What are your current beliefs?

[Diego]

If you agree that there was nothing in the beginning.

And that something cannot just appear from nowhere.

Then there is nothing here.

We are in something that was made from the absurdity of the infinity of nothing.

But still, we are just nothing.

[Jordan86]

I like to think there is a higher power out there of some sort, and you can call it god if you want, but I don't trust organized religion. I don't see them as entirely bad, I think a lot of them had and still have noble principals, and were trying to establish positive things. I do see them as all man made and subject to the flaws that human beings make.

I don't like religion when it involves do this or else something really bad is going to happen to you.

I don't like religion trying to say they have all the answers, and you'd be incorrect or blasphemous to doubt them, especially when they don't really provide solid evidence and tell you rather it's even more of a virtue to believe this such and such thing with out evidence because it shows you have more faith.

I don't like the coercion aspect of religion. I don't like forced conversion/militant expansion.

I don't like it when religion makes you feel inferior and dirty and foul and obscene and should tremble before a higher power in forgiveness.

I do like that religion gives some people more peace. It allows some people to open up to each other and love others. It gives some people hope.

I do like it when religion provides unity in a group and cooperation as long as it doesn't lead to an Us vs Them mentality.

[xenosapience]

no button for mysticism...

all of the above are lighthouses, with the exception of scientology. whatever works to bring souls to the light and raise them above the shadows of fear and pain is a good thing. i love that there are so many different expressions of the impulse to rise above and to bring our communities with us. keeps things interesting.

[KingKanibalKiller]

The only religion is Truth

[rags724]

There is no foundation in truth. Truth is based on what one thinks is true. If to you, one plus one equals five than that is truth to you. Why is it that what is true is right? Most things regarded as truth are simply based on theory and speculation. The only reason you think something is true is because someone whom was told by someone else told you. I ask you, what if those whom told those was a total liar? Logic is relative, truth is based on logic, therefore truth is relative. If you could not tell I am a nihilist. If you can prove something to me than I will consider disproveing it to you. If you come to regard this as false than I will disregard it as speculation. When speculated upon, all things are open to be regarded as truth. If you want to know what it's like to be dead, think of what it was like before you were born. If you need to know why we exist, I need to know why it matters. Existence is not like a rubics cube, there is no defined answer or solution. I always solved the rubics cube by ripping it apart and reassembleing in the proper order, therefore, there is no one way to solve the cube. Religion is nothing more than a way of makeing little old ladies feel better about death. If you must seek truth and reason, you must be willing to seek the reasoning of truth. God is dead. Someday, future generations will look back and wonder how we could have been so easily manipulated by religion.

[someKindofDrug]

The sun is my god, because without it I would not be able to type this sentence

[firerat]

......So to get around a lot of this, I decided to worship the sun. But, as I said, I don't pray to the sun. You know who I pray to? Joe Pesci. Two reasons: First of all, I think he's a good actor, okay? To me, that counts. Second, he looks like a guy who can get things done. Joe Pesci doesn't fuck around. In fact, Joe Pesci came through on a couple of things that God was having trouble with............

.....So I've been praying to Joe for about a year now. And I noticed something. I noticed that all the prayers I used to offer to God, and all the prayers I now offer to Joe Pesci, are being answered at about the same 50% rate. Half the time I get what I want, half the time I don't. Same as God, 50-50.......

George Carlin on Religion (R.I.P. George)

Wow, I just realized my first post ever on 'Topia was early on in this thread!!!!

[dead_diver]

I'm a episcojew. I'm part French/Native American and part German/Jew. I want to live in harmony with the earth while reaping a tidy profit from it at the same time

[ruderalis]

I try to focus on a science based perspective.

First law of thermodynamics is that of energy conservation.
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed.
Therefore ALL energy exists by being transferred
from one substance/object to another.
Therefore when one exhales,
a domino effect of colliding atoms eventually interacts
with whatever object is in that energy's path...
be it 2 feet away or two miles away.
We don't have the technology yet to measure
these incredibly minute energetic influences.
But they do exist.

Even Emotions can cause physical outside influence.
When we become angry/sad/happy etc,
our brains signal the release of certain neurotransmitters
which can increase heart rate.
This kinetic cardiac energy cannot be confined
in the human body alone.
But is transferred through the organic tissues
and out into the World.

So based on the above scientific theory,
I believe that "GOD" is merely the collective energy
of all the organisms on this planet.
This "Higher Power" is capable of influencing any
organism on the planet. But....

the influence isn't even large enough for modern science to measure,
so of course our lives unfold due to more immediate influences
such as interaction with others, becoming ill, wrecking your car etc.

That is why I believe in a higher power/influence...

but I sure as shit don't put any faith into it.

[mushroommaster7]

Originally Posted by ruderalis

I try to focus on a science based perspective.

First law of thermodynamics is that of energy conservation.
Energy cannot be created nor destroyed.
Therefore ALL energy exists by being transferred
from one substance/object to another.
Therefore when one exhales,
a domino effect of colliding atoms eventually interacts
with whatever object is in that energy's path...
be it 2 feet away or two miles away.
We don't have the technology yet to measure
these incredibly minute energetic influences.
But they do exist.

Even Emotions can cause physical outside influence.
When we become angry/sad/happy etc,
our brains signal the release of certain neurotransmitters
which can increase heart rate.
This kinetic cardiac energy cannot be confined
in the human body alone.
But is transferred through the organic tissues
and out into the World.

So based on the above scientific theory,
I believe that "GOD" is merely the collective energy
of all the organisms on this planet.
This "Higher Power" is capable of influencing any
organism on the planet. But....

the influence isn't even large enough for modern science to measure,
so of course our lives unfold due to more immediate influences
such as interaction with others, becoming ill, wrecking your car etc.

That is why I believe in a higher power/influence...

but I sure as shit don't put any faith into it.

this is an awesome perspective, i've always leaned more weight on science than faith, but this is really going there...

thermodynamics are cool as can be, i'm studying them now

[ruderalis]

Originally Posted by mushroommaster7

this is an awesome perspective, i've always leaned more weight on science than faith, but this is really going there...

thermodynamics are cool as can be, i'm studying them now

I enjoy fluid dynamics myself.
Really gives you a visual for the movement tendencies
of energy through liquids and gases.

I wish more people based their beliefs on science

[mushroommaster7]

fluid dynamics sound neat as well, i'm very interested in hydraulics, if it falls in that category...

the coolest thing i find about thermodynamics so far is how heat influences sound, acoustics/etc.


neat perspective though, i believe we'll all live longer with a science based belief system, knowledge is power huh

[BuckarooBanzai]

"A man has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
-Anonymous from a T-shirt (quote may be mangled, but that was the gist)

Science and faith are not such different things, IMHO. Beliefs can manifest from either.

The deeper one delves into quantum/particle physics, the more similar science and faith become (until eventually they become completely interchangeable).

The old classic chestnut "double slit" experiment with light is a perfect example. "Is light a wave or particulate phenomena?" Simple question until you realize that it is both (or neither) depending upon how you choose to measure it. Which leads you down the mind shredding path to realizing that all "matter" has wave characteristics and even "pure waves" must have a particulate nature.

Lots of science involves faith and not all faith is unscientific. One person's unassailable fact is another person's heresy. This is true of both science AND faith, depending only upon the perspective of the speaker and the audience.

[plantman21]

I was raised Luthern. There is just to much to the universe for us to be the only one created in HIS image. I have seen things that contridice what I was taught when I was younger. I am currious to find out in the end what is the correct path, but I don't think it is a religion. It is.... maybe a state of mind... like, You will reap what you sow, or treat others as you would be treated. But I do believe we all have tests placed before us for one reason or another, testing what we may have learned in a past life or prepareing for a future. The passing of your life is hard, but being born to another is even harder.
Plantman

[cap]

tally me up

[RestartLater]

I believe that there is a god / earth / human being...... etc.

I believe in unconditional love more than anything. Am I good at this 24/7 *NO* But as a human I do my best!


We are born then we die and become fertilizer for further growth and while we are on earth we should try to sow fertilizer or love, even though that is very hard to do at times!!!!


RestartLater

[piazao de sitio]

I believe in Master Jesus and others that came before and after
but He came to purify the earth and Heaven with the worst mission ever.

I also sympathize with spiritism of Alan Kardec witch is the decoder of spiritism.
this is well know by our ancestor but lost in the time when this world was ruined with too many evil.

God is one.

God is love
love is God (bhakti yoga)

[The Truth.]

I believe people choose not to believe because that would mean changing.
Usually a change from an unhealthy lifestyle.
They hide behind intellect as an excuse of denial.
Unfortunately life is far beyond intellect.
Truth is, it's easier to hide behind a lack of physical evidence than accept,
and live accordingly.
Funny thing is, genuine happiness and contentment only comes from one path.
Most won't choose that path.
But hey, thats the beauty of free will.

Nice thread, interesting results on the poll.

[sam0seed]

I believe that we as humans have come a long way and evolved quite a bit and that the notion of religion and Gods have no current use in todays society. It is my belief that Gods were created by the human mind to explain things beyond thier comprehension, things they coudnt possibly understand due to thier lack of scientific knoledge. Also, coudnt humans be considered God's? Afterall we have the abilitey to create life and alter/control things around us, even though we do not posses supernatural powers. Who knows though, thats just my opinion.....

[ruderalis]

Originally Posted by sam0seed

I believe that we as humans have come a long way and evolved quite a bit and that the notion of religion and Gods have no current use in todays society. It is my belief that Gods were created by the human mind to explain things beyond thier comprehension, things they coudnt possibly understand due to thier lack of scientific knoledge. Also, coudnt humans be considered God's? Afterall we have the abilitey to create life and alter/control things around us, even though we do not posses supernatural powers. Who knows though, thats just my opinion.....

agreed

[ph0n3_h0m3]

Love is my religion!

Pagan.... and some of the other spiritual beliefs seem to overlap each religion.

Although we are not talking about religion, but spirituality which is a bit different.


I have seen people use spirituality, or atleast have the talking points down to impress people with their knowledge, in good and bad, just like religion.

Both can give people a lot of power over others if one knows their audience and can be sincere.

[datsun]

I find bits of truth in many religions.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. Love is the law, love under will.

[farmerjohncc]

Why Buddhism? Of all the organized religions in the poll Buddhism was #2 with over 14 percent.

Some members of this community may not personally know a buddhist and have only a vague concept of its beliefs.

As a person raised in the Judeo-Christian tradition, and as a skeptic, I found the concepts and practice of Buddhism to fit well with my desire for an idealistic and practical application of "cosmic" truth.

In the buddhsit tradition of bodhisattva, I would like to share a half dozen "buddhist" concepts which have resonance with me.

1.Buddhism is humanism. That is, it concerns itself with what we experience as human beings.

2.Buddhism is reason. If some belief runs contrary to common sense it is in conflict with buddhism.

3.Buddhism is optimism. It teaches we have the ability to gain wisdom from our experiences, no matter how painful. It teaches we have the ability to influence our surroundings in a positive direction. We are not bound by fate or karma. We create our present and future moments.

4.Buddhism recognizes the interconnectedness of everything. Nothing exists apart from everything else. When others around us are suffering it is difficut for us to be happy.

5.Buddhism teaches the dual nature of our lives. We have, at every moment the enlightened nature (the divinity within) as well as the unenlightened nature (the devil made me do it). It the purpose of buddhist practice to strengthen the enlightened nature; to make it manifest as much as possible and, by doing so, to keep the "dark side" at bay.

6.Lastly, Buddhism teaches the importance of finding an excellent mentor. The mentor can be compared to the soil and the disciple can be compared to the plant. With excellent soil a plant can flourish.

Many thank to Hippie 3 for creating this wonderful site!

Personally I like www.abuddhistpodcast.com

Thank you to all who have contributed to this particular post.

[BuckarooBanzai]

Buddhism, like any religion, can be a good stepping stone to finding the path.

Buddhism, like any religion, can take the place of establishing a personal philosophy.

Buddhism is neither good nor bad - it simply is. The Buddhists are just a tad more honest about admitting said/same...

[MrZeus]

Excellent thread! I've never had a problem with God, but don't have much use for his fan club...I believe we all have the light within us. I believe that God is everything, and God is nothing. Chew on that for awhile!

[XxMushroomsxX]

This not a very good topic to talk about but i dont beleave in any god iv seen and experienced some very insane stuff that can not be explaind and no god or godess can be the reason. B/c the other side is a strainge place.

[Codyh415]

I am Asatru i believe in the old ways and the norse GODS
Hail Odin!

[Codyh415]

I believe the other side was a strange experience to you because of where your mind has been or where u are in your life now. I am not meaning to start an arguement about it but i believe our own minds have to do with what we see.

[GunPuppy]

I believe there may be a god or goddess out there. or maybe even many. But I know I have a short time on this earth so I should probably go out and do what I enjoy and try to be good to others. And when I get to the pearly gates or whatever is there I'll be able to say "I was good to others and tried to live in a way that didn't harm others.

If that's not enough for ol' saint pete than I guess I'm outta luck. And I wouldnt want to be in a place full of Ned Flanders clones anyways

[SilvrHairDevil]

Great thread! (I just noticed it’s an old one. Glad it was bumped.)

“Please forgive me if your religion is not noted.”

I chose Other Religion in the poll, but I would have preferred plain Other as a choice.

There are a few people’s answers that are very close to my philosophy:

weeeee said “…i just believe in living a good life being as respectful and helpful i can be no greed no thieving blah blah....”

Which I go along with. Karma, what goes around comes around. I don’t need Faith and Belief for this. I’ve seen it actually happen – over and over again.

Myc said “The power which I choose to call God for simplicity purposes and I get along just fine. Religion (the word of man) has no place in my life.”

This isn’t too far out of line with my thinking.

“Organized religion is like lining people up to look at a sunset.”
- John D McDonald

Bucky seems to be in this school of thought as well: “Zero dogma for me and no desire whatsoever to be a part of anything "organized."


I have a lot in common with the wiccans and pagans, but, come right down to it – just another religion. Most of the wiccans I’ve met are recovering roman catholics. Do what you will shall be the whole of the law is very heady stuff to people trained in guilt.

And Yes – I do realize the irony of my name. I no more believe in devils & demons than I do in angels & saints.

So, what do I believe? It’s sort of along the lines of the Jedi’s Force that is everywhere. I’m not good at flying, but then, I have no real need to fly.

I call myself a sorcerer. Sometimes – not often, when I have a need, I spend 3 or 4 days preparing to cast a spell. I get my mind right, rev up my spiritual energy and ask for what I want.

I have a 100% success rate with this, so it isn’t a Faith & Belief thing. It is more along the lines of something I know how to do, like driving a car or adding numbers.

And that’s it. May the force be with you.

[MushroomJoe]

I am an agnostic atheist.

Let me explain.

I do not know what caused the Big Bang to occur.

I know that it happened, because there is overwhelming evidence to prove that it happened. But to speculate on what caused the big bang would be crazy, since there is no observable evidence to go by, and as of yet there is no way to measure anything that happened before the Big Bang...

...hence my agnosticism.

I AM atheist, however, when it comes to ANY of the ideas that have ever been thought up by man about what created the universe. (or woman) Especially when these "Ideas" are based on nothing testable or observable.

I'm sorry, but if you believe that man was created as he stands today, by some intelligent source, I highly recommend that you do some reading into the current state of understanding in fields such as Astronomy, Astrophysics, Biology, Evolutionary Biology. You might see that we understand a lot more than most people think. And these are FACTS that can be tested.

The big bang happened, then comic evolution created our solar system, and biological evolution created us. There's not much more to it than that.

[BuckarooBanzai]

Never mistake faith in a creator for belief in a religion.

God is an ephemeral concept.

Religion is an addictive drug.

[nra9785]

Scientology got on there before Judaism hahahaha
Thanks man, Had to click "other"

[ShroomGuerilla]

Originally Posted by nra9785

Scientology got on there before Judaism hahahaha
Thanks man, Had to click "other"