituality, but when I think of going to a church or following traditional tenants...I feel drained of any spirituality at all.
Originally Posted By Elderp I can play along. IF I were to be looking I think I would pick Jainism. I agree with most of their philosophies. The only thing is I don't like the use of the swastika but it isn't their fault Hitler spoiled it for them. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism</a>
Originally Posted By mele Thanks for the link...I haven't read it all but I agree, many good philosophies, a lot of which I really believe in already!
Originally Posted By DVC_dad If I left Protestant Christianity, I would consider The Catholic Church. I think Mormonism has some very big social and exclusivity problems for me to be comfortable there. That whole, "we are the only one's that are right, and the rest of you were right at first, but are now wrong" just doesn't cut it with me. ....not to mention the "we like to change our rules as we go" thing. Of course the same things could be said of any religion. Also Mormonism is just too young for my tastes. Why Catholic? I think it's just cool. It's a neat tradition. Cro
Originally Posted By mele <<Why Catholic? I think it's just cool.>> Woohoo, wine at church! ;-) Juuust kidding, folks. I find the rituals in Catholicism beautiful in an Olde World sort of way; mysterious almost. I know that people find great comfort in it. My grandmother continues to say that the Catholic Church owns me since I was baptized as a baby. LOL
Originally Posted By Inspector 57 I'm an atheist and I'm not in the market for religion, thank you very much. But I respect X-san and this is a an interesting exercise, so I will have to say... ...Buddhism. It seems to me that Buddhism combines well with other beliefs/backgrounds. It's sort of the same as being Jewish and going to Temple and the Rabbi makes sure that his talk doesn't exclude those in the congegation who don't believe in God. Oops. Wait. One example is spiritual and one is cultural, I suppose. But they're both considered "religion," aren't they? Whatever. If I had to choose a second choice, it would be Buddhist. Or Oprah.
Originally Posted By sherrytodd I have actually given a lot of thought recently into studying Buddhism. I have discovered I am happier when I practice many Buddhist beliefs.
Originally Posted By X-san ***But I respect X-san and this is a an interesting exercise, so I will have to say...***
Originally Posted By pecos bill Perhaps it is not so much a religion as a lifestyle, but I am fascinated by the culture of the Plains Indians before they were destroyed by the European conquest/holocaust. Basically it is in respect for their nearly perfect,(for humans),harmony with nature. As far as their religions were concerned, well, they are just as valid as any religion ever concieved, and just as worthy of following. I especially like the idea of the Peyote, Sweatlodge ceremony. I also adore the thought of seeing this country in a pristine, unspoiled state, even if through the eyes of others. You want a new religion? Read the book titled Hanta Yo, by Ruth Beebe Hill. It is a factual account of the lifestyle I have mentioned, and it will leave the reader with feelings that could be described as religious, but I prefer lyrical, haunting and uplifting.
Originally Posted By pecos bill Correction, Hanta Yo is a work of fiction, based on tribal tales passed down through the years. It is authentic to the point that one believes it is factual. I was getting ahead of myself.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <I can play along. IF I were to be looking I think I would pick Jainism. I agree with most of their philosophies.> I read the wikipedia thing, and I was down with most of the Jain philosophies and everything... Then I read they don't eat garlic. That blows it for me right there.
