Welcome to the Religion Forum!

1. 90

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   Thanks to some great feedback from Hubpages members, this category is now open. 
   
   Due to the personal nature of the topic, I'd like to bring some points to your attention while this section is still new:
   
   As with the rest of the forums, please keep the forum rules in mind.
   Please show respect to your fellow forum posters!
   Remember that each person experiences religion in a different fashion, and each experience with faith, Divinity, and the wide variety of religious flavors is unique.
   
   Religion is a deeply personal topic with a lot to discuss, so feel free to discuss any topic which relates to the religious experience here.
   
   Again, welcome!

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      ripplemakerposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      gamergirl  As with the rest of the forums, please keep the forum rules in mind.
      Please show respect to your fellow forum posters!
      Remember that each person experiences religion in a different fashion, and each experience with faith, Divinity, and the wide variety of religious flavors is unique.
      
      Religion is a deeply personal topic with a lot to discuss, so feel free to discuss any topic which relates to the religious experience here.
      
      Again, welcome![/quote wrote:

      
      
      I liked what you wrote gamergirl.  I think there is beauty in sharing our faith and experiences and miracles we experience in our lives.  I too wouldn't want to argue about 'right and wrong' religion.  I believe in the end it's all about love.

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2. 88

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 16 years ago

   Thanks for the introduction, gamergirl. Success to this Forum!

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3. 61

   Prince Maakposted 16 years ago

   New Year gift to Hubbers from Hubpages.

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4. 66

   Mishaposted 16 years ago

   I might be over-protective, but I would like to suggest that words like "this is wrong", "this is a sect", "this is immoral", etc. regarding any persons system of believes should be left out of this forum and not tolerated here. This is essential to provide an environment for intelligent and peaceful discussion...

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      Stacie Naczelnikposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with this.
      
      I think it is appropriate to say things like, "I disagree" and "I don't believe in this", but it should all be in a respectful way.

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5. 90

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   Good points, Misha.  Let's make this forum section one posted in with mutual respect.  Each religion teaches principles that differ from others, and only by recognizing that and stepping beyond intolerance into acceptance do we grow spiritually.

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6. 61

   Prince Maakposted 16 years ago

   I find the following verse from Al-Quran best suits to this FORUM. But everyone has their own views and they are liberal to comment upon.
   
   O humankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know and deal with each other in kindness (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God (is he who is) the most righteous of you, and God is Knower, Aware.] (Al-Hujurat 49:13)

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   Guru-Cposted 16 years ago

   I think it's wonderful to have a forum on Religion.  Perhaps if we can achieve peace on this topic in Hubpages it will be possible in the rest of the world as well.
   
   Maybe it would be helpful to label posts with individual faiths like: Buddhism. Hinduism. Islam/Sufi.  Baptist. Methodist. Church of Christ. Unity. Catholicism. Judaism. Messianic, etc. and perhaps, Interfaith.  Anyone who wants to debate on religions could go to an Interfaith thread.
   
   I will be very dismayed if any religion is flamed here except to light candles of peace.
   
   
   Best Regards,
   Cory

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8. 90

   gamergirlposted 16 years ago

   I think it would be nice to have an introductory post by someone 'of the faith' so to speak.
   
   Perhaps the folks who are interested in having an active forum section here would be so kind as to make a new post labeled with their religious affiliation and a little background information?

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9. 42

   coolbreezeposted 16 years ago

   Like the idea gamegirl 
   
   I also studied religion In my opinion it is religion that is the problem.
   
   The word itself brings up so many negative connotations. Over the ages I mean Dam!
   
   I would have thought a Forum on Spirituality would have been more benign,I know it just semantics!
   
   As we know everyones religious beliefs tend to reflect the level of their conscience.
   
   That being said the blessings are here for all of us to utilize, its up to us to use them wisely.
   
   Sincerely,
   Rik

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10. 67

    SparklingJewelposted 16 years ago

    Hi All, welcome to the Religion Forum!
    
    I am an adherent to a spiritual faith that embodies mystical aspects and practices of the world's oldest religions. Though I am not a member of the church that has put it together, I am a chela/disciple and advocate for the teachings that have come forth.
    Being a member of a church, regardless of it's teachings, still presents to me, the problems of  ego that always cloud the Truth of the Word as teaching through the rules of an organization as church. I continue to find my Way.
    Has anyone else found that to be their problem in their search for divine reality?
    
    SparklingJewel

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11. 42

    coolbreezeposted 16 years ago

    SparklingJewel     Are you an Eckist?
    
    I would hope we could share our experiences of spirit not religion
    Its so boring and pointless to debate religious belief

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    1. 67

       SparklingJewelposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Coolbreeze,
       
       No, I am not an Eckist, but I have heard of them, though they are not a group I have studied. In one of my hubs I stated that I did not call myself a this, that or the other, i.e. Christian, Muslim, Hindu...Eckist or anythng else.
       I do like your point of the difference between spirit and religion, but I do believe a person can have both, either, or none, and still be on the path to find unity with God.
       I would rather not debate with anyone, according to my definition of debate it feels too adversarial. I like to look for points of unity within our diversity. I believe we all have the same ultimate goal within our souls, we are just finding it out in the ways we encounter and choose; seeking is the biggest step for most people to take.
       
       Are you an Eckist? What is that all about if you are? If you are not, what path are you following at this point in time?
       
       SparklingJewel

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    Mishaposted 16 years ago

    Rik,
    
    I think most people here want to talk about their spiritual searches and findings, not really debating if one particular details in one religion is better than in another.
    
    However, studying formal religions seems to be the only way to learn what humanity knows about the matter. As deformed by countless re-writes and edits as they are, those book are still the only account of what has been taught to us, I think.
    
    I personally find it to be a great joy when I discover something that is universally accepted among all religions I'm aware of, or if I manage to link seemingly (to me) unrelated concepts in different religions.
    
    So, I don't think it's going to be boring here

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       SparklingJewelposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Misha,
       
       I like what you have said about the joy when you discover something that is universally accepted among religions, and recognizing seemingly unrelated concepts from different religions.
       Here's one that was pointed out to me, that because of my Christian upbringing, has brought solace to my soul. There is a trinity not only in Christianity, but Hinduism (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and if you look more closely, also in Judaism's Kabbalah seifrots and the Tao. I haven't studied Islamic mysticism, but because of the link with Judaism and Christianity through Abraham, I'm sure there is one.
       
       SparklingJewel

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    coolbreezeposted 16 years ago

    Again the wise words of Misha!  Thank you!
    
    Well even though I rant about religion I am a hipocrite and I know it Because I was raised in conventional churches around the US, Baptist , Catholic, etc etc. I have been to the Shaministic Native American , Hawaiian ceremonies etc. I lived in the bushes for years in some what solitude.
    
    When I was visited by the Medicine man of the from the local tribe. He said I lived more like a Native American than any one he had ever seen. For sure any Indian he had met. I was not sure if that was a complement. But the natives have lost many of the old ways of course. I normally dont discuss my spirituality because of course it very personal. But hubpages is like my extended family.
    
    After years of searching I found something that made sense to me. I have stuck with it now for several years, Its considered a Religion. The reason that it worked  for me is that it helped explain many of the things that happened to me as a child. To many people the only thing that makes sense is a savior. Thats alright for them but I will pass. I would rather save myself ;-)

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    LisaGposted 16 years ago

    Hi guys,
    
    It is good to be on the Religion Forum. 
    
    You know, most of the hubs I write are based on the bible, but I really don't attend a particular church at the moment.  I was 'christened' in the Anglican faith and have attended various 'christian' churches in my short lifesapn.  What I have learned though is that your faith or spirituality is something personal to you and attending church does not necessarily make you spiritual.  (Please note I am not in any way saying attending church is not good). 
    
    I think this forum will be good way for us to understand why we believe what we do and why it works for us.
    
    Lisa

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    1. 67

       SparklingJewelposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Lisa,
       
       I was baptized and raised in a Christian Church, and I can truthfully say that I claim Jesus as my Lord and Savior...but I know that what I have come think and feel about that point is not the same as how I was taught growing up or what I perceive others of the Christian faith think and feel. I am not sure I could explain it. I will work on that!
       
       SparklingJewel

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15. 42

    coolbreezeposted 16 years ago

    SparklingJewel  Yes I am an Eckist.
    
    This means something different to all who are practicing.
    
    I will try to explain what it means to me to be an eckist.
    
    It means spiritual freedom without doctrines really.  We are soul travelers, we practice leaving our bodies similar to when you pass on. We travel into other planes of existance. Or some might say we expand our level of awareness to realize and learn.
    
    Some will freak out over this of course, But didnt Peter travel to the 3rd heaven in the Bible.
    
    Many people experience leaving their bodies all the time. 
    
    Anyway when I was a kid I was a trouble maker. So my mom would lock me in my room for days.  Yes today its abuse They used to call it good parenting.
    
    So I would imagine myself playing in the yard, riding my bike ,going fishing etc.  You know day dreaming they called it.
    
    As an adult I used go shopping in my imagination for my girl friend. I dont like to shop so I would imagine my self going to this certain store.
    
    Windows of Light is the name of the store, Then later I would go and find the thing I thought I saw. Its fun try it ;-0
    
    Well the owner claimed she saw me in the store, after hours as a spirit or what ever you want to call it. I call it in my soul body. Anyway I taught Astral travel at Windows of Light. At least thats what she wanted me to call it. I wasnt an Eckist yet.
    
    So now you know why I am an eckist, because it just fits me.  The first book I read by an eckist was stranger by the river.
    
    It talked about the seeker that would come and sit by the river next to the big Oak tree.
    
    Totally blew me away because I was doing that in my dreams.
    
    There is a website and all that but I am not here recruiting members, This the first time I have told anyone online this.
    
    Thank you for reading my post.
    
    Sincerely,
    Rik

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       SparklingJewelposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Rik,
       
       Wow, thank you soooo  much for sharing your experiences with me ! Yes, isn't it amazing what the soul is capable of ! But I have to say that I have spent the last twenty years trying to understand similar childhood experiences...and stop them from happening ! I felt a need to be brought into balance with the earth planes because I believe there are important things to be done here for others..so that is what I seek to do with my life.
       I hope to share with you again.
       Many Blessings,
       SparklingJewel

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    helenathegreatposted 16 years ago

    coolbreeze, I would LOVE if you wrote a hub about Eckism (eckism? is that right?).  It sounds amazingly interesting, and I'd like to know more about its history and who practices it, etc.

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17. 42

    coolbreezeposted 16 years ago

    SparklingJewel
    Its great that you know the direction you are going in working on the earth plane
    I think that is so great.
    
    
    
    gamergirl did a hub I am going to read. I think she is a gutsy person to share with us ;-)
    
    helenathegreat
    I would like to do a hub on being an Eckist, The concept of leavings ones body scares people
    and many think that when they die its a done deal but you do go on learning.
    
    
    In the churches they always said something like they are laying his soul to rest.
    Which to me denotes that they have no understanding of spirit at all
    Souls never rest they are always evolving.
    
    Eckancar is a world wide organization Heres a site entitled What is
    Eckankar That does a good job of explaining it
    http://www.eckankar.org/whatis.html
    
    
    I will create a hub of my own Eck experiences
    
    Heres a nice Quote from the site
    
    Soul's whole purpose for being in this world is to find divine love.
    
    Eckankar means "Co-worker with God."
    
    Thank you for allowing me to share with you
    Rik

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18. 89

    Paragliderposted 16 years ago

    Best wishes to all contributors to this new forum

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19. 82

    LdsNana-AskMormonposted 16 years ago

    This is wonderful.  I love learning how other people come to know God, or find the spirit in their lives.
    
    No surprise here, that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.  And of course, that is what my hubs are centered around.
    
    I really like many of the suggestions, as to HOW we can relate to one another in this forum.  I am very excited to understand many of you, with different faith.  I think, that looking at this forum as a place of 'learning', is one of the best ways to utilize this opportunity AND privilege. 
    
    It really is a privilege to have a forum like this where we can talk more casually.  I hope we all recognize this as such.
    
    I have learned, that I don't need to defend my Church, but only answer questions, that others don't understand.  I honestly have no problems, with other people who disagree with how I believe.  I respect that we all have our differences.  The only thing that I require, is mutual respect.  That really is the most important component when talking about religion or politics.
    
    I am sure you are all aware, that the Mormon Church is under the gun with Mitt Romney running for president...  So the Church is in the media, a lot!  And many rumors abound. 
    
    I hope since you have access to a couple of us Mormon  wieirdos (lol) right here on the forum, that you will ask us anytime you hear something and you go.... what the heck?
    
    Warning:  Your questions might just end up on my Q& A  hub! lol  But I do really appreciate those few of you that have asked there:-)
    
    I promise I will tell you all I can... and be happy to discuss whatever you  like from an lds perspective.
    
    All I know, is that I have never been with such a nice group of people, who are so varied in their interest, with such respect between all.
    
    Thank you, for such a great experience in only a little over a month of being here.
    
    You are a class act!
    
    tDMg
    
    Ldsnana
    Kathryn

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20. 90

    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    -bumps this up to the top-
    
    We could all use a little reminder as to what this section of the forum means and is.

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       dingdongposted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Agreed!

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21. 68

    Bonnie Ramseyposted 16 years ago

    When I first saw this topic, I was glad it was added but also fearful of what it would become. It seems that my feelings may have been justified after reading some of the posts on this thread  http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/6243
    If this is how we show respect for others' beliefs then how can we ever expect to have respect for each other? I guess this is why I pretty much stay away from this topic. My beliefs are my personal beliefs and I can't expect everyone to have those same beliefs. In the same respect, I should not have to be personally insulted because of them either. I wish you guys all the best in this topic!
    
    Bonnie

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22. 62

    Anamika Sposted 16 years ago

    I have so many Hubs on Hindu Religion about Hindu Gods and Lord Shiva's Beads Rudraksha. But if anyone asks me if I am a follower of any particular religion, then the answer is 'No'. I follow the good in Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. If I would like to follow a religion, that would be the religion of Humanity. After all, God did not create Religion, Men did for their convenience.

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    SparklingJewelposted 16 years ago

    It is disheartening to have to deal with those that choose to be disrespectful.

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    gamergirlposted 16 years ago

    -bumps this up so it can be read again, because mutual respect is a good thing-

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