What are your Religious (or Non-Religious) Beliefs?

[Chukchi Husky]

Probably a cross between some form of Christianity and neopaganism.

 

[El_Machinae]

You have divided Christianity into six subgroups , and Islam into three . Hinduism can also be so divided , into the six orthodox philosphical schools , and the folk religion .

I know you cannot speak for the other Hindu schools, except academically - but do you consider the other schools to be less correct than your school?

 

[GenMarshall]

Babies might not end up in heaven due to a technicality? Come on! The mere fact that Christians have to even question this indicates to me that the religion has some serious flaws.

Warpus, We realy do know know about the fate of unbaptized babies. We just place our trust in the mercy of God as well as Jesus's fondness for children. Mercy does not have negative connotation you would think. Mercy refers to the compassionate behavior on the part thoes in power.

The honest answer that Catholics can say are that unbaptized babies are at the mercy of God. When I say "mercy of God", I am refering to God's compassion for his creation. This implys that the unbaptized child would end up in heaven.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states on paragraph 1261 states that children who have died without baptism, The Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. With the compassion of God who desires that all men and women should be saved as well as Jesus's tenderness towards children. This caused him to say: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them," allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism. All the more urgent is the Church's call not to prevent little children coming to Christ through the gift of holy Baptism.

 

[GenMarshall]

@CG: have you converted already?

I apologise for not getting to this question quickly as I can. I have not reconverted into the Catholic Church (Hense the term revert which means a cradle Catholic returning to the Church), However I have recived infiant baptism in the Catholic Church.

 

[Paalikles]

Ah. I see. Thanks for replying.
I thought you were a Protestant wanting to convert...wonder where I got that from

 

[warpus]

Warpus, We realy do know know about the fate of unbaptized babies. We just place our trust in the mercy of God as well as Jesus's fondness for children. Mercy does not have negative connotation you would think. Mercy refers to the compassionate behavior on the part thoes in power.

I was commenting on the belief that a mere ritual would have any sort of meaning to God. Baby A gets baptized, baby B doesn't - what difference does it make to God? It's just a ritual.

It is symbolic - and that aspect of it I understand - but it surely means nothing to the Baby.

 

[GoldEagle]

@CG: Do you believe that the host is Jesus Christ, or is it just symbolic?

 

[aussieboy]

@CG: Do you believe that the host is Jesus Christ, or is it just symbolic?

Catholic belief states it becomes the body and blood of Christ when it is raised in the 'do this in memory of me' part. Not in a physical sense (It's still bread and wine physically) but spiritually it is the Body and Blood of Christ.

 

[GoldEagle]

Catholic belief states it becomes the body and blood of Christ when it is raised in the 'do this in memory of me' part. Not in a physical sense (It's still bread and wine physically) but spiritually it is the Body and Blood of Christ.

I figured. It's total BS to me, I could take some Coke and raise it up to God but that doesn't mean Jesus will become it.

 

[aneeshm]

I know you cannot speak for the other Hindu schools, except academically - but do you consider the other schools to be less correct than your school?

You assume that they are sects , at odds with each other . The differences between them are philosophical , not doctrinal ( because there is not much in the way of orthodox doctrine in Hinduism , it is more phiolsophical in nature ) .The schools are complementary , not competetive . Most people do not rigidly subscribe to only one - their beliefs are usually a synthesis elements from all schools . In fact , most people are ignorant that there are six distinct schools . The religion the comman man believes in has evolved from the interaction of the six schools , and of earlier non-philosophical ritual practises .

 

[silver 2039]

I don't derive my beliefs from religon. I'm an atheist I derive my beliefs and values from society and what I believe is best for society. I think about it and make logical, rational, beliefs.
Beliefs dervied from religon are dangerous.

 

[SilverKnight]

I'd like to congratulate all on the absence of trolling in this thread; as touchy of a subject as it is, and the fact that flaming online is FAR easier than IRL, I applaud the members of CFC as a whole!

On to me, I guess. I'm surprised there are so many "hard atheists!" I assumed that there would naturally be a higher level than censuses would indicate of our planet as whole, but I had no idea they would be the clear majority!

As for the idea of atheism, I am hard atheist because of the reaction to organized religion as a concept. If not for religion, there would be no atheists; therefore, religion itself is responsible--in an indirect way--for my beliefs. I could spout off about the "facts" all day, but the real fact remains that, in the end, nothing can be proved either way.

I find this theological problem VERY entertaining; I love discussing stuff like this!

And I'm also deeply impressed by the maturity shown in this forum. Actual intelligent discussion with insightful points, and no, "well i believe in God and your wrong and ur going to he|_|_!!!" I have actually read things like that before...

To the religious, one way or another: keep on believing! I may not agree with you, but believing in something is important, it keeps us sane.

I believe in people. I worship my friends and family that keep me happy and healthy. I would die for a stranger on the street because I believe they would for me. I pray to myself for strength, wisdom, and courage.

Kay. [/rant][/high horse]
SilverKnight

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

@SilverKnight: Thanks for your comments. It's nice to see believers and non-believers getting along.

 

[classical_hero]

@CG: Do you believe that the host is Jesus Christ, or is it just symbolic?

It is just a symbol. It is a reminder of what Christ did at Calvary.

BTW, I voted Evangelical Non Denominational Christian.

 

[wiseguy101]

I'd like to congratulate all on the absence of trolling in this thread; as touchy of a subject as it is, and the fact that flaming online is FAR easier than IRL, I applaud the members of CFC as a whole!

Agreed, good job guys and girls! I voted soft atheist because I think that believing in a higher power is a good thing for some people, but I have trouble accepting any type of organized religion. Mostly, I don't like the way that they portray their higher power. I just don't think that any religion's higher power fits in with the state that society is in right now. Sorry if I've offended anyone with this post, but this is just my beliefs, and I hope that it doesn't change anyone's opinion of who I am as a person too much!

 

[aussieboy]

It is just a symbol. It is a reminder of what Christ did at Calvary.

BTW, I voted Evangelical Non Denominational Christian.

That is not Catholic doctrine, which the questioner asked. It was a major source of contention during the Reformation period.

 

[classical_hero]

Well Obviously. I was giving a Biblical definition.

 

[aneeshm]

Beliefs dervied from religon are dangerous.

Not all religious beliefs are dangerous . The theory of Karma and enlightenment , for instance , even though it may be completely false , is still a thing that is incredibly positive for you if you believe in it ( or if you actually achieve it ) .

And secondly - and this is a flaw common to too many Indians - you seem to derive your idea of religion from the Western religions . It is only because you have not really bothered to learn even the basics of your own religion that you speak thus . You are , incorrectly ( in my opinion ) generalising the experience of the Western religions to the Eastern religions .

In this regard , I would recommend you read the Complete works of Swami Vivekanand ( if you do not have the time to read it all , then read only the part about Raja Yoga in the first volume ) .

If you are truly interested , then I would suggest you also read two books by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan ( the second president of India ) , "Indian Philosophy" , Volume One and Volume Two . Volume One deals with Vedic , Upanishadic , Buddhistic , Jain , Puranic ( in the form of the Bhagwat Gita ) , and materialist ( in the form of Charvaka ) philosophy . Volume Two deals with six orthodox philosophical schools of Hinduism . Both are immensely interesting , and a thoroughly good read . They are a good introduction to Indian philosophy .





Also - a small piece of personal advice . It is my perception that you incorrectly believe that your atheism entitles you to a superiority complex over theists or agnostics . Not only does that narrow your viewpoint , it also detracts from your arguments' validity , as it leads you to base some of them on false premises of assumed superiority . I would suggest you drop that attitude - it is destructive , and no better that that attitude of the closeminded fundamentalists you so vehemently denounce .

 

[Panzeh]

Religion is something for one's self. It fills in the parts of the puzzle of the universe that aren't currently or will never be filled in. Some need to have the whole puzzle filled out, and others, like me, can handle a few blank spots in the puzzle.

Personally, I care only about what I know I have. I couldn't care less about what happens after I die, because I can't change it, whatever it is.

 

[GenMarshall]

@CG: Do you believe that the host is Jesus Christ, or is it just symbolic?

As what aussieboy stated, the Eucharist (bread and wine) through Transubstantiation becomes the actual body and blood of Christ. In the physical relm, its still bread and wine. But in a spiritual sense, it is an actual Body and Blood of Christ. In short, I believe in Transubstantiation of the host.

It is just a symbol. It is a reminder of what Christ did at Calvary.

BTW, I voted Evangelical Non Denominational Christian.

That is not Catholic doctrine, which the questioner asked. It was a major source of contention during the Reformation period.

I guess the big difference between Catholicism and Protestantism is that. Catholics believe that Communion is the actual body and blood of christ while mainstreem Protestantism believe that Communion is just a symbol.

I found out how different denominations view Communion.
Roman Catholicism: Sacrifice; Transubstantiation
Eastern Orthodox: True Sacrifice and Objective Presence but Pious Silence on the Particulars.
Anglican/Episcopal: Real Presence with Opinion
Lutherans - the Sacramental Union: "in, with, and under the forms"
Methodism: presence as "mystery"
Calvinist Reformed: spiritual feeding, "pneumatic" presence
Zwinglian Reformed: no Real Presence

More information in Wikipedia's article on the Eucharist which goes into detail on what each denomination believes in