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I think the closest thing to what I would call myself is a vanilla Christian. I don't really align myself with any particular subset of the religion, as each seems to have bits and pieces that I simply can't agree with, but I embrace the general overall idea of a savior and of not being a jerk. There's also a strong element of theological scholasticism to my beliefs. I believe that if you can't form your own exegetical reading of your core holy text(s) and instead base your faith off of the interpretation of someone else who quite likely has no formal training or knowledge and instead just decided that he or she wanted to get in front of people to talk about what he or she believes, then you have no reason to profess belief in your religion. Furthermore, I have serious problems with people who try to use what they deem to be religion as a way to deny science or other fields of knowledge out of ignorance or fear. If a system of beliefs can't handle or assimilate new facts or ideas, then it clearly isn't worth believing. I have a few other particular leanings in my faith, but those are two of the biggies.

Now all of that isn't to say that I've somehow fully reconciled my beliefs in regard to other belief systems, or even in regard to itself. It's just that based on my own personal experiences, Christianity seems to best explain how the world works.

spiritual luciferian

i used to be atheist but now buddhist.

A significant amount of the religion is based on common sense and developed from life experiences and lessons learned. I'd consider it a way of life on how to pursue a little more happiness - i just dont think people would buy the reincarnation side of things as easy as the belief in a paradise based afterlife.

Even atheists must realise that certain behaviours/emotions such as lust greed and anger are damaging to the soul/mind?

One's spiritual beliefs are insufficient to determine interpersonal behavior and social conduct. Atheism does not equate to greed, lust,mans the abuse of one's lessers. Tere are just as many faithful who hve committed many crimes against humanity, expecting entry at the pearly gates because they repent and take Jesus into their hearts... Spiritual belief is only one part of a persons conduct, the rest is a way of life. A bohemian lifestyle? Nihilistic one?

I believe that god (Actually god is the wrong term. Creator is closer to what I'm after.) made us in his image, meaning that we should think of ourselves as gods since we can create so many things mentally and physically to our own liking.
Also, he sais in the bible that we shouldn't believe in othee images of god. For me this means that you should be in control of your own life, instead of following one of the "false" gods made up by man.
If god exists, he/she would probably hate us for worshipping him/her. Instead he/she would want to be treated equally.

The only ones whom have my undivided loyalty as a beliver and follower are the Norse gods.

um Worldism?

I don't have a name for my beliefs I just believe.

At the end of the day all religions are pretty much the same. Big God at the top, some other deity (s) underneath and all have excellent mythology.

I believe that 'God' 'Odin' 'Budda' and all the other religious characters are really just the earth, and rather than spedn out time in a building singing songs or standing in circles shouting about watchtowers, we should be 'worshipping' the earth by taking care of it, achieving a balance. if you have a car, make you garden full of plants to compensate, that kind of thing,

humans do need to put faces to things they cannot explain though, so I understand the need for gods. I'm even know to use the expression 'Loki chained' when talking about fire for example.

Well i'm labeled a Christian, however I want no affiliation with organised religion anymore, I love, follow and walk with God but religion is not what I want or need. It took me 15 years to finally realise the difference between religion and God.

randomtoaster wrote:
Well i'm labeled a Christian, however I want no affiliation with organised religion anymore, I love, follow and walk with God but religion is not what I want or need. It took me 15 years to finally realise the difference between religion and God.

And it takes me an instant to realize that one is a way of life/system of beliefs and the other is an object, a deity, a single idea. What are you really trying to say?

What they are trying to identify is the difference between religion which is steeped in bigotrous doctrine and tradition, and spirituality which depends on one's own supposed faculties for divining the meaning of scripture.

Catholic here. And I love everyone

cept Protestants... that's right....

 poda_t wrote:
What they are trying to identify is the difference between religion which is steeped in bigotrous doctrine and tradition, and spirituality which depends on one's own supposed faculties for divining the meaning of scripture.

I was hoping for some profound revelation... oh well.

As to the bigotry you mention, I know what you are talking about but do not use it so freely. There are many so called "Christian Churches" which are in no respect firmly rooted on Biblical Doctrine, the resulting image being loosely tied to the Christian faith but tainted greatly with the sin of mankind. I share an equal disgust of those "Churches" and the "Christians" that attend them.

And then there is my Church. My pastor was a well-off engineer. When the Church asked him to become the leader of a new Church they were planting, he complied. He dropped his job, and starting working as a pastor for half the pay. Initially the Church met in a grocery store, then a house, then a hotel, and finally a school auditorium which is where we continue to meet today. This humble, self-sacrificial man in no way leads a "bigotrous" Church.

The no true Scotsman in a different dress is still a no true Scotsman

Wheres the Norse religion on the poll? Shame

Ninjakinshu wrote:
Wheres the Norse religion on the poll? Shame

Polytheism/Paganism option.

 The Bringer wrote:

randomtoaster wrote:
Well i'm labeled a Christian, however I want no affiliation with organised religion anymore, I love, follow and walk with God but religion is not what I want or need. It took me 15 years to finally realise the difference between religion and God.

And it takes me an instant to realize that one is a way of life/system of beliefs and the other is an object, a deity, a single idea. What are you really trying to say?

What i'm saying here is, that growing up as a child I couldn't distinguish between the two, I thought it was just one big system of beliefs, as I grew up I started losing faith, but what I was really doing was just losing faith in religion, but not God. People perceive things differently.

Christian, needing a lot of work though.

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The no true Scotsman in a different dress is still a no true Scotsman

I'm afraid it's clear that you don't know much about the subject matter.

There actually are descriptions and commandments as to how a Christian is supposed to behave. If you don't do those things, you can accurately be described as 'doing it wrong'. Basically, if you don't follow the general idea of "Be Excellent to Each Other" Jesus probably wouldn't think much of you as a follower in the first place.

Wait no Cthulhu?

Not even the Chaos Gods?

Are you trying to say they don't exist?!


If there is a god/are gods there is not enough smiting going on. That's all I have to say on the matter.

 Monster Rain wrote:


I'm afraid it's clear that you don't know much about the subject matter.

There actually are descriptions and commandments as to how a Christian is supposed to behave. If you don't do those things, you can accurately be described as 'doing it wrong'. Basically, if you don't follow the general idea of "Be Excellent to Each Other" Jesus probably wouldn't think much of you as a follower in the first place.

see, that's the exact problem I had... following that rabbithole through into the what's obviously writ therein as virtuous behaviour is what fundamentally drove me first away from christianity to something that might as well have been judaism. Once I picked up the paper-trail though and followed through and..... well, now I'm atheist....

 Monster Rain wrote:
I'm afraid it's clear that you don't know much about the subject matter.

"They're not a Christian because they don't believe/do/face/wear/eat/etc X, even though they do ABC and call themselves Christian"

Sounds like a NTS to me... Of course I suppose I am not filled with the divine wisdom to be right all the time.

There actually are descriptions and commandments as to how a Christian is supposed to behave. If you don't do those things, you can accurately be described as 'doing it wrong'. Basically, if you don't follow the general idea of "Be Excellent to Each Other" Jesus probably wouldn't think much of you as a follower in the first place.

The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

Again, it's clear that you don't have a firm understanding of what you're talking about.

To simply make a broader point and be done with this: Someone can call themselves whatever they want to. If anyone identifies as a member of a specific religious community and blatantly defies the RAW in the respective Holy Book it's not inaccurate or fallacious to question the validity of their claim. For example, it's not out of line for mainstream Muslims to denounce Al Qaeda.

 Monster Rain wrote:

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

Again, it's clear that you don't have a firm understanding of what you're talking about.

To simply make a broader point and be done with this: Someone can call themselves whatever they want to. If anyone identifies as a member of a specific religious community and blatantly defies the RAW in the respective Holy Book it's not inaccurate or fallacious to question the validity of their claim. For example, it's not out of line for mainstream Muslims to denounce Al Qaeda.

that same logic renders the entire proclaimed christian population as non-christians. Religion is not an exercise of logic. Religion is the exercise of the abandonment of all logic and reason, and the dis-empowerment of oneself.

Christian, Lutheran.

I believe we are all but tiny insects compared to whats out there. I've seen alot, somethings I can't explain. So I am a strong believer that there is a Higher Power out there. Maybe liking the fact that we are his perfect creations because we are all so imperfect and varied. And we all have freewill which is always a plus.

Though I hate bigotry which is common in churches. (Very common, my church is filled with bigots) I choose not to do anything about it. Instead I devot my life to helping lives and saving those that need help (Even if they don't think they need it).

 poda_t wrote:

 Monster Rain wrote:

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

Again, it's clear that you don't have a firm understanding of what you're talking about.

To simply make a broader point and be done with this: Someone can call themselves whatever they want to. If anyone identifies as a member of a specific religious community and blatantly defies the RAW in the respective Holy Book it's not inaccurate or fallacious to question the validity of their claim. For example, it's not out of line for mainstream Muslims to denounce Al Qaeda.

that same logic renders the entire proclaimed christian population as non-christians. Religion is not an exercise of logic. Religion is the exercise of the abandonment of all logic and reason, and the dis-empowerment of oneself.

Did you just say that all religious people are illogical and incapable of reason? *Sigh* And we were going so well...

As for myself, Christian (Roman Catholic), although I have no problem with anyone's belief (or lack of).

The only people I hate with a passion are those who try to force their ideas onto others. Sadly, the majority of these "militant" theists I have met in my life have been atheists, and any atheists who haven't tried to insult my beliefs or claim their superiority have been few and far between.

-Shrike- wrote:

 poda_t wrote:

 Monster Rain wrote:

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

Again, it's clear that you don't have a firm understanding of what you're talking about.

To simply make a broader point and be done with this: Someone can call themselves whatever they want to. If anyone identifies as a member of a specific religious community and blatantly defies the RAW in the respective Holy Book it's not inaccurate or fallacious to question the validity of their claim. For example, it's not out of line for mainstream Muslims to denounce Al Qaeda.

that same logic renders the entire proclaimed christian population as non-christians. Religion is not an exercise of logic. Religion is the exercise of the abandonment of all logic and reason, and the dis-empowerment of oneself.

Did you just say that all religious people are illogical and incapable of reason? *Sigh* And we were going so well...

As for myself, Christian (Roman Catholic), although I have no problem with anyone's belief (or lack of).

The only people I hate with a passion are those who try to force their ideas onto others. Sadly, the majority of these "militant" theists I have met in my life have been atheists, and any atheists who haven't tried to insult my beliefs or claim their superiority have been few and far between.

Which I agree with. Very few Atheists have ever been welcoming to other ideas and values. Instead they force down that they are right and you are wrong.

Such a childish concept...

Heres a problem with that logic... Your saying everyone in religion is incapable of logical programming? Your logic is flawed and you need to go back and reedit your comments about which you know nothing about. Before you comment remember that it is impolite to even call us illogical.
Spiritual Health. Spiritual health means you know where you stand, either with a religious basis or a scientific basis. If you believe yourself fully logical I am sorry but Logic is not as good as a gut feeling. Knowing when something is right and wrong is the only thing that makes us as humans unique without that reasoning basis without that hardcoding to make mistakes and tell right and wrong, we would only be robots.

 Asherian Command wrote:

-Shrike- wrote:

 poda_t wrote:

 Monster Rain wrote:

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

Again, it's clear that you don't have a firm understanding of what you're talking about.

To simply make a broader point and be done with this: Someone can call themselves whatever they want to. If anyone identifies as a member of a specific religious community and blatantly defies the RAW in the respective Holy Book it's not inaccurate or fallacious to question the validity of their claim. For example, it's not out of line for mainstream Muslims to denounce Al Qaeda.

that same logic renders the entire proclaimed christian population as non-christians. Religion is not an exercise of logic. Religion is the exercise of the abandonment of all logic and reason, and the dis-empowerment of oneself.

Did you just say that all religious people are illogical and incapable of reason? *Sigh* And we were going so well...

As for myself, Christian (Roman Catholic), although I have no problem with anyone's belief (or lack of).

The only people I hate with a passion are those who try to force their ideas onto others. Sadly, the majority of these "militant" theists I have met in my life have been atheists, and any atheists who haven't tried to insult my beliefs or claim their superiority have been few and far between.

Which I agree with. Very few Atheists have ever been welcoming to other ideas and values. Instead they force down that they are right and you are wrong.

Blanket statements ftw

I disagree with your assertion that most atheists are intolerant.

 poda_t wrote:
hackneyed, predictable "hurr religion" screed.

Well, thanks at least for tipping your hand and letting me know we weren't going to have a reasonable discussion about this.

-Shrike- wrote:

Which I agree with. Very few Atheists have ever been welcoming to other ideas and values. Instead they force down that they are right and you are wrong.

I wouldn't say that. I'm very good friends with some very "devout" atheists. It's just as unfair to paint them all with the same brush as it is when the childish loudmouths among their number do it to others.

 Ma55ter_fett wrote:

 Asherian Command wrote:

-Shrike- wrote:

 poda_t wrote:

 Monster Rain wrote:

 SilverMK2 wrote:
The vast range of "christians" each with their own set of definitions on the rules and regulations and appropriate behaviours and beliefs begs to disagree with your interpretation of what a Christian actually is. And in fact more or less reinforces the NTS.

Again, it's clear that you don't have a firm understanding of what you're talking about.

To simply make a broader point and be done with this: Someone can call themselves whatever they want to. If anyone identifies as a member of a specific religious community and blatantly defies the RAW in the respective Holy Book it's not inaccurate or fallacious to question the validity of their claim. For example, it's not out of line for mainstream Muslims to denounce Al Qaeda.

that same logic renders the entire proclaimed christian population as non-christians. Religion is not an exercise of logic. Religion is the exercise of the abandonment of all logic and reason, and the dis-empowerment of oneself.

Did you just say that all religious people are illogical and incapable of reason? *Sigh* And we were going so well...

As for myself, Christian (Roman Catholic), although I have no problem with anyone's belief (or lack of).

The only people I hate with a passion are those who try to force their ideas onto others. Sadly, the majority of these "militant" theists I have met in my life have been atheists, and any atheists who haven't tried to insult my beliefs or claim their superiority have been few and far between.

Which I agree with. Very few Atheists have ever been welcoming to other ideas and values. Instead they force down that they are right and you are wrong.

Blanket statements ftw

I disagree with your assertion that most atheists are intolerant.

Go to my hometown, And you will notice four major things. 1 Our atheists in our area are quite vocal. 2 they will tear down anything that resembles a religious symbol. 3 they have been known to picket church gatherings. 4 we have atheists that constantly refuse to have childern that are harmed by readings of the bible, even when it is a class called bible lit, which we study the bible not as christians but to see the readings as just stories. Only stories. And then to have the Atheists proclaim that we are brainwashing kids in boyscouts is stupid. Especially when I only consul kids on their spirituality and mental well being. I do not consul kids and get them into religions, I just tell them "believe what you want to believe, just believe in something."

Both sides are intolerant of the other its just common to see both sides as an observer that both have done wrong against the other.

Also I never used all, But Few Is never a definite number.
In fact I know most atheist don't care about the fued between religion and atheists.
Its just those vocal few that give voice and say they represent the vast majority of Atheists in that Religion is the cause of all humanities problems and that they have to protect their children from the evil of religion.

I’m confused, you seem to have contradicted the statement that I first took issue with.

Which is you stance?
“A few are decent, most are intolerant.”
“Most are decent, a few are intolerant”