How religious are you compared to everyone else?

1. 86

   Chriswillman90posted 9 years ago

   How religious are you compared to everyone else?
   
   Do you go to church, temple, or other place of worship daily/weekly/monthly? Do you follow religious traditions or celebrate religion-based holidays year-round and finally how do you use your religious beliefs in everyday life?

   replyreport
2. 0

   Stargrrlposted 9 years ago

   I am pretty religious.  I go to church, pray, and celebrate the holidays.  In addition I attend a weekly bible study.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think that is great for doing that stuff because you like to and don't believe that it is some thing you have to do.

      replyreport
   2. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      If belief is strong and that's what you abide by then great. I feel what people want to do is most important. I don't want anyone to be forced into a sense of religious belief if they don't follow through.

      replyreport
3. 79

   chuckandus6posted 9 years ago

   I do not go to church,but I do believe in God,and heaven.I do not have any specific religion. I just believe in being a good person, being nice to others and appreciating what I have.
   You don't have to have a organized religion or go to church,to find God,I feel closest to God out in nature (fishing)ext.
   Sometimes people worry so much if you don't go to church, but from what, I've heard from my grandma's church most of the people that go there,are hypocritical. So try not to judge someone ,just because they are not going to church and not wearing a cross around their neck.

   replyreport
   1. 71

      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent points.

      replyreport
   2. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you

      replyreport
   3. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You can't go wrong with just trying to be a good person. I've come into contact with very religious folk who do not practice what they preach, which is unfortunate and not what religion is supposed to be about. Agree about not judging someone.

      replyreport
4. 60

   Phil Perezposted 9 years ago

   I'm not a believer in God, I am also not religious. However, since my grandparents have been brought up religiously, I do celebrate Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and my Birthday. But it is considered more as a tradition rather than a religious gathering/celebration.
   
   We don't do it for any imaginary being, we do it to get family together, to put it bluntly.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You have family values.that.is.an.excellent thing.

      replyreport
   2. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I'm guilty of following tradition more so than through what I believe as well. At least in your case there's a familial connection which is very important in society today.

      replyreport
5. 85

   FatFreddysCatposted 9 years ago

   The Almighty and I have a deal: I don't do anything that'll piss Him off, and in return, He doesn't smite me with lightning. So far it's been working out pretty well for both of us.
   ...although someone here recently told me that I was going to Hell. Imagine that.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Lol some people think they are God and decide who is right or wrong.

      replyreport
   2. 75

      Besarienposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      There are sure to be a lot of interesting people there, if you ever do get struck by lightning, I mean. May He have a lot of other smiting to do before He ever gets around to you.

      replyreport
   3. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's a nice deal then, just have him smite someone who really deserves it. There's plenty more who should be struck rather than not.

      replyreport
6. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   I believe God made man and man made religion.
   I seldom go to church or follow religious traditions. Most of my beliefs however do coincide with what is stated in The 10 Commandments and yet I realize I'm a flawed human being like everyone else.
   Never have I bought into the idea that one needed a "middleman" such as a minister, priest, or rabbi to connect with God. Nor have I ever felt the need to recruit anyone to my way of thinking or personally hold it against them for not thinking as I do.
   My philosophy is "live and let live".
   Life is a (personal) journey.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Very beautifully put.

      replyreport
   2. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I like this thought process on religious behavior as I too have grown further apart from tradition. I would never recruit or disband, I'd just tolerate and let them think for themselves.

      replyreport
7. 94

   jansharesposted 9 years ago

   According to your criteria, Chriswillman90, it looks like I'm pretty religious! I checked yes to all of your questions. Based on my weekly church attendance alone, compared to national reports (I talk about this in my hub on church membership), I'm not like most people who do not attend church regularly. I think the definition of "religious" differs depending on who you ask.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think that people get distracted by organized religion sometimes and forget the importance of how to believe.not sayin you just in general

      replyreport
   2. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      There's no right or wrong based on how often one practices religion as everyone's different. It's up to the person regardless and how they feel they should practice their faith.

      replyreport
8. 71

   Sharp Pointsposted 9 years ago

   Not very. I believe in the universe and it's laws, and no non-scientific organization could convince me otherwise. Some of my friends think the complete opposite way and I do not challenge their beliefs. That being said, I do believe we are all connected through Earth, and I have attempted to be more "spiritual" as an alternative to religion.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's how I am for my husband is an atheist and thinks scientifically,and I believe in God and we both respect each others Beliefs,and don't try to change. Them.

      replyreport
   2. 62

      Kiss andTalesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      To Nichol I agree love is personal an example we can not force love on anyone,  in a relationship love is agreeable between both, The Heavenly Father never forces anyone to love and accept him. But people force feed the thought. And turn people off

      replyreport
   3. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It's amazing to think not too long ago such thoughts would get you shunned by everyone. Nowadays there's nothing wrong with being scientific, and agree you can still be spiritual without being religious or following an organized religion.

      replyreport
9. 61

   fpherj48posted 9 years ago

   First of all, I have no way of knowing just "how religious" anyone is.  We must never think we can tell by how someone speaks, behaves or what church they attend or do not attend.  No one knows what is truly within another's heart.
   Further, I am not religious in the least.  I am not a member of a congregation anywhere.  Many years ago I was raised in the Catholic Faith by Catholic parents.  As soon as I was on my own (age 19) I became a serious recovering Catholic.
   I'm a Christian, in terms of knowing that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead for the salvation of all who will accept & follow Him.  I try to live by His Golden Rule and do not believe I am better than any one else...nor are they better than I am.  Our Spiritual life is a private one, as well as our relationship with Christ is personal.  I judge no one, nor will I allow another human being to judge me. 
   In no way do I compare myself to others and certainly not when it comes to their Spiritual life.  I try to show love and kindness by example in the way I live my life.
   I do not Preach, walk around banging a Bible or quoting Scripture....nor would I ever dare to point a finger at anyone to suggest they are going to Hell.  I am an Imperfect Mortal woman just as we all are.
   The final Judge will be the one to tell us who and what we are and where we stand with HIM.  Those who say and believe otherwise, might very well be in for a Huge surprise or disappointment.  And that's the name of that tune.

   replyreport
   1. 79

      chuckandus6posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree that some people are way to judgemental this lady I knew years ago  asked me if I was Christian and I told her that I believed in God but did not have an established religion, she treated me like I worshipped the devil.

      replyreport
   2. 61

      fpherj48posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Nichol....People like that woman are the ones with the problem....not you.  Sounds like she may have been very familiar with the devil, to think she recognizes his followers!...That is the sort of bad "attitude" that gives Christians a bad name.

      replyreport
   3. 86

      Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with your points and I too have found myself departing from an organized faith the older I become. I grew up Catholic too and followed religious guidelines very strictly. However I'm following a moral compass now and will await judgement.

      replyreport
10. 62

    Kiss andTalesposted 9 years ago

    To answer your question I would have to relate Jesus example to us.
    The scriptures says he set the example for us to follow.
    
    There was a temple In Jerusalem during Jesus presence on earth.
    He had been going there from his youth.
    And he continued to astound the scribes and Pharisees on what he knew and understood in the scrolls.
    
    Yet after his baptism Jesus did not draw people to Jehovah's temple
    He traveled with his disciples from village to village, his teaching and preaching was done by the sea side ,on the mount of Olives.
    He would send his deciples  ahead  of him ,and meet up.
    Notice New World Translation Lu 10:1 After these things the Lord designated 70 others and sent them out by twos ahead of him into every city and place where he himself was to go.
    
    If Jesus our Messiah and King can travel and preach and teach others from door to door, who are we to think we are better then him.
    
    New World Translation Lu 8:1 Shortly afterward he traveled from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God. And the Twelve were with him, 
    
    He set the pattern so that the preaching of his Kingdom Government would be reach to the far ends of the earth, not Just in one decade,but to cover many generations that his gift of his life would cover many people to be citizens of the future New earth and Heavens.
    
    New World Translation Mt 24:14 And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. 
    
    New World Translation Re 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. 
    
    His way in reaching people is effective. Because there are people who  are home bond .
    Also the preaching work is command we must carry out ,a New World Translation Mt 28:20 teaching them to observe all the things I have (commanded )you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” 
    
    Yes Jesus started the work and we were in trusted to finish it.
    
    We have to be sure we are following his instructions the way he showed us, or else our worship will be in vain
    
    Notice what is written New World Translation 2Th 2:10 and every unrighteous deception for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 
    
    Notice people given the truth to accept but many will not accept.

    replyreport
11. 82

    peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

    i am a holy cow! Inother words, I do pray at home everyday religiously but never went to church after i was married to a buddhist

    replyreport
    1. 86

       Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       That's very interesting. I wonder how a person's religious background may alter when they marry someone if at all.

       replyreport
12. 75

    Besarienposted 9 years ago

    I attend weekly and often more and on religious holidays. As for following religious traditions- it depends on which and whose. There are many I do not follow. I am sure there are some I have never heard mentioned. I do celebrate major religious holidays, though sometimes in non-traditional ways. I take the WWJD question very seriously as a blueprint for my own actions, beliefs, and decision-making in everyday life. I really don't care if that makes me more or less religious that anyone else. That isn't my goal. Plus I am not bothered what other people do or believe, so long as they do no harm.

    replyreport
    1. 86

       Chriswillman90posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Good points, we shouldn't be too bothered by what others do and they should our choices as well. It still seems that the majority of people believe in a higher power, but are they still good people if they ignore what's right--not likely.

       replyreport
13. 52

    Norine Williamsposted 9 years ago

    How can you compare what is in one's heart to yours?  The Scriptures definition of "religion" is mostly used in a "negative" context!  Hopefully, I'm not "religious!"  Man has made "religion" and I in no way want my spiritual life to be associated with anything man-made! 
    
    Acts 7:48 "Nevertheless, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet," 
    
    The only time I go to churches/temples is to tell them the "Good News" of Jesus' Grace and Mercy and to tell all who believe how they should move on "Beyond the Cross" as one of my favorite Hubbers (Fay) puts it!
    
    I have found that Catholicism has "misguided" practically every denomination in western civilization. Most believers believe that they should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of  the Holy Spirit, they believe in the holy Trinity, they don't believe that Jesus is God, they believe that wine or grape juice should be taken for the Communion, they don't believe in women preachers, they don't believe in feet washing, they don't believe that God has to join individuals together in marriage, they don't believe in speaking in tongues, they don't believe in the gift of healing, they really don't believe in the Word of God, yet all are "saved!"
    
    Jesus died for us over 2,000 years ago, but "religion" still hasn't gotten "Beyond the Cross!"
    
    We now live under the New Covenant (Grace and Truth) and "They that worship him "must" worship him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24).  Do they do that?  Some believers think that we are partially under the Old Covenant and under the New Covenant, but Law and Grace doesn't mix (Galatians 4:21-31)!  Some even believe that we should still obey the Ten Commandments!  Did Christ die in vain? 
    
    Believers need to "study" the Word of God or "search the scriptures" vs going to church/temple or other place of worship to only follow tradition!  Why bother going when you are not being taught "truth" from Scripture?    Do you think the "ritual" of attending a building will save you? Do you not want to know "righteousness" in His Word?  Then read for yourself! Don't believe what any "man" tells you regarding your eternal life, rather search scripture for yourself!  (II Timothy 2:15)

    replyreport
14. 73

    manatita44posted 9 years ago

    I go to a Centre for worship. I respect and note the spiritual value of traditions, and I do celebrate religion-based holidays, but essentially in the way of praise, adoration, glory .... I am attracted by the Inner Light.
    
    In some ways, I am as religious as the next person. We all seek happiness or peace or love ... these are all common things to most if not all. We are all Seekers. The difference in seeking is simply a matter of degree, longing, earnestness. Some are filled with ambition for greatness, and others are filled with an inner yearning for the Divine. This is the difference.
    
    We have all got the inner spark, this Thing that makes us all show Love or see the beauty in our children, flowers, nature, etc .. so in so far as we expound or act out moral values like honesty, discipline, compassion ..then we are all religious. I speak in the sense that we are more influenced than we know, either through school, politics, peers, parents, books or philosophy.
    
    We also innately all wish the same things. No one wants to be weak, in pain, unhappy and so forth. Yet I have to repeat that the focus of the yearning is different and greater in some than others.
    
    I use my beliefs or should I say Faith in everyday life to serve others. In fact, for the last 33 years of my life, I have seen myself as a servant, with Something Higher as being in charge.
    
    I try or strive to be a good instrument. This is done mainly through prayer, meditation, and a life of selfless service to mankind, always being mindful of my weakness, and a yeaning for the transformation of my lower nature, to something Higher, more Divine.
    
    By so doing, I feel that I can best serve, inspire, elevate others, while at the same time, seeking to get closer to God or Love. Hope this helps. Nice questions. Much Peace.

    replyreport
15. 61

    Poetry In Mindposted 8 years ago

    How can anyone answer this question? Unless they were a judgemental bully. I mean how do you know if I am religious? I can tell you that I believe whatever but its up to you if you believe what I say. Also why does it matter? We all have different beliefs and if we judge each other based off that then our society will fail. There's too many people who are diverse for us to be so stuck on someone's religious beliefs. What would the point be but to make someone else feel unworthy because they don't believe like you do. Which I find sad and childish.
    
    Just remember that this is my opinion nothing more.

    replyreport