Atheists, Pagans, Nones, Wiccans, New Agers, Buddhists, and Other

1. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 12 years ago

   Spiritualists  In The United States - WE HAVE THE RIGHTS TO OUR BELIEFS
   
   People who believe in the non-traditional spiritualities and philosophies are oftentimes ostracized by the prevailing religious majority.    They are marginalized and are deemed to be unacceptable in the prevaling religious culture.    As of yet,  no Atheist has been elected as President of the United States.   America is the only industrialized nation where there is an overemphasis on religion.   
   
   Despite the fact that America professes its religiosity,  more people, even those in tradtional religions, are rethinking their respective religions as many of these religions are out of touch in the postmodern world.  More and more people are becoming Nones, that is one with no religious afflilation.    Many people are realizing that one does not have to be affiliated with a religion to believe in God or to be a spiritual and ethical person.     People of nontraditional paths are becoming more vocal in their beliefs and asserting themselves.     
   
   America is no longer a Judeo-Christian nation.   It is slowly and hopefully becoming a nation for many religious, spiritual, and ethical beliefs.   Let us discuss this.

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   1. 61

      paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No.
      
      I don't want to discuss this.
      
      I want the religion crap gone from HP.
      
      Just saying.
      
      Enough is enough.

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2. 85

   gmwilliamsposted 12 years ago

   This is why I put the thread under Political and Social Issues, not Religion and Philosophy.   I believe that this is a subject whose time has come.   We people who are nontradtionalists need to have OUR say without any interference from the more traditional elements.

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   1. 61

      paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Shut Up!
      
      No more religion crap here.
      
      I have had it.
      
      My mood will pass, no doubt. But for now, screw any bastard that posts religion crap.

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      1. 58

         tussinposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         A person who creates a new forum post for every thought that passes through his head complains about someone who creates a new forum post for every other thought that passes through her head.
         
         Pot meet kettle. Please make me a nice potato soup.  Please and thank you.

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         1. 61

            paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            The religion crap really needs to be shut down.

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3. 61

   Peanutritiousposted 12 years ago

   Yes, there is far too much religilous crap posted here but people sholud be allowed to believe in what they choose. What I don't understand is 'if people are so righteous in their choice of faith, why feel the need to indoctrinate others?' Is their own religion not comfort enough? Why spout at others who choose to live otherwise?

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   1. 82

      austinhealyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi, Peanut. Don't forget that these people are on a mission. Converting uneducated morons like us is part of their daily grind and they can't see past the point that if you're not with them, you're a lost cause. I grew up in Western Europe in what over there was regarded as a very religuous family, but I have never seen the extent of what I have witnessed here in the US :people are possessed, it's not even religion anymore, it's fanaticism and in my opinion Christian extremists are on the same level as Muslim extremists. A much as I would like to, I don't see any difference

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      1. 75

         wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Why?  Just because of people like the woman I met yesterday in the doctor's waiting room that had had the same cataract surgery I had? 
         
         The one that declared to the room that it was wonderful that God had given our surgeon the knowledge and skills to fix our eyes and that we could find out more about Him by reading a small pamphlet which she proceeded to hand to anyone that would accept it?
         
         Or the man there that asked for more of them so he could hand them out to anyone he saw as well?  Are these the proselytizing fanatics whose lifetime mission is to convert everyone in sight to their own level of ignorance?
         
         I agree.

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         1. 82

            austinhealyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            You choose to believe your surgeon received his knowledge and skills from God. It is your absolute right and I respect it. However I choose to believe that your surgeon received his knowledge and skills from a school and the the progress of science, are you ready to respect my belief without handing me a pamphlet?
            And if God had such wonderful powers as to educate your surgeon, where the hell was he yesterday morning when these innocent children could have used a little help?

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            1. 75

               wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Somehow I don't get the impression that the thrust of what I meant to say got through.  I didn't accept a brochure and found it a little offensive that the years of study and work by the surgeon was simply pushed under the rug to give glory to her God.
               
               Similarly, I recently stood on a sidewalk in Las Vegas, waiting for the dancing water show at the Bellagio to begin when some crazed woman with a bull horn saw the captive audience and began harranguing them to convert to her God.  From 10 feet away.  Conversation became impossible and the music of the show was inaudible over her racket.  Should have tossed her and her bull horn into the pool.
               
               What's wrong with these people?  Why can't they just leave others alone?  Or at least just get a bunch of them together in an empty field somewhere and let them scream at each other that they all have the one and only God to themselves?

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               1. 85

                  gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Good one, Wilderness.

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               2. 82

                  austinhealyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  I misunderstood your point and I'm glad you clarified it. For some reason, I thought you were citing that woman as an example of the right thing to do. I stand corrected

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                  1. 89

                     Jean Bakulaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     I agree that people get overzealous about religion, but those of you who know me understand that I study metaphysical subjects and still look for answers which satisfy me. I think eventually groups of people are going to have to sit down, and talk about what points are the SAME in their religions. Love, be kind and respectful to others, help the needy, etc. Most of the people I associate with are Pagans, Atheists, Buddhists, or at least have beliefs that are actually believable or plausible. Most people don't really understand Christianity, and even ex-ministers say that. When I read the Bible, I think Jesus was probably the most psychic and loving person there ever was. But fairy tales about virgin births, burning bushes (which could happen in those climates) voices from the sky, it's hard to swallow. If it helps somebody to cope with life better, I think that's great for them. But it doesn't mean I want to hear it or believe it. We all have spiritual qualities, and work on them in our own ways. I have a feeling we all "make it" to wherever we are supposed to go on our journey. But then I believe in reincarnation, like the Gnostic Christians did.

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                     1. 85

                        gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        Most people do not understand the true meaning of religion.   Religion means a relationship to God, the Universal Being, or one's higher self.   It does not mean belonging to a certain sect or denomination.

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                  2. 75

                     wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     No harm, Austin - I failed to make myself clear.

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            twosheds1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            So the doctor didn't go to med school?!?!? I wouldn't have let him operate on me if that was the case.

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            1. 75

               wildernessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                 Maybe God wrote the lesson plans for his teachers?

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      2. 85

         gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         There really isn't.   I am more apprehensive of the Christian extremists than the Moslem ones.   The Christian extremists are the ones who bomb abortion clinics, state that AIDS is a punishment from God for "errant" behavior, that women are to submit to their husbands, and insert their opinions into things that are not clearly their business.     THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!    Might I add, those who endlessly attempt to prosletyze the rest of us into their "way" and/or "belief".

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         1. 82

            austinhealyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            In all fairness, we must mention that most people who practice a religion are decent family people whith whom one can have an educated discussion about almost anything. The problem lays with the fringe I called extremists because that's just what they are. Actually, you can't even discuss with them without being thrown scriptures at, like it was going to to anything. I have numerous friends of different faiths and I can discuss religion with them openly. Because I do respect their views and they respect mine. The essence of the problem here is narrow mindedness, and unfortunately, it's not going to go away anytime soon.

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   2. 85

      gmwilliamsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh no Peanut, such is NEVER the case.   They love their religion and feel that it is the ONLY CORRECT one.   They view others who do not believe in such religion and rituals to be "in error" and in need "to be saved".     In their eyes, these others are wrong and they are there to "educate" them as how to be "correct" .      The concept of live and let live is totally missing in such people.   I avoid such people as oftentimes or not,   I get into a virulent verbal altercation with them which can turn quite ugly.    The other party is reduced to tears after I say what I have to say!

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4. 77

   Renee Abbottposted 12 years ago

   First off, I will post what I wish in the structure that HP has laid out. If some wish we do not post on religion etc etc than dont read it. Be active in live verses reactive.
   
   Second, there has never been a Jew elected as President of the U.S.
   
   Third, I am a pagan Jew, which many have trouble swallowing. It does not bother me at all. I am who I am, and I can live next to others of all beliefs, because my need to convince people they are wrong doesnt exist. They are right for themselves, and i can appreciate that.
   
   A lot of people might not begin to even comprehend my belief system, and  I do not look down at them, nor do I look up at people. Judgment is not my cup of tea, nor is comparison.
   
   I can only change what I do not like within me. I am very leary of those who wish to change everyone else, or get them to see their 'truth'. One's person's truth often holds an empty bag of rhetoric. I find it interesting to see your 'wrong' makes my 'right'. I see this often. Instead of embracing ourselves, we need to make others wrong. I use to do that, for being 61, this journey I started very young. Now i can embrace me and you. You do not need to change to make me feel comfortable in my own skin.

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